Latch Manipulator Mounted On Valve Body Patents (Class 251/111)
  • Patent number: 11873949
    Abstract: A valve for pressurized fluid housing a fluid circuit having an upstream end and a downstream end and a valve for controlling the flow rate in the circuit that is controlled by a movable actuating member in order to control the opening or the closing, the valve having a lower end provided with movable coupling member(s) intended to cooperate with one or more complementary coupling members on a gas source or a circuit, the valve further comprising a member for locking the coupling member(s) that is mounted movably on the body of the valve between a first position not blocking the movement of the coupling member(s) and a second position blocking the movement of the coupling member(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventors: Renaud Ligonesche, Olivier Ondo, Antoine Frenal, Johan Broechler, Morgan Lamiable, Arnaud Kaichinger
  • Patent number: 11519558
    Abstract: Device for supplying pressurized fluid, including a first valve accommodating an internal fluid circuit, the device having a second valve having an internal circuit, the second valve forming a separate physical entity from the first valve, the first valve and the second valve having respective coupling members that form a male/female quick-connection system for removably connecting the second valve to the first valve, the internal circuits including a set of control valves for allowing or preventing the flow of the fluid towards an outlet of the device when the second valve is coupled to the first valve via the quick-connection system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventors: Renaud Ligonesche, Antoine Frenal, Benjamin Fischer
  • Patent number: 11406995
    Abstract: A spray gun includes a gun body and valves configured to control flow of material and air through the gun body. A trigger is mounted to the gun body and is disposed relative to the valves such that the trigger actuates the valves in sequence to begin air flow and material flow. A sensor senses when the trigger is in an actuated state and the sensor causes a pump to begin pumping material to the spray gun. Release of the trigger causes the trigger to leave the actuated state. A detent mechanism holes the trigger in a detent state intermediate the actuated state and a resting state. The sensor does not sense the trigger with the trigger in the detent state. The trigger maintains the valves open with the trigger in the detent state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy P. Jurmu, Douglas S. Ryder, Quincy A. Kesti, Robert J. Gundersen, Jeromy D. Horning, Steve J. Wrobel, Chad R. Taszarek
  • Patent number: 9869398
    Abstract: A system for blocking a plug valve, the system comprising: a plug (1) movable in rotation about an axis (Y-Y); and a blocker part (5); the system being characterized in that: the plug (1) presents an index portion having a first ramp (3) and a second ramp (4) that are arranged around the shaft (2) with oppositely-handed slopes; and the blocker part (5) presents first and second index portions (8, 9) adapted to come selectively into contact with the first and second ramps (3, 4) respectively; the first ramp (3) and the first index portion (8) serving to prevent the plug (1) from turning about the longitudinal axis (Y-Y) in a first direction of rotation, and the second ramp (4) and the second index portion (9) serving to prevent the plug (1) from turning about the longitudinal axis (Y-Y) in a second direction of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2018
    Assignee: AIRBUS SAFRAN LAUNCHERS SAS
    Inventors: Bruno Blanc, Jesus Llanos Garcia, Anthony Caron
  • Patent number: 8869824
    Abstract: A check valve assembly which in an open position allows liquid to flow in one direction through the assembly including a moving sealing member which engages a seal to prevent liquid flow in a second opposite direction. The sealing member may be moved into engagement with the seal by rotation of a stem with an eccentric to block flow in both directions. A check valve and shut-off device assembly which in an open position allows liquid to flow in one direction through the assembly until gas or foam is mixed with the liquid. The shut-off device includes a sealing member which engages a seal to block flow through the assembly when foam or gas is present in the liquid. The check valve includes a sealing member which can reset the shut-off device. The check valve sealing member also engages the same sealing member to prevent any flow through the assembly in a closed position. In an open position, the check valve sealing member may engage the seal to prevent reverse flow of liquid through the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Perlick Corporation
    Inventor: Gennady Arov
  • Patent number: 8857790
    Abstract: A unisex ball valve coupling includes an interface end that engages an interface end of a mating coupling half assembly. A valve of the coupling has a valve body, which has an open position in which fluid flow is permitted through the internal passage and a closed position in which the valve body closes off fluid flow through the internal passage. A valve shaft rotates with the valve body between the open position and the closed position. The valve shaft has a first surface. A blocking member is movable from a blocking position to a non-blocking position within the body portion. In the blocking position, the blocking member engages the first surface of the valve shaft to secure the valve body in the closed position and, in the non-blocking position, the blocking member does not engage the first surface of the valve shaft to permit opening of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Raycon Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Tak-Yiu Wong
  • Patent number: 8851445
    Abstract: A security valve having a body, a fluid control device, and an internal locking structure. The internal locking structure allows for partial movement of the valve before locking the fluid control device in place. A piping system based on the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventors: Glen Calla, Steven Calla
  • Patent number: 8813775
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a lockable toilet fill valve and methods according to the present invention. In one embodiment, a toilet fill valve includes a float/arm assembly. The toilet fill valve is closed when the float/arm assembly is disposed in a first position. The toilet fill valve being open when the float/arm assembly is disposed in a second position. A valve lock is associated with the float/arm assembly. The valve lock includes an unlock position and a lock position, wherein the valve lock fixes the float/arm assembly in the first position when the valve lock is in the lock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Danco, Inc
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Larry L. Schneider
  • Patent number: 8806906
    Abstract: A lock-out bracket secures the position of a shaft extending through an actuator, the shaft having a first end and a second end, the first end being operative for controlling a valve, the second end being coupled to a limit switch mounted on a limit switch bracket mounted to the actuator. The lock-out bracket includes a substantially flat base plate and a substantially flat lock-out tab substantially perpendicular to the base plate, the base plate defining an opening configured for matingly fitting over, receiving, and engaging the second end of the shaft. The lock-out tab defines a first hole adapted for alignment with a corresponding second hole defined on the limit switch bracket for facilitating the insertion of a lock shackle through the first hole and the second hole to secure the lock-out bracket relative to the actuator and prevent movement of the shaft and valve coupled to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Bryce M. Bagby
  • Patent number: 8539980
    Abstract: A device for operation of a surgical or dental drive unit includes a control valve attached to a drive unit to control a flow rate of a compressed fluid flowing from a compressed fluid source to the drive unit. The control valve includes (a) a first control arrangement controlling a rate of flow of the compressed fluid through the control valve; (b) a control switch; and (c) a control sleeve controlled by the control switch to axially move along a longitudinal axis of the drive unit between a first configuration in which the control valve is locked and closed to fluid flow and a second configuration in which the control valve is unlocked and the first control arrangement controls the rate of flow therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Depuy Synthes Products, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Tanner, Arthur Meili
  • Patent number: 8360391
    Abstract: A device includes a stem hub attached to a fitting body. A rotatable stem is located at least partially within the stem hub. Rotation of the rotatable stem operates a blocking element located in the fitting body. In an embodiment, an upper stem is coupled to a first end portion of the rotatable stem so that rotation of the upper stem rotates the rotatable stem. A metal seal is located on the stem hub. A portion of the upper stem presses the metal seal between the upper stem and the stem hub when the upper stem is moved towards the stem hub. An operating mechanism moves the upper stem towards the stem hub and away from the stem hub. The upper stem is moved by the operating mechanism in a direction normal to the rotational axis of the rotatable stem and the upper stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Quality Connector Systems
    Inventor: Bruce E. Morris
  • Patent number: 8333215
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a lockable toilet fill valve and methods according to the present invention. In one embodiment, a toilet fill valve includes a float/arm assembly. The toilet fill valve is closed when the float/arm assembly is disposed in a first position. The toilet fill valve being open when the float/arm assembly is disposed in a second position. A valve lock is associated with the float/arm assembly. The valve lock includes an unlock position and a lock position, wherein the valve lock fixes the float/arm assembly in the first position when the valve lock is in the lock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: MJSI, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Larry L. Schneider
  • Publication number: 20120294971
    Abstract: The invention provides devices that are attached to an extruder making the operation thereof more efficient and convenient and allowing for a quick change over of parts used to make various products prepared in the extrusion process. A high pressure relief assembly is attached to the extruder that allows for the rapid release of pressure from the extruder at the end of the process by venting product under pressure from the extruder and the extruder also has attached thereto a quick assembly locking device that allows for the exchange of assemblies, such as a density control assembly and other assembles, without the removal of nuts, bolts, and clamps by attaching the assembly to an arm that can be moved in and out of place in front of the extruder and wherein the device has a locking mechanism that seals and releases the assembly from the extruder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Tyler Dean Simpson, Dwight E. Howdeshell, II
  • Patent number: 8074959
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided which prevents the removal of a companion fitting when the valve is open. Thus, for example there is disclosed a load line apparatus comprising a housing, a valve, a cam lever, or more likely a pair of cam levers, and a locking device. The housing has an interior bore, the interior bore defining a flow-through passage. The valve has a surface shaped to close the flow-through passage when the valve is closed. The cam lever is pivotally attached to the housing, and the locking device is movable by the cam lever. The cam lever is operable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking device forms a stop to prevent the valve being opened. In the unlocked position, the locking device is retracted from the locked position. The cam lever is operable from the unlocked position into the locked position only when the valve is closed. The load line apparatus disclosed prevents the valve from being opened unless the cam lever is the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Sledz Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph P. Sledz
  • Patent number: 8028715
    Abstract: The present invention provides a check valve for use in a vacuum sewage pipe. The check valve includes a body having a sewage inlet and a sewage outlet to be coupled to the vacuum sewage pipe, a flap valve element disposed in the body and rotatably supported by a first shaft, and a closing mechanism. The closing mechanism can keep the flap valve element in a closed state so as to allow the flap valve element to function as a gate valve. The closing mechanism can also limit an opening degree of the flap valve element so as to allow the flap valve element to function as a check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Osamu Shimizu, Yuji Hiroto, Keisuke Ikeda, Fuyuki Ogaki
  • Patent number: 7926511
    Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a lockable toilet fill valve and methods according to the present invention. In one embodiment, a toilet fill valve includes a float/arm assembly. The toilet fill valve is closed when the float/arm assembly is disposed in a first position. The toilet fill valve being open when the float/arm assembly is disposed in a second position. A valve lock is associated with the float/arm assembly. The valve lock includes an unlock position and a lock position, wherein the valve lock fixes the float/arm assembly in the first position when the valve lock is in the lock position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: MJSI, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Schuster, Larry L. Schneider
  • Patent number: 7913972
    Abstract: A valve assembly including a valve actuator and valve is provided. The valve actuator includes a mechanical hold arrangement configured to allow manually setting the position of the valve actuator and its drive gear and to oppose any loading provided by a return spring biasing the valve actuator and drive gear out of the set position. The valve actuator includes a spring lever and a recess in which the spring lever is secured to lock the position of the valve actuator and drive gear when the electric motor of the valve actuator is de-energized. The valve actuator can be reconfigured to provide mechanical holding for manually setting the orientation of the drive gear when a return spring load is provided in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Schneider Electric Buildings, LLC
    Inventor: Gerald R. Parsons
  • Publication number: 20090242811
    Abstract: The present invention provides a water control valve core with a segmented locking function. The invention includes a valve casing, a brake unit, and a water control element. A bottom plate under the tube portion of the seat of the brake unit is placed within the hold tank of the valve casing. A driven portion penetrates the bottom plate. The fixed valve, free valve and driving seat of the water control element are arranged within the hold tank of the valve casing. An upper locking portion is assembled under the bottom plate of the seat of the brake unit; and a collapsible lower locking unit is individually manufactured and then assembled onto the locating portion at top of the driving seat of the water control element. The lower locking unit could be interlocked with the upper locking portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Inventor: Mei-Li CHEN
  • Patent number: 7472700
    Abstract: An adapter for use on an anesthesia machine having of three or more vaporizer units removably mounted thereon by an interlock/exclusion system. The interlock/exclusion system includes plural vertically oriented pins that are coupled together and are operative to move upward to prevent opening of any vaporizer units if one is open. One of the vaporizer units includes a horizontally oriented pin which moves outward when that unit is opened. The adaptor is arranged to mount that vaporizer on the machine and to couple the horizontally oriented pin to an associated vertically oriented pin of the interlock/exclusion system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Drager Medical AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jacob Gershteyn
  • Publication number: 20080128144
    Abstract: A fire suppression sprinkler system convertible between a wet and a dry mode of operation is disclosed. The system features a field convertible valve having a bypass loop with a bypass valve for selectively configuring the valve for wet or dry mode operation. For dry mode operation, the bypass valve is open. The field convertible valve also has a system actuator, a gas control valve and a water supply shut-off valve which are open in the dry mode. In the wet mode of operation, the bypass valve is open and the gas control and water supply shut-off valves are closed. The field convertible valve operates in a latch mode controlled by the system actuator in the dry mode, and as a flapper valve in the wet mode of operation. A method of converting the mode of operation of the sprinkler system is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: Victaulic Company
    Inventors: Kevin J. Blease, Stephen R. Ide, William J. Reilly
  • Patent number: 7192001
    Abstract: A microvalve device includes a semiconductor-based valve housing that defines a flow passage, and a valve face disposed within the valve housing and in fluid communication with the flow passage. The microvalve device further includes a thermal expansion actuator that drives movement of the valve face from a first position to a second position relative to the flow passage, and a capacitor that holds the valve face in the second position. The microvalve may also include an insulating layer disposed on portions of the semiconductor-based valve housing, and a capacitance sensor for monitoring a capacitance level to determine when the valve face reaches the second position. Once the sensor indicates that the second position has been reached, power is no longer applied to the thermal expansion actuator such that power is only substantially consumed during the transition from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of Michigan Office of Technology Transfer
    Inventors: Kensall D. Wise, Joseph A. Potkay
  • Patent number: 7048251
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body and a valve actuator which is releasably engageable with the valve body. The valve body has an internal cavity within which a valve member is located, and a valve stem is interconnected with the valve body and is accessible from the exterior of the valve body. The valve body further includes a mounting member, and the valve actuator is selectively engageable with the mounting member. The valve actuator includes a latch member which is movable between a latching position and a release position. The mounting member includes a slot, and the latch member has a blocking member that is received within the slot when the latch member is in its latching position, to prevent removal of the valve actuator from the valve body. The latch member is manually movable to a release position, in which the blocking member is removed from the slot in the mounting member to enable the valve actuator to be disengaged from the mounting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Caleffi S.p.A.
    Inventor: Michael R. Schreiner
  • Patent number: 7040361
    Abstract: A dispensing nozzle activation lever lock for use with a dispensing nozzle such as a fuel dispensing nozzle having a handle portion, a trigger guard, and a pump activation lever allows an operator to dispense fuel without having to continuously hold the pump activation lever. The fuel pump activation lever lock includes a first and second engagement arm disposed opposite ends of each other. The first engagement end engages the trigger guard, while the second engagement arm engages the pump activation lever such that the fuel pump activation lever lock holds the pump activation lever in a position wherein the fuel pump nozzle continuously dispenses fuel without the operator holding the pump activation lever. The fuel pump activation lever lock also preferably includes a slot sized and shaped to engage a fuel cap such that the fuel pump activation lever lock may be stored within a fuel chamber on a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Inventors: Benjamin J. Soussan, Benjamin E. Caron
  • Publication number: 20040089830
    Abstract: Disclosed is a valve having one or more ports. The valve comprises a spool slidably disposed within the valve and a generally circular retainer disposed so as to prevent the spool from moving along an axis of the valve. The retainer is capable of opening so as to permit the spool to move along the axis of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Applicant: HydraForce, Inc.
    Inventor: Yakov Beyrak
  • Patent number: 6550495
    Abstract: A thermal safety device for cutting off gas pipelines, wherein gas transfer is prevented by the safety device when temperature increases in the section of the gas pipeline placed downstream from the safety device, especially when connected gas apparatuses are in a closed position maintains production costs and dimensions at a level as low as possible. The safety device includes a check valve which prevents backflow from the gas pipeline which is placed downstream from the device. The inventive device also includes a pressure sensitive element placed downstream from the safety device which is actuated by the pressure in the pipeline. The pressure sensitive element is coupled to a cut-off valve in such a way that when pressure increases in the downstream pipeline the valve prevents gas from flowing into the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Mertik Maxitrol GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Klaus Schulze
  • Patent number: 6527248
    Abstract: A solenoid valve comprising a body in which there is fixed an electromagnet having a plunger core carrying at least one valve member and movable between first and second positions corresponding respectively to an excited state and to a rest state of the electromagnet, and a manual control pushbutton mounted on the body transversely to the plunger core firstly to slide between an active position in which a cam-forming end of the pushbutton co-operates with the plunger core to bring it into its first position and an inactive position into which the pushbutton is returned resiliently and its cam-forming end is disengaged from the plunger core, and secondly, while in the active position, to pivot between a locked position in which the pushbutton co-operates with an abutment element secured to the body which opposes resilient return, and an unlocked position in which the pushbutton escapes from the abutment element, the abutment element including means enabling it to be releasably fixed to the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin Rak SA
    Inventor: Patrick Muller
  • Publication number: 20020185622
    Abstract: A gasoline pump clip holds the operating lever of the pump nozzle in the “on” position. The nozzle is generally “C” shaped so that it can be used from either side or upside down. One portion of the “C” is inserted into the handle frame to hold the operating lever in its on position while the other portion of the “C” rests on top of the handle frame, thus holding the operating lever to the top of the frame. The “C” shape also guards against rotation of the clip from its working position and makes it compact enough to be secured to the inside of the vehicle's fill port cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Rusty E. Bruns
  • Patent number: 6469325
    Abstract: In order to eliminate a difference in ESD resistance caused by the polarities of excessive voltages applied to an external terminal and enhance the ESD resistance of a semiconductor integrated circuit device to both positive and negative overvoltages, a protection element having a thyristor structure, for protecting an internal circuit from the positive overvoltage and a protection element made up of a diode D1 for protecting the internal circuit from the negative overvoltage are provided between the external terminal and a ground potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi ULSI Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyasu Ishizuka, Kousuke Okuyama, Katsuhiko Kubota
  • Patent number: 6467500
    Abstract: A locking device for a ball valve of the type having an operating stem includes a post attached to the valve body with the post extending parallel but spaced axially from the valve stem and formed to receive a locking pin between the post and valve stem to prevent rotation of the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Mueller Co.
    Inventor: Semyon Fridlyand
  • Publication number: 20020047101
    Abstract: A locking device for a butterfly type valve is provided with an actuating shaft extending through a bore provided in a conduit in which the valve is located; the inner end of the shaft carries a locking arm that is movable upon rotation of the shaft between a locking and unlocking position relative to the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventor: David W. Buchwald
  • Patent number: 6361017
    Abstract: A valve for a tank containing anhydrous ammonia has a valve mechanism joined to a flow chamber from the tank. The valve mechanism has a bonnet with a hole through a sidewall of the bonnet. A stem valve portion and a stem handle portion are mounted in the bonnet. The stem valve protion is connected to the valve. The stem handle portion is connected to a handle. The handle may be raised or lowered with respect to the bonnet to selectively engage or disengage the stem handle portion from the stem valve portion. A hasp pin may be passed through the hole in the bonnet and locked in such position for preventing the handle from being lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventors: Spencer M. Nimberger, Robert Ward
  • Patent number: 6234189
    Abstract: A gas-valve assembly has a housing having an inlet port, an outlet port, and a passage extending between the ports and defining an axis, a valve plug rotatable about the axis in the housing in the passage between a closed end position blocking flow between the ports and an open end position permitting flow between the ports, and a control knob rotatable on the housing and angularly coupled to the valve plug. Structure engaged between the knob and the housing prevents the knob from moving axially relative to the housing while permitting rotation of the knob about the axis relative to the housing. A safety valve in the housing has a valve body displaceable axially between a closed position blocking flow through the passage and an open position permitting flow through the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: AGT Gas Technology GmbH
    Inventor: Jürgen Koch
  • Patent number: 6216725
    Abstract: A cover for preventing misoperation is easily and certainly attached/detached to/from an operating piece for manual operation provided for a fluid pressure control device. It is attached so as not to be lost even when the cover is detached for manual operation. For this purpose, retaining grooves 7a and 7b are formed on the outer face of a plunger-type operating piece 3 provided on the top face of the body 4 so as to be projected. A cylindrical cover 5 is provided with a hook 10 which is resiliently retained by the retaining groove 7a or 7b and a string-shaped connecting member 12 which is connected to the operating piece 3, thereby preventing the cover 5 from being lost. The height of the cover 5 is set to be equal to or higher than that of the operating piece 3 in a non-operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Yukihiro Matarai, Yoshio Aso, Makoto Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 6155287
    Abstract: In a fluid pressure control device such as a solenoid-controlled valve having an operating piece for manual operation which is a selector-type operating piece, a cover for preventing misoperation is attached to the selector-type operating piece. Consequently, a cover 6 for preventing misoperation comprised of a base part 10 having an attaching part 14 to be fixed to the casing and a lid part 11 which is integrally connected with the base part 10 via a bending part 12 which can be bent and stretched is attached to a selector-type operating piece 5 having a handle 5a for manual operation at the top. By bending the bending part 12, the lid part 11 can be closed between a closed position covering the handle 5a and opened an open position to release the handle 5a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Yukihiro Matarai, Yoshio Aso, Makoto Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 6138985
    Abstract: A valve assembly having a body assembly mounted to a vessel opening. The body assembly includes a valve seat and a valve throughbore. A valve disk co-acts with the valve seat for opening and closing the valve throughbore. A receiver member having a receiver portion extends from the valve disk. A lock member is mounted in the body assembly and is capable of being received in the receiver portion to lock the valve disk in a locked position restricting movement of the valve disk relative to the valve seat. A valve operator assembly is in cooperative relationship with the valve disk and is capable of forcing the valve disk away from the valve seat to open the valve throughbore when the lock member is in an unlocked position. An interlock lug is attached to the valve operator assembly and prevents movement of the valve operator assembly when the lock member is in the locked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventor: Clyde H. Chronister
  • Patent number: 6095173
    Abstract: An element is provided which includes a control section connection end and a setting position end for enabling a setting of the filling mechanism, with automatic shut-off. The setting end includes a retaining portion. The retaining portion acts to retain the element associated with a gasoline filling mechanism, even after gasoline filling shut-off. The element includes a hole or opening. The opening formed in the device adaptor element receives a connection element. This arrangement is particularly useful for supporting keys or other functional devices such as a bell which may be connected with the automatic gas fill adaptor element device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Anthony G. Perry
  • Patent number: 5931444
    Abstract: A valve assembly for a tank having an opening. The valve assembly includes a body assembly mounted to the tank opening. The body assembly has a valve seat and a valve throughbore. A valve disk coacts with the valve seat for opening and closing the valve throughbore. A locking lug is attached to the valve disk. The locking lug has a locking portion for receiving a safety lock pin mounted in the body assembly. The safety lock pin has a locked position and an unlocked position. The safety lock pin is received in the locking portion of the locking lug to lock the valve disk in the locked position, and the safety lock pin is withdrawn from the locking portion in the unlocked position. A valve operator is in releasable contact with the valve disk. The valve operator forces the valve disk away from the valve seat to open the valve throughbore. The body assembly includes a first member and a second member and the lock pin is mounted in the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: Clyde H. Chronister
  • Patent number: 5752554
    Abstract: A retaining device comprising two articulating clamping portions which encompass around a gasoline pump handle frame, depressing and holding the operating handle, thereby fixedly securing the pump trigger to allow dispensing of gasoline without attendance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Inventor: Scott Campbell
  • Patent number: 5595217
    Abstract: A dry break coupling assembly for interconnecting components of a fluid handling system. The coupling assembly includes first and second valves which each include a rotatable valve element for opening and closing a fluid passageway within a valve body. The valve elements are cooperatively structured such that a portion of one valve element fits within a recess in the other valve element when the valves are connected, thereby reducing any space between the valves in which fluid could collect and spill from when the valves are disconnected. The first valve includes camming levers pivotally mounted to the body. The second valve includes locking fingers disposed on the body that are engaged by the camming levers when the first and second valves are connected and the camming levers pivot to the locking position, whereby the valves are locked together. The present invention provides a mechanism for engaging the camming levers when the valves are opened to prevent inadvertent disconnection of the valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Banjo Corporation
    Inventors: Mark E. Gillen, Stephen L. Biggs
  • Patent number: 5517732
    Abstract: A holder for maintaining the handle of a gasoline dispensing nozzle in a desired position. The inventive device includes a vertical stanchion having an upper clamp leg projecting therefrom. A lower clamp leg is adjustably coupled to the vertical stanchion and can be positioned at a desired distance from the upper clamp leg. The device can be utilized to capture the handle and a portion of the nozzle between the clamp legs to maintain the nozzle in an open position for fueling of an associated vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Inventor: Brent J. Crear
  • Patent number: 5285811
    Abstract: An hopper gate valve having a valve body for connection to a hopper car with a generally elongated discharge opening is provided. A valve member is adapted to engageable and disengage the elongated discharge opening by using a control apparatus which controllably and pivotally effects the displacement of the valve member with respect to the elongated discharge opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: Trinity Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. DiLuigi, Terry W. Malone
  • Patent number: 5240226
    Abstract: A fuel dispenser aid holds a trigger-like valve operating lever relative to a pistol grip-like handle portion of a valving device for dispensing gasoline or other fuels through a nozzle of the valving device without continuously manually holding the operating lever. The dispenser aid includes a mounting member formed of a material having a resilient, shape retaining character configured for mounting over the pistol grip-like handle portion of the valving device, a flexible strap secured at a first end thereof to the mounting member and extending freely therefrom so that it can be looped under the trigger-like valve operating lever and up to the mounting member and an arrangement for releasably and adjustably fastening the free portion of the strap to the mounting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Inventor: Jules M. Bobst
  • Patent number: 5217201
    Abstract: An apparatus receiving a valve stem through a central support tube includes a housing extending upwardly relative to a rear distal end of the support tube. The valve stem includes a truncated conical handle mounted at an outer distal end of the valve stem, with a plurality of spring legs mounted adjacent a forward distal end of an exterior surface of the support tube projecting into the handle to frictionally engage an interior surface of the handle retarding rotation thereof preventing children and the like from inadvertent and unauthorized rotation of a hot water handle of a hot water valve minimizing injury. Displacement of the spring fingers relative to the handle is effected by lifting of a lift handle mounted to an upper distal end of the control housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Inventor: Donnie E. Self
  • Patent number: 5213136
    Abstract: A device for retaining a depressed reversing valve in the depressed position which is operable by the fingers or thumb of one hand to accomplish both the depressing and locking motions and the unlocking motion when it is desired to return the tool to conventional push to reverse operation. This is accomplished by a notched rotary sleeve mounted to the tool housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: The Aro Corporation
    Inventors: Phil D. Thorp, Stephen F. Sims
  • Patent number: 5118074
    Abstract: A device for holding a lever of a gas pump in at least two adjusted, open positions in accordance with a desired rate of flow of fuel from a nozzle thereof, the device including a hook-shaped arm structured to hang over a top surface of the gas pump handle so as to be supportably engaged thereon, and a number of parallel fingers extending outwardly from an elongate portion at spaced intervals from the hook-shaped arm, each of the fingers adapted to supportably receive the lever in one of the adjusted, open positions. The device can be carried on a key ring fitted through an aperture therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Inventor: Steven I. Weissman
  • Patent number: 5094259
    Abstract: An automatic shut-off device for a gas stove, and more particularly, a safety valve control device that can be retrofitted between the gas inlet pipe and the catch base of the stove. The device includes a coupling such that operation of the knob of the gas stove at the time operates the circuit of a gas safety valve control device. This operation causes the forward movement of a function shaft of the gas safety valve device and opens the gas intake valve to supply the gas to the stove burner. The function shaft is also subject to the control by an electromagnetic control rod to maintain the open state of the gas intake valve. In case the fire goes out accidently, the circuit device energizes an electromagnetic coil to attract upwardly an electromagnetic control rod, thereby disconnecting the function shaft, which is spring loaded, and which in turn operates the gas intake valve. This action thus disconnects the gas supply to the stove. Also, if the cooking time is too long, and the fire does not go out (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Inventor: Chung-Hsiung Hsu
  • Patent number: 5064170
    Abstract: A lockable sprayer shutoff valve has a housing and an upstream hose insert which is slip-fit into the upstream end of a slidably mounted valve sleeve. An O-ring seal is provided between the hose insert and the valve sleeve. The downstream end of the valve sleeve is slip-fit with an O-ring seal over the upstream end of a tubular wand sleeve supported in the downstream end of the housing. A valve plug is generally centered in the valve sleeve for sealing contact with the downstream end of the hose insert when the valve sleeve is in a closed position. When the valve is in the open position fluid is allowed to flow through the hose insert, around the valve plug through slot openings which circumscribe the plug, through the valve sleeve and through the wand sleeve. At least one locking finger is provided on the valve housing. The locking finger can be positioned to interfere with the sliding movement of the valve sleeve and thereby lock the valve sleeve in either the open or closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1991
    Assignee: Root-Lowell Corporation
    Inventor: Robert G. Feyen
  • Patent number: 5046523
    Abstract: A rotary plug valve is disclosed having a housing and a valve core which can be selectively locked in an unlimited number of positions relative to the mandatory inlet and outlet piping, said valve having no visible indication of the internally concealed locking mechanism location. Selectively, a locking pin, that can be activated by authorized personnel, is passed through a passageway engaging a concealed locking cap preventing rotation of the valve core relative to the valve housing for security and safety applications. Removal of the locking pin with an authorized key permits operation for conventional usages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Inventor: George Horhota
  • Patent number: 4969586
    Abstract: A delivery chute flow control device is disclosed. The device has a body portion which mates with the remainder of the delivery chute. Affixed to one end of the body portion is a rotatable door which is used to control the flow of material. A locking mechanism is provided as a way of securing the door in a fixed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Inventor: Michael Ostroski
  • Patent number: 4911333
    Abstract: A valve especially adapted for dispensing problematic beverages such as pressurized slurries of frozen or semi-frozen material comprising a valve body, an end cap, an inlet, a valve bore with an outlet, and a valve seat having a specially designed passageway that directs fluid flow toward the walls of the valve bore rather than axially toward the valve outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Inventor: J. Randall Wilson