With Nonelectrical Actuator Patents (Class 251/129.03)
  • Publication number: 20090179164
    Abstract: [PROBLEMS] To provide a small-sized control valve in which a pressure introduced into a pressure-sensitive part can control a valve opening according to the small change of thrust by a solenoid. [MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS] This control valve (28) includes a diaphragm assembly (64) imparting a biasing force to a moving member (50) according to the pressure introduced into the pressure-sensitive part (40). The moving member (50) is moved by the biasing force to control the valve opening. The control valve further includes a solenoid part (36) which imparts the thrust of the diaphragm assembly (64) produced according to the pressure introduced into the pressure-sensitive part (40) to the moving member (50) through a diaphragm holding body (66) as a biasing force, and imparts a biasing force capable of controlling the valve opening in cooperation with the afore-said biasing force to the moving member (50).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: Hideki Higashidozono, Norio Uemura, Kohei Fukudome
  • Patent number: 7552905
    Abstract: An automatic flush actuation apparatus, which is incorporated with a flushing system having a water inlet, a water outlet, and a water chamber communicating therebetween, that includes a valve member being moved by a flush lever for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing from the water inlet to the water outlet, and a sensor-operated powering assembly including a relief valve provided at the valve member for controlling the water flowing to the water outlet and an actuator arranged in such a manner that while sensing a presence of a user of the flushing system, the actuator is driven to move the relief valve to an opened position for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing to said water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Advanced Modern Technologies, Corp.
    Inventors: Jorge Maercovich, Jackson Lu, Leo Maercovich, Shao-Kuang Liu, Hsiang-Chin Kao
  • Patent number: 7533697
    Abstract: A valve assembly (10) comprises a valve body (20), a first valve (22a), a second valve (22b), and a manual override device (24). The valve body (20) defines a first inlet (30a), a second inlet (30b), and an outlet (32). Each valve (22a/22b) includes a plunger (68a/68b) that is electrically movable between a position whereat the corresponding inlet (30a/30b) communicates with the outlet (32) and a position whereat the inlet (30a/30b) is sealed from the outlet (32). The override device (24) is manually movable to override positions whereat the electrical control of one of the valves (22a/22b) is overridden and the plunger's seat-sealing surface (72a/72b) is caused to move so that the corresponding inlet (30a/30b) communicates with the outlet (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Robert W. Zeiner, Robert W. Carlson
  • Publication number: 20090101856
    Abstract: In combination with an external actuator for electrically operating a gate valve for use with a recreational vehicle, a gate valve within a housing, a flow passageway, a valve closure member moveable transversely of the flow passageway to cause the passageway to open and close. The valve closure member comprises a valve stem and a connected handle. Also provided is an electrical control unit with a motor, an electrical drive means and a drive shaft to engage the handle. A switch means electrically connected to the control unit has an on and off position. In the on position, the actuator lifts the handle to move the gate and open the flow passageway. In the off position, the actuator retracts the handle to move the gate linearly to close the flow passageway. Also provided is a releasable ring pin which confines the handle and which, when removed, enables the manual override of the external actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Luis Ontiveros Frias
  • Publication number: 20090094740
    Abstract: Automatic water faucet in accordance with the present invention comprises main body is formed with outlet and hot and cold water inlets; hot and cold water flow control valve is built in the upper part of main body and selects and controls hot and cold water flow rate; control handle for adjustment of hot and cold water flow control valve; object detector device is installed in front of main body and comprises light generator and receiver, operation indicator lamp, circuit board; electronic valve is installed and connected to the bottom of hot and cold water flow control valve automatically opens or closes outlet in accordance with the detector signal of object detector part; battery power supply supplies power to object detector part and electronic valve; and manual emergency lever is installed on the bottom of main body to be able to be rotated to enforce operation of electronic valve manually.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventor: Sung-Man Ji
  • Publication number: 20090090880
    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: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventors: William T. Dolenti, Daniel J. Morris, Daniel Carlson, Byron A. Fleury, David M. Simons
  • Patent number: 7510166
    Abstract: An automatic flush actuation apparatus, which is incorporated with a flushing system having a water inlet, a water outlet, and a water chamber communicating therebetween, that includes a valve member being moved by a flush lever for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing from the water inlet to the water outlet, and a sensor-operated powering assembly including a relief valve provided at the valve member for controlling the water flowing to the water outlet and an actuator arranged in such a manner that while sensing a presence of a user of the flushing system, the actuator is driven to move the relief valve to an opened position for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing to said water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventors: Jorge Maercovich, Leo Maercovich, Shao-Kuang Liu
  • Patent number: 7509975
    Abstract: Fluid sensing shut-off devices with timer and methods of operation to shut off fluid flow if a primary shutoff valve sticks in the on condition. An embodiment is disclosed using a microphone to sense fluid flow, with a microprocessor periodically awakening from a sleep mode to power the sensor and determine if there is flow. If there is flow, the microprocessor times flow, and if flow is not shut off within a predetermined length of time, the microprocessor shuts off the valve. The valve itself normally held in a magnetically latched, valve open state, but may be unlatched by a current pulse to close the valve. Various embodiments and applications are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Enginuity, Inc.
    Inventors: Thurman F. Hodge, Benjamin Grill, Oded Eddie Sturman
  • Publication number: 20090078896
    Abstract: Proposed is a magnetic valve with manual override, through the actuating element of which a magnetic core that serves as a valve element or that is connected to a valve element can be shifted from an off position into an operating position without excitation of a magnetic coil system assigned to it. To detect the position of the magnetic core that is held in the operating position by the manual override there is provided a coil current monitoring device that monitors the rise of the coil current after the magnetic coil system has been switched on, which device has a detection device for detection of the absence of a drop in current as formed by movement of the magnetic core after being switched on and a signaling device for electrical signaling of a position of the magnetic core that is held in the operating position by the manual override if said drop in current is absent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Carsten Clauss, Ralf Forcht, Thomas Lederer, Christian Waldeck
  • Publication number: 20090056680
    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: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: INERGY AUTOMOTIVE SYS. RESEARCH (SOCIETE ANONYME )
    Inventors: David Hill, Saurin Mehta, Soott McCleary, Scott Garabedian
  • Publication number: 20080315139
    Abstract: The invention provides an actuator for moving a threaded valve stem along a longitudinal axis to selectively open or close a valve. The actuator comprises a carrier rotatably mounted within a housing. A portion of the carrier has a bore threaded to receive the threaded valve stem. The actuator further comprises a gear arrangement configured for transmitting a rotational force to the carrier. A cylindrical operator rotatably mounted to the housing has a plurality of splines on its circumference and is configured for receiving a rotational input force from a drive mechanism. An annular collar slidably disposed around the operator rotates with the operator but can slide longitudinally along the operator between a first position in which it engages the gear arrangement and a second position in which it engages the carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Stone, Robert Kaminsky, Todd R. MacLay
  • Publication number: 20080265193
    Abstract: An automatic flush actuation apparatus, which is incorporated with a flushing system having a water inlet, a water outlet, and a water chamber communicating therebetween, that includes a valve member being moved by a flush lever for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing from the water inlet to the water outlet, and a sensor-operated powering assembly including a relief valve provided at the valve member for controlling the water flowing to the water outlet and an actuator arranged in such a manner that while sensing a presence of a user of the flushing system, the actuator is driven to move the relief valve to an opened position for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing to said water outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Jorge Maercovich, Jackson Lu, Leo Maercovich, Shao-Kuang Liu, Hsiang-Chin Kao
  • Patent number: 7407147
    Abstract: An automatic flush actuation apparatus, which is incorporated with a flushing system having a water inlet, a water outlet, and a water chamber communicating therebetween, that includes a valve member being moved by a flush lever for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing from the water inlet to the water outlet, and a sensor-operated powering assembly including a relief valve provided at the valve member for controlling the water flowing to the water outlet and an actuator arranged in such a manner that while sensing a presence of a user of the flushing system, the actuator is driven to move the relief valve to an opened position for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing to said water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Advanced Modern Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jorge Maercovich, Jackson Lu, Leo Maercovich, Shao-Kuang Liu, Hsiang-Chin Kao
  • Patent number: 7380528
    Abstract: In an hydraulic actuator, a movement of an actuating element of the actuator is effected in that a working chamber of the actuator, with the aid of a valve device, is able to be selectively connected to, and disconnected from, a fluid reservoir in which pressurized hydraulic fluid is stored. The lift of the actuating element of the actuator is a function of a fluid volume present in the working chamber. It is provided that, to ascertain an instantaneous operating performance of the actuator, the working chamber is briefly connected to the fluid reservoir, the corresponding pressure drop in the fluid reservoir is recorded, and the corresponding lift is determined from the pressure drop with the aid of known geometrical variables of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Hermann Gaessler, Ulf Pischke, Hubert Schweiggart, Christian Grosse
  • Publication number: 20080111090
    Abstract: A faucet assembly is operable automatically or mechanically to facilitate control in a non-powered or motor failure condition. In the automatic control position, separate and automatic control of fluid flow and temperature is provided by respective actuation of first and second handles. In the manual control position, the first and second handles are moved axially to decouple electric motors from corresponding fluid control valves. Such axial movement of the first and second handles concurrently couples the handles mechanically to the corresponding fluid control valves to provide the desired manual actuation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: MASCO CORPORATION OF INDIANA
    Inventor: Randall Paul Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20080087856
    Abstract: Methods for communicating with an automatic flush valve device. The automatic flush device having a variety of operational modes which can be selected from to control the operation of the device. The communication from the automatic flush device providing a user with information regarding the status of the flush valve device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2007
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Inventors: John R. Wilson, Xu Wang
  • Patent number: 7320146
    Abstract: An manual activation mechanism for an electronic flushometer system. A manual activation or override plate has a sensor switch directly coupled thereto and is hingedly connected to a sensor bracket. When a user presses the manual activation or override plate, the sensor switch acts against a bumper, which is compressed to create an electrical contact with a printed circuit board. The electrical contact results in the transmission of an electrical signal to a solenoid system, actuating a flushometer valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventors: Richard A. Nortier, Steven R. Oliver
  • Publication number: 20070278436
    Abstract: A coupler including electrical and pneumatic interfaces. The coupler includes a manifold having pneumatic apertures and a support having connector apertures to accommodate one or more valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventors: David M. Phillips, Toru Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 7284570
    Abstract: Controlled flow of liquid is conducted between aligned inlet and outlet pipe sections through a valve housing within which a solid valve element is sealed and supported for electrically powered displacement between a fully open position establishing unrestricted flow and a fully closed position blocking inflow from the inlet pipe section and outflow from the outlet pipe section. The valve element is operatively displaced either by rotation or by linear movement under electrically powered control through a valve stem connected thereto, while a manual actuator is also connected to the valve stem outside of the valve housing for imparting reduced dithering displacement to the valve element so as to insure that it is in proper and readied working condition. Such electrically powered operational displacement of the valve element is sensed in response to movement of the valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Thomas D. Gracik, Andrew J. Field, William D. Kuran, Frederick Oberman
  • Patent number: 7264017
    Abstract: A regulator valve includes dual actuators that operate according to different principles to position a valve element to either an open or a closed position. One actuator, which is an electromechanical actuator, operates in response to electrical command signals. The other actuator, which is a pneumatic actuator, operates in response to a fluid pressure. The electromechanical actuator is responsive to the electrical command signals to rotate in either a valve open or a valve close direction, to move the valve element to either the open or closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Stuart K. Denike, Don J. Atkins, Robert D. Sleeper, Mark W. Williams, Jay W. Lombardi
  • Publication number: 20070176136
    Abstract: The invention relates to a magnet valve, having a valve insert and a tappet guided movably in the valve insert via a tappet guide, which tappet is braced on a valve body via a restoring spring resting a contact face of the tappet, and the restoring spring is guided radially from inside on one end by a spring guide of the tappet, the spring guide adjoining the contact face. According to the invention, centering means are present, which are disposed on the tappet in such a way that the restoring spring is centered and radially guided from inside over a substantial portion of its length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Inventors: Harald Speer, Thomas Michl, Ralf Schindler, Dietmar Kratzer, Elmar Vier, Gerhard Schuster
  • Patent number: 7249748
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: GA Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald L. Bartell, Jr., Joseph E. Lescovich, William J. Nicholl
  • Patent number: 7232110
    Abstract: An automatic flush actuation apparatus, which is incorporated with a flushing system having a water inlet, a water outlet, and a water chamber communicating therebetween, that includes a valve member being moved by a flush lever for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing from the water inlet to the water outlet, and a sensor-operated powering assembly including a relief valve provided at the valve member for controlling the water flowing to the water outlet and an actuator arranged in such a manner that while sensing a presence of a user of the flushing system, the actuator is driven to move the relief valve to an opened position for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing to said water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Advanced Modern Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jorge Maercovich, Jackson Lu, Leo Maercovich, Shao-Kuang Liu, Hsiang-Chin Kao
  • Patent number: 7225771
    Abstract: A device for generating pressure pulses, includes a pressure fluid source and a pressure fluid depression, a pressure fluid circuit, a valve body displaceably located in a chamber, a first branch and a second branch the branches leaving to opposite sides of the valve body, the chamber having an opening on one side of the valve body, the opening communicating with the first branch and permitting pressure fluid to flow out of the chamber. The valve body, under the action of the pressure fluid in the branches, is displaceable to a first position in which it closes the opening and to a second position in which it leaves the opening open for out-flow of the pressure fluid. The device includes a first valve member arranged to permit or interrupt communication between the chamber and the pressure fluid source through the second branch upstream of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Cargine Engineering AB
    Inventor: Mats Hedman
  • Patent number: 7192004
    Abstract: An electric driving device for a valve includes a lower casing member, a cover plate, a driving unit, a cylindrical part, a control part, a third rod and a fourth rod. The cover plate closes the open top of the lower casing member. The driving unit has an electric motor with a shaft being attached with a first gear. The cylindrical part with an axial bore is fixedly attached to the outer side of the lower casing member. The control unit has a first rod with being attached with a second gear to mesh with the first gear and a first elastic member is disposed on the first rod next to the first gear. A third gear is disposed next to the first elastic member and the second rod with the front section thereof being attached with a fourth gear. The third rod is disposed near the first rod in parallel with a fifth gear being attached to a front section thereof and a sixth gear being attached to a rear section thereof to mesh with the third gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Inventor: Shui-Ching Chen
  • Patent number: 7156367
    Abstract: A gas control knob includes a main body having a gas inlet hole and a gas outlet hole, a throttling cock rotatably mounted in the main body to regulate the gas flow rate between the gas inlet hole and the gas outlet hole of the main body, a rotation lever rotatably mounted on the main body to rotate the throttling cock, and a motor mounted on a fixing bracket to drive a transmission mechanism automatically which drives a clutch mechanism to drive and rotate the rotation lever to rotate the throttling cock. Thus, the gas control knob is operated manually or automatically, thereby facilitating a user operating the gas control knob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventors: Ching-Ying Huang, Hsin-Ming Huang, Hsin-Hsiung Huang, Pao-Hui Huang, Chung-Sheng Yen, Ching-Chieh Hung
  • Patent number: 7146947
    Abstract: An arrangement for adjusting the angle of rotation of a camshaft (5) relative to a crankshaft is provided. The arrangement requires many components, which partially also require different operational conditions. The new arrangement is structured in a modular fashion, so that the components of the arrangement are no longer arranged inside a common housing, but rather are separately constructed according to their function and/or operational conditions, for example, they are used jointly by other control or adjustment devices. It is particularly advantageous that such arrangements can be produced in a reduced size and in a more cost effective manner and can be used for adjusting the valve play of internal combustion engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: AFT Atlas Fahrzeugtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Dirk Neubauer, Detlef Axmacher, Markus Wilke, Massimiliano Gasparro, Frank Pachan, Lars Pfutzenreuter
  • Patent number: 7104283
    Abstract: A normally open hydraulic control valve includes: a linear solenoid unit; a spool driven by an output force of the linear solenoid unit to move forward; a valve body in which the spool is fitted; and a return spring for biasing the spool in a retreating direction. The valve body includes: a reaction force oil chamber for introducing hydraulic pressure, which presses the spool in a direction against a biasing force of the return spring, from the output port; and a damper oil chamber which suppresses vibration of the spool. The damper oil chamber is adjacent to the reaction force oil chamber with the third land portion of the spool therebetween. A slide gap which leaks and supplies oil from the reaction force oil chamber to the damper oil chamber is provided between the third land portion and the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Keihin Corporation
    Inventors: Tohru Ino, Shigeto Ryuen, Hidetoshi Watanabe, Satoshi Noda
  • Patent number: 7100628
    Abstract: An electromechanically-assisted control system for use in a second-stage regulator. Regulator control assembly (20), also referred to as EMA assembly (20), includes a mechanical actuator sub-assembly (21) and an electromechanical actuator (EMA) sub-assembly (22) for controlling airflow through single air supply line (23). EMA sub-assembly (22) includes electronically controllable actuator (ECA) (34), which removably seals EMA orifice (36) in wall (30) of pilot chamber (32). ECA (34) is electrically connected with and controlled by control electronics (38). The control electronics include programmable microprocessor (40), which is electrically connected with charge and discharge electronics (42), both of which are electrically connected with power supply (44). Alternatively, regulator control assembly (20?), also referred to as all-electronic (AE) assembly (20?), has only an EMA sub-assembly and no mechanical actuator sub-assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Creare Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Izenson, Patrick J. Magari
  • Patent number: 7086358
    Abstract: A method of controlling the speed of the valves in an electro-hydraulic actuation unit for the valves of an internal combustion engine in which the pressure of the fluid in the hydraulic actuator of the valve is controlled during the final phase of closure of a valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Magneti Marelli Powertrain S.p.A.
    Inventor: Marco Panciroli
  • Patent number: 7083158
    Abstract: A system connectable to a water line for controlling the flow of water includes an underground housing, a shut-off mechanism disposed within the housing and connected to the water lines, and a controlling mechanism including a wand for sending a signal to the shut-off mechanism and thereby open and close the system. The shut-off mechanism includes a motor, an actuator interface, and a drive shaft operably connected to each other wherein the drive shaft rotates based upon the signal from the wand so that water flow can be adjusted as desired by an operator. The controlling mechanism includes an antenna and transceiver for communicating with the wand. The actuator interface is coupled to the antenna for processing and communicating a signal received from the wand and transmitting same to the motor and drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventors: James E. Burt, Frederick D. Ireland
  • Patent number: 7082913
    Abstract: A value characteristic changing apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to the invention is provided with an intake-side variable valve timing mechanism that changes a valve timing of an intake valve of an internal combustion engine, and an exhaust-side variable valve timing mechanism that changes a valve timing of an exhaust valve. The intake-side variable valve mechanism is a mechanism that uses an storage battery as a power source; the exhaust-side variable valve timing mechanism is a mechanism that uses a hydraulic pump of an engine driving type as a power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshihito Moriya
  • Patent number: 7055795
    Abstract: The present invention provides a motorized valve actuator wherein the drive from the motor to the output shaft of the actuator is via a worm and worm wheel or other gear mesh which is incapable of being back driven, the actuator having an alternative manual drive, the manual drive comprising a hand wheel and a clutch and lever to change from motor power drive to hand drive mode, the actuator further having an intermediate shaft between the motor and output shaft, the hand wheel being carried by or at least operatively linked to the intermediate shaft to drive the intermediate shaft, the clutch mechanism being associated with/mounted on the intermediate shaft, the intermediate shaft being positioned between the motor and the worm/worm wheel drive whereby the clutch mechanism associated with/mounted on the intermediate shaft operates substantially freely when the lever is operated to bring the actuator into hand drive mode, the output shaft torque generated by the previous motor powered run and locked into the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Rotork Controls Limited
    Inventor: Stuart Masefield Lay
  • Patent number: 7028977
    Abstract: An automatic flush actuation apparatus, which is incorporated with a flushing system having a water inlet, a water outlet, and a water chamber communicating therebetween, that includes a valve member being moved by a flush lever for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing from the water inlet to the water outlet, and a sensor-operated powering assembly including a relief valve provided at the valve member for controlling the water flowing to the water outlet and an actuator arranged in such a manner that while sensing a presence of a user of the flushing system, the actuator is driven to move the relief valve to an opened position for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing to said water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Inventors: Jorge Maercovich, Jackson Lu, Leo Maercovich, Shao-Kuang Liu, Hsiang-Chin Kao
  • Patent number: 7014166
    Abstract: A faucet device includes a shank coupled to a water reservoir and having two outlets, a solenoid valve is coupled to one of the outlets of the shank, a faucet housing includes a chamber and includes an outlet spout. A valve casing is disposed in the faucet housing, and includes two passages coupled to the other outlet of the shank and an exit of the solenoid valve. An actuating device may selectively communicate either passage of the valve casing with the spout of the faucet housing, to allow the water from the shank and the solenoid valve to selectively flow out through the spout of the faucet housing, and to allow the faucet device to be selectively operated automatically or manually by users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Inventor: Hsiang Hung Wang
  • Patent number: 7014163
    Abstract: A pilot-controlled electromagnetic valve is capable of preventing tilting of a piston and of shortening the piston with a simplified arrangement and allows a main valve element to be moved by actuation of a manual controller by transmitting the motion of the manual controller to both the piston and the main valve element. A partition is formed between a piston chamber and a manual controller chamber. A guide hole is formed in the partition. A guide projection is formed on the left side of the piston. The guide projection is inserted through the guide hole to project into the manual controller chamber. The manual controller having a sloped surface is reciprocatably provided in the manual controller chamber. Actuation of the manual controller causes the sloped surface to contact the sloped portion of the guide projection, thereby enabling both the piston and the main valve element to be moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Fukano, Masayuki Oshima
  • Patent number: 6991211
    Abstract: A pneumatically actuated fluid control valve includes a piston and a piston actuator including a permanent magnet. First and second piston actuator positions for magnetically disposing the piston in valve open and valve closed positions are provided. A pneumatic actuator driving circuit pneumatically moves the piston actuator from one to the other of first and second piston actuator positions to dispose the piston in the open and closed positions. The valve includes an annular valve assembly. One valve assembly position is a normally closed position and a positive air flow control signal moves the piston to open the valve. Another valve assembly position is a normally open position and a positive air flow control signal moves the piston to close the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Inventor: Robert Altonji
  • Patent number: 6986341
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting fuel-vapor gas leaks that includes a jet pump (8) that introduces outside air into and pressurizes a vapor purge system including a fuel tank (1) by gasoline flow from a fuel pump (2); an internal pressure sensor (14) for measuring vapor purge system internal pressure, an open/close controllable reference orifice (21) that causes leakage through a reference leak hole; and a storage device for storing as an initial curve pressure changes during pressurization by the jet pump (8) for a predetermined time period, with the reference orifice (21) alone opened. The device can accurately detect leakage even while an internal combustion engine is running because it judges leak presence/absence by comparing a time series in a pressure curve obtained by jet pump (8) pressurization over the predetermined time period while idling with the vapor purge system completely shut-off, with a time series in the initial curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tateki Mitani, Seiji Tsutsui, Shigeki Kanamaru, Hiroshi Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 6974118
    Abstract: An automatic flush actuation apparatus, which is incorporated with a flushing system having a water inlet, a water outlet, and a water chamber communicating therebetween, that includes a valve member being moved by a flush lever for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing from the water inlet to the water outlet, and a sensor-operated powering assembly including a relief valve provided at the valve member for controlling the water flowing to the water outlet and an actuator arranged in such a manner that while sensing a presence of a user of the flushing system, the actuator is driven to move the relief valve to an opened position for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing to said water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Advanced Modern Technologies, Corp.
    Inventors: Jorge Maercovich, Jackson Lu, Leo Maerchovich, Shao-Kuang Liu, Hsiang-Chih Kao
  • Patent number: 6968816
    Abstract: In an oil flow control valve (OCV) according to the present invention, a first volume varying chamber is adapted to communicate with a second volume varying chamber through a second plunger breathing path, and the second volume varying chamber is adapted to communicate with a first breathing hole through an intra-plunger breathing path, an intra-shaft breathing path, and a third volume varying chamber. That is, the breathing path to the second volume varying chamber is long and the volume thereof is large, and the breathing path to the first volume varying chamber is still longer and larger in its volume. Consequently, the amount of foreign matters getting into the first and second volume varying chambers can be decreased and therefore it is possible to prevent the occurrence of an operation defect of the OCV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Eiji Isobe, Jiro Kondo
  • Patent number: 6966337
    Abstract: Auxiliary manual operation on a bistable multiway valve is achieved with a valve member able to be reciprocated with the performance of a switching movement and furthermore operating device extending athwart the direction of the switching movement. There is a provision such that the operating device includes at least two mutually parallel plungers, which on operation act on second different flanks of the valve member, operation of one plunger locking the respectively other plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Festo AG & Co.
    Inventors: Robert Hesser, Bernhard Walter
  • Patent number: 6966285
    Abstract: A valve actuator control monitors engine valve trajectory, lift and seating velocity and varies the timing of internal feedback control channels to correct for engine valve positioning errors to achieve precise engine valve lift, closing timing and desired seating velocity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Zongxuan Sun
  • Patent number: 6959910
    Abstract: A solenoid valve includes a main valve having a valve member which switches over flow paths by contacting with and separating from valve seats in a valve casing, a solenoid operating portion to drive the valve member, and a manually-operated device including an operation rod air-tightly and slidably accommodated in a rod-insertion hole provided in the valve casing and abuts against an end surface of a movable iron core to push the movable iron core in its axial direction, and an operating member movably mounted to a mounting surface of the valve casing to drive the operation rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Takumi Matsumoto, Makoto Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 6948463
    Abstract: A cylinder head for a combustion cylinder of an internal combustion engine is provided, which has at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening, as well as gas exchange valves which are operable by electrohydraulic valve actuators, some of which gas exchange valves function as inlet valves to control the at least one inlet opening, and some of which gas exchange valves function as outlet valves to control the at least one outlet opening. For the purpose of producing a compact, complete module which, as a separate component, may be tested for reliability and may be installed into the engine block of the internal combustion engine without additional preassembly effort, the cylinder head is provided with at least one high pressure line for supplying fluid under high pressure and at least one recycling line for recycling fluid, which have coupling openings for the hydraulic coupling of the valve actuators, and also means for fastening the valve actuators are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Karsten Mischker, Michael Huebel, Uwe Hammer, Volker Beuche, Peter Lang, Stefan Reimer
  • Patent number: 6935287
    Abstract: An engine valve actuation system is provided that includes an engine valve that is movable between a first position where the engine valve prevents a flow of fluid and a second position where the engine valve allows a flow of fluid. A cam assembly is operatively connected to the engine valve to move the engine valve between the first position and the second position in a predetermined actuation pattern. A valve actuator having a piezo electric device is operable to change the movement of the engine valve from the predetermined actuation pattern. A controller is adapted to control the piezo electric device to achieve a desired valve actuation pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventor: Ronald D. Shinogle
  • Patent number: 6928966
    Abstract: A valve actuator assembly for an engine includes a movable engine valve, a movable spool valve and four on/off valves. An intermediate channel interconnects the spool valve and first and second on/off valves. A driving channel connects the spool valve and a first fluid chamber for driving the engine valve. First and second feedback channels communicate between the second and third fluid chambers and fourth and fifth fluid chambers of the spool valve. Third and fourth on/off valves enable and disable the feedback channels to improve valve controllability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Zongxuan Sun
  • Patent number: 6929238
    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. A valve disc having an elongated disc stem contacts a valve seat when in a closed position to stop liquid flow. 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, by action of the momentarily back-flowing liquid, to a back-flow preventing closed position when liquid forward flow is reversed. 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: GA Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Donald L. Bartell, Jr., Joseph E. Lescovich, William J. Nicholl
  • Patent number: 6923424
    Abstract: An automatic flush actuation apparatus, which is incorporated with a flushing system having a water inlet, a water outlet, and a water chamber communicating therebetween, that includes a valve member being moved by a flush lever for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing from the water inlet to the water outlet, and a sensor-operated powering assembly including a relief valve, which includes a resilient element for retaining a valve stopper to normally close the water passage, provided at the valve member for controlling the water flowing to the water outlet and an actuator arranged in such a manner that while sensing a presence of a user of the flushing system, the actuator is driven to move the relief valve to an opened position for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing to said water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventors: Jorge Maercovich, Jackson Lu, Leo Maercovich, Shao-Kuang Liu, Hsiang-Chin Kao
  • Patent number: 6902143
    Abstract: In a pilot-operated valve having a valve body, including inlet and outlet portions controllably interconnected via a main piston bore portion; a main piston movable within the main piston bore; an operator portion; an operator assembly including a movable plunger assembly; and an actuating mechanism for actuating the plunger assembly, wherein the improvement comprises a further bore located within the valve body and a manually-operated override assembly retained therein, including a stem having a tool actuating portion; a cam portion extending radially into the operator bore portion and, upon a first predetermined rotation physically actuating the plunger assembly; and an actuating surface extending tangentially into the main piston bore portion which, upon a second rotation physically actuates the main piston. A method of actuating the manual override assembly is also set forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Domke, Kevin Wilson, Dwight H. Matthews
  • Patent number: 6874535
    Abstract: A valve device and a method for operating at least two valves is actuated by an actuator and arranged for controlling fluid flow in at least two separate fluid lines. The two valves are preferably diaphragm operated valves, but may be also piston valves. The valve device includes a pressure release mechanism constructed to change pressure in a diaphragm chamber of each diaphragm operated valve and thereby open or close the valve. The pressure release mechanism may include a fluid passage in communication with each diaphragm chamber, where it is simultaneously controlled by a movement of a single sealing member actuated by a single actuator. The valve device may also include a manual actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Arichell Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Natan E. Parsons, David Hadley, Robert Shamitz, Kay Herbert