With Material Guide Or Restrictor Patents (Class 251/118)
  • Patent number: 7174912
    Abstract: A shut-off valve assembly for regulating the flow of fluid through or from a fluid line. The assembly comprises: a body attachable to or within a fluid line and having a chamber therein with inlets and an outlet for fluid from the fluid line; a valve seat that provides the outlet; a baffle arrangement including a baffle housing; a valve member having a sealing member movable between a shielded position, whereby the sealing member is substantially shielded by the baffle housing from a fluid stream moving from the inlets to outlet, and an unshielded position, whereby the sealing member can be forced by the fluid stream against the valve seat to seal the outlet; and a solenoid-spring drive for moving the sealing member between the shielded and unshielded positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Howard Lowe
  • Patent number: 7159617
    Abstract: An essentially fully balanced plug valve is presented in which the flow control contour is interior to the moving member. The sealing edge of the moving member is at the exterior surface relative to the interior contour. This sealing edge is formed by use of matching angles on the interior of the moving member and the exterior of the stationary member. As a result, operation of the plug is fully balanced with the internal fluid pressure of the liquid therein. The sealing surface of the stationary member is positively retained therein to prevent blowout of the sealing surface. Should failure of the sealing surface occur, a secondary metal-to-metal seal will provide fluid containment albeit possibly at a reduced containment level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Invensys Building Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Irving C. Erickson, Hongming Ge, Bonnie Dickinson
  • Patent number: 7159610
    Abstract: Disclosed is a relief valve, in which a flow rate of hydraulic fluid is not greatly changed even when temperature is changed, and thus providing smooth operation and preventing foreign materials contained in the hydraulic fluid from being introduced into the relief valve. The relief valve is comprised of a sleeve provided with a high-pressure inlet and a tank fluid channel; a main poppet provided with an inflow fluid passage and a back pressure chamber; an annular fluid passage provided on a front end of the main poppet; a seat provided with a seat fluid channel communicating with the back pressure chamber; and a pilot poppet communicating the seat fluid channel with the tank fluid channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment Holding Sweden AB
    Inventor: Hae Kyun Cheong
  • Patent number: 7150444
    Abstract: A valve with an integral orifice for use in gas feeding equipment provided with a pressure-type flow volume control device to be employed for manufacturing of semi-conductors and chemical goods. The valve with an integral orifice has the excellent flow rate control characteristics by improving the processing accuracy of the orifice and preventing the distortion of the orifice at the time of assembling. The orifice is formed in a stainless steel made orifice disc. The metal-made orifice disc with the orifice formed by separate processing and the synthetic-resin-made valve seat body are removably assembled, wherein the orifice disc and the synthetic resin made valve seat body are fixed airtight to the valve main body by pressing the valve seat body via a metal inner disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignees: Fujikin Incorporated
    Inventors: Tadahiro Ohmi, Kouji Nishino, Nobukazu Ikeda, Michio Yamaji, Ryousuke Dohi, Eiji Ideta, Takashi Hirose
  • Patent number: 7147002
    Abstract: A multi-function fluid flow control device is disclosed. A body houses a filter screen, a check valve and an orifice plate mounted on a frame which is removable from the body as a unit through an opening in the body sealed by a removable plug. The orifice plate is removable from the frame to permit different sized orifices to be fitted. An inlet in the body conducts pressurized fluid through the filter screen, through the check valve and then out through an outlet in the body, both the inlet and outlet being adapted for convenient connection to a piping network. An opening in the body in fluid communication with the inlet and sealable by a removable plug allows the screen to be flushed for removal of debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Victaulic Company
    Inventor: William J. Reilly
  • Patent number: 7143992
    Abstract: A device (RF) for regulating and/or stabilizing the flow of a fluid comprises a single body (20), envisaged for insertion in a pipe for passage of the fluid, in particular the inlet pipe of a solenoid valve (1). According to the invention, in the single body (20) of the device there is directly integrated an arrangement for silencing the flow of the fluid. The single body (20) is made in a single piece of moulded thermoplastic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Eltek S.p.A.
    Inventors: Luigi Sassone, Paolo Savini
  • Patent number: 7124777
    Abstract: Provided is a reversing valve for reversing flow in a refrigeration system. The reversing valve includes a valve body having first, second, third, and fourth ports disposed into the valve body. A valve member inside the valve body can be selectively moved between a first position intersecting the second and third ports and a second position intersecting the second and fourth ports. The valve member defines a channel that directs flow between the selected pairs of ports. The channel is generally shaped as a curve that bends the flow between the selected ports. To reduce the pressure drop across the reversing valve, a flow splitter is included that divides the channel into multiple sub-channels. Dividing the channel into multiple sub-channels increases the curve ratio of the channel, which reduces the generation of turbulent secondary flows in the channel. The flow splitter also provides additional structural support to the valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Ranco Incorporated of Delaware
    Inventors: Jack A. Moreno, Lawrence B. Hall, Scott R. Schneller, Richard E. Ballard
  • Patent number: 7111643
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for modifying a flow characteristic, such as a valve characteristic, through use of a flow characterizing device having a segmented flow characterizing channel therein including three or more discrete segments, at least one of which is a through-hole, for modifying a flow of fluid through a flowpath, in which the flow characterizing device is mounted, when a controlling edge, mounted in the flowpath adjacent the flow characterizing device, is aligned with one or more of the three or more discrete segments of the flow characterizing channel. Either or both of the flow characterizing channel and the controlling edge are selectively movable relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Invensys Building Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Hung-Sun Oh
  • Patent number: 7077161
    Abstract: An excess pressure relief system for a tank (10) carried on a vehicle, which includes a relief valve (11) for relieving excess pressure in the tank (10); and a diffuser (12) provided on a discharge line (11a) downstream of the relief valve (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michiaki Sasaki, Takayuki Fuwa
  • Patent number: 7055547
    Abstract: A circuit balancing valve includes a valve body having fluid flow passage extending therethrough. The fluid flow passage includes a fluid inlet passage-side in fluid communication with a supply line, and a fluid flow outlet passage-side in fluid communication with an outfeed line. A valve seat is provided in the valve body between the inlet and outlet flow passages, and a sealing member is selectively movable in the operation of the valve towards or away from the valve seat to restrict or permit fluid to flow from the inlet passage-side to the outlet passage-side. Fin members are disposed in the outlet passage. The fin members are provided as an axially elongated rib, with a radial spacing from each other of between about 45° and 135°. The inlet flow passage includes an enlarged diameter cylindrical section and a reduced diameter cylindrical section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: S.A. Armstrong Limited
    Inventor: Baogang Wang
  • Patent number: 7011109
    Abstract: A valve assembly comprising a rotary closure element which defines an axis of rotation and is selectively movable between a fully open position and a fully closed position. Mounted to and movable with the rotary closure element is an impedance assembly. The impedance assembly defines an inflow end and an outflow end, and comprises a plurality of tortuous passageways which extend from the inflow end to the outflow end. Also fully or partially defined by the impedance assembly is an enlarged flow opening which extends from the inflow end to the outflow end. The tortuous passageways and the flow opening are oriented relative to each other such that a portion of a flow through the valve assembly is directed into the tortuous passageways and a portion of the flow is directed through the flow opening when the closure element is in the fully open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Control Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Duc Thanh Tran, Raymond R. Newton, Paul Smirl, Roger Bey, Tina Benac
  • Patent number: 6983924
    Abstract: An ortho-planar spring has a platform movably coupled to a base and being movable linearly with respect to the base along at least a portion of an axial direction perpendicular to both a base surface and a platform surface. A resilient and flexible connecting structure is connected to and between the base and platform. The connecting structure is bendable to develop (i) an axial force along the axial direction to bias the platform in a stable position with respect to the base, and (ii) non-axial forces which substantially sum to zero to preserve the orientation of the platform with respect to the base. Thus, the spring is very compact and does not have rotation between the deflecting ends. The spring may be associated with a valve opening, and a button for restricting flow through the valve opening, to bias the button at a position with respect to the valve opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Brigham Young University
    Inventors: Larry L. Howell, Scott Thomson, Jason Alan Briscoe, John J. Parise, Shae Lorenc, John B. Larsen, Curtis R. Huffmire, Nathan Burnside, Troy A. Gomm
  • Patent number: 6971625
    Abstract: A valve assembly having a valve body, a piston, a modulating plug, a valve cover adjoining the valve body, and a throttling member. The valve body has an inlet and outlet port, a partition with a valve seat separating the valve body into a first and second flow passage. The piston has a throughbore including an orifice, reciprocably mounted in the valve body and movable between a first and second position. The modulating plug, in abutting contact with the piston and reciprocably mounted in the valve body, gradually moves between an open position, permitting a main fluid flow, and a closed position engaging the valve seat, blocking the main fluid flow. The throttling member is adapted to insure a gradual alteration of the cross-section of the orifice upon piston movement. A method of gradually opening the valve assembly modulating plug is also set forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Parker Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Paul G. Szymaszek, Ricky J. VanSeters
  • Patent number: 6959915
    Abstract: A block of material is attached to a surface of a throttle plate in a throttle body assembly for the purpose of reducing sound emanating from the throttle plate region. The block of material has a first edge attached proximate to a perimeter of the throttle plate and second edge disposed more proximate the pivot axis of the throttle plate. The block of material is formed to have a central region and two distal regions. The distal regions are hyperbolic in shape and taper toward the outer edges of the block of material. Two holes are formed through the block of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventors: Benjamin C. Wald, Rick D. Dobbs, Loren T. Powers
  • Patent number: 6935372
    Abstract: The invention includes chemical vapor deposition methods, including atomic layer deposition, and valve assemblies for use with a reactive precursor in semiconductor processing. In one implementation, a chemical vapor deposition method includes positioning a semiconductor substrate within a chemical vapor deposition chamber. A first deposition precursor is fed to a remote plasma generation chamber positioned upstream of the deposition chamber, and a plasma is generated therefrom within the remote chamber and effective to form a first active deposition precursor species. The first species is flowed to the deposition chamber. During the flowing, flow of at least some of the first species is diverted from entering the deposition chamber while feeding and maintaining plasma generation of the first deposition precursor within the remote chamber. At some point, diverting is ceased while feeding and maintaining plasma generation of the first deposition precursor within the remote chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ross S. Dando, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Allen P. Mardian
  • Patent number: 6932102
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for regulating the flow rate and/or the pressure of a fluid transferred from a high-pressure reservoir (H) to a reservoir (S). A first valve (1) provided with a control (2) is mounted in a pipe (10, 11, 12) connecting the two reservoirs (H, S). A Laval nozzle (3) located downstream of the first valve (1) is provided with an electrical pressure-drop sensor (4). A second valve (5) provided with a control (6) is connected between the downstream part of the Laval nozzle and an exhaust orifice (R). A micro-programmed system (7), designed to receive the values read by the pressure-drop sensor (4) and to drive the two controls (2, 6) of the two valves (1, 5) makes it possible to regulate the flow rate and/or the pressure of the fluid transferred from the first reservoir (H) to the second reservoir (S).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Olicorp Sarl
    Inventor: Alain Dupuis
  • Patent number: 6913042
    Abstract: A valve assembly comprising a rotary closure element which defines an axis of rotation and is selectively movable between a fully open position and a fully closed position. Mounted to and movable with the rotary closure element is an impedance assembly. The impedance assembly defines an inflow end and an outflow end, and comprises a plurality of fluid passageways of varying noise attenuating capability which extend from the inflow end to the outflow end. Also partially defined by the impedance assembly is a flow opening which extends from the inflow end to the outflow end. A retainer bracket is disposed within the flow opening and is cooperatively engaged to both the closure element and the impedance assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Control Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Duc Thanh Tran
  • Patent number: 6910673
    Abstract: A valve with a calibrated flow orifice insert for use in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (“HVAC”) applications so as to provide metered flow through the valve. The insert is used as a flow control device and is inserted into a conventional threaded ball valve. The insert has a cylindrical axial bore that is sized to provide a maximum valve flow coefficient. Peripheral threads on the insert mate with interior threads on the inlet of the valve body. A pair of bores on the face of the insert permit threaded insertion into the valve. The axial orifice bore through the insert is sized using experimentally-determined formulas related to the Reynolds numbers for the orifice and for the piping upstream of the insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Valve Teck, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Green, Gino James Rouss
  • Patent number: 6886598
    Abstract: Flow enhancing restrictors are located within a fluid conduit to provide pressure reduction and flow enhancement. The restrictors may be used in combination with a conventional choke valve or as a stand-alone pressure reduction means. Alternative exemplary embodiments for flow enhancers are described. Each of the flow enhancers has a generally cylindrical base with at least one fluid passage disposed therethrough. Each of the flow enhancers also provides a dome that projects upwardly from the center of the base to assist in directing fluid flow and receiving the abrasive forces associated with the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Wood Group Pressure Control Limited
    Inventor: Stephen McCulloch
  • Patent number: 6886596
    Abstract: A valve assembly comprising a rotary closure element which defines an axis of rotation and is selectively movable between a fully open position and a fully closed position. Mounted to and movable with the rotary closure element is an impedance assembly. The impedance assembly defines an inflow end and an outflow end, and comprises a plurality of fluid passageways of varying noise attenuating capability which extend from the inflow end to the outflow end. Also partially defined by the impedance assembly is a flow opening which extends from the inflow end to the outflow end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Control Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Duc Thanh Tran
  • Patent number: 6883777
    Abstract: A valve assembly for a liquid containing tank or the like, having a vortex breaker within the tank of liquid, and affixed to an external valve. The valve has a discharge port and a valve body with an outer member which allows the flow of liquid and a concentrically-spaced inner member provided with upper and lower seals to prevent the leakage of the liquid and allow uniform closure of the valve. The inner tubular member is movable vertically such as with a screw thread and associated handle, from a closed to an open position to allow flow of the liquid from the tank to a discharge port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Strahman Valves Inc.
    Inventor: David Smith
  • Patent number: 6880579
    Abstract: A noise reduction device for use in a fluid flow system comprises a central section and an outer annular section. The outer annular section is designed to reduce the velocity of an annular fluid flow relative to a central core fluid flow. The central section of the device has a plurality of apertures, while the annular section has upstream apertures communicating with a pressure reduction chamber and downstream apertures. The upstream apertures of the annular section are smaller than, and off set from, the downstream apertures of an annular section to increase the pressure reduction and further reduce the velocity of the fluid flow in an annular section. 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 annular fluid flow and a core fluid flow, and the velocity of the annular fluid flow is reduced relative to the core fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry W. Boger
  • Patent number: 6851449
    Abstract: A diaphragm head with a high energy content of the oil space (pressure×volume) has a strong negative influence on the corresponding behavior of the oil overflow valve. The reaction of the valve leads to an undesirable increase in the opening time by which more oil is discharged than oil introduced by means of a compensation pump. This has the result that after multiple strokes the diaphragm is not driven to its dead position. With this, all of the compressed gas is not expelled which is accompanied by a rapid decrease of the suction capacity. The solution to this problem according to the present invention is achieved by means of a flow-interrupting edge formed at the junction of the valve seat and a restriction piece at the outlet side by which the operating forces of the valve spindle are sharply reduced. With this the effective closing force of the spring, as the dominant force component, leads to the desired fast closing time to the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: Horst Kleibrink
  • Publication number: 20040262553
    Abstract: A noise reduction device for use in a fluid flow system comprises a central section and an outer annular section. The outer annular section is designed to reduce the velocity of an annular fluid flow relative to a central core fluid flow. The central section of the device has a plurality of apertures, while the annular section has upstream apertures communicating with a pressure reduction chamber and downstream apertures. The upstream apertures of the annular section are smaller than, and off set from, the downstream apertures of an annular section to increase the pressure reduction and further reduce the velocity of the fluid flow in an annular section. 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 annular fluid flow and a core fluid flow, and the velocity of the annular fluid flow is reduced relative to the core fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: Dresser, Inc., a Delaware corporation
    Inventor: Henry W. Boger
  • Patent number: 6830062
    Abstract: A dripper apparatus for a water spigot includes a coupler having a threaded female member for connecting to a water spigot. A generally cylindrical elongate member has a longitudinal portion in fluid communication with the female member. The longitudinal portion has an upper portion that defines a seat within the female member. A flow controller sits on the seat. A filter screen upstream the flow controller collects particles in water flowing therethrough so that the controller does not become clogged. The flow controller includes a housing that is provided with an upper inlet for receiving a first flow rate of water from a water spigot. The housing also includes a cavity therewithin and the cavity is in fluid contact with the upper inlet. A flexible membrane is housed within the cavity and floats when water enters the cavity via the upper inlet. The upper inlet is slotted at the top thereof for further filtering water flowing therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Inventor: John R. Montpetit
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20040195536
    Abstract: An improved solenoid valve assembly for controlling fluid flow having a valve body with an inlet and outlet, a diaphragm assembly with passages for providing fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet, and a movable seal pad responsive to an external signal for controlling flow through one of the passages. The improvement has the diaphragm assembly including a symmetrical fluid flow restrictor movable within the valve body, with a head portion, an intermediate portion and a guide portion surrounding a main body portion. The head portion has a first end of the pilot passage which extends through the main body portion. The intermediate portion includes an annular extension with an upper side and a lower side. The guide portion has a plurality of legs extending from the main body portion for a distance substantially equal to the outer diameter of the annular extension, and is spaced from and interconnected with the intermediate portion by reduced diameter gullet portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Dennis Mudge, Russell P. Leonard, Kimi A. Baranowski, Robert F. Ferrando, Kazimierz Janowski, Walter Luciuk
  • Patent number: 6763852
    Abstract: An alternating distributor for high-viscosity liquids consisting of a product line I (2) which discharges in a central distribution chamber (1) having no surfaces and edges running perpendicularly to the flow of the product and for this purpose two product valves (3) in a Y-shaped arrangement each having a product line II (6) and optionally an auxiliary valve, characterized in that the valve blocks (8) of the product valves (3) have a mushroom-shaped displacer headpiece (11, 12) which when the valve is closed is positioned in the distribution chamber (1) and when the valve is open is positioned at the level of product line II (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Lurgi Zimmer AG
    Inventors: Ferdinand Finkeldei, Walter Schnaus
  • Patent number: 6752170
    Abstract: There is disclosed a pressure regulating valve which effectively reduces a noise of a fuel pressure regulating valve without relation to a flow amount of a fuel. In this valve, a flow collision preventing member (35) is fitted to an upper end opening portion of a bush (26), and an upper portion of the flow collision preventing member (35) is protruded to a side of a valve body (33) rather than a valve seat (28) (an upper end surface of the bush (26)). A plurality of flow passages (36) for flowing the fuel in an axial direction thereof (in a downward direction) along an inner peripheral surface of the bush (26) are formed in an outer peripheral portion of the flow collision preventing member (35) with a uniform interval. A runoff recess portion (37) running off a protruding portion of the flow collision preventing member (35) is formed in the valve body (33) positioned immediately above the valve seat (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignees: Denso Corporation, Kyosandenki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiko Muramatsu, Takashi Furukawa, Shinji Takase
  • Patent number: 6681762
    Abstract: A device for flow rate limitation at low differential pressures, particularly for limiting the volumetric inhalation flow during inhalation of therapeutic aerosols, consists of a housing 11 including an aspiration orifice 14, an inhalation orifice 15 and a flow passage 23 disposed therebetween. The flow passage has a flat elongate cross-section with flexible large-area walls 18, 20 having a cross-sectional area adapted to be reduced, as a function of the differential pressure prevailing between the inhalation orifice and the aspiration orifice, as well as of the flexibility of the material of the walls, to a size appropriate for a predetermined volumetric maximum inhalation flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: GSF-Forschungszentrum fur Umwelt und Gesundheit GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Scheuch, Knut Sommerer, Bernhard Müllinger, Friedel Haas, Sascha Roeder
  • Patent number: 6668863
    Abstract: A throttle element with a gap filter for use in a fuel pump is proposed, which is press-fitted into a conduit in the housing of an injection pump. By means of the press fitting, a good sealing action and at the same time low-cost production and mounting are attained. The throttle element can furthermore be designed economically and compactly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Eberhard Maier
  • Patent number: 6648609
    Abstract: The invention is a device and method in a high-pressure chromatography system, such as a supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) system, that uses a pump as a pressure source for precision pumping of a compressible fluid. The preferred exemplary embodiment comprises a pressure regulation assembly installed downstream from a compressible fluid pump but prior to combining the compressible flow with a relatively incompressible modifier flow stream. The present invention allows the replacement of an high-grade SFC pump in the compressible fluid flow stream with an inexpensive and imprecise pump. The imprecise pump becomes capable of moving the compressible fluid flow stream in a precise flow rate and pattern. The assembly dampens the damaging effects of an imprecise pump, such as large pressure oscillations caused by flow ripples and noisy pressure signals that do not meet precise SFC pumping requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Berger Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry A. Berger, Kimber D. Fogelman, Kenneth Klein, L. Thompson Staats, III, Mark Nickerson, Paul F. Bente, III
  • Publication number: 20030178592
    Abstract: A noise reduction device for use in a fluid flow system comprises a central section and an outer annular section. The outer annular section is designed to reduce the velocity of an annular fluid flow relative to a central core fluid flow. The central section of the device has a plurality of apertures, while the annular section has upstream apertures communicating with a pressure reduction chamber and downstream apertures. The upstream apertures of the annular section are smaller than, and off set from, the downstream apertures of an annular section to increase the pressure reduction and further reduce the velocity of the fluid flow in an annular section. 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 annular fluid flow and a core fluid flow, and the velocity of the annular fluid flow is reduced relative to the core fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Applicant: DRESSER, INC.
    Inventor: Henry W. Boger
  • Patent number: 6619286
    Abstract: A regulator assembly is provided for use in a respirator system to supply a regulated flow of air to a respirator head piece. The respirator assembly comprises a housing (15) having an air inlet port (17) for connection to a source of air at comparatively high pressure, and an air outlet port (23) for connection to the respirator head piece. The housing (15) contains an air pressure-reduction stage (19) in communication with the inlet port (17), and a noise-reduction stage (21) between the pressure-reduction stage and the outlet port (23). The noise reduction stage (21) comprises two, spaced, muffler discs (41, 43) the first of which is positioned adjacent the air outlet (39) of the pressure-reduction stage (19). A deflector plate (47) deflects the airflow from the pressure-reduction stage (19) through the first muffler disc (41), and thereby diffuses the air flow before it reaches the second muffler disc (43).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventor: Kaushik I. Patel
  • Patent number: 6564825
    Abstract: A flow meter system that calculates mass flow rate based only on a single pressure signal. A flow controller is arranged in parallel with a restriction such that it constant pressure differential is maintained across the restriction. The pressure, and temperature if not controlled, of the fluid flowing through the restriction is measured on either side of the restriction. The pressure is compared to a plot of pressure versus mass flow rate calculated for the specific restriction and fluid being measured. The constant pressure differential maintained across the restriction yields a linear relationship between pressure and flow rate. If temperature is not controlled, the plot or pressure versus mass flow rate will remain linear, but the slope of the curve will be adjusted based on the temperature of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Flowmatrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick A. Lowery, Petur Thordarson, Robert Laragione
  • Patent number: 6564824
    Abstract: A flow meter system that calculates mass flow rate based only on a single pressure signal. A flow controller is arranged in parallel with a restriction such that a constant pressure differential is maintained across the restriction. The pressure, and temperature if not controlled, of the fluid flowing through the restriction is measured on either side of the restriction. The pressure is compared to a plot of pressure versus mass flow rate calculated for the specific restriction and fluid being measured. The constant pressure differential maintained across the restriction yields a linear relationship between pressure and flow rate. If temperature is not controlled, the plot of pressure versus mass flow rate will remain linear, but the slope of the curve will be adjusted based on the temperature of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Flowmatrix, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick A. Lowery, Petur Thordarson, Robert Laragione
  • 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: 6536473
    Abstract: The downstream end of the flow trim cage is formed to provide an inwardly protruding lip. The lip deflects flow inwardly as it leaves the bore of the cage. As a result, erosion of the body, immediately downstream of the flow trim, is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Master Flo Valve Inc.
    Inventor: Larry J. Bohaychuk
  • Patent number: 6536467
    Abstract: A check valve having a profiled entrance that reduces net positive suction head for piston and plunger pumps. The valve inlet surface has a cross-section that may include a curved portion that corresponds to a portion of a cone, circle, ellipse, hyperbola, or parabola.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: National-Oilwell, L.P.
    Inventors: Samuel S. Wu, George A. Hall, Aziz J. Merchant
  • Publication number: 20030042448
    Abstract: A throttle body for use in the air intake system of a motor vehicle comprising a throttle body defining a throttle bore. The throttle plate is rotatably mounted within the throttle bore, having an outside diameter smaller than an inside diameter of the throttle bore. A plurality of fins, located on the throttle plate, extend from the throttle plate in a direction generally perpendicular to a plane defined by said throttle plate. The fins are optimized in number, thickness, spacing, length, shape, and angle to reduce air-rush noise without impacting engine performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventors: David A. Conley, Christopher Edward Shaw, Stephen Joseph Hamby
  • Patent number: 6516828
    Abstract: A snap-type safety relief valve is provided that is designed for use under specified operating conditions on a pressure vessel or a flow line having a pressurized gas therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Mercer Valve Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy R. Choate, Michael J. Easton
  • Patent number: 6511041
    Abstract: A gas-lift valve includes a valve member having an inner wall defining a flow passage having a longitudinal axis, the valve member having a planar inlet end and an outlet end, the inner wall diverging from the inlet end to the outlet end so that the flow passage increases in cross sectional area from the inlet end to said outlet end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Intevep, S. A.
    Inventor: Juan G. Faustinelli
  • Patent number: 6464201
    Abstract: A valve (12) for a motor vehicle air spring (2) having an ancillary volume (6) provides a finely metered continuous opening up to the complete cross section without throttle and a stable performance for flow forces results. The valve (12) is characterized by a star nozzle (50) which includes any desired number of slots nS (52) which mutually intersect and each slot has the length DS (58) and a width sS (56) and the slots are arranged so as to be concentric. The star nozzle peripheral length LUS (64) is increased compared to a round nozzle LUR. For the valve cross section, AVS=LUS·HS applies. The throughput cross section ADS of the star nozzle (50) is so large that it corresponds at least to the cross section AL of the inlet (68) and the outlet (70). A preferably triangular-shaped valley-like recess (66) is provided between each two mutually adjacent ones of the slots (52). The sealing body (40) of the valve (12) is preferably configured as a collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Continental Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Heinz Job
  • Patent number: 6439540
    Abstract: A butterfly valve noise suppressor is provided for reducing the noise generated by a gas flow passing through an open butterfly valve having a disc pivotally mounted in a valve housing for rotation about a transverse axis between an open and a closed position thereof. The noise suppressor includes a plurality of flat and perforated baffle plates arranged in a cruciform configuration, mounted in a flow path immediately downstream of the pivotal disc, axially extending and thereby dividing the downstream flow path into four axial and quadrant cross-sectional segments. The gas flow passing the edge of the pivotal disc in the valve generates a flow turbulence to form an unsteady large wake downstream of the valve. This unsteady wake is the source of noise. The cruciform baffle plates permit the gas flow to pass therethrough without obstruction thereto, while allowing the turbulence to communicate laterally through the perforation, thereby dissipating the wake unsteadiness to reduce noise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventor: Man-Chun Tse
  • Patent number: 6439267
    Abstract: When a fluid passes through a conventional elbow, turbulence is created in the fluid flow. The fluid may not stabilize and return to a laminar flow until 40-50 pipe diameters downstream. Turbulence in a piping system can cause a variety of problems such as measurement error, noise, vibration, and/or erosion. The flow diffuser of the present invention may be configured as a 90° elbow for use in a piping system to reduce turbulence and/or pulsation as the fluid passes through the improved elbow. The elbow can restore substantially laminar flow in a space of about four pipe diameters, with nominal pressure drop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Welker Engineering Company
    Inventor: Robert H. Welker
  • Patent number: 6425281
    Abstract: A pressure insensitive gas process device that includes a gas sensor and restrictions upstream and downstream of the gas sensor. The restrictions result in pressure drops upstream and downstream of the gas sensor which shield the gas sensor from upstream and downstream pressure changes, respectively, rendering the gas sensor and the entire gas process device insensitive to pressure changes. Gas process devices in which pressure insensitivity may be achieved include mass flow controllers as well as other types of devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Unit Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: David P. Sheriff, Chiun Wang
  • Patent number: 6422265
    Abstract: A valve seat for a fuel pressure regulator includes a valve body adapted to be disposed in the fuel pressure regulator and a passageway extending axially through the valve body. The passageway is tapered through the valve body to reduce fluid flow cavitation by limiting expansion of the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Sharon Elizabeth Beyer, Mohammed Aslam, Chris Clarence Begley, Grover Wesley Preston, Daniel J. Buehler
  • Patent number: 6415817
    Abstract: A magnet valve for tank venting in motor vehicles, having at least one valve opening forming a sealing seat and having a spring-loaded valve member cooperating with the at least one sealing seat for opening and closing the valve and actuated by an electromagnet counter to the restoring force of a restoring spring. Downstream of the valve member, a flow element that throttles the flow of a gas is disposed, the shape of the flow element is adapted to the opening cross section of the sealing seat that cooperates with the valve member, for determining (metering) the flow quantity of the gas through the cross section of the flow element when the magnet valve is open. The shape of the flow element is determined (metered) in such a way that the area of the opening cross section of the effective valve seat is greater than 2.5 and preferably greater than 9 times the area of the effective cross section of the flow element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Erwin Krimmer, Wolfgang Schulz, Tilman Miehle
  • Publication number: 20020079471
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an instantaneous multistage and water-saving valve wherein a swinging rod is used to trigger the pushing element and the value, and the number of the sloping teeth on the engaging hook block can provide multiple stage of water flow rate so as to provide a rapid and convenient operation in supplying water. When the swinging rod is triggered so as to turn off water supply, the upper half of the pushing rod is urged and this will urge the pushing element to become slanting, and the end terminal edge will urge the blocking section of the cavity chamber. Thus, the valve is moved forward to achieve the turning on and turning off action in a multiple stage of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Chung-Shan Shen