Rotary Valves Patents (Class 251/304)
  • Patent number: 6845917
    Abstract: A water outlet structure of a ceramic control valve for a single-handled faucet is made up of a valve body having a housing chamber for a regulating seat with a control stick joined thereto to be adapted therein, and an upper switching control valve having a regulating cavity of proper width and length disposed: at the lower bottom thereof matching to cold/hot water inlet holes and a water outlet hole of a lower switching control valve, and cold/hot water inlet passages and a water outlet passage of a switching control valve. The regulating cavity thereof has a slant plane facet defining at one front side in a trapezoid-like design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Kuching International, Ltd.
    Inventor: Mei-Li Chen
  • Patent number: 6845968
    Abstract: A microdevice is provided for controlling fluid flow. The microdevice includes a substantially planar contact surface and a plurality of fluid-transporting features associated therewith. Also included is a substrate having a substantially planar contact surface and a fluid-transporting feature associated therewith. The contact surfaces are positioned in slidable and fluid-tight contact to allow for controllable formation of a plurality of different flow paths upon alignment of the substrate fluid-transporting feature with each cover plate fluid-transporting features in succession. Typically, at least one of the cover plate and substrate is comprised of a biofouling resistant polymer, and the flow paths are of different lengths. Optionally, a plurality of fluid-transporting features is associated with the substrate so that flow paths are formed as a result of a different alignment of the fluid-transporting features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Killeen, Hongfeng Yin
  • Patent number: 6843264
    Abstract: A new and improved, multi-phase pressure control valve for facilitating quick and accurate attainment and stabilization of gas pressure inside a semiconductor fabrication process chamber such as an etch chamber or CVD chamber. In one embodiment, the multi-phase pressure control valve is a butterfly-type valve which includes outer and inner vanes that independently control flow of gases from a process chamber to a vacuum pump. The larger-diameter outer vane stabilizes gas pressures within a large range, whereas the inner vane stabilizes pressure within a smaller range. In another embodiment, the multi-phase pressure control valve is a gate-type valve which may include a pivoting outer vane and an inner vane slidably disposed with respect to the outer vane for exposing a central gas flow opening in the outer vane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chih-Tien Chang, Hsueh-Chang Wu, Sunny Wu, Chien-Ling Huang, Chin-Hsin Peng, Mei-Seng Zhou
  • Patent number: 6789565
    Abstract: A metering valve for metering dry powder material such as cement. The interior of the valve housing is expanded outward beginning at the sealing surface or lip located adjacent to the inlet opening, thereby forming an enlarged gap between the valve sleeve and housing to discourage powder accumulation in the gap and interference of large bulk particles and foreign materials with the sleeve and housing. An eccentric intermediate sleeve aligns the valve sleeve relative to the housing prior to rotation of the valve sleeve by either moving the valve sleeve away from or toward the valve inlet. The valve sleeve has a rubberized layer to seal with the housing's sealing surface or lip. A sleeve shield blocks entry of powder into the mouths of the vacuum breakers to prevent plugging of the vacuum breakers. Ball bearings are employed to suspend the valve sleeve within the housing, making the valve sleeve easier to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Thomas E. Allen
  • Publication number: 20040119040
    Abstract: A valve device having a novel vale seat plate is provided. The valve seat plate has an inlet opening, an outlet opening, a front side and a back side. A sealing case covers the front side and inlet and outlet pipes are attached to the back side to communicate respectively with the inlet and outlet openings. A valve element moves to cover the outlet opening on the front side to close the outlet opening. The novel valve seat plate includes at least two plates that are joined to each other. One plate forms the area around the outlet opening and the other plate forms other areas of the valve seat plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Tetsuhiko Hara, Shigeru Ozawa
  • Patent number: 6708691
    Abstract: A valve for controlling gas flow to ventilator or physiotherapy apparatus, has a body having first and second inlet ports and an outlet port. A shutter plate is rotatable with respect to said body and adapted selectively to interconnect said inlet ports to said outlet port. Said shutter plate is operable on rotation in a single sense to connect alternately said first inlet port to said outlet port and said second inlet port to said outlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Zamir Hayek
  • Publication number: 20040046143
    Abstract: A sleeve valve (3) for fluid flow between a hydrocarbon reservoir (4) and a well (5) comprises a fixed outer sleeve (2) with openings (1) and a movable inner sleeve (7) with openings (8) which can be aligned and misaligned with the outer sleeve openings (1) in order to admit or shut off the fluid flow. The outer sleeve opening (1) is provided with a movable sealing element (9) that has a through-going radial opening (10) adapted to rest around the opening (8) in the inner sleeve, and a tension element (12) presses the sealing element (9) against the inner sleeve (7). A portion of the side face (15) of the sealing element forms a pressure face (18) which under the effect of pressure in a pressure chamber (17) presses the sealing element (9) against the inner sleeve (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Inventors: Per Olav Haughom, Rune Nilsen
  • Patent number: 6702256
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a microdevice having a valve structure that contains low or no dead volume. The microdevice comprises a substrate and a cover plate each having a substantially planar contact surface and each contact surface having a fluid-transporting feature associated therewith. The substrate contact surface is positioned in slidable and fluid-tight contact with the cover plate contact surface to allow for controllable alignment between the fluid-transporting features. As a result, fluid communication is provided therebetween through a small area. Where the cover plate fluid-transporting feature comprises a conduit, the conduit may have a substantially constant cross-sectional area. The controllable alignment between the fluid-transporting features may form an alignment-dependent variable-length flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Killeen, Hongfeng Yin
  • Patent number: 6694749
    Abstract: A multiple port rotary valve for flow switching comprises a rotor (2), a stator (7), a compressor supply (8) and a compressor return (6). Gas is supplied via the compressor supply throughout a switching cycle such that the rotor is lifted away from the stator (7). The valve further comprises a balance ram to counteract the effect of the differential pressure produced by the compressor supply, such that a gas seal is formed at the rotor/stator interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Oxford Magnet Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Roger Artindale Heron
  • Publication number: 20040031944
    Abstract: An improved quarter-turn valve having an improved valve stem and handle is presented. The valve stem has four substantially square sides of desired predetermined dimensions and a top surface. The valve stem dimensions may conform to ISO 5211. The valve stem has a keyway extending vertically along one of its sides and a position indicator line extending diagonally across its top surface to positively indicate the status of the valve, whether open or closed. The valve handle valve handle has a substantially square bore that conforms to the side dimensions of the valve stem and a key that extends into the valve handle bore at a desired location. The key conforms to the dimensions of the valve stem keyway so that the handle may be attached to the valve stem only in a desired position with respect to the position indicator line so that the status of the valve, whether open or closed, is indicated by the valve handle as well as the position of the position indicator line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Alfred Stephen Schommer
  • Patent number: 6644347
    Abstract: Position detector (1), particularly for electrical valve actuators, comprising a disk (2) fixedly connected to an actuator and provided with a mapping defining a reference for detecting the actuator displacement; and means for detecting the actuator displacement by said mapping. Said mapping is formed by a plurality of permanent magnets operatively arranged along the disk (2) circumference, the polarity of each magnet being opposed to the polarity of two immediately adjacent magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Biffi Italia S.r.l.
    Inventors: Archimede Affaticati, Giordano Alfieri
  • Patent number: 6638481
    Abstract: An apparatus for drawing and supplying multiple samples for rapid processing in flow cytometry. The apparatus comprises a reciprocating valve and at least one syringe. The invention is also a method for rapidly processing multiple samples in flow cytometry using the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Science and Technology Corporation @ UNM
    Inventors: Larry A. Sklar, Bruce S. Edwards, Frederick W. Kuckuck, III
  • Publication number: 20030192593
    Abstract: The present invention provides an axially-rotated valve which permits increased flow rates and lower pressure drop (characterized by a lower loss coefficient) by using an axial eccentric split venturi with two portions where at least one portion is rotatable with respect to the other portion. The axially-rotated valve typically may be designed to avoid flow separation and/or cavitation at full flow under a variety of conditions. Similarly, the valve is designed, in some embodiments, to produce streamlined flow within the valve. A typical cross section of the eccentric split venturi may be non-axisymmetric such as a semicircular cross section which may assist in both throttling capabilities and in maximum flow capacity using the design of the present invention. Such a design can include applications for freeze resistant axially-rotated valves and may be fully-opened and fully-closed in one-half of a complete rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: Bighorn Valve, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Walrath, William R. Lindberg, Robert K. Burgess
  • Patent number: 6557576
    Abstract: An axially-rotated valve permitting increased flow rates and lower pressure drop is disclosed using an axial eccentric split venturi with two portions where at least one portion is rotatable with respect to the other portion. A cross section of the eccentric split venturi may be non-axisymmetric such as a semicircular cross section which may assist in both throttling capabilities and in maximum flow capacity. Applications are disclosed for freeze resistant axially-rotated valves which may be fully-opened and fully-closed in one-half of a complete rotation. An internal wide radius elbow connected to a rotatable portion of the eccentric venturi may assist in directing flow with lower friction losses. A valve actuator may actuate in an axial manner located outside of the axial flow path. A seat may be used between the two portions that may include a peripheral and diametrical seal in the same plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Big Horn Valve, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Walrath, William R. Lindberg, Robert K. Burgess
  • Patent number: 6543747
    Abstract: A valve actuator includes two parallel tracks in each of which a slider block is disposed to slide with a pivot pin and nut carried between the slider blocks; a valve stem engaging member is provided with an arm terminating in a sleeve in which a pin having an eccentrically shaped central portion is disposed; from each slider block, an arm extends to connect to an end of the pin in the sleeve; a set screw is employed to fix the position of the pin once the angular position of the arms is set to obtain the optimum mechanical advantage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Henry Pratt Company
    Inventors: David W. Buchwald, Purushottam P. Savalia
  • Patent number: 6378841
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling fluid flow with a quarter-turn plug valve with seats operated to lift off the sealing surface of the plug prior to plug rotation and to reseat upon completion of plug rotation. One embodiment shown relates to a quarter-turn rotary plug valve having a handle operable through a 90 ° angle and having both upstream and downstream seats which are operated to lift off from the sealing surface of the plug prior to initiation of plug rotation and then reseat upon completion of plug rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: Larry R. Russell
  • Patent number: 6336330
    Abstract: The flow of steam into a steam-collecting space of a steam turbine is controlled with a steam-inlet valve. The novel steam-inlet valve has an especially high control performance and losses of steam are kept especially low. The steam-inlet valve has a rotary cylinder that forms a shut-off member. The rotary cylinder is placed in a housing, and a steam inlet can be connected to a steam outlet via a passage provided in the peripheral surface of the rotary cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Paul Girbig
  • Publication number: 20010055713
    Abstract: A circulation system for a flowing-electrolyte battery having at least one electrochemical cell, an anolyte reservoir, and a catholyte reservoir. The circulation system includes an anolyte pump coupled in fluid flowing relationship to the anolyte reservoir which pumps anolyte from the anolyte reservoir to the at least one electrochemical cell. A catholyte pump is coupled in fluid flowing relationship to the catholyte reservoir and also pumps catholyte to the at least one electrochemical cell. A second phase pump is coupled in fluid flowing relationship to the catholyte reservoir and is used to introduce second phase electrolyte into the aqueous catholyte pumped by the catholyte pump. The second phase pump is controlled by a controller so that the second phase is introduced into the catholyte stream in a metered fashion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventors: Phillip A. Eidler, Peter J. Lex, Robert R. Rixford, Bjorn Jonshagen
  • Publication number: 20010049043
    Abstract: A three-way gas control valve assembly for selectively controlling gas flow from one inlet port into two outlet ports or vice-versa, such as may be required for flow control of hydrogen-containing reformate in fuel cell applications. The valve assembly comprises three subassemblies: a metering subassembly disposable within the high-temperature environment in the fuel cell for mechanically regulating reformate flow; an actuating subassembly disposable outside the fuel cell and connected to the metering subassembly for actuating a pintle shaft and valve head in the metering subassembly; and a coupling tube subassembly extendable through an insulative shroud to mechanically couple and thermally isolate the metering and actuating subassemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventors: Raul A. Bircann, Dwight O. Palmer, Harry R. Mieney
  • Patent number: 6302132
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve and a gearbox. The valve includes a valve body having a drive opening and a mounting surface adjacent the drive opening. At least one mounting bore is formed in the mounting surface. At least one rigid pin is fixed to and projects from the mounting surface. A rotatable valve member is disposed in the valve body. A gearbox is operable to rotate the valve member through the drive opening. The gearbox includes a casing including a mounting wall positioned adjacent the mounting surface of the valve body. At least one mounting hole is formed in the mounting wall and is disposed adjacent the mounting bore. At least one pin hole is formed in the mounting wall and receives the pin. A drive hole is formed in the mounting wall and communicates with the drive opening. At least one fastener extends through the mounting hole and engages the mounting bore to secure the casing to the mounting surface. The pin resists relative rotational movement of the casing and the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Nordstrom Valves, Inc
    Inventor: Mark A. Lay
  • Patent number: 6286810
    Abstract: A valve having a valve closing member rotatably supported on one or more valve stems which are positionally infinitely adjustable is disclosed. The valve has a valve body defining a bore with an upper passageway extending from the bore. A valve stem extends coaxially through the passageway and rotatably supports the valve closing member in the bore. A cartridge is coaxially located within the passageway between the valve body and the stem. The cartridge captures the valve stem and engages the passageway via screw threads allowing for infinite positional adjustment. The cartridge also houses bearings for rotation of the stem and seals for sealing the passageway. The valve body may have a second passageway coaxially aligned with the first passageway in which a second valve stem is located. The second stem engages the passageway via screw threads allowing for infinite positional adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Victaulic Company of America
    Inventors: Douglas R. Dole, W. Ross McLennan, Richard R. Weston
  • Patent number: 6109293
    Abstract: The present invention provides an axially-rotated valve which permits increased flow rates and lower pressure drop (characterized by a lower loss coefficient) by using an axial eccentric split venturi with two portions where at least one portion is rotatable with respect to the other portion. The axially-rotated valve typically may be designed to avoid flow separation and/or cavitation at full flow under a variety of conditions. Similarly, the valve is designed, in some embodiments, to produce streamlined flow within the valve. A typical cross section of the eccentric split venturi may be non-axisymmetric such as a semicircular cross section which may assist in both throttling capabilities and in maximum flow capacity using the design of the present invention. Such a design can include applications for freeze resistant axially-rotated valves and may be fully-opened and fully-closed in one-half of a complete rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Big Horn Valve, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Walrath, William R. Lindberg, Robert K. Burgess
  • Patent number: 6083381
    Abstract: A filter arrangement for filtering fluid comprises a housing and a valve arrangement. The housing includes an inlet, an outlet, and a draining aperture. The valve arrangement is constructed and arranged to move between a closed position and an open position without the use of threads. The closed position prevents evacuation of fluid from the housing through the draining aperture, and the open position permits evacuation of fluid from the housing through the draining aperture. One valve arrangement may include a pair of ports and a pair of air vents. The valve is actuated by aligning the ports and air vents on a sliding sealing surface. An indicator arrangement including a float and a clear window is provided to give the user a visual indication of the level of water within the filter. Methods for using the constructions herein are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Donaldson Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Connelly, Brent A. Gulsvig, Mark G. Soderlund, Jeff J. Theisen
  • Patent number: 6034390
    Abstract: A multi-bit trench capacitor having first and second storage nodes provided in the lower region thereof is described. The storage nodes are separated by a dielectric layer that separates the sensing voltage into upper and lower ranges corresponding to data stored in the first and second storage nodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies North America Corp.
    Inventor: Helmut Tews
  • Patent number: 6026845
    Abstract: The present invention provides an axially-rotated valve which permits increased flow rates and lower pressure drop (characterized by a lower loss coefficient) by using an axial eccentric split venturi with two portions where at least one portion is rotatable with respect to the other portion. The axially-rotated valve typically may be designed to avoid flow separation and/or cavitation at full flow under a variety of conditions. Similarly, the valve is designed, in some embodiments, to produce streamlined flow within the valve. An axially aligned outlet may also increase the flow efficiency. A typical cross section of the eccentric split venturi may be non-axisymmetric such as a semicircular cross section which may assist in both throttling capabilities and in maximum flow capacity using the design of the present invention. Such a design can include applications for freeze resistant axially-rotated valves and may be fully-opened and fully-closed in one-half of a complete rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Bighorn Valve, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Walrath, William R. Lindberg, Robert K. Burgess, James LaBelle
  • Patent number: 6007048
    Abstract: A plug or gate valve including two seats shaped as cylindrical segments and having a first continuous seal surrounding the flow passage and at least one satellite seal outside the first seal to reduce the area upon which pressure acts to force the segment toward the plug or gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Tep Ungchusri, Roy C. Bates, Robert L. Witt
  • Patent number: 6003840
    Abstract: Improved elastomeric valve seal members for use in a water distribution system between a water source and, for example, a baitwell or a livewell in a boat. The elastomeric seal members are made from material resistant to deterioration from engine exhaust gases, increasing overall reliability and longevity of the water distribution system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Flow-Rite Controls, Ltd.
    Inventor: Daniel N. Campau
  • Patent number: 5971359
    Abstract: A non-riser valve assembly 30 includes a bonnet or housing 32, a bushing 34, a stem 36, a washer 38 and a stop 40. The assembly 30 further includes a coupling 42, a rotatable or movable disk 44, a fixed disk 46 and a bottom seal 48. In assembly, the bushing 34 and the stem 36 are located within an opening 50 of the housing 32 with the bushing being located between the housing and the stem. One of the stem 36 extends from one end of the opening 50 and the stop 40 is removably attached to the stem to limit the rotational movement of the stem within the housing. The coupling 42 is located in the opening 50 of the housing 32 and is in driving engagement with the opposite end of the stem 36. The movable disk 44 is located with the opening 50 and is coupled to the coupling 42 for rotation therewith. The fixed disk 46 is attached to the housing 32 within the opening 50 and is formed with a surface 224 which is in water-sealing engagement with a surface 162 of the movable disk 44.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventors: Shahriar Niakan, Yuhung Edward Yeh
  • Patent number: 5957428
    Abstract: In the valve, a valve element (4) is supported on a valve element operating shaft (7) by a fixed-length support means (5) and a variable-length support means (6) connected to its back surface opposite the front surface facing a valve seat (3). The fixed-length support means (5) has an arm (5a) of a fixed length pivotally connected to the valve element (4) and mounted for turning on the valve element operating shaft (7), and the variable-length support means (6) of a variable length comprises an elastic member (6a) acting to reduce the distance between the opposite ends of the variable-length support means (6), a transmission mechanism for converting the torque of the valve element operating shaft (7) into a force to increase the distance between the opposite ends of the variable-length support means (6), and a stopper (6f) for limiting the range of variation of the distance between the opposite ends of the variable-length support means (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Yokota Seisakusho, Hiroshi Yokota
    Inventor: Hiroshi Yokota
  • Patent number: 5924676
    Abstract: A valve assembly 20 includes a housing or bonnet 22 and a stem 24. The valve assembly 20 further includes a thrust washer 26, an O-ring 28, a reversible stop 30 and a retainer 32. A coupler 34, a rotatable ceramic disk 36, a fixed ceramic disk 38 and a bottom seal 40 complete the components of the valve assembly 30. The rotatable disk 36 is assembled by a tight fit with the coupler 34 which, in turn is assembled with a drive bar 90 of the stem 24 by a tight fit. The assembled stem 24, coupler 34 and rotatable disk 36 are assembled within a bore 52 of the housing 22 with a shank portion 74 of the stem 24 extending outward from an opening 56 of the housing 22. The fixed disk 38 is assembled fixedly within the bore 52 of the housing 22 in facing engagement with the rotatable disk 36. The seal 40 is assembled within an opening 54 of the housing and is placed in sealing and retaining engagement with the fixed disk 38.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Cook, Raymond T. Engelhardt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5924677
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved disk-type faucet that can be used to replace the ball-type faucet. The faucet includes a switching cylinder that can be rotationally disposed within the housing. The switching cylinder includes a controlling stem atop. The switching cylinder further includes a pair of annular grooves that are located below the controlling stem and each of them being disposed with an O-ring, respectively. The lower end of the switching cylinder includes a semicircular tab and a resilient plate for blocking the water flow. The semicircular tab is further enveloped with a bushing that is fixedly fastened by the resilient plate. By the biasing action of the resilient tab, the bushing and the resilient plate are provided with an allowable movement within the housing such that the wearing resulted from over-tight can be therefore prevented and the manipulation can be more conveniently conducted to open or close the faucet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Inventor: Chao-Qun Huang
  • Patent number: 5901944
    Abstract: A composite sealing unit for sealing between moving parts in a valve is disclosed. The sealing unit has a sealing portion that interfaces with the moving parts and is adapted to isolate a reinforcing portion from media within the valve. The reinforcing portion, which can be encapsulated within the sealing unit, is operative to enhance the resiliency of the sealing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Xomox
    Inventors: M. R. Ramakrishnan, Michael J. Sandling, Steven M. Kirk
  • Patent number: 5881995
    Abstract: A noise attenuating device for reducing the noise generated by a gas flow passing through an open butterfly valve having a disc pivotally mounted in a valve housing for rotation about a transversal axis between an open and a closed position thereof. The noise attenuating device comprises a first series of elongated members extending from the upstream side of the disc above the transversal axis and a second series of generally diametrically opposed elongated members extending from the downstream side of the disc below the horizontal axis. Typically, the elongated members extend at 45 degree from the disc of the butterfly valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Man-Chun Tse, Hilaire Bonneau
  • Patent number: 5832952
    Abstract: A valve assembly 20 includes a housing or bonnet 22 and a stem 24. The valve assembly 20 further includes a thrust washer 26, an O-ring 28, a reversible stop 30 and a retainer 32. A coupler 34, a rotatable ceramic disk 36, a fixed ceramic disk 38 and a bottom seal 40 complete the components of the valve assembly 20. The rotatable disk 36 is assembled by a tight fit with the coupler 34 which, in turn is assembled with a drive bar 90 of the stem 24 by a tight fit. The assembled stem 24, coupler 34 and rotatable disk 36 are assembled within a bore 52 of the housing 22 with a shank portion 74 of the stem 24 extending outward from an opening 56 of the housing 22. The fixed disk 38 is assembled fixedly within the bore 52 of the housing 22 in facing engagement with the rotatable disk 36. The seal 40 is assembled within an opening 54 of the housing and is placed in sealing and retaining engagement with the fixed disk 38.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Cook, Raymond T. Engelhardt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5799927
    Abstract: A radial rotary slide valve for controlling a steam flow rate in a steam turbine, includes an immobile fixed ring and a rotary ring which is disposed concentrically on the latter in such a way as to be rotatable into an angular position that can be varied through the use of a servo motor. The rotary ring has first control profiles which correspond to corresponding second control profiles belonging to the fixed ring in such a way that control slots situated between the control profiles can be varied for opening or closing. The rotary ring is divided into a top part and a bottom part by a joint in the region of a joint in the casing. In order to optimize the play required for sliding between the fixed ring and the rotary ring, the top part of the rotary ring and the bottom part of the rotary ring can be connected to one another by a suitable connecting device for varying the distance between at least two opposing half-ring ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: ABB Patent GmbH
    Inventor: Richard Geist
  • Patent number: 5749393
    Abstract: A valve for a faucet includes a housing having two retainers and one stop extended upward from the upper peripheral edge. A control stem may control the water flowing in and out of the housing. A cap has two orifices for engaging with the retainers and includes a radially extended annular flange having a notch for engaging with the stop and for solidly securing the cap to the housing. A sealing ring is engaged between the cap and the housing for making a water tight seal between the cap and the housing and for preventing water from flowing out of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Inventor: Tsai Chen Yang
  • Patent number: 5738336
    Abstract: A valve comprises a valve body having threaded connections on each end. A unit handled valve mechanism includes a cage carrying a spring loaded floating valve ball. The valve mechanism is placed in and removed from the valve body without the use of special tools. The valve mechanism includes lip type polyseals allowing pressure from below to leak past a lower valve seat so pressure from below causes the valve ball to seal only against an upper seat assembly. The only segment of the valve ball in substantial compression is immediately adjacent the upper seat assembly. An actuator for the valve fits onto a connector between the actuator and ball in only one manner, so the indicator on the actuator correctly points at the correct indicia on the valve body describing the valve condition, i.e. open or closed. An improved connector between the actuator and the valve ball minimizes the potential of deformation due to abuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignees: Devereux J. McKnight, Brent H. McKnight
    Inventors: Devereux J. McKnight, Brent H. McKnight, James A. Cunningham
  • Patent number: 5707041
    Abstract: A fluid control valve for use in severe erosive fluid conditions which includes a ceramic plug seat. The ceramic plug seat is mounted to a metal valve element using a tapered mechanical bolt. The tapered portion of the mechanical bolt matches a cone-shaped interior surface portion within the ceramic plug to uniformly distribute the mounting forces within the ceramic plug to prevent cracking of the ceramic plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International, Inc.
    Inventors: Loren Lee Bovee, Gary Alan Witt, David J. Westwater
  • Patent number: 5695169
    Abstract: A three-piece angle stop valve comprises a valve body (10), a resilient control sleeve (12) and a handle (14), with no separate fastening or sealing element required. The control sleeve has a stem (28) that has annular outer splines (32) and inner grooves (36) and splines (37) surrounding axially center cavity (38). The handle has a central post (40) that intrudes into cavity and has complementary splines (42) that interengage with grooves (36) and splines (37) of stem section. The handle also has an annular mid section (44) with complementary inner splines (46) that interengage with splines (32) on the outer wall of stem section (28) to provide significant increased torque transfer capability to turn the control sleeve within the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Brass-Craft Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Bruce Wayne Higgins, Walter John Budzinski, Donald Scott Glover
  • Patent number: 5690152
    Abstract: A device for coupling two containers comprises a pair of connecting sleeves, each having closing flaps that can be moved from a closed position to an open position by a part-turn actuator, with the outer surfaces of each closing flap facing away from the container lying flush with the outer surface of the relevant connecting sleeve in the closed position and the closing flaps are each seated in an essentially circular seal. To prevent the accidental opening of the closing flaps, each of the connecting sleeves is provided with a radially-movable pin in the wall adjacent the seal, which pin can be pushed radially inward to produce a bulge in the seal which will hold the respective closing flap in its closed position and which pin can be radially moved outward to release the flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Assignee: Buck Werke GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Martin Koch, Gerhard Grau
  • Patent number: 5687562
    Abstract: A bypass air valve is provided which includes a liner, a strap, apparatus for biasing the strap into contact with the liner, a selective actuator, and apparatus for passage of bypass air. To open and close the valve, the selective actuator unwraps a segment of the strap from the liner before the strap is translated a distance around the circumference of the liner. The biasing apparatus biases the strap back into contact with the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey B. Stewart, Alan B. Minick
  • Patent number: 5647399
    Abstract: A flow control device including first and second flow control members, first and second actuators, and first and second transmission devices wherein both flow control members are adapted for rotation about a common axis. The first flow control member has a wall portion which defines an aperture aligned with the common axis. The second transmission device includes a shaft member which passes through the aperture for rotation therein. A first end of the shaft member is coupled to the second actuator and a second end of the shaft member is coupled to the second flow control member. The first transmission device includes a first rotary body coupled to the first flow control member and rotatable about the common axis and a second rotary body coupled to the first actuator and rotatable about a second axis offset from the common axis. The first and second rotary bodies are engagable by a mechanism such that rotation of the first rotary body causes rotation of the second rotary body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: Valeo Climate Control Inc.
    Inventor: Goeran Peter Andersen
  • Patent number: 5616300
    Abstract: A valve (10) is used to introduce fluid from a syringe (22) into the inlet (88) of the pump of an HPLC instrument (12). The valve includes a valve body (14) that is connected to the HPLC instrument for fluid flow communication with the instrument inlet. A valve rotor (16) is rotatably engaged with the valve body. A collar fitting (18) included on the valve rotor is connectable to the syringe. The syringe acts as a valve lever, and is displaceable to rotate the valve rotor about an axis of rotation (32) between an "off" position, in which fluid flow between the syringe and the HPLC instrument inlet is prevented, and an "on" position, in which fluid flow between the syringe and the HPLC instrument inlet is permitted. The valve enables one-handed priming operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Optimize Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas W. Ford, Robert W. Todd, Quinn E. Trammell, Dennis A. Higley
  • Patent number: 5601276
    Abstract: A retrofit valve stem seal assembly, which can be retrofitted to existing quarter-turn valves already in service, is provided. The retrofit valve stem seal assembly is added to the valve stem by inserting a valve stem adaptor onto the valve stem and firmly attaching the adaptor to the valve stem. The inner surface of the valve stem adaptor fits on the valve stem. To prevent leaks between the valve stem adaptor and the valve stem, "O" rings are installed in the valve stem adaptor to bear against the valve stem. A rotatable valve stem adaptor includes a sliding tractrix surface for sliding contact with a stem packing. The stem packing includes a complementary tractrix surface for contacting the sliding tractrix surface on the valve stem. Wear between the contacting surfaces is uniform at all points of contact between the sliding tractrix surface and the complementary tractrix surface, creating and maintaining a dynamic seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Inventor: John J. Wordin
  • Patent number: 5566715
    Abstract: A flood prevention valve including a rotary valve assembly having an input line, an output line, a rotating valve vane including an internal magnetic coupling ring affixed to the rotating valve vane, an external magnetic coupling ring having a coupling gear secured concentrically thereto, and a gearing linkage having at least one linking gear enmeshed with the coupling gear; a gear stop mechanism including a solenoid having a stop member positionable by the solenoid in a manner such that the stop member engages and prevents a linking gear from rotating in response to a first electrical signal to the solenoid and disengages and allows a linking gear to rotate in response to a second electrical signal to the solenoid, a timer circuit having a magnetic sensor capable of detecting rotation of the internal magnetic coupling ring; a timing circuit for timing the rotation intervals of the internal magnetic coupling ring; and, an output circuit in electrical connection with the solenoid that puts out a first predeter
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Inventor: Harry G. Griffin
  • Patent number: 5529758
    Abstract: A three-bed regenerative fume incinerator system includes a single rotary fluid control valve which effects three operational cycles in a repeating sequence. A valve body has a cylindrical inner surface about a central axis. Six main conduit connection openings at 60.degree. angular intervals are organized as three regenerator connection openings and three interspersed functional connection openings. The regenerator connection openings are connected via conduits to the lower end of the three respective thermal regenerators, the upper ends of which are connected to a common combustion chamber. Respectively connected to the functional connection openings are a contaminated feed gas inlet, treated gas outlet, and a source of purge gas. A valve rotor within the body has a pair of generally parallel plates spaced apart a distance corresponding to the angular extent of the openings, and supported substantially equidistant from the central axis for rotation between three functional valve positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Inventor: Reagan Houston
  • Patent number: 5524700
    Abstract: A supply vessel containing a molten bath has a discharge opening which is controlled by a valve. The discharge opening is located in a vertical plane and has a horizontal axis. The valve includes a set of valve plates having through openings for the passage of molten material. The valve plates are rotatable relative to one another in order to bring the through openings into and out of register and thus open and close the valve. One of the valve plates sits adjacent the discharge opening and is stationary while another of the valve plates is remote from the discharge opening and is freely rotatable. A mold having an inlet, a casting cavity and feeders between the inlet and casting cavity is brought into engagement with the freely rotatable valve plate. The mold is positioned with the casting cavity below the upper surface of the molten bath and with the feeders below the casting cavity. The valve is opened and the casting cavity filled with molten material via the mold inlet and the feeders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: EB Bruhl Aluminiumtechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Rolf Gosch
  • Patent number: 5494254
    Abstract: A rotary flow control valve including a valve spool which is rotated back and forth to move a port in the valve spool into and out of alignment with the main fluid passageway of the valve to selectively open and close the valve. The spool has a pinion gear at each end of the spool and each pinion gear is engaged by a pair of racks with the racks in a pair moving at any given time in opposite directions. Each rack is constituted by spaced rack teeth formed in the side wall of a piston slidably mounted in a cylinder bore in the valve body, and the rotation of the valve spool is achieved by selective routing of pressurized fluid to the cylinder bores containing the pistons defining the racks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: JDL Enterprises
    Inventor: John Dominka
  • Patent number: 5492000
    Abstract: A press for forming the relatively long cylindrical body of a so-called two piece beverage can utilizes a horizontally reciprocating ram to drive a relatively short cup through a circular die pack. Compressed air applied through a rotary valve is utilized to strip the bodies from the ram. Such valve includes a continuously rotating rotor that is mechanically connected to the drive for the ram such that for each rotor revolution the ram moves through a complete cycle consisting of a forward working stroke followed by a rearward return stroke. The rotor is constructed of two disks that abut face to face. A rotor drive shaft extends through the center of the rotor and the angular position of the disks relative to each other is adjustable to adjust the portion of each rotor revolution during which compressed air is applied for stripping. Each disk is provided with an arcuate aperture and the extent to which these apertures overlap determines how long compressed air is applied for stripping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Sequa Corporation
    Inventor: Ralph M. Main
  • Patent number: 5492145
    Abstract: An anti-syphon valve comprises a base pipe having inlet and outlet legs and a valve seat, disposed at the top of the base pipe within a valve stem post, which can be rotated selectively to block the inlet leg (closed position) or open it (open position). A metering peg extends from the valve stem post into a receptacle in the valve seat. Inlet and outlet passages corresponding to the inlet and outlet legs are disposed above the seat, and a float located at the top of the inlet passage allows fluid flow from the inlet passage into the outlet passage in the open position while blocking fluid flow from the outlet passage to the inlet passage in the closed position. Vent passages are provided above the float to enable communication of the outlet passage to atmosphere in the closed position. A handle is provided on the valve stem post to selectively rotate the latter to place the valve in open or closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Environmental System & Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott B. Stowers