Central Path Patents (Class 138/44)
  • Patent number: 6848477
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel pressure damping system for use in a hydraulic system. The invention introduces specifically sized restrictors in the fuel passage to control the maximum operating system pulse magnitude as well as damping the overall pulsations of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher John Treusch, Joe Zhi Li, Robert Eugene Wattleworth
  • Publication number: 20040261519
    Abstract: A spacer has an annular concave portion, at one end face, to accept a rectifier that rectifies fluid flowing through a flow channel in a flowmeter, a protruding annular convex portion, at the other end face, of a size to fit in the annular concave portion, and fixing means, on an outer surface, for fixing the spacer to a tube of the flow channel through engagement. A rectifier unit is temporarily assembled by integrating the spacer and the rectifier that are provided alternately in series in an axial direction into a tubular unit. It is thus possible to achieve efficient assembly, by which plural rectifiers are inserted and attached inside the tube through a single insertion operation. Moreover, it is possible to address a need for a reduction of rectifiers in size or a change to the specifications regarding the number of rectifiers to be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Satoshi Nozoe, Toshimitsu Fujiwara, Hidenari Kuribayashi, Osamu Makino, Tatsuhide Morisawa
  • Patent number: 6827107
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a throttle (3) in a hose (1), characterized in that the wall (13) of the hose (1) is manufactured in such a way that the interior of the hose (1) has a constriction in part of its length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Aeroquip-Vickers International GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Mussler
  • Patent number: 6810683
    Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating the air temperature within an interior compartment of a vehicle includes a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator interconnected in a manner to remove heat from air in the interior compartment. A thermostatic expansion valve is connected between the condenser and evaporator, and includes an inlet and an outlet. A silencer screen is positioned at the outlet of the thermostatic expansion valve to reduce turbulence in refrigerant flow exiting the thermostatic expansion valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Harry E. Eustice
  • Patent number: 6810904
    Abstract: A lavatory flush tank silent-operating fill device has a silencer extending along an axis and through which a stream of water flows; a number of channels are defined inside the silencer by a bundle of substantially straight, parallel tubes housed inside the silencer and parallel to the axis, and into which the stream of water is divided; and the flow section of the channels is such that flow of the water inside is substantially laminar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Oliveira & Irmao, S.A.
    Inventors: Noe Figueiredo, Antonio Manuel Gameiro Lopes, Victor Antonio Ferreira Da Costa, Antonio Manuel Moura De Oliveira
  • Patent number: 6807986
    Abstract: A noise reduction device for use in a fluid flow system includes a central section and an outer section. The outer section is designed to reduce the velocity of an outer fluid flow relative to a central core fluid flow. The central section of the device may have a plurality of apertures, while the outer section may have upstream apertures communicating with a pressure reduction chamber and downstream apertures. The upstream apertures of the outer section may be smaller than, and off set from, the downstream apertures to increase the pressure reduction and further reduce the velocity of the fluid flow. A method is also described for reducing noise transmissions from a piping system wherein the fluid flow through the piping system is separated into an outer fluid flow and a core fluid flow, and the velocity of the outer fluid flow is reduced relative to the core fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry W. Boger
  • Patent number: 6799602
    Abstract: A combination fitting for flow control devices in an automotive power steering system having channels disposed in the fluid receiving in of the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Staton, Shawn P. Capser, Kevin S. Bockstanz
  • Publication number: 20040168733
    Abstract: A replaceable orifice unit is disposed outside a pressure or a flow regulator valve, and therefore easy in maintenance, requires the smallest possible number of components, is compact in construction to save space, free from any fear that fluid impurities in a fluid circuit bank up against an upstream side of an orifice piece (2) of the unit, advantageous in replacing one type of chemicals flowing through the circuit with another type, and also advantageous in manufacturing cost. The replaceable orifice unit is constructed of a tube member (1), in which the orifice piece (2) assuming two symmetrically arranged similar triangular shapes in longitudinal cross section is fixedly mounted. Formed between vertexes of the triangle shapes is an orifice (2a). An O-ring is coaxially disposed between the tube member (1) and the orifice piece (2) to prevent the fluid from passing through therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Applicant: SURPASS INDUSTRY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Toshimi Sugiura, Hiroki Igarashi, Takashi Imai
  • Publication number: 20040134550
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel pressure damping system for use in a hydraulic system. The invention introduces specifically sized restrictors in the fuel passage to control the maximum operating system pulse magnitude as well as damping the overall pulsations of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Christopher John Treusch, Joe Zhi Li, Robert Eugene Wattleworth
  • Patent number: 6708727
    Abstract: A water pipe structure of a branch pipe line (12) connected to a main pipe (22) for flowing water therethrough, wherein a cavity flow suppressing structure (30) is installed between the main pipe (22) and the branch pipe line (12) or in the branch pipe line to suppress a cavity flow produced in the closed branch pipeline, whereby the adverse effect of a thermal stratification formed by the cavity flow on the pipe can be eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Shiraishi, Yukiharu Nabika, Shigeki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6701963
    Abstract: A flow conditioner includes a body composed of an array of vanes generally parallel to the direction of fluid flow. The vanes create a plurality of chambers to effectively reduce large scale vortices in the flow. The vanes have surfaces with perforations to allow pressure regulation between chambers to effectively reduce asymmetric flow and reduce drag. Additional preferred features include an acoustic choke created by a reduction in cross-sectional flow area at the entrance and the exit of the flow conditioner with circular plates. The plates have rough edges to increase production of micro-vortices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Horiba Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Hill
  • Patent number: 6698455
    Abstract: There is disclosed a fluid flow rate economizing device having a tubular body and a reduction in the inner diameter, suitable to install inside residential, commercial or industrial hydraulic tubing at fluid intakes, meters and/or registers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Pablo Alvaro Ramirez-Rivera
  • Patent number: 6695010
    Abstract: A new segmented choke is provided. Designed to reduce thermal stresses created when the fluid temperature fluctuate, this invention is constructed of segmented ceramic members fit within a relatively thin-walled retainer, shrunk fit thereto, thereby allowing the retainer to be more compliant. Shorter, multiple segments used in this invention are also easier to manufacture, can be produced with tighter tolerances, provide easier access thereby reducing maintenance costs and allow for the inclusion of sensors in the individual ceramic segments. This invention also provides improvements in size, manufacturing cost, ease of use and operating efficiency over prior choke devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Caldera Engineering LC
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Robison, Stephen R. Chipman, Michael R. Luque, Craig C. Smith
  • Patent number: 6637542
    Abstract: A power steering system for automotive vehicles has a construction for reducing noise generated due to pressure change of hydraulic fluid in the power steering system. In the power steering system, an orifice tube is disposed in a joint portion between the first return tube and the second return tube. The orifice tube includes an orifice tube body and a flange, the orifice tube body has an outer diameter equal to an inner diameter of the first return tube so that the orifice tube body can be inserted in the first return tube. The flange has an outer diameter equal to an inner diameter of the second return tube so that the flange can be inserted in the second return tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Young-Gyun Cho
  • Publication number: 20030178077
    Abstract: There is disclosed a fluid flow rate economizing device having a tubular body and a reduction in the inner diameter, suitable to install inside residential, commercial or industrial hydraulic tubing at fluid intakes, meters and/or registers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: Pablo Alvaro Ramirez-Rivera
  • Patent number: 6594017
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for moving a measuring sensor (2) into and out of a pressurized or flow-through conduit (1) or a pressurized or flow-through vessel. The device according to the invention comprises, in this case, a holding element (3) for holding the measuring sensor (2), a guiding element (4) for guiding the holding element (3) and a volume element (5). The holding element (3) can be moved in such a way that the measuring sensor (2) held by the holding element comes to rest in a position completely in the volume element (5). In this position, the measuring sensor (2) can be removed from the holding element (3). With the aid of the device according to the invention and the method according to the invention, it is possible, in particular, to measure the cleanliness of a conduit system blown out with a fluid, without the blow-out operation being interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Alstom
    Inventor: Joachim Menden
  • Publication number: 20030121557
    Abstract: A flow meter including at least one flow valve used to performance test system compressors is described. The flow meter includes a pressure vessel including at least one exit port. A flow valve is coupled to each vessel exit port, and each flow valve discharges fluid from the vessel at a pre-determined flow rate. The flow valve includes a first end, a second end, and a bore extending therethrough. The bore includes an entrance portion and an exit portion. The bore entrance portion is frusto-conical and curves outwardly from the bore exit portion such that a diameter of the bore entrance portion is variable and larger than a diameter of the bore exit portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: Scott Stroup
  • Publication number: 20030072214
    Abstract: The pipe member (1) having an infeed point (2) for an additive (20), or having a plurality of such infeed points includes a pipe wall (11) and a static mixing element (12). The infeed points are provided for introducing the additives into a flowing, low viscosity fluid (10). The static mixing element consists of a pair of vanes (5a, 5) and of a third vane (6). The vane pair (5), which forms a restriction deflecting the flow (10′) of the fluid, is formed with substantially mirror symmetry with respect to a central plane (15) extending in the direction of the flow. The third vane is arranged in a crossing manner with respect to the vane pair and in a lying manner in the region of the central plane. It has a rear side (60) with respect to the flow which extends from a base at the pipe wall to a downstream end. Each infeed point is arranged at the rear side of the third vane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Applicant: Sulzer Chemtech AG
    Inventors: Markus Fleischli, Peter Mathys, Albert Breiter
  • Patent number: 6548760
    Abstract: A seamless reducer formed from a single continuous sheet of material includes a first section including a first wall, a second section including a second wall, and a tapered section including a tapered wall. The tapered wall is connected to and extends between the second section and the first section in a direction at an angle from about 25° to about 40° with respect to a central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Eastern Sheet Metal, Inc.
    Inventor: William K. Stout, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6546839
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a flow regulation device for mitigating over travel of a piston in a fluid operated tool. The flow regulation device includes a flow channel through which flows an operating fluid to be supplied to operate the piston within the tool and a movable flow restrictor within the flow channel. The flow restrictor has an internal fluid passageway for regulating the flow rate of the operating fluid being supplied to the tool to operate the piston. The flow restrictor also has a frustoconical portion which mates or seats against a portion of the flow channel as fluid is being supplied to operate the piston. A spring is provided to insure that the frustoconical portion seats against the mating portion of the flow channel. When the piston is retracted and operating fluid is being returned to a supply, the force applied by the spring is overcome and the flow restrictor is moved so that the frustoconical portion is unseated from the mating portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: TitanTechnologies International, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Jamra, Peter A. Rosa, Marvin W. Burkhalter, III
  • Patent number: 6539977
    Abstract: Drainage is enhanced in an orifice formed inside the internal passage of a pneumatic line by providing the orifice with first and second portions. The first portion defines a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the internal passage, and the second portion defines a progressively increasing diameter. Generally, a first end of the second portion has a diameter that is equal to the first portion diameter, and a second end of the second portion has a diameter that is equal to the internal passage diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Rick Neil Hutchinson, Robert David Wittenbach
  • Patent number: 6539968
    Abstract: A fluid mass flow controller, particularly adapted for controlling mass flow rates of toxic and reactive gases used in semiconductor device fabrication, includes a control circuit connected to pressure sensors for sensing the differential pressure across a flow restrictor in the mass flow controller for controlling a valve to control the fluid mass flow rate to a setpoint. The control circuit compares the differential pressure with the downstream pressure at a measured temperature with a data set of a gas passing through the flow controller for a range of differential pressures and downstream pressures and adjusts the flow control rate accordingly. The flow controller is mechanically uncomplicated including a two part body for supporting the pressure sensors, a remotely controllable flow control valve and the flow restrictor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: FuGasity Corporation
    Inventors: William W. White, William H. White, Christopher B. Davis, Nelson D. Smith
  • Patent number: 6523573
    Abstract: A new flash tube device adapted specifically for use with hot erosive flow streams is provided. This flash tube uses an extension cone fixed to the outlet of a choke to create an extension choke to insure that the shock wave occurs within the extension choke, thereby decreasing the flow velocity to a subsonic level, reducing the kinetic energy of the flow as it leaves the extension choke. By moving the shock wave into the extension choke, this device dramatically improves the working life of the flash tank, allowing for easier separation of fluid/solids and vapor in the flash tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Caldera Engineering, LC
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Robison, Stephen R. Chipman, Michael R. Luque, Craig C. Smith
  • Patent number: 6505648
    Abstract: A device (10) for treating a continuously moving liquid has a liquid inlet (12) and a liquid outlet (14) at opposite ends of a generally annular passage (16). The passage has a restriction (18) which is generally cylindrical and which, at its outlet (22) is formed with an annular shoulder (24) which provides an abrupt change in the diameter of the passage. An obstruction (26) in the form of a wire extends across the restriction (18) adjacent the outlet (22). The restriction (18) serves to increase the speed of liquid flowing through the passage, thus reducing the liquid pressure. The obstruction (26) also assists in reducing the liquid pressure. The device reduces the liquid pressure below a level at which cavitation occurs in order to induce cavitation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Coventry University
    Inventors: Stephen Gergely, Peter White
  • Patent number: 6502602
    Abstract: A flow meter including at least one flow valve used to performance test system compressors is described. The flow meter includes a pressure vessel including at least one exit port. A flow valve is coupled to each vessel exit port, and each flow valve discharges fluid from the vessel at a pre-determined flow rate. The flow valve includes a first end, a second end, and a bore extending therethrough. The bore includes an entrance portion and an exit portion. The bore entrance portion is frusto-conical and curves outwardly from the bore exit portion such that a diameter of the bore entrance portion is variable and larger than a diameter of the bore exit portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Airometrix Mfg., Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Stroup
  • Patent number: 6415768
    Abstract: There is provided a diesel engine fuel injection pipe which is capable of suppressing pressure variations in the fuel injection pipe and effecting stable injection of fuel and which has a connection portion sealed with high stability. A diesel engine fuel injection pipe includes a head having a conical or spherical seat surface, a clamping nut, and an orifice-pipe disposed at an end of the fuel injection pipe or in the interior of the fuel injection pipe near the end thereof, the orifice pipe having an outer diameter smaller than or equal to the diameter of a pipe passage of the diesel engine fuel injection pipe in the interior of the diesel engine fuel injection pipe near at least one end portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Usui Kokusai Sangyo Kaisha Limited
    Inventor: Shoichiro Usui
  • Publication number: 20020069923
    Abstract: A new flash tube device adapted specifically for use with hot erosive flow streams is provided. This flash tube uses an extension cone fixed to the outlet of a choke to create an extension choke to insure that the shock wave occurs within the extension choke, thereby decreasing the flow velocity to a subsonic level, reducing the kinetic energy of the flow as it leaves the extension choke. By moving the shock wave into the extension choke, this device dramatically improves the working life of the flash tank, allowing for easier separation of fluid/solids and vapor in the flash tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Applicant: Caldera Engineering, LC
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Robison, Stephen R. Chipman, Michael R. Luque, Craig C. Smith
  • Patent number: 6390134
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the amount of gas consumed during welding operations by reducing gas-surge principally for M.I.G. and T.I.G. welding systems. A preferred embodiment consists of a series of removable orifice bodies which may be threaded into a valve body. The removable orifice bodies restrict the maximum rate at which gas can flow from through the welding system. Gas-flow cannot exceed the maximum rate permitted by the particular diameter of the removable orifice body used, but may be adjusted up or down by substituting one of a plurality of available interchangeable orifice bodies. To allow for a higher gas flow rate, an orifice body with a larger diameter gas flow passage is used. For a lower gas flow rate, an orifice body with a smaller gas flow passage is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventor: Stephen K. Hanby
  • Publication number: 20020053762
    Abstract: A microporous structure can be formed from ductile material such as glass into an axially extended outer wall surrounding a plurality of singular micro-passages surrounded by the outer wall to provide an open area that extends continuously over the length of the outer wall The diameter of the micro-passages will usually not exceed 25 &mgr;m and are more in range of from 0.5 to 5 &mgr;m. The structure is particularly useful as frits for the containment of packing in capillaries for chromatograph applications and more generally as flow restrictors. Continuous open diameters of the micro-passages have a relatively straight flow path that reduces pressure drop relative to the random arrangement of other frits while still providing the desired containment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Publication date: May 9, 2002
    Inventor: Roy V. Semerdjian
  • Patent number: 6378559
    Abstract: A discharge flow control includes a plurality of flexible elongate elements adapted to be supported at one end from a discharge outlet to extend from the outlet in the direction of the discharge and across the flow path of the discharge outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: Ian George Humphryson
  • Patent number: 6357484
    Abstract: A microporous structure can be formed from ductile material such as glass into an axially extended outer wall surrounding a plurality of singular micro-passages surrounded by the outer wall to provide an open area that extends continuously over the length of the outer wall. The diameter of the micro-passages will usually not exceed 25 &mgr;m and are more in range of from 0.5 to 5 &mgr;m. The structure is particularly useful as frits for the containment of packing in capillaries for chromatograph applications and more generally as flow restrictors. Continuous open diameters of the micro-passages have a relatively straight flow path that reduces pressure drop relative to the random arrangement of other frits while still providing the desired containment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Roy V. Semerdjian
  • Patent number: 6357483
    Abstract: The present invention provides a water-saving apparatus that is easy to use, and has a higher water conservation effect than a top-like water-saving device. The present invention provides a flow controller in a venturi or jet type configuration, provided in a tubular housing inside of which are formed a dam chamber for damming a stream provided on the upper side, a nozzle orifice formed on a central portion of a bottom wall of the dam chamber, and an outwardly diverging skirt chamber connected below and opening into the nozzle orifice. A stream of water discharged from a feed tap through the flow controller is reduced in flow rate for reducing water consumption by the combination of the dam chamber and the nozzle orifice. However, a feeling of as strong a flow of water as before the installation of the water-saving apparatus is obtained because the combination of the nozzle orifice and the skirt chamber increases the flow velocity while reducing the flow volume per unit time or flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Amenity
    Inventor: Hiroaki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6345935
    Abstract: An ejector mountable on a planar wall of a housing for gathering and conveying particulate material to within such housing generally consisting of a flat base plate segment mountable on such planar wall member, a first set of flat plates joined together and with the base plate segment defining a converging fluid passageway, a second set of flat plate segments joined together and with the first set of plate segments and the base plate segment defining a restricted fluid passageway communicating with the converging fluid passageway and a third set of flat plate segments joined together and with the second set of plate segments and the base plate segment defining a diverging fluid passageway communicating with the restricted fluid passageway, one of the plate segments having a first inlet opening through which a stream of pressurized fluid may be injected into the converging and restricted fluid passageways, one of the plate segments having a second inlet opening through which fluid may be suctioned by a negativ
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: The Young Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Pfeiffer
  • Patent number: 6338363
    Abstract: An energy attenuation device for a conduit conveying a liquid under pressure, a system incorporating same, and a method for attenuating energy in a conduit, are provided. The device includes a conduit, a restrictor disposed in the conduit and dividing the interior thereof into an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber, and a first tube disposed in one of the chambers, wherein an annular space is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the conduit and an outer peripheral surface of the tube. One end of the tube is connected to and in fluid communication with the restrictor or with the inlet or outlet end of the one chamber, and the other, free end of the tube is spaced by an open gap from the inlet or the outlet end of the one chamber or from the restrictor. The tube has at least one aperture in the free end and/or on the peripheral surface thereof for providing fluid communication between the tube and the one chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Dayco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Yungrwei Chen, Jack R. Cooper
  • Patent number: 6324833
    Abstract: A composite tubular article such as a nozzle or a polar boss for a rocket motor wherein straight matrix impregnated yarn portions extend from one end portion to the other in a non-cylindrical ply to achieve increased strength while affording lighter weight. The matrix material may be at least partially curable by actinic radiation to anchor the yarn portions in position as they are applied on a mandrel so that radial rods or the like for anchoring the yarn may be eliminated. For high performance rocket motor nozzle components and the like, the yarn portions may be straight or non-straight and applied by braiding or the like, and the matrix material may be decomposed to a char adequate to anchor the yarn portions and subjected to one or more densification cycles whereby the matrix material may be carbonized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Cordant Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Victor Singer, Frederick W. VanName, James A. Hartwell
  • Patent number: 6308646
    Abstract: A seeding machine is provided with a frame having a plurality of pneumatic seed meters. An air pump located on the frame supplies air pressure to a pneumatic manifold. The pneumatic manifold in turn is pneumatically coupled to the seed meters by air hoses. Pneumatic orifices are pneumatically positioned between the pneumatic manifold and the portion of the seed meters closest to the air pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Gary Deloy Luxon
  • Publication number: 20010029988
    Abstract: A new segmented choke is provided. Designed to reduce thermal stresses created when the fluid temperature fluctuate, this invention is constructed of segmented ceramic members fit within a relatively thin-walled retainer, shrunk fit thereto, thereby allowing the retainer to be more compliant. Shorter, multiple segments used in this invention are also easier to manufacture, can be produced with tighter tolerances, provide easier access thereby reducing maintenance costs and allow for the inclusion of sensors in the individual ceramic segments. This invention also provides improvements in size, manufacturing cost, ease of use and operating efficiency over prior choke devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Applicant: Caldera Engineering, LC
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Robison, Stephen R. Chipman, Michael R. Luque, Craig C. Smith
  • Patent number: 6279613
    Abstract: An energy attenuation apparatus for a system conveying liquid under pressure, and a method for attenuating energy in such a system, are provided. The apparatus includes a hose or tubular casing having an inlet opening for receiving liquid from the system, and an outlet opening for returning the liquid to the system. An inlet conduit extends concentrically into the hose or tubular casing, with an annular space being formed between the inlet conduit and the tubular casing. At least one aperture for introducing liquid into the annular space from the inlet conduit is provided on a portion thereof that is disposed in the tubular casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Dayco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Yungrwei Chen, Jack R. Cooper
  • Patent number: 6276397
    Abstract: An apparatus for shaping fluid flow comprises a body having upstream and downstream ends and formed with a characterizing channel. The characterizing channel has a first cross-section adjacent the upstream end that gradually changes to a second cross-section adjacent the downstream end that is different in configuration from the first cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Flow Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert T. Weber, George T. Watson, III, John M. Trantham
  • Patent number: 6269841
    Abstract: An energy attenuation apparatus for a system conveying liquid under pressure is provided, wherein the apparatus is disposed in a liquid conveying line of said system. A restrictor or tubing section is disposed in a hose and divides the interior thereof into an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber that communicate with one another. A first tuning cable of polymeric material is disposed in the inlet chamber, with a first end of the tuning cable being connected to the inlet end of the inlet chamber for receiving liquid from the system, while a second open end of the tuning cable is spaced from the outlet end of the inlet chamber for conveying liquid thereto. A second tuning cable of polymeric material is disposed in the outlet chamber, with a first end of the tuning cable being connected to the restrictor or tubing for receiving the liquid, while a second open end of the tuning cable is spaced from the outlet end of the outlet chamber for conveying the liquid thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Dayco Products LLC
    Inventors: Yungrwei Chen, Jack R. Cooper
  • Patent number: 6237891
    Abstract: A device for supplying an alternate gas fuel to a gas-burning apparatus such that the gas-burning apparatus will receive and burn the alternate gas fuel, the gas-burning apparatus being of a type intended to burn a gas fuel which is different from the alternate fuel and is supplied at a pressure substantially different from that of the alternate fuel. The inventive device comprises: an inlet coupling attachable to a discharge fitting provided on the alternate fuel container and an outlet coupling downstream of the inlet coupling and attachable to an inlet fitting provided on the gas-burning apparatus. When the pressure of the alternate gas fuel is significantly greater than that of the intended fuel, the inventive device preferably also includes a restricting element for restricting flow of the alternate fuel through the device from the inlet coupling to the outlet coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Burnswick Corporation
    Inventors: Roy Stiner, Brenton McLaury, Bruce McCorkle
  • Patent number: 6231029
    Abstract: A solenoid valve for an anti-lock brake system is disclosed which has two orifices and oil passages formed a magnetic core so that at the slip mode the amount of hydraulic oil transmitted to a wheel sylinder can be varied, its structure is simplified and its manufacture is facilitated. The solenoid valve includes a magnetic core 130 inserted into a bore 101 in a modulator 100 which has an inlet and outlet passages 300 and 310 and an invariable orifice 320, a plunger 140 installed in the magnetic core 130, and a piston 200A installed in the inlet passage 300. The piston 200A has an eccentric hole 202 formed vertically passing through its interior and a groove 203 on its top surface, thus forming a variable orifice 340 along with a lower end of the invariable orifice 320. The magnetic core 130 has a through hole 330 formed slanting upward. A lip seal 400 is formed between the outer periphery of the magnetic core 130 and the bore 101.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Mando Machinery Corporation
    Inventor: Kyung-Ill Park
  • Patent number: 6186179
    Abstract: A flow conditioning plate for interposition in a flow line has a pattern of apertures which introduces a flow irregularity characteristic of a commonly encountered irregular flow in a plant, such as the disturbance introduced by one or more junctions or fittings in the upstream flow path. The apertures may introduce a specific flow distribution, asymmetry of flow profile or swirl component, and these may be tuned to simulate a plant condition that occurs downstream of one or more bends, elbows or T junctions. The disturbance persists, or evolves in a known way for a well defined distance along the flow path to simulate field flow conditions, and a flow meter is tested or calibrated in the disturbed segment, preferably at a defined position, under known flow to produce a calibration table. The meter may then be later installed to measure the irregular flow in an unconditioned flow line at a plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Panametrics, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Hill
  • Patent number: 6164337
    Abstract: A bubble jet fitting for use in a pool or spa provides for a lay-length short enough to allow its installation within a six-inch dam wall. The bubble jet fitting has an outlet portion which in one use provides for solvent welding therein of either one of two different standard sizes of PVC pipe. An axially extending annular recess of the fitting may receive a surfacing layer of plaster or fiberglass to form a water-tight interface with the surrounding wall of the pool or spa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Inventors: Gary K. Weise, Richard Kesl
  • Patent number: 6131602
    Abstract: A condensate discharge device which prevents metal ions from attaching and depositing on the condensate discharge port surface. An inlet, a condensate discharge port, and an outlet are formed in a valve casing, which valve casing includes an upper casing and a lower casing. A valve seat member having a discharge passage is screwed into the lower casing. The discharge passage includes a first orifice having a smaller opening area than the condensate discharge port, and a second orifice having a smaller opening area than the first orifice. A movable member is mounted through the second orifice. On end of the movable member rests on one side of the second orifice, and another end is located on the other side of the second orifice. Condensate flows slowly through the condensate discharge port, preventing metal ions from attaching there, and flows rapidly through the second orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: TLV Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadashi Oike
  • Patent number: 6123108
    Abstract: An energy attenuation apparatus for a system conveying liquid under pressure, and a method for attenuating energy in such a system, are provided. The apparatus includes a hose or tubular casing having an inlet opening for receiving liquid from the system, and an outlet opening for returning the liquid to the system. An inlet conduit extends concentrically into the hose or tubular casing through the inlet opening thereof, with an annular space being formed between the inlet conduit and the tubular casing. At least one aperture for introducing liquid into the annular space from the inlet conduit is provided on a portion thereof that is disposed in the tubular casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Dayco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Yungrwei Chen, Jack R. Cooper
  • Patent number: 6119728
    Abstract: An assembly for reduction of pulsations and vibrations in a hose including a hose having an interior surface and a throttle being sized for insertion in the hose adjacent to the interior surface. The throttle includes a fluid passageway. The throttle further includes a first end adjacent to the fluid passageway. The first end includes a regulation device for regulating the flow of fluid through the fluid passageway to reduce pulsations and vibrations in the hose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Aeroquip Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Seidel-Peschmann, Udo Popp
  • Patent number: 6073656
    Abstract: An energy attenuation device for a conduit conveying liquid under pressure, a system incorporating same, and a method for attenuating energy in a conduit, are provided. The device includes a conduit that is disposed in or is part of the liquid-conveying conduit, wherein a chamber having an inlet end and an outlet end is formed in the conduit. Two separate tubes are disposed in the chamber of the conduit such that a respective annular space is provided between an inner peripheral surface of the conduit and an outer peripheral surface of each of the tubes, wherein at least one of the tubes has at least one hole in the outer peripheral surface thereof to allow communication between the interior of the tube and the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Dayco Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Yungrwei Chen, Jack R. Cooper
  • Patent number: 6068024
    Abstract: A fluid delivery and removal mount for a stationary hydraulic roller shaft is disclosed as having a housing surrounding an annular support member which in turn supports the stationary roller shaft. The housing defines a pair of radially extending fluid conduits as does the annular support member. These fluid conduits in turn couple with a matched pair of radially oriented ports defined by the shaft. The shaft ports intersect a pair of axially extending fluid conduits formed in the shaft that serve to deliver and remove fluid from a hydraulic motor in roller. The annular support member preferably has a convex outer surface to match a concave inner surface of the housing thereby approximating the functionality of a self-aligning bearing. To facilitate off axis positions of the shaft, the fluid conduits of the housing are oversized compared to those of the annular support member. Optional circumferential seals located at the housing-support member interface limit fluid migration to the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventor: Kenneth Lee Hehr
  • Patent number: 6050284
    Abstract: An auxiliary exhaust system is provided for releasable attachment to internal combustion engines as are used on electrical generators of recreational vehicles or the like. The auxiliary exhaust system is easy to assemble and disassemble and directs combustion gases which have been cooled by ambient air upwardly to protect the RV occupants and near passersby. The auxiliary exhaust system provides a venturi effect with plastic stack sections which are slidably joined and which are light in weight. Shock cords stabilize the assembled auxiliary exhaust system and prevent noise transmittal from the generator and during adverse weather conditions such as high winds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: CAMCO Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald R. Caine, Mark R. Bailey