Bodies Patents (Class 251/366)
  • Patent number: 6969043
    Abstract: A substantially cylindrical annular space is formed by an outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical portion and a substantially flat surface portion of a substantially bottomed cylindrical sleeve, an inner circumferential surface of a case member, and a substantially flat surface portion of a bracket plate, a seal member being provided in this annular space. Thus, the simplification of the construction, and the miniaturization and the reduction of the weight is realized while a sealing performance between the inside and outside of the main body is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: NOK Corporation
    Inventors: Ichiro Hirata, Norio Uemura, Yoshinari Kasagi, Tadashi Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 6942194
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gate valve with a housing, having an inlet and an outlet, between which a flow area is arranged, with a sealing insert in the flow area and a sliding element cooperating with a contact area of the sealing insert in the closed state. In a gate valve of this kind, the function must be improved. For this purpose, the sealing insert has a rigid body, which is permanently connected with at least one additional area with a lower rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Danfoss Esco AS
    Inventors: Roar Gravningen, Joern Syvertsen, Anders Nygaard, Hege Lill Birkeland, Helge Hjallen
  • Patent number: 6935365
    Abstract: A rotary slide for medium-carrying pipelines is proposed, comprising a housing (1) capable of being installed between two pipeline ends and having a stop member (9) for shutting off the pipeline and having an actuating device (8) for actuating the stop member, the housing possessing a first reception region (4) for receiving the stop member in the closed position of the rotary slide, a second reception region (5) for receiving the stop member in the open position of the rotary slide and a drive region (3) for receiving the actuating device, and the drive region (3) being arranged in the housing (1) separately from the first and the second reception region (4, 5). The rotary slide is distinguished by a compact and corrosion-resistant form of construction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Georg Fischer Wavin AG
    Inventors: Bernd Schuster, Bernd Schwarz, Rufold Nikles
  • Patent number: 6929246
    Abstract: A fluid expansion valve with a main body and a method of its use. The main body has an internal fluid passage and an outlet connector. The outlet connector is suitable for delivering the expanded fluid and for connecting with a socket. The internal profile of the socket is suited for connection with the external profile of the outlet connect. The outlet connect has three connention sections of varying external diameters. The valve may be used to introduce a pressurized gas to a liquid or a beverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Société Anonyme à Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude
    Inventors: Marco Arzenton, Etienne Gounot
  • Patent number: 6892759
    Abstract: A valve has a valve housing having a flow path for a medium with at least one bore. At least one screen is arranged in the flow path of the medium in the valve housing. The screen is a perforated plate having screen openings and is made of a strap. The valve housing has at least one annular channel and the screen is arranged on a support surface provided in the annular channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Hydraulik-Ring GmbH
    Inventors: Marius Cornea, Lorenz Lippert, Bernd Weigand, Andreas Knecht
  • Publication number: 20040262565
    Abstract: The flow regulating device has a shape preservation member which surrounding the environment of a flow conduit and restricts the amount of heat deformation of a housing in the housing. The shape preservation member is made from a material whose amount of heat deformation is lower than that of the housing. Furthermore, the shape preservation member includes a first metal plate member positioned on one side of the flow conduit, a second metal plate member positioned on the other side of the flow conduit, a spacer which maintains a constant interval between the first and second plate members, and bolts which fix together the first and second plate members via the spacer. In this flow regulating device, while maintaining excellent chemical resistance by making a housing from resin, accurate flow amount regulation over a wide temperature range can be performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: Surpass Industry, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroki Igarashi
  • Publication number: 20040159816
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a housing of a valve connection piece and to a valve connection piece. The housing includes a throughflow opening wherein a valve is pivotably arranged around a pivoting axis extending in a perpendicular position with respect to the longitudinal extension of the throughflow opening. When in a closed position, the valve rests with the radially peripheral edge thereof in a beginning area of the valve on the inner wall of the throughflow opening. The beginning area of the valve extends from the resting area of the butterfly valve on the inner wall of the throughflow opening in the direction which the valve flap opens and has a circular cross section which is offset along the pivoted longitudinal axis of the throughflow opening. The inflow and outflow areas which are adjacent to the beginning area of the valve on the inflow and outflow side spread outwards in a conical manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: SIEMENS AG
    Inventor: Joachim von Willich
  • Publication number: 20040056226
    Abstract: A pressure control valve for an automatic transmission of a motor vehicle includes a valve unit (10) extruded from plastic, which is disposed coaxially to an actuator unit and serves for control of a fluid flow between a supply port (18) and a consumer port (16) and in which fluid channels (24, 26) and a valve chamber (30) are formed, in which a valve closing member is arranged. The fluid channels (24, 26) and the valve chamber (30) are formed on an injection-molded preform (22), which is injected into a flange (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Ralf Assmann
  • Patent number: 6637455
    Abstract: A method for the production of a stop valve for pipes, with a housing which consists of plastic, has two pipe connectors and in which a blocking element, which can be adjusted by an actuation unit between a flow position and a blocking position, is mounted at least by means of bearing rings and seals. This method includes injecting plastic around the inner part, which comprises the blocking element as well as the bearing and sealing rings, in the pre-assembled state with the use of an adhesion means to form the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Figa-Hybrid AG
    Inventor: Michael W. Tappe
  • Patent number: 6622696
    Abstract: A rotary throttle valve having a first cylindrical bore for flow of air between an inlet and an outlet and a second cylindrical bore orthogonal to the first bore and being substantially the same diameter as the first bore. A flow modulator rotatably disposed in the second bore has first and second cylindrical portions disposed respectively on opposite sides of the first bore and separated by a central plate such that when the modulator is rotated to place the plate transverse to the first bore, the edges of the plate are fully engaged with the wall of the second bore and the valve is closed. As the modulator is rotated from the closed position to open the valve, the edges of the plate become progressively less engaged with the wall of the second bore, the edge of the open area following the juncture lines of the first and second bores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald G. Witzel, David M. Evans
  • Patent number: 6585230
    Abstract: An integrated pressure management system manages pressure and detects leaks in a fuel system. The integrated pressure management system also performs a leak diagnostic for the headspace in a fuel tank, a canister that collects volatile fuel vapors from the headspace, a purge valve, and all associated hoses and connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Siemens Canada Limited
    Inventor: Paul D. Perry
  • Patent number: 6578605
    Abstract: A modular valve assembly of this invention includes individual valve units and components, which can be selectively combined to form an integrated multi-port, multi-way valve assembly that is operated by a single common linear actuator is disclosed. The modular design of this invention is facilitated by the construction of valve housings and valve components of the individual valve units and assemblies of common plumbing pipes and fittings, such as, tee joints, threaded couplings, bushings and reducers. A single linear actuator, such as a conventional solenoid or piston cylinder mounted to the end of the valve housing, reciprocates an elongated shaft running axially through the valve interior to move various valve discs into and out of engagement with various internal valve seats, thereby controlling the valve assembly operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Dekker Vacuum Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert L. Cooper, Robert G. Schultz
  • Patent number: 6539971
    Abstract: A technique of assembling a solenoid operated valve to a hydraulic manifold in which the manifold has provided thereon undercut stanchions disposed on opposite sides of a cavity communicating with fluid valving passages. A U-shaped bracket with a central aperture is received over the solenoid and a first pair of tabs which engage lugs disposed respectively on opposite sides of the valve body function to prevent relative rotation between the bracket and valve. The bracket has a pair of oppositely extending resiliently deflectable spring arms each having a pair of second tabs thereon; and, the spring arms are deflected on the stanchions upon user insertion of the valve body into the cavity. The spring arms resiliently engage the undercuts to prevent removal of the valve, and the second tabs engage the sides of the stanchions to prevent relative rotation of the bracket and valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Jorge A. Moreno, Charles Chang
  • Publication number: 20030010954
    Abstract: A valve body includes a connecting ring at a top thereof, a first sectorial tube at a bottom thereof, a first connecting tube connected with the sectorial tube, a second sectorial tube connected with one side of the valve body, and a second connecting tube connected with the second sectorial tube, wherein the connecting ring, the first sectorial tube, the first connecting tube, the second sectorial tube and the second connecting tube are integrally formed with the valve body so that number of component parts can be largely reduced and manufacturing process is simplified and furthermore, no welding operation is required and the valve body will not leak or deform subject to heat evolved during welding operation, and moreover, as the number of the component parts are reduced, management becomes easier, thereby facilitating the manufacturing process and lowering the cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Ming Tien Wu
  • Patent number: 6505811
    Abstract: A fluid control valve assembly including a microvalve for controlling fluid flow in a fluid circuit having a relatively high fluid pressure requirement, such as vehicular brake system, is fixed to an associated fluid distributing substrate with a high-pressure fluid connection. The fluid distributing substrate is provided with fluid passages adapted for connection to a fluid source to provide communication between the fluid source and the microvalve device. The connection between the microvalve and the fluid distributing substrate may include metallic connections forming electrical current paths between the microvalve and the substrate; solder joints forming part of the pressure boundary of the high-pressure fluid connection; underfill formed of elastomeric or other adhesive; and bonding between the substrate and the microvalves in only selected portions of the surface of the microvalve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventors: Richard J. Barron, Anil K. Kollipara, Edward Nelson Fuller
  • Patent number: 6435473
    Abstract: A butterfly body provided with a valve body having a through duct, a butterfly valve moving on command within the through duct in order to regulate the flow of fluid through this through duct and a device for moving the butterfly valve mechanically coupled to this butterfly valve in order to be able to vary, on command, the position of the latter within the duct, so as to control the flow of air flowing through the through duct, the valve body being made entirely from plastic and having, embedded within it, a bushing of metal, within which the electrical actuator controlling the displacements of the butterfly valve is adapted to be housed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Magneti Marelli S.p.A.
    Inventors: Carlo Dall'Osso, Giuseppe Gamberini, Mengoli Mauro
  • Patent number: 6431521
    Abstract: The present invention is a directed to a main steam relief valve for use in a nuclear power plant. The valve disc includes a cylindrical first end of uniform external and internal circumference, a conical opposite end, an external surface, and an internal surface. The cylindrical first end preferably includes a plurality of groves on the external surface to prevent rotation of the disc. The conical portion is highly polished on the external surface to prevent the formation of cracks and is adapted to receive a push-rod on the internal surface and a valve seat on the external surface. The valve disc is constructed of approximately of 90% or greater silicon carbide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: Claude Ray Jones
  • Publication number: 20020100892
    Abstract: In a throttle body, a cylindrical body member is made of resin, and a core is made of a material different from the body member and insert molded in the body member. A notch is provided on an outer surface of the body in a peripheral direction, in a proximity of the core. The body member is readily split at the notch when external force is applied to the body member during a dismantling. Therefore, the core is readily removed from the body member. Alternatively, the body member can be constructed of a first body having a hook and a second body having a hook-receiving portion. Both the first and second bodies are connected to each other through the hook and the hook-receiving portion, and the core is held between both the first and second bodies. Thus, the core is readily removed from the body by unhooking the hook.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventor: Yutaka Kawai
  • Patent number: 6422259
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for simultaneously setting the stroke and biasing force of a valve assembly, the apparatus utilizes a securement member which individually sets the biasing force of a valve assembly. The stop assembly allows a stop member, for setting the stroke of the valve assembly, and a securement member, for setting the biasing force of the valve assembly, to be secured simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Alejandro Moreno
  • Publication number: 20020074040
    Abstract: A butterfly valve is provided with a seat/liner which is injection-molded directly against the valve body. The seat/liner includes a passive lubricant which is preferably silicone. The seat/liner preferably covers substantially all of the valve body conduit surface, preventing any contact of fluid flow with the valve body. Preferably the seat/lining bonds directly to the valve body without the need for an adhesive material or layer. In one aspect, the seat/liner includes a lip portion extending radially outward, e.g., at the attachment faces of the valve body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Philip R. Schwarz
  • Patent number: 6394417
    Abstract: A sanitary diaphragm valve is provided that includes a generally dome shaped diaphragm having a central boss that can be connected to or driven by a valve actuator. The diaphragm includes an outer peripheral edge and a relatively thin web portion that connects the boss to the outer edge. In one embodiment, the web portion is arcuate or dome shaped. The thinner web portion permits the diaphragm to have an extended cycle life and to permit the valve to operate at higher fluid pressures. The thin web may be defined by two different contoured surfaces, one convex and the other concave, such as formed by two radiuses. A valve body is provided that includes a bowl shaped valve cavity. This valve cavity includes an outer vertical edge to permit more thorough cleaning and to eliminate entrapment areas. The valve assembly provides support surfaces for the diaphragm that reduces stress on the diaphragm particularly at higher operating pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Swagelok Co.
    Inventors: Ronnie A. Browne, David C. Kerg
  • Patent number: 6371444
    Abstract: A multi-shot, injection molded valve has at least two independent elements which are rotatably and non-detachably connected together. The valve includes a stationary housing and a pitcock rotatably mounted therein. The stationary housing is molded in a first shot with at least one inlet projecting from one side of the housing and at least one outlet projecting from another side of the housing. The housing has a substantially cylindrical upper portion defining a first bearing surface, and a substantially cylindrical lower portion defining a second bearing surface, the upper and lower portions being divided by a substantially cylindrical rib. The pitcock is molded in a second shot with an external grip portion, an upper cylindrical segment beneath the grip portion and a lower cylindrical segment separated from the upper cylindrical segment by a substantially cylindrical undercut which is engageable with the rib on the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: MGS Mfg. Group, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Hahn, Dennis J. Payette
  • Patent number: 6349739
    Abstract: A method of reducing metallic debris in a multi-component metallic housing for a fluid comprises the initial step of providing a first metallic component that includes a portion with a circular cross section and defines part of a fluid cavity when mated to a second component. A set of threads are machined on the circular portion and includes full threads separated by a beginning partial thread and an ending partial thread. Next, a substantial portion of at least one of the beginning partial thread or the ending partial thread is removed. The removal step could be performed either before or after the threads are actually cut into the first metallic component. The present invention finds one potential application in the manufacture of fuel injector components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Burgoni, Jeffery J. Grobe, Gerald A. Horrie, John E. Myers, Larry B. Sams
  • Patent number: 6273119
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an exhaust control valve includes casting first and second subhousings as separate pieces and machining smooth the inner faces of both. Each subhousing has a stem portion and a flow portion. Each flow portion defines a cylindrical bore from which a seat arc extends radially inward and approximately 180° along. The seat arc of the first subhousing lies below, and the seat arc of the second subhousing lies above, a horizontal plane that bisects the subhousings. Each seat arc has a semicircular inner sidewall that serves as a valve seat. Their inner faces facing each other, the two subhousings are mated so that their two stem portions form a stem housing and their two flow portions form a flow housing. During the mating step, the cylindrical bores are aligned to form a flow passage through the flow housing, with the two valve seats spaced equidistantly from a vertical plane defined by the inner faces along which the subhousings mate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Ralph Foster, Kenneth A. Smith
  • Patent number: 6123320
    Abstract: A sanitary diaphragm valve is provided that includes a generally dome shaped diaphragm having a central boss that can be connected to or driven by a valve actuator. The diaphragm includes an outer peripheral edge and a relatively thin web portion that connects the boss to the outer edge. In one embodiment, the web portion is arcuate or dome shaped. The thinner web portion permits the diaphragm to have an extended cycle life and to permit the valve to operate at higher fluid pressures. The thin web may be defined by two different contoured surfaces, one convex and the other concave, such as formed by two radiuses. A valve body is provided that includes a bowl shaped valve cavity. This valve cavity includes an outer vertical edge to permit more thorough cleaning and to eliminate entrapment areas. The valve assembly provides support surfaces for the diaphragm that reduces stress on the diaphragm particularly at higher operating pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Swagelok Co.
    Inventors: Victor N. Rasanow, Robert V. Perusek, Peter C. Williams
  • Patent number: 6073647
    Abstract: A valve assembly 20 includes a housing 22, a stem 24, 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. Also form components of the valve assembly 30. The rotatable disk 36, the coupler 34 and a drive bar 90 of the stem 24 are assembled and are located 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. A pair of ears 148 and 150 extend radially from a side 144 on diametrically opposite sides of the fixed disk 38. The ear 148 is located symmetrically about a centerline which passes through both ears 148 and 150. The ear 150 is wider than the ear 148, and includes a portion which is offset from the centerline. The bore 52 is formed with a pair of slots 70 and 72, which are complementary to the ears 148 and 150, respectively, for receipt of the fixed disk 38.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Emhart Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Cook, Raymond T. Engelhardt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6065483
    Abstract: In a resin-made throttle body for controlling air flow rate in an air intake passage, orientation of resinous material of a wall of the throttle body surrounding the valve member has a step portion for controlling orientation of fiber-including resinous material. As a result, the inner periphery of the wall can expand or contract evenly as the valve member expands or contracts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Kunio Tanaka, Akihiro Honda
  • Patent number: 6058965
    Abstract: A flow-control valve has an outer housing assembly including an outer housing member, a tube fixed to the member and having an inner end remote from the member, and an end collar of high-alloy steel welded on the tube end. An inner housing member is formed of nonferrous metal with an inlet port and an outlet port and a valve seat between the ports. The end collar is seated in the inner housing member and a valve stem has an outer end at the outer housing member and an inner end projecting into the inner housing member and guided in the end collar, extending through the tube between the members, and carrying a valve body sealingly engageable with the seat. A connecting sleeve engaged around and fitted snugly to the end collar and inner member has an outer ring of high-alloy steel welded to the end collar and an inner ring of nonferrous metal, fixed integrally to the outer ring, and welded to the inner member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Flowserve Essen GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Kujawaski, Peter Erich, Jean-Claude Zapata
  • Patent number: 5911407
    Abstract: In the case of cast housing bodies with highly stressed regions of the housing, and in particular in the case of housings for valves with control pistons, the regions of the housings subjected to high stresses are developed as independent parts from a material which withstands the stressing and forms a cast unit together with the housing body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Mannesmann Rexroth AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Lukasczyk, Karl Rub
  • Patent number: 5911400
    Abstract: A solenoid valve has a solenoid including a push rod. The solenoid has a central axis along which the push rod is displaceable. A valve member with a piston is provided, and the valve member and solenoid are enclosed in a casing. The solenoid and the valve member are connected to one another before being mounted in the casing such that the solenoid and the valve member are movable relative to one another in a direction perpendicular to the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Hydraulik-Ring Antriebs-und Steuerungstechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Niethammer, Andreas Knecht
  • Patent number: 5904618
    Abstract: A flap-type pressure relief valve particularly intended for relieving overpressure conditions in a vehicle passenger compartment includes a frame having an integral peripheral sealing gasket that is formed on the frame by being injection molded directly thereto. The frame is molded from a relatively rigid plastic and the gasket is molded from a plastic that is significantly more resilient and flexible but selected to permanently bond to the plastic of the frame when brought into contact therewith under injection molding conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Lewis
  • Patent number: 5899378
    Abstract: A plastic housing is proposed comprising a upper part, a bottom part and a control element to be disposed between the two parts, in particular a wax thermostat (10) for controlling the temperature of the intake air of a mixture-compressing internal combustion engine. The position of the control element is adjusted on assembly. This adjustment is carried out in that the control element is positioned by welding the housing bottom part (13) and the housing upper part (14) of the plastic housing (19) in the correct axial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Filterwerk Mann & Hummel GmbH
    Inventors: Rudi Hainle, Arthur Klotz, Rudolf Leipelt
  • Patent number: 5896884
    Abstract: A modular valve structure comprising a fluid conducting valve part and a drive part is characterized in that the fluid conducting valve part comprises a main body (10) with an inlet (10a) and an outlet (10b) and furthermore a uniform connection interface (12), at which both an inlet duct (10a') extending from the inlet (10a) and also an outlet duct (10b') leading to the outlet (10b) and separated from the inlet (10a) by a rib (24) terminate, and in that one of several valve components (36, 50, 709 76, 76'), which are different but however possess a corresponding, uniformly designed connection side (120), may be freely selectively connected with the connection interface (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Burkert Werke GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Gerhard Hettinger
  • Patent number: 5829468
    Abstract: A valve device using pipe materials in which a fluid control mechanism is arranged and which comprises a valve device body (11) made of a metallic pipe material and having a tubular flange (21) integrally formed on the outer surface of the body so as to protrude therefrom, and a tubular member (12) for forming a flow passage, which is fitted and connected at the base end thereof to the top end of the tubular flange (21). The tubular flange (21) is formed so that the area of the opening at the base end thereof communicating with the flow passage within the valve device body is greater than the area of the opening at the top end of the tubular flange. The inner peripheral portion (21a) of the base end of the tubular flange (21) is formed with a smoothly curved surface, and the flow passage is formed along such a curved surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Hachihei Watanabe, Masatoshi Enoki, Katsuaki Nakamura, Tatsuo Matsukuma, Tsuguya Okubo, Akira Yubisui, Takayoshi Yanagida, Hiromi Katahira, Toshiyuki Iwao, Yuji Matsuo
  • Patent number: 5762319
    Abstract: A valve insert for a pressurized fluid container has a valve plate deep drawn from sheet metal, a valve body with a central tube that is molded around partial regions of the valve plate, a valve piston guided in the valve body and a valve spring attached to the valve body and acting on the valve piston. The valve plate has one end region with a bell-shaped edge shoulder connected to a flanged edge of the container, another end region with a flanged edge anchored to the central tube of the valve body and a middle region with a beading with a pitch running at least partially around it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventor: Volker Kopp
  • Patent number: 5687951
    Abstract: A new and improved drain valve for use with plastic fluid flow components, such as pipes, conduits, fittings, joints and the like is provided. The drain valves include a thermoplastic housing which is directly attached by welding or heat-fusion bonding to a plastic line component or is molded in during the molding step for making the line component. Valving members are assembled to the plastic housing to provide for selective drainage of the plastic line components as desired. The new and improved drain valves permit incorporation of drain valves into plastic conduits and fluid flow systems in a sealed and secure manner substantially in the absence of secondary sealing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: Georg Fischer Management AG
    Inventors: Michael Bamberger, Erasmao Porfido
  • Patent number: 5685164
    Abstract: A refrigerator unit provided with a control means comprising a plurality of valves, the control means comprising a unitary valve manifold made as a one piece casting having said valves operatively mounted thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: Carter Refrigeration Display Limited
    Inventor: Nicholas Alan Gardner
  • Patent number: 5685519
    Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed for metering exhaust gas to the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine. The valve assembly has a base which includes a passage communicating between the intake manifold and the exhaust manifold of the engine. The passage has a valve seat which is operable with a valve member to meter the flow of exhaust gas through the passage to the intake manifold. An actuator assembly is mounted to the base and is operably connected to the valve member to move the valve member into and out of engagement with the valve seat. The actuator assembly is constructed of an extruded housing having sides a bottom and support members extending from the bottom to position the actuator relative to the base. A stepped extension also extends from the bottom of the actuator housing and is press fit into an opening in the top of the base member to define a sealed passage for the valve stem between the base member and the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Raul Armando Bircann, Dwight Orman Palmer
  • Patent number: 5673724
    Abstract: A hot and cold water faucet having a concave base and hot and cold water outlets in the base which, following the concave curvature, are positioned forwardly of a rearwardly located inlet into the faucet, and thus the water connections from opposite directions to the faucet inlet converge at an angle rather than head-to-head and this contributes to better mixing into a luke warm temperature of the water flowing into the faucet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Inventor: Jack Abel
  • Patent number: 5593136
    Abstract: An improved rotor retainer housing for a rotatable rotor body of a gas flow rate regulator. A retainer housing having structural features equivalent to the essential corresponding features of a conventional metal part is formed of molded plastic. A thin metallic layer is provided on the exposed surfaces of the molded plastic part to enhance surface conditions for maintaining an effective seal between the retainer housing and associated parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: B&F Medical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: George D. Reed, Robert L. Weaver
  • Patent number: 5556075
    Abstract: High pressure valve having a valve cone (12) guided by a valve spindle (10) within a valve housing (1, 2), the sealing surface (13) of the valve cone engaging, in the closed position, an annular ridge (15) of hard metal constituting a valve seat, whereby the sealing surface (13) at least of the valve cone (12) is made of a soft metal, preferrably aluminum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: Gunter Weber
  • Patent number: 5551482
    Abstract: Disclosed is a direct drive servovalve having a molded plastic housing. A metal sleeve having a spool valve slidably disposed therein is placed within opposed cavities formed within opposite housing halves. The housing halves are brought together under pressure and an ultrasonic horn is activated. Energy directing beads formed on the housing halves as well as interfering surfaces about the periphery melt under a pressure and ultrasonic energy allowing the two housing halves to move toward each other and mate. Upon deactivation of the ultrasonic horn, the molten plastic material cools and forms a seal about flow ports in the metallic sleeve as well as a fusion bond about the periphery of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: HR Textron Inc.
    Inventors: Keith W. Dixon, Leah Markowitz
  • Patent number: 5542450
    Abstract: An apparatus for metering fluids is disclosed which comprises: a solid block having within the block a first fluid inlet; a filter assembly; a first fluid outlet; a first channel connecting the first fluid inlet to the filter assembly, and further connecting the filter assembly to the first fluid outlet; a second fluid inlet; a check valve assembly; a second fluid outlet; a second channel connecting the second fluid inlet to the check valve assembly, and further connecting the check valve assembly to the second fluid outlet; and a fluid meter connected between the first fluid outlet and the second fluid inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: The Lubrizol Corporation
    Inventors: Stanley C. King, Richard C. Knop, John E. Green, Thomas R. Gyde, L. William Silzle, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5520213
    Abstract: A plastic body, in particular a valve for use with aggressive fluids, includes a valve box having an inner body made of especially chemically highly resistant plastic material and provided with passageways for flow of fluid, and an outer body made of especially mechanically high-strength plastic material and supporting the inner body. The outer body is shaped to form simultaneously the valve casing which is provided with a suitable thread for attachment of a bonnet and conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Gebruder Muller Apparatebau GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Fritz Muller
  • Patent number: 5494259
    Abstract: A non-metallic faucet body has spaced hot and cold water hollow inlet shanks and a hollow body located generally centrally between the shanks. The hollow body is formed end adapted to mount a faucet control valve. There ere water conduits connecting the hollow inlet shanks and the hollow body. There is a reinforcing beam which supports the lower side of the conduits, with the beam extending between and being generally continuous from one shank to another. There are reinforcing elements for each of the shanks to resist shank failure from torque applied to the exterior thereof during installation of the faucet body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventor: Donald W. Peterson
  • Patent number: 5370354
    Abstract: A hermetic solenoid valve structure and method of forming the same wherein the valve housing includes two sections of thinly formed flexible material are hermetically joined to provide two chambers of selected volume in which a ported piston valve assembly including two separate, relatively moveable piston members is disposed with a solenoid assembly surrounding the valve assembly to control fluid flow through the assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Bernard L. Kunz
  • Patent number: 5341843
    Abstract: A plumbing and heating pipe system for water supply purposes, made either completely or mainly of plastic material, especially of polypropylene, said system being provided with metallic connecting sleeves as well as reducers for connecting the plastic pipes to fittings of metallic materials, and being provided with shut-off valves made of plastic material and having a plastic-encased metallic valve seat for mounting in pipe lines, and being provided with pressure-type screw connections for the pipes to be joined to each other and with reducers for connection to radiators, wherein a welding device having an arrangement for equalizing the lengths of the plastic pipes is used to weld parallel plastic pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1994
    Assignee: Rafeld Kunststofftechnik GmbH u. Co. KG.
    Inventor: Karl Rafeld
  • Patent number: 5323859
    Abstract: A subsurface safety valve has a valve seat and an upwardly closing flapper plate whose sealing surfaces each have a matched spherical radius of curvature. The sealing surface of the valve seat is a concave spherical segment and the sealing surface of the flapper plate is a convex spherical segment. The matching spherical surfaces are lapped together to provide a metal-to-metal seal along the interface between the nested convex and concave sealing surfaces. This permits angular displacement of the flapper plate relative to the valve seat without interrupting positive sealing engagement. The concave spherical seating surface of the safety valve seat will tolerate a limited amount of misalignment of the flapper plate which sometimes occurs during operation of the safety valve under high flow rate, high differential pressure conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Halliburton Company
    Inventors: Roddie R. Smith, Craig D. Hines, Rennie L. Dickson
  • Patent number: 5287880
    Abstract: A three-way wet barrel fire hydrant includes an enlarged intermediate barrel section, which effectively reduces pressure loss in the fire hydrant. The hydrant barrel is formed by an improved sand molding process which requires the mold parting line of the barrel to be selected to coincide with the centerline of the upper nozzle opening. In this manner, a pattern which forms the sand mold may be removed cleanly from the molding sand, thereby eliminating the need of multiple side cores during the casting process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Mueller Co.
    Inventors: Gary Bouc, Timothy Logman, Carl E. Floren, Al Seitz
  • Patent number: 5286001
    Abstract: A plumbing and heating pipe system for water supply purposes, made either completely or mainly of plastic material, especially of polypropylene, said system being provided with metallic connecting sleeves as well as reducers for connecting the plastic pipes to fittings of metallic materials, and being provided with shut-off valves made of plastic material and having a plastic-encased metallic valve seat for mounting in pipe lines, and being provided with pressure-type screw connections for the pipes to be joined to each other and with reducers for connection to radiators, wherein a welding device having an arrangement for equalizing the lengths of the plastic pipes is used to weld parallel plastic pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: Karl Rafeld KG Spritzgusswerk, Elektronik und Formenbau
    Inventor: Karl Rafeld