With Nonelectrical Actuator Patents (Class 251/129.03)
  • Publication number: 20140291561
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved automated impactor turn wheel capable of being activated and used to turn valves from a remote location. In certain instances, the impactor turn wheel is contemplated to turn a ball valve. The improved impactor turn wheel will generate increased torque which will allow improved operation of a ball valve in high pressure applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: ARRAY HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: Jason McNabney, Mustafa Ahmad A. Alalawi
  • Publication number: 20140264111
    Abstract: Automatic valve actuator apparatus and valve actuator assemblies are disclosed. The automatic valve actuator apparatus may include a sensor assembly configured to detect a condition and transmit a sensor signal indicating detection of the condition, and a valve actuator assembly configured to be attached to the manual valve and to move the manual valve between open and closed positions. The automatic valve actuator apparatus may additionally include a control assembly configured to receive the sensor signal and to transmit a first control signal to the valve actuator assembly based, at least in part, on the sensor signal. The valve actuator assembly may be further configured to receive the first control signal from the control assembly and to move the manual valve toward the closed position in response to receiving the first control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: designPORT, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Roy Porter, Ken Courian
  • Patent number: 8794266
    Abstract: A valve assembly for selectively enabling discharge of fluid includes a plurality of valves that are selectively moveable between a closed position and an open position and a cam that selectively actuates the valves. The cam is moveable between a first position in which fluid is sealed from discharge by the valves and a second position in which the valves are in the open position. An electrical actuator and a manual actuator are connected to the cam, with both the electrical actuator and the manual actuator being separately operable to move the cam into the second position upon actuation. The valve assembly may further include a housing within which the valves are disposed for movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Humphrey Products Company
    Inventors: Mark W. Friedman, Robert A. Kracker
  • Patent number: 8783277
    Abstract: In an actuator, an electric power supply to a position-detecting detector for an object to be driven can be carried out in a timely manner during a power failure to thereby suppress an electric power consumption in the position-detecting detector, whereby duration time of a power-failure compensation battery can be prolonged, and a variety of detectors can be selected and utilized without limitation in accordance with a use environment and usefulness. During the power failure, a switching means 40 establishes a linking state in which an input shaft 11 of a reduction mechanism 10 and a manual inputting means 30 are linked to each other. When the linking state is detected by a detecting means, an electric power is fed from a battery 80 to a rotation detector by a control section 70, so that the control section 70 can obtain a displacement of the object to be driven, based on a signal output from the rotation detector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Seibu Electric & Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masakazu Mori, Daisuke Kukita, Chikara Kitajima, Seiya Shimada
  • Publication number: 20140196788
    Abstract: A gas storage tank control valve system is presented. A valve controlling motor is electrically connected to a switch that is installed in a convenient location. Upon activation, the motor rotates the storage tank valve. An indicator visibly displays whether the liquid propane storage tank valve is open or closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventor: Dallas Taft
  • Publication number: 20140183387
    Abstract: A valve actuator device (1) is shown, in particular for a heating or cooling system valve (2), said device (1) comprising a motor (10) and control means (11), said motor (10) driving actuating means (8) provided for actuating a valve element (6), said control means (11) comprising presetting means (14) for performing a presetting function. The operation possibilities of such a valve actuator device should be increased. To this end, said control means comprise flushing means for performing a flush function, said flush function overriding said presetting function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Inventors: Torben Lund Andersen, Soeren Hansen, Jesper D. Villekjaer, Peter Alexandersen, Anders Oestergaard Clausen, Bjarne Frederiksen, Lars Munch, Ole Stig Nissen
  • Patent number: 8733399
    Abstract: A needle valve that adjusts the flow of liquid fluid and an open/close valve that makes it possible to fully close a flow path of the liquid fluid are accommodated inside a casing of a flow adjusting valve. The needle valve is provided with a reciprocating movement section that adjusts the flow of the liquid fluid by moving a needle valve piece toward and away from the valve seat. The open/close valve is provided with an opening/closing section that utilizes a basal outer surface of the needle valve piece facing the valve seat as a fully-closing valve piece and that reciprocatingly moves the fully-closing valve piece, independently of the reciprocating movement section, between a closed position, where the fully-closing valve piece is in close contact with the valve seat, and an open position, where the fully-closing valve piece is moved away from the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Surpass Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masahiro Hasunuma
  • Patent number: 8678033
    Abstract: Disclosed is an exemplary valve having a first valve member that may include at least one orifice, and which is moveable between a first position and a second position, and a second valve member that includes at least one orifice, and which is moveable relative to the first valve member between a first position, in which the at least one orifice of the second valve member is fluidly disconnected from the at least one orifice of the first valve member, and a second position, in which the at least one orifice of the second valve member is fluidly connected to the at least one orifice of the first valve member. The exemplary valve may also include first and second actuators for moving the first and second valve members between their respective first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Sorin C. Bengea, G. Clark Fortune, Thomas J. Stoltz, Benjamin Saltsman, Mihai Dorobantu, Subbaraya Radhamohan, Qinghui Yuan
  • Publication number: 20140070123
    Abstract: A hydraulic operated valve includes an electromagnetic adsorption mechanism and a steel ball. In the electromagnetic adsorption mechanism, when a current is supplied, an adsorption plate is adsorbed by a solenoid. By this adsorption, a steel ball is pressed against an outer surface of a cam disc. The outer surface of the cam disc includes two steps. When the cam disc is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, the pressed steel ball engages the two steps. Thus, the cam disc is detented. These two steps are configured such that when the cam disc is returned to a neutral position, the adsorption plate is separated from the solenoid against the pressing of the electromagnetic adsorption mechanism. Thus, the detent state of the cam disc is canceled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshio Togashi, Noriaki Inoue, Satoshi Akamatsu, Kenji Nakamura, Fumio Kameyama
  • Patent number: 8662107
    Abstract: A switch device for water conduit valve comprises a valve body having a water inflow passage bifurcated to form more than one water outflow passage, a first water inlet and a second water inlet disposed between the water inflow passage and the water outflow passage, a magnetic valve switch device connected to the first water inlet and a manual control switch device connected to the second water inlet to provide a user to freely select controlling water flow that is introduced into the water outflow passage from the first water inlet or the second water inlet through any switch device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Yuan-Mei Corp.
    Inventor: Chi-Han Cheng
  • Publication number: 20140054478
    Abstract: A system for manually overriding a solenoid operated valve in an event of power failure is provided. The system includes a solenoid operated valve and a lifter. The solenoid operated valve includes a valve body including a sealing surface, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a sealing element selectively separating the fluid inlet from the fluid outlet and a solenoid configured to selectively couple and decouple the sealing element to the sealing surface. The lifter is threadedly coupled to the solenoid operated valve. Rotation of the lifter relative to the valve body in a first direction causes the lifter to decouple the sealing element from the sealing surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: KOHLER CO.
    Inventor: John C. Esche
  • Patent number: 8640783
    Abstract: An apparatus and method provides a solenoid interlock coupled to a booster actuator. The booster actuator and solenoid interlock operate with a low energy input and a high energy output using mechanically stored energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: TLX Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Derek Arvid Dahlgren, Mark William Mainland
  • Patent number: 8636481
    Abstract: An automatic inflation pump including a housing, an air inlet, an air outlet provided in the housing, a manual rotary switch, a sealing device located at the air outlet, an air pump provided inside the housing and a motor for driving the air pump. The manual rotary switch is provided thereon with a dovetail groove which includes a deep groove and two shallow grooves located at both sides of the deep groove. The sealing device includes a driving stem and an air sealing plate for sealing the air outlet. One end of the driving stem is connected with the air sealing plate. A spring is provided on the driving stem. One end of the spring is fixed on a free end of the driving stem and the other end of the spring is supported at the air outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Dong Guan Hua Tao Metal & Plastic Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ying'an Liu
  • Patent number: 8636180
    Abstract: A pinch valve for use with a liquid dispensing cabinet is comprised of a tube pinching device configured to translate between an open position and a closed position and an electrically powered linear actuator configured to provide a valve opening force to the tube pinching device, The pinching device is coupled to a spring device configured to apply a valve closing force to the tube pinching device. The pinch valve is additionally comprised of an operator handle facilitating manual opening of the tube pinching device. The pinching device is rotatable in the valve body. The valve body has a front surface heat sink against which a tube pinching force is applied by a tube pinching device and a rear surface with a concavity configured to receive a tube carrying a heat transferring fluid. The tube pinching device can be operated electrically or manually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Prince Castle, LLC
    Inventors: Loren Veltrop, Christopher Lyons
  • Publication number: 20140001384
    Abstract: A manual valve operator with override clutch apparatus is disclosed for selectively actuating a valve. The apparatus includes an operator housing defining an enclosure. An input shaft is rotatably supported by the housing and a worm wheel has a first and a second side, the second side of the worm wheel defining a clutch drive. The worm wheel is disposed within the housing and intermeshes with the input shaft such that when the input shaft is driven, the input shaft drives the worm wheel and the clutch drive about a rotational axis. A sleeve has an outer surface which defines an annular groove. The sleeve has a driven end and an output end. The driven end of the sleeve cooperates with the clutch drive of the worm wheel for selective engagement of the clutch drive and the driven end of the sleeve. A clutch actuating handle is rotatably supported by the housing. The clutch actuating handle has a first and a second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: Regal Beloit America, Inc.
    Inventor: Domenico Liccardi
  • Patent number: 8613419
    Abstract: A faucet (10) includes a spout (12), a passageway that conducts fluid flow through the spout (12), a electrically operable valve (22) located within the passageway, a manual valve (20) located within the passageway in series with the electrically operable valve, and a manual handle (14) that controls the manual valve (20). The faucet (10) also includes a first touch sensor (26) on the manual valve handle (14), a second touch sensor (28) on the spout (12), a capacitive sensor (30) directly coupled to one of the first and second touch sensors (26, 28) and capacitively coupled to the other of the first and second touch sensors (26, 28), and a controller (24) coupled to the capacitive sensor (30). The controller (24) is configured to monitor the output signal from the capacitive sensor (30) and to distinguish between a user tapping one of the spout (12) and the manual valve handle (14), a user grabbing the spout (12), and a user grabbing the manual valve handle (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventors: Robert W Rodenbeck, David M Burke, Joel D Sawaski
  • Patent number: 8596607
    Abstract: A driving mechanism, mounting to a flush apparatus, includes an actuation housing coupling with a valve body, a manual actuation unit including a push button and a manual plunger arm transversely extended from the push button towards a pushing platform, and an automated actuation unit including a motorized unit and an automated plunger arm transversely extended towards the pushing platform. When the push button is manually pressed, the pushing platform is pushed by the manual plunger arm to move a diaphragm member at the unsealed position. When the motorized unit is activated in responsive to a presence of a user, the automated plunger arm is driven by the motorized unit to move towards the pushing platform, such that the pushing platform is pushed by the automated plunger arm to move the diaphragm member at the unsealed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventor: Jorge Maercovich
  • Publication number: 20130313453
    Abstract: A solenoid valve for controlling a fluid has a first housing part (2), an axial guide (3), facing inwards, for an armature (4) which can be displaced in the axial guide (3) under the effect of a solenoid (5) that at least partially surrounds the exterior of the first housing part (2), a return spring (6) and a closing element (27) impacting a valve closing element (7), and a second housing part (9) which is arranged coaxially to the first housing part (2). The solenoid valve according to the invention is characterized in that the first housing part (2) has a reduced wall portion (17) which faces inwards towards the armature (4) and the second housing part (9) and which effects a magnetic separation of the two housing parts (2, 9) to at least some extent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventors: Philipp HILZENDEGEN, Franz-Rudolf HELL, Andreas BERESCHKA
  • Patent number: 8585009
    Abstract: A flow control valve including a linear electric actuator for controlling flow through the valve, and a closure device operable to close the valve independently of the linear electric actuator if the linear actuator is disabled when the valve is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Kohler Mira Limited
    Inventors: Xiangzhen Zhu, Richard Timothy Hopson
  • Publication number: 20130264504
    Abstract: A remotely operated safety valve is provided for terminating flow through the valve. The safety valve includes an electromagnet for holding the safety valve open, and a swing plate for closing the safety valve. A power supply is provided for powering the electromagnet, and an electrical conductor extends between the shutdown switch, the power supply, and the electromagnet. A connector spaced along the conductor is separable during a separation of a towing vehicle from the towed vehicle. The safety valve automatically closes in response to one of activation of the shutdown switch or the termination of power to the electromagnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: SPENCER M. NIMBERGER, Miguel Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 8544817
    Abstract: A manual valve operator with override clutch apparatus for selectively actuating a valve. The manual valve operator includes an operator housing defining an enclosure. An input shaft is rotatably supported by the housing and a worm wheel has a first and a second side, the second side of the worm wheel defining a clutch drive. The worm wheel intermeshes with the input shaft such that when the input shaft is driven, the input shaft drives the worm wheel and the clutch drive about a rotational axis. A sleeve has an outer surface which defines an annular groove. The sleeve has a driven end and an output end. The driven end of the sleeve cooperates with the clutch drive of the worm wheel for selective engagement of the clutch drive and the driven end of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Regal Beloit America, Inc.
    Inventor: Domenico Liccardi
  • Patent number: 8539973
    Abstract: A normally open non-electric valve includes a flow path through an apertured valve seat . . . cavity isolated from the flow path is sealingly closed off adjacent the valve seat by a flexible diaphragm. The diaphragm is sufficiently flexible to be pushed and held away from the valve seat by fluid flowing in the flow path. When it is desired to close the valve, a pressure medium is introduced into the cavity so as to force the diaphragm against the valve seat and interrupt the fluid flow in the flow path. The normally open valve can inexpensively be converted from an inexpensive electric solenoid valve by removing the plunger, spring and coil from the electric valve, closing off the plunger cavity with a flexible diaphragm, and selectably introducing a pressure medium into the cavity when it is desired to close the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Robert Bosko
  • Patent number: 8534640
    Abstract: A valve switch unit has a detector configured to detect an input, such as current, from a machine controller. The valve switch unit also has a switching circuit configured to switch control of the one or more valves an automatic controller to the machine controller if the input from the machine controller exceeds a predetermined threshold. When the current detected exceeds the predetermined threshold, the circuit switches control from the automatic controller to the machine controller. In a similar fashion, when the current falls below the predetermined threshold, the circuit switches control back to the automatic controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Topcon Positioning Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Winistoerfer, Gregory D. Chiocco
  • Publication number: 20130207009
    Abstract: A valve (10) includes a first valve housing portion (12) and a second valve housing portion (14). The first valve housing portion and the second valve housing portion are separate components attached together to define a valve housing. The first valve housing portion includes an inner end surface (16) having an opening (18). The second valve housing portion includes an inner end surface (56) having a protruding annular rim (60) with an annular groove (62) and a seal (64) is received in the annular groove. The protruding annular rim including the seal is received in the opening in the inner end surface of the first valve housing portion to define a valve housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: ROSS EUROPA GMBH
    Inventors: Johannes Hartwig, An Vu Van
  • Publication number: 20130193358
    Abstract: On an outer surface of an electromagnetic valve body, a manual operation element is provided slidably horizontally, and a slide member is provided slidably in a direction orthogonal to a sliding direction of the manual operation element. The slide member is movable to a lock position and a non-lock position. At the lock position, the slide member is retained by the manual operation element to lock the manual operation element at a non-switch position. At the non-lock position, the slide member unlocks the manual operation element to allow the manual operation element to move toward a switch position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: SMC Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130175463
    Abstract: A rotary valve assembly composing a leak-free enclosure containing a worm gear and a pinion gear, an adapter plate that is situated between a rotary valve body and the enclosure and that secures the rotary valve body to the enclosure, and a magnetic actuator assembly. The worm gear engages with the pinion gear such that when the worm gear relates, the pinion gear rotates as well. The enclosure is situated between the magnetic actuator assembly and the rotary valve body. A shaft extends through the center of the pinion gear and causes a valve within the rotary valve body to open and close based on rotation of the shaft. In an alternate embodiment, the invention is a rotary valve as described above with an integral adapter plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: Big Horn Valve, Inc.
    Inventor: Big Horn Valve, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8479763
    Abstract: A valve including a mechanical part, e.g. a float, for performing a ROV function (Roll Over Valve) and an electronic part, e.g. an electronically controlled solenoid valve, for performing a venting function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Inergy Automotive Systems Research (Société Anonyme)
    Inventors: David Hill, Saurin Mehta, Scott McCleary, Scott Garabedian
  • Patent number: 8465000
    Abstract: An electric motor actuated stop/check valve for industrial use such as liquid pumping systems which has a controlled opening and closing rate when liquid flow is in a forward direction but closes quickly upon reverse flow of liquid with no action from the electric motor actuator. Actuation of the valve is by an electric motor which provides movement to an actuator rod which contacts the disc stem. The disc stem and the actuator rod are not connected which allows the valve disc and disc stem free movement. No action by the electric motor is required. A spring biasing the valve disc toward the closed position and a hydraulically operated valve closing-speed regulator reduces or eliminates slamming of the valve disc against the valve seat. In a preferred method of operation liquid surge pressure transients are reduced or eliminated and slamming of valve components is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: GA Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Donald L. Bartell, Jr., Joseph E. Lescovich, William J. Nicholl
  • Patent number: 8424838
    Abstract: The present invention utilizes operation of a valve actuator to generate electrical power. A portion of the mechanical energy generated by operation of a valve actuator is converted to electrical energy. The mechanical energy may be converted to electrical energy at the same time as the valve actuator is operating or the mechanical energy may be stored for later conversion. A valve actuator may be operated manually, electrically, pneumatically, or hydraulically. Generated electrical energy may also be stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Flowserve Management Company
    Inventors: William T. Dolenti, Daniel J. Morris, Daniel Carlson, Byron A. Fleury, David R. Simons
  • Publication number: 20130095400
    Abstract: An electrochemically operable actuator (20), includes a support structure, a flexible membrane sealed against the support structure to form a compartment (108), electrochemical element (101) adapted to generate hydrogen or oxygen gas and to deliver the gas to the inside of the compartment, the electrochemical element including an ion conducting membrane having an electrode on opposing sides thereof, and terminal element for connecting a voltage source to enable applying a potential across the electrodes. The electrochemical element can be a hydrogen pump (101) or an electrolyzer or both. A fuel cell assembly (100) incorporating a valve (V) with an actuator is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: MYFC AB
    Inventors: Anders Lundblad, Mahsa Mashoof, Daniel Karlsson, Magnus Lindblom, Raphael Poulain
  • Patent number: 8418989
    Abstract: Disclosed are a fluid control system and method of controlling operating pressures within a fluid system, where the fluid control system includes a choke assembly, a pressure generating device, and a linear motor. The choke assembly may include a housing and a choke member adapted for movement in the housing, controlling the flow of a fluid from an inlet passage to an outlet passage. The fluid applies a force on a first end of the choke member. The pressure generating device may be fluidly connected to a chamber and may contain a control fluid that applies a first force on a second end of the choke member. The linear motor may apply a second force on the second end of the choke member. The difference between the forces applied to the first and second ends of the choke member may affect the movement of the choke member in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Alan Wayne Burkhard, Nicolas Christopher Wade Thiessen
  • Publication number: 20130075636
    Abstract: A solenoid valve assembly capable of providing a continuous flow of pressurized inert gas to operate a process tool without interruption. A system comprising the solenoid valve assembly is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.
    Inventors: Anthony John Smith, Jeffery C. Barthold, William John Dax
  • Patent number: 8398050
    Abstract: An actuator and counterbalance system including a nonmobile carrier; a mobile carrier, mobile relative to the non mobile carrier; and a counterbalance system in operable communication with the mobile carrier and configured to counterbalance less than 100 percent of a return force of a tool actuated by the actuator and method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gary Lake, Priyesh Ranjan, Kenneth Wilson, Michael Rainone, Phillip Grisham, Samuel Sackett
  • Patent number: 8366026
    Abstract: A high speed gas valve apparatus including a reservoir for holding a gas having a charge port for filling the reservoir with the gas and an outlet for releasing the gas from the reservoir, a rod slidingly housed in the valve apparatus, the rod including a sealing means operatively arranged to engage with the outlet of the valve chamber for sealing the reservoir when the valve is in a closed position, a pneumatic actuator, wherein a piston of the pneumatic actuator is coupled to the rod, an electro-magnetic actuator coupled to the rod, and wherein the gas is released from the reservoir via the outlet when the apparatus is in an open position, and the valve transitions from the closed position to the open position by activating the pneumatic and electro-magnetic actuators to move the rod away from the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Microsys Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaodong Wang, Colin Williams
  • Patent number: 8360393
    Abstract: A spring return valve comprising a motor, a first worm member, a second planetary gear member, a second worm member, an elastic member, and a valve attached to said second worm wheel is provided. Since the first and the second planetary gear are installed between the first worm shaft and the second worm shaft and the elastic member is fitted onto the second worm shaft, the load applied on the output shaft can be reduced a lot, the opening and/or closing operation is very easy even if the elastic coefficient is small, thereby the reduction in size is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Eunha Machinery Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Soon-won Park
  • Publication number: 20130020513
    Abstract: An object is to provide a vehicle coolant control valve having excellent response, small size and weight, and low power consumption. A coolant stop valve (vehicle coolant control valve) valve comprises a valve body for controlling the flow of a fluid, the valve body having a magnetic body; a coil spring (urging device) for moving the valve body in the closing direction; a valve seat capable of coming in contact with the valve body; and a solenoid for moving the valve body in the closing direction; wherein the valve body is moved in the opening direction by fluid pressure of a fluid discharged from a water pump (pump) during operation of the water pump (pump), against the movement force of the coil spring (urging device) in the closing direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Masanobu Matsusaka, Tadayashi Sato, Kentaroh Mochizuki, Koji Nunami
  • Publication number: 20130001449
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electronic hydraulic pressure control apparatus and an electronic hydraulic pressure control method using a variable behavior, and more particularly, to an electronic hydraulic pressure control apparatus and an electronic hydraulic pressure control method using a variable behavior which can detect that a user manipulates an electronic joystick of an electronic hydraulic system to positive and negative positions with respect to a neutral point in a preset time period, and vary a behavior (for example, a general behavior or an abrupt operation behavior) according to the detection result, thereby enhancing both comfortableness of an operator and an abrupt operation efficiency in manipulating a construction machine and providing a convenience for an operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: DOOSAN INFRACORE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ki Hong Choi
  • Patent number: 8342478
    Abstract: Valve systems include a valve and a valve actuator assembly for operating the valve. The valve actuator assembly includes a controller that uses stored information and signals from a sensor to open and close the valve. The controller can manipulate, analyze, evaluate, store, and communicate information related to the history of the valve, performance of the valve, valve settings, and the like. The controller can send information to a replacement controller or a replacement valve actuator assembly. Various types of wired and wireless connections can establish communication between the controller and the replacement controller or replacement valve actuator assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Tri-Tec Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Richard L. Cordray, Leslie A. Kremer, Jack Buss
  • Publication number: 20120297948
    Abstract: This invention provides an improved method of supplying cooling water for the blade of a power saw use to cut tile, stone or brick.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: George Allen Kenton
  • Patent number: 8317155
    Abstract: A driving mechanism, mounting to a flush apparatus, includes an actuation housing coupling with a valve body, a manual actuation unit including a push button and a manual plunger arm transversely extended from the push button towards a pushing platform, and an automated actuation unit including a motorized unit and an automated plunger arm transversely extended towards the pushing platform. When the push button is manually pressed, the pushing platform is pushed by the manual plunger arm to move a diaphragm member at the unsealed position. When the motorized unit is activated in responsive to a presence of a user, the automated plunger arm is driven by the motorized unit to move towards the pushing platform, such that the pushing platform is pushed by the automated plunger arm to move the diaphragm member at the unsealed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: Jorge Maercovich
  • Publication number: 20120280155
    Abstract: The invention relates to an actuating device for housed or housingless valves; in particular for valves for pipelines for transporting liquid or gaseous medium, preferably for pipelines above a nominal diameter of DN 100 or channels, having a drive motor, having a gearing (2), and having an emergency running drive (3) by means of which the gearing (2) can be actuated independently of the drive motor, wherein as a drive motor a servo motor (4) is provided which has a measuring device which determines the respectively present position of the servo motor (4) in relation to its initial position and outputs corresponding measured values, a working memory is provided into which the measured values of the measuring device of the servo motor (4) are written, an electronic control unit (8) is provided which reads out the measured values of the measuring device of the servo motor (4); and performs position control of the servo motor (4) and therefore of the actuating device on the basis of the measured values from the
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: BU-SCH ARMATUREN GMBH
    Inventor: Rudolf Spotka
  • Publication number: 20120256109
    Abstract: A magnetic valve includes a main body and a closure element, which is connected to an end region of the main body and which can be impinged by a fluid pressure. The main body has at least one first support surface allocated to the closure element in the end region thereof. A support element is provided, which is connected to the main body and has at least one other second support surface serving as a bearing surface or forms the bearing surface together with the first support surface. The bearing surface is larger than the first support surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Guggenmos, Michael Dinerman, Friedrich Mueller, Anton Fritz, Elmar Vier
  • Patent number: 8272400
    Abstract: A gas valve control device, including at least: a timing controller, and a valve, including at least a rotating button, a contact plate, an electromagnetic valve, a pressing spring, a valve cover, a valve pole, a fixing pin, a plug bar, and a valve body having a cavity. Advantages of the gas valve control device include: integration of a timing controller and a control valve; timing control can be implemented mechanically or electrically; compact structure and good appearance; easy operation; safe and reliable; and accurate timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Ningbo Wanan Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Feng Zhang
  • Patent number: 8267374
    Abstract: There is provided a multi-turn hydraulic actuator used to open/close a passageway in ground and sea industries including general industrial machines, oil refineries and chemical plants and power generating plants, among others, and more particularly, a multi-turn hydraulic actuator comprising: a hydraulic motor and a decelerator, among others, whereby high torque is efficiently obtained by using low electric power, compared to a conventional electric actuator, and whereby an operation part and a drive part are freely attached to/detached from at a user's necessity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: RPM Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Byoung Hoo Rho, Hee Goo Sim, Mun Su Bok, Jae Chul Lee, Po Young Kim
  • Publication number: 20120228533
    Abstract: A device for a flow control of a liquid or gaseous medium, in particular for metering a fluid to be admixed into an exhaust gas treatment system, contains an electromagnet which has a solenoid coil with a magnetic core and an end-side magnetic plate in a magnet housing, and actuates a valve element in a valve compartment of a valve body to control a valve seat located there. The solenoid coil is protected against deformation with respect to the valve compartment, and is sealed using a sealing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Felix Ams, Stefan Wegehingel, Matthieu Clemente
  • Patent number: 8256601
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical sprung anti-backoff device, capable of fixedly immobilizing or releasing a manual control handwheel (4) and a motor acting on one and the same rotation shaft, comprising a cylindrical spring (7, 16), a cylinder (9, 17) mounted so as to rotate on the rotation shaft, the spring being able to rotate with the cylinder, turns of the spring being in contact with a surface of the cylinder and its ends being capable of coming into contact with the handwheel. The ends of the spring (7, 16) are curved inward or outward, the handwheel (4) may act on the curve of one or other of the ends of the spring (7, 16), and the rotation of the spring (7, 16) is limited by a stop acting against one or other of the ends of the spring. Application can be to manual control and motorized control valves, for example on fluid pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Bernard Controls
    Inventors: Thomas Braunlich, Hervé Leroy, Etienne Bernard
  • Publication number: 20120211685
    Abstract: A pneumatic actuator air flow control system includes a pneumatic rotary actuator (PRA) and a solenoid air flow control valve (SAFCV). The PRA contains an air reservoir and a vane housing allowing pressurized air to rotate an air-driven vane. The SAFCV includes a flow control valve body (FCVB), a pilot solenoid valve (PSV) and a switch system, wherein the FCVB and the PRA can be connected to direct the pressurized air into the air reservoir, and the PSV is used to control the pressurized air in and out of the PRA to change the vane's rotation movement in the vane housing. Additionally, the switch system allows users to switch between a double-acting and fail-safe operation. When there is no pressurized air and/or electrical power and if an emergent need to open or close the valve, a manual override in the PSV can be used without further installation of a declutchable manual gear operator or external piping when there is no pressurized air and/or electrical power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: EASYTORK AUTOMATION CORPORATION
    Inventor: James Wang
  • Patent number: 8243040
    Abstract: A sensor is disclosed. The sensor may be a touch sensor. The sensor may be incorporated into a water delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventor: Paul D. Koottungal
  • Publication number: 20120199767
    Abstract: In an actuator, an electric power supply to a position-detecting detector for an object to be driven can be carried out in a timely manner during a power failure to thereby suppress an electric power consumption in the position-detecting detector, whereby duration time of a power-failure compensation battery can be prolonged, and a variety of detectors can be selected and utilized without limitation in accordance with a use environment and usefulness. During the power failure, a switching means 40 establishes a linking state in which an input shaft 11 of a reduction mechanism 10 and a manual inputting means 30 are linked to each other. When the linking state is detected by a detecting means, an electric power is fed from a battery 80 to a rotation detector by a control section 70, so that the control section 70 can obtain a displacement of the object to be driven, based on a signal output from the rotation detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: Seibu Electric & Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masakazu Mori, Daisuke Kukita, Chikara Kitajima, Seiya Shimada
  • Publication number: 20120175538
    Abstract: An earthquake triggered and electronically controlled shutoff valve for allowing or preventing a flow of a fluid. The shutoff valve incorporates a weight positioned on a pedestal and disengaged from a surrounding moveable tube. Upon sufficient vibrational force, the weight moves from its resting position on the pedestal and engages with the moveable tube to block the flow of the fluid through the shutoff valve. In addition to vibrational forces, the shutoff valve may be electronically triggered via a connector electrically connected to one or more solenoids positioned within the shutoff valve. The solenoids may engage with the weight upon electrical stimulation or may engage with a moveable member coupled to the moveable tube. An energy storage unit provides power for the solenoids such that the solenoids may function in the absence of external power to the shutoff valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Inventors: Chris Penwell, Jonathan L. Jones