Attachments Patents (Class 251/90)
  • Patent number: 5427135
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vented ball valve and lockout ring assembly.A vented valve assembly including a valve body having a vent hole therein, and first and second flow-through ends with a valve member receiving chamber thereinbetween, and a stem receiving passage communicating with the chamber. A valve member is disposed within the chamber. The valve member has a throughbore therein in operable alignment with the first end second flow-through ends and at least one valve member vent hole through the wall of the valve member in flow communication with the throughbore. A stem extends through and is rotatably mounted within the stem receiving passage and engageable with the valve member for rotating the valve member in and out of flow-through alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Nibco, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas A. Kieper
  • Patent number: 5394715
    Abstract: A retaining mechanism for a dispensing valve operated by a pivotal handle comprised of a retainer and a hook, the retainer having a base, a catch member and a latch member fastened to the base of the retainer, the catch member and latch member being arranged for movement relative to the base. The hook is threadably fastened to the retainer. A lock secures the catch member and latch member together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1995
    Assignees: Controles B.V.L. Ltee, B.V.L. Controls, Ltd.
    Inventor: Alvin Guerette
  • Patent number: 5365963
    Abstract: An actuating drive, particularly for control valves and shut-off valves or the like, comprising a safety device that automatically brings an actuation element into a safety position, particularly a closed position, given a limit temperature that upwardly exceeds the normal temperature range, particularly in case of fire, having a swelling compound that presses the actuation element in the direction toward the safety position when it expands and which multiplies in volume upon formation of cavities when the limit temperature is upwardly exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Assignee: Samson Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Heinfried Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 5360167
    Abstract: An adjustable arc sprinkler nozzle comprises a nozzle body which has a plurality of radial channels for forming radial streams out of water flowing into the nozzle from a sprinkler body to which the nozzle is joined. A crown shaped deflector member includes a plurality of vertically extending fingers which operatively coact with the radial nozzle channels to restrict the amount of water flowing therethrough. A selectively operable adjusting member is cooperatively engaged with the deflecting member for moving the deflecting member vertically relative to the nozzle body to vary the position of the fingers relative to the channels to change the amount of water restriction imposed by the fingers on the water flowing through the channels, whereby the throw radius is selectively adjusted by vertical movement of the deflecting member. A selectively operable locking member, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Assignee: The Toro Company
    Inventors: Michael J. Grundy, Jeff B. McKenzie, Rebecca R. Reade
  • Patent number: 5279549
    Abstract: A closed ventilation and suction catheter system for aspirating or suctioning the bronchial tree or trachea of a patient including a dual lumen catheter, the proximal end of the catheter is connected to a dual valve assembly which is connected to separate irrigation fluid and suction pressure sources and the distal end of the catheter is adapted to be slidably positioned in communication with the bronchial tree of a patient. A transparent and flexible envelope surrounds the catheter to protect the catheter from direct exposure to the atmosphere. The catheter is slidable from the inside of the envelope through an adaptor and a tracheal tube to communicate with the bronchial tree or trachea of the patient. A ventilator is connected to the adaptor near the distal end of the catheter to provide for the artificial ventilation of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: Sherwood Medical Company
    Inventor: Alan B. Ranford
  • Patent number: 5261445
    Abstract: A valve lock for valves wherein the valve stem is coupled to a valve actuator shaft and there is a spacing between the valve and valve actuator. A locking member is slidably receivable in the spacing and fixed against rotation so that a locking slot in the locking member engages a locking segment of the interconnected valve stem and valve actuator shaft. The locking member, in turn, can be releasably locked to prevent unauthorized or unintended use of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Inventor: Edward Jones, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5240226
    Abstract: A fuel dispenser aid holds a trigger-like valve operating lever relative to a pistol grip-like handle portion of a valving device for dispensing gasoline or other fuels through a nozzle of the valving device without continuously manually holding the operating lever. The dispenser aid includes a mounting member formed of a material having a resilient, shape retaining character configured for mounting over the pistol grip-like handle portion of the valving device, a flexible strap secured at a first end thereof to the mounting member and extending freely therefrom so that it can be looped under the trigger-like valve operating lever and up to the mounting member and an arrangement for releasably and adjustably fastening the free portion of the strap to the mounting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Inventor: Jules M. Bobst
  • Patent number: 5236172
    Abstract: A lockout module comprises a housing having at least one lockout bore therethrough, a spindle disposed in the housing and having a pair of lockout cross bores therethrough, and a lockout pin selectively insertable through the housing lockout bore and one of the spindle lockout cross bores for blocking rotation of the spindle relative to the housing in first or second position. Slotted bolt holes spaced through and around the periphery of the housing are utilized to secure the housing to a mounting bracket and valve actuator. The slotted holes allow the housing sufficient rotational travel such that the housing lockout bore can be rotatably aligned with a selected spindle lockout cross bore before securing the bolts, thereby compensating for under or over travel of a valve in the open or closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Automax, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale J. Friemoth, Steven A. Hacker, Jeffrey M. Loeb
  • Patent number: 5219147
    Abstract: A shut off valve has a valve lock that snaps onto a cylindric of the valve body and locks the shut-off valve in its open position by retaining the cross bar of a rotatable T-shaped handle in a parallel position in a housing portion of the valve lock. The valve lock also snaps onto the cylindrical end section to retain the cross bar in a perpendicular position at the end of the housing portion to lock the shut-off valve in its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher B. Fultz, James H. Caputo
  • Patent number: 5217201
    Abstract: An apparatus receiving a valve stem through a central support tube includes a housing extending upwardly relative to a rear distal end of the support tube. The valve stem includes a truncated conical handle mounted at an outer distal end of the valve stem, with a plurality of spring legs mounted adjacent a forward distal end of an exterior surface of the support tube projecting into the handle to frictionally engage an interior surface of the handle retarding rotation thereof preventing children and the like from inadvertent and unauthorized rotation of a hot water handle of a hot water valve minimizing injury. Displacement of the spring fingers relative to the handle is effected by lifting of a lift handle mounted to an upper distal end of the control housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Inventor: Donnie E. Self
  • Patent number: 5215112
    Abstract: A locking bracket for a valve actuator is disclosed in which a bracket element slips over the rotatable input shaft of the actuator and has an arm extending over the surface of the actuator. A locking plate is affixed to the input shaft which may be interconnected to the bracket element. When so interconnected, rotation of the input shaft is prevented by contact between the arm and the surface of the valve actuator. The locking bracket is easily and economically installed due to the lack of any positive physical interconnection between the bracket and the actuator housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Dyna-Torque Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael P. Davison
  • Patent number: 5199474
    Abstract: A device for maintaining the operating handle of a gasoline pump nozzle is in the form of a ball dimensioned to be placed between the operating handle and the handle frame. The ball retains the handle in a dispensing position, fuel flow being terminated by the operation of the pump's automatic shut-off device. The ball preferably has a projection-bearing surface, and is slightly deformable to allow for ease of insertion and removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Pump Ball USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony J. D'Angelo
  • Patent number: 5118074
    Abstract: A device for holding a lever of a gas pump in at least two adjusted, open positions in accordance with a desired rate of flow of fuel from a nozzle thereof, the device including a hook-shaped arm structured to hang over a top surface of the gas pump handle so as to be supportably engaged thereon, and a number of parallel fingers extending outwardly from an elongate portion at spaced intervals from the hook-shaped arm, each of the fingers adapted to supportably receive the lever in one of the adjusted, open positions. The device can be carried on a key ring fitted through an aperture therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1992
    Inventor: Steven I. Weissman
  • Patent number: 5115834
    Abstract: A lever-operated rotary valve having a rotary body for permitting fluid flow therein includes a locking device for selectively locking and unlocking the operating handle such that the operating handle of the rotary valve can be locked in a plurality of predetermined positions. The operating handle of the rotary valve can be oriented in any one of a plurality of positions and locked in that position without requiring the removal of the locking device. The locking device is an L-shaped member which fits on the stem of the rotary valve and includes aligned holes for receiving a padlock so that the locking device and handle are locked together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: Neles-Jamesbury, Inc.
    Inventor: Raymond P. Champagne
  • Patent number: 5116018
    Abstract: A lockout module is adapted to be mounted between an actuator-to-valve mounting kit and a valve actuator, and is operable to lock the valve in either an opened position or a closed position. In a preferred embodiment, the lockout module comprises a housing, a spindle, a lockout pin, and a lockout tab. The lockout pin is inserted in the housing for selective engagement and blocking of the spindle or for releasing the spindle. A padlock is locked through a lockout wheel on the lockout pin and the lockout tab, the lockout tab engaging a groove within an appendage of the housing to prevent pin and valve movement. In an alternative embodiment, the lockout module comprises a housing, a spindle, a pair of lockout pins, and a pair of pull pins. The lockout pins are inserted in the housing for selective engagement and blocking of the spindle or for releasing the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: Automax, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale J. Friemoth, Steven A. Hacker, Jeff M. Loeb
  • Patent number: 5067510
    Abstract: An actuator shaft heat-sensitive locking apparatus is disclosed comprising a cylindrical housing having an axial bore. A shaft link is provided in the bore and is adjustable to contact gate valve actuator shafts of varying lengths. Once adjusted, the shaft link is movable axially between a first position and a second position, allowing the actuator shaft to close the gate valve. There is also provided a means movably extending through the housing for partially blocking the bore and a fusible element slidably mounted in the bore between the shaft link and the means for partially blocking the bore. The fusible element has both a solid state and a heat responsive state. In its solid state, the fusible elemnt prevents movement of the shaft link by enaging the bore blocking means; in its heat responsive state, the fusible element allows movement of the shaft link between the first position and second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1991
    Assignee: Axelson, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig B. Breaux, Denny Cawyer, Dwight Duplantis, Don Hiller
  • Patent number: 5046523
    Abstract: A rotary plug valve is disclosed having a housing and a valve core which can be selectively locked in an unlimited number of positions relative to the mandatory inlet and outlet piping, said valve having no visible indication of the internally concealed locking mechanism location. Selectively, a locking pin, that can be activated by authorized personnel, is passed through a passageway engaging a concealed locking cap preventing rotation of the valve core relative to the valve housing for security and safety applications. Removal of the locking pin with an authorized key permits operation for conventional usages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Inventor: George Horhota
  • Patent number: 5040769
    Abstract: A linkage attachment device is used in cold weather in combination with f and water dispensing nozzles having triggers for opening and closing valves for dispensing liquids and for stopping the flow of liquid, without manual contact by the user with such nozzles. Means are provided for preventing the unintended opening of the valves and for limiting the degree to which the valves can be opened by actuating the linkage attachment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Gerald F. Wilber, James D. Lundin, John A. Christians
  • Patent number: 5004209
    Abstract: A dry disconnect coupling and a safety cap for portable tanks are disclosed. The disconnect coupling includes a fitting flange to be mounted to the drain of the tank, a plug movably secured in the flange and having flow and non-flow positions, and a coupling which lockingly engages with the flange and cooperates with the plug. The coupling includes a plug drive pin and a valve disposed coaxially therein. Individual drive knobs are provided for the plug drive pin and valve to cause axial translation thereof relative to the coupling and to each other. The safety cap includes a fitting flange to be mounted to the drain of the tank, a plug movably secured in the flange, and a coupling which lockingly engages with the flange and cooperates with the plug. The safety cap insures the proper, secure, and tight positioning of the plug in the fitting flange and maintains it in the non-flow position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventor: Louis J. Paquette
  • Patent number: 4971289
    Abstract: A valve assembly comprising a valve having a housing and a valve element disposed in the housing and movable between closed and open positions, the valve element having a nut portion and a wing portion, the nut portion projecting out of the housing and having a cross-sectional configuration such that a tool may be applied for turning the valve element between the closed and open positions, the wing portion being movable between a first position when the valve element is in the closed position and a second position when the valve element is in the open position, the housing having a wing portion provided with an opening therein disposed in lockable relation with the valve element wing portion when the valve element wing portion is in its first position, a barrel lock removably mountable in registered openings of the wing portions when the valve element wing portion is in its first position whereby the valve element will be locked in the closed position, and a rigid member having first means cooperable with the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Assignee: Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation
    Inventor: Eugene E. Pietras
  • Patent number: 4947886
    Abstract: A flow control device, such as a valve, has a body with two portions which define two valve chambers, an inlet, which is coupled to a source of pressurized fluid and which opens into one of the valve chambers, and an outlet coupled to downstream devices, such as sprinkler heads, and which opens into the other valve chamber. A piece of collapsible tubing couples the two valve chambers. A shaft extends into the valve and is provided with a mechanism for pinching the collapsible tubing shut which causes the collapsible tubing to collapse due to the pressure exerted on its exterior by the pressurized fluid surrounding it. A coil spring is attached to the shaft and the valve body. When the valve is closed, i.e., the collapsible tubing collapsed, the coil spring is biased to cause the shaft to rotate if released. The shaft is prevented from rotating by a fusible link. When the temperature to which the valve is exposed reaches or exceeds a predetermined temperature, the fusible link melts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: Remote Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Lee A. Grove
  • Patent number: 4934654
    Abstract: A valve for a bulk container containing fluid or semi-fluid material permitting draining of the container by gravity including a valve body with a throughopening therethrough, an annular flange at one end of the valve body to be sealingly secured to a plastic bag in the container containing the material and permitting flow of the material from the bag through the throughopening of the valve, an annular recess spaced from the flange a distance generally equal to the thickness of the side wall of the container for receiving a handle securing the valve body in the container side wall, and a butterfly in the throughopening to selectively open and close the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Assignee: Shippers Paper Products Company
    Inventor: Kent A. Linnemann
  • Patent number: 4905963
    Abstract: A discharge valve assembly for a liquid containing tank includes a hollow valve body having an outer tubular member and a concentrically spaced inner tubular member each being closed at one end by a generally disk shaped end portion. Both inner and outer members have radial apertures therethrough adjacent the closed end portion. A tubular gate member is guidably supported between the inner and outer members for axial and circumferentially movement between closed and open positions. A bung is engagable with the inner member and coacts with the tubular gate member when the gate member is in the fully closed position to lock the tubular gate member in the fully closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: Hoover Group, Inc.
    Inventor: Dwight E. Nichols
  • Patent number: 4878515
    Abstract: A water access preventer for testable water backflow prevention assemblies wherein a means is provided to quickly, inconspicuously, and inexpensively prevent unauthorized access to potable water travelling within these assemblies throughout the differential pressure gradient of these assemblies, comprising, in part: a means for locking the valves which provide access to the potable water, and a means for preventing the shut-off of linepressure throughout the differential pressure gradient of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1989
    Inventor: Robert B. Stevens
  • Patent number: 4874151
    Abstract: An adjustable gas pump trigger lever holding device is adapted to be secured to an automatic gas pump nozzle having an operator's handle, a trigger lever below the handle that is manually adjusted between a closed and open position to regulate fluid flow from the nozzle, and a trigger guard extending from the handle and surrounding the trigger. The holding device comprises a flexible strap having first and second ends, where the strap is adapted to extend in a loop around the nozzle handle and the trigger of the nozzle that has been manually adjusted to a desired position for a desired rate of fluid flow from the nozzle. The strap has coupling members at its opposite ends to releasably secure the ends of the strap together to form a loop having a desired peripheral length extending around the nozzle handle and adjusted nozzle trigger to maintain the trigger in its adjusted position for the desired rate of fluid flow from the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Inventor: Terry Fritz
  • Patent number: 4865078
    Abstract: A manual control valve for a remotely operated munitions magazine sprinkler valve employs a compact body, a pressure input port and first and second output ports to which are secured tubular seat housings, each carrying a valve seat. First and second poppets are slidably mounted in the tubular seat housings and are spring urged to closed position. One or the other of the poppets is pulled open by means of a handle operated rotary cam, which allows both poppets to be closed by spring and water pressure. A modified valve configuration provides a three-way valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: Cla-Val Co.
    Inventor: Harold W. Ensign
  • Patent number: 4860786
    Abstract: The combination of a fluid conductive pipe line and an in-line valve adapted to open and close the fluid passage in said line, said valve having an external handle operatively connected to open and close the valve, said handle having an enlarged free end forming a foot pedal and being positioned such that the handle can be pivotally rotated to close said valve by foot or other pressure on said foot pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Inventor: Stephen L. Pollard
  • Patent number: 4846447
    Abstract: An actuator device for a trigger operable within a housing of an automatic nozzle of a gasoline pump is provided and consists of a pair of jaws, each formed transversely onto an opposite end of a web of a predetermined length. The upper jaw fits over the housing while the lower jaw fits under the trigger when the trigger is pulled up for operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Inventor: Wayne Hanna
  • Patent number: 4815693
    Abstract: A valve has a housing to which a 360 degree notch plate is integrally connected. A valve member mounted within the housing control fluid flows and rotates though substantially 90 degrees between maximally open and closed positions. A valve stem extends upwardly from the valve and through an opening formed in the notch plate. A handle is releasably secured to the valve stem immediately above the notch plate and has a spring-biased pivoting arm which cooperates with the notches to permit the angular position of the handle and consequently the valve member to be incrementally adjusted and locked. The upper surface of the notch plate has four distinct quadrants, and a number of holes formed at predetermined locations, a different pair of holes being associated with and positioned to either side of each quadrant. The valve stem is shaped to receive the handle in only predetermined angular orientations relative to the valve member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1989
    Assignee: Lunkenheimer Tubecraft Canada Ltd.
    Inventors: Bruce James, Leslie Calder
  • Patent number: 4811765
    Abstract: A fuel pump nozzle handle lever holding system includes a strip of flexible material having hook and loop material attached to each side thereof and sized to extend around a fuel pump nozzle handle and lever when the lever is actuated to fill the tank of a vehicle. The flexible material has hook material on one side thereof and loop material on the other side thereof so that one side can be hooked to the other to hold a fuel pump lever in an actuated position. A piece of hook and loop material is attached to the vehicle inside the gas compartment door adjacent the filling tube opening for attaching the strip of flexible material and another piece of hook and loop material can be attached to the vehicle fuel tank filling tube cap for attaching to the piece of hook and loop material attached to the vehicle adjacent the fuel tank filling tube so that the cap can be held adjacent the filling tube during the filling operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Inventor: Salvador N. Giha
  • Patent number: 4802516
    Abstract: A gas cap containing an elliptical flange such that the flange can be inserted into a nozzle housing of a fuel dispensing device, and rotated to accommodate a variety of different nozzle configurations and yet still provide a means to control the rate at which fuel is dispensed. The elliptical flange element has a concaval surface or recess disposed circumferentially thereto, such that a trigger/handle of a gasoline pump nozzle housing is disposed within said elliptical flange concaval recess, said trigger/handle being stabilized thereby. The gas cap device has a threaded extension that is weighted to provide the device with an asymmetrical center of gravity, such that, as the fuel dispensing actuates to shut off the flow of fuel, the device rotates out of said nozzle handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1989
    Inventor: David F. Dahlem
  • Patent number: 4722375
    Abstract: A trigger lock for fuel pump nozzles at service stations comprises a relatively thin, flat piece of plastic, wood, metal, rubber or other material formed to have four pairs of opposing side edge regions. Opposite side edge regions are spaced apart different distances for different pairs so that the lock can be used to hold the nozzle triggers of different types of nozzles in a "full-on" pumping position, different pairs of side edge regions being used for nozzles having different trigger strokes. Preferably the spacings are 21/4, 21/2, 23/4 and 3 inches to enable use with most nozzles used by independent fuel distributors, by major distributors and for pumping No. 2 diesel fuel. In a variation, the trigger lock is incorporated into a vehicle fuel cap, the lock functioning as the portion by which the cap is gripped to remove and install the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1988
    Inventor: Richard W. Fox
  • Patent number: 4714233
    Abstract: An adapter bracket that can be attached to the exterior of a conventional gate valve and valve actuator converting the valve to a fire safety valve. The bracket can be clamped to the exterior of the valve/actuator housing without modification to the existing structure. The bracket includes an adapter plate with an externally threaded cylindrical extension. A hole through the adapter plate is coaxial with the aperture through the cylindrical extension to non-engagingly permit the valve actuator rod to pass therethrough. The threaded extension receives a standard lock-open cap to hold the valve in the open position to avoid severing of the cable in wireline operations due to a power outage, for example. The cap includes a portion made of fusible material which, in the event of fire, will melt permitting the valve to close under operation of a biasing spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1987
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventor: Danny R. Oates
  • Patent number: 4712766
    Abstract: A holding device intended to engage a single finger of the hand and provide an encircling strap with the universal length fastening capability to aid a person in holding a mechanical device without extended strain on the user's hand. The device is particularly intended to aid a self service gasoline customer in holding the gasoline nozzle valve handle in an open position for the period of time necessary to fill the user's automobile fuel tank. The device is generally cross shaped with hook and pile fastener material on opposite sides of the end regions of both the cross bar and the vertical bar of the cross shaped member which itself is fabricated of a flexible material such as web strapping in the order of three quarters of an inch in width. Nominal dimensions are eight inches by two and one half inches. The cross arm portion of the device is of sufficient length to encircle a finger such as the index finger and be secured around the user's finger to hold the strap in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1987
    Assignee: Easy Use Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Caradoc Ehrenhalt
  • Patent number: 4683923
    Abstract: A clip for holding the lever of a gasoline pump dispensing handle in open gasoline dispensing position made from a single flat plate of uniform thickness having a rear shank about 11/2 inches in length with a pair of identical arms extending about 11/2 inches from the opposite ends of the shank and forming between said arms an angle of approximately 40 degrees. A serrated row of similar flat-topped teeth lies along the inner edge of each arm with the flat tops of each serrated row of teeth lying in a common plane and the two planes containing said flat tops intersecting each other at an angle of approximately 40 degrees. Preferably each row contains six flat-topped teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1987
    Inventor: Charles M. Harris
  • Patent number: 4643392
    Abstract: A valve for use in controlling a plurality of fluid operated functions, for example the functions of a hydraulic mine roof support, comprises a valve body 10, a plurality of valve members 13 each movable independently to carry out a fluid flow control function, a plurality of valve actuating members 21, movable in a direction tending to actuate the valve members 13, and an interposer device 25 movable to prevent at least one of the valve actuating members 21 from actuating its associated valve member 13, thus enabling the valves to be selectively operable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1987
    Assignee: Dobson Park Industries Plc.
    Inventor: Richard Ward
  • Patent number: 4634092
    Abstract: A clamp valve is made which comprises a hollow member open at one end and which has a pair of apertures through side walls thereof. A slide is movable in the hollow member and has a transverse aperture therethrough so that a conduit which has a pliable resilient wall can in use be passed through both of the apertures in the hollow member and the aperture in the slide. Biassing means are provided to bias the slide relative to the hollow member so that the conduit is in use normally clamped between an edge of the aperture in the slide and an edge of one of the apertures in the hollow member so that the conduit is normally closed to fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1984
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1987
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel, Private Bag
    Inventors: Michael G. Daniell, Gerald S. Martin
  • Patent number: 4475324
    Abstract: Valve suitable for use in a relatively narrow elongate opening to an air duct in a window frame which opening faces inwardly towards an accommodation space. The valve has at least two, preferably three, separately made, elongate members made by extrusion. A first valve body-forming member and a second holder-forming member together with a third support-forming member are adapted to be pivoted relative to each other. In the closed position of the valve the members are adapted to support each other in triangular form over a substantial part of the length dimension of the valve. The first and second members are jointed together as a pair and the third member is jointed together as a pair with the first member as well as being adapted to make a snap-forming supporting abutment against the second member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 9, 1984
    Assignee: Kva-Spil Limited
    Inventor: Egil Flakk
  • Patent number: 4444220
    Abstract: An erosion resistant control valve or adjustable choke has a body with a side inlet, an end outlet and a conical valve seat in alignment with the outlet. Downstream from the valve seat are a converging passage having a smaller taper than the valve seat, a cylindrical passage and a diverging passage. A stem aligned with the seat assembly includes a plug having a tapered seal surface near its upstream end for engaging the valve seat and a converging control surface downstream therefrom with the same taper as the converging passage. The smaller end of the control surface is in the cylindrical passage when the valve is closed and in the converging passage is fully open for localizing erosion downstream from the valve seat. A bleed passage relieves pressure from within the valve before the valve bonnet can be removed. The valve can be locked in a selected control setting by a split ring engaging the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1981
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1984
    Assignee: Willis Division of Smith International, Inc.
    Inventor: Fritz O. Seger
  • Patent number: 4429711
    Abstract: In the preferred and illustrated embodiment, a multivalve manifold control and interlock system is set forth. The multivalve manifold comprises three valves arranged within a valve body, wherein valve stems with optional handles are located above the valve body to be gripped and rotated. The valve body encloses three ball or plug valves. They are switched by 90.degree. rotation. Each stem supports a circular disk, and the three stems are equipped with three circular disks which interlock. Certain arcuate notches are cut in the circular disks. The arrangement of the notches limits the sequence in which the valves are opened and closed. Moreover, opening and closing is constrained to the sequence required for safe operation of the multivalve manifold. Further, a lock bar is incorporated, and is profiled to fit with the valve stems for locking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1984
    Assignee: Anderson, Greenwood & Co.
    Inventor: Marion L. Schomer
  • Patent number: 4397332
    Abstract: Unauthorized removal of the cap from a standpipe, such as a fire line standpipe, is prevented through use of a bent metal bar and a nipple formed at the center of the standpipe cap. The bar has an opening to accept the nipple extending from the standpipe cap, and a slot to receive a metal pin which prevents movement of the standpipe cap, rotation of the cap being prevented by additional means formed on the cap and bar. The bar can be so formed as to also prevent unauthorized removal of the handwheel of the valve which permits liquid flow through the standpipe opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1983
    Inventor: Louis J. Sample
  • Patent number: 4377106
    Abstract: A disposable, one-piece locking clip may be snapped onto a dispensing pump directly below the depressible head thereof for the purpose of blocking depression of the head so long as the clip is in place. The clip may be attached to and serve as an overlock for a permanent, selectively operable lock intended to remain with the pump indefinitely as a way of preventing accidental fluid discharge during periods of nonuse, the clip in that event serving as a means for preventing access to the permanent lock. The specific manner in which the clip is snap-fitted in place is unexposed and virtually nonaccessible so as to prevent removal of the clip or actuation of the pump without first pulling a break tab that splits the clip in half and releases the same from the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1983
    Assignee: Realex Corporation
    Inventors: James P. Workman, Larry L. Hudson
  • Patent number: 4337917
    Abstract: A device that fits on a gasoline pump nozzle handle for holding the valve open, instead the need of continuously squeezing the handle in a hand; the device, in one design, including a collapsible brace for pressing against the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1982
    Inventors: Gerald Tesack, George Spector
  • Patent number: 4305421
    Abstract: A system for dispensing fluid from a container. The container is pressurized by supplying gas into the container thereby forcing the fluid out of the container through a siphon tube and an outlet valve in the container. The system utilizes a valve assembly having two valves, one for enabling the flow of the gas into the container and the second for allowing the flow of the fluid out of the container. The valve assembly is mounted in a neck member that is secured to an opening in one of the walls of the container. Arranged within the neck is a deformable seal that is compressed between a body portion of the valve assembly and an inner surface of the neck member. A non-threaded retaining ring holds the valve body portion of the valve assembly within the neck member and serves to apply the force to the valve body portion for compressing the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: Draft Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Merton R. Fallon
  • Patent number: 4278116
    Abstract: A latching device for insertion into a gas dispensing nozzle between the dispensing handle and the handle guard member, the latch having shoulders for seating between these members and for holding the dispensing handle in one of at least two fixed positions, the latch device further having at least two sets of such shoulders for utilization with gasoline dispensing nozzles of at least two different styles and sizes, the latching device being portable and removable from the gasoline dispensing nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1981
    Inventor: Gerald R. Opp
  • Patent number: 4275776
    Abstract: A supporting and holding device for maintaining gasoline pump handles in the raised, open position without the necessity of manual assistance. Said holding device comprises a longitudinal, insertable member adapted to be conformably placed, on a temporary basis, between the lower frontal part of the pivotally movable handle member and the upper inside portion of the bottom member of the frame supporting the handle apparatus. Said holding device comprises a longitudinally extending frontal portion on its one end, which frontal portion is configured over its upper surface in an appropriate shape to conformingly lie between the bottom of the handle member and the frame, as stated, in a supportive fashion to keep the handle raised in the open position without requiring the usual manual assistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1981
    Inventor: John W. Rehkopf
  • Patent number: 4252160
    Abstract: An attachment for a beverage faucet, the faucet comprised of a normally closed valve, a handle for opening the valve, and a delivery nozzle in fluid communication with the valve, which prevents the handle from opening the valve until a drinking glass is positioned beneath the faucet. The attachment consists of a bracket connected to the handle and means connected to the bracket, engaging the delivery nozzle to prevent the handle from being moved until a glass is placed below the faucet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1981
    Assignee: Bernard Dale Bennett
    Inventor: Jody L. Numbers
  • Patent number: 4245682
    Abstract: A gasoline pump handle insert for wedging the pump handle lever in a pump open condition. A shank, offset to one side supports spaced protrusions on one end and spaced bosses on the other to form respective bights to engage the pump handle and lever. A clip with a sharp edge for scraping windshield ice and a holder for pencils and pens also can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1981
    Assignee: Agnew & Sons Company
    Inventor: Robert A. Agnew, Sr.
  • Patent number: D297810
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1988
    Inventor: Jay Stafford
  • Patent number: RE33219
    Abstract: A clamp valve is made which comprises a hollow member open at one end and which has a pair of apertures through side walls thereof. A slide is movable in the hollow member and has a transverse aperture therethrough so that a conduit which has a pliable resilient wall can in use be passed through both of the apertures in the hollow member and the aperture in the slide. Biassing means are provided to bias the slide relative to the hollow member so that the conduit is in use normally clamped between an edge of the aperture in the slide and an edge of one of the apertures in the hollow member so that the conduit is normally closed to fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: Fisher & Paykel Limited
    Inventors: Michael G. Daniell, Gerald S. Martin