Linkage Patents (Class 251/279)
  • Patent number: 11384847
    Abstract: A frictionless rotary valve comprising: a valve body to be connected within a gas meter, the valve body comprising: a seal, fixedly attached near an outlet of the valve body; and a valve disc, having a ball bearing attached to the valve body; and a gear mechanism comprising: a worm wheel engaged with a worm, wherein the worm wheel is attached to a second end of the valve disc; a drive gear connected to the worm, wherein a rotation of the drive gear in a clockwise direction rotates the worm wheel in an anti-clockwise and moves the valve disc in a closed position; a worm wheel stop, for restricting a movement of the worm wheel in the anti-clockwise direction and driving the worm wheel in a vertically upward direction; and a linear guide attached to the worm wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: August Wallmeyer, Christian Lampe-Juergens
  • Patent number: 10815652
    Abstract: A wastewater strainer is provided that includes a strainer body that has at least one opening that enhances fluid flow through the strainer body and the wastewater plumbing to which it is interconnected. The strainer body includes a flange for engagement to the inner portion of a bathtub and a hub that is spaced from a lower edge of the strainer body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: WCM Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: William T. Ball
  • Patent number: 10641183
    Abstract: The invention relates to a butterfly valve (24) for bleeding a compressor for an aircraft turbine engine, the valve including a valve body (32), a butterfly (36), and a device (42) for controlling the angular position of the butterfly, the device (42) including a mobile actuation member (64) connected to the butterfly by a link (70), the member (64) being subjected: to a first adjustable pressure force (F1) applied by air from the compressor, the first force (F1) returning the butterfly (36) to a closed position; and to a second mechanical force (F2) returning the butterfly (36) to an open position, and coming from an aerodynamic torque (C) applied by the air to the butterfly (36), of which the axis of rotation (38) is off-centre relative to the butterfly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES
    Inventors: Arnaud Joudareff, Pierre Charles Mouton, Bellal Waissi
  • Patent number: 9625052
    Abstract: A double-guidance shift fork transmission box, including a shift fork box body, wherein a shift fork transmission structure and two parallel guide shafts are mounted on the body; a transmission sliding block component is arranged between the guide shafts and can freely slide along them, and the component is connected to the transmission structure. For a conventional shift fork transmission structure having no or one guide shaft, the transmission sliding block component, in the motion process, is affected by thrust of the power output shaft and motion resistance of the shift fork transmission structure only, so that mechanical transmission efficacy and mechanical efficiency of the shift fork and the shift fork box are improved, and stress of the transmission sliding block component on non-axial direction of the guide shaft is eliminated; and thrust generated from the power output shaft is transmitted onto the shift fork transmission structure without loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: CHENGDU MAIKESEN FLUID CONTROL EQUIPMENT
    Inventor: Zhengquan Wang
  • Publication number: 20150115189
    Abstract: Disclosed is a waste gate assembly for a turbocharger that is provided at a side of a turbine into which an exhaust gas is introduced, and bypasses some of the exhaust gas introduced into the turbine to an outside. The waste gate assembly may include a boss that has a hole for discharging the exhaust gas and is provided at a waste gate main body, a valve that is provided to spherically come in contact with a valve mounting surface of the boss and selectively opens or closes the hole of the boss, and an actuator that is connected to the valve, and provides a rotational force to the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Hyundai Wia Corporation
    Inventors: Kyung-Jae JUNG, Seung Yeon LEE, Kwang Hwan Kim, Gil-Beom LEE, Jun Gwan PARK, Sung-Jin YANG, Ui Yeon PARK, Kyung-Wook JIN
  • Publication number: 20150108383
    Abstract: An intermediate lever arrangement for a mechanically-controllable valve drive arrangement, includes a pivot lever arrangement. At least one intermediate lever(s) comprising a working cam is configured to be in an operative connection with the pivot lever arrangement. A bearing shaft is arranged on the at least one intermediate lever(s). An engagement element comprising a circumferential point is mounted in the at least one intermediate lever(s) arrangement so as to rotate about an axis of rotation. A fixing device is arranged on the bearing shaft. The fixing device is configured to fix the engagement element in a defined position. A device is configured so that the circumferential point of the engagement element, upon a rotation by an angle a, describes a curved shape which deviates from an arc of a circle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: KOLBENSCHMIDT PIERBURG INNOVATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Martin Nowak, Karsten Grimm, Michael Breuer, Heinrich Dismon
  • Publication number: 20150097134
    Abstract: A combined faucet handle and control valve assembly has a faucet handle, a plurality of connecting joints and a control valve. The faucet handle provided with a chamber, with an engaging space formed by a dividing member and a base in the chamber, an assembly aperture disposed in the base and passing through the faucet handle. The assembly aperture is engaged with a corresponding first securing member. Each connecting joint has a rod, an end of the rod provided with a connecting portion having an engaging aperture, the engaging aperture having a shape corresponding to a valve rod of the control valve, another end of the rod provided with a first section and a second section, the first section provided with a through aperture disposed axially through the rod and the connecting portion and engaging with a second securing member, and the second section is provided with a positioning aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: ALEXANDER YEH INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Li-Chen Huang
  • Publication number: 20150053878
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a control valve comprising: —A passage path for a fluid inside the valve and that puts in communication an inlet with an outlet; —An obstruction element arranged as to result mobile between a closing position, in which it obstructs the path impeding the passage of the fluid from the inlet towards the outlet, and an opening position in which it allows said passage, and; —Movement means for operating the movement of the obstruction element between said opening position and said closing position and vice-versa. In accordance with the invention, the movement means comprise a joint linkage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventor: Nicola Lucchesi
  • Patent number: 8955537
    Abstract: Actuator stem guide apparatus for use with fluid valve actuators are described. An example actuator stem guide apparatus includes a base having an opening to allow an actuator stem of the fluid valve actuator to tilt or lean within the base to enable a lever of the fluid valve actuator to rotate and a guide receiving area adjacent the opening of the base. A guide is coupled to the guide receiving area and the guide has a bearing surface to slidably engage the actuator stem to limit lateral movement of a diaphragm assembly relative to a longitudinal axis of the opening to prevent the diaphragm assembly from engaging an inner surface of an actuator housing as the actuator stem moves between a first position and a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International, LLC
    Inventors: Bryan Quinn Leger, Trenton Frank Jackson
  • Publication number: 20150014565
    Abstract: A check valve driving device for injecting gas, which enables an accurate operation of a check valve for injecting gas and long-term usage by enhancing durability, comprises: an upper portion fixing block which moves vertically by coupling onto a yoke repeating vertical movements; a lower portion fixing block which is coupled to a prechamber at a lower portion of the yoke; a roller which is rotatably coupled onto the upper portion fixing block, and of which a center portion diameter is bigger than diameters of both end portions; a guide, which is rotatably coupled onto the lower portion fixing block, for rotating when a curved surface on one side thereof comes into contact with the roller moving vertically; an operation piece, which is rotatably coupled onto the lower portion fixing block, wherein a front end of the operation piece moves vertically in accordance with the rotation of the guide; and a pressing rod which is coupled to the front end of the operation piece, and which is lowered in accordance with
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Dae-Jin Lee, Dae-Yeoul Jung, Sung-Hyeok Kim, Kwang-Cheol Heo, Jong-Suk Kim
  • Patent number: 8925894
    Abstract: A ball valve assembly includes an enclosure for supporting the ball valve during actuation. In one embodiment, the enclosure can be a split enclosure, and can have trunnion support apertures for engaging trunnions on the ball valve. In one embodiment, a pair of link arms are used to transfer force from a pair of actuation members to the ball valve. The link arms can be located in a recess on the actuation members, such the actuation members and the face of the trunnions define a cavity to enclose and protect the link arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventors: Sivakumar Natarajan, Robert Samuel Buchan, Thirupathi Dommati
  • Publication number: 20150004035
    Abstract: A valve assembly including an actuator configured to provide a displacement, a shaft configured to transmit the displacement from the actuator to a valve closing member of a valve of the reciprocating compressor, and a displacement transmission mechanism connected to the shaft, and configured to amplify the displacement and/or a force associated with the displacement provided by the actuator to actuate the valve closing member of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Riccardo Bagagli, Leonardo Tognarelli
  • Patent number: 8919379
    Abstract: A plug switch outlet mechanism has a first and second shower. The first shower includes a first switch mechanism inside and a socket outside a fixed unit, an outlet connected to the fixed unit; the fixed unit is disposed with two waterways and an inlet waterway connected to the external water source, one of the waterway is connected to the outlet, the socket is disposed with a switch, the switch is driving connected to the first switch mechanism for driving the first switch mechanism when touched to make the two waterways switched to connect to the inlet waterway; the second shower is connected to the other waterway, the second shower is coupled to the socket and can plug into the socket, when the second shower is inserted into the sockets or pulled away from the socket, the switch is touched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignees: Xiamen Solex High-Tech Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Huasong Zhou, Haisong Peng, Renzhong Li, Bin Chen
  • Publication number: 20140374636
    Abstract: A bathtub faucet water switching structure includes: a hollow water passage body with a water inlet and a water outlet; a switching lever longitudinally installed at the front of the water passage body and having an upper end protruded from the faucet body and a lower end linked with the center bolt; and a center bolt movably installed to the water outlet and having first and second shaft portions, and a water stop plate installed between the first and second shaft portions. The first shaft portion is corresponsive to the lower end of switching lever, and a spring is sheathed on the second shaft portion, and the center bolt is moved horizontally back and forth in the water passage body by the action of the switching lever and spring to drive the water stop plate and water outlet hole to connect or disconnect a water path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: Xiamen Runner Industrial Corporation
    Inventor: Wen-Hua Ye
  • Patent number: 8887761
    Abstract: A valve opening and closing mechanism includes: an input shaft 2 driven by a power source; two or more output shafts 5, 6 respectively including valves 3, 4; power transmission members that transmit power from the input shaft 2 to the respective output shafts 5, 6 with varying a phase of the power; and preload application members that apply preloads respectively to the output shafts 5, 6 and the power transmission member in opposite directions. The output shafts 5, 6 may be separated from the power transmission member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Masayuki Yokoyama, Sotsuo Miyoshi, Satoru Hasegawa, Katsunori Takai
  • Publication number: 20140238708
    Abstract: A valve actuation mechanism has a plurality of links. Each link has a proximal end and distal end, and the links are disposed adjacent a valve member. The actuation mechanism also has at least one roller connected to the distal ends of at least two links. The roller contacts a surface of the valve member. In addition, at least one pivot for each link is present in the valve, wherein each pivot is positioned on the proximal end of each of the plurality of links.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Kidde Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Doug John Baxendell, Rusty Rose, Daniel Ray MacLachlan
  • Patent number: 8727147
    Abstract: A bottle assembly including a bottle, a top closure member adapted for releasable engagement with a top portion of the bottle, and a bottom closure member adapted for releasable engagement with a base portion of the bottle. The bottom closure member has a base panel with at least one aperture therein. A diaphragm is positionable between the bottom closure member and the base portion. The diaphragm has at least one sealing element for sealingly engaging the base panel of the bottom closure member and an air passage extending through the at least one sealing element. The diaphragm is moveable between a sealed position and an unsealed position. The air passage is configured to inhibit liquid contained within a liquid chamber of the bottle from entering the air passage when the diaphragm is in its sealed position by trapping air within the air passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Handi-Craft Company
    Inventors: Bernard J. Kemper, Charles H. Miller
  • Publication number: 20140131605
    Abstract: A kinetically unyielding, statically compliant (KUSC) positive return valve action. In one embodiment, a guide is pivotally mounted and rotationally abuts a limiting bench. A pin mounted slidably on the guide is linked to a poppet valve, a driver positioning the pin along the guide. With the valve seated and the driver overtraveled a deflection opens up between the guide and the limiting bench that resolves the overtravel, which deflection is opposed by a forcing spring. As the valve is initially lifted, valve-lift kinetic force is buttressed against the guide mount and the limiting bench, neither of which yields. With increasing lift the pin position passes the guide mount axis to be cantilevered on the guide at maximal valve lift against valve-return kinetic force: this also is unyieldingly buttressed. The action is adjusted by positioning the limiting bench either manually or by hydraulic lash adjuster.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventor: Ken Meyer
  • Publication number: 20140116540
    Abstract: A backflow capable ball check valve includes a valve body including a fluid flow passage and a ball seat within the fluid flow passage. A valve ball is within the fluid flow passage and is configured for seating on the ball seat. The valve ball is movable between a normal operation and backflow capable modes. A stem and saddle assembly is coupled with the valve body, and the stem and saddle assembly is configured to cup the valve ball. Movement of the stem and saddle assembly moves the valve ball from the normal operation mode to a backflow capable mode. In the backflow capable mode the stem and saddle assembly positions the valve ball away from the ball seat with the saddle cupping the valve ball in surface to surface contact, for instance according to pivoting at a movable joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Inventor: Matthew L.T. Waldor
  • Patent number: 8622368
    Abstract: A flap transfer valve is disclosed for the transfer of semiconductor elements or substrates into a semiconductor or substrate processing process chamber having an elongated first opening, which is surrounded in the form of a frame by a first sealing surface on a first sealing plane, and an elongated valve closure beam, having a second sealing surface which corresponds to the first sealing surface, can be brought into gas-tight contact with it, and is located on a second sealing plane. A support is arranged on the rear face of the valve closure beam, which is arranged such that it can pivot through a limited pivoting angle about a tilting axis. The support together with the valve closure beam can pivot about a pivoting axis, which lies on the first sealing plane, and the tilting axis lies on the second sealing plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: VAT Holding AG
    Inventor: Friedrich Geiser
  • Patent number: 8613198
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling fluid flow is provided. The valve assembly includes a valve body including a longitudinal axis and a radially inner internal flow passage extending axially between an inlet opening and an outlet opening, a disk selectively positionable to modulate a flow of working fluid through the flow passage, and a radially outer external surface. The valve assembly further includes a first actuator positioned radially outboard of the external surface, a second actuator positioned radially outboard of the external surface, and a first linkage including a first actuator end configured to couple to the first actuator, a second actuator end configured to couple to the second actuator, and a rod end configured to couple to the disk, wherein an actuating force applied from each actuator to each respective actuator end is combined through the first linkage to the rod end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Unison Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Douglas Swinford
  • Publication number: 20130306897
    Abstract: Fluid transfer apparatus including a body having a bore formed through at least a portion of its interior. Contained within the bore is a movable plunger that moves without changing the axial dimensions of the body. A first end of the body contains a face designed to be attached to an upstream component. A second end of the body is connected to a downstream component such as a filter, pipeline, etc. A first end of the plunger, when it is in the closed position, is in alignment with the face of the body, which combined form a steamable surface and a sterile barrier against the environment to the remainder of the interior of the body, the plunger and downstream components. An outer annular collar is rotatable relative to the body and causes the plunger to move axially within the bore from an open to a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Brian Hillier, Martin Szyk, Aaron Burke, Joseph Almasian
  • Publication number: 20130277591
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing valves which are driven in particular in magnetic manner. At least one pressing piece is fastened to a rocker for moving a sealing element, in fact in a position of adjustment for adjusting a fixed valve stroke, Further, a valve and a valve bank are suggested.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: Buerkert Werke GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf SCHEIBE, Christian HARTMANN
  • Patent number: 8523142
    Abstract: An actuator with a predetermined failure mode includes two carriers which are each moveable in a common direction. A detent is engageable to couple the carriers to move in unison. An electrically operated actuating device causes extension of the toggle linkage to operate the detent and collapse of the toggle linkage when de-energized. There is a prime mover for the first carrier and a return mover for causing return movement of the second carrier on the release of the detent. In an example, the detent includes a pivoted arm disposed on the first carrier and positioned to engage a part of the second carrier; and the toggle linkage includes a pair of relatively pivoted links connected between a pivot on the first carrier and a pivot on the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Aker Subsea Limited
    Inventor: Anthony W Mann
  • Publication number: 20130221257
    Abstract: A remote drain plug system is described. The system includes a control cable having an inner wire and an outer layer, a cable actuator coupled to a first end of the control cable, the cable actuator adapted to move the inner wire within the outer layer, a drain plug housing coupled to a second end of the control cable, and a drain plug coupled to the inner wire at the second end of the control cable, the drain plug adapted to be able to be positioned relative to the drain plug housing. A method of operating the remote drain plug system includes providing an actuator controller, receiving a selection of “open” from the actuator controller, and extending the remote drain plug away from a drain plug housing such that water is able to flow through the drain plug housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: Eugene John Gray, JR.
  • Patent number: 8517333
    Abstract: A valve actuator includes an actuator housing, a piston, a linkage assembly, a magnet, and a Hall sensor. The actuator housing is adapted to receive pressurized fluid. The piston is movably mounted within actuator housing, and is configured to translate in a first direction and a second direction. The linkage assembly is rotationally coupled to the piston and is adapted to couple to a valve element. The linkage assembly is configured to rotate the valve element in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction in response to piston movement in the first direction and the second direction, respectively. The magnet is mounted on the piston and is movable therewith, and the Hall sensor is mounted on the actuator housing and is responsive to movement of the magnet to supply a position signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ara Briley, Craig Kolb, Ed Kesner, Joel LaBenz, David Pantier, Dave Tornquist, Maureen Sugai
  • Publication number: 20130187070
    Abstract: A protective liner for a link in an actuation system includes a link with a pin bore; and a liner layer on a inner surface of a pin bore of a link for an actuation system, wherein the liner material has modulus of elasticity of less than 1×105 and a load carrying capability of at least 10 Ksi (68.95 N/mm2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: Francis P. Marocchini
  • Publication number: 20130187071
    Abstract: A crank for a valve linkage system includes a pin sleeve having a bore for receiving a connecting pin to connect the crank to a link; a shaft sleeve having a bore for receiving a shaft; an arm between the pin bore and shaft sleeve; and a first stiffening rib extending from the shaft sleeve toward the pin bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: Francis P. Marocchini
  • Patent number: 8485498
    Abstract: A rotational moving point of a connection between a rod and a valve swings between a full open point, at which the valve is fully opened, and a full close point, at which the valve is fully closed. An apex of this swing is set at a point, which is between the full close point and a half point and satisfies a relationship of ?P>?A where ?P denotes an angle that is defined between a first imaginary line, which connects between a bearing center of a rod bearing and the full open point, and a second imaginary line, which connects between the bearing center and the apex of the swing, and ?A denotes an angle that is defined between the first imaginary line and a third imaginary line, which connects between the bearing center and the full close point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuma Takeda, Sadahito Fukumori, Tetsuji Yamanaka, Hiroki Shimada
  • Patent number: 8474789
    Abstract: A magnetic sensing surface of a stroke sensor is placed in an angular range between a first imaginary line and a second imaginary line. The first imaginary line is an imaginary line that coincides with a center line between first and second magnets of a magnetic movable body when a wastegate valve is placed to have a full close degree of the wastegate valve. The second imaginary line is an imaginary line that coincides with the center line between the first and second magnets when the wastegate valve is placed to have a half degree between the full close degree and a full open degree of the wastegate valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroki Shimada, Tetsuji Yamanaka, Tetsuma Takeda, Akitoshi Mizutani, Koichiro Matsumoto, Yoshiyuki Kono
  • Publication number: 20130146314
    Abstract: A valve actuation mechanism has a plurality of links. Each link has a proximal end and distal end, and the links are disposed adjacent a valve member. The actuation mechanism also has at least one roller connected to the distal ends of at least two links. The roller contacts a surface of the valve member. In addition, at least one pivot for each link is present in the valve, wherein each pivot is positioned on the proximal end of each of the plurality of links.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: KIDDE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Doug John Baxendell, Rusty Rose, Daniel Ray MacLachlan
  • Patent number: 8418990
    Abstract: Disclosed are valve actuator assemblies for high speed bottle filling machines. These actuators have a shaft that is pivotable on its longitudinal axis, a linkage fork connected to the shaft to pivot therewith, and a follower arm coupled by a magnetic coupling to the shaft. The magnetic coupling helps reduce carbon dioxide leakage. There may also be a second set of magnets which define pivoting dwell positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventors: Grzegorz Podstawka, John E. DeLuca, James H. Turley
  • Patent number: 8408238
    Abstract: A yard hydrant of a type utilizes a reciprocating valve for controlling the flow in a hydrant flow pipe vertically movable within a standpipe. The lower end of the flow pipe has a valve body attached thereto for controlling the flow of water from a supply of water under pressure. An upper end of the flow pipe is secured to the hydrant head and in flow communication therewith and such head is vertically movable with the flow pipe and valve body relative to the standpipe. The opening of the valve is accomplished by elevating the hydrant head with respect to the standpipe and the ground, which correspondingly elevates the flow pipe and valve body to the open position of the valve. Closing the valve is accomplished by lowering the hydrant head, flow pipe and valve body, which simultaneously allows water to drain from the hydrant head/flow pipe/valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Stephen J Anderson
  • Patent number: 8397747
    Abstract: A balanced water-intake control valve includes an adjusting mechanism for the water-level between two linkage rods. The adjusting mechanism includes a first pivot guide, a second pivot guide, a lead screw and an adjusting nut. The first pivot guide is pivoted on the first linkage rod for driving a valve rod. The second pivot guide is pivoted on the second linkage rod connecting to a float body. The first and second pivot guides are connected by the lead screw at opposite ends. An adjusting nut is placed at the middle of the lead screw. By rotating the lead screw, the length between the first and second pivot guides changes. Therefore, the upper limit of the water level can be adjusted by the user after installation of the control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventor: Biing-Yih Hwang
  • Publication number: 20130048894
    Abstract: A continuous turn, bi-directional, air vent actuator for an air vent, the air vent having a body with a vent opening and a vent closure movable between a closed position blocking flow of air through the vent opening and an open position allowing flow of air through the vent opening. The air vent actuator having a linkage extending between the linkage attachment end of the neck that rotates with the handle and the vent closure. The linkage includes a first link that has an off-centre arm with an extremity that orbits the neck. A second link pivots relative to the vent closure about a first pivot axis to accommodate the orbital position of the off-centre arm. The second link has a socket in which the extremity of the off-centre arm twisting in the socket as the orbital position changes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: PETRA DETENTION GROUP INC.
    Inventor: Dennis Horejsi
  • Publication number: 20130037736
    Abstract: A shuttle valve 8 includes a valve body 9, a shuttle 10, and an actuator mechanism 11. The shuttle valve 8 includes inlet ports 37 and 39 and outlet port 40. The shuttle 10 moves between first and second at rest positions to selectively connect one of the inlet ports to the outlet port and isolate the other inlet port from the outlet port. The actuator mechanism 11 includes first and second springs 63 and 66 and moves the shuttle 10 from one of its positions to another when a set pressure differential is attained between the inlet ports. The actuator mechanism 11 moves a partial stroke distance to move the shuttle 10 between its at rest positions and moves a full stroke distance to additionally open fluid communication between one of the inlet ports and the shuttle 10.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Kevin Bresnahan
  • Patent number: 8322685
    Abstract: A non-collinear valve actuator includes a primary actuating system and a return spring system with each applying forces to a linkage system in order to regulate the flow of a quarter-turn valve. The primary actuating system and return spring system are positioned non-collinearly, which simply means the primary actuating system and return spring system are not in line with each other. By positioning the primary actuating system and return spring system in this manner, the primary actuating system can undergo a larger stroke while the return spring system experiences significantly less displacement. This allows the length of the return spring to be reduced due to the minimization of displacement thereby reducing the weight of the return spring system. By allowing the primary actuating system to undergo longer strokes, the weight of the primary actuating system may also be reduced. Accordingly, the weight of the non-collinear valve actuator is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: James A. Richard
  • Patent number: 8308129
    Abstract: A fail-safe electromagnetic linkage has a support device for a valve head, and an actuator component actuable by an actuator. The support device is coupled to the actuator component while power is supplied to the electromagnet and decoupled from the actuator component while power is not supplied to the electromagnet. The assembly further comprises a return mechanism configured to drive the support device relative to the actuator component if power is not supplied to the electromagnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventors: Matthew L Strange, Frank R Watson, Robert A Barker, Neil R Horn, Adrian J Miller
  • Patent number: 8240637
    Abstract: The device includes a spindle rotatably supported perpendicular to a value displacement direction and is made of a first spindle part and a second spindle part. The two parts are provided with outside threads configured in opposite directions to each other. On the first spindle part, a first nut having a complementary inside thread is applied. On the second spindle part, a second nut having a complementary inside thread is applied. The first nut includes a first bearing for the rotatable support of one end of a first connecting rib. The second nut comprises a second bearing for the rotatable support of one end of a second connecting rib. The other end of the first connecting rib and the other end of the second connecting rib are rotatably supported on a third bearing. Parallel to the spindle, on the side thereof facing away from the valve member, a stop is provided for the first nut and for the second nut, the stop surface extends perpendicular to the displacement direction of the valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Hannewald
  • Publication number: 20120167990
    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: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventor: Jorge Maercovich
  • Publication number: 20120056118
    Abstract: A valve opening and closing mechanism includes: an input shaft 2 driven by a power source; two or more output shafts 5, 6 respectively including valves 3, 4; power transmission members that transmit power from the input shaft 2 to the respective output shafts 5, 6 with varying a phase of the power; and preload application members that apply preloads respectively to the output shafts 5, 6 and the power transmission member in opposite directions. The output shafts 5, 6 may be separated from the power transmission member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Masayuki Yokoyama, Sotsuo Miyoshi, Satoru Hasegawa, Katsunori Takai
  • Patent number: 8091858
    Abstract: The shut-off system according to the invention for large conduit cross-sections has a swing flap which can be swung to and fro between two end positions about a pivot axis by means of a drive device, wherein the drive device has a drive shaft which is connected to the swing flap via an elbow lever, and at least one lever arm rigidly connected to the drive shaft is provided which is in operative connection with at least one operating cylinder for rotation of the drive shaft. The drive device has a motion link which is fastened so as to be rotatable about a pivot bearing, wherein the operating cylinder is connected to the motion link to pivot the same, and a transmission element is provided between the lever arm and the motion link in order to transmit the pivoting motion of the motion link to the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Janich GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hans-Jürgen Janich, Matthias Krüger
  • Patent number: 8015996
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine air valve assembly has first and second valving elements. The second element is rotatable about a first axis relative to the first element. The rotation controls a flow of air through the first and second elements. An actuator is coupled by a linkage to the second element. The linkage includes a spindle having a first portion coupled to the actuator to rotate the spindle about a second axis. A guided spherical bearing couples a second portion of the spindle to the second element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Andreas Sadil, William W. Pankey
  • Patent number: 8002238
    Abstract: A valve has a closure member for closing a valve orifice, particularly so as to be tight against gas, in a closed position of the closure member. The closure member can be moved in a closing process by at least one actuator starting from a first position of maximum opening at least along a first partial distance with a linear movement component in direction of its closed position, and the actuator carries out a closing stroke with a linear stroke direction for a movement of the closure member with this movement component. The actuator is so arranged in relation to the closure member that an angle diverging from 0° and 180° is provided between the linear movement component of the closure member along the first partial distance, proceeding from the first position of maximum opening, and the linear stroke direction of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: VAT Holding AG
    Inventors: Urs Gantner, Bernhard Litscher
  • Patent number: 7966985
    Abstract: A valve operating system that includes a drive shaft, a drive lever that is fixedly provided thereon and can pivot in a direction of movement of a valve body, a follower arm that is fixedly provided on the valve body, a link, a first connecting shaft that connects one end of the link and the drive lever, and a second connecting shaft that connects the other end of the link and the follower arm; in response to a movement of the valve body from a first position to a second position by pivoting of the drive lever, a center of the first connecting shaft approaches from one side a straight line connecting two centers of the drive shaft and the second connecting shaft, and after the valve body reaches the second position, further pivoting of the drive lever is carried out through a predetermined angle so that the center of the first connecting shaft moves to the other side of a dead point on the straight line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Keihin Corporation
    Inventors: Shigehiko Ota, Fumio Kawamata, Makoto Hirata, Takashi Fukuda
  • Publication number: 20110142685
    Abstract: A pressure washer system includes an engine, a water pump, a sprayer, an unloader, and a link. The engine has a throttle system designed to control the speed of the engine. The water pump includes an inlet, a pumping mechanism, and an outlet. The pumping mechanism is designed to be driven by the engine. The sprayer is attached to the outlet of the water pump. The unloader is designed to direct water toward the inlet of the water pump when the unloader is in a first configuration, and to direct water toward the sprayer when the unloader is in a second configuration. Water pressure generated when the sprayer is not actuated moves the unloader to the first configuration. The link connects the unloader and the throttle system of the engine, where the link is designed to adjust the throttle system to a first engine speed when the unloader is in the first configuration, and to adjust the throttle system to a second engine speed when the unloader is in the second configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Richard J. Gilpatrick
  • Publication number: 20100155641
    Abstract: A cover-equipped manual valve having a ratchet mechanism for preventing rotation of a knob, comprising: a rod formed with an external thread portion on an outer periphery thereof, the rod being unconnected to the knob and held against rotation; a sliding nut of a cylindrical shape, the sliding nut being rotatably held by a body and internally formed with an internal thread portion threadedly engaged with the external thread portion of the rod; an engagement member fixed to the knob, the engagement member being elastically deformable to be engaged with the sliding nut and to be disengaged from the sliding nut when larger torque than a predetermined value is applied to the engagement member; and a knob cover of a hollow shape for covering the knob.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: CKD CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akinori Masamura
  • Patent number: 7731152
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for a valve actuator assembly comprising an actuator housing, a piston, and a spring. The piston is disposed within the actuator housing. The piston is configured to couple to a valve element, and includes an inner cylindrical section and an outer cylindrical section. The outer cylindrical section of the piston is spaced apart from the inner cylindrical section to define a recess. The piston is further configured to move within the actuator housing in a first direction and a second direction, to thereby move the valve element toward a first position and a second position, respectively. The spring is disposed within the actuator housing, and is configured to supply a bias force that urges the piston to move in the first direction. The spring is at least partially disposed within the recess, and at least partially surrounding the inner cylindrical section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Micah S. Abel, Charles E. Kesner, Craig T. Dorste, Javier Gutierrez
  • Publication number: 20100133454
    Abstract: A fail-safe electromagnetic linkage has a support device for a valve head, and an actuator component actuable by an actuator. The support device is coupled to the actuator component whilst power is supplied to the electromagnet and decoupled from the actuator component whilst power is not supplied to the electromagnet. The assembly further comprises a return mechanism configured to drive the support device relative to the actuator component if power is not supplied to the electromagnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventors: Matthew L. Strange, Frank R. Watson, Robert A. Barker, Neil R. Horn, Adrian J. Miller
  • Patent number: 7708254
    Abstract: A valve actuator apparatus is provided, which further comprises a linkage mechanism, which can convert rotational force into translational force. This linkage mechanism also imparts a much greater degree of mechanical advantage than typical rack-and-pinion linkages allowing either for greater closing force on the valve or for the use of smaller drive motors to actuate the valve. Furthermore, this linkage mechanism can lock the valve closed, with full seating force, even when no torque is provided by a drive motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Warren Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn Hertzog