With Additional Pilot Valve Control Patents (Class 251/29)
  • Patent number: 11142898
    Abstract: A fluid valve with a modular and/or replaceable fluid control assembly is disclosed, and is configured and arranged to require maintenance over a product life of the fluid valve. The modular and/or replaceable fluid control assembly includes at least one portion including a setting or presetting configured and arranged to control fluid flow behavior in the fluid valve. The setting or presetting is useable to control fluid flow in the modular and/or replaceable fluid control assembly after an upgrade or replacement of at least a portion of the modular and/or replaceable fluid control assembly. Further, the setting or presetting enables the modular and/or replaceable fluid control assembly to retain the fluid flow behavior following one or more upgrades or replacements of one or more portions of the modular and/or replaceable fluid control assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: FLUIDMASTER, INC.
    Inventors: Tuan Van Le, Joseph Unkyung Han, Salvador Pena
  • Patent number: 11110905
    Abstract: A solenoid valve for brake system includes a valve housing installed in a modulator block, and having an oil flow path; a valve seat installed in the inside of the valve housing, and forming an orifice; an armature configured to move up and down by a magnet core in the valve housing, and to open or close the orifice; a sleeve coupled with the valve housing, and accommodating the armature therein; a restoring spring configured to provide an elastic restoring force to the armature to close the orifice normally; and a damper member interposed between the magnet core and the armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Mando Corporation
    Inventor: In Wook Wook Jeon
  • Patent number: 10794512
    Abstract: Provided is an electrically-driven flow rate control valve capable of controlling a flow rate of fluid while application of a high pressure of the fluid to a sub valve body connected to an electric motor is suppressed. A flow rate control valve includes a casing, an elevation drive device, and a main valve body. When the sub valve body moves upward by the elevation drive device, oil in a back pressure chamber is discharged. Moreover, the oil in a first oil chamber flows into the back pressure chamber while the flow rate of the oil is regulated. A balance among pressures in the back pressure chamber, the first oil chamber, and the second oil chamber changes, and the main valve body opens. When the main valve body is closed, a direct application of the pressure of the back pressure chamber to the sub valve body is blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kei Morita, Naoki Sugano, Satoshi Maekawa, Takayuki Igaue
  • Patent number: 10480346
    Abstract: A hydraulic control device for an emergency stop valve of a steam turbine has a module for reducing a hydraulic pressure by rapid opening of an outflow valve and/or unloading or loading an actuator for actuating the emergency stop valve. In an operating medium supply and/or conducting system a control valve arrangement with at least three safety valves is provided, which are hydraulically interconnected such that they open the outflow valve or unload or load the actuator only when a safety circuit by way of at least two safety valves of the control valve arrangement has assumed an emergency stop position. A precontrol valve that is independent from the remaining safety valves is hydraulically connected upstream of each safety valve. A safety valve that is connected downstream of a respective precontrol valve can be hydraulically decoupled from the same during the operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Voith Patent GmbH
    Inventor: Matthias Leykauf
  • Patent number: 10240570
    Abstract: A reciprocating piston internal combustion engine includes: a sensor system on a gas exchange valve which has a valve head situated at a first end of a valve stem; a lever element which engages at a second end of the valve stem and which is designed to actuate the gas exchange valve by displacing the valve head; a detection element which, upon actuation of the gas exchange valve, is displaced along a displacement path; and a sensor device configured to ascertain a position of the detection element. The sensor device is situated in such a way that the detection element, during a displacement along a portion of the displacement path, moves predominantly in a movement toward the sensor device or away from the same, thereby providing a measurement of valve timing of the gas exchange valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Andreas Bethmann, Andre Yashan, Markus Stalitza, Armin Hassdenteufel, Herbert Kolly, Jochen Hofstaetter
  • Patent number: 9903221
    Abstract: A trip control system for use with, for example, turbines, includes a porting manifold that supports and provides fluid to two or more trip manifolds, each of which includes a bleed circuit having two or more bleed valves connected in parallel between a trip header line and a return or dump line to bleed the hydraulic fluid pressure from the trip header line to thereby cause a trip. The trip control system includes redundant trip manifolds operating in parallel, wherein each trip manifold is able to independently engage a trip of the turbine and each of the trip manifolds includes redundant sets of valves and other trip components that enable the trip manifold to operate to engage a trip of the turbine in the presence of a failure of one of the sets of components on a trip manifold, or while various components of the trip manifold are being tested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: EMERSON PROCESS MANAGEMENT POWER & WATER SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Jay Michael Jacobs, Thomas Sweeney, Daniel Philip Berkepile, Adam Gregory Redling, Michael Henry Winwood
  • Patent number: 9500297
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a bi-directional shut-off trim for a valve which possesses the functional attributes of a pilot operated trim and a balanced trim through the integration of a spring loaded check valve into a pilot trim. In forward flow isolation, the bi-directional shut-off trim of the present invention acts as a normal pilot operated trim. In reverse flow, the check valve of the shut-off trim opens to balance the pressure on either side of the plug thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Control Components, Inc.
    Inventor: Sina Alikhani
  • Patent number: 9368972
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a generator management system 10. The generator management system 10 includes a first generator 11 and a second generator 13. A bus 15 connects at least one of the first generator 11 and the second generator 13 to a load L. A control 16 determines a time delay to (i) connect the first generator 11 and the second generator 13 to the bus 15; and/or (ii) disconnect the first generator 11 and second generator 13 from the bus 15. The control 16 varies the time delay based on the load L supplied by the first generator 11 and the second generator 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventor: Isaac S. Frampton
  • Patent number: 9353771
    Abstract: A multiple-stage valve system (200) including a pilot fluid supply (209) and a process fluid supply (222) is provided. The multiple-stage valve system includes a first pilot valve (201) including a first port (206) in fluid communication with the pilot fluid supply and a second port (207) selectively in fluid communication with the first port. The multiple-stage valve system also comprises a second pilot valve (202). The second pilot valve can include a first port (213) in fluid communication with the process fluid supply and a second port (214) selectively in fluid communication with the first port. The second pilot valve also includes a first pressure-actuated biasing member (217) in fluid communication with the process fluid supply and a second pressure-actuated biasing member (218) in fluid communication with the second port of the first pilot valve. The multiple-stage valve system also comprises a main control valve (203).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Norgren GmbH
    Inventor: Roger Studer
  • Patent number: 9334752
    Abstract: This disclosure describes embodiments of a system and device to prevent damage that can occur during an over-speed condition in a turbo-machine. The embodiment includes a fluid circuit with a header, which couples to the turbo-machine, and a hydraulic circuit through which fluid can evacuate the header to a drain. The hydraulic circuit includes a trip header manifold with a pilot element in flow connection with a drain valve element that has an actuator to regulate the flow of fluid from the header. In one example, the pilot element uses solenoid valves to change the pressure of a fluid in the drain valve element and, in particular, maintains the actuator in a first position to prevent fluid to evacuate during normal operating conditions at the turbo-machine. When the over-speed condition occurs the actuator moves to a second position to place the header in flow connection with the drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Brent Allan Dietrich, Ricardo Stack, John Kirk Foundoulis, Steven Jackson Foss
  • Patent number: 9255588
    Abstract: A flow regulating valve subassembly includes a main valve configured as a seat valve and a valve piston. The valve piston is acted upon via a first end face by the pressure of a first working connection and via an annular surface of the valve piston by the pressure of a second working connection in the opening direction. The valve piston is also acted upon in the closing direction via a second end face by the pressure of the higher-pressure working connection. An adjustable throttle is formed between a housing of the main valve and the valve piston. The throttle has a cross section that changes continuously during displacement of the valve piston and connects the higher-pressure working connection to the second end face. A pilot control valve arrangement is configured to control a control line which connects the second end face to the lower-pressure working connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Jan Amrhein
  • Patent number: 9022345
    Abstract: A valve provided for the blocking or controlled establishment of a volume flow of a working fluid in a flow path of a technical device that transmits and/or stores energy, in particular in a control device for a hydraulic drive, an associated method of manufacture of the valve, and an apparatus with the valve. The valve includes first, second, and third valve openings, a moveable shut-off body moveable between an open-position and a close-position, a guide which guides the shut-off body between the open-position and the close position, and a retainer which exerts a retaining force on the shut-off body in the close-position. The guide has three guide parts. The first and third guide parts enclose the shut-off body and the second guide part includes a plurality of pins in a parallel orientation to the direction of movement of the shut-off body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventors: Roland Bisig, Esad Ibrisimbegovic
  • Patent number: 8973890
    Abstract: A fluid-operated actuating drive on a valve comprising a base unit (2) having an electro-fluidic signal converter and a fluidic controller and at least one linear actuator (4) that can be actuated using the fluidic controller, wherein the gate (11) of the linear actuator is directly or indirectly coupled to the inlet of the valve. A control unit (22) is connected to a signal input of the base unit, wherein the signal output is connected to the electro-fluidic signal converter. The actual value signal of a measurement transducer (24) associated to the valve is fed back to the control unit. A fluidic internal control circuit (27) is arranged functionally between the signal input and the at least one linear actuator, preferably downstream of the electro-fluidic signal converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Hoerbiger Automatisierungstechnik Holding GmbH
    Inventors: Max Schrobenhauser, Jochen Schaible, Stephan Schelp, Marcus Groedl
  • Publication number: 20140312250
    Abstract: A flow regulating valve subassembly includes a main valve configured as a seat valve and a valve piston. The valve piston is acted upon via a first end face by the pressure of a first working connection and via an annular surface of the valve piston by the pressure of a second working connection in the opening direction. The valve piston is also acted upon in the closing direction via a second end face by the pressure of the higher-pressure working connection. An adjustable throttle is formed between a housing of the main valve and the valve piston. The throttle has a cross section that changes continuously during displacement of the valve piston and connects the higher-pressure working connection to the second end face. A pilot control valve arrangement is configured to control a control line which connects the second end face to the lower-pressure working connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Jan Amrhein
  • Patent number: 8844899
    Abstract: A control valve includes a signal pressure passage that transmits a pilot pressure in first and second pilot chambers as a signal pressure of another device, and first and second connecting grooves that connect the first and second pilot chambers to the signal pressure passage when a spool is in a neutral position. When the pilot pressure is led into the first pilot chamber such that the spool moves, the first connecting groove connects the first pilot chamber to the signal pressure passage while the second connecting groove separates from the signal pressure passage. When the pilot pressure is led into the second pilot chamber such that the spool moves, the second connecting groove connects the second pilot chamber to the signal pressure passage while the first connecting groove separates from the signal pressure passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Fujiwara, Tsutomu Koshimizu
  • Patent number: 8833391
    Abstract: A valve arrangement is provided for selectively connecting a source of fluid pressure to a consumer in order to actuate the consumer in a predetermined direction. The valve arrangement utilizes a valve cone arranged in the valve body which connects the valve ports with each other when the valve cone is in its open position, and is actuated by a holding force which is greater than the force acting on the pressurized fluid side of the valve cone and dependent on the medium pressure in the input port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Bo Andersson
  • Patent number: 8814133
    Abstract: An automatic speed searching device for a partial stroke test of a control valve includes a spool valve operatively connected to a pilot valve and a blocker valve. An electrical module is operatively connected to the pilot valve, a supply of control fluid, and the blocker valve. In an open position of the spool valve, a first control fluid inlet is fluidly connected to a first control fluid outlet, and in a closed position of the spool valve the first control fluid outlet is fluidly connected to a second control fluid outlet. A method of determining an optimum stroke speed includes iteratively powering a main and secondary solenoid in the electrical module and updating parameters to move a control element of the control valve until movement of the control element is within a desired range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: General Equipment and Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Jingli Li, Bruce Rigsby, Robert L. LaFountain, Bruce R. Penning
  • Patent number: 8770543
    Abstract: A poppet valve assembly includes a body and first and second check valves. The body includes opposing first and second axial end portions. The first end portion has a first circumferential surface, a first end surface, and a tapered surface, which seals with a main valve seat. The second axial end portion defines at least one metering slot. The body defines first and second internal passages. The first internal passage includes an opening in the first end surface, is in fluid communication with one of the metering slots, and has a first check valve seat. The second internal passage includes an opening in the first circumferential surface, is in fluid communication with one of the metering slot, and has a second check valve seat. The first and second check valves are disposed in the respective internal passages and are adapted for sealing engagement with the respective check valve seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Tam Chi Huynh
  • Patent number: 8714514
    Abstract: A pinch-type isolation valve (10) is provided having an integrated, on-board reservoir (42) for storing a pressurized fluid capable of effecting the collapse of an internal sleeve (32) upon actuation of the valve. Valve (10) comprises an outer wall 16 and an inner wall (30) which define the pressurized gas reservoir (42). An actuator assembly (14) is provided to cause and direct a flow of pressurized gas from the reservoir (42) into a gas-receiving chamber (39) defined between the inner wall (30) and sleeve (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Fike Corporation
    Inventors: Tom Eijkelenberg, Guy Jakus, Jef Snoeys
  • Patent number: 8662106
    Abstract: A hydraulic trip unit for a valve unit in a prime mover plant is described, with monitoring passages which are grouped together in a hydraulic block and interconnected forming a 2 out of 3 circuit, of which each monitoring passage is provided with a solenoid valve unit, with a power oil line connection which is provided on the hydraulic block and from which an emergency oil passage and an auxiliary emergency oil passage extend inside the hydraulic block, of which the emergency oil passage can be connected to the valve unit and the auxiliary emergency oil passage is connected via connecting lines to a solenoid valve unit in each case, wherein a first connecting line feeds a first and third solenoid valve unit, a second connecting line feeds the second and a first solenoid valve unit, and a third connecting line feeds the third and second solenoid valve unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Alstom Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Carsten Reumschussel, Markus Brandli, Claus Eifert, Daniel Pfammatter, Silvano Steib
  • Publication number: 20140034133
    Abstract: A system can include one or more valve arrangements with a working chamber to receive a working fluid at a first pressure, and a control chamber to receive fluid at a second pressure. A dynamic seal can be disposed on a land of a valve element. A supply passage can be in communication between the control chamber and a tank and can include a check valve. A relief valve can be disposed between the check valve and the control chamber. A pilot pump and another relief valve may be disposed upstream of the check valve. The relief valve downstream of the check valve can have a higher pressure limit than the downstream one. A pressure sensor may be disposed between the check valve and the control chamber and used to warn the operator of a high pressure in the control chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Beschorner, Aleksandar M. Egelja, Eric Hughes, Mikhail Sorokine
  • Publication number: 20140034135
    Abstract: A system can include one or more valve arrangements with a working chamber to receive a working fluid at a first pressure, and a control chamber to receive fluid at a second pressure. A dynamic seal can be disposed on a land of a valve element. The valve arrangement may include a sleeve against which the dynamic seal is slidably engaged. The valve element may include a check stem. A pressure compensating system may be in communication with bores formed in with the valve element. A pressure system to monitor dynamic seal wear may be in communication with the control chamber of the valve arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Beschorner, Eric C. Hughes, Mikhail A. Sorokine, James A. Aardema, Thomas J. Hajek, Aleksandra M. Egelja
  • Patent number: 8490640
    Abstract: A system for regulating pressure supplied to a transmission control element, includes a control pressure source and line pressure source, a latch valve that opens and closes communication with the line pressure source in response to control pressure, and a regulator valve including a spool for regulating line pressure and producing control element pressure when the latch valve is closed, and an auxiliary piston responsive to line pressure and contacting the spool for connecting line pressure to the control element when the latch valve is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Hrudaya Mahapatro, Robert O. Burkhart, John Butwin
  • Patent number: 8485496
    Abstract: A flush valve assembly including a discharge receiver with a plug opening therein, a sleeve, a main valve assembly positioned within the sleeve, and a main diaphragm sealingly connected between the main valve assembly and the sleeve. The main diaphragm and the main valve assembly define a control chamber on an upper side thereof and an inlet region on a lower side thereof. The assembly also includes a discharge plug with a flange portion configured to be received in the plug opening in the discharge receiver. When the flush valve assembly is in a non-pressurized condition, the flange portion of the discharge plug is not seated within the plug opening of the discharge receiver, and when the flush valve assembly is in a pressurized condition, the flange portion of the discharge plug is seated within the plug opening of the discharge receiver. The flushing operation may be electronic and/or manual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: Donna D. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20130048889
    Abstract: A control valve includes a signal pressure passage that transmits a pilot pressure in first and second pilot chambers as a signal pressure of another device, and first and second connecting grooves that connect the first and second pilot chambers to the signal pressure passage when a spool is in a neutral position. When the pilot pressure is led into the first pilot chamber such that the spool moves, the first connecting groove connects the first pilot chamber to the signal pressure passage while the second connecting groove separates from the signal pressure passage. When the pilot pressure is led into the second pilot chamber such that the spool moves, the second connecting groove connects the second pilot chamber to the signal pressure passage while the first connecting groove separates from the signal pressure passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: KAYABA INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeshi Fujiwara, Tsutomu Koshimizu
  • Patent number: 8381761
    Abstract: An adjustable hydraulically operated pressure management control pilot assembly has first and second diaphragm assemblies which define two fluid pressure chambers. Varying the pressure between these two fluid chambers modulates the control pilot assembly between adjusted low and high set points, which can be used to control high and low pressures downstream of a pressure reducing valve of a water supply system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: CLA-VAL Co.
    Inventor: Daniel Ré
  • Patent number: 8360099
    Abstract: A failure protection apparatus including an air source providing air having an air pressure, a first valve in fluid communication with the air source permitting a control fluid to flow to a pressure control assembly when the air pressure is at least a minimum pressure and preventing flow of the control fluid to the assembly when the air pressure is below a minimum pressure, the assembly containing control fluid at a predetermined pressure that is maintained when the air pressure is below the minimum pressure, a second valve in communication with the air source permitting communication of air between an inlet and an outlet when the air pressure is below the minimum pressure, a third valve in communication with the air source, a pressure container in communication with the third valve outlet and having an outlet that feeds air to the second valve to actuate a warning device attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Alan Wayne Burkhard, Michael Scott Sawyer, Roger Lane Suter
  • Patent number: 8317154
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for operation of a position regulator for control of a pneumatic drive for an actuating member in a process installation. The position regulator has a pneumatic system with at least one nozzle/bounce-plate system, in which the bounce plates are in the form of piezo bending bars. For damped ventilation and venting of the pneumatic drive in the event of failure of the electrical power, it is proposed that the level of the electrical power supply be monitored and that, if a predeterminable limit value is undershot, the piezo bending bars of the pneumatics are adjusted via the input signals of the pneumatics such that the pneumatically controlled valves, which are subject to a characteristic, of the amplifier are open precisely just so far that a damped movement of the pneumatic actuating drive takes place to a predeterminable limit position at the desired movement speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: ABB AG
    Inventor: Thomas Kleegrewe
  • Patent number: 8313082
    Abstract: A system for positioning a device such as a valve with a mechanical input using a fluid operated actuator, a mechanical position feedback member coupled to a feedback element of the fluid operated actuator and an activation fluid valve. The fluid operated actuator has an output coupled to the mechanical input of the valve, a feedback element for mechanically indicating a position of the valve, and inputs for actuating fluid, such that fluid at the inputs causes the fluid operated actuator to move in opposing directions. The activation fluid valve has outputs coupled to the inputs of the fluid operated actuator, a first opposing force input coupled to the mechanical position feedback member and a second opposing force input coupled to a control input force. The position of the activation fluid valve is controlled by a balance between the force from the mechanical feedback member and the control input force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: G. W. Lisk Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Garcia, Jeff Tyler
  • Patent number: 8302931
    Abstract: A finely adjustable firing valve comprising a first valve (10) providing a first inlet (20) and a first discharge (21) connected through a first actuation chamber (22), and having a first shutter (23), a second valve (11) having a second shutter (37), a third valve (12), having a third shutter (43), characterized in that it comprises a piston (24) bound to said first shutter (23) that slides within said first chamber (22), of such a size that the upper surface of said piston (24) affected by the pressure inside said first chamber (22) is substantially equal to the lower surface of said piston (24) affected by the pressure existing in said first inlet (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Larix S.R.L.
    Inventor: Genio Migliorati
  • Patent number: 8256739
    Abstract: A control valve includes a main poppet that moves in response to pressure in a primary control chamber and thereby controls the flow of fluid through a valve seat between first and second ports. A passageway extends between the second port and the primary control chamber and includes a variable flow restriction that decreases as the main poppet moves away from the valve seat. An electrohydraulic pilot valve has a pilot poppet which controls fluid flow from the primary control chamber to the first port in response to pressure in a pilot control chamber. A sub-pilot valve selectively releases pressure in the pilot control chamber to operate the pilot poppet to open and close a path between the inlet and the outlet. Using an electrohydraulic pilot valve enables the main poppet to operate quickly in controlling large fluid flow rates. Unidirectional and bidirectional versions of the control valve are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Husco International, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph L. Pfaff
  • Patent number: 8240328
    Abstract: A centralized automatic fluid or gas spill prevention and shut-off valve system that prevents line ruptures comprising means to reduce fluid pressures, such as gas, to appropriate levels, a continuous monitoring of downstream conditions, an immediate stop system of major spillage caused by excessive flow wherein said immediate stop system automatically shuts off the flow of fluids, means for timed shut off of minor fluid flows that exceed a predetermined amount of time and a restarting system that restarts when overflow conditions are corrected, wherein said restarting system works automatically or manually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: Luis Guillermo Ramirez-Diaz
  • Patent number: 8240634
    Abstract: A high-pressure valve assembly includes a flange defining an axis. Projecting into the flange is a valve body which is sealed against the flange by a static ring seal. Provided on one side of the valve body is a spring-loaded closure member which is supported for movement in a direction of the axis to form a suction valve, and on another side of the valve body in opposition to the one side is a spring-loaded tappet which is supported for movement in the direction of the axis to form a pressure valve. A channel connects the suction valve with the pressure valve and has one end porting into a pressure chamber of the valve body adjacent to the pressure valve. The pressure chamber extends in axial direction of the tappet and is sized to extend substantially above a bottom edge of the ring seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Hammelmann Maschinenfabrik GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Jarchau, Axel Sommerkamp
  • Patent number: 8210201
    Abstract: A regulator valve includes a duct, a valve element, and an actuator. The duct has an inner surface defining a flow passage. The valve element is movably disposed within the flow passage between an open position, in which fluid is permitted to flow through the flow passage, and a closed position, in which fluid is restricted from flowing through the flow passage. The actuator is coupled to the valve element and at least facilitates movement thereof between the closed and open positions and locking of the valve element in an intermediate position therebetween. The actuator comprises a shaft and a locking system. The shaft is coupled to the valve element and moves therewith. The locking system is coupled to the shaft and is activated when the valve element is in the intermediate position, to thereby at least inhibit movement of the shaft and the valve element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Laurie Fowler, Rudy Velasquez, Joe Sega, Ed Dismukes
  • Publication number: 20120145252
    Abstract: A microvalve device is disclosed for controlling fluid flow in a fluid circuit. The microvalve device comprises a body having a bore formed therein. A pilot-operated main valve spool supported by the body is movably disposed in the bore for opening and closing ports formed in the body. A pilot microvalve is operable for controlling movement of the pilot-operated main valve. The pilot microvalve may include a movable valve element that controls the cross-sectional area of two variable orifices in series. When the pilot microvalve is at rest, one orifice is closed and the other is open. Upon actuating the pilot microvalve, the closed orifice may begin to open and the open orifice may begin to close. Pressure between the orifices is used as a command pressure, which is utilized to position the pressure control valve to control load pressure. A method of operating a microvalve device is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: DUNAN MICROSTAQ, INC.
    Inventor: Harry A. Hunnicutt
  • Patent number: 8156960
    Abstract: A valve for controlling pressure in a system is provided. The valve includes a housing, a servo spool and a piston positioned within the housing with the piston and the servo spool being movable relative to each other. The piston defines a first orifice configured to communicate with a supply of pressurized fluid and a second orifice configured to communicate with a portion of the system exterior to the valve. A first chamber is arranged such that force due to fluid pressure in the first chamber is configured to move the piston in a first direction. The first chamber includes a third orifice configured to communicate with a controlled pressure in the system. A second chamber is at least partially defined by the housing and the piston and includes a fourth orifice configured to communicate with a low pressure fluid source. A biasing element is arranged in the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Cory L. Fisher
  • Patent number: 8152131
    Abstract: In a pilot-type valve, a valve box enclosing a main valve is arranged in a state wherein same is sandwiched between pipe flanges tightened to one another with bolts. In the pilot-type valve, a pilot valve is used to control a driving force required to operate the main valve to open and close same. In addition, the valve box is flangeless at its connection end portions for connection with the pipe flanges and has an inlet and outlet for a pressurized fluid. A cover flange neck extended upward from the valve box is constricted only at sites on its walls corresponding to adjacent bolts extended between the pipe flanges, so that the cover flange neck can be passed through the interval between these bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Kane Kougyou Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Ochiai, Katsumi Tsuchimoto
  • Patent number: 8141583
    Abstract: A controller for controlling a valve is disclosed including a manifold assembly, a valve position indicator and a trigger assembly. An operating media distribution system is disposed in the manifold assembly and an electronic control unit is disposed in the controller. The electronic control unit operates at least one electromagnetic valve to control operating media flow via the operating media distribution system to activate an actuator which opens or closes the valve. The trigger assembly includes a cylinder adapted to receive an actuator shaft and provide a self setting mechanism corresponding to the stroke length of the actuator shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Westlock Controls Corporation
    Inventors: Leo Minervini, Eric Jordan, Robert Endres
  • Patent number: 8091582
    Abstract: A system for hydraulically managing fluid pressure between selected set points includes a pilot control system operably coupled to a main valve. The pilot control system includes at least one fluid conduit, a variable orifice assembly, and a control pilot valve apparatus. Fluid is passed through a fixed orifice and into a first chamber of the control pilot valve apparatus. Fluid is passed through the variable orifice of the variable orifice assembly and into a second chamber of the control pilot valve apparatus. The main valve is hydraulically opened or closed in response to a pressure differential between the first and second chambers of the control pilot valve apparatus so as to manage fluid pressure downstream of the main valve between the selected upper and lower set points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: CLA-VAL Co.
    Inventor: Robert Folk
  • Patent number: 8070844
    Abstract: An accumulator having an internal valve opened by applying air pressure to a diaphragm with a small solenoid to apply air to the diaphragm where the air is supplied from a pilot air supply. When the internal valve operated by the diaphragm opens, it snaps to a fully open position thereby opening the valve and uncovering a passageway leading to a filter for cleaning. The passageway is sufficiently wide that the resulting flow of air through the passageway is so explosive that air pressure on the filter is distributed over the surface area of the filter for a brief moment, blowing the dust on the filter free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventor: Stephen B. Maguire
  • Publication number: 20110023477
    Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a cylinder lock valve to control fluid flow to a hydraulic cylinder operating a drilling rig sub-system. The lock valve 1) allows fluid flow through the valve if pressure on a main and pilot area overcomes a closing spring force on the valve, or 2) blocks flow through the valve if a loss in charge pressure in the main and pilot area falls below the closing spring force on the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Neil Skoog
  • Patent number: 7793912
    Abstract: In a valve body, an input chamber is located between a small diameter slide hole, which slidably supports a small diameter portion of a slidable valve, and a large diameter slide hole, which slidably supports a large diameter portion of the slidable valve, at a location that is closer to the small diameter slide hole than to the large diameter slide hole. An output chamber is located between the small diameter slide hole and the large diameter slide hole at a location that is closer to the large diameter slide hole than to the small diameter slide hole. A valve opening communicates between the input chamber and the output chamber and is opened and closed in response to a slide position of the slidable valve. A pilot chamber exerts a pilot pressure to urge the slidable valve in a valve closing direction toward the valve opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Motoyoshi Andoh
  • Publication number: 20100155632
    Abstract: A controller for controlling a valve is disclosed including a manifold assembly, a valve position indicator and a trigger assembly. An operating media distribution system is disposed in the manifold assembly and an electronic control unit is disposed in the controller. The electronic control unit operates at least one electromagnetic valve to control operating media flow via the operating media distribution system to activate an actuator which opens or closes the valve. The trigger assembly includes a cylinder adapted to receive an actuator shaft and provide a self setting mechanism corresponding to the stroke length of the actuator shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: WESTLOCK CONTROLS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Leo Minervini, Eric Jordan, Robert J. Endres
  • Patent number: 7735518
    Abstract: A solenoid actuated valve assembly includes a valve body having a slidable main valve member and a pilot valve body mechanically connected to the valve body including a slidable pilot valve member. A first solenoid operated valve connected to the pilot valve body when energized directs pressurized fluid to move the pilot valve member between pilot valve open and closed positions. A second solenoid operated valve connected to the valve body when simultaneously energized with the first valve directs the fluid to move the main valve member between valve closed and open positions. A third solenoid operated valve connected to the pilot valve body when energized and when both the first and second solenoid operated valves are de-energized directs the fluid to move the pilot valve to the pilot valve open position and the main valve member to the valve closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Mac Valves, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin C. Williams, Robert H. Neff
  • Patent number: 7677267
    Abstract: The dunnage airbag inflation circuit of this invention includes a pilot valve that is controlled by a pressure sensing line in communication with the dunnage bag, and an arrangement of other valves to allow the dunnage bag to inflate up to a certain preset pressure. The pressure sensing line controls pilot air to various valves and ultimately to the main pilot valve allowing airflow to the dunnage bag until the dunnage bag reaches a certain preset pressure. The inflation circuit also includes (i) a safety pressure valve to stop airflow to the dunnage bag if for some reason the dunnage bag continues to be inflated past the preset pressure, and (ii) a stop valve that allows an operator to manually override the pressure valve and stop the airflow to the dunnage bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Georgia-Pacific Wood Products LLC
    Inventor: Stan Clay Warnick
  • Patent number: 7650905
    Abstract: An emergency isolation valve has a valve plug in a valve body connected to a pipeline. The valve plug is connected to a valve shaft around which a sector gear is provided and engaged with a rack of a piston rod in a cylinder. The piston rod has a piston at one end and is connected to a compression spring at the other end. The piston is moved by air supplied into a cylinder from a compressed air source via a fluid control and a solenoid selector valve. Air supply stops and a discharge hole of the cylinder is opened, so that air is discharged to the outside. The piston is returned by the compression spring to close the discharge hole. At the same time stop of the piston rod is detected by a sensor thereby checking whether to actuate the valve plug normally even during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Tyco Flow Control Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Motohiro Kubota, Wataru Kunieda
  • Patent number: 7578310
    Abstract: A pressure controller device includes a housing accommodating a precision pressure regulator incorporating a first diaphragm operable upon a main valve provided between an inlet and an outlet in the housing. The regulator further includes a second diaphragm operable upon a flapper-nozzle arrangement to set the pressure of the working fluid discharged through the device. The housing further includes a resiliently loaded shuttle actuable by an operating handle connected thereto and externally protruding from the housing to operate the second diaphragm and the flapper-nozzle arrangement. Manual operation of the handle, and resulting linear movement of the shuttle, effects movement of the second diaphragm and the flapper-nozzle arrangement and thus by pressure fluid to operate the first diaphragm and thus the main valve. Consequential variation in the pressure of the fluid delivered by the device is thus achieved by the shuttle overriding the operation of the diaphragms and thus the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Delaney Machinerie Inc.
    Inventors: Roman Teliszczuk, Francois Delaney
  • Publication number: 20080169439
    Abstract: The present invention is an integrated two-stage low-leak control valve which is used to control pressure or flow in a hydraulic system such as an automatic transmission valve body. The control valve formed of a single assembly. A valve portion and a solenoid portion are located in the single assembly. The solenoid portion is operably connected to the valve portion with two variable orifices contained in the single assembly. A first variable orifice controls the flow of a fluid medium from a supply port in the integrated control valve to a pressure control region of the integrated control valve, and a second variable orifice controls the flow of the fluid medium to an exhaust port in the integrated control valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Applicant: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Waterstredt, Garrett R. Holmes, Steven L. Ambrose, Daniel L. DeLand
  • Patent number: 7334770
    Abstract: An improved pilot-operated, “instant-on”, solenoid isolation valve discloses a new fluid passage route to save cost of drilling a longitudinal hole within the primary piston. Also, a new feature of primary piston assembly with a movable seal piston having a specific circumferential surface matching to valve body chamber to restrict fluid from front side into back side of the primary piston to produce pressure difference to induce instant valve open when solenoid is energized initially. It also introduces a channel hole in the flange of the sleeve assembly as a communication channel of supply of gas into the chambers of the back side of primary piston assembly. The diameter of the channel hole is not critical to determine in this new invent. As long as the size of the hole is smaller than that of the bleed hole, it can maintain pressure difference between the front side and back side of primary piston during valve opening operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventors: Wei-ching Wang, Chia-Ping Wang, Yu-ching Wang
  • Patent number: 7201180
    Abstract: A water supply system comprising a supply line and a network of consumers, one of which being a monitored consumer who receives the least amount of pressure, a pressure regulation system comprising a pressure reducing valve (PRV) associated with a pilot valve preset to a nominal output pressure and a pressure control system comprising a differential control valve (DCV). A pickup unit is provided for measuring a flow parameter indicative of the pressure at the monitored consumer and emitting a pressure signal to a controller generating in turn a control signal responsive to the pressure signal to activate an actuator of the DCV thereby governing the flow rate through the DCV, so as to obtain desired pressure at the monitored consumer, regardless of altering flow rate through the PRV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Optimus Water Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Uri Ephrat, Abraham Gleichman