Diaphragm Or Bellows Surface Patents (Class 251/45)
  • Patent number: 11255448
    Abstract: A valve is equipped with a displacement amount regulating mechanism (for example, flow rate control device). An abutment member of the displacement amount regulating mechanism protrudes inside a pilot chamber and faces an upper end surface of a valve main body portion of a valve element. When the valve element (the valve main body portion) is separated from a valve seat to bring the valve into an open state, the abutment member is brought into abutment on the upper end surface of the valve main body portion. This abutment regulates the displacement of the valve element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: SMC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hisashi Komatsuzaki, Hisataka Kato, Motohiro Soutome
  • Patent number: 9448413
    Abstract: A wearable stereoscopic viewer having a frame with slots to position laterally movable left and right viewpoint optics to enable independent adjustment of the optics to the user's visual requirements, each optic having a lens and an occluding element, the left occluder configured to prevent the right image from being seen with the left lens, the right occluder configured to prevent the left image from being seen with the right lens, so that the left eye of the user sees only the left image, and the right eye of the user sees only the right image, respectively; the optics being secured into the slots with a nosepiece configured to be attachable to and releasable from the frame, to permit the optics to be removable and replaceable with optional types of optics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Charles Wesley Jones, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9400507
    Abstract: A fluid regulating device includes a regulator valve having a valve body defining an inlet and an outlet and a valve port disposed between the inlet and the outlet. A housing assembly is disposed adjacent the valve port, and the housing assembly includes a first aperture adapted to receive a valve disc. A balancing diaphragm is secured to a portion of the valve disc and a portion of the housing assembly, and a portion of a balancing cavity is defined by a top surface of the balancing diaphragm and an interior surface of the housing assembly. A sensing passage extends from the inlet of the regulator valve to the balancing cavity such that the inlet of the regulator valve is in fluid communication with the balancing cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: EMERSON PROCESS MANAGEMENT REGULATOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Jason S. Mevius, Biao Zhou
  • Patent number: 8740175
    Abstract: A filling channel opening and closing device, which is used in a liquid product filling apparatus, including an opening and closing control unit that includes a flexible tube and a chamber enclosing the flexible tube in a gastight manner, a gas supply and exhaust device that collapses and restores the flexible tube by supplying pressurized gas into the chamber and exhausting the gas from the chamber, and a control device that controls the timing of supply and exhaust of the gas of the gas supply and exhaust device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Toyo Jidoki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Kawamura, Namiyoshi Tanaka, Hideo Muranaka
  • Patent number: 8701779
    Abstract: The invention relates to a valve device that is used in oil and gas wells. The valve device has an external housing (1), where at least one inlet (4) in the housing (1) is connected to an outlet (5) through a longitudinal bore in the housing longitudinal direction. Between the valve device's inlet and outlet there is mounted a valve seat (2) in the bore, where a valve body (3) shuts off the connection between the inlet and outlet. The valve body's position is controlled by a support (20), connected with a pressure-sensitive bellows device (6) comprising an upper and a lower bellows element (7, 71). When the lower bellows element is compressed in the valve device's axial direction, the compression will cause the two bellows elements'impact elements to be moved relative each other in order to lift the valve body out of abutment with the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Petroleum Technology Company AS
    Inventors: Erling Kleppa, Øyvind Stokka, Ole Sevheim
  • Patent number: 8596606
    Abstract: An automate fluid flow control system includes a relief valve for being sealedly disposed within a fluid chamber in an immovable manner to seal a flow of fluid flowing from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet, and an actuator. The relief valve has a fluid passage for controlling a flow rate of the fluid passing from the fluid chamber to the fluid outlet, and a valve stopper sealedly closing the fluid passage for controlling the fluid flowing from the fluid chamber to the fluid outlet, wherein the valve stopper is driven to move between a closed position that the valve stopper is sealedly retained to close the fluid passage for blocking said fluid passing to the fluid outlet, and an opened position that the valve stopper is moved to unseal the fluid passage for allowing the fluid passing to the fluid outlet through the fluid passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventor: Jorge Maercovich
  • Patent number: 8464998
    Abstract: An automate fluid flow control system includes a valve member for being sealedly disposed within a fluid chamber to seal a flow of fluid flowing from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet, a relief valve having a fluid passage extended along the valve member for communicating the fluid chamber with the fluid outlet and including a valve stopper sitting on a top opening of the fluid passage to sealedly close the fluid passage, and a powering assembly including an actuator to move the relief valve between a closed position that the valve stopper is sealedly retained to close the fluid passage and an opened position that the actuator drives the valve stopper to unseal the fluid passage for releasing a pressure within the fluid chamber to allow the fluid passing to the fluid outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Advanced Modern Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Jorge Maercovich
  • Patent number: 8132589
    Abstract: The invention concerns a regulating valve for the discharge of liquid from a container comprising a movable main valve body for opening and closing an outlet opening for the liquid to be discharged, and a movable pilot valve body for controlling the main valve body, characterized in that the main valve body and the pilot valve body are mechanically coupled together at least in one position relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Gestra AG
    Inventors: Bernhard Kruhsel, Gunter Herbold
  • Patent number: 7726328
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the intra-abdominal pressure of a hospitalized patient includes a urinary catheter connected to a urine valve providing selectable communication between a discharge end of the urinary catheter and either a drain or a fluid source. Preferably, the urine valve is adapted for remote actuation and has a housing adapted to resist patient discomfort from leg-valve contact. Plumbing structure desirably maintains fluid supply and drain conduits in a substantially parallel arrangement to assist routing those conduits between a patient's legs. When the urine valve is oriented to permit communication with the fluid source, an infusion pump may be used to infuse a known quantity of fluid through the urine valve and into the patient's bladder. A pressure transducer desirably is connected in-circuit to indicate the fluid's pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Wolfe Tory Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Christensen, Timothy R. Wolfe, Perry W. Croll, Marshall T. Denton, Edward J. Kimball
  • Patent number: 7694934
    Abstract: A diaphragm valve is disclosed that is adapted to reduce debris in the flow paths, reduce the water hammer effect, reduce the energy lost during flow, and/or improve bleed operation. The diaphragm valve includes at least two seals that are configured to permit multi-stage sealing of an opening in a diaphragm valve seat. The initial sealing stage blocks some but not all fluid flow through the opening, and the final sealing stage blocks fluid flow through the opening. The use of two sealing stages can reduce the water hammer effect by increasing the time over which sealing occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Rain Bird Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin M. Irwin
  • Patent number: 7644722
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the intra-abdominal pressure of a hospitalized patient includes a urinary catheter connected to a urine valve providing selectable communication between a discharge end of the urinary catheter and either a drain or a fluid source. Preferably, the urine valve is adapted for remote actuatation and has a housing adapted to resist patient discomfort from leg-valve contact. Plumbing structure desirably maintains fluid supply and drain conduits in a substantially parallel arrangement to assist routing those conduits between a patient's legs. When the urine valve is oriented to permit communication with the fluid source, an infusion pump may be used to infuse a known quantity of fluid through the urine valve and into the patient's bladder. A pressure transducer desirably is connected in-circuit to indicate the fluid's pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Wolfe Tory Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Christensen, Timothy R. Wolfe, Perry W. Croll, Marshall T. Denton, Edward J. Kimball
  • Publication number: 20080035220
    Abstract: There is provided a valve assembly with an inlet passage and an outlet passage in communication with a valve chamber, a diaphragm mounted at the valve chamber for movement between a closed position, substantially preventing the flow of fluid from the inlet passage to the outlet passage, and an opened position, defining a path of fluid flow between the inlet passage and the outlet passage, and a pressure chamber disposed in the valve chamber above the diaphragm for retaining fluid pressure to control the diaphragm position. The valve assembly provides improved support for the diaphragm at an outlet aperture from the pressure chamber, air bleed from the pressure chamber, and upstream shutoff.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Kevin M. Irwin, Kenneth J. Skripkar
  • Publication number: 20080029722
    Abstract: A diaphragm valve is disclosed that is adapted to reduce debris in the flow paths, reduce the water hammer effect, reduce the energy lost during flow, and/or improve bleed operation. The diaphragm valve includes at least two seals that are configured to permit multi-stage sealing of an opening in a diaphragm valve seat. The initial sealing stage blocks some but not all fluid flow through the opening, and the final sealing stage blocks fluid flow through the opening. The use of two sealing stages can reduce the water hammer effect by increasing the time over which sealing occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Applicant: RAIN BIRD CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kevin M. Irwin
  • Patent number: 7140590
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a pinch valve for replacing a diaphragm valve in a plumbing fixture. The plumbing fixture includes an inlet chamber defining a fluid inlet and in fluid communication with an inside chamber defining a fluid outlet. The pinch valve includes a cartridge member with a fluid inlet opening, a fluid outlet opening and a cartridge chamber defined by a cartridge chamber wall and in fluid communication with the fluid inlet opening and the fluid outlet opening. A flexible sealing member is positioned at least partially within the cartridge chamber and includes a wall with an inner surface defining an inner chamber and an outer surface defining an outer chamber between the outer surface of the flexible sealing member wall and the cartridge chamber wall. The inlet chamber of the plumbing fixture is in fluid communication with the inner chamber and the outer chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: I -CON Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Shawn D. Bush
  • Patent number: 7048003
    Abstract: A flow control and pressure reducing valve having a polygonic valve body with an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber partitioned by a partition plate. A plurality of passages are formed through receptacles around the partition plate, with the inlet portion opening into the inlet chamber and the outlet portion opening into the outlet chamber. Elastomeric flow control means having the shape of flat hat are positioned inside the receptacles to block the passage of fluid when charged with pressurized fluid, and to unblock the passage of fluid when the pressurized fluid is discharged from said flow control means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: Ajit Singh Gill
  • Patent number: 7028704
    Abstract: A fill valve assembly for a water tank such as a toilet tank. The fill valve assembly includes a head portion containing a valve mounted on top of a vertical water outlet tube and a float which moves vertically along the outlet tube to control the opening and closing of the valve. The float is vertically adjustable without removal or disassembly of the valve assembly in order to adjust the tank water level to a preselected position. The float includes an inverted cup-shaped structure which moves vertically along the outlet tube in response to any change in the water level. The valve contains a flexible main valve disk held in a closed position against a valve seat by water pressure in a control chamber to prevent the flow of water into the tank, and is moved to an open position upon venting of the control chamber. A pilot valve controls the pressure in the control chamber and, therefore, the movement of the main valve disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Morgantown Plastics Company
    Inventors: Alan L. Taylor, Wallace G. McCray, Douglas S. Richmond
  • Patent number: 6978798
    Abstract: An approach for gas flow control is achieved with an arrangement involving a sealed housing with relatively few components. According to an example embodiment, a gas flow controller comprises a gas inlet, a gas outlet, and an auxiliary chamber including a partition wall that separates it from the gas inlet. By means of a differential pressure between the inlet and the auxiliary chamber, a valve arrangement is actuated through a diaphragm provided on the partition wall to control a flow from the gas inlet to the gas outlet. A servo pump 2 is provided on the partition wall and produces the differential pressure by pumping the gas from the auxiliary chamber to the gas inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerrit Jan Baarda
  • Patent number: 6959904
    Abstract: The device comprises: a solenoid valve of the bistable type controlled by means of an operating winding; a control circuit coupled for operation to a power supply source and capable of supplying to the operating winding of the solenoid valve a first and a second current pulse, for opening and closing the solenoid valve respectively; and a detecting and operating device associated with the said solenoid valve, capable of detecting a predetermined dangerous operating condition thereof, and of causing, in such a case, the automatic reclosing of the valve for cutting off the flow of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Elbi International S.p.A.
    Inventor: Danilo Beraldo
  • Patent number: 6932317
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a diaphragm type solenoid fluid valve assembly of the class used in the on/off control of pressurized fluid flow. The valve assembly has a housing, a solenoid, and a magnetized cylindrical armature engagingly coupled to the solenoid and residing within the hollow center of the solenoid. The armature further has a spring affixed to one end of the armature and affixed to the end of the solenoid, wherein the spring and armature are capable of linear motion within the fluid chamber of the valve housing and within the cylindrical plunger guide of the solenoid. The linear motion is controlled by the magnetic field of the solenoid and the spring so as to enable the magnetized armature to abut against the orifice fluid exit of the orifice plate to prevent fluid flow there-through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Errin Whitney Gnadinger, Jerrod Aaron Kappler, Jay Andrew Broniak
  • Patent number: 6877714
    Abstract: A flow control valve having a valve member engageable with a valve seat. The valve opens when the valve member disengages the valve seat as fluid pressure is bled from a pressure chamber on one side of the valve member. The valve closes after the pressure bleed ends when fluid pressure is metered back into the pressure chamber through a metering path. The speed at which the valve member closes is selectable depending upon the degree to which the metering path is tortuous. Two different tortuous configurations of the metering path are provided by two differently shaped labyrinths. The user can select one closing speed or the other by choosing which labyrinth is in the metering path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventor: Leslie R. Hall
  • Patent number: 6796515
    Abstract: A one touch valve for activating fluid flow between an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit is disclosed. The valve has a flow cylinder defining an inflow chamber in fluid communication with the inlet conduit and an outflow chamber in fluid communication with the outlet conduit. The flow cylinder includes an end plate and an intermediate plate having a center collar with an aperture. A flexible diaphragm is provided with a sealing surface in contact with the collar to create a seal. The diaphragm has an edge coupled to the intermediate plate and a small diameter hole providing fluid contact between the inflow chamber and an intermediate chamber which is defined by the intermediate plate of the flow cylinder. A plunger is placed on the diaphragm to create a seal with the opposite surface of the diaphragm from the sealing surface. A shaft has one end connected to the plunger and extends through the aperture of the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: L. R. Nelson Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence P. Heren, Scott Jacobs, Timothy R. Casica
  • Patent number: 6748970
    Abstract: A fluid diaphragm valve and interconnected pilot valve apparatus for control flow of fluid discharge from a pressurized fluid distribution system. The apparatus has a primary valve with an inlet adapted to receive fluid under pressure, and an outlet adapted to discharge fluid to an outlet conduit. A diaphragm chamber is provided in the primary valve that is responsive to fluid pressure controlled by a pilot diaphragm valve. Upon release of fluid pressure in the pilot diaphragm valve, the primary valve allows passage of fluid to the outlet conduit. Bleed fluid from the pilot valve is also discharged into the outlet conduit and is thus saved for use. Upon closure of the pilot valve, a bleed port in the primary diaphragm in the primary valve allows repressurization and seating of the primary diaphragm, thus terminating fluid flow through the primary valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Myron Keller
  • Patent number: 6691937
    Abstract: A one touch valve for activating fluid flow between an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit is disclosed. The valve has a flow cylinder defining an inflow chamber in fluid communication with the inlet conduit and an outflow chamber in fluid communication with the outlet conduit. The flow cylinder includes an end plate and an intermediate plate having a center collar with an aperture. A flexible diaphragm is provided with a sealing surface in contact with the collar to create a seal. The diaphragm has an edge coupled to the intermediate plate and a small diameter hole providing fluid contact between the inflow chamber and an intermediate chamber which is defined by the intermediate plate of the flow cylinder. A plunger is placed on the diaphragm to create a seal with the opposite surface of the diaphragm from the sealing surface. A shaft has one end connected to the plunger and extends through the aperture of the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: L. R. Nelson Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence P. Heren, Scott Jacobs, Timothy R. Casica
  • Patent number: 6659373
    Abstract: A one touch valve for activating fluid flow between an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit is disclosed. The valve has a flow cylinder defining an inflow chamber in fluid communication with the inlet conduit and an outflow chamber in fluid communication with the outlet conduit. The flow cylinder includes an end plate and an intermediate plate having a center collar with an aperture. A flexible diaphragm is provided with a sealing surface in contact with the collar to create a seal. The diaphragm has an edge coupled to the intermediate plate and a small diameter hole providing fluid contact between the inflow chamber and an intermediate chamber which is defined by the intermediate plate of the flow cylinder. A plunger is placed on the diaphragm to create a seal with the opposite surface of the diaphragm from the sealing surface. A shaft has one end connected to the plunger and extends through the aperture of the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventors: Lawrence P. Heren, Scott Jacobs, Timothy R. Casica
  • Patent number: 6616119
    Abstract: A diaphragm type of flush valve includes a body with an inlet and an outlet. There is a filter chamber in the diaphragm upstream of the bypass orifice, which chamber extends downwardly below the diaphragm. Water within the filter chamber is quiescent and substantially less turbulent than water beneath the diaphragm. There are filter openings into the filter chamber which have a cross sectional area greater than that of the bypass orifice, but shaped to prevent the passage of particles of a size which will not pass through the bypass orifice. The diaphragm has a downwardly extending rim with spaced flow control windows therein. The rim has an inner wall and a plurality of inwardly extending ribs on the wall for dampening closing movement of the diaphragm on the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: John R. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6612536
    Abstract: This invention relates to a remote shut-off valve, and in particular to a valve for the remote shutting-off of a fluid such as a main water supply. The remote shut-off valve comprises a diaphragm valve and a pilot valve which are connected together by way of flexible tubes so that that pilot valve can be located in a desired location remote from the diaphragm valve. Part of the flow channels between the diaphragm valve and the pilot valve, and also the flow channel to the control chamber of the diaphragm valve are located within the body of the diaphragm valve. Quick-release connectors can be provided to connect the flexible tubes to the pilot valve and to the diaphragm valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventor: Martin Walter Dalton
  • Patent number: 6427967
    Abstract: The invention relates to a valve incorporating a flexible diaphragm, and improves upon known diaphragm valves to permit the use of a diaphragm-controlled valve in systems for which such valves were not previously suitable or utilized. There is provided a valve which includes a housing (2, 3, 34) having a hollow interior within an outer housing surface (31), a diaphragm (1a, 1b) extending across the interior and creating a diaphragm control chamber (10) within the interior, a valve seat (4) against which a part (1a) of the diaphragm can seal, a first conduit (5) leading around at least part of the valve seat, a second conduit (6) leading to within the valve seat, and a diaphragm control means (8, 9, 91, 92, 101, 111, 112), wherein the diaphragm control chamber is isolated from the first and second conduits. A valve unit and a lower control system are also disclosed, utilizing one or more valves as herein described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: Rowland Frank Evans
  • Patent number: 6298872
    Abstract: A fluid diaphragm valve and interconnected pilot valve apparatus for control flow of fluid discharge from a pressurized fluid distribution system. The apparatus has a primary valve with an inlet adapted to receive fluid under pressure, and an outlet adapted to discharge fluid to an outlet conduit. A diaphragm chamber is provided in the primary valve which is responsive to fluid pressure controlled by a pilot diaphragm valve. Upon release of fluid pressure in the pilot diaphragm valve, the primary valve allows passage of fluid to the outlet conduit. Bleed fluid from the pilot valve is also discharged into the outlet conduit and is thus saved for use. Upon closure of the pilot valve, a bleed port in the primary diaphragm in the primary valve allows repressurization and seating of the primary diaphragm, thus terminating fluid flow through the primary valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Myron Keller
  • Patent number: 6290203
    Abstract: A pilot operated valve assembly having a pressure responsive valve member for opening and closing a main valve, the pilot valve actuator permits a very small operating force and a short actuation travel which is less than the stroke of the main valve member. Compactness and manufacturing economy is attained by the incorporation of an insert structure within a valve housing to facilitate the arrangement of pilot valve and bleed passages that operate the pressure responsive main valve member. Valve construction permits an axial in line arrangement of pilot valve actuator and main valve member to further achieve a compact valve size and to ease manufacturing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Kolze, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence A. Kolze
  • Patent number: 6254057
    Abstract: A fluid control valve has a valve member which, on closing creates a stagnation zone between the valve member and a surface within the valve. In the stagnation zone fluid pressure is greater than it is in an adjacent constriction zone. This causes the valve to close slowly, thereby reducing the likelihood that water hammer will occur on closure of the valve. The design of the valve member also reduces resonances which can cause annoying noises and premature wear. A flow restriction chamber further slows closure of the valve. The fluid control valve may be controlled by a conventional 3-way pilot valve. Preferably the fluid control valve is used with a pilot valve according to the invention having a rocker member which, on actuation, first closes an inlet valve member and then opens an outlet valve member. The pilot valve may be used in other situations where a 3-way valve is needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Integra Dynamics Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Pubben, Scott Phillips, Sandeep Munshi
  • Patent number: 6123315
    Abstract: A fluid diaphram valve and interconnected pilot valve apparatus for control flow of fluid discharge from a pressurized fluid distribution system. The apparatus has a primary valve with an inlet adapted to receive fluid under pressure, and an outlet adapted to discharge fluid to an outlet conduit. A diaphram chamber is provided in the primary valve which is responsive to fluid pressure controlled by a pilot diaphram valve. Upon release of fluid pressure in the pilot diaphram valve, the primary valve allows passage of fluid to the outlet conduit. Bleed fluid from the pilot valve is also discharged into the outlet conduit and is thus saved for use. Upon closure of the pilot valve, a bleed port in the primary diaphram in the primary valve allows repressurization and seating of the primary diaphram, thus terminating fluid flow through the primary valve. A novel, retrograde motion actuator is also described for use in manual operation of the pilot valve from a fixed location such as cabinets below kitchen sinks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Myron C. Keller
  • Patent number: 6105926
    Abstract: A diaphragm type flush valve for use with toilet devices such as urinals and water closets includes a body having an inlet and an outlet, a valve seat between the inlet and outlet, and a valve movable to a closing position on the valve seat to stop the flow between the inlet and outlet. The valve member includes a diaphragm peripherally attached to the body and a disc positioned on top of the diaphragm. There is a guide extending downwardly from the diaphragm. The disc is attached to the guide and functions to secure the diaphragm, disc and guide into the valve member. The disc includes a rigid body and a seal member, with the seal member having a portion on an upper surface of the disc for sealing contact with a relief valve, and a portion on a lower surface of the disc for contact with the diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventors: Steven R. Oliver, John R. Wilson
  • Patent number: 6076798
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid actuating valve, wherein the valve body (1) comprises a longitudinal tubular body (11) and a transversal cylinder body (12), the longitudinal tubular body (11) defines a longitudinal fluid passage (113), and the transversal cylinder body (12) defines a valve chamber (121), a transversal well (114) is disposed in the middle of the longitudinal tubular body (11), and the upper surface (116) of the transversal well (114) is served as a valve seat. A valve core assembly (3) is provided in the transversal well (114), which engages with the inner wall of the well and the valve seat and is lifted by the pressure fluid coming from the valve inlet to open the valve. A pressure-releasing hole (1111) is provided at the outlet side of the longitudinal tubular body (11) to connect the valve chamber (121) with the longitudinal fluid passage (113) to the outlet side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventor: Jingxing Deng
  • Patent number: 6015133
    Abstract: An electrically controlled vacuum operated fuel vapor canister purge valve having a regulator valve subassembly with a vacuum signal chamber on one side of a pressure responsive power diaphragm which moves a regulator valve obturator for controlling flow from a vapor inlet passage to a vapor outlet passage for connection to an engine inlet. The vacuum signal chamber has a vacuum signal connection port and a recess or well with an atmospheric vent port and resiliently deflectable locking tab. A solenoid operated atmospheric bleed valve has a boss with a restrictor outlet which is quick-connected and seated in the well for electrically controlling vent flow into the vacuum signal chamber. The restrictor limits atmospheric bleed flow to attenuate the effects of sudden changes in the vacuum signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel L. DeLand
  • Patent number: 6000674
    Abstract: A flush valve includes: a valve body having a diaphragm valve flexibly formed in the valve body communicated with an inlet pipe for supplying inlet water and an outlet pipe connected to a toilet, a urinal or a sprinkler system, a filter and a magnet mounted in the diaphragm valve for filtering out the dirts or rust carried in the water, a limit valve formed in the valve body juxtapositioned to the diaphragm valve for automatically closing the relief vents and passages between the diaphragm valve and the outlet pipe in case of failure of a manual relief valve or an electrically operated relief valve, which controls the opening or closing of the diaphragm valve, with the manual relief valve operatively opening the relief vents or passages at the downstream side of the diaphragm valve in a pre-set time period for timely opening the diaphragm valve, and a self-regulating valve provided in the outlet pipe for automatically maintaining a constant water flow rate when subjected to a fluctuated water pressure in a pl
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Inventor: Hong-Ming Cheng
  • Patent number: 5954080
    Abstract: A gated proportional control valve is disclosed which allows both high-flow proportional dispensing and precision low flow. The design includes one or more controlled diameter and controlled-shape orifices in the control path, which, when both of the gate valves are opened, allow for consistent low flow dispensing. The gate valves can alternatively be opened or closed to allow proportional dispensing or valve closure. The invention is particularly useful in a fuel dispensing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Gilbarco, Inc.
    Inventor: Russel Dean Leatherman
  • Patent number: 5938171
    Abstract: A fluid diaphram valve and interconnected pilot valve apparatus for control flow of fluid discharge from a pressurized fluid distribution system. The apparatus has a primary valve with an inlet adapted to receive fluid under pressure, and an outlet adapted to discharge fluid to an outlet conduit. A diaphram chamber is provided in the primary valve which is responsive to fluid pressure controlled by a pilot diaphram valve. Upon release of fluid pressure in the pilot diaphram valve, the primary valve allows passage of fluid to the outlet conduit. Bleed fluid from the pilot valve is also discharged into the outlet conduit and is thus saved for use. Upon closure of the pilot valve, a bleed port in the primary diaphram in the primary valve allows repressurization and seating of the primary diaphram, thus terminating fluid flow through the primary valve. A novel, retrograde motion actuator is also described for use in manual operation of the pilot valve from a fixed location such as cabinets below kitchen sinks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventor: Myron C. Keller
  • Patent number: 5915665
    Abstract: A pilot valve is operated by a solenoid formed by a coil wound around a non-magnetic spool that has a bore. A rare earth permanent magnet is inside the bore adjacent one end and abuts a flux concentrator farther inside the bore. A plunger is slidably located within the bore biased away from the flux concentrator by a spring and projects out another end of the bore. An enclosure of magnetic material completes a magnetic flux path around the solenoid and has an aperture though which the plunger projects. The pilot valve includes a cage of rigid non-magnetic material which abuts the enclosure and has a recess which supports the plunger out of contact with the housing. The plunger selectively opens and closes a pilot tube through the cage to operate a diaphragm the responds by engaging a primary valve seat to control the flow of fluid through a valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Paese, Lee Karsten, John Quella, Kevin Witt
  • Patent number: 5904334
    Abstract: A dispensing valve for dispensing a liquid including a valve housing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, an armature positioned in the housing, the armature being reciprocal between an open and closed position, a sealing disk fixedly secured to a sealing end of the armature for sealing engaging a valve seat positioned about the fluid outlet for providing selective fluid communication between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and a flow control device positioned in the fluid outlet for providing a substantially quiet and constant flow of liquid through the fluid outlet. The flow control device including a high pressure region and a low pressure region downstream of the high pressure region with the high pressure region of the flow control device including a flow control orifice having an inside diameter less than a diameter of the fluid outlet and the low pressure region of the flow control device intersects the high pressure region of the flow control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: The Horton Company
    Inventors: Jordan Bryce Grunert, James R. Shannon
  • Patent number: 5899434
    Abstract: A flow rate control valve has a first housing portion with separated admission and discharge chambers and a first seat, a second housing portion with a main chamber and auxiliary chambers, a valve member movable between a closed position of the valve and abutting against the first seat to interrupt a passage of fluid from the admission chamber to the discharge chamber, and a second position corresponding to an open position of a valve to allow a passage of fluid from the admission chamber to the discharge chamber, a second seat between the auxiliary chamber and the discharge chamber, and a driving element spring-biased against the second seat and activated to withdraw from it and allow passage of fluid between the auxiliary member and the discharge chamber when pressures within the valve are unbalanced and a pressure in the admission chamber forces the valve chamber away from the first seat to open the valve and to allow passage of fluid from the admission chamber to the discharge chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Maquinas Agricolas Jasto S.A.
    Inventor: Shiro Nishimura
  • Patent number: 5887848
    Abstract: A diaphragm type of flush valve for use with toilet devices such as urinals and water closets includes a body with an inlet and an outlet and there is a valve seat therebetween and a valve member movable to a closing position on the valve seat. The valve member includes a diaphragm which is peripherally attached to the body. There is a pressure chamber above the diaphragm for holding the valve member on its valve seat and there is a filter and a bypass orifice connecting the inlet and the pressure chamber. The filter includes a filter ring positioned beneath the diaphragm and adjacent the outer periphery thereof. The filter ring and the diaphragm are held in a fixed position relative to each other. The filter ring has a plurality of outwardly directed circumferentially spaced filter grooves. There is a seal ring between the filter ring and the body and facing the grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Sloan Valve Company
    Inventor: John R. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5853018
    Abstract: A diaphragm type flow regulator has an electrically operated bleed valve to control fluid signal pressure in a chamber on one side of the diaphragm. A valve member mounted on the opposite side of the diaphragm is moved, in response to the difference in pressure between the signal chamber and a flow regulating chamber, with respect to a valve seat for controlling flow of a compressible fluid between an inlet and outlet in the flow regulating chamber. An inertial mass is mounted for limited, resiliently opposed movement on the diaphragm, and serves to dampen diaphragm vibration caused by pressure pulses in the fluid supply conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel L. DeLand, Gerrit V. Beneker, Barbara J. Erickson, Charles A. Detweiler
  • Patent number: 5758863
    Abstract: A permanent magnet actuated pilot operated valve having a central permanent magnet disposed within an annular axially polarized magnet. The annular magnet is attached to a pressure responsive membrane moveably responsive to a fluid pressure control signal. Movement of the annular permanent magnet effects movement of the central magnet, either by attraction or repulsion depending on whether like or opposite poling is employed. Movement of the central magnet effects opening of a pilot valve which creates a pressure differential which in turn causes a second pressure responsive membrane to move and effect opening of a main valve. Change in the fluid pressure control signal causes the annular magnet to return to its original position thereby effecting reverse movement of the central magnet and closure of the pilot valve. A bleed hole causes pressure equalization across the second membrane and reclosure of the main valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Ranco Incorporated of Delaware
    Inventors: Jean Claude Buffet, Lionel Raut
  • Patent number: 5738332
    Abstract: A flow valve operating by pressure differentials and by flow transfer means which regulate small flows of control. This valve is sensitive to small changes of pressure and resistant to great working pressures, having few components of a simple design. The valve of the invention basically consists in a rigid valve body with an opening for flow inlet and one opening for flow outlet, which are oriented in a substantially cross way to said flow opening. The body of the valve has a main cavity between the flow inlet and the flow outlet. A valve seat is in the limit of the main cavity and the flow inlet. In addition, the valve body has pipes for the inlet of the control flow and for the outlet of the control flow, which are associated with the flow transfer means for the control of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: Sergio Perez Corbalan
  • Patent number: 5738138
    Abstract: A control valve assembly for selectively controlling a flow of fluid through a fluid flow system is disclosed including a valve housing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a valve seat positioned about the fluid outlet and a sealing diaphragm for cooperating with the valve seat for selectively sealing off fluid communication between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The diaphragm fluidically separates a pressure chamber from a control chamber within the housing. A central control orifice is formed in the diaphragm for fluidically communicating between the control chamber and the fluid outlet, an armature is reciprocally received in the housing for selectively sealing off fluid communication between the control chamber and the fluid outlet with at least two bleed orifices formed on the diaphragm which fluidically communicate between the pressure chamber and the control chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Assignee: The Horton Company
    Inventors: Jordan Bryce Grunert, James R. Shannon
  • Patent number: 5732929
    Abstract: A soft closing liquid valve of the pilot control type including an inlet chamber, an outlet chamber, a third pilot chamber, a first conduit for liquid communication between the inlet chamber and the third chamber and a second conduit for fluid communication between the third chamber and the outlet chamber whereby the liquid flow rate through the first conduit is reduced by the conduit including a tortuous path means so that the flow rate into the third chamber is substantially reduced and when the second conduit is closed causes the third chamber to fill at a slower rate than in conventional pilot controlled valves, the resultant slow rate of change of pressure causing a slow closure of the flow path between the inlet and outlet chambers by a diaphragm thus minimizing water hammer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: Technical Components, Pty. Ltd.
    Inventors: Cosmo Luppino, Gregory Summerton
  • Patent number: 5716038
    Abstract: A proportional flow control valve that has a main valve member controlling communication between an inlet and an outlet and a pilot valve in communication with the fluid inlet. A spring biases the main valve member into its closed position against the pressure of the fluid at the inlet which is applied to the main valve member in a direction to open the valve. The fluid pressure within the pilot chamber opposes opening of the valve. A magnetic armature which can be positioned in a selected longitudinal position is provided to open the valve. As fluid pressure is applied to both sides of the main valve member, it is the longitudinal position of the armature which determines the longitudinal position of the main valve member. The main valve member has a converging portion extending with a tubular member, on one end of which the fluid outlet is defined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Aztec Developments Limited
    Inventor: Michael F. Scarffe
  • Patent number: 5655747
    Abstract: A solenoid valve for an irrigation control unit comprises a cut-off element movable inside a respective seat between a closed position and an open position. The cut-off element defines inside the seat a chamber in constant communication with the inlet of the solenoid valve, so that the pressure exerted on the cut-off element by the water present at the inlet of the solenoid valve is balanced by the pressure exerted on the cut-off element by the water present in the chamber. The cut-off element is provided with a passing conduit that can be opened so that the chamber can be put in communication with the outlet of the solenoid valve. Since the pressure exerted on the cut-off element by the water present at the inlet of the solenoid valve is no longer balanced by the pressure exerted on the cut-off element by the water present in the chamber, the cut-off element is displaced by the thrust of the water present at the inlet of the solenoid valve in said open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Claber S.p.a.
    Inventor: Claudio Pasut
  • Patent number: 5652970
    Abstract: A toilet reservoir water dumping valve for sealing the reservoir's water outlet by hydraulic pressure and for controlling the water volume to be flushed. The dumping valve is situated in the toilet reservoir at the water outlet to the toilet bowl, the dumping valve comprising a membrane housing, and a rod connected to a flush valve. In a first position, when the flush lever is in OFF position, the membrane disconnects communication between the supply line and the reservoir. Simultaneously, the rod is pressed by hydraulic pressure, tightly pushing a flush valve against the reservoir exit. In a second position, when the water is flushed, the membrane opens communication between the supply line and the reservoir, reducing the pressure on the rod, such that the rod pulls the flush valve away from the reservoir outlet, permitting water to be flushed down the toilet bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventor: Josef Wodeslavsky
  • Patent number: 5645264
    Abstract: Flow control valve with round tilted valve seat and pivotally mounted matching spherical valve plug for leak tight shut off with generous Mfg tolerances and low pressure drop. Method shown for automatically limiting bleed flow during valve open and automatically restricting bleed flow at near valve close position to slow valve closing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Carl L. C. Kah, Jr.