With Friction Detent Patents (Class 251/297)
  • Patent number: 7861741
    Abstract: A hydraulic flow control valve allowing easy adjustment of fluid flow for a variety of hydraulic attachments is disclosed. The hydraulic flow control valve comprises a spool and a flow rate setting adjustment device configured to adjust a flow rate setting of the hydraulic flow control valve by adjusting the amount of travel allowed for the spool. An associated method of operating the hydraulic flow control valve is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Michael Paul Kress
  • Patent number: 7836914
    Abstract: A switching device for a fluid distribution set presenting a deformable portion having a first port, a second port, a third port and a fourth port, is disclosed. The switching device comprises an active portion adapted, in use, for clamping the deformable portion of the fluid distribution set, and a housing body defining a seat for receiving the deformable portion. The switching device can be operated according to first and second clamping positions, wherein the active portion is approached to a corresponding active surface of the housing body. A fluid control apparatus comprising the above switching device and the portion of the fluid distribution set is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventors: Johan Drott, Eddie Nils-Joel Nilsson
  • Patent number: 7717398
    Abstract: A damper assembly exploiting a crankshaft to induce displacement of a damper means from one position to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Venmar Ventilation Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Marcoux, Christian Légaré, Martin Gagnon, Eric Charlebois, Normand Juneau
  • Patent number: 7661440
    Abstract: A device for regulating the flow rate of a fluid includes a housing containing a plurality of flow conduits fluidly connecting an inlet and an outlets each of the flow conduits comprising a flow control tube and a resiliently compressive occlusion tube, wherein the flow control tubes are of substantially equal internal diameter. Each of the flow control tubes has a length associated with a different flow rate. A resilient flow-blocking element is operatively associated with each of the occlusion tubes and is movable into a flow-blocking compression against its associated occlusion tube. An actuation mechanism in the housing is operable (a) to selectively engage and move one or more of the flow-blocking elements into the flow-blocking compression against its associated occlusion tube, and (b) to selectively be disengaged from any of the flow-blocking elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: I-Flow Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Mabry, Kenneth Wayne Rake
  • Patent number: 7644728
    Abstract: A splitter for faucets includes a body in which a control unit is received. The control unit includes a collar in which a ceramic disk is received. The ceramic disk has a plurality of through holes and a number of the through holes is equal to a number of the outlets of the body. A ceramic plate is connected to the ceramic disk so as to cover some of the through holes in the ceramic disk. The ceramic disk is connected with a control shaft which has a resilient member on a radial portion thereof. An end member is mounted to radial portion and includes a plurality of gaps so that when the control shaft is rotated, the protrusion on the resilient member is removably engaged with one of the gaps so as to generate a sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Inventor: Tsai-Chen Yang
  • Patent number: 7624963
    Abstract: A valve with a flow adjustment device in the form of a valve stem travel limiter includes a collar having a passage therethrough to receive a valve stem having a projection, the collar further includes a plurality of grooves having different depths. The flow adjustment device may be assembled to a valve stem to permit a plurality of different predetermined valve stem travel limits corresponding to respective different maximum flow capacities of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International LLC
    Inventor: Douglas Paul Gethmann
  • Patent number: 7578313
    Abstract: A rotary pilot valve in which a force required to operate the pilot valve is reduced and especially the pilot valve can be operated with a very small operating force as in a fingertip type, and the number of parts forming the pilot valve is reduced. In a body, a tank port, a pair of pump ports, a first output port, and a second output port are formed. In a cylindrical valve, a pair of notch grooves is formed and connected with each other by a balance hole. Variable throttles are formed on a side of the tank port and a side of the pump port of the notch groove. An open area of one of the variable throttles gradually increases while an open area of the other gradually reduces by tilting of an operating lever. Pressure oil lead into the notch groove through the variable throttle is output from the first output port as an intermediate throttle pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Komatsu Limited
    Inventors: Daisuke Kozuka, Shuuji Hori
  • Patent number: 7562860
    Abstract: A hand-operated pressure regulating valve for compressed air guns includes a basic valve body with a nozzle passage, threads for connection to a compressed air gun and a nozzle body, a pressure regulating unit and an actuating ring. The regulating unit is held by the ring, with a securing ring, in a bore of the basic valve body. The nozzle passage can be bridged and closed within the bore by a nozzle passage piece. The cross section of the nozzle passage can be reduced and increased by rotation of the ring and displacement of the regulating unit and the passage piece. The regulating unit has a basic body with the passage piece, a spring pin and a compression spring and, in the installed state, the pin projects through the spring out of the basic body and the bore for radial movement transversely and, by rotation of the actuating ring, latches in succession into wells in an inner surface of the actuating ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignees: Graf-Plastik GmbH & Co. KG Kunststofftechnik, George Taylor Brass & Bronze Works Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Graf
  • Patent number: 7455070
    Abstract: A vacuum relief safety valve includes a housing defining an inner chamber and attached to the suction-side of the swimming pool or spa pump. An air inlet aperture is formed in the housing so as to be open to ambient air. A sealing element is disposed within the housing and biased against the air inlet aperture by a spring so as to effectively seal the inner chamber of the housing from ambient air. When a maximum allowed vacuum level within the pump is exceeded, such as when a swimming pool drain is obstructed, the sealing element moves into the inner chamber and opens the air inlet aperture causing the pump to rapidly lose its prime and enabling removal of the entrapment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Inventor: Hassan H. Hamza
  • Patent number: 7455072
    Abstract: A device for regulating the flow rate of a fluid includes a housing containing a plurality of flow conduits fluidly connecting an inlet and an outlet, each of the flow conduits comprising a flow control tube (310, 312, 314) and a resiliently compressive occlusion tube (316, 318, 320), wherein the flow control tubes are of substantially equal internal diameter. Each of the flow control tubes has a length associated with a different flow rate. A resilient flow-blocking element (212a, 212b, 212c) is operatively associated with each of the occlusion tubes and is movable into a flow-blocking compression against its associated occlusion tube. An actuation mechanism (206) in the housing is operable: (a) to selectively engage and move one or more of the flow-blocking elements into the flow-blocking compression against its associated occlusion tube, and (b) to selectively be disengaged from any of the flow-blocking elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: I-Flow Corporation
    Inventors: Eric Mabry, Kenneth Wayne Rake
  • Patent number: 7418973
    Abstract: A pressure regulator comprising a body portion having an inlet port, an outlet port, and a flow passage positioned therebetween is provided. A valve member and a valve seat are positioned in the flow passage. A spring is coupled to the valve member to urge the valve member along an axis towards the valve seat, wherein the flow passage is substantially closed when the valve member engages with the valve seat. The spring has an extended segment in contact with a fixed surface, whereby the extended segment restricts displacement of the spring in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary Ellis Graham
  • Patent number: 7357154
    Abstract: A ceramic valve core has a multi-stage positioning structure. The multi-stage positioning structure includes a first snapper, which can move along with the swaying motion of the brake valve handle of the ceramic valve core, and a second snapper, which is an integrated component positioned correspondingly to the displacement track of the said first snapper. At the corresponding ends of the first snapper and the second snapper, there is a snap ring mated with at least two pin joint ends. The positioning structure also includes a flexible member, which allows the first snapper or second snapper to operate flexibly. The multi-stage positioning structure of the present invention is sturdy because the first snapper is of a combined type and is flexible thanks to the flexible member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Kuching International Ltd.
    Inventor: Mei-Li Chen
  • Patent number: 7328883
    Abstract: A coupling release component for releasabley coupling a shaft of a motor to a further shaft for rotation of the further shaft by the motor shaft having a rotation lock component having an axially disposed first gripping device for connecting the lock to the shaft for inducing rotation of said lock by said motor, a slip coupling component having a second gripping component disposed radially outwardly relative to the first gripping component configured to releasabley interlock with a corresponding third gripping component of a further coupling component for connecting the coupling release component to said further shaft for the rotation thereof and a resilient mounting component mounting said second gripping component to said first gripping component so as to be able to exert a radially outward force on the second gripping component so as to radially bias the second gripping component into interlocking engagement with the third gripping component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Venmar Ventilation Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Marcoux, Christian Légaré, Martin Gagnon, Eric Charlebois, Normand Juneau
  • Patent number: 7284978
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device configured for a valve. The valve has a valve structure that is configured to include an outlet body configured to define an outlet. The outlet body is also configured to attach to a melt processing screw of a molding machine. The valve structure is also configured to include an outlet cover configured to selectively close and open the outlet. The device includes a brake configured to decelerate the outlet cover responsive to deceleration of the outlet body, and the decelerating outlet cover maintains the outlet substantially closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Husky Injection Molding Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Jan Marius Manda, Sean Ian Weir
  • Patent number: 7219696
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cartridge for adjusting the flow rate and mixing of water flows in faucets in general, comprising a cartridge body therefrom a rod to which a drive knob is coupled projects. The main feature of the invention is that the cartridge further comprises a reed spring coupled to the drive rod and operating between the drive or controlling knob and a rod supporting element. On the rod supporting element are provided cam elements which cooperate with the spring reed for setting the pushing load detectable by the user as he/she operates the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Piero Cattaneo
  • Patent number: 7213611
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a body having a bore and a valve received within the bore for movement between an open position and a closed position. First and second sealing members are secured for movement with the valve and are positioned between the valve and the body such that an internal fluid pressure within the bore is applied to a first side of the sealing members and a common reference pressure is applied to a second side. An axial force imparted on the valve adjacent the second sealing member is less than an axial force imparted on the valve adjacent the first sealing member. A resiliently compressible member is positioned to bias the valve toward the normally open position. The valve is moved to the closed position when the internal fluid pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure and returns to the open position when the internal fluid pressure is substantially less than the predetermined pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: William Thomas Flynn
  • Patent number: 7207322
    Abstract: An impulse turbocharger for an internal combustion engine. The impulse turbocharger is adapted to be used for controlling the air flow of an air supply conduit on the intake side of an internal combustion engine. The impulse turbocharger has a rotary valve which is connected by an elastic coupling to a rotary actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Johannes Meiwes, Michael Baeuerle, Udo Sieber, Ralph Engelberg
  • Patent number: 7174913
    Abstract: The manual gas tap for a cooking appliance is of the type with a conical plug (3) for regulating the outlet gas flow (G), accommodated in a central housing (2a) in the tap body, and has a rotary actuating shaft (4) coupled to the conical regulating plug (3), and a tap cover (5) covering said central housing (2a). The rotary shaft (4) is provided with a transverse pin (6) for rotation thereof from an initial rotation locking position (7) corresponding to the gas supply “OFF”, to two other spaced positions corresponding to the maximum and minimum gas flows. The tap cover (5) is a tubular bushing shaped and comprises a sealing base (5c) with a sliding surface (11) in the form of a circular arc segment (A) provided with a series of indentations (12), which are in friction contact with the transverse pin (6) and produce a tactile and/or acoustic indication of shaft (4) rotation and tap (1) opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Iñigo Albizuri
  • Patent number: 7152845
    Abstract: A cock has an indexable rotating key. Indexing is achieved by a raised element on a shaped base of a housing of a barrel, and a ring which is formed at the end of the key and which is elastically deformable in a transverse plane. The raised element and ring form stubs and notches which cooperate to determine key blocking positions when the key is being rotated. The cock is suitable for use with medical instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Vygon
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Carrez, Valery Dalle, Laurent Lesimple, Jean-Max Huet
  • Patent number: 7128088
    Abstract: A backflow assembly including a housing with a passage having at least one check valve positioned therein to permit fluid flow in one direction while preventing fluid flow in the reverse direction. The check valve includes a valve head connected to a stem having an outer surface. A hump extends radially outward from the outer surface of the stem. The stem is guided by a bushing during opening and closing of the valve. The bushing includes at least one retention member that moves along the outer surface of the stem during opening and closing of the valve. The interaction between the retention member and the hump on the outer surface of the stem causes a higher friction loss during opening and closing of the valve than other portions of the outer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Danfoss Flomatic Corporation
    Inventor: Bo Andersson
  • Patent number: 7108012
    Abstract: A fluid control valve for the mixing of hot and cold water and delivery at a selected flow rate is described wherein an upper housing and lower housing are clamped together by a snap-fit connection thereby enclosing other fluid control valve component parts. A ball stem is manually movable in two separate and independent directions of motion. There is frictional loading on the ball stem such that movement in one direction to control the water temperature has a frictional loading that is higher than the frictional loading in the other direction to control the flow rate. A spring-biased guide pin is used to increase the frictional loading in the one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Masco Corporation of Indiana
    Inventors: Michael Scot Rosko, Patrick Jonte
  • Patent number: 6988511
    Abstract: A outlet valve structure of a water dispenser includes a body member, a first controller, a second controller and a control switch. The outlet valve has the function of controlling dispense and switch of hot water, cold water and warm water. Therefore, only one of such outlet valve is required for one water dispenser; and consequently, the front panel area of the water dispenser is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventor: Chang Kuei Tang
  • Patent number: 6986360
    Abstract: A self-sealing valve comprises a valve housing having a fluid conduit, a valve seat, a flexible diaphragm and a support member. The valve housing is configured to pass fluid through the fluid conduit. The flexible diaphragm provides a self-seal of the fluid conduit, and comprises an area larger than an area of the fluid conduit and a periphery. The support member is configured to retain a portion of a flexible diaphragm. The support member and flexible diaphragm are configured to position the flexible diaphragm against the valve seat to seal the fluid conduit in a closed position of the self-sealing valve, and to facilitate movement of at least a part of the periphery of the flexible diaphragm in a first direction away from the valve seat to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventor: Robert B. Chaffee
  • Patent number: 6869063
    Abstract: A sleeve valve device for fluid flow between a hydrocarbon reservoir and a well in the hydrocarbon reservoir comprises a fixed outer sleeve (1) and an inner sleeve (2) which is rotatable in order to bring apertures (3, 4) in the outer sleeve and the inner sleeve into and out of correspondence with each other, for adjustment of the fluid flow through the apertures. The inner sleeve comprises at least one external bulb (5) with a surface (6) which, in an unassembled, unloaded condition of the outer sleeve (1) and the inner sleeve (2), is at a distance (11) from the inner sleeve's centre line (9) which is greater than the outer sleeve's internal radius (r2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Triangle Equipment AS
    Inventors: Bengt Gunnarsson, Per Olav Haughom, Jan Spjuth
  • Patent number: 6860463
    Abstract: An access valve (2) for a laparoscopic device or a intraluminal deployment device has a cylindrical diaphragm (8) with a longitudinal aperture (3), a flexible member (14) is passed circumferentially around the cylindrical diaphragm and an extension arrangement to pull the flexible member radially and/or tangentially to constrict the diaphragm to at least partially close off the longitudinal aperture. A rotary actuator may be used (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignees: William A. Cook Australia Pty. Ltd., Cook Incorporated
    Inventor: David Ernest Hartley
  • Patent number: 6799597
    Abstract: Apparatus for detecting and abating an overpressure condition and an underpressure condition in a pressurized fluid. A collapsible buckling pin is supported between a valve assembly and a control assembly. The control assembly comprises a retractable support member moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. A biasing member applies a retraction force to urge the support member to the retracted position. A compressive force is applied to the pin by the valve assembly in relation to a pressure of the fluid, and this force nominally retains the support member in the extended position. When the pressure of the fluid exceeds an upper operational limit, the pin is mechanically deformed; conversely, when the pressure falls below a lower operational limit, the pin advances past the support member. In both cases the mechanical displacement of the pin allows the valve assembly to establish a secondary path for the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Taylor Innovations, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Julian S. Taylor
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6792965
    Abstract: A shuttle valve assembly, comprising a valve housing containing first, second and third ports, and a cavity in the housing, a poppet shiftable in the cavity between a first position and a second position, the poppet in its first position directing flow between the first port and the second port, communication between the second port and third port then being blocked, the poppet in its second position directing flow between the third port and the second port, communication between the second port and first port then being blocked, and a friction responsive holder acting to hold the poppet in its first position until fluid pressure shifts the poppet to its second position, and to hold the poppet in its second position until fluid pressure shifts the poppet to its first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Smiths Aerospace Actuation Systems-Yakima, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Carl Kunkler
  • Patent number: 6755208
    Abstract: A self-sealing valve for controlling the volume of fluid within an inflatable device. The valve includes a housing having a fluid conduit, a valve seat and a valve assembly that selectively seals the fluid conduit to provide a self-seal. The valve assembly includes a support member and a mounting device that holds a portion of a flexible diaphragm in a closed position, and that facilitates movement of at least part of the periphery of the diaphragm away from the valve seat to an open position and towards the valve seat to the closed position. The support member may be manually moved to any of the multiple open positions, either to enable fluid release or to enhance fluid injection. With the injection of fluid, the diaphragm assumes an open position, allowing fluid influx.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Robert B. Chaffee
    Inventor: Robert B. Chaffee
  • Publication number: 20040079916
    Abstract: A lockout valve is provided having a valve body with an inlet conduit, a central chamber and an outlet conduit, to form a continuous passageway. The lockout valve also includes a slide mechanism slidingly disposed in valve slide channel to operatively control fluid flow through the passageway between an open position, an intermediate position and a closed position. The slide mechanism includes a plurality of flow apertures to restrict flow through the passageway. The front side of the slide mechanism includes a detent slot and the back side of the slide mechanism includes a longitudinally extending override slot having an upper portion positioned opposite the detent slot to form a continuous opening, and a lower portion that does not form a continuous opening. The valve further includes a detent mechanism for overriding the intermediate position of the slide mechanism including a detent override lever with a finger member extending from an edge of the detent override lever.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Lawrence E. Brice, John A. Kempf
  • Patent number: 6725881
    Abstract: A multi-port valve is disclosed having a ball bearing support system for a stator/rotor/valve stem assembly within a valve housing. Slipper seals or alternatively, poppet seals, connect a plurality of apertures situated in the rotor and a plurality of apertures situated in the adjoining stator so that a common central fluid receiving channel of the stator can be connected to a peripheral fluid delivery channel of the stator via a transfer channel in the rotor. The valve assembly provides a durable, virtually leak-proof system for delivery of a variety of fluids through the same delivery channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Beswick Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. Beswick, Gary A. Treadwell
  • Patent number: 6672565
    Abstract: An actuating means for a valve that is both opened and closed with a snap-action. The bidirectional, bi-stable snap acting valve has adjustable resistive forces governing the snap action of the valve. The bi-stable snap action mechanism can be incorporated into the operation of the valving element or the valving actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Larry R. Russell
  • Patent number: 6669165
    Abstract: A solenoid valve assembly for a vehicle includes a barrel and a solenoid disposed in the barrel for connection to a source of power. The solenoid valve assembly also includes a movable plunger disposed in the barrel and cooperating with the solenoid and a latch connected to the plunger and cooperating with the barrel to maintain the plunger in either one of an open state and closed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: David Howard Burke
  • Patent number: 6669170
    Abstract: A vacuum valve comprising valve housing (1), a continuous line (3) in the valve housing (1) the conductance of which is to be set; a movably supported valve body (5) extending into the line (3) and having a position (H) which defines a conductance through line (3). A setting device (11) is connected to the valve body (5) and having a setting displacement. Locally offset snap-in devices (22; 29, 30) along this setting displacement and effective for snap receiving the setting device (11) for setting displacement positions, the snapping-in at each of the snap-in devices (22; 29, 30) being releasable again by increasing a driving force acting on the setting device (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Unaxis Balzers Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Heinz-Hermann Kersken, Willy Maurer
  • Patent number: 6661702
    Abstract: A dynamic random access memory (DRAM) cell and associated array are disclosed. The DRAM cell (300) includes a storage capacitor (304) and a pass transistor (302). The pass transistor (302) includes a source region (322), drain region (320) and channel region (324). A top gate (318) is disposed over the channel region (324) and a bottom gate (310) is disposed below the channel region (324). The top gate (318) and bottom gate (310) are commonly driven to provide greater control of the pass transistor (302) operation, including an off state with reduced source-to-drain leakage. The DRAM array (400) includes memory cells (414) having pass transistors (500) with double-gate structures. Memory cells (414) within the same row are commonly coupled to a top word line and bottom word line. The resistance of the top and bottom word lines is reduced by a word line strap layer (600). The DRAM array (400) further includes a strapping area that is void of memory cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Darryl Gene Walker
  • Patent number: 6626204
    Abstract: An accommodation portion (53) is formed at a position where it faces a check valve member (42) through a chamber inlet (41a) of a check valve chamber (41). An opening means (51) is attached in the accommodation portion (53). This opening means (51) switches over between a valve opening position (Y) and a valve-opening cancellation position (X). A lock means (55) is attached between a peripheral wall of the accommodation portion (53) and the opening means (51). The lock means (55) changes over between a lock position (L) where it limits an advancement of the opening means (51) from the valve-opening cancellation position (X) and a lock cancellation position (M) where it allows the advancement. A valve-opening actuation means (60) is provided with a lock cancellation means (61). A magnetic force is made to occur between the lock cancellation means (61) and the lock means (55). The magnetic force changes over the lock means (55) to the lock cancellation position (M).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Neriki
    Inventors: Akira Oi, Mari Shiotsuki, Mitsumasa Kagomoto
  • Publication number: 20030160203
    Abstract: A control device for an oil drain valve can control opening and closing of the oil drain valve at a far end. The oil drain valve includes a base and a control element connected to the base. The control device further includes a guide element and a driving element. The guide element at an end thereof is joined to the base and the driving element passes through the guide element. An end of the driving element is joined to the control element and another end of the driving element can be pulled from the far end to rotate the control element for controlling opening and closing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: Ching-Da Chen
  • Publication number: 20030116731
    Abstract: An access valve (2) for a laparoscopic device or a intraluminal deployment device has a cylindrical diaphragm (8) with a longitudinal aperture (3), a flexible member (14) is passed circumferentially around the cylindrical diaphragm and an extension arrangement to pull the flexible member radially and/or tangentially to constrict the diaphragm to at least partially close off the longitudinal aperture. A rotary actuator may be used (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: William A. Cook Australia Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: David Ernest Hartley
  • Patent number: 6536742
    Abstract: A multi-way cock including a substantially hollow-cylindrical housing with attachment bores on its outer circumference; a plug rotatably mounted in the housing and having a through-channel transverse to an axis of rotation and which may be aligned with the attachment bores in the housing; axially protruding engagement elements having locking grooves arranged on a base portion of the housing, which housing is closed at its bottom; and locking projections on an inner circumference of the hollow-cylindrical plug which are sized and shaped to engage the locking grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: B. Braun Melsungen AG
    Inventors: Norbert Lotz, Gunther Siegmeier, Boris Hayoz, Alois Schlarb
  • Publication number: 20030047702
    Abstract: A sleeve valve device for fluid flow between a hydrocarbon reservoir and a well in the hydrocarbon reservoir comprises a fixed outer sleeve (1) and an inner sleeve (2) which is rotatable in order to bring apertures (3, 4) in the outer sleeve and the inner sleeve into and out of correspondence with each other, for adjustment of the fluid flow through the apertures. The inner sleeve comprises at least one external bulb (5) with a surface (6) which, in an unassembled, unloaded condition of the outer sleeve (1) and the inner sleeve (2), is at a distance (11) from the inner sleeve's centre line (9) which is greater than the outer sleeve's internal radius (r2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventors: Bengt Gunnarsson, Per Olav Haughom, Jan Spjuth
  • Patent number: 6520478
    Abstract: A dirty fluid valve having a mechanical latching or detent system to secure the valve in an open or closed position is disclosed. The preferred detent assembly includes a c-ring that is engaged and urged outwardly by radially extending pins. The pins are urged outwardly by a ball bearing that is continuously biased by a spring carrier in combination with at least one belleville spring. The spring is captured between the spring carrier and an adjusting nut that can be rotated to vary the load on the spring. The detent assembly releasingly engages a first detent groove in the valve body when the valve piston is in the valve closed position and releasingly engages a second detent groove in the valve body when the piston is in the valve open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Gilmore Valve Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Rodney C. Hope, W. Robert Cox
  • Patent number: 6508264
    Abstract: A self-sealing valve is used to fill, empty, and control the volume of fluid within an inflatable device. The valve includes a housing having a fluid inlet, a valve seat and a valve assembly that selectively covers the fluid inlet to provide a self-seal. The valve assembly includes a support member that suspends a flexible diaphragm in a closed position within the valve housing while allowing movement of at least part of the periphery of the diaphragm away from the valve seat to an open position and back towards the valve seat to a closed position. The support member may be manually moved to any of the multiple open positions, either to enable fluid release or to enhance fluid injection. With the injection of fluid, the diaphragm assumes an open position, allowing fluid influx. A fluid pressure created within the device assists in maintaining the diaphragm in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventor: Robert B. Chaffee
  • Patent number: 6484746
    Abstract: A manually operated fuel valve having OFF, ON and RESERVE positions which comprises a valve body with a standpipe extending therefrom for receiving fuel from a fuel tank and supplying fuel to an engine the said valve is in an ON position. the valve body defines a first passage therethrough in communication with the standpipe for permitting passage of fuel to a fuel exit port when the valve is in the ON position. The valve body defines a second passage therethough for fuel to said exit port when the valve is in a RESERVE position. A rotatable fuel regulator member is positioned in the valve body for blocking the second passage when the regulator member is in a valve ON position and permitting passage of fuel through the standpipe and the first passage. The regulator member is effective to block passage of fuel from passing through both of the passages when rotated to an OFF position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Theodore J. Tine, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6467751
    Abstract: An inflation valve has a valve housing having an inner wall, a cylindrical inner chamber terminating in a gas outlet, and a gas inlet bore providing fluid communication between the inner chamber and a pressurized gas source. A piston enclosed in the inner chamber has at one end a head directed toward the gas outlet and at the opposite end a valve actuator connector. The piston further has a gas inlet seal, positioned between the head and the actuator connector, that releasably seals the gas inlet bore from the inner chamber when the piston is in a normal, non-actuated position. A valve actuator connected to the actuator connector operates to pull the piston, thereby moving the gas inlet seal away from the gas inlet bore and putting the inner chamber in fluid communication with the gas inlet bore and pressurized gas source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Carleton Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Korpanty, Gary Thomasulo, Christopher Lanza, Oliver Berry
  • Publication number: 20020134955
    Abstract: The subject invention relates to a method and apparatus for closing off a live fluid line. This apparatus consists of a plunger which is held open by detents and a spring which biases the plunger closed against an opening in a live fluid pipeline. This apparatus is fed into a live fluid pipeline. The apparatus also contains a battery and a solenoid. In operation, when the fluid line leading to a building or home is to be closed, this may be accomplished by merely depressing a button on a transmitter which releases the spring and plunger from the detent stop in the open position, thereby closing the pathway from the main to the fluid outlet in the building or home. This apparatus and method therefore allow for the blocking and stopping of fluid to the house without excavation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Greg Konwinski
  • Publication number: 20020134959
    Abstract: A coupling system for selectively connecting an associated fluid inlet (I) with an associated fluid outlet includes an essentially hollow plug (90) having a shape corresponding to one of a plurality of plug types (90A, 90B, 90C) and that is in fluid communication with the associated fluid outlet. A coupler (1) is in fluid communication with the associated fluid inlet (I). The coupler (1) includes a receiving region (R) adapted for selective connection with a plug (P, 90) having a shape corresponding to one of the plurality of plug types (90A, 90B, 90C). The coupler also has a lock (L) that selectively locks the plug (90) into the receiving region (R). The coupler additionally has a valve (V) that is movable between an open position defining an operative connection between the fluid inlet (I) and the fluid outlet whereby fluid flow (F) can pass from the inlet to the outlet, and a closed position defining an operative disconnection of the fluid inlet (I) from the fluid outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Stuart O. Noble, Larry E. Strah
  • Publication number: 20020084437
    Abstract: A valve member for use in a medical manifold valve assembly, wherein the valve member comprises a valve stem having a handle formed thereon for rotating the valve stem within the bore of a manifold. The valve stem has at least one pathway therethrough that can be aligned with channels through the manifold to allow fluid to flow through the valve stem pathway. The valve stem comprises at least two grooves circumscribing the valve stem, one groove above and one groove below each pathway opening. These grooves are preferably fitted or molded with a flexible material to form seals. The diameter of the valve stem above and below the area between the grooves is less than the diameter of the valve stem between the grooves such that the valve stem wall above and below the area between the grooves does not contact the bore wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Todd S. Nitsche, Michael C. Hamlin, Rick Foster, William R. Woods
  • Publication number: 20020083975
    Abstract: A self-sealing valve is used to fill, empty, and control the volume of fluid within an inflatable device. The valve includes a housing having a fluid inlet, a valve seat and a valve assembly that selectively covers the fluid inlet to provide a self-seal. The valve assembly includes a support member that suspends a flexible diaphragm in a closed position within the valve housing while allowing movement of at least part of the periphery of the diaphragm away from the valve seat to an open position and back towards the valve seat to a closed position. The support member may be manually moved to any of the multiple open positions, either to enable fluid release or to enhance fluid injection. With the injection of fluid, the diaphragm assumes an open position, allowing fluid influx. A fluid pressure created within the device assists in maintaining the diaphragm in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: Robert B. Chaffee
  • Patent number: 6390125
    Abstract: A manually-operated valve is provided in series with an electromagnetically-operated valve and the manually-operated valve is provided with a proximity detector connected to the electronic controller whereby a switch in the manually-operated valve, in one position of the single control lever therefor, corresponding to about 50% of maximum supply rate, is operated to activate the proximity sensor and enable the water flow to be controlled by an object within its detection range. Removal of the object, e.g. the hand of the user from the range, will shut off the water through the manually-operated valve. Outside the position of the lever at which the switch is operated, the proximity detector is ineffective and control is effected exclusively by swinging the lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Friedrich Grohe AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Manfred Pawelzik, Hans-Jürgen Ludewig, Wolfgang Gebhardt, Hartwig Philipps-Liebich
  • Publication number: 20020011582
    Abstract: A vacuum valve comprising valve housing (1), a continuous line (3) in the valve housing (1) the conductance of which is to be set; a movably supported valve body (5) extending into the line (3) and having a position (H) which defines a conductance through line (3). A setting device (11) is connected to the valve body (5) and having a setting displacement. Locally offset snap-in devices (22; 29, 30) along this setting displacement and effective for snap receiving the setting device (11) for setting displacement positions, the snapping-in at each of the snap-in devices (22; 29, 30) being releasable again by increasing a driving force acting on the setting device (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: Heinz-Hermann Kersken, Willy Maurer