With Latch Rigidly Associated With Manipulator Patents (Class 251/104)
  • Patent number: 10953428
    Abstract: An example fluid applicator device includes an applicator assembly, and a reservoir assembly configured to store a fluid and is rotatable, relative to the applicator assembly, to control a valve mechanism that controls a flow of the fluid from the reservoir assembly to the applicator assembly, wherein the applicator assembly is configured to apply the fluid to a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Wagner Spray Tech Corporation
    Inventors: Doug Paul Pozanc, Ross Rossner
  • Patent number: 10892170
    Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) chip module includes a carrier, a stiffening frame, an IC chip, a first directional heat spreader, and a second directional heat spreader. Presented herein is a fabrication method that includes attaching the stiffening frame to the carrier. The stiffening frame includes a central opening, a base portion, a first pair of opposing sidewalls, and a second pair of opposing sidewalls. The method includes electronically coupling the semiconductor chip to the carrier concentrically arranged within the central opening. The method includes thermally contacting the first directional heat spreader to the semiconductor chip. The first directional heat spreader transfers heat from the semiconductor chip towards the first pair of opposing sidewalls. The method includes thermally contacting the second directional heat spreader to the first directional heat spreader.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Evan G. Colgan, Yi Pan, Hilton T. Toy, Jeffrey A. Zitz
  • Patent number: 10866078
    Abstract: An arrangement and method are disclosed for inserting and removing a head of a measuring device to and from a process space. The arrangement includes a measuring device with a measuring head and a retractor tool connected to a valve member. The retractor tool includes rails, a cradle for receiving the measuring device and arranged to slide along the rails, and a driving mechanism for moving the cradle. A valve lock mechanism prevents opening of the valve member if the measuring device is not at a location barring a fluid flow from the process space, and the head of the measuring device is insertable to the process space when the measuring device is received in the cradle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: VAISALA OYJ
    Inventor: Harri Salo
  • Patent number: 10612686
    Abstract: A safety faucet includes: a discharge pipe which has a hot water discharge path formed therein; a packing which moves up and down inside the discharge pipe; an operation shaft which is fixed to the packing; an upper cap which covers an upper opening of the discharge pipe, and has an upper cap through-hole formed in a center thereof to expose an upper end of the operation shaft; a lever which is rotatably coupled to the upper end of the operation shaft, and has an auxiliary operation hinge hole formed in an upper end thereof; and a safety member from which an auxiliary operation hinge shaft inserted into the auxiliary operation hinge hole is protruded, and has a cap contacting part formed in a lower end thereof to meet with an upper surface of the upper cap to form a support point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: CLOVER CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Young Mu Moon
  • Patent number: 10571033
    Abstract: Disclosed is a rotary valve 1 comprising a stator 20 and a rotor 40 generally in rotary sliding engagement with the said stator about a valve axis RA, the stator including a plurality of fluid ports 22, 26, 28, the rotor 40 being operable to selectively fluidically interconnect two or more of said ports during its rotary sliding engagement. The valve further includes an actuator (70) for disengagement of the rotor from the stator to enable efficient cleaning of the valve interconnections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences AB
    Inventor: Bjorn Olovsson
  • Publication number: 20150122358
    Abstract: Disclosed valves for drinking from a portable fluid container allow for manual actuation of the valve between an open configuration that permits fluid flow and a closed configuration that substantially prevents fluid flow. Disclosed valves comprise a valve housing having inner bore fluidly coupled to an inflow channel and an outflow channel that are angled with respect to one another, and a reciprocating valve member that is adjustably positioned partially within the bore to open and close the fluid flow pathway through the bore from the inflow channel to the outflow channel. The reciprocating valve member is shaped such that it can prevent fluid flow when fully inserted within the bore to a closed configuration, and can allow fluid flow when the valve member is retracted from this closed position by a relatively short distance to an open configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Matt Hoskins
  • Patent number: 8585010
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve used to control fluid flow. The valve includes a handle, which is placed above a body and is connected directly or indirectly to a top portion of a stem; a cap, into which the stem is inserted, and which surrounds a top portion of the body, the cap having a plurality of locking holes formed in the circumference of a top portion thereof in a circular arrangement. The handle has a vertical hole corresponding to the locking holes and a key hole extending coaxially with or perpendicularly to the vertical hole, and is connected to the top portion of the stem to contact the top portion of the cap. Locking means is provided in the vertical hole and the locking holes to lock the handle and the cap to each other. The locked position is released using a master key, which is inserted through the key hole, thereby allowing the handle to be operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: BMT Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong Chan Yoon
  • Patent number: 8550426
    Abstract: A dual-motion collar device is described, which elicits an additional motion from an operator when initiating a parking brake release in a vehicle. The collar device comprises top and bottom collars with a compressed and torsionally stressed spring there between, such that the collar device maintains a park brake plunger knob in a locked state. An operator twists the top collar to align interlocking features on the top and bottom collars, and then pushes downward to unlock the collar device. The operator then pushes downward on a park brake plunger knob around which the collar device is installed to actuate a parking brake valve assembly and release the parking brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventors: Duane R. Johnson, Rebecca Carter, Mark H. Sciulli, Scott R. Weslow, Timothy J. Beckwith
  • Publication number: 20130126767
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tap handle assembly for positioning about an installed tap body that includes an outwardly extending spindle. The tap handle assembly has a handle body means that has a body aperture and engagement means for engaging an outer end of the spindle, a pin positionable and moveable within the body aperture, and a biasing means to bias the position of the pin within the body aperture. When the tap handle assembly is assembled with the tap body, the pin is biased to the tap body to substantially prevent the movement of the spindle and to restrict the flow from the tap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Inventors: Craig Fletcher, Robert Fallshaw
  • Patent number: 8038035
    Abstract: A spouted container comprises a container and a vented spout that fluidly communicates with the container. The vented spout defines a fluid passageway extending therethrough and includes a conduit housing and a cover that cooperatively form a vented chamber. The vented chamber fluidly communicates with the passageway through a pair of spaced apart vent openings presented by the conduit housing. The vented chamber also fluidly communicates with ambient through a vent opening presented by the cover. The vented spout further includes a locking valve assembly that restricts inadvertent opening of the spouted container. The assembly includes a shiftable valve that normally occludes the passageway and a trigger operably coupled to the valve for opening and closing the valve. The trigger includes a catch that holds the trigger in a locked condition when the valve is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Blitz U.S.A., Inc.
    Inventor: Charlie L. Forbis
  • Publication number: 20110084223
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve actuator comprising a support member for supporting a rotatable positioning element operatively connected to a valve rod. The valve actuator further comprises a track follower adapted to follow at least part of a track provided in the positioning element. The track follower is biased against at least part of the track by a resilient member. The rotatable positioning element comprises a curved outer portion arranged in an associated bearing formed in the support member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Hans Kurt Petersen, Henning Müller
  • Patent number: 7743789
    Abstract: A valve for the hydraulic braking of work machines comprises an outer casing provided with a longitudinal seat and with at least one-to-third connection port, a slider slideable along the seat and provided with a contoured portion to control passage of the fluid through the connecting ports, and a reaction surface which is connected to the third connecting port, and an actuation for actuating sliding of the slider in the seat, which comprises first elastic element, interposed between the casing and the slider to contrast pressurized fluid thrust against the reaction surface, second elastic element interposed between a first abutment element of the slider and a second abutment element arranged inside the casing, which are adapted to contrast thrust of the first elastic element, and a manual actuation for actuating loading/unloading of the second elastic element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Studio Tecnico 6M S.R.L.
    Inventors: Eronne Mamei, Omer Mamei, Enrico Mamei
  • Patent number: 6935536
    Abstract: Cap for a container, including a body having an inlet, a spout and a passageway therebetween. The cap also includes a valve movable between a first position wherein the passageway is blocked and a second position wherein the passageway is at least partly unblocked, the valve being biased towards the first position. Furthermore, the cap includes an actuator mounted to the body and engaging the valve. Selective control of the state of the valve is associated with movement of the actuator in a different direction than for securing the valve in the open position. The combination of movements required to lock the valve in the open position is sufficiently complex to reduce its probability of opening unintentionally. Meanwhile, the combination of movements is simple enough to be performed by a single finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Trudeau Corporation 1889 Inc.
    Inventor: Pierre Tardif
  • Patent number: 6899120
    Abstract: A yard hydrant has an elongated wet pipe with a plunger that seals against the inside of a well casing. Lifting a pivoting handle at the top of the wet pipe lowers the wet pipe which opens a normally closed supply valve. Pressurized water can then flow up the wet pipe and out of a nozzle head mounted to the upper end of the wet pipe. Lowering the handle pulls the wet pipe upward, thereby clearing it from the supply valve which is spring biased to shut off the water supply. The handle has a cam that positively actuates a normally closed anti-siphon valve so that water left in the wet pipe can fall under gravity to a collection chamber within the well casing beneath the piston. Lifting the handle again lowers the wet pipe and forces the water in the collection chamber back up the wet pipe. At the same time, the anti-siphon valve will close and the wet pipe re-opens the supply valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Baker Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Charles B. Motley
  • Tap
    Patent number: 6802341
    Abstract: A tap (4) including a tap body (6) within which is located a valve (14), an operating handle (12) mounted on the body and coupled to the valve, a security button (42) which is interlocked with the handle and/or valve, the arrangement being such that the valve can only be opened after activation of the security button.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: Australian Dynamic Products PTY Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark Ian Johnson, Alfred Blochlinger, Brian Charles Hamann, Hugh Yean Fung
  • Publication number: 20030218147
    Abstract: A faucet for a waterbowl includes a control handle, a lifting seat, a valve cover, a valve body and a spindle assembly which controls the water flow on-off. The spindle assembly is provided within the valve body and the valve cover is mounted firmly the top of the valve body, with a spindle of the spindle assembly extending through the upper end of the valve cover and hinged to the lifting seat. The control handle is provided with a slidable locking mechanism to prevent the control handle from conducting pitching motion under normal state. The faucet may avoid mishandling and scalding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventor: Fangzhen Zhen
  • Patent number: 6148851
    Abstract: A lock apparatus for a valve that has a valve body and an actuator stem protruding therefrom for selectively rotating a flow control member within the valve body between open and closed positions and a handle attached to the valve stem that defines a first axis. The lock apparatus includes a slider plate that is movably supported on the valve stem and is selectively slidable along a second axis that is substantially transverse to the first axis to a position wherein said slider plate contacts a portion of the valve body when the flow control member is in either of the open and closed positions to retain the flow control member therein and another position wherein the slider plate does not contact the portion of the valve body to permit the valve stem to be rotated. An opening is provided through the slider plate for receiving a portion of a locking device therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: PBM, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary W. Friedline, Michael W. Kromer
  • Patent number: 6079448
    Abstract: A faucet assembly includes a body connected to an outlet member on the top thereof and a water pipe connected to the underside thereof, a valve member movably received in the body and operatably connected to the outlet member so that when pushing the outlet member, the valve member is lowered to open the communication between the body and the outlet member. The body has a ridge extending radially outward from the outside thereof and a hook member connected to the outlet member so that when the outlet member is pushed, the hook member is engaged with the ridge to keep the valve member in position so that the water flows out from the outlet member. The hook member is disengaged from the ridge by shifting a bar connected to the hook member so that the valve member closes the body again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Inventor: Shih-Ping Lee
  • Patent number: 6032922
    Abstract: A fluid flow control valve is provided comprising a valve seat inside a housing for defining a passage opening in the housing and a valve seal positioned against the valve seat for closing off fluid flow. A push rod extends from the valve seal and through the passage opening. The push rod is moveable for moving the valve seal off the seat to open the valve. The valve seal is restricted to substantially axial movement, preferably by a spring biasing the valve seal against the valve seat which spring is sized so as to engage the walls of the passage. A cam shaft rotatably mounted in the housing is provided for moving the push rod upon rotation of the cam shaft. A handle is non-rotatably connected to the shaft for rotating the cam shaft. A latch may be provided for releasably locking the handle in a position where the valve is open. A safety may also be provided on the latch arm so as to prevent the handle from being moved accidentally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Alemite Corporation
    Inventor: Jerry D. Shew
  • Patent number: 5971354
    Abstract: A tamper resistant faucet handle is provided for locking conventional sink or bath faucets in a closed or partially closed position. The tamper resistant faucet handle includes a handle body mounted to the flow control lever and a movable interference plunger that is slidably located within a plunger bore contained in the handle body. A locking mechanism locks the interference plunger in either an inward position or an outward position. When the interference plunger is locked in the outward position, it resides partially beyond the surface of the handle body for a distance sufficient for the plunger to interfere with movement of the handle body and consequently the flow control lever. In this manner, the locked plunger limits the range of movement of the flow control lever to lock the faucet in a closed or semi-closed position. The locking mechanism can be released and the plunger returned to the inward position, thus re-establishing a full range of movement for the handle and the flow control lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventor: Mark D. Ecklund
  • Patent number: 5907189
    Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a method for providing a semiconductor package with a thermally conductive coating, the semiconductor package including a package substrate having a plurality of electrically conductive traces formed thereon, an upper surface and a lower surface, the lower surface having a plurality of contacts for providing electrical connection between the conductive traces formed on the package substrate and a plurality of conductive traces formed on a printed circuit board, and a semiconductor die mounted to the upper surface to the package substrate, the semiconductor die having a plurality of bond pads formed thereon which are electrically connected to the conductive traces formed on the package substrate. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of depositing a coating on the upper surface of the package substrate and the coating includes a diamond film or diamond particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: LSI Logic Corporation
    Inventor: Atila Mertol
  • Patent number: 5887850
    Abstract: A unitary handle structure to be secured to the shaft of the valve and cooperate with the stops on the body to delimit and lock the valve element in its open and closed positions. The handle structure includes a socket portion fixed to the stem of the valve element and a handle portion extending from the socket portion and doubling back towards the socket portion and terminating at an end adjacent the socket portion. A detent portion on the end includes a pair of walls sufficiently spaced to receive the stops to lock the valve element in the open and closed positions. The handle portion is flexibly resilient to allow the detent portion to raise and lower with respect to the stops. One of the walls of the detent has a height high enough and the end of the handle portion is separated from the adjacent portion of the handle by a sufficiently short distance to prevent the one wall of the detent portion from raising above the stops.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventor: Carl Joseph Ruffalo
  • Patent number: 5819791
    Abstract: A preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1-3 includes a check valve (10) with a pair of semicircular check valve members (34, 36) normally permitting fluid flow in one direction and blocking fluid flow in an opposite direction. Semicircular valve member (36) is releasably locked in an open position to permit a back flow upon manual rotation of handle (46) after manual gripping of knurled knob (84) and withdrawal of a locking pin (82) from a receiving opening (96). A safety lever (98) is pivoted out of a covering relation to knob (84) before knob (84) is gripped and prevents rotation of shaft (38) unless lever (98) is manually pivoted out of covering relation with knob (84). Another embodiment shown in FIG. 4 permits selective opening of a semicircular plate valve member (34A or 36A) to a releasably locked open position. Manual rotation of handle (46A) in one direction effects movement of semicircular valve member (36A) to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Gulf Valve Company
    Inventors: James N. Chronister, James D. Phillips, Richard C. Gasaway, Ricky E. Pineda
  • Patent number: 5772177
    Abstract: An improved latch mechanism for a fluid flow control valve. The latch mechanism having a latch body, a spring, a plunger and a thumb release lever for disengagement of the plunger. The latch mechanism is attached to a valve handle which controls the fluid flow rate through the valve. Provided with the latch, the handle and thereby the valve can be locked into either a closed or open position at the limits of the valves' necessary rotation thereby preventing inadvertent opening or closing of the valve. The thumb release lever disengages the plunger with detent notches provided in the valve body allowing safe and efficient single handed operation of the handle and latch mechanism even under adverse environmental conditions when operator dexterity is impaired by gloves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Parker & Harper Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Holloway, Kenneth Madden, Roger Massey
  • Patent number: 5741003
    Abstract: A child-resistant handle to be mounted to a valve stem to which is affixed a cogwheel adapter by a shoulder screw. The shoulder screw rotatably mounts the freely rotatable handle to the valve stem. The handle has an inverted cup shape that extends over and covers the cogwheel adapter. A clutch member connected to the handle with a resilient member engaging the clutch to normally keep the clutch member out of engagement with the cogwheel adapter. The clutch member linearly shiftable to engage the cogwheel adapter whereby rotation of the handle will cause a like rotation of the valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventor: Donald James Segien, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5709112
    Abstract: An improved spring-loaded latching and locking mechanism for a rotatable control of the type having a stem journaled in a body and rotatable about an axis in a boss on the body. The stem has a protuberance for engagement with the handle. The handle comprises a boss-engaging end portion, a stem-engaging portion, a slider-riding portion, and a grip end portion. The slider-riding portion has a slider with a tang extending therefrom. Each side of the slider-riding portion also includes a pair of springs mounted on a rail cutout so that the springs provide resistance against movement of the slider. The slider-riding portion includes an aperture for securing a lock to arrest movement of the slider. The boss has surfaces located to correspond to predetermined positions of the stem. These surfaces are engageable by the tang which, when so engaged, restrains the handle from rotation and prevents removal of the handle from the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Inventor: Steven Kennedy
  • Patent number: 5667193
    Abstract: A safety shut-off device is disclosed. The device is adapted for use with a gas welding apparatus, the apparatus having a torch handle and a supply of a pressurized combustion reagent. The safety shut-off device has a valving assembly that is adapted to be positioned between the torch handle and the supply of pressurized combustion reagent. The valving assembly is actuatable between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the torch handle is operatively connected to the supply of pressurized combustion reagent. In the second state, the handle is operatively disconnected from the supply of pressurized combustion reagent. The valving assembly is biased towards the second state and actuatable from the first state to the second state substantially instantaneously. The safety shut-off device also has an actuating mechanism. At least a portion of the actuating mechanism is adapted to be positioned on the handle for being grasped by the user of the gas welding apparatus when the user grasps the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Inventor: Edward R. Chrzanowski
  • Patent number: 5622201
    Abstract: A bucket valve with a removable handle includes a tubular valve body, a piston disposed with the valve body and a crank arm integrally formed of a central sleeve and two spaced fingers. The fingers are pivotally retained to the piston. A drive shaft is drivingly disposed in and extends from the central sleeve of the crank arm to project through and beyond the valve body to connect by a distal tip thereof to a handle via an axle sleeve. An `L`-shaped latch is resiliently retained in the axle sleeve whereby the combined axle sleeve and handle are removably retained to the drive shaft. The handle has a forked tip forming an outer upper face, a central fork and an outer lower face against each of which a knob can abut in a first, second and third position respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Inventor: King Chang
  • Patent number: 5449144
    Abstract: A faucet for controlling the dispensing of liquids includes a valve body having a valve chamber with a valve element movable between first and second positions for controlling flow between an inlet and the outlet. An operating stem extends from the valve element to a position exteriorly of the body through a bonnet connected to the body. A safety-type cam actuator is joined to the stem and is pivotally movable to selectively move the valve element between the first and second positions if it is first moved inward radially of the stem. Wall forming portions extending outwardly from an insert located between the bonnet and the body to define guide surfaces closely adjacent the stem and the cam actuator to prevent undesired tilting of the stem and the cam actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: The Meyer Company
    Inventor: Raymond P. Kowalics
  • Patent number: 5439197
    Abstract: In a flow rate control valve having a handle (12) for rotating a stem (9), the handle being locked to a bonnet (3) by a lock screw (14), the handle (12) comprises a handle main body (12') fixed to an upper end of the stem (9), and a tubular lock handle (12") coupled to the lower end of the handle main body (12'). The lock handle is movable in a direction orthogonal to an axial line of elongation Y of the stem 9 relative to the handle main body, with the lock handle enclosing the upper outer circumference of the bonnet (3), and the lock screw (14) being movable in the lock handle (12") in a direction nearly orthogonal to the axial line of elongation Y of the stem (9) to engage the bonnet (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Masako Kiyohara
    Inventors: Shigeru Itoi, Tetsuya Kojima
  • Patent number: 5435339
    Abstract: A manually operable pressure relief valve for swimming pool filter systems and the like, including a valve housing, a valve stem movable axially in the housing to open and close the valve, and a top cover that serves as an operating handle. The valve housing and the valve stem have components that cooperate to provide an axial movement from closed to fully open with only a quarter turn of the stem, and to prevent inadvertent removal of the stem from the housing. The stem must be moved deliberately through a sequence of required rotational and axial displacements to remove it. The top cover must also be manipulated in a prescribed manner to effect removal of the stem from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: KDI American Products Company
    Inventor: Joseph E. Hayes
  • Patent number: 5419530
    Abstract: A micro-valve assembly for providing precise regulation of fluid flow between an input port and an output port comprises a valve body configured to installed with the valve assembly and forming therewith a fluid flow chamber between the fluid flow rate control port and the output port, the valve body having an internally threaded cylindrical portion. A rotatable valve adjustment member has an externally threaded cylindrical portion sized to engage the internally threaded cylindrical portion of the valve body. The externally threaded cylindrical portion of the rotatable valve adjustment member has an internally threaded axial bore. The internally threaded bore of the rotatable valve adjustment member has a longitudinal axis and a pitch finer than that of the externally threaded cylindrical portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1995
    Assignee: Teknocraft, Inc.
    Inventor: Viraraghavan S. Kumar
  • Patent number: 5411048
    Abstract: A valve handle latching assembly having a selectable latching slider which engages a detent on a fluid control device such as a ball valve. During assembly, a particular slider is selected for inclusion in the final assembly resulting in a valve tailored for its intended purpose. Depending upon which latching slider is selected, the valve handle latching assembly latches in the open and/or closed position(s) thereby preventing inadvertent rotation. The latching handle assembly may be manually disengaged to permit rotation of the handle in the opposite rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Parker & Harper Companies, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger G. Massey
  • Patent number: 5188335
    Abstract: A ball valve comprising a body including a valve chamber having inlet and outlet ports, and a rotatable ball element disposed within the valve chamber, the ball element having a conduit therethrough which communicates with the inlet and outlet ports. The ball element is movable by a control lever between an open position and a closed position. The valve is provided with a lockable security device which automatically locks the ball element in a positive closed position when the control lever moves the ball element from an open position to a closed position. The lockable security device includes a rotatable cylinder, a locking cylinder slidably mounted on the rotatable cylinder, a supplemental locking member to selectively allow manual locking of the locking cylinder in a position to prevent sliding movement of the locking cylinder on the rotatable cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1993
    Assignee: Fratelli Pettinaroli S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Pettinaroli
  • Patent number: 5183073
    Abstract: A rotatable control device including a body housing a control structure and having an external box; a control shaft journalled in the boss for rotation about an axis and having an internal portion connected to the control structure and an external portion extending outwardly from the boss; an operating handle having an inner end portion connected to the external portion of the control shaft, a gripping end portion for rotating the control structure between first and second positions and an intermediate portion; first and second locking structure circumferentially spaced on the body at locations corresponding to the positions of the intermediate portion of the handle when the control structure is in the first and second positions, respectively; a slider member slidably mounted on the intermediate portion of the handle for reciprocative movement between locked and unlocked positions; interlocking structure for cooperating with the first and second locking structure, when the handle is in the first and second po
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignee: Milwaukee Valve Company, Inc
    Inventor: John L. Roberts
  • Patent number: 5133938
    Abstract: A lockable valve mechanism for introducing a liquid sample into an associated reaction vessel includes a valve body, and a valve member rotatably mounted thereon. The valve member is movable from an open position, wherein inlet and outlet passages of the valve mechanism are aligned for introduction of a sample into the reaction vessel, to a closed and sealed position, wherein the outlet passage of the valve body is sealed. The valve member includes a locking arrangement to prevent movement of the valve member out of the closed and sealed position after movement from the open position into the sealed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1992
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Thomas W. Glanville, Mark J. Devaney, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5115834
    Abstract: A lever-operated rotary valve having a rotary body for permitting fluid flow therein includes a locking device for selectively locking and unlocking the operating handle such that the operating handle of the rotary valve can be locked in a plurality of predetermined positions. The operating handle of the rotary valve can be oriented in any one of a plurality of positions and locked in that position without requiring the removal of the locking device. The locking device is an L-shaped member which fits on the stem of the rotary valve and includes aligned holes for receiving a padlock so that the locking device and handle are locked together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: Neles-Jamesbury, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond P. Champagne
  • Patent number: 5014528
    Abstract: A tamper-proof locking mechanism for a rotatable control device, such as a quarter turn valve including a valve member connected to a stem journalled in a body housing the valve member and an operating handle connected to the stem for rotating the valve member between open and closed positions. The locking mechanism includes a pair of lugs on the valve body at circumferentially spaced locations corresponding to the locations of an intermediate portion of the handle when the valve member is in the open and closed positions. A slider member is slidably mounted on the intermediate portion of the handle for reciprocative movement between a locked position and an unlocked position. The slider member includes a latch element having an open portion for receiving the lugs and arranged to restrain both rotational and axial movement of the handle when the handle is in the open or closed position and the slider member is in the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Assignee: Milwaukee Valve Company, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Roberts
  • Patent number: 4971289
    Abstract: A valve assembly comprising a valve having a housing and a valve element disposed in the housing and movable between closed and open positions, the valve element having a nut portion and a wing portion, the nut portion projecting out of the housing and having a cross-sectional configuration such that a tool may be applied for turning the valve element between the closed and open positions, the wing portion being movable between a first position when the valve element is in the closed position and a second position when the valve element is in the open position, the housing having a wing portion provided with an opening therein disposed in lockable relation with the valve element wing portion when the valve element wing portion is in its first position, a barrel lock removably mountable in registered openings of the wing portions when the valve element wing portion is in its first position whereby the valve element will be locked in the closed position, and a rigid member having first means cooperable with the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Assignee: Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation
    Inventor: Eugene E. Pietras
  • Patent number: 4909275
    Abstract: A ball valve is described having a latching handle with a latch plate having raised lugs that engage the handle, a latch mechanism or both to act as detent stops in predetermined rotational positions. A flat spring rolled at one end urges the latch mechanism into the latched position and a pivoting cap secured to the handle is latched by simultaneous action of the latch mechanism to block access to a nut securing the handle assembly. Provision is made for attaching a padlock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Parker and Harper Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger G. Massey, David G. Holloway, Kenneth I. Walton
  • Patent number: 4848724
    Abstract: A ball valve of the type comprising a body including a valve chamber having inlet and outlet ports, and a rotatable ball element disposed within the valve chamber, the ball defining a conduit communicating with the inlet and outlet ports. The ball is actuated by a control lever to rotate between a first open position and a second closed position of the valve; a manually operable lock is provided to retain the control lever and the ball element in those first and second positions and in at least one intermediate operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: Fratelli Pettinaroli S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Pettinaroli
  • Patent number: 4786409
    Abstract: Duplex filter apparatus suitable for pressure or suction applications includes dual filter housings and a central valve housing having dual, cylindrical, three-way plug valves. Four glass-filled Teflon sleeve seals, each having an inner cylindrical cut edge conform to the valve periphery and seal the valve openings in either a pressure or suction configuration. A wave spring biases each sleeve seal against the plug valve and further o-ring seals utilize the pressure or suction condition to enhance the effectiveness of the sleeve seals. In the pressure configuration a tubular support is used in conjunction with the sleeve seal with the wave spring acting either directly on the sleeve seal or indirectly through an intermediate metal ring which houses the o-ring seals and which minimizes thermal expansion effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel W. Miller
  • Patent number: 4770388
    Abstract: A latching device for the actuator in a valve installation. The actuator includes a handle for rotating a valve stem and a latch slidably mounted on the handle. The latch has one edge which abuts a stop when in the closed position and an opposed, angularly disposed, camming edge facing a stop at the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Claude R. Carman
  • Patent number: 4658907
    Abstract: A safety pin for fire extinguishers. The pin has a prong interfitted in registering holes of the extinguisher to prevent operation until removed by grasping a finger loop and extracting the pin. The finger loop is connected to a stabilizer extension of the pin fitting over the top of the trigger and biased against it to present the loop in a preselected upright position for ready access by the user. The stabilizer extension may be formed as a stabilizer loop bearing against the top of the trigger to prevent the rotation of the pin. The pin may be further provided with an upright standard extending above the trigger to receive an inspection tag or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Inventor: Wayne A. Popp
  • Patent number: 4460153
    Abstract: A lever operator for use primarily with valves of the plug type in which a tapered plug is raised to unseat associated slips and then rotated to a valve open position during opening of the valve and is rotated to a valve close position and lowered to seat the associated slips for closing the valve. The lever operator comprises an elongated lever arm having an eccentric cam at one end thereof connected to the trunnion of the valve to which the invention is assembled and also comprises a unique dual slot gate mechanism which houses the lever arm and restricts the motion of the arm to the requisite vertical and rotational movement which must be carried out in the appropriate sequence to properly operate the tapered plug mechanism of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1984
    Assignee: Aerojet-General Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Williams
  • Patent number: 4305421
    Abstract: A system for dispensing fluid from a container. The container is pressurized by supplying gas into the container thereby forcing the fluid out of the container through a siphon tube and an outlet valve in the container. The system utilizes a valve assembly having two valves, one for enabling the flow of the gas into the container and the second for allowing the flow of the fluid out of the container. The valve assembly is mounted in a neck member that is secured to an opening in one of the walls of the container. Arranged within the neck is a deformable seal that is compressed between a body portion of the valve assembly and an inner surface of the neck member. A non-threaded retaining ring holds the valve body portion of the valve assembly within the neck member and serves to apply the force to the valve body portion for compressing the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: Draft Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Merton R. Fallon
  • Patent number: 4304256
    Abstract: A torque transmitting assembly for effecting rotation of a valve member such as a butterfly valve is hermetically sealed to the valve housing. It includes a rotor member having a plurality of circumferentially spaced permanent magnets of opposite polarity and a driver magnet assembly having a like plurality of circumferentially spaced permanent magnets of opposite polarity facing the magnets mounted to the rotor. The two sets of magnets are separated by a stainless steel separator which hermetically seals the rotor. The driver magnet assembly is rotatable about the separator so that magnetic coupling forces effect a following rotation of the rotor and hence of the valve member. A magnetic indicator may be used to identify the rotational position of the rotor. The entire assembly is hermetically sealed and no packing is required. The assembly is especially useful to control a valve in a hazardous environment wherein no leakage of the fluid being controlled by the valve member is permissible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1981
    Assignee: Nova Scotia Research Foundation Corporation
    Inventor: Patrick M. Taiani
  • Patent number: 4274445
    Abstract: A pressure-balanced three-way transfer valve for controlling fluid flow into one of two fluid lines includes a pair of cam actuated valves actuated by a single actuator to move a respective valve to an open and closed position. Pressure balancing of the valve rods is accomplished by a fluid passage through each of the respective rods to allow lower pressure to a respective balancing chamber. The valves further include respective balancing surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1981
    Assignee: Pall Corporation
    Inventor: Roydon B. Cooper
  • Patent number: 4203572
    Abstract: A locking type ball valve or a lock for a ball valve of the type having a handle movable through a right angle to open the valve in one position and close it in the other and a pair of stops on the housing of the valve to limit the movement of the handle to the right angle. A locking device is welded to the handle of the valve and has a shaft pivotable between two positions and a plate offset to one side of the shaft, the plate, in one position of the shaft, being opposed to one of said stops to lock the handle in either one of the open or closed positions and being removed from opposition with the stops in the other position of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1978
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1980
    Assignee: Coffman Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventor: Ronald D. Coffman
  • Patent number: D344574
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Whitey Co.
    Inventors: Cal R. Brown, Jeffrey T. Jeromson, Robert C. Stewart