Baffle Or Zigzag Flow Restrictor Patents (Class 251/127)
  • Patent number: 7044437
    Abstract: A flexible size diffuser grid assembly formed up of individual sparger units for use as a noise abatement device to reduce the fluid pressure in a predetermined manner to substantially reduce the aerodynamic noise and structural vibrations produced by a fluid moving therethrough. The sparger grid assembly is formed in a window pane grid-like arrangement of individual sparger pane units, each of which are mounted in a support frame, and each of which utilize individual stack of flat plates, the plates respectively having inlet slots and outlet slots, and interconnecting plenums, to create a series of passageways to substantially subdivide the flow stream of steam into smaller portions to reduce fluid pressure. The individual sparger units can be formed of a standard size, or instead formed of custom sizes, and greater or less numbers of individual window pane sparger units can be used in the frame, depending on the given end-use application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC.
    Inventor: Robert T. Martin
  • Patent number: 6997205
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for substantially preventing access to an inlet of a vent. The apparatus may comprise a housing attachable to the inlet of the vent and having one or more traps position therein to block insertion of a fluid insertion device through the housing and to the inlet of the vent. The traps may be formed by intersections of interior panels within the housing. The traps may be configured to allow fluid flow to exit the vent inlet and pass through the housing before venting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventor: Glenn L. Kocek
  • Patent number: 6974116
    Abstract: A rotary ball valve assembly for a rotary ball valve comprises a rotary closure element and an impedance assembly. The closure element is rotatable about a rotational axis, and has a through-bore defining a flow inlet and a flow outlet. The impedance assembly is positioned, at least in part, within the bore of the closure element. The impedance assembly includes a plurality of flow passages therethrough. An inlet and/or outlet of two or more of the flow passages is elongate and arcuate so that, in use, as the closure element rotates, the arcuate elongate inlet and/or outlet of each flow passage which is exposed is fully or substantially fully opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: EVOLA Limited
    Inventors: Cynthia Christenson, James W. Mohrfeld, Kevin Jackson
  • Patent number: 6910869
    Abstract: A valveless micropump includes a hollow pump chamber having a driving element coupled thereto, an inlet channel coupled to the hollow pump chamber, and an outlet channel coupled to the hollow pump chamber. The inlet channel, the hollow pump chamber, and the outlet channel define a fluid flow path through the inlet channel, the hollow pump chamber, and the outlet channel. At least one direction-sensitive element disposed in the flow path within one of the inlet and outlet channels and comprising a direction-sensitive element, is installed at an angle which produces a drag ratio greater than unity on fluid in the flow path. The driving element may comprise an electrostatic/piezoelectric member. Various embodiments of the valveless pump include one or more of the airfoil elements mounted in one, the other or both of the inlet and outlet channels, including embodiments in which one or more cascades of the airfoil elements are mounted in the inlet channel and the outlet channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Institute of High Performance Computing
    Inventors: Teng Yong Ng, Diao Xu, Khin Yong Lam
  • Patent number: 6848668
    Abstract: There is provided a silent-operating device for feeding water into a tank, in particular for filling a lavatory flush tank; the silencing effect is achieved by feeding the water through a chamber housing flow deflecting members; the members are perforated members arranged successively and spaced apart in the flow direction inside the chamber, and have respective numbers of through holes; the holes of consecutive members being offset with respect to one another to define a labyrinth path, i.e. a number of winding coil-like or zigzag paths, inside the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Oliveira & Irmao S.A.
    Inventors: NoƩ Figueiredo, Antonio Manuel Gameiro Lopes, Victor Antonio Ferreira Da Costa, Antonio Manuel Moura De Oliveira
  • Publication number: 20040217312
    Abstract: A ball valve for fluids comprises a body (11) provided with an inlet and an outlet (12, 13) and with an inner chamber (14) in which a ball element (15) having a main communication passageway (17) passing through the ball element itself is rotatably received. The ball element is rotatable between an angular position at which the valve is completely closed, said passageway being disposed substantially transverse to the inlet and outlet, and an angular position at which the valve is completely open, said main passageway being aligned with the valve inlet and outlet to create a communication therebetween. The ball element (15) comprises a secondary communication passageway (19) of a reduced section disposed laterally of said main communication passageway. The secondary passageway is designed to bring the valve inlet and outlet into communication with each other when said ball element is in a range of intermediate angular positions between said completely open and completely closed positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Inventors: Antonio Corbetta, Antonello Vago
  • Patent number: 6783108
    Abstract: A fueldraulic metering valve uses pressurized liquid fuel to control flow of gaseous fuel to a jet engine combustion chamber. The valve has a disconnectable body defining a piston chamber and a cavity for an interchangeable venturi nozzle module, both disposed about a stroke axis. A servo valve controls flow of the liquid fuel through the piston chamber and supply and return ports. The liquid fuel drives a piston and pintle assembly to open and close off the throat of the venturi passageway, and thereby control metering of the gaseous fuel, which flow through separate intake and exhaust ports. The gas and liquid fuel are separated by a high temperature seal. The liquid fuel is routed through the piston and a special baffle to dissipate heat transferred to the seal and piston from the hot gaseous fuel. A LVDT position transducer provides feedback to the controller for correcting position error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Jansen's Aircraft Systems Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Harvey B. Jansen
  • Patent number: 6752795
    Abstract: An adjustable fluid flow resistor cassette 10 for use in ophthalmic surgery, includes a housing 12. A set of path restrictors 24 are disposed within the housing 12, and the restrictors 24 cooperate to vary a fluid flow path length from an inlet 16 to an outlet 18.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
    Inventor: Laurence J. Cull
  • Patent number: 6675832
    Abstract: Disclosed is a blowdown valve for a boiler system for removing fluid that contains debris. The blowdown valve comprises a housing for a shutoff valve and a reversible throttle valve. The shutoff valve is fluidly connected to a fluid inlet that, in turn, is connected to the boiler system. Each one of the shutoff and throttle valves includes a rotatable valve ball having a bore formed therethrough. Rotation of the valve ball alternately blocks and unblocks fluid flowing therethrough. The throttle valve bore includes first and second bore ends. A bore insert is disposed within the bore between first and second debris zones. The bore insert includes passages configured for reducing fluid energy. The first and second debris zones entrap debris therewithin. The throttle valve reverses positions of the first and second debris zones such that entrapped debris may be flushed out of the fluid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Control Components, Inc.
    Inventors: Duc Thanh Tran, Stanley F. Miller, Stephen G. Freitas
  • 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: 6615874
    Abstract: The present invention provides a cost effective means by which pressure reduction in a fluid flow control device is optimized. The pressure reduction achieved according to the present invention also minimizes valve wear and presents new solutions in reducing, attenuating, eliminating, damping, redirecting, or otherwise defeating valve noise. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a flow control device is provided including a valve trim assembly comprising a plurality of valve trim disks defining a plurality of flow paths along a fluid passage between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet of the flow control device. Respective flow paths defined by the valve trim disks comprise an expansion/contraction mechanism, a velocity control mechanism, an acoustic chamber, and frequency shifting passages. The expansion/contraction mechanism has a cross section including rapid increases and decreases in cross-sectional flow area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Flowserve Management Company
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Thurston, Alan H. Glenn
  • Patent number: 6584625
    Abstract: A fluid flow control device is provided as an integral component of a drainage system for sinks in a commercial environment. This fluid flow control device includes a housing that is disposed beneath a waste valve and configured to define a flow control insert that is configured and disposed to interrupt the flow of fluid leaving the waste valve and before that flow reaches a grease interceptor. Both the housing and flow control insert are desirably made as a unitary structure from cast metal. Alternatively, the housing can define a ledge that receives a removable disk forming the flow control insert. In both embodiments, the flow control insert that has an opening through the insert that is sized for a flow area according to the needs of the fluid flows that are anticipated in the drainage system in question.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: T&S Brass and Bronze Works, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Weaver
  • Publication number: 20030116735
    Abstract: A reservoir is provided for a hydraulic dampening chamber at the end of a spool valve with a snap on cap having a labyrinth or baffled fluid entry passage formed in the closed end of the cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert A. Dayton, Don W. Hines, George Kasper
  • Patent number: 6565063
    Abstract: A choke for a brake control valve coming within the physical space limitation by forming a helical choke path. The choke includes a body having a passage and a plug in a passage. The helical path is created between and defined by the passage and the plug to form the choke. The length the passage is less an inch and the length of the plug is less than 0.25 inches. The body includes the first portion having an external thread and a stem portion. A filter is mounted on the stem portion. The first portion is mounted in a threaded opening in a first wall of the valve. The filter extends into an opening in a second wall of the valve and a cap mounted in the second opening contacts the filter and holds it secure on the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: New York Air Brake Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald O. Newton, William B. McCurdy, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6520209
    Abstract: A valve (1) has a valve housing (2) with an inlet (3) and outlet (4), a valve body (5), provided with an essentially cylindrical passage (6) and pivotally mounted in the housing (2). Essentially plane walls, defining chambers between them and provided with through openings (11; 11′) are arranged in the passage (6). Upon opening the valve the inlet connects solely with one chamber, which via wall openings and intermediate chambers connects with the chamber opposite and the latter with the outlet. During the successive opening sequence of the valve more and more chambers and finally all chambers are made to connect with the inlet and the outlet respectively. The device has at least one pair of intersecting walls (8a, 8b; 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: NAF Industries AB
    Inventor: Per Lundqvist
  • 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: 6394412
    Abstract: A hydraulic diaphragm valve comprising a housing, an inlet, an outlet, a diaphragm valve seating between the inlet and the outlet, a sealing diaphragm mounted in the housing and displaceable about the diaphragm valve seating, so as to close and open a flow path between the inlet and outlet, a valve control chamber and a command valve comprising a first duct communicating a one end thereof with the valve inlet, and at an opposite end thereof with a first command valve seating, a second duct communicating into one end with the valve outlet, and at an opposite end thereof, with a second command valve seating. A third duct communicates at one end with the valve control chamber and at its opposite end it selectively communicates with the first and second command valve seatings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Netafim (A.C.S.) Ltd.
    Inventors: Avi Zakai, Youval Katzman, Vladimir Ryabtsev
  • Publication number: 20020056820
    Abstract: 2.1. Existing valve control devices are set up in housings that feature a cover and a frame in which the valve spools are embedded. Between the cover and the frame, there is the circuit carrier with the electronic components. With the new valve control device, there is no longer to be any need for a housing, and the manufacturing process is to be simplified.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventors: Urban Altenrenger, Markus Binder, Georg Dorfinger, Richard Hoffmann, Willy Kring, Klaus Schirmer, Roberto Schlenker
  • Patent number: 6382233
    Abstract: A mobile tank car or like vehicle includes a mechanical hydraulic dampening device having kinetic energy dissipating baffles in its interior with no moving parts. The moving tank car carrying a liquid load, such as for example a railroad tank car, including a rupture disc assembly or a safety relief valve at the top of the tank to prevent fracturing of the tank due to excessive pressure. The dampening device is located in line between the rupture disk assembly or safety valve and the liquid load. When the tank is suddenly moved, the shifting liquid load passes through the pipe-like device, impacting against impact surfaces of a baffle, causing its energy and the hydraulic hammer action to be dissipated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: S. Elwood Yandle, II
  • Patent number: 6378558
    Abstract: A valve (1) on the basis of electrorheological and/or magnetorheological fluids includes a fluid inlet channel (3) connected through a valve gap (5) to a fluid outlet channel (4). The valve gap is filled with an electrorheological and/or magnetorheological fluid and is bounded by bounding surfaces that are embodied as electrically energizable capacitor electrodes and/or coil arrangements, whereby the field excitation thereof acts on the fluid flowing through the valve gap. At least one bounding surface of the valve gap is embodied to be movable selectively toward and away from another bounding surface, so as to superimpose a squeeze mode and a flow mode of the electrorheological and/or magnetorheological effect. The valve gap may define a meandering or spiral flow path for the fluid. In this manner, a compact valve can provide high blocking pressures and high through-flow rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Carl Schenck
    Inventors: Andreas Pohl, Horst Rosenfeldt, Eckhardt Wendt, Klaus Buesing
  • Patent number: 6378596
    Abstract: A device for regulating the evacuation of air and gas from a casting die. It comprises two complementary bodies (11, 12), which can be closed, face to face, one on top of another, and which delimit an evacuation channel (13). The evacuation channel (13) is defined by a static surface (16) of the first of the bodies (12) and by a movable surface (18) that is arranged in front of and in parallel to the static surface (16) and that consists of the front surface of a movable element (17). The movable element (17) is arranged in the second of the bodies (11) and can be moved at right angles to the static surface (16) in order to vertically adjust the section of the evacuation channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Unitecno S.r.l.
    Inventors: Fausto Arrigotti, Sergio Arrigotti
  • Patent number: 6286808
    Abstract: Faucets are disclosed which provide a gentle, gravity driven cascading flow of water. A mixing valve is positioned in a faucet body which permits exiting water to flow outside the mixing valve inside the faucet housing. The valve unit is thus partially submerged by the water that has passed through it. The pool of water helps to create a more gentle uniform flow of water. A flow regulator can be positioned in the fluid outlet of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Erich D. Slothower, Andrew J. Paese
  • Patent number: 6286486
    Abstract: A fuel system that comprises a tank, a pump, a flow-through pressure regulator, and piping connecting these components and an internal combustion engine. The flow-through pressure regulator can maintain a substantially constant noise output from low fuel flow rates to high fuel flow rates. Further, the pressure of fuel in the regulator at a maximum fuel flow rate can be made substantially equal to or less than the pressure of fuel in the regulator at a minimum fuel flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Corporation
    Inventors: Barry S. Robinson, Jason T. Kilgore, Bunnareth Hem
  • Patent number: 6260574
    Abstract: A fill valve particularly suited for OEM assembly in gravity operated flush toilets has a modular construction including a main valve body that encloses a pilot operated diaphragm valve operated by a float arm. A hollow riser has a lower end configured for connection to a water supply line. Mating couplers are provided on the bottom of the main valve body and on the upper end of the riser for rigidly securing the riser to the main valve body. The riser has a length that is pre-selected to place the diaphragm valve and float arm a predetermined height within the tank to ensure that the tank is re-filled to a predetermined optimum level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Lavelle Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: David Nichols-Roy
  • Patent number: 6247498
    Abstract: An improved hydraulic valve for a camera dolly includes Teflon inserts around a valve pin to reduce vibration and noise. The ratio of movement between the boom control, which controls the up and down movement of the arm on the camera dolly, and opening and closing of the hydraulic valve, is increased to reduce the sensitivity of the valve to boom control movement. The boom control includes ready up and ready down detents which provide the user a tactile indication of where to position the boom control for immediate up or down movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Chapman/Leonard Studio Equipment
    Inventor: Leonard T. Chapman
  • Patent number: 6244297
    Abstract: A multi-plate, anti-cavitation fluid pressure reduction device includes a stack of annular plates having a hollow center, a fluid inlet at an inner perimeter thereof and a fluid outlet at an outer perimeter thereof. Selected ones of the plates each define at least one pressure reduction stage including an orifice having a well-rounded or well-tapered inlet and an abrupt discharge, and a communication passage coupled to the discharge. Each pressure reduction stage communicates with another pressure reduction stage in an adjacent one of the annular plates in the stack. Two or more pressure reduction stages are coupled in series to define a pressure reduction flow path from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. Each pressure reduction stage is preferably characterized by a velocity head loss greater than 75% and a corresponding pressure recovery less than 25%. The fluid pressure reduction device is typically incorporated into a fluid control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International, Inc.
    Inventor: Hans D. Baumann
  • Patent number: 6220287
    Abstract: There is provided a baffle for suppressing slosh in a tank adapted for containing fluids, and a tank for incorporating same. The baffle includes an attachment portion adapted to connect the baffle to an inner sidewall of the tank, and a baffle body extending from the attachment portion and adapted to protrude into the tank. A smoothly curved corrugation is provided for operably connecting the attachment portion and the baffle body. The baffle body can also include a plurality of ribs extending from a proximal edge of each baffle to a distal edge. A plurality of baffles are operably attached at different peripheral locations on an inner sidewall of the tank of the present invention in order to reduce slosh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Lance Alan Wolf
  • Patent number: 6189745
    Abstract: A fluid dispensing device includes a valve body defining a longitudinal opening therein, an inlet in flow communication with the longitudinal opening that defines an axis generally transverse to the longitudinal opening, and an outlet defined by a first end of the longitudinal opening. A sealing member is situated within the longitudinal opening, and a valve stem is linearly movable within the longitudinal opening and adapted to seat against the sealing member to control fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet. A nozzle is coupled to the valve body adjacent the outlet and defines an opening therethrough such that fluid can flow from the outlet through the nozzle. An apparatus is situated within the nozzle so as to cause fluid flowing from the outlet through the nozzle to do work.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Jimmy I. Frank
  • Patent number: 6152158
    Abstract: This invention provides a gas wave pressure regulation method and apparatus, gaseous wave pressure regulator (GWPR), associated with a pressure energy recovery system which can be used in the processes of petrochemical and liquid natural gas (LNG) industries to recover the lost energy in a regulating process where a pressure regulation is needed to reduce the pressure level fitting the operating conditions, but the spontaneous temperature is undesirable. The said method and apparatus employ a mechanism creating a unsteady periodic flow by means of gaseous wave resonant interactions to convert the energy between the pressure drop into the form of heat without using any moving parts. The said heat is reused inside the GWPR to eliminate or diminish the temperature drop associated with the pressure regulation. The said pressure energy recovery system comprises a primary GWPR followed by a primary heat exchanger, and a secondary GWPR linked by a secondary heat exchanger operated in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Zhimin Hu
  • Patent number: 6129116
    Abstract: A sealing device for a vacuum air opening (10) of a dust bag or other dust collecting container (5) for a vacuum cleaner, has an elastic membrane (1) deflected and centrally fixed in a vacuum air opening tube (4) by means of a fixing element (2). Deflection of the flexible membrane (1) produces forces acting upon a partspherical surface (7) of the vacuum air opening tube (4), sufficient enough to ensure tight sealing of the vacuum air opening (10) and preventing any spillage of dust through the opening (10). The elastic membrane (1) is protected by a dome (3) with an opening (6) for vacuum air flow. Alternatively the membrane (1) may be mounted on a stem element (9) extending from the dome (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Convac, Ltd.
    Inventor: Henry Laskowski
  • Patent number: 6095196
    Abstract: A fluid pressure reduction device with tortuous flow paths in stacked disks. The fluid flow outlets are maintained independent by directed flow paths to avoid flow collisions in the exiting flow streams. A flow straightening section includes an inwardly tapered end section at the fluid flow outlets. Splitting of a tortuous flow path into at least two sub-flow paths with balancing of the mass flow between the sub-flow paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Wildie McCarty, Ted Alan Long, Douglas Paul Gethmann, Paul Jay Schafbuch
  • Patent number: 6058966
    Abstract: A plastic safety valve for containers, especially pallet containers with an internal container of plastic and an external jacket of metal for the transport and storage of liquids, is constructed as an automatic aerating and venting valve and is integrated into a lid or plug for sealing the filling and/or emptying opening or the aerating and/or venting opening of a container. The valve housing, which is constructed as a threaded plug and can be screwed into a corresponding threaded hole in a threaded cover or threaded plug, has a central hub supported by ribs, wherein the hub has a through-hole. The ribs extend outwardly in a star-like manner from the hub toward a ring-shaped shoulder. Air passage holes are formed between the ribs. An elastically constructed valve membrane of an aerating unit for opening and closing the air passage holes between the ribs is pushed from the inside onto the hub up to a shoulder of the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Protechna S.A.
    Inventor: Udo Schutz
  • Patent number: 6026859
    Abstract: A fluid pressure reduction device with stacked disks. Flow disks with inlet stage slots and outlet stage slots alternate with plenum disks having plenums and bypass slots. The bypass slots are aligned with the inlet stage slots so the flow capacity increases continually in a substantially linear manner when used in a flow control valve and the valve flow control element uncovers more of the stacked disk flow inlet openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International, Inc.
    Inventors: William Everett Wears, Michael W. McCarty
  • Patent number: 6012476
    Abstract: An improved pressure balancer is mounted to a water inlet passage of a mixing faucet. Its improvement is characterized by the adoption of a mixing chamber, defined at one end of a valve control shaft, in which a plurality of upright turbulence rods are disposed, and a pair of identical silencing screens that are fit in the mixing chamber at the same time so as to effectively reduce the operational noise of a faucet. Moreover, a threaded flange is provided next to the rubber diaphragm on a balance rod to allow a compression nut to be mounted to the balance rod with one side thereof in abutment against the diaphragm. Thus, the diaphragm can be protected from being overturned inside out as a result of excessive water pressure applied to the diaphragm in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Chung-Cheng Faucet Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsi-Chia Ko
  • Patent number: 5988586
    Abstract: A valve assembly for controlling the flow of fluid through a conduit section having and an inlet and an outlet in which a ball valve having a through bore formed therein is rotatably mounted in the conduit section. The ball valve moves between an open position in which at least a portion of the bore registers with the inlet to permit the flow of the fluid through the ball valve, and a closed position in which fluid flow through the ball valve is prevented. An insert is disposed in the conduit section downstream of the ball valve, and a first series of passages are formed through the insert for receiving the fluid from the ball valve. At least one addition series of passages extend through the insert for receiving fluid from the first series of passages and discharging the fluid to the outlet, with the passages reducing the noise generated by the fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry William Boger
  • Patent number: 5984261
    Abstract: A flow control valve unit includes a pressurized fluid inlet, a pressurized fluid outlet, a pressurized fluid chamber in which is positioned a stationary seat member, a partition member dividing the pressurized fluid chamber into a first section in constant communication with the inlet and a second section that communicates with the outlet via a center opening in the stationary seat member, an orifice for communicating said first and second sections to each other, and a through hole formed in the partition member. A movable rod is positioned within the pressurized fluid chamber and extends through the through hole in the partition member. The movable rod has a sealing portion at one end for opening and closing the center opening in the stationary seat member during movement of the stationary member. A spring is operatively associated with the movable rod for urging the movable rod in a direction which causes the sealing portion to close the center opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tokihiko Akita
  • Patent number: 5984211
    Abstract: A valve seat portion has fuel flow passages arranged between guide portions at predetermined intervals along an outer circumference of a valve body. In addition, a fuel jet adjusting plate has nozzle holes arranged along a circle coaxial with the outer circumference of the valve body, the nozzle holes corresponding to the guide portions. Therefore, even if the valve body rotates circumferentially relative to the valve seat portion, no alteration in the pressure applied to fuel flowing through the nozzle holes occurs. By suitably setting relative locations between the respective nozzle holes and the guide portions and the numbers thereof, the pressure applied to fuel injected from the respective nozzle holes is adjusted, whereby the fuel injected from the respective nozzle holes is optimally atomized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomojiro Sugimoto, Keiso Takeda
  • Patent number: 5979495
    Abstract: A low flow, high pressure fluid regulator in which fluid is passed successively through two impeller chambers, each having a pressure differential operated impeller for monitoring changing inlet and outlet fluid pressures to maintain a constant fluid flow rate. The impeller in the second impeller chamber limits the pressure drop of fluid discharged from the first impeller chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventors: Frank A. Taube, Anthony J. Vizzini
  • Patent number: 5975125
    Abstract: An adjustable height fill valve assembly for controlling water level in a storage tank, comprises a lower riser assembly comprising concentrically disposed inlet riser and an outer riser housing, each having an upper end and a lower end, the inlet riser and the riser housing connected together at the lower ends, the inlet riser being adapted for mounting in a hole in a flush tank, an upper riser assembly comprising concentrically disposed inner supply tube and an outer tubular valve housing, each having an upper end and a lower end, a main valve seat at the upper end of the inner supply tube, the upper riser assembly telescopically mounted on the lower riser assembly, a latch between the riser housing and the tubular valve housing for latching the upper and the lower riser assemblies in selected extended and retracted positions, the latch disengageable upon rotation of the upper riser assembly in either direction from a central position, a valve housing cap having a bayonet lock connection for quick connect d
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Hunter Plumbing Products
    Inventor: David Nichols-Roy
  • Patent number: 5967165
    Abstract: A valve body with a diverted flow passage extending between the inlet and the outlet is provided with a closure element that is mounted between the inlet and outlet and movable between first and second lift points for regulating fluid flow through the passage. A baffle disposed in the flow passage intermediate the first and second lift points alters one or more flow characteristics of the fluid to improve the efficiency of fluid flow through the valve. In a right angle body valve, the baffle takes the form of a plate with an aperture positioned concentrically with the inlet passage and the valve closure element. A top plane surface of the baffle plate is positioned below the centerline of the outlet and is perpendicular to the centerline of the inlet. The baffle separates turbulent areas of flow in the passage so that the pressure and flow of fluid exiting the valve are more uniformly distributed over the entire outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Tyco Flow Control, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack B. Alberts
  • Patent number: 5964446
    Abstract: A fluid control valve having a valve body, a cage, and a flexible elastomeric diaphragm with a formed convolution to fully open the cage opening. An elastomeric diaphragm regulator with a flow diverter in the fluid flow path to reduce fluid flow separation and thereby reduce the required flow recovery area before pressure throttling. A raised knife edge seat located on the cage top in a position of stagnant fluid flow to reduce the build-up of contaminants on the seat. An elastomeric diaphragm regulator with a valve actuator coupled to a guided valve stem attached to the regulator diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International, Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert H. Walton, Douglas C. Pfantz, Gary L. Scott, William J. Bonzer
  • Patent number: 5964247
    Abstract: A fill valve has a main valve with a valving surface contacted by a valve disk. A series of offset radial paths separated by a toroidal path permit free radial flow at full open and quiet tortuous flow as the valve closes. Removal of a cap permits access to the main valve for cleaning. Indicia in the valve body provide easy height adjustments. A riser base is made up of easily molded locking parts and provides a variable height adjustment structure that is shielded from view. A flexible cup performs multiple functions including serving as a pilot valve, a vacuum breaker valve and a seal. A float for operating the pilot valve is pivotally mounted without extra parts or fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: American Standard Inc.
    Inventor: Dwight N. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5957160
    Abstract: In a sanitary valve, particularly a mixing valve, with a connection unit provided in a housing for connecting to the water supply lines (4) a cartridge (1) comprising the control elements, whereby the connection unit (6) is arranged in the housing and has passages for hot and cold water, the walling of the passages of the connection unit (6) having openings into which the noise mufflers can be inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Ideal-Standard GmbH
    Inventor: Heiner Monch
  • Patent number: 5941281
    Abstract: A fluid pressure reduction device with low noise generation. A stack of annular disks with fluid passageways formed of inlet slots, outlet slots, and interconnecting plenums. Selectively stacking and orienting the annular disks along with an asymmetric slot pattern creates the desired fluid passageways without creating an uninterrupted axial fluid flow path. High recovery inlet stages are in fluid communicating series with low recovery outlet stages and the combination provides a high performance fluid pressure reduction device with low noise generation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans D. Baumann, Paul J. Schafbuch, Douglas P. Gethmann, Michael M. Anderson, David J. Koester
  • Patent number: 5937890
    Abstract: A volume control insert for a ball valve that is attachable in a fluid passage of the ball valve to provide a predetermined flow condition therethrough. The insert has a convex shape corresponding to an outer surface of a valving member seated in the ball valve, and has a connector disposed on its periphery to attach the insert across the fluid passage. The insert has an elongate slot through it, such as an oblong or parabolic shaped opening, adapted to provide the predetermined flow condition. A plurality of such inserts may be furnished with a ball valve to provide a range of predetermined flow conditions that may be individually selected for the ball valve. Preferably, each of the inserts include a parabolic opening therethrough, the parabolic opening providing a substantially equal percentage flow characteristic between maximum and minimum flow rate conditions when the valving member is rotated each degree of movement between its full open and full closed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Griswold Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Ali Marandi
  • Patent number: 5937901
    Abstract: A rotary noise attenuating valve is provided which utilizes noise attenuation technology previously utilized with linear valves. The arrangement includes an impedance assembly in which the area with the impedance assembly which is accessed by the flow downstream of a rotary closure element flow is varied upon opening of the rotary closure element, with an interface assembly disposed between the rotary closure element and the impedance assembly. As a result, benefits previously realized only in linear valves are attainable utilizing a rotary valve, while the benefits attendant to rotary valves (such as greater capacity, variable .DELTA.p and/or minimum .DELTA.p under max flow) are also attainable. Attenuator assemblies are also provided in which the attenuator or impedance structure is mounted within the valve, either downstream of the closure member, or mounted to the closure member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: Rotatrol AG
    Inventor: Roger Bey
  • Patent number: 5913332
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an electronic valve having a filter for filtering particulate matter from a fluid. The apparatus comprises a solenoid coil, an armature slidably disposed for limited axial sliding movement in response to current passing through the solenoid coil, a stator fixed relative to the solenoid coil, a bore extending toward the armature, a pin slidably disposed in the bore, a cage defining a cage aperture, and an edge filter disposed within the cage aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Mark G. Fulford
  • Patent number: 5890505
    Abstract: A valve assembly and method for controlling the flow of fluid through a conduit in which a ball valve is disposed in the conduit and is provided with a through bore for receiving the fluid. An insert is also disposed in the conduit downstream of the ball valve and has a plurality of relatively small flow passages. A relatively large flow passage is defined by that portion of the conduit not occupied by the insert. The valve is rotatable in the conduit to direct the fluid from its bore through one or more of the flow passages and a portion of the insert forms an airfoil surface to prevent separation of the fluid as it passes through the relatively large flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Henry William Boger
  • Patent number: 5870896
    Abstract: A combined control/stop valve assembly for use in steam cycle plants which include at least one steam turbine, the valve assembly including a butterfly valve having a valve plate pivotable about a first axis, and a stop valve located downstream and adjacent the butterfly valve, the stop valve having a cylindrical strainer with a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis, the strainer having a solid portion facing the butterfly valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Assignees: General Electric Company, Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Roger Bennett Clark, Jens Kure-Jensen, Hideaki Miyayashiki, Tomoo Ofuji
  • Patent number: RE36984
    Abstract: A fluid flow control device for use in a variable fluid restrictor control valve or severe service control valve. These valves employ a moveable plug and are used to control high pressure fluids e.g. superheated steam. The control device of the invention includes annular discs with fluid passageways through them. Pairs of discs together form a radial passageway for fluid between the interior of a stack of discs and its radially outer circumference. The passageways may have a smaller cross-section at a mid-region of the disc than at the radially inner or outer side of the disc.The questions raised in reexamination request No. 90/004,962 filed Sep. 29, 1998, have been considered and the results thereof are reflected in this reissue patent which constitutes the reexamination certificate required by 35 U.S.C. 307 as provided in 37 CFR 1.570(e).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Control Components Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph H. Steinke