Limit Stop Patents (Class 251/284)
  • Patent number: 7275732
    Abstract: A valve housing has a bottomed hollow cylindrical main body and a boss projecting from and smaller in diameter than the main body. The main body has a tapered surface circumferentially along a joint where a side wall and a bottom wall of the main body are joined to each other. A plurality of inlet ports are defined in the tapered surface. The boss has an outlet port for discharging a fluid introduced into the main body. When a valve head coupled to the movable member is displaced and a seating ridge of a resilient member mounted on the valve head is seated on a valve seat surface, the inlet ports and the outlet port are brought out of fluid communication with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Keihin Corporation
    Inventors: Takahide Kato, Kouetsu Hikichi, Hiroto Ohmori, Masakazu Murai, Kuri Kasuya, Hiroyasu Ozaki
  • Patent number: 7258134
    Abstract: A combination check valve and pressure rise rate valve is provided for regulating the flow of fluid between a first fluid side and a second fluid side. The valve may include a valve body, a valve insert positioned within an aperture of the valve body, and a check poppet attached to the valve insert. In addition, the valve may include a cylinder positioned within the valve insert, a piston slidably positioned within the cylinder, a spring positioned between the cylinder and the valve insert, and an accumulator formed between the cylinder and the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Thomas J. Langenfeld, Matthew C. Roney
  • Patent number: 7219684
    Abstract: A saddle tee assembly for use with an irrigation line. The saddle tee assembly generally includes a collar portion having a bore therethrough; a strap portion for securing the collar to an irrigation line; and a tool having a passage therethrough with an opening in fluid communication with the passage. The tool may be receivable in the bore for puncturing the irrigation line. In a preferred form, the saddle tee assembly also includes an anti-rotation interface between the collar portion and the tool. The anti-rotation interface includes a first stop on the collar portion and corresponding second stops on the tool. The first and second stops being engageable to align a received tool in a predetermined orientation and restrict unintentional rotation of the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Rajiv Dabir, Kevin Girard O'Brien
  • Patent number: 7195224
    Abstract: A blowout preventer having a main body, a ram system with ram apparatus, a movement system with movable shaft apparatus connected to the ram apparatus, the ram apparatus movable from a first open-ram position to a second closed-ram position, the movable shaft apparatus including a locking shaft portion having a tapered portion, a locking system for selectively locking the ram apparatus in the closed position and having locking member apparatus having a primary tapered surface in contact with the locking shaft portion which is movable with the so that the primary tapered surface contacts the tapered portion of the locking shaft portion to releasably lock the movable shaft apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Varco I/P, Inc.
    Inventor: Tri Canh Le
  • Patent number: 7174887
    Abstract: A variable valve mechanism is installed to change the operating angle and lift amount of an intake valve in accordance with the rotation position of a control shaft. A worm wheel is secured to the control shaft. The worm wheel is coupled to a motor actuator via a worm gear. The motor actuator is controlled during a normal operation so that the rotation position of the control shaft changes within a normal rotation range. A low-end stopper and high-end stopper are installed outside the normal rotation range to mechanically restrict the rotation of the control shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shuichi Ezaki, Toshiaki Asada, Manabu Tateno
  • Patent number: 7168446
    Abstract: A check valve for use in a pump. The valve is arranged to be subjected to severe service conditions and high impact loads, yet be resistant to damage to its components. The check includes a body, a valve seat, a poppet and an impact cushion. The poppet is movably coupled to the valve seat and is biased by a spring into engagement with the valve seat. Upon the opening of the valve the poppet moves off of the valve seat and into engagement with the impact cushion against the spring bias. The impact cushion is movably coupled to the valve body and is biased by another spring. When the poppet engages the impact cushion they stay together and move, with the movement of the impact cushion absorbing energy from the poppet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: David Jonathan Chalk, Thomas T. Hand, David John Farese
  • Patent number: 7163188
    Abstract: A solenoid valve is provided that comprises a valve body having an inlet and an outlet, and a movable member for moving a valve element away from a valve seat to open the valve. The moveable member engages and moves the valve element away from the seat to an open position when the solenoid is actuated. When the solenoid is not actuated, a biasing spring moves the moveable member to disengage from the valve element, which returns to a closed position. The moveable member does not transfer any impact force to the valve element on closure of the valve member, so that the valve may be operated a significant number of cycles without failure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Gregory E. Sisk
  • Patent number: 7040600
    Abstract: A valve, e.g. of an aircraft drinking water system, has a rotatable adjusting shaft to adjust the valve between its open end position and its closed end position. A mechanism for operating the adjusting shaft includes a push-pull cable connected to a toothed rack that engages a toothed gear element secured to the adjusting shaft. The mechanism converts the push-pull linear motion of the cable to a reciprocating rotational motion of the adjusting shaft. End sections of the rack and the gear element have no gear teeth, so the rack automatically disengages from the gear element once the end position of the valve is reached. The disengaged rack can slide beyond the stopped end position of the gear element, and re-engages with the gear element once it slides back into the operating range. The valve cannot be forced beyond its end positions, despite excessive input motion of the cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Wilhelm Lutzer
  • Patent number: 7032878
    Abstract: A method for the control of the switching operation of a valve by the fact that the two end positions and the intermediate position(s) of the valve are clearly determined each by the valve rod(s) bearing directly or indirectly on fixed position limiters, the fixed position limiters each are moved to in the course of the first switching operations of the valve, and the respective fixed position messages resulting therefrom are stored.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Tuchenhagen GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Coura, Martin Gesikiewicz, Bernd Porath
  • Patent number: 7028708
    Abstract: A combination check valve and pressure relief valve is provided for use in regulating the flow of fluid between a first fluid side and a second fluid side. The valve may include a valve body, a valve insert positioned within an aperture of the valve body, a check poppet attached to the valve insert, and a check spring positioned between the valve insert and the valve body. In addition, a relief spring and a relief poppet may be positioned within a cavity formed by the valve insert and secured in position by the check poppet. The combination of the valve insert and the check poppet is adapted to move relative to the valve body and against the force of the check spring to permit fluid to pass from the first fluid side to the second fluid side, and the relief poppet is adapted to move relative to the check poppet against the force of the relief spring to allow fluid to pass from the second fluid side to the first fluid side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Thomas J. Langenfeld, Matthew C. Roney, Robert E. Trimble
  • Patent number: 7021258
    Abstract: A learning apparatus for a variable valve control of an internal combustion engine includes a variable valve operating mechanism, an actuator that rotationally drives the control shaft, a control shaft sensor that detects an angular position of the control shaft, a reference position determining section that determines whether or not the control shaft has reached a predetermined reference position under the drive from the actuator, a learning section that learns an output value of the control shaft sensor when it is determined that the control shaft has reached the reference position and stores the learned output value as a sensor output reference value, and a learning preparing section that causes the control shaft to be driven by the actuator toward the reference position when a crankshaft of the engine is rotating and supply of fuel to the engine is stopped. A learning method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuneyasu Nohara, Yuuzou Akasaka, Katsuhiko Kawamura, Hajime Miura, Satoshi Nishii
  • Patent number: 7017884
    Abstract: A fluid metering valve includes a gear rack which is slidable on a valve stem in which a spring counteracts the force of an actuator to maintain a constant load on the gear mechanism to prevent backlash. Corresponding stop mechanisms between the gear and the shaft of a rotary actuator come into engagement with each other near a fully closed position of the fluid metering valve for zero calibration purposes upon power loss to the actuator. A single valve member and a single actuator of the fluid metering valve provides for both a shut-off function and a metering function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Woodward Governor Company
    Inventors: Barry T. Brinks, Dana Nova Joyce Wolverton, Delbert Dwight Cannon, Gary F. McDaniel
  • Patent number: 6997441
    Abstract: An outfall valve structure of great water volume comprises a base and a hollow pipe. The base is integrally formed with a coupler and a cylinder, while the interiors of the coupler and the cylinder are communicable with each other. In addition, the cylinder is provided with an opening at one end surface, and a plug on the interior of the other end surface. A locking ring is provided at an appropriate position on the interior sidewall of the cylinder. Thereby, the hollow pipe is adapted to the communicable coupler and cylinder, and forms a large-sized outlet to ease the user to drink the liquid contained in the water bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventor: Shih-Sheng Yang
  • Patent number: 6991217
    Abstract: In an oscillation type linear actuator for reciprocally moving a plurality of moving members held in parallel with each other in a predetermined direction owing to electromagnetic action between a stator and them, two moving members reciprocally moving in opposite phases with each other are coupled by a coupling member having spring function, and a non-displacing portion of a plate spring portion of the coupling member which is not displaced substantially is restricted by a stopper. Even when an external force is applied to one of two moving members reciprocally moving in the opposite phases each other, motion of the other moving member is transmitted to the moving member via the coupling member, so that reduction of amplitude of the moving member to which the external force is applied can be restricted, and a balance of amplitudes of two moving members is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Shimizu, Hidekazu Yabuuchi, Masashi Moriguchi, Noboru Kobayashi, Ryo Motohashi, Ryuji Otani
  • Patent number: 6981516
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus that acts as a fail save shut off valve. More specifically, the invention relates to a fail save shut off valve that allows fluid flow during normal operational conditions, but prevents the flow of fluids in the event of system failure upstream that causes over-pressurization. The present invention is particularly well suited for use in conjunction with hot gas filtering systems, which utilize ceramic candle filters. Used in such a hot gas system the present invention stops the flow of hot gas and prevents any particulate laden gas from entering the clean side of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: John VanOsdol
  • Patent number: 6971626
    Abstract: A digital valve positioning system is disclosed. The system comprises a valve, a valve controller having a controller microprocessor and a controller memory and a valve actuator having an output coupled to the valve to control the position of the valve over a range of motion in response to an output from the valve controller. The system further comprises a first position sensor for determining the position of the valve actuator and an intelligent limit switch for generating a limit switch state signal indicative of a state of the valve being above or below a threshold set point. The limit switch comprises a second position sensor generating an output signal indicative of the position of the valve, a limit switch memory, a limit switch microprocessor communicatively coupled to the limit switch memory, an isolated communication link between the controller microprocessor and the limit switch microprocessor for transferring the set point data from the controller to the limit switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC.
    Inventor: Stephen George Seberger
  • Patent number: 6968857
    Abstract: A pressure reducing fluid regulator having a housing with a flange including a plurality of ear-shaped protrusions is disclosed. Each of the protrusions includes at least one aperture configured to receive fastener such that the circumferential spacing between first and second fasteners is less than the circumferential spacing between the second fastener and a third fastener. The regulator includes a valve having a valve seat, a valve disc, a valve stem coupled to the valve disc and a valve guide that holds the valve stem. A lever having a first end coupled to the valve stem and a second end coupled to a diaphragm applies a force to the valve stem in a direction that is non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the valve stem to cause the valve stem to frictionally engage the valve guide. The valve stem includes a stop that limits travel of the valve stem and disc toward the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Emerson Process Control
    Inventors: James Chester Hawkins, David Edwards Woollums, Neal Arthur Ackerman, Chun Lin, Harold Joe McKinney, Erik Matthew Quijano
  • Patent number: 6968858
    Abstract: The check valve according to the invention significantly reduces the generation of noise by producing an asymmetrical circulation around the closing body causing a force resulting from the flow and acting on the closing body to have a transverse component in relation to the opening direction, as a result of which increased friction and damping are generated in the closing body guide. The closing body may be asymmetrically embodied, or the housing wall encompassing the closing body may be provided with a conduit extending in the opening direction over at least a part of the travel path of the closing body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Kuehn, Ulrich Mueller
  • Patent number: 6938878
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a direct flow tap for dispensing drinks, of the type with ball valve and actuated by a handle linked to said ball and provided with means suitable for limiting the rotation of said handle between two end positions, respectively corresponding to the closing and opening of said tap, characterized in that said means suitable for limiting the rotation of said handle is housed into the tap body. Said means suitable for limiting the rotation of said handle comprises a pin (14) provided with a prismatic portion (17) which alternately abuts for opening and closing, against a pair of jig locators (19) and (20) obtained on a fixed portion of the tap body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: TOF S.r.l.
    Inventor: Domenico Tonati
  • Patent number: 6923430
    Abstract: A valve which intended to control the flow of a fluid, for example a gas, comprises a valve body (50), an internal member for opening and shutting-off the passage of the gases, an operating handwheel (56) connected to the opening and shut-off member, and means limiting movement of the operating handwheel (56) and of the opening and shut-off member in the direction of opening of the valve. To avoid the valve jamming in the open position, said means limiting the movement of the operating member includes a stop (60) and of a mating stop (62), with frontal contact, arranged respectively on a rotary element and on the body of the valve (50) or vice versa. To ensure optimum contact between the stop (60) and the mating stop (62), the latter forms part of an element the angular position of which can be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Torrent Trading, Ltd.
    Inventors: Léon Kerger, Claude Goffin
  • Patent number: 6902704
    Abstract: An injection pump assembly 10 in a chemical delivery system for simultaneously delivering reagents into a combinatorial reactor system having multiple injectors. The assembly 10 has a plurality of injectors 12, each injector 12 being in fluid communication with one of the multiple reactors. Each injector 12 has (1) a pump 14 in which a plunger 18 sealingly moves to ingest, store and discharge a flushing solvent 20; (2) a pipette assembly 22 for loading, storing, and discharging one or more reagents into one of the reactors in the combinatorial reactor system, first and second reservoirs for retaining some of the reagents; (3) one or more hollow needles 32, each for selectively delivering a reagent 24 to the first 28 or the second 24 reservoir; (4) a first valve 34 positioned downstream of the first 28 reservoir; and (5) a second valve 36 positioned downstream of the second 30 reservoir. When each valve 34, 36 is in a closed position, the reagents 24, 48 can be stored in isolation from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Equistar Chemicals, L.P
    Inventor: Ronnie E. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6886594
    Abstract: The invention relates to on-off valve, particularly for insulation by-pass of exhaust gas expansion turbines of catalytic cracking plants, of the type comprising a hollow valve body, an opening for the inlet of the gas into the valve, an opening for the outlet of the gas from the valve, at least a shutter and the relevant at least one seat, the valve being characterized in that it comprises a conduit coupled to the inlet opening and a conduit coupled to the outlet opening, the at least one seat being coupled to the inlet conduit or to the outlet conduit and the at least one shutter having a cover shape and sealing engaging with the seat by a rotatory motion transmitted to the shutter by an actuator by a drive shaft and a drive arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Remosa S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luca Mambrini
  • Patent number: 6877716
    Abstract: A motor-operated damper device includes a baffle driving device equipped with a motor, a baffle that is driven by the baffle driving device, a frame defining an opening section that is closed and opened by the baffle, the opening section having a peripheral edge section, and a buffer member that is attached to the baffle and that resiliently deforms and contacts the peripheral edge section of the opening section when the opening section is closed by the baffle. A detent torque of the motor is used to maintain a stopping state in which the buffer member is resiliently deformed to provide a close contact with the peripheral edge section of the opening section. The motor-operated damper device includes a stopper that allows an appropriate amount of elastic deformation of the buffer member and yet prevents the peripheral edge section of the opening section from excessively sinking into the buffer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Sankyo Seiki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seiichiro Noritake
  • Publication number: 20040262560
    Abstract: A service valve for a refrigerant system comprising a valve body and a system port. The valve body has at least one fluid passage integrated therein including a longitudinal bore. An orifice is located at one end of the bore. An annular protrusion axially extends from the valve body and is symmetrical about the orifice. A valve seat generally surrounds the orifice. The system port includes a valve stem having a first end, a second end, and a bore integrated within. The stem is axially movable within the annular protrusion between at least a first position in which the orifice is closed when the valve stem first end sealingly abuts the valve seat and a second position in which the orifice is open when the valve stem first end is offset from the valve seat. The valve stem is restricted from moving further away from the valve body by the annular protrusion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Michael Trumbower, Jeffrey M. Grau, Nazih M. Khatib, Michael P. Wells
  • Patent number: 6808159
    Abstract: A nonrefillable valve is provided that allows for an initial filling of a container, but prevents subsequent refilling of the container. The valve operating assembly includes a valve stem and a valve core which is slidably received in the distal end of the valve stem. In a first position, the valve core resides above a rim or protrusion within the chamber. After filling of the container, a second position is defined when the valve stem is operated to force the valve core beyond the protrusion and in seating engagement with a valve seat, thus sealing the container. The valve is then selectively operated in a third or open position to discharge the container as desired. Subsequent refilling of the container is prevented by the force of fluid reentering the valve which forces the valve core to its seated engagement with the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Discount Refrigerants, Inc.
    Inventor: De Fu Chen
  • Patent number: 6796544
    Abstract: A valve mount for water saving core shaft of a single-handled faucet has a valve embodiment housed in a receiving cavity of a faucet body with the upper section provided with internal threads to be in locking engagement with a locking cap. In the valve chamber of the valve embodiment are housed sequentially a rotary member, a switch stick, a regulation seat and a discharge control valve. The inner periphery of the valve chamber is provided with a plurality of retaining recesses corresponding to the spring plates defined on the rear cavities of the rotary member and the engaging teeth of the regulation seat are in engagement with the spring plates on the right and left recess of the rotary member. On the upper section of the rotary seat are provided with outer teeth which are engaged with the inner teeth of a stop member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Kuching International Ltd.
    Inventor: Mei-Li Chen
  • Publication number: 20040046138
    Abstract: The current invention relates to a valve (1) for controlling fluids, which has a piezoelectric actuator for actuating a valve element (3, 4), wherein the valve element (3, 4) moves out of a valve body (16) when actuated. A stroke control is embodied between the piezoelectric actuator and the valve element (3 ,4). The valve also has a stop device (8) for limiting the stroke h1 of the valve element (3, 4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Juergen Stein, Michael Huebel
  • Patent number: 6672562
    Abstract: A retainer is coupled around a shaft of an electromagnetic fluid control valve. A first projection is provided at one axial end of the retainer. A second projection is provided at the other axial end of the retainer. A central portion of a valve member is sandwiched between a flat surface of the first projection and a washer. A central portion of a diaphragm is sandwiched between a flat surface of the second projection and an end surface of a moving core 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Yasuo Kato
  • Patent number: 6655660
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a slider controlling the water flow through the valve assembly and having a variably sized outer dimension. The slider has opposite ends, one of which receives a removable stop, whereas the other end is enlarged to form a flange arresting displacement of the slider in a predetermine position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Resources Conservation, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Wales
  • Patent number: 6651696
    Abstract: A relief valve with two outlet ports increases the flow capacity of the valve when open. In an alternative embodiment, a relief valve with two outlet ports also has at least two springs stacked vertically. Alternative seal assemblies can be used with the aforementioned dual outlet port valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Gilmore Valve Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Rodney C. Hope, Richard R. Watson, F. Harold Hollister
  • Publication number: 20030132412
    Abstract: An annular sealing device having a positive stop to prevent over pressurization on the sealing device. The annular sealing device includes a substantially rigid support member having at least one substantially flat outer surface portion. There is a generally round cavity formed in the substantially rigid support member adjacent the at least one substantially flat outer surface. This generally round cavity has a first predetermined diameter and a predetermined depth. A generally round elastomeric sealing member having a predetermined thickness and a second predetermined diameter is disposed in the generally round cavity. Elastomeric sealing member has a substantially flat face engageable with a predetermined surface to be sealed. A stop means is engageable with at least a portion of the substantially flat outer surface portion of the substantially rigid support member for preventing undue penetration of the surface to be sealed into the generally round elastomeric sealing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Applicant: WESTINGHOUSE AIR BRAKE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Charlie E. Jones, Michael V. Kazakis, Brian N. Cooke
  • Patent number: 6592097
    Abstract: A motor providing safety actuation including a spring which, during the power outage, is designed to close a valve by moving a valve cone towards a valve opening. For installation or transportation of such valves with motors, it is desirable to lock the valve actuation rod. A device is described for securing a resilient locking element to the valve cone which is mounted on a valve actuating rod. In the desired installation position, the locking element is in a force-transmitting engagement with a guide mechanism of the actuating rod so as to lock the actuating rod in a position or, alternatively, engages in a formfitting manner with a recess of the guide mechanism of the actuating rod. To secure the actuating rod in position in a force-transmitting or formfitting manner, the motor is powered until the valve actuating rod is sufficiently retracted. Subsequently, a mechanical connection is established between the resilient locking element and the guide mechanism of the actuating rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: SAIA Burgess GmbH
    Inventor: Rudolf Scholz
  • Patent number: 6581904
    Abstract: A solenoid valve includes an electromagnetic drive unit for generating a magnetomotive force when being fed with electric power. There are a controlled-fluid passage and an accommodation chamber containing the electromagnetic drive unit. A partition wall defines a part of the controlled-fluid passage. A valve opening extends through the partition wall. A shaft extending through the valve opening is driven by the electromagnetic drive unit. A valve member fixed to the shaft moves into and out of contact with the partition wall to block and unblock the valve opening in accordance with movement of the shaft. A thin-film sealing member made of rubber-based resilient material operates for airtightly separating the controlled-fluid passage and the accommodation chamber from each other. A communication passage connects the accommodation chamber and an exterior. An orifice provides a smaller effective cross-sectional area of the communication passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhisa Watanabe, Yasuo Kato, Masato Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 6520205
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling air flow into a rotary screw compressor is provided. The system includes an unloader valve for controlling airflow into the compressor. An anti-rumble system may be included in the unloader valve housing. The unloader valve is an air operated sleeve-type valve. The anti-rumble system includes an integrated vent path for the discharge side of the compressor. All moving parts are sealed within the unloader housing to prevent malfunction due to dirt entering the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Ingersoll-Rand Company
    Inventors: Brian D. Sowards, Eugene Cheng
  • Patent number: 6499503
    Abstract: A backflow valve has a closure gate that is pivotally mounted for movement between an open position in which the closure gate is positioned on a plane substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of a flow passage and a closed position in which the closure gate is positioned transverse to the longitudinal axis. The closure gate has a midsection positioned pivot axis and is unbalanced with greater weight being toward the first end. A rotational stop limits pivotal movement when the closure gate is in the open position. A float is secured to the first end of the closure gate. The greater weight at the first end biases the closure gate by force of gravity against the rotational stop and into the open position. The float causes the closure gate to pivotally move to the closed position in response to liquid rising in the flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventor: Gabe Coscarella
  • Patent number: 6427974
    Abstract: A valve with a small construction space. The valve has a valve element, arranged in a valve housing, and a manual activation device which has an activation element which is arranged movably in a recess of the valve housing and which is actively connected to the valve element for the manual activation of the valve element. The activation element is securely retained in the recess of the valve housing by a rigid projection and a stop region which co-operates with the projection. The rigid projection is radially projected and integrally formed either on the activation element or the valve housing and the stop region is formed vice versa on the valve housing or the activation element. Between the recess and the activation element, a sealing element is provided which is of such resilient form that the activation element can be introduced eccentrically into the recess during assembly and is automatically centred in the recess after the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Mass Magnet GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Rieck
  • Patent number: 6398184
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method for locking a knife gate valve in a position, such as an open and/or closed position. The locking device has a pair of first posts disposed substantially parallel to the shaft. A swivel lock member is mounted to rotate substantially about the axis of the shaft and to reciprocate together with the shaft and the knife. The swivel lock member is selectively rotatable between an unlocked position at which the swivel lock member does not engage the first engageable portions and a locked position at which the swivel lock member engages both of the first engageable portions to prevent the swivel lock member from movement in at least one of the back and forth directions along the axis of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: General Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Craig A. Sowada, Richard R. Ruegemer
  • Publication number: 20020063230
    Abstract: A manually-operated valve particularly for gas, with elements for limiting the opening stroke of an actuation handwheel, which comprises a valve body which internally forms a gas passage duct being controlled by a flow control element which can be actuated by a handwheel which can perform a translational motion by turning. Elements for limiting the opening stroke of the handwheel are further provided. The stroke limiting elements comprise a locking element which can move substantially at right angles to the axis of the rotation thread of the handwheel, the locking element engaging, at an opening stroke limit of the handwheel, an abutment for stopping the rotation of the handwheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventor: Davide Cavagna
  • Patent number: 6378840
    Abstract: In an electromagnetic valve, a seat member has a protruding portion having two parallel surfaces provided in the seat member. When the seat member is fixed to the base member by inserting molding, the two parallel surfaces of the protruding portion may be put between projecting portions of a pin of a molding die. As a result, the fluid passage of the seat member may be easily positioned to correspond to an opening of the base member. Further, after molding, the seat member may be prevented from rotating in the base member since the parallel surfaces are partly covered by resin of the base member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Masamichi Watanabe, Taku Itoh
  • Patent number: 6347784
    Abstract: A valve having a housing from which projects a stem rotatable about an axis has an actuating assembly with an abutment ring fixed on the housing, formed with an annular slot, and having an abutment projecting radially into the slot. A knob mounted on and rotatable with the stem adjacent the ring carries a single-arm abutment lever pivoted on the knob and having an end engaged in the slot and displaceable radially between a radial outer position angularly engageable with the abutment and a radial inner position so that when the end is in the outer position rotation of the knob is blocked by engagement of the lever end and the abutment. A spring braced between the knob and lever urges the end into the outer position. A radially displaceable button on the knob engageable with the lever is radially inwardly displaceable to move the lever into its inner position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Friedrich Grohe AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hartwig Philipps-Liebich, Norbert Heupel
  • Patent number: 6314993
    Abstract: A check valve has a valve body with an annular seat surrounding the duct and a flap member pivotally mounted on the valve body so as to pivot about an axis transverse to the duct from an open position to a closed position pressing against the seat. The flap member includes a circular flap plate with a rigid backer plate and a front resilient layer carried on a pivot mounting bracket having a rigid mounting plate generally parallel to the backer plate. The backer plate and the mounting plate each have a central hole therethrough and are connected by an integral body molded from a resilient elastomeric material to form the front resilient layer, a back stopper portion and a connecting neck portion arranged so as to provide resilient flexing movement between the flap plate and the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket is carried on a shaft with a pair of coil springs housed outside the body so that broken spring parts do not enter the fluid in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Bayco Industries Limited
    Inventors: John Matthews, Stephen C. Florence
  • Patent number: 6241213
    Abstract: A valve including: a bonnet; a body secured to the bonnet and including at least two ports and at least one weir positioned between the ports; a valve stem being movably coupled with the bonnet, the valve stem including first and second longitudinal ends, and a recess in the first longitudinal end; a diaphragm positioned substantially adjacent to the second end of the valve stem so as to be deflectable towards the weir by the valve stem to restrict a flow between the ports; a handwheel rotatably secured to the valve stem so as to enable a torque to be applied to the valve stem, the handwheel including a longitudinal aperture; and, a screw directed through and engaged with the handwheel aperture and being selectively engagable within the recess of the valve stem, such that the valve stem and handwheel remain in a constant relative longitudinal position with respect to one another, and when the diaphragm sets against the weir the handwheel abuts the bonnet to serve as a closing lift valve stop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald G. Butler
  • Patent number: 6220571
    Abstract: An electronic expansion valve for a cooling cycle includes a valve housing having intake and exhaust holes and an orifice formed on the exhaust hole. A case is disposed on the valve housing, and a motor is disposed within the case. The motor has a drive shaft extending inside the valve housing. A guide tube is disposed inside the valve housing, the guide tube being vertically or axially movable by rotation of the drive shaft. A needle valve is provided for adjusting an opening of the orifice, the needle valve being mounted on the guide tube. A mechanism is then provided for restricting an axial or vertical movement range of the guide tube and the needle valve, the mechanism being disposed on the drive shaft and the guide tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wan-Yong Kim, Kwang-Il Kim, Gi-Myung Woo, Lae-Soo Park
  • Patent number: 6189561
    Abstract: Valve cartridge (10) includes a housing (32) having inlet member (54), outlet member (52) and screw thread (34). Cavity (36) extends axially through housing (32) within which is a piston (38) which moves axially against piston seal (44) to open and close tap (10). A flow chamber (40) is provided at the end of housing (32) and includes a first seal (42) for sealing against a valve seat (18) in the tap (10). Piston (38) can be moved axially by either a rotatable spindle (46) or, a solenoid (48) and push rod (50). Piston (38) is moved axially without any rotation. Coupling member (84) couples spindle (46) to piston (38) and rotates relative to the piston (38) and the spindle. When spindle (46) is turned a predetermined number of revolutions the coupling (84) causes piston (38) to abut piston seal (44), any further rotation of spindle (46) causes rotation of the coupling member (84) without effecting the axial position of piston (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Wavtech Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter Ashley Burke, Alan Leeming, Charles Fridlender
  • Patent number: 6123528
    Abstract: A unique valve assembly is disclosed which has particular utility in scroll compressors. The valve assembly includes a relatively thin valve plate formed of reed valve steel. The valve plate is less than 0.05 inch, and is elastically deformable upon application of fluid pressure. Thus, the pressure fluid in a chamber formed above the valve plate deforms the valve plate to conform to the valve seat. In embodiments a clip holds the valve plate on the valve seat. The clip provides a stop surface for the valve seat, and is also formed of thin resilient steel. Thus, when the valve plate is driven to its open position, the steel valve plate contacts the steel clip such that there is a spring back effect in response to rapid movement of the valve plate to its open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Scroll Technologies
    Inventors: Zili Sun, Stephen L. Shoulders, Cole Morgan
  • Patent number: 6113011
    Abstract: A fuel injection valve for internal combustion engines, having a valve member, which is guided axially displaceably in a bore of a valve body. An end toward the combustion chamber and that protrudes from the bore has a valve sealing face with which the valve member cooperates, to control an injection cross section, with a valve seat face on the valve body. A stroke stop face which is stationary relative to the valve body and with which the valve member comes into contact with a bearing face after traversing an outward-oriented maximum opening stroke distance, and the stroke stop face is disposed on an end face of an axially split stroke stop ring which is surrounded by a support ring. A valve spring urges the valve member in the closing direction and is supported stationary on the valve body via a spacer ring and an intermediate member. The support ring surrounding the stroke stop ring is supported stationary relative to the valve body and constantly contacts the spacer ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Detlev Potz, Stephan Haas, Thomas Kuegler
  • Patent number: 6095494
    Abstract: A tap body (1) comprising a plastic shroud (6), a substantially plastics tap spindle (7), and a locking collar (12). The body (1) has an inner threaded portion (18) and the spindle (7) is threadably received in the inner threaded portion (18) and rotatably reciprocable in tap opening and closing directions. The collar (12) engages with the shroud (6) to limit the tap opening rotation of the spindle (7). The insert (18) may be plastic and integral with shroud (6): (see FIG. 6). Shroud (6) may be integral with tap seat, inlet and outlet spigot (see FIGS. 7-9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Caroma Industries Limited
    Inventor: John Joseph Eagle
  • Patent number: 6026836
    Abstract: A diaphragm valve including structure which incorporates a support surface positioned to limit extension away from a main valve seat of a valve seat closure diaphragm. Alternative embodiments have the support surface formed on an insert within the valve housing, and formed as part of the interior surface of a wall of the housing. Alternatives for conveying control pressure to the side of the seat closure diaphragm adjacent the support surface include forming the surface on a body of porous material, and forming the surface with a channel which communicates with a relief port. Inclusion of a support surface minimizes stress and strain in the closure diaphragm when the valve is in an open state, thereby increasing the allowable valve working pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Honeywell Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick R. Moenkhaus
  • Patent number: 5967166
    Abstract: A sealing assembly is provided for securing an opening in a seat having a seating surface. Typically, the sealing assembly of the present invention adapted for use with, for example, a dual-chamber orifice fitting. The sealing assembly comprises a drive, a carrier, a strip, a stop and a guide. The drive is actuateable for movement. The carrier is associated with the drive and moveably actuated by the drive. The strip is engaged with the drive for moving with the drive or at a right angle to the drive. The stop is engageable with the strip such that when the strip and the stop are engaged, the strip moves at a right angle to the drive, and when the strip and the stop are not engaged, the strip moves with the drive. The guide secures the strip, the carrier and the drive for operation in any orientation. When the stop is sufficiently displaced from the drive and the strip, the opening in the seat is unobstructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Daniel Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony E. Carter
  • Patent number: 5950650
    Abstract: A high pressure regulator is provided with a valve member, a seat member, and an actuator. The axial position of the seat member may be selectively fixed with respect to the body. The valve member is axially moveable with respect to the seat member, and includes a flange member for engaging a shoulder surface on the body for limiting movement of the sealing member relative to the seat member. The sealing member preferably has a very slight taper of less than 10.degree. for maximizing the sealing area with the seat member. A frustro-conical sealing bore in the seat member preferably has a long axial length which is at least 50% of a nominal diameter of the valve member in sealing engagement with an annular seal between the body and the valve member. The cap housing includes an interior deflection surface for deflecting fluid from the seating bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Assignee: Butterworth Jetting Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Amos Pacht