Electrically Actuated Pilot Valve Patents (Class 251/30.01)
  • Patent number: 8262058
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a check valve element in an output chamber. The check valve element opens to permit forward flow of fluid under pressure in the output chamber from an input port to an output port. The check valve element closes to block back flow of fluid under pressure in the output chamber from the output port toward the input port. The back flow of fluid under pressure exerts a closing force upon the check valve element from within the output chamber. A counter force generating element, or pilot element, communicates with the valve element, to selectively open the valve, even in the presence of back flow pressure. The counter force generating element may apply a counter force to the check valve element, which urges the valve element toward the opened condition. The counter force may be less than the closing force, so the check valve element remains closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Inventor: Norbert J. Kot
  • Publication number: 20120224983
    Abstract: A multi-way valve includes a plurality of parallel combination valves for controlling corresponding actuators (4-1-4-5). Each combination valve comprises proportional throttle valves (2-1-2-5) and reversing valves (3-1-3-5). An oil inlet of the proportional throttle valve is communicated with a main oil inlet (P), and an oil outlet of the proportional throttle valve is communicated with an oil inlet of the reversing valve. An oil outlet of the reversing valve is communicated with the main oil return port (T). Wherein, each combination valve further comprises a one-way control valve (9-1-9-5, 10-1-10-5) for obtaining the load pressure of corresponding actuator. One side of the one-way control valve is communicated with a pipeline between the proportional throttle valve and the actuator. The multi-way valve further includes a control element (8) which receives the load pressure fed back by each one-way control valve and responds to the load pressure to control the supply of hydraulic oil for the actuators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventors: Xiaogang Yi, Yongdong Liu, Yanghui Xiang
  • Publication number: 20120216896
    Abstract: It is an object to provide a servo valve that can be manufactured at low cost by simplifying adjustment of the relative position between a nozzle and a flapper and simplifying the configuration of a valve-element driving circuit. Provided is a servo valve (1) including a spool (5) mounted so as to be movable back and forth; a first chamber (7) and a second chamber (9) that mutually push the spool (5) in opposite directions by means of fluid pressure; and a spool driving circuit (3) that supplies oil to the first chamber (7) and the second chamber (9) and that adjusts the pressure of supplied oil to move the spool (5) back and forth, wherein the spool driving circuit (3) maintains the fluid pressure of the first chamber (7) at a substantially constant level and includes, at an oil outlet of the second chamber (9), a nozzle flapper mechanism (27) that adjusts the fluid pressure of the second chamber (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Toshikazu Hayashi, Atsushi Yuge, Michiya Uchida, Makoto Kuga, Minobu Tsurutani, Taito Ogushi
  • Publication number: 20120211681
    Abstract: A pneumatic actuator air flow control system includes a pneumatic rotary actuator (PRA) and a solenoid air flow control valve (SAFCV). The PRA contains an air reservoir and two pistons on which a number of actuated racks are formed and engaged therewith, so the piston can drive the actuated rack and a pinion when the piston moves to achieve the goal of opening or closing the valve body. The SAFCV includes a flow control valve body (FCVB), a pilot solenoid valve (PSV) and a switch system, wherein the FCVB and the PRA can be connected to direct the pressurized air into the air reservoir, and the PSV is used to control the pressurized air in and out of the PRA to change the rotation direction of the pinion. Additionally, the switch system allows users to switch between a double-acting and fail-safe operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: EASYTORK AUTOMATION CORPORATION
    Inventor: James Wang
  • Patent number: 8235352
    Abstract: A diaphragm valve for use in an irrigation system is disclosed that is adapted to reduce the water hammer effect, reduce debris in a flow path through a valve seat, improve bleed operation and/or reduce manufacturing and materials costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin M. Irwin, Clint R. Haas
  • Patent number: 8235070
    Abstract: A valve is provided including a first valve member and a second valve member. The first valve member includes a first step and a first orifice adjacent the first step. The second valve member includes a second step and a second orifice adjacent the second step. The second valve member is movable relative to the first valve member between an open position, in which the first orifice is fluidly connected the second orifice, and a closed position, in which the first orifice is substantially fluidly disconnected from the second orifice. The first and second steps are fluidly connected to the second orifice and substantially fluidly disconnected from the first orifice when the second valve member is in the closed position, and the first and second steps are fluidly connected to the first and second orifices when the second valve member is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Dale A. Stretch
  • Patent number: 8225813
    Abstract: An arrangement for controlling flow of fluid to at least one component of a gas turbine engine, the arrangement includes a first conduit for providing fluid to the component; a flow valve, for controlling the flow of fluid in the first conduit, having first and second configurations; a second conduit for providing fluid to the flow valve to the control the configuration of the flow valve; and a magnetic valve, for controlling the flow of fluid in the second conduit, having first and second configurations and including at least one ferromagnet forming a portion of a magnetic circuit; the member comprising ferromagnetic material is thermally coupled to one of the group comprising the fluid in the first conduit, the fluid in the second conduit and the component; and the configuration of the flow valve is dependent on the configuration of the magnetic valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventors: Nicolas M P Evanno, John R Webster, Paul W Ferra
  • Patent number: 8216329
    Abstract: An example filter assembly prevents particles from entering a control valve and defines an airflow path between an inlet and outlet. An inlet tube extends from an inlet and defines an inlet passage into a filter housing. Openings within the inlet tube open into an interior space of a filter housing. An outer housing defines a cavity within which the filter housing is secured. The filter housing includes an open top portion that engages a cap that covers and seals the outer housing. The cap holds the filter housing to prevent movement of the filter housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher McAuliffe, Donald E. Army, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8196595
    Abstract: Systems and processes may provide improved performance for a pneumatic positioner during a safety override. In certain implementations, a system and process may include may include the ability to receive an input control signal, power control circuitry of the pneumatic positioner using the input control signal, and generate a control signal for a signal-to-pressure converter with the control circuitry based at least partially on the input control signal. The system and process may also include the ability to detect an unsafe operating condition for the pneumatic positioner based on an input signal and modify the control signal in response to detecting the unsafe operating condition, to cause the converter to transition to a safe state. The system and process may additionally include the ability to allow the control circuitry to continue being powered by the input control signal while the converter is in the safe state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Chester, Peter S. Levesque, Alex Legere
  • 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: 8151813
    Abstract: A voting solenoid system and method is configured to selectively apply fluid pressure above and below a threshold value, to a fluid node. The voting solenoid arrangement includes first and second solenoid valve pairs, each pair including first and second solenoid valves. The valve pairs are located in parallel fluid communication with a fluid pressure source, each of the first and second solenoid valves being alternately actuatable between energized and de-energized states. The solenoid arrangement is configured so that a change of state of the first and second valves of either of the valve pairs alternately applies fluid pressure above and below the threshold value, to the fluid node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Invensys Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Jacoby, W Brian Piercy
  • Patent number: 8128056
    Abstract: Provided is a flow control valve including: a valve body including a flow passage; a first poppet being fixed within the valve body, and including an inlet port through which a fluid flows in and an outflow hole through which the fluid flows out to the flow passage; a second poppet being fixed within the valve body, and including an outlet port through which the fluid flows out and an inflow hole through which the fluid flows in from the flow passage; a sleeve sliding along the first poppet to close the outflow hole and regulate an area thereof; and a spool being disposed between the first and second poppets to be slidable along the first and second poppets, being elastically supported by the second poppet, and sliding due to a pressure of the fluid flowing in the first poppet to close the inflow hole and regulate an area thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Korea Aerospace Research Institute
    Inventor: Taekyu Jung
  • Patent number: 8104264
    Abstract: A gas thruster is configured to supply thrust over a relatively wide range, from a relatively low value to a relatively high thrust value, and exhibits relatively fine minimum impulse bit (MIB) performance. The gas thruster includes a thrust nozzle, a main stage, a main valve element, and a pilot valve. The gas thruster responds to thruster control signals supplied to the pilot valve and is configured such that for commands of relatively short duration, only the pilot valve responds and relatively low thrust is produced. Conversely, for command or relatively longer duration, the pilot valve and main valve element both respond and relatively higher thrust is produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Steve Abel, Raymond R. Tseng, Don Christensen, Bruce Larsen
  • Patent number: 8096522
    Abstract: A pressure regulator can be used particularly in a CNG-operated motor vehicle as an electronically controlled pressure reducer for maintaining the gas pressure constant on the injection valve used for filling the respective cylinder. The pressure regulator is composed of a control unit (1), a pressure reducer (3) that is controlled by the control unit (1), and a throttle (2) which connects the gas outlets (20, 40) of the working chamber (17) of the control unit (1) and the pressure reducer (3). A piezoelectric actuator (11) which affects the valve (21, 22) of an overflow device (14) makes it possible to specifically modify the gas pressure (P2) in the working chamber (17) of the control unit (1) and simultaneously influence the position of the valve (38, 39) of the overflow device (33) of the pressure reducer (3), thus allowing the output pressure (Pout) of the pressure reducer (3) to be adjusted to a predefined desired value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Georg Bachmaier, Gerit Ebelsberger, Matthias Gerlich, Michael Höge, Erhard Magori, Randolf Mock, Harry Schüle, Stefan Treinies
  • Publication number: 20110284083
    Abstract: A fail-freeze valve positioner system is disclosed. The system has a transducer with a first type output port connectible to a valve actuator, and a second type input port receptive to a valve position signal that is proportional to an output of the first type output port. In addition, the system has a monitoring circuit that generates a pilot activation signal while predefined conditions are met. A primary piloted valve in communication with the monitoring circuit is coupled to the first valve. The first type output port is disconnected from the valve actuator while the pilot activation signal and thus the first valve are deactivated, holding the valve actuator in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Flavio Tondolo, Roberto Valoti
  • Publication number: 20110266473
    Abstract: A stepper-motor gas valve control is disclosed that includes a main diaphragm in a chamber that controllably displaces a valve relative to an opening in response to changes in pressure, to adjust fuel flow through the valve. A servo-regulator diaphragm is provided to regulate flow to the main diaphragm, to thereby control the rate of fuel flow. A stepper motor is configured to move in a stepwise manner to displace the servo-regulator diaphragm, to control fluid flow to the main diaphragm. A controller mounted on the stepper-motor regulated gas valve control receives and converts an input control signal from a heating system to a reference value between 0 and 5 volts, and selects a corresponding motor step value. The control responsively moves the stepper-motor in a step wise manner to displace the servo-regulator diaphragm and thereby regulates the rate of fuel flow through the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Mike C. Santinanavat, Shweta Annapurani Panimadai Ramaswamy, John F. Broker, Mark H. Stark
  • Patent number: 8042202
    Abstract: A bathroom flusher includes a body having an inlet in communication with a supply line and an outlet in communication with a flush conduit, a valve assembly in the body positioned to close water flow between the inlet and the outlet upon sealing action of a moving member at a valve seat thereby controlling flow from the inlet to the outlet, and an actuator for actuating operation of the moving member. The bathroom flusher includes one of several novel sensors and is controlled by one of several novel controllers, as described. The controller may execute a novel control algorithm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Inventors: Natan E. Parsons, Fatih Guler, Kay Herbert, Xiaoxiong Mo, Gregory P. Greene
  • Publication number: 20110248196
    Abstract: A manual release valve is provided for a electro-hydraulic actuator of the type including a piston movable in a cylinder and defining a piston side chamber and a rod side chamber, the valve threadedly attached to the housing of the actuator and extending at least partially within the fluid housing conduits, the valve moveable from a closed position fully seated in the housing to an open position for fluidly connecting both the piston side chamber and the rod side chamber to the reservoir, the valve further including a pressure relief portion that is operable when the valve is in the closed position for relieving pressure from at least one of the piston side chamber or the rod side chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventor: David J. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20110240891
    Abstract: A positioner operating mode identifying function and an use parameter selecting function are provided in a calculating unit. A positive operating parameter and a negative operating parameter are stored in a storing portion. The positioner operating mode identifying function identifies the operating mode of a positioner or from the direction of change of a control output and the direction of change of an amplified pneumatic pressure signal Pout, and the identification result is set automatically as the current operating mode of the positioner. In accordance with the current operating mode identified for the positioner, the use parameter selecting function selects, as the use parameter from the storing portion, the positive operating parameter if the positive operating mode, and the negative operating parameter if the negative operating mode, and sets the selected use parameter automatically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: YAMATAKE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yohsuke Inagaki
  • Patent number: 8020833
    Abstract: A two-step, self-regulating valve (16) controls gas flow from a gas cylinder (12) in a high pressure system. The valve (16) includes a valve body (24), a piston (26), a plug (28), a valve actuator (34), and a piston actuator (32). The piston (26) is movable within the valve body (24) along an axis between a first and a second position. The plug (28) is movable within the valve body (24) along the axis between a valve closed position, a partially open position, and a fully open position. The valve actuator (34) allows the plug (28) to move from the valve closed position to the partially open position. The piston actuator (32) causes the piston (26) to move from the first position to the second position when a gas pressure in the gas cylinder (12) is less than a setpoint. When the piston (26) moves to the second position, the piston (26) allows the plug (28) to move from the partially open position to the fully open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: CHUBB International Holding Limited
    Inventors: Fanping Sun, Muhidin A. Lelic, Zaffir Chaudhry, Tony George, Lyle Hamilton
  • Patent number: 8020623
    Abstract: A subsea control module for providing control of subsea equipment is provided. The design allows for replacement and retrieval of a subsea control module with a single remotely operated vehicle (“ROV”) deployment from a vessel. The subsea control module can provide distributed electrical and hydraulic control functions via multiple directional control valve modules, multiple pilot valve modules, and a central electronic control module. Each directional control and pilot perform a set of functions so that replacement of a single module does not require disassembly of any other components) or hydraulic connection. Similarly, each pilot valve module can include a set of pilot valves, pressure transducers, solenoids and electronic circuitry to perform a limited set of functions so that failure of a single pilot valve module does not result in failure of the entire subsea control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: DTC International, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Parks, Dana C. Beebe, Chester W. Kronke
  • Patent number: 7984890
    Abstract: A pilot-operated valve has a main poppet controlling fluid flow between inlet and outlet ports in response to pressure in a control chamber. Fluid flow through a pilot passage, linking the control chamber and the outlet port, moves an exhaust spool between first and second positions to control fluid flow through passages in the main poppet. The first position blocks flow between the control chamber and the outlet port and provides a path between the control chamber and the inlet port. In the second position, flow between the control chamber and the outlet port is enabled, and a second path, that is more restricted than the first path, is provided between the control chamber and the inlet port. When the valve closes, flow through the first path allows movement of the main poppet at a faster rate than during opening when flow occurs through the more restricted second path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: INCOVA Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph L. Pfaff, Gennady Shimelfarb, Christopher E. Lentz
  • Patent number: 7967074
    Abstract: Methods and devices for utilizing an electrically-actuated wireline insert safety valve (WLSV) within a wellbore. Power is delivered to an electrically actuated WLSV to actuate the WLSV via inductive charging and without the use of wired contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Gary B. Lake, Richard Patterson, Thad Andrews
  • Patent number: 7946310
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic unit for activating a plurality of discharge valves of a turbomachine, the pneumatic unit having activation outlets corresponding to the number of discharge valves forming said plurality of discharge valves, and a single control input receiving a single control signal from an electronic control unit, the control signal serving to act on a control winding of a manifold means having outlets that form said activation outlets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: David Maillard, Christophe Claude Philippe Nouhaud, Philippe Tormo
  • Publication number: 20110073788
    Abstract: A micro-electromechanical device for controlling compressed fluid flow is provided. A chamber includes a fluid flow inlet port, a high pressure region exceeding 30 bar, and a fluid flow outlet port. A moveable micro-electromechanical valve is positioned to contact the fluid flow outlet port when the moveable micro-electromechanical valve is in a first position. An electrical connection to the moveable micro-electromechanical valve provides an electrical pulse train to the moveable micro-electromechanical valve to actuate the valve at a rate of 10 KHz or more to move the valve in order to control fluid communication between the high pressure region and a low pressure region downstream from the fluid flow outlet port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: Michael A. Marcus, Rajesh V. Mehta, Kam C. Ng
  • Patent number: 7905467
    Abstract: A dual position pilot operated valve assembly having a main piston, with a valve member, reciprocable within a valve body, wherein the valve body is adapted for sealingly mating with a valve seat and passage located intermediate the valve body inlet and outlet ports, the valve body having a cylindrical adapter secured to an open end thereof and housing a secondary piston, reciprocable therein, with an axial stem depending from the second piston bottom surface and extending through the adaptor to the first piston cavity for intermittent contact therewith; and an end cap secured to and closing the adapter and having an inlet port interconnected with a source of high pressure control gas and respective first and second conduits leading to the main and secondary piston bore cavities, with an adjustment mechanism controlling the degree of opening/closing of the valve assembly. Several methods of operation are also set forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Paul G. Szymaszek
  • Publication number: 20100294962
    Abstract: The invention relates to a piloted valve, particularly a piloted proportional throttle valve, having a valve piston (29) displaceably guided in the longitudinal direction in a valve housing (13) having a fluid inlet (2) and outlet (1), the front side (27) whereof can be pressurized against a main valve seat (25) by fluid pressure acting on the back side thereof, having a pilot valve device comprising an actuating member (7) displaceable in the longitudinal direction by means of an electrically actuatable magnet system (4), working together with a pilot valve seat (37) in a bore (17) of the valve piston (29) connecting the back side thereof to the fluid outlet (1) on the front side of the piston, in order to reduce the fluid pressure on the back side of the piston (29) for an opening motion when the pilot valve seat (33) is released, a flow baffle device (39) being disposed between the back side of the piston and the fluid inlet (2) of the housing (13) for building up the fluid pressure pressurizing the piston
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Markus Bill, Peter Bruck
  • Publication number: 20100276615
    Abstract: A valve assembly comprising a pilot valve; a solenoid; and a main valve, the main valve having an actuator in communication with a pressure control; the pilot valve may facilitate opening the main valve in proportion to an energized level of the solenoid. The solenoid may move the first disc to isolate the inlet port from the pressure control and/or move the second disc to communicate the outlet port with the pressure control. The actuator may move the second disc to isolate the outlet port from the pressure control and/or move the first disc to communicate the inlet port with the pressure control. The pilot valve may isolate both the inlet port and the outlet port from the pressure control when the pilot valve experiences forces in equilibrium from the solenoid and the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Laurence Vaughan BORST, Frank Alan FERRARESE, Vincent COLE
  • Patent number: 7815162
    Abstract: The invention concerns a valve arrangement (1) with a housing (2), an inlet connection (3) and an outlet connection (4), which are connected with each other via a flow path, in which is located a dosing device (5), which has a valve seat (7) and a valve element (6) interacting with the valve seat (7), the valve element (6) being loaded in the direction of the valve seat (7) by a resetting device (8) and being acted upon on the side facing the valve seat (7) by a pressure in a first pressure chamber (9), said pressure corresponding to the pressure in the inlet connection (3), when the dosing device (5) is dosed, and on the side facing away from the valve seat (7) by the pressure in a second pressure chamber (11), which is connected with the outlet connection (4) via a channel arrangement (14), in which is located at least one auxiliary valve (15), and with the first pressure chamber (9) via a throttle (13). It is endeavoured to reliably ensure that the closing device (5) opens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Richard Thomas Entwistle, Erik Haugaard
  • Patent number: 7806382
    Abstract: A valve assembly comprises a diaphragm valve, a pressure regulator and a solenoid. The pressure regulator is operatively coupled to the diaphragm valve for maintaining a predetermined pressure in water exiting the diaphragm valve despite fluctuations in the pressure of water entering the diaphragm valve. The solenoid is mounted on the pressure regulator so that a plunger axis of the solenoid extends through a coil spring of the pressure regulator. The solenoid is operatively coupled to the diaphragm valve through the pressure regulator for opening and closing the diaphragm valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Hunter Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron J. Palumbo, Satoshi Kuwahara, Mohammad Dairi, Matthew G. Beutler
  • 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: 20100224804
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for fail-safe high-speed-pneumatic valve is disclosed. Fail-safe dependability is provided by a spring-loaded normally-closed pneumatic actuator. When the spring-loaded actuator is pressurized, the normally closed mechanism is actuated to the valve active position. Concurrently, the pressure is directly applied to deflect a diaphragm or a bellow-assembly back to sealing position. Ultra high purity embodiments with standard dome shaped diaphragms are disclosed. Additional high conductance diaphragms and bellows embodiments are employed for higher conductance valves. Novel flow path layouts are disclosed. The valves are applicable for fast gas and fluid switching and are particularly suitable for high productivity Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) applications. Additional embodiments cover improved diaphragm and seal reliability, externally adjustable valve conductance, improved valve safety and high temperature valve seals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: Sundew Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Ofer Sneh
  • Publication number: 20100181508
    Abstract: A safety valve drive system is operated such that a safety valve of a nuclear power plant is opened by supplying a driving gas by using a pilot valve at an occurrence of an accident or a transient state to thereby protect a reactor against pressure application. The safety valve drive system is provided with a safety valve drive unit, as a function of actuating the safety valve, and cables. The safety valve drive unit actuates in a manner that the safety valve is opened in response to respective auto-depressurization system actuating signals for two or more segments among respective auto-depressurization system actuating signals for four segments, and is closed if an auto-depressurization system actuating signal for one or less segment among the auto-depressurization system actuating signals for the four segments is received. The cables are connected to the safety valve drive unit and used to transfer the auto-depressurization system actuating signals for the four segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Hiroshi Yamazaki, Takeo Shimizu, Yuka Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7751959
    Abstract: A suspension system includes four electronically controlled actuators, one at each of the four wheels. The actuators are each controlled by an electronic control unit. The left front and right front actuators are mechanically connected with each other. The left rear and the right rear actuators are also mechanically connected with each other. The only connection between the front two actuators and the rear two actuators is an electronic communication through the electronic control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Boon, Koen Reybrouck
  • Publication number: 20100148098
    Abstract: A directly piloted valve assembly has a valve body including a bore, at least one inlet port, at least one outlet port and at least one exhaust port wherein the ports are all in fluid communication with the bore. A spool is received in the bore. The spool includes a wall defining a lumen. An actuator is received in the lumen. The actuator includes a shuttle seal channel. A shuttle seal is received in the shuttle seal channel. A solenoid is connected to the valve body. The wall of the spool includes at least one pilot hole in fluid communication with the lumen defined by the spool and the bore of the valve body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventor: Vytautas J. Toliusis
  • Patent number: 7699070
    Abstract: Shutoff valve apparatus comprising: a valve block having a valve chest on which gas collects temporarily, an inlet flow path which makes gas flow into a valve chest, an outlet flow path into which gas is made to flow out of a valve chest, a valve seat located in the inlet port of an inlet flow path, or the outlet port, a diaphragm valve element located in the opposed position of the valve seat and closes the valve port by contacting with the valve seat, pressing means for pressing diaphragm valve element, an actuator plate disposed at the opposite side of the valve chest so that the diaphragm valve element may be opposed, an operation chamber divided with the actuator plate, and an operation gas supply exhaust mechanism in which operation gas is made to supply or exhaust into the operation chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigehiro Suzuki, Ryu Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7694934
    Abstract: A diaphragm valve is disclosed that is adapted to reduce debris in the flow paths, reduce the water hammer effect, reduce the energy lost during flow, and/or improve bleed operation. The diaphragm valve includes at least two seals that are configured to permit multi-stage sealing of an opening in a diaphragm valve seat. The initial sealing stage blocks some but not all fluid flow through the opening, and the final sealing stage blocks fluid flow through the opening. The use of two sealing stages can reduce the water hammer effect by increasing the time over which sealing occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin M. Irwin
  • Patent number: 7677527
    Abstract: A dual position pilot operated valve assembly having a main piston, with a valve member, reciprocable within a valve body, wherein the valve body is adapted for sealingly mating with a valve seat and passage located intermediate the valve body inlet and outlet ports, the valve body having a cylindrical adapter secured to an open end thereof and housing a secondary piston, reciprocable therein, with an axial stem depending from the second piston bottom surface and extending through the adaptor to the first piston cavity for intermittent contact therewith; and an end cap secured to and closing the adapter and having an inlet port interconnected with a source of high pressure control gas and respective first and second conduits leading to the main and secondary piston bore cavities, with an adjustment mechanism controlling the degree of opening/closing of the valve assembly. Several methods of operation are also set forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Paul G. Szymaszek
  • Publication number: 20100044601
    Abstract: A water-box toilet sensing flushing system including an inlet loop, loop washer, linking pipe, solenoid valve outer bracket, switch diaphragm, solenoid valve, connector, water bowl assembly, outlet washer wire, and sensor. This is an added device to the original manual structure of the water box. It does not affect the original function; but a sensing control water box automatic flushing device is added.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventor: Chen Weigen
  • Publication number: 20100038565
    Abstract: A gas control valve is configured to controllably supply propellant gas to a thruster so that the thruster may produce thrust over a relatively wide range, and so that the thruster exhibits relatively fine minimum impulse bit (MIB) performance. The gas control valve includes a pilot stage having a pilot valve, and a main stage having a main valve. The gas control valve responds to control signals supplied to the pilot stage and is configured such that for commands of relatively short duration, only the pilot valve responds. Conversely, for commands of relatively longer duration, the pilot valve and main valve both respond.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Don Christensen, Steve Abel, Raymond R. Tseng
  • Publication number: 20090230335
    Abstract: An actuator is disclosed which operates on the principle of the variable magnetic properties of materials with respect to temperature. As temperature is raised past Curie temperature, magnetic permeability of certain materials drops significantly to a value close to free space permeability. However, depending on the material selection, magnetic permeability may be significantly higher below Curie temperature. This principle is used to cause magnetic attractive force to move an actuator at one temperature, while permitting a return spring force to move the actuator at another temperature by changing the pathway traversed by most magnetic lines of flux from a magnetic source. The actuator may be employed to provide a temperature activated electrical switch or fluid valve. The temperature activated valves are suited to use in high temperature environments, such as SAGD wells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Murat Ocalan, Kuo Chiang Chen
  • Publication number: 20090212243
    Abstract: A nitrous oxide or fuel control valve (26) having flow control of nitrous oxide, fuel or other media from a fluid-delivery aperture (7) into a injection nozzle (22) of an intake manifold of an engine by actuation of an actuation piston (14) that is actuated with gas pressure. It can be structured for low-weight, short-term needs for racing and other sports uses or for heavier long-term needs of engines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: Douglas W. Mills
  • Publication number: 20090194727
    Abstract: An actuator assembly for actuating a valve includes an extensible bellow having an open end and a closed end, a stem operable to contact the closed end and to actuate a stopper mechanism, and a driver configured to move the bellow. The movement of the bellow effects movement of the stem to actuate the valve. In one embodiment, the driver acts to compress the bellow, the compression causing movement of the stem to open the valve. The bellow may be hermetically sealed to the valve housing, thereby allowing a higher range of fluid pressures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: Christian Platz, Michael Birkelund
  • Publication number: 20090184271
    Abstract: A fluid-flow control valve comprising: an inlet (E) for connecting to a feed duct; an outlet (S) for connecting to an evacuation duct; a valve member (1) that, at rest, bears against a valve seat (2) in such a manner as to isolate the inlet (E) from the outlet (S); and actuator means (5, C) for moving the valve member (1), the actuator means comprising: a chamber (C) that communicates with the inlet (E) via a hole (11) of determined section, the chamber (C) being disposed relative to the valve member (1) on its side facing away from the seat (2), in such a manner as to urge the valve member against its seat; and a bypass (5) that connects the chamber (C) to the outlet (S), the bypass being controllable between an open state for passing fluid, and a closed state, the bypass presents a through section that is greater than the through section of the hole (11), so as to cause the pressure in the chamber to drop on opening the bypass; the control valve being characterized in that it incorporates fluid-leak detecto
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: PRODECFU
    Inventor: Denis Croibier
  • Patent number: 7562399
    Abstract: A tank-type flusher is located in the water storage tank for flushing a toilet. The tank-type flusher includes an intake valve and a flush valve. The intake valve is connected to an external water source and constructed to close water flow to the water storage tank at about a predefined water level in the water tank. The flush valve is constructed to control a flush valve member between a seated state and an unseated state allowing water discharge from the water tank into a toilet bowl. The tank-type flusher may be controlled by a sensor module located at a reference location external to the water storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Arichell Technologies
    Inventors: Natan E. Parsons, Fatih Guler, Kay Herbert, Xiaoxiong Mo, David Hadley
  • Publication number: 20090178551
    Abstract: A servo control system comprising a hydraulic actuator, a position sensor and a hydraulic control valve. The hydraulic actuator is coupled to a gas controlled valve. The position sensor measures the position of the hydraulic actuator and sends the position of the actuator as an input to an engine control unit (ECU). The hydraulic control valve is coupled to a proportional solenoid coupled to the ECU. When the ECU senses the position of the hydraulic actuator and in response to a control input, the ECU commands the position of the hydraulic control valve by controlling the force of the proportional solenoid and the hydraulic fluid sent to the hydraulic actuator, actuating the hydraulic actuator to move to a desired position and actuate the gas controlled valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: G. W. Lisk Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Garcia, Jeff Tyler
  • Patent number: 7552773
    Abstract: A multicycle hydraulic control valve. A control and actuation system for a well tool includes a control valve having one or more metal-to-metal seals which open while differential pressure exists across the seals to thereby selectively connect pressure sources to an actuator to operate the well tool. Both seals may be closed while a connection between the actuator and the pressure sources is switched by the control valve. The control valve may include a member having areas formed thereon acted upon by various pressures to facilitate operation of the control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Wright, Roger L. Schultz
  • Publication number: 20090065718
    Abstract: [Problems] To limit an opening of the fluid channel by automatically preventing the stem from upward movement caused by water hammer using a pneumatically-operating valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Hideyuki Miyagawa, Yuki Shimizu, Mikio Inoue
  • Patent number: 7455075
    Abstract: A servo valve has a miniature force motor embedded in a main fluid chamber to directly operate between two nozzles to generate a differential pressure in two ports. The miniature force motor includes two disc ring-shaped magnets in opposing magnetic orientation, an armature base and poppet ends of magnetic material coupled to an armature shaft having pilot ends that interface to form the pilot stage valves at each armature shaft end. The armature shaft extends through a center hole in the magnets, armature base, and the poppet ends and engages bearing elements at each end allowing lateral armature motion. Two elastic members provide restoring forces to the armature assembly. Guide/stops have shaped magnetic surfaces to control the magnetic path and to linearize the force versus stroke and to increase the proportional stroke of the armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Minebea Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yao Hui Xu, Rodolfo D. Sanchez, Shen Zhao, Bill Fanestil
  • Patent number: 7419134
    Abstract: A valve actuation assembly includes a housing and a vane connected to a shaft. The vane is at least partially disposed within the housing. The valve actuation assembly further includes a valve assembly connected to the housing and a feedback device connected to at least one of the vane and the shaft. The feedback device is configured to apply a feedback force to the valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher Michael Gruel