Biased Patents (Class 251/313)
  • Patent number: 11892095
    Abstract: A valve device includes: a driving source making rotational motion; a rotated part provided rotatably around a predetermined axis; and a fluid passage portion having a flow hole for passing a fluid. The valve device further includes: a gear mechanism having gears to transmit rotational motion of the driving source to the rotated part by engagement between the gears to rotate the rotated part; and a biasing part biasing the rotated part toward one side in a circumferential direction with the predetermined axis at the center. The rotated part includes a rotor increasing or reducing an opening of the flow hole in conjunction with rotation of the rotated part and is rotated according to rotational motion of the driving source while being biased toward the one side in the circumferential direction by the biasing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takuya Hamada, Hiroki Shimada, Akira Higuchi, Takehito Mizunuma, Syota Kimura, Ryou Sano
  • Patent number: 11255453
    Abstract: A control mechanism locks open a spring-loaded valve and automatically releases the spring-loaded valve to close upon a predetermined lesser weight load being applied. The spring-loaded valve includes a flow valve, a valve lever that pivots between open and closed positions, and a valve spring that biases the valve lever to the closed position. The control mechanism includes a pivotal release lever having an engagement arm and an opposite load arm, and a release spring that biases the release lever from a blocking position with the engagement arm retaining the valve lever in its open position to a release position with the valve lever free to pivot past the engagement arm and to the closed position under the valve spring force. The load arm includes an additive-container support for a load of an additive fluid to be mixed with a carrier fluid whose flow is controlled by the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: PRODEW, INC.
    Inventors: Itamar Kleinberger, Shakeel Merchant, Paul Wilhelm, Kendall C. Palmer, Roland Bilodeau, Faizan Aly
  • Patent number: 10041399
    Abstract: An exhaust gas turbocharger includes a wastegate system. A control rod and a wastegate lever connected to the control rod by a connecting element belong to the wastegate system. The connecting element is a spring element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: Georg Mehne, Ivo Sandor, Christoph Sparrer
  • Patent number: 9574679
    Abstract: Embodiments are provided for an automatic fluid shut off device having a float disposed in a fluid catch basin attached to a first end of a rod movable in a direction of rising fluid in the catch basin; a second rod end extending to a fluid supply base and terminating adjacent to a restrained latch arm end, the latch arm end configured to be pivotably displaceable upon a force by the second rod end in response to a rising fluid in the catch basin; the latch arm pivotably connected to a shut-off valve; and the shut off valve retained in an open position while the latch arm is restrained, and under a rotational force to close the shut-off valve upon a release of the latch arm in response to the force by the second rod end. The latch arm can be restrained by a latch arm retention notch extending downward and inward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: PEOPLE AND PRODUCTS PLUMBING, LLC
    Inventors: Craig Schwarzbek, Robert Penfil, Sylvia Penfil, Howard Brown, Bruce Skolnik, Jeff Kaczperski
  • Patent number: 9217377
    Abstract: A valve device for controlling an exhaust gas flow of an internal combustion engine includes a housing comprising a channel which has the exhaust gas flow therethrough. A shaft is disposed in the housing. The shaft is rotatably mounted about a shaft axis. A flap is connected to the shaft. The flap controls a flow cross section of the channel. The flap comprises two flexurally rigid support plates. The support plates each comprise an outer periphery. An elastic flap body is arranged between the support plates. The elastic flap body comprises an outer periphery which is larger on all sides than the outer periphery of the support plates. A distance between the outer periphery of the elastic flap body and the outer periphery of the support plates is largest in an area of the shaft axis, and smallest at an angle of 90° relative to the shaft axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: PIERBURG GMBH
    Inventors: Hans Gerards, Harald Blomerius
  • Patent number: 8973607
    Abstract: An air valve arrangement for a motor vehicle, comprising a frame and an air valve provided on said frame so as to be rotatable thereto about an axis of relative movement (R) in opposing directions of relative rotation, the frame comprising an air passage opening, and the air valve is provided in such a way on the frame that it is rotatable between a shut-off position and a passage position, the air valve in the passage position reducing a passage opening area of the air passage opening less than in the shut-off position, and further comprising a drive, which is designed to drive the air valve in at least one first direction of relative rotation about the axis of relative movement (R) for relative rotation, characterized in that the air valve is coupled to a preloading device, which preloads the air valve in a direction of relative rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Röchling Automotive SE & Co. KG
    Inventors: Josef Schwarz, Juergen Schneider
  • Publication number: 20140264126
    Abstract: A reduced wear single input valve includes a valve stem that has a first end and a distal end, and a valve housing that has an input port and an output port. The valve stem pass through a seal interfaced to valve housing at the output port side. A valve seat is within the valve housing has one side in fluid communication with the output port and an opposing side in fluid communication with the input port. A ball is urged against the valve seat by a force of a resilient member, thereby preventing flow of fluid from the input port through the valve seat and to the output port until an opposing force is applied on the ball by the valve stem, thereby counteracting the force of the resilient member. The valve stem is isolated from a pressure from the input port while the ball is seated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: GSSC, INC.
    Inventors: Tom Hedger, Blake K. Travis, II, James Wiegand
  • Patent number: 8757206
    Abstract: A faucet includes a valve body having a cartridge receiving bore. A valve cartridge is sealingly disposed in the bore. The valve cartridge includes a rotatable stem. An arc-shaped slot is created in the valve cartridge. A lever assembly having a single handle is connected to the stem and operates when rotated in a first direction to permit cold water flow through the valve body, and after being depressed can be rotated in an opposite second direction to permit hot water flow through the valve body. A torsion spring has a first post received in the elongated slot translatable between opposed ends of the elongated slot, and a second post received in a lever assembly aperture preventing second post translation. A biasing force of the torsion spring biases the lever assembly toward a valve closed position only when the lever assembly is rotated in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Ryan P. Carignan, Peter Loire
  • Publication number: 20140076427
    Abstract: A damped actuator for a fluid regulator includes a diaphragm disposed in a housing, and a damper arranged to stabilize movement of the diaphragm in response to changes in pressure inside the housing. The damper includes a ball check valve arranged to allow air to exhaust out of the housing when above a preselected pressure. The damper may include interchangeable components so as to be modifiable to have different set point pressures to achieve different backpressures inside the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: EMERSON PROCESS MANAGEMENT REGULATOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Jason S. Mevius
  • Patent number: 8443823
    Abstract: A flood detection and valve shutoff device which comprises a water sensitive sensor. A mechanism is for retaining the water sensitive sensor on a floor near a water heater. Another mechanism is for biasing a valve in a water inlet pipe of the water heater to a closed position. A lanyard in a taut condition extends between the water sensitive sensor and the biasing mechanism, so as to keep the valve in an open position. When the water sensitive sensor detects water on the floor the lanyard will be released from the water sensitive sensor, causing the biasing means to move the valve from the open position to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Inventor: Irwin D. Prager
  • Publication number: 20130048895
    Abstract: The valve 1 comprises: a body 2 having a through-channel 3 for the fluid, a rotary control shaft 4 having a seal for the channel, mounted in a passage 10 of the body, bearings 6, 7 provided in said passage between the body and the rotary control shaft, and axial locking of the shaft in said body. According to the invention, the axial locking of the shaft is achieved by at least one cylindrical ring 15 mounted in a rotationally constrained manner on said shaft 4 and having an external surface 20 orientated towards one of the bearings 6 and contacting a transverse face thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: VALEO SYSTEMES DE CONTROLE MOTEUR
    Inventors: Grégory Hodebourg, Sébastien Adenot
  • Publication number: 20130026406
    Abstract: The on-off valve includes a body having a fluid path, a spherical valve body opening and closing the fluid path, a guide member opposing the valve body and having a flange portion radially extending outward, a first seat member slidable along an outer peripheral surface of the guide member and seating the valve body, an O-ring disposed between the first seat member and the guide member, a chamber formed of an inner wall portion of the fluid path, the outer peripheral surface, the flange portion, and the first seat member, and a spring member disposed in the chamber and urging the first seat member toward the valve body. In the on-off valve, a gap portion is formed between the inner wall portion and the first seat member and connects the valve body side of the fluid path to the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicants: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD., KEIHIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hideki Kawauchi, Takuya Wakabayashi, Takuma Kanazawa
  • Publication number: 20120313025
    Abstract: An actuator unit 10 and a valve unit housing 31 provided with a fluid passage 34 are formed separately, and a water cooling passage 29 is disposed therebetween; components such as a bearing 24, a return spring 28, and a gear 23 that directly couples the actuator unit 10 to a valve shaft 32 are disposed on the side of the actuator unit 10 that is interposed by the water cooling passage 29.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Katsunori Takai, Masayuki Yokoyama, Satoru Hasegawa
  • Publication number: 20120298901
    Abstract: A ball valve includes a first ball clamping assembly that defines a first seat surface in contact with an exterior of the ball. A second ball clamping assembly defines a second, sealing seat surface in contact with and adapted to seal with the exterior of the ball. The second ball clamping assembly is coupled to the first ball clamping assembly to clamp the ball between the first and second seat surfaces. The second ball clamping assembly includes a seat ring holder and a seat ring carried by the seat ring holder. The seat ring of the second ball clamping assembly has a sealing seat surface. A springing member is provided between the seat ring and the seat ring holder and springingly biases the seat ring toward the ball. The seat ring holder has a shoulder that supports the seat ring against fully compressing the springing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: Paul David Ringgenberg
  • Patent number: 8220777
    Abstract: Disclosed are various systems and methods to generate rotary motion. In one embodiment, a system is provided, which comprises one or more anchors, and a mass configured for rotary motion. Also, one or more compliant two-position mechanisms are attached to the mass and to the one or more anchors. The compliant two-position mechanisms restrict the rotary motion of the mass from a first angular position to a second angular position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Rajesh Luharuka, Peter J. Hesketh
  • Patent number: 8201401
    Abstract: A passive valve assembly for a vehicle exhaust system includes an exhaust component that defines an exhaust gas flow path and a vane that is positioned within the exhaust gas flow path. The vane is positioned at an initial start position and is movable between a closed position to provide a minimum exhaust gas flow and an open position to provide a maximum exhaust gas flow. The start position is orientated at a negative angle relative to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Emcon Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kwin Abram, Robin Willats
  • Patent number: 8136552
    Abstract: A faucet includes a valve body having a cartridge receiving bore. A valve cartridge is sealingly disposed in the bore. The valve cartridge includes a rotatable stem. An arc-shaped slot is created in the valve cartridge. A lever assembly having a single handle is connected to the stem and operates when rotated in a first direction to permit cold water flow through the valve body, and after being depressed can be rotated in an opposite second direction to permit hot water flow through the valve body. A torsion spring has a first post received in the elongated slot translatable between opposed ends of the elongated slot, and a second post received in a lever assembly aperture preventing second post translation. A biasing force of the torsion spring biases the lever assembly toward a valve closed position only when the lever assembly is rotated in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventors: Ryan D. Carignan, Peter J. Loire
  • Patent number: 8070130
    Abstract: A biasing apparatus includes a first spring seat that has a first seating surface and a first protruding member extending a predetermined distance from the first seating surface and a second spring seat that has a second seating surface and a second protruding member extending a predetermined distance from the second seating surface. The first and second protruding members engage to slidably couple the first and the second spring seats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Fisher Controls International, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Gene Olberding, Bryan Quinn Leger, Paul Russell Dalluge
  • Publication number: 20110247359
    Abstract: An expansion valve (1) is disclosed which comprises an inlet opening (2), at least one outlet opening (3) and first and second valve parts. The inlet opening (2) is adapted to receive fluid medium in a liquid state. The outlet opening(s) (3) is/are adapted to deliver fluid medium in an at least partly gaseous state to a flow path. The valve parts are arranged movable relative to each other in such a manner that the mutual position of the first valve part and the second valve part determines a fluid flow between the inlet opening (2) and the outlet opening(s) (3). During normal operation, a resulting force acts upon the first valve part and/or the second valve part to press the first and second valve parts towards each other. The expansion valve (1) comprises means for reducing the resulting force acting upon the valve part(s). Thereby the valve parts can easier be moved relative to each other, and the force required in order to operate the valve (1) is thereby reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: DANFOSS A/S
    Inventors: Jens Pawlik, Hans Kurt Petersen
  • Publication number: 20110180738
    Abstract: A rotary valve apparatus includes a casing having a fluid passageway, a rotor rotatably mounted in the casing and configured to control, by rotation thereof, a flow state of fluid flowing in the fluid passageway, a drive mechanism for rotating the rotor, and a lock mechanism configured to allow transmission of a rotational force from the drive mechanism to the rotor and to inhibit rotation of the rotor under non-rotation driving state of the driving mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshikuni Ito, Toru Fujikawa
  • Publication number: 20110073191
    Abstract: A hydraulic manifold has features adapted to the needs of hybrid vehicle applications. In one embodiment, multifunction valves selectively regulate fluid flow among primary and auxiliary flow paths. A normally closed butterfly valve is biased by a relatively small secondary biasing force against rotation in first and second (opposite) directions, and by a relatively large principal biasing force against rotation in the first direction past a transitional angular position at which the principal biasing force takes effect. An actuator selectively controls the transitional angular position and the magnitude of the principal biasing force. In the first direction, flow must overcome only the secondary biasing force to pass the valve. In the second direction, any flow sufficient to overcome the secondary biasing force but not the principal biasing force will divide into a first flow passing the valve and a second flow induced to enter an auxiliary path upstream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: Charles L. Gray, JR.
  • Patent number: 7900799
    Abstract: A dispenser apparatus and a dispenser system for dispensing a liquid from a bottle having a neck portion consisting of a housing formed with a flow conduit therethrough in fluid communication with the liquid within the bottle, the flow conduit having an inlet conduit, an outlet conduit and a substantially cylindrical cavity positioned between the inlet conduit and the outlet conduit, a flow wheel positioned in the cavity, the flow wheel having a central axis and a plurality of blade elements extending outwardly relative to the central axis, a flow sensor positioned adjacent to the flow wheel and the cavity for detecting movement of the plurality of blade elements of flow wheel, an electromagnetic valve positioned proximate to the outlet conduit, the electromagnetic valve having an actuation unit outside of the outlet conduit, a valve member inside the outlet conduit, and a spring member biased against the valve member within the outlet conduit, the valve member rotatable between a closed position and an open
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventors: Bartlomiej Maciej Kuzar, Thanh Cong Dang
  • Patent number: 7694937
    Abstract: A valve assembly configured to be mounted on a support structure comprises a flowbody having a first port, a second port, and a flow passage there between. A flange is coupled around the flowbody proximate the first port. A sleeve extends into the flowbody through the first port, and a radial lip is coupled to the sleeve proximate the first port. A retaining ring is coupled to the flange and configured to confine the radial lip between the retaining ring and the support structure to secure the sleeve within the flowbody when the valve assembly is mounted on the support structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Stout, Tom J. Phielix, Christopher L. Thomas
  • Publication number: 20090321674
    Abstract: A ball valve and ball valve actuator including a unique valve stem seal and mounting connection between the ball valve and actuator. The stem seal design reduces leakage issues and significantly lengthens the life span of the ball valve and actuator and the mounting connection between the actuator. The ball valve maintains the centrality of the valve stem in connection with the actuator pinion and minimizes torque and shear forces transferred to the valve stem and hence the stem seal itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: GEMINI VALVE
    Inventors: Kenneth MADDEN, Daniel HARRIS
  • Publication number: 20090272925
    Abstract: A valve arrangement includes an inlet conduit defining an inlet passage adapted for communication with a supply of pressurized motive fluid, a first planar surface spaced radially from the inlet conduit, first and second supply passages communicating through the first planar surface, and a rotary valve. The rotary valve includes a second planar surface abutting against the first planar surface and a valve passage communicating through the second planar surface. The rotary valve is rotatable to place the inlet passage in communication with a selected one of the first and second supply passages through the valve passage, and is adapted to conduct the pressurized motive fluid from the inlet passage to the selected one of the first and second supply passages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: INGERSOLL-RAND COMPANY
    Inventors: Randi J. Young, Nathanael S. Murphy
  • Patent number: 7581572
    Abstract: A valve assembly disposed in a nozzle of a fuel-dispensing pump that, when in an open, operative position, freely allows fuel to flow therethrough. In a closed position, fuel is prevented from dripping from the end of the fuel-dispensing nozzle. A first embodiment provides a spherical or flat, spring-loaded one-way sealing element or check valve that is forced away from the dispensing end of the nozzle to allow fuel to flow therefrom. When fuel dispensing is complete, the check valve seals the nozzle. In a second embodiment, apertures in a cap are rotated between an open and a closed orientation to allow or block fuel passage depending upon their angular position. The valve assembly is press fitted into a conventional fuel-dispensing nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Inventors: Janet M. Sutera, Kenneth A. Lyman, Steven Palmatier
  • Publication number: 20090184276
    Abstract: Apparatus to bias valve closure members are described. An example biasing apparatus includes a first spring seat that has a first seating surface and a first protruding member extending a predetermined distance from the first seating surface and a second spring seat that has a second seating surface and a second protruding member extending a predetermined distance from the second seating surface. The first and second protruding members engage to slidably couple the first and the second spring seats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Jason Gene Olberding, Bryan Quinn Leger, Paul Russell Dalluge
  • Patent number: 7338031
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved faucet structure with cold-water resuming device, which is placed at the top of the faucet valve body and has an action component and an elastic component. The action component is connected with the elastic component via a connecting part on the valve base, which is fitted in a bore on a holder at the top of the faucet body. Therefore, the structure could be simple and small-sized, achieving the economic benefits of cost reduction and long durability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Inventor: Mei-Li Chen
  • Patent number: 7273068
    Abstract: A fuel control valve (100) includes a rotary throttling valve assembly (4,7) providing one or more of the benefits of being lightweight, having a relatively low power consumption, having a fail-closed structure and/or zero leakage. The fuel control valve (100) is a rotary, throttling valve that is actuated via a rotary torque motor (70). The valve (7) can be spring loaded for providing positive shutoff. Position indication of the valve (7) is obtained via a position sensor (31) and cam (13) mounted to the throttling valve shaft at a driven end (98). In a de-energized state, a torsion spring (45) is provided that is loaded to rotate the valve (7) to the closed position. The fuel control valve (100) may be advantageously utilized in extreme operating environments, e.g., such as extreme temperature and vibration environments found in missile control fuel systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Devane R. Ballenger, Stephen M. Emo, William Lorenz, Kenneth L. Miller
  • Patent number: 7264016
    Abstract: A water dispenser assembly includes valve cartridges for controlling the flow of cold water from the cold-water inlet and the spout. Each valve cartridge includes a rotatable stem extending from a body. The water dispenser assembly includes a self-closing feature that provides for the automatic shut-off of flow of hot water responsive to release of the handle. The self-closing feature includes a spring held onto the stem by an adaptor. The self-closing feature is contained entirely within the valve cartridge and therefore does not require any modification to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Brasstech, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Molina, John Wojtaszek, Vinh Vu
  • Patent number: 7213614
    Abstract: An automatic cold water feed-back mechanism for a single handled faucet includes a valve housing for a valve stick, a base mount, a switching valve, a valve seat to be adapted therein, a limiting valve mounted at the upper section of the valve housing, and a cold water feed-back mechanism made up of an actuating member and a spring member to be mutually engaged with the limiting valve thereof. The valve stick is provide with a linkage rod properly protruding at the upper surface of a valve stick seat thereon to be fixedly attached to a locating support block of the actuating member thereof. In operation when the valve stick is switched off at the position of either mixed cold/hot water or hot water discharge, the valve stick is flexibly retracted back to its position of cold-water discharge via the spring member of the cold water feed-back mechanism thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Kuching International Ltd.
    Inventor: Mei-Li Chen
  • Patent number: 7195225
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to rotary valve assemblies and, more particularly, to a rotary valve assembly for use in an oil and gas production system. The valve assembly comprises a movable actuator sleeve movable in response to hydraulic pressure and at least one seat, the at least one seat having at least one fluid channel capable of providing fluid flow therethrough. The valve assembly also comprises a rotating disk disposed between the at least one seat and a support bushing, the rotating disk capable of rotating in response to movement of the movable actuator sleeve, the rotating disk having an open position and a closed position, wherein the open position permits fluid flow through the at least one fluid channel of the at least one seat and the closed position stops fluid flow through the at least one fluid channel of the at least one seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: Dril-Quip, Inc.
    Inventor: David Holliday
  • Patent number: 6561217
    Abstract: A rotary liquid mixing solenoid valve comprises a valve casing, a cold and/or hot water inletpipes, a mixed water outlet pipe, a temperature sensor installed in the mixed water outlet pipe, and a guardless rotary electromagnet mounted on a side of the valve casing. Both side faces of a regulating block mounted on an epitaxial end of a rotary armature shaft of the electromagnet may fit with the end faces of cold, hot liquid inlet openings respectively. After a coil is energized, the regulating block causes the temperature of mixed liquid to be stable via regulating the flow of cold, hot liquids in proportion according to a preset temperature. The valve has the advantages as follows: e.g. a simple structure, a miniature volume, a small power consumption, a high working efficiency, a fast regulating response, a high accuracy, and a stable and reliable operation, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Zhaokeng Pan
  • Patent number: 6557827
    Abstract: The valve is enabled, by being endowed with the force of stored energy, to generate an opening/closing motion with a small operating torque infallibly and stably, permit a reduction in cost, allow a compact construction, excel in durability, and enjoy a highly satisfactory practical value. Further by endowing the valve body which has already acquired the function of water stop with the function of steady flow volume thereby diversifying functionality, the valve is enabled to acquire the function of varying steady flow volume by virtue of the rotational frequency of the spiral spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Kitz Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Aoki
  • Patent number: 6533846
    Abstract: A rotary module for implementing a high frequency pressure swing adsorption process includes a stator having a number of function compartments opening into the stator valve faces, a rotor rotatably coupled to the stator and including a number of apertures opening into the rotor valve faces, and a self-regulating clearance-type valve seal positioned between the valve faces of the stator and rotor so as to regulate the rate of gas flow between the stator and the rotor. Each valve seal includes a sealing face disposed adjacent a respective one of the rotor valve faces and is pivotable relative to the respective rotor valve face for varying the gas flow rate in accordance with the clearance distance between the sealing face and the respective rotor valve face. Each valve seal also includes a passage which communicates with one of the function compartments for varying the clearance distance in response to a pressure differential between the passage and an approaching aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: QuestAir Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bowie G. Keefer, Christopher McLean, Les Jeziorowski, Kevin A. Kaupert, Marie-Claude Taponat, Christopher Stoner
  • Patent number: 6533243
    Abstract: A simple and inexpensive self-closing spring-loaded ball valve assembly that can be latched in the valve open position and consequentially triggered to automatically close and shut off the flow of fluid therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Inventors: Wallace Maurice Sumner, Carlis Louis Shumake, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6283448
    Abstract: An offset butterfly valve with a valve body, air flow conduit extending there through, and an offset rotatably mounted valve plate. The air flow conduit has with no interruptions to impede air flow there through. Cross sections along any location of the conduit are essentially round and of equal diameter while the valve plate is the shape of an oblique cross section of the conduit and rotatably mounted therein. The valve plate axis of rotation is offset with respect to the center of the valve plate and further offset with respect to a center of the conduit. Rotation of the valve plate within the conduit is accomplished by providing two opposing indentations on the interior of the conduit which accommodate the maximum diameter dimension of the valve plate when the valve plate is rotated to an open position. The indentations do not interrupt air flow through the conduit or the sealing of the valve plate periphery which may be easily machined to seal with a sealing surface of the interior of the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: Daniel Webster Denton
  • Patent number: 6276660
    Abstract: A pair of rotary pistons each have a drive shaft connectable therewith through respective one-way mechanisms. Each of the clutch mechanisms has a wrapped spring member surrounding the shaft and a linearly moveable piston to effect an operative connection between the wrapped spring and the shaft. Each linearly moveable piston controls fluid flow to one of the rotary pistons such that the linearly moveable piston will enforce actuation of the wrapped spring prior to the introduction of fluid pressure at the respective rotary piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Scott Henry Wittkopp
  • Patent number: 6267352
    Abstract: An electronic throttle control system having a housing 22 with a motor 40, throttle valve 60, gear mechanism 100, and failsafe mechanism 130. A main spring member 150 positioned between the housing 22 and a gear mechanism 104, which in turn is attached to the throttle valve shaft 62, biases the throttle plate 60 towards the closed position. A spring-biased gear backlash sector gear mechanism 130 biases the throttle plate 60 from its closed position to a default or “limp-home” position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Warner Semeyn, Jr., Edward Albert Bos
  • Patent number: 6263898
    Abstract: A throttle shaft assembly includes throttle shaft with a cam and shaft portion the shaft portion configured to be inserted in the throttle body, a throttle return spring that is coiled around the throttle shaft with two ends one end engaged to the cam portion and the other end engaged to a spring support on the throttle body, and a throttle spring cover that substantially surrounds the throttle return spring and is slideably mounted on the throttle shaft. The throttle return spring can be preloaded and restrained at both ends on the throttle shaft assembly thus preventing the preload from being released as the throttle shaft assembly is inserted into the throttle body. One end of the spring can be released to engage a portion of the throttle body thus reducing a portion of the preload. The cover had several flexible fingers that engage a groove in the throttle shaft and prevent the cover from sliding off thus exposing the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Siemens Canada Limited
    Inventors: James Vanderveen, Paul D. Daly, Rosario Di Ponio
  • Patent number: 5996551
    Abstract: A spring assembly in a throttle valve connection for control of combustion air to an internal combustion engine, in which a rotor is movable in opposite directions to control flow of combustion air. The spring assembly has a coil spring with first and second legs at respective opposite ends engaging housing and rotor parts. The housing and rotor parts are provided with respective oblique surfaces engaging one of the legs of the spring when the spring is relaxed to resist relative rotation of the housing and rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Pierburg AG
    Inventor: Thomas Schroder
  • Patent number: 5983940
    Abstract: There is provided a low profile valve assembly for controlling flow of air and the like. The valve assembly includes a housing defining inlet and outlet ports and a valve operator located within the housing. The operator includes a body portion seated in the housing with an axis of rotation and defining an internal passage with inlet and outlet ends. An actuator rotates the body portion a first predetermined distance to a fill position to allow flow through the internal passage and a second predetermined distance opposite the first direction to a vent position to allow flow to vent from the valve assembly through the outlet end. A spring extends from the valve operator adjacent the body portion between the axis of rotation and the valve housing. The spring extends partially about the axis of rotation to bias the body portion to an off position to substantially prohibit flow through the valve operator when the body portion is not being actuated to the fill and vent positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: National Seating Company
    Inventor: Rodney F. Smith
  • Patent number: 5809780
    Abstract: A hydraulic control valve has a two position body shifted by rotation. The shaft of the valve body carries a drive wheel segment extending through an arc that corresponds to the shift angle of the valve. A spring is provided to bias, at least in the final stage of rotation in either direction, the wheel segment in the opposite direction of rotation. This enables the valve body to be positioned into the other position in a reliable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Applied Power Inc.
    Inventors: Leendert Willem C. de Jong, Arjan Peter van Heiningen, Willem Herman Masseling
  • Patent number: 5762044
    Abstract: A throttle valve for an air intake manifold of an internal combustion engine has a throttle barrel attached to the intake manifold, a valve plate rotatably mounted on a shaft therein, and a barrel outer half bushing integral with the throttle barrel. Connected to the shaft outside the throttle barrel is a throttle cam having an inner spring bushing integrally attached thereto and concentric with the shaft, as well as a cam outer half bushing, also integrally attached to the throttle cam and coaxially aligned with the barrel outer half bushing and which combines therewith to form an outer bushing. An outer return spring is mounted around an outer surface of the outer bushing with a first end positioned on a land stationary relative to the barrel and a second end mounted to a spring hook on the throttle cam. An inner return spring is mounted between the inner bushing and the outer bushing, likewise with a first inner spring end positioned in the slit and a second inner spring end mounted to the spring hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: David B. Hollister, David E. Lightfoot, Thomas D. Wernholm, Catherine A. Gandolfo
  • Patent number: 5738276
    Abstract: In the case of a valve having a closing member and having a switching element which moves the closing member into the opening direction when a given temperature is reached, it is provided that the closing member can be moved in the opening direction against the effect of a spring which is independent of the function of the switching element and therefore serves as a relief valve which can be adjusted to a desired excess pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: Behr-Thomson Dehnstoffregler GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Roland Saur
  • Patent number: 5685521
    Abstract: A throttle drum with a first return spring disposed therearound is rotatably mounted on a throttle shaft, and a cruise control drum with a second return spring disposed therearound is rotatably disposed around the throttle drum. The throttle drum and the cruise control drum are arranged in a radially double-walled structure around the throttle shaft, which may be of a relatively short axial length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Hadsys, Inc.
    Inventors: Akira Yoshida, Hisashi Hikichi
  • Patent number: 5634625
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve closing device that is located within the flow passageway closed by the valve. The valve closure device includes a force member for imparting a closing force on a valve disk adjacent to the portion of the disk that contacts a valve seat. The force member is preferably a lever or fulcrum arm having an abutment extension at one end for directly contacting an edge of the valve disk. The opposite end of the lever preferably includes a weight for urging the disk into a closed position and for imparting a closing force upon the disk. The force member is mounted for movement relative to the valve disk and for movement with the valve disk as the valve disk rotates between an open and closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Assignee: Rose Controls Corporation
    Inventor: Louis D. Bruno
  • Patent number: 5303868
    Abstract: A nozzle structure arranged for mounting to a garden hose and the like is provided, wherein an L-shaped nozzle structure having a trigger mounted within the nozzle is provided to impart selective fluid flow through an associated outlet conduit. The trigger member is arranged for sliding and reciprocation in a parallel orientation relative to the outlet conduit structure of the invention, and wherein a lock member is arranged to secure the trigger member in operative orientation, and wherein the trigger member is operative to effect manipulation of a rotary valve to direct fluid flow from a first conduit to a second conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Inventor: John E. Kroll
  • Patent number: 4938453
    Abstract: A spring-loaded ball valve for controlling the flow of fluid therethrough. The ball valve includes a housing having a longitudinal conduit extending completely therethrough along its longitudinal axis for allowing fluid to flow therethrough. A ball headed member is positioned within the longitudinal conduit and includes an aperture extending completely through the ball headed member for controlling the flow of fluid through the longitudinal conduit. A stem portion is connected to the ball headed member and is coupled to a handle member for moving the ball headed member between an open position wherein the ball headed member aperture is generally aligned with the longitudinal conduit for allowing fluid to flow therethrough and a closed position wherein the ball headed member aperture is not aligned with the longitudinal conduit for preventing fluid from flowing therethrough. The handle member extends outwardly from the stem portion toward a first lateral side of the longitudinal conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Inventor: Joseph N. G. Blanchard
  • Patent number: 4817658
    Abstract: A valve actuator (A, B) for automatic actuation of a rotary valve mechanism (V, V') in response to a specific exigency, such as fire. The actuator includes a housing (13) affixed in relation to the valve, having a spiral torsion spring (11, 11'). A spring coupling (20) is connected to the spring for being rotatably driven for actuation thereby of the valve mechanism (41, 61) when released. An arm (6) having a camming surface (32') operatively prevents rotation of the coupling until released. A releasable link (L) secures the arm against releasing movement. The coupling is operatively connected to a shaft (40) of the valve mechanism and mating elements (26, 27) carried by the coupling and the housing respectively lockingly interengage the coupling and housing upon actuation such that the valve mechanism is precluded from rotating in a direction contrary to the actuation direction upon actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: Essex Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry L. Lyons