Repairing, Converting, Servicing Or Salvaging Patents (Class 29/890.121)
  • Patent number: 11959577
    Abstract: A method of cutting and removing a section of prestressed concrete cylinder pipe and then installing a replacement valve while the pipeline is fully pressurized uses a replacement valve body (22) with two cylinders (223, 225) that match the openings of the cut pipe (35). Inside each of the two cylinders (223, 225) is a cut-covering assembly (62) which includes a cylindrical elastomeric seal (26) and spring tube (25), and a cross brace (27) extends between two surfaces within the spring tube (25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Inventor: Jeffrey Maichel
  • Publication number: 20150108385
    Abstract: A rotary metering valve assembly includes a stationary body plate having a first contact surface. Also included is a valve plate having a second contact surface disposed in contact with the first contact surface of the stationary body plate, wherein the valve plate is configured to rotate relative to the stationary body plate. At least one of the first contact surface and the second contact surface comprises a surface flatness of less than about 2.4 ?m (about 93 ?in) and a surface roughness of at least about 0.2 ?m (about 8 ?in).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin M. Rankin, Peter M. Ballard, Todd Haugsjaahabink, Glen A. Pruden
  • Publication number: 20150067954
    Abstract: An improved flush system as described herein may comprise a reservoir with a drain opening for egress of liquids disposed in the reservoir into a surrounding toilet tank. A lock mechanism is slidably received by the reservoir so that the lock mechanism is translatable between one or more fixed positions on the reservoir. In turn, translating the lock mechanism into the reservoir at increasing depths causes a size of the drain opening to be reduced and therefore adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: FLUIDMASTER, INC.
    Inventors: JunSheng CHEN, Joseph Han
  • Patent number: 8955535
    Abstract: A method for repairing damaged valve stem assemblies includes enlarging a bore within a body of a valve stem to form an enlarged bore portion and creating a conical hole in an end of the valve stem body around the enlarged bore portion. Internal threads are created within the enlarged bore portion, and a valve stem repair extension is installed in the enlarged bore portion. The valve stem repair extension has a beveled surface that facilitates formation of a hermetic seal between the valve stem body and the valve stem repair extension. The steps of enlarging the bore and creating the conical hole may both be performed using a countersinking drill bit having a beveled cutting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Summit Tool Company
    Inventors: Roger Kliskey, Rockford Tyson
  • Publication number: 20140284509
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a valve apparatus includes a movable member operating in conjunction with opening and closing of a valve, and a stationary member in sliding or abutting contact with the movable member. The valve apparatus includes a cladding portion that is integrally formed on a sliding-contact surface or an abutting contact surface of at least one of the movable member or the stationary member. The cladding portion is formed by inducing a pulsed discharge between an electrode, which is formed of a molded body consisting mainly of a metal, and a treatment target portion of the movable member or the stationary member, so as to weld and deposit a material of the electrode on a surface of the treatment target portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Osamu SHINDO
  • Publication number: 20140231686
    Abstract: A solenoid plunger for a solenoid-driven metering system comprises a solenoid-actuable armature shaft and a plunger head secured to a first end of the armature shaft. The plunger head comprises a campanulate portion whose wide end is further from the first end of the armature shaft than its narrow end, and a closure member further from the first end of the armature shaft than the campanulate portion. The closure member defines a first end of the plunger head. The second end of the plunger head has a threaded shaft and the first end of the armature shaft has a threaded bore, and the plunger head is secured to the first end of the armature shaft by the threaded shaft being threadedly received in the threaded bore. The plunger head may be made from metal, preferably from aluminum or an aluminum alloy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventor: William H. Keizer
  • Publication number: 20140215826
    Abstract: In some implementations, an injection system that injects sealant into a pipe, pressure component or valve while containing the pipe, pressure component or valve repair that significantly reduces or eliminates release of hazardous material from inside the pipe, pressure component valve or injection system and thus significantly reduces emission of the hazardous material from inside the pipe, pressure component or valve into the environment and protecting the repair technicians.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: FORGE TECH, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Lee Miller, Daniel J. Rybicki, Mathew A. Rybicki, Lawrence J. Povse, Kenneth R. Vejr, Andre S. Todd, John M. Griffin
  • Publication number: 20140215827
    Abstract: A method of repairing an existing conduit assembly embedded in ground material. The conduit assembly has an axial length and defines an access passage through which above ground access can be obtained to an underground valve actuator. The method includes the steps of: removing a portion of the length of the conduit assembly to expose an upper edge defined by a remaining portion of the conduit assembly; providing a repair assembly with a conduit piece having an entry opening; engaging the conduit piece and the remaining portion of the conduit assembly; moving the conduit piece guidingly in an axial direction against the remaining portion of the conduit assembly to thereby situate the entry opening at a desired axial location; and placing a cap on the conduit piece to thereby block the entry opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Argonics, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Roell
  • Patent number: 8756813
    Abstract: A method of remanufacturing an injector involves an original lead extending from an overmold block. A milling cutter is used to mill a cavity into the overmold block to provide access to the original lead. The milling cutter splits the original lead into a remainder portion and a discard portion. A replacement lead is inserted into the overmold block to overlap with the remainder portion, and the overlapping leads are soldered to each other. The exposed overlap area is encapsulated with filling material. The original lead is preferably cut such that a tip of the remainder portion is angled, pointed, or otherwise shaped to increase the surface area that is exposed at the tip. The increased exposed surface area increases the area over which the replacement lead and the remainder portion make contact with each other when overlapping. Greater contact between the soldered leads strengthens their connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Diesel Forward, Inc.
    Inventors: William Joseph Rutecki, Randall Clare Harkema, Thomas Edwin Earhart, Todd Foote
  • Publication number: 20140145103
    Abstract: A rigid piston assembly for use in a conventional flush valve includes a rigid piston and a solenoid configured to fixedly engage within the valve body. A flush valve for a plumbing fixture as well as a method of retrofitting a piston valve into a diaphragm flush valve body includes a rigid piston and solenoid configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Inventor: SDB IP Holdings, LLC
  • Publication number: 20140102966
    Abstract: A filter system includes a conduit for fluidly interfacing to a pump and a shroud adapted to be in fluid communication with a body of water in a spa/tub. A stand pipe has a first end structurally affixed to a bottom surface of the shroud. The first end of the stand pipe is fluidly interfaced to the conduit for transference of water to a pump. A distal second end of the stand pipe has a bypass valve and the stand pipe is sized and positioned within the shroud for holding and supporting a filter media.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: LMI ROTO, LLC
    Inventor: Gary Harder
  • Patent number: 8689444
    Abstract: A method for adjusting a valve clearance in a cylinder head using a rocker arm of a support point adjustable type. In the method, an adjustment screw is rotated in one direction until a camshaft comes in contact with a cam shaft contact section to make the amount of valve opening zero, then further rotated until the valve is released with a certain valve opening amount, and after that, rotated in a reverse direction by a certain rotation angle and accordingly loosened until a desired valve clearance value is obtained. In the process above, the method determines a first rotation angle of the adjustment screw necessary for the adjustment screw to move from a position where the valve is released with the certain valve opening amount to a position where the camshaft comes in contact with the camshaft contact section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Hirata Corporation
    Inventors: Hisayuki Sueoka, Yasuyoshi Miyauchi, Yasuo Morise, Tatsumi Otomura
  • Publication number: 20140090250
    Abstract: A multi-position valve assembly including a valve housing, a stator element and a rotor element rotatably mounted about a rotational axis. The valve assembly further includes a pressure adjustment assembly movable between a release position and a stop position, hard stopped relative to the valve housing. The pressure adjustment assembly includes a pressure adjuster device configured to movably cooperate between the rotor element and the valve housing to adjustably generate an axial compression pressure at the rotor-stator interface at a calibrated operating pressure, PC. When the pressure adjustment assembly is oriented in the release position, the axial compression pressure is substantially removed from the rotor-stator interface. In contrast, when the pressure adjustment assembly is oriented in the stop position, the axial compression pressure is substantially reproduced at the calibrated operating pressure, PC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: IDEX Health & Science LLC
    Inventors: Christopher R. TOWER, Mark J. GREEN
  • Publication number: 20130333218
    Abstract: A method for rebuilding a solenoid module for use in automatic transmissions is disclosed. In the present invention, a methodology that restores the functionality of the module is described. In one embodiment, the components are individually repaired or replaced. In another embodiment, the hydraulic functioning of the module is further restored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: Advanced Powertrain Engineering, LLC
    Inventor: Advanced Powertrain Engineering, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130316034
    Abstract: The invention relates to a valve flap (1) for producing a casting machine valve (100), in particular for installing into a casting machine for casting a flowable substance, in particular a liquid substance with suspended solid particles, such as chocolate for example, in which cocoa particles and sugar particles are typically suspended in a molten fatty substance that has cocoa butter and milk fat to a greater or lesser extent. The valve flap is designed such that a valve can be produced with at least one other valve element, said valve consisting in particular of at least two valve flaps (1) that are preferably identical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Buhler AG
    Inventors: Bernhard Bauer, Leo Bühler
  • Publication number: 20130256572
    Abstract: A seat ring for a control valve has a valve body defining an inlet, an outlet, and a gallery. The seat ring includes an annular body and a flow separator. The annular body is adapted to he disposed in the gallery of the valve body and includes an interior sidewall defining a port for accommodating fluid flow through the gallery. The flow separator is disposed within the port and includes a flow straightening portion defining a plurality of separate passageways. Each of the plurality of separate passageways has a hydraulic diameter and a length that is larger than the hydraulic diameter. As such, the passageways separate the flow of fluid through the port into a plurality of separate flow paths to interrupt turbulence adjacent to the port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventor: Michel K. Lovell
  • Patent number: 8539673
    Abstract: A method for machining a sealing seat of a shut-off valve in a power generating or industrial plant. An upper valve part and the internal housing fittings are removed from the housing of the shut-off valve to thereby expose a housing opening. A clamping device with a counter-bearing is introduced through the housing opening into the connection pipe and fastened to its inner wall. A machine tool with a bearing is introduced through the housing opening and mounted with its bearing on the counter-bearing. A machining step is carried out with the machine tool on the sealing seat. Then the machine tool is detached and removed through the housing opening. The clamping device is detached from the connection pipe and removed through the housing opening. Then, the upper valve part and the internal fittings are reattached to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Areva GmbH
    Inventors: Siegfried Gügel, Karl-Heinz Herzing, Josef Sprehe, Volker Wurzer
  • Publication number: 20130187069
    Abstract: A valve assembly (10) comprising two valve portions, an upper and lower valve portion (12, 14), each having a valve housing indicated generally at (16, 18), a valve seat (28, 28?) and a valve closure member (20, 20?) moveable between a first position in which the valve closure member is displaced from the valve seat and the valve is open, and a second position in which the valve closure member cooperates with the valve seat and the valve is closed, wherein the assembly has a first configuration in which the first and second valve portions engage with one another, the valve closure members being closed, and the valve closure members being disposed at a distance apart defining, with the housing, a chamber (29) therebetween, which is capable of being sealed from the surrounding environment, having an inlet (44, 44?) and an outlet (45, 46?) through which sterilising medium may pass, and a second configuration in which the valve closure members engage with one another and are moveable from their first to their sec
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventor: Chandulal Kantilal Ranpuria
  • Patent number: 8474140
    Abstract: Grinding a machine component such as a valve component during remanufacturing, includes seating one end of the valve component in a chuck of the grinding apparatus, then contacting a steady rest with a reference surface on an outer diameter of the valve component while rotating the valve component, and then reseating the one end of the valve component in the chuck. A first valve surface on an outer diameter of the valve component is ground while contacting the steady rest with the reference surface, then a second, different valve surface on the outer diameter of the valve component is ground also while contacting the steady rest with the reference surface. The valve component is then reassembled with a hydraulically actuated device for service therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Francis E. Erbes, Michael Grier, Gary Harris, Randall H. Bishop
  • Publication number: 20130160294
    Abstract: A method of rebuilding a solenoid for use in automatic transmissions is disclosed. In one embodiment, an improvement over the original equipment design allows for increased durability of the solenoid. In another embodiment, a lower cost method is disclosed for reusing an expensive component. In either case, various components within the solenoid are reused, reconditioned or replaced. A preferred process for disassembling the solenoid is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: ADVANCED POWERTRAIN ENGINEERING, LLC
    Inventor: Advanced Powertrain Engineering, LLC
  • Publication number: 20130153808
    Abstract: An anti-cavitation seat which is disposable between an inlet and an outlet of a pressure reducing valve, and including a plurality of inlets causing fluid to flow into a converging pathway to reduce pressure of the fluid. The inlets form a tortuous path for a portion of the fluid flowing into the anti-cavitation seat, so as to further reduce the pressure of the fluid. A standard stem assembly is used in conjunction with the anti-cavitation seat to alter the flow of fluid through the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: CLA-VAL CO.
    Inventor: CLA-VAL CO.
  • Publication number: 20130068988
    Abstract: A method for repairing damaged valve stem assemblies includes enlarging a bore within a body of a valve stem to form an enlarged bore portion and creating a conical hole in an end of the valve stem body around the enlarged bore portion. Internal threads are created within the enlarged bore portion, and a valve stem repair extension is installed in the enlarged bore portion. The valve stem repair extension has a beveled surface that mates with the conical hole to form a hermetic seal between the valve stem body and the valve stem repair extension. The steps of enlarging the bore and creating the conical hole may both be performed using a countersinking drill bit having a beveled cutting portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Roger KLISKEY, Rockford Tyson
  • Patent number: 8387254
    Abstract: A method of rebuilding a solenoid for use in automatic transmissions is disclosed. In one embodiment, an improvement over the original equipment design allows for increased durability of the solenoid. In another embodiment, a lower cost method is disclosed for reusing an expensive component. In either case, various components within the solenoid are reused, reconditioned or replaced. A preferred process for disassembling the solenoid is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Advanced Powertrain Engineering, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Fathauer
  • Publication number: 20130037127
    Abstract: A universal valve cap for pneumatic tire valve stems allows for quick and easy access to replenish air in tires. The bottom portion of the cap has an inner thread design, engagable with the threaded valve stem, and the top or crown part of the cap has a snap fastener fitting, allowing for inflation of the tire. The upper portion of the cap has a compression spring or memory plastic that offers resistance to a compressive force that will enable the upper section of the cap to be pressed down over the stationary bottom half of the cap when pressure is applied. The bottom portion of the cap can be pushed down and locked into an open position when inserting air or checking tire pressure. A twist of the cap releases the upper portion to its original position, allowing the top of the cap to be snapped closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Ron Allen
  • Patent number: 8347504
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fuel injector having high-flow orifices in its tip includes removing a bulb from a fuel injector tip having at least one spray orifice with a first diameter, and friction welding a slug to the fuel injector tip, including forming a fused interface of material of the slug and material of the fuel injector tip. The method further includes modifying the slug subsequent to friction welding the slug to the fuel injector tip, including forming a new bulb from the slug having at least one spray orifice therein with a different diameter than that of the removed bulb. A remanufactured fuel injector, and fuel injector tip, includes an injector tip body having a first tip portion of a first material and a second tip portion of a material compatible for friction welding with the first material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Inventors: Karen Raab, James D. Sparks, Scott A. Johnston, Sami El-Sayed
  • Publication number: 20120298901
    Abstract: A ball valve includes a first ball clamping assembly that defines a first seat surface in contact with an exterior of the ball. A second ball clamping assembly defines a second, sealing seat surface in contact with and adapted to seal with the exterior of the ball. The second ball clamping assembly is coupled to the first ball clamping assembly to clamp the ball between the first and second seat surfaces. The second ball clamping assembly includes a seat ring holder and a seat ring carried by the seat ring holder. The seat ring of the second ball clamping assembly has a sealing seat surface. A springing member is provided between the seat ring and the seat ring holder and springingly biases the seat ring toward the ball. The seat ring holder has a shoulder that supports the seat ring against fully compressing the springing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Inventor: Paul David Ringgenberg
  • Publication number: 20120291282
    Abstract: The apparatus, for re-machining safety valves in situ on high pressure/high temperature plant and pipework, comprises a first gearbox and a second gearbox. The first gearbox has a first centre of rotation associated therewith and is configured to receive a driving torque. The second gearbox has a second centre of rotation associated therewith, is coupled to and is configured to be driven by the first gearbox. Coupling means is provided for transferring the drive torque from the first gearbox to the second gearbox. The coupling means is configured to define the location of the second centre of rotation relative to the first centre of rotation. A removable accessory assembly is provided and is coupled to the second gearbox, for carrying out a cutting, grinding or lapping operation to recondition a surface of a safety valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: Christopher Sperring
  • Patent number: 8291927
    Abstract: A process for remanufacturing valve bodies such as fuel injector valve bodies includes receiving a salvaged valve body having a first segment, a second segment and a middle segment which includes a valve seat and a guide bore for a valve therein. The process further includes removing material of the valve body where the valve seat and the guide bore are disposed, and positioning an insert within the valve body in place of the removed material. A new valve seat and a new guide bore are then machined in the insert, including locating for machining the new valve seat and new guide bore on a timing face of the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kirk Johnson, Gary Harris, Alberto F. Garcia
  • Publication number: 20120240403
    Abstract: A method for machining a sealing seat of a shut-off valve in a power generating or industrial plant. An upper valve part and the internal housing fittings are removed from the housing of the shut-off valve to thereby expose a housing opening. A clamping device with a counter-bearing is introduced through the housing opening into the connection pipe and fastened to its inner wall. A machine tool with a bearing is introduced through the housing opening and mounted with its bearing on the counter-bearing. A machining step is carried out with the machine tool on the sealing seat. Then the machine tool is detached and removed through the housing opening. The clamping device is detached from the connection pipe and removed through the housing opening. Then, the upper valve part and the internal fittings are reattached to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: Areva NP GmbH
    Inventors: Siegfried Gügel, Karl-Heinz Herzing, Josef Sprehe, Volker Wurzer
  • Publication number: 20120222749
    Abstract: Embodiments of a fluid flow regulating device and methods of using the same are described. Certain embodiments manages fluid flow between one or more input ports and output ports at least partly in response to fluid pressure changes and/or by a mechanism driven by fluid flow, optionally without using electrical power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: COLT IRRIGATION LLC
    Inventor: James Walter Hurst
  • Publication number: 20120192423
    Abstract: A multi-function valve exchange apparatus including an alignment tool for locating tools of the multi-function valve exchange apparatus proximate to an installed cardiovascular valve assembly comprised of a base member and an exchangeable valve member detachably coupled thereto; a stabilizer tool for grabbing the base member and preventing the base member from moving during a procedure for exchanging the existing valve member with a new valve member; removal and collapsing tools for uncoupling and removing the existing valve member; and an installation tool for installing a new exchangeable valve member having a new leaflet set. A method for exchanging a valve member uses the multi-function valve exchange apparatus to facilitate removal of the existing exchangeable valve member and installation of the new exchangeable valve member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventors: Ivan Vesely, Christopher Michael Sprague
  • Publication number: 20120168146
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed. The problems of damage and failure of solenoid valves in high pressure high temperature environments and the problem of difficult repair of solenoid valves are addressed through reduction of the possibility of damage to the ball seat and/or seals and through a modular design to increase the ease of repair and adjustment in the event repair is needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventor: James G. Filas
  • Publication number: 20120055572
    Abstract: A backflow prevention assembly is disclosed including a backflow prevention valve having a valve housing including a valve inlet end and a valve outlet end; a spool spacer of predetermined length having a first end and a second end; an inlet shut-off valve; and an outlet shut-off valve, wherein the spool spacer extends between the backflow prevention valve and one of the inlet shut-off valve and the outlet shut-off valve. The entire assembly, including the backflow prevention valve, the spool spacer, the inlet shut-off valve, and the outlet shut-off valve, is a certified assembly, certified by a certifying authority prior to installation. Methods of manufacturing a backflow prevention assembly and replacing a backflow prevention assembly are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventors: Brad L. Noll, Chris Corral, William M. Orr
  • Patent number: 8046917
    Abstract: A method to refurbish a valve seat in a fuel injector module housing where the valve seat is of a larger diameter than an associate valve guide bore user using an indexable insert insertable into the bore and oriented in a manner to engage the valve seat to facilitate refurbishing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Detroit Diesel Remanufacturing LLC
    Inventor: Roman F. Kosiorek
  • Patent number: 7984550
    Abstract: A remanufacturing and salvaging strategy for fuel injector tips such as high flow fuel injector tips includes blocking a first set of spray orifices in the fuel injector tip, including at least partially filling the first set of spray orifices with a material, for example by laser welding. New spray orifices are formed in virgin material of the fuel injector tip, offset from the former spray orifices, also for example via a laser. A remanufactured fuel injector tip includes blocked former spray orifices as well as new spray orifices configured to permit spraying of fuel from the fuel injector tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Howard D. Jenkel, James S. Millar
  • Publication number: 20110173814
    Abstract: A tool for replacing a valve seat of a reciprocating pump has a puller shaft connected to a puller head having at least two spring-biased dogs. An operator inserts the puller head into a valve bore and through a valve seat, the dogs retracting as the puller head moves through the valve seat, then snapping back outward. A hydraulic cylinder engages the puller shaft to exert a force on the puller shaft causing the dogs to dislodge the seat. The operator then places a replacement valve seat on a shoulder in the valve bore. The operator attaches an installing head to an installing shaft and inserts the installing head into the valve bore into contact with the replacement valve seat. The hydraulic cylinder applies a force in an opposite direction on the installing shaft to push the replacement valve seat into installed engagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: Weir SPM, Inc.
    Inventor: Pankaj H. Patel
  • Publication number: 20110162732
    Abstract: An anti-siphon check valve assembly 20 has an upper portion 4 body housing with a shut off seat 9 or seal 6 and a lower portion 3 body housing for attachment to the upper portion 4 body housing. Inside the body housing is an internal float 5 and a compression coil spring 8. The internal float 5 has a shut off seal 6 for engaging a shut off seat 9. The compression coil spring 8 for biasing the internal float 5 to a shut off position wherein the seal 6 engages the shut off seat 9. The check valve opening force is less than 1 psi, preferably less than 0.5 psi, more preferably 0.25 psi or less. The anti-siphon check valve assembly 20 also has an “O” ring seal 7 to seal the upper portion 4 of the body housing to the lower portion 3 of the body housing. The shut off seal 6 can be made as a washer gasket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventor: Vincent P. Biel
  • Publication number: 20110031421
    Abstract: A method of preventing wear in a blowout preventer includes the steps of forming an inner surface of a blowout preventer body to receive wear inserts at least one wear point in the blowout preventer body; and securing at least one wear insert on the formed inner surface of the blowout preventer body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventor: Dean Foote
  • Publication number: 20110030616
    Abstract: A pressure-actuated member, for example a paint pressure controller or a coating agent valve, for influencing a mean coating agent pressure of a coating agent to be applied in a painting system, is disclosed. An exemplary pressure-actuated member may comprise a component, which is subjected directly to the coating agent during operation and is mobile and/or can be deformed to influence the pressure. Examplary components subjected to the coating agent may at least partially comprise a ceramic material in order to achieve a longer service life.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Inventors: Thomas Buck, Michael Baumann, Rainer Melcher
  • Patent number: 7861738
    Abstract: A process for remanufacturing valve bodies, such as fuel injector valve bodies, includes regrinding a valve seat of a salvaged valve body with a grinding apparatus, and linking a center axis of the valve seat with a center axis of a guide bore for a valve which contacts the valve seat. Linking the center axis of the valve seat with the center axis of the bore includes contacting a locating element of the grinding apparatus with a locating surface on an outer diameter of the valve body during regrinding the valve seat. Locating on the outer diameter enables run-out between the axes to be inhibited during regrinding the valve seat based on concentric congruity between the locating surface and the bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Francis E. Erbes
  • Publication number: 20100193716
    Abstract: A pneumatic valve actuator for moving the valve stem of a control valve comprises an upper casing and a lower casing each having flanges, a diaphragm plate operatively coupled to the valve stem, a spring arranged to bias the diaphragm plate in a first direction, a diaphragm movable in conjunction movement of the diaphragm plate, an air inlet defined in the casing and arranged for attachment to an air supply source to bias the diaphragm plate in a second direction, and a ring disposed between the upper flange and the lower flange and positioned to engage the outer portion of the diaphragm. The ring includes a protrusion positioned to engage a surface of the outer portion of the diaphragm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Michael W. McCarty, Ted D. Grabau
  • Publication number: 20100107625
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide features for varying speeds available and/or range of operation of transmissions for use in high performance, increased efficiency, and/or other applications. Increased performance and/or efficiency may be obtained by using additional speeds or gear ranges to maintain drivetrain operation within maximum power and/or efficiency bands of internal combustion engine operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: Competition Cams, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert HARRISON
  • Patent number: 7703205
    Abstract: A high-pressure plug valve is refurbished by replacing a valve plug, a valve plug cage, and flow path inserts that line a flow path through the plug valve. The valve plug cage has first and second opposed flat side surfaces, each side surface has a port for receiving one of the replaceable flow-path inserts in a fluid-tight seal. In one embodiment, refurbishing the plug valve includes replacing at least one inset seal for sealing at least one of the ports when the plug is in a closed position to inhibit leakage through the valve at low fluid pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Stinger Wellhead Protection, Inc.
    Inventors: Bob McGuire, L. Murray Dallas
  • Publication number: 20100000619
    Abstract: A multi-way valve suitable for use with large particle abrasive slurries. The valve has a housing and a seat piece affixed to the housing that defines a chamber. The seat piece has a conical valve seat. A rotor defines a conical base end that is received in the conical valve seat. A spring member biases the conical base end of the rotor against the conical valve seat to center the rotor and to allow the rotor to glide over large particles and for compensating for wear of the rotor over the lifetime of said rotor. The rotor has a first fluid path that is over a top of the rotor and a second fluid path that is through a bridge passageway in the rotor, thereby pressure balancing said rotor. The first fluid path provides continual flushing of particles from the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: DAVID BRYAN LARSON
  • Publication number: 20090302258
    Abstract: A plug assembly includes a plug stem having a plug stem base, a plug head, and a fastening mechanism for fastening the plug stem base to the plug head, the fastening mechanism comprising at least two retainer clamps that surround and provide an interference fit between the plug stem base and the plug head. A method of replacing or attaching a plug head to a plug stem includes providing a plug stem having a plug stem base, providing a plug head, providing a fastening mechanism comprising at least two retainer clamps, and coupling the fastening mechanism around the plug stem base and the plug head to provide an interference fit between the plug stem base and the plug head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Bradford Haines, Brian Wayne Howard, Michael P. Nelson, Jan Jurewicz
  • Patent number: 7607872
    Abstract: A machine tool for machining a molded part, such as an elastomeric coated valve component includes a rotatable cutting tool having a shape corresponding to the shape of a cavity of the valve component. A method of machining the molded part is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Buckhorn Rubber Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward W. Hulse, Kevin W. Pennewell, James W. Dorsey, Gregg A. Teel
  • Publication number: 20090256098
    Abstract: A method for rebuilding a flow control valve, may be performed by first providing a flow control valve having a rotor positioned in a chamber of a valve body. The rotor has a valve stem. A top cover plate is mounted to the valve body above the rotor and has a first bore through which the valve stem protrudes. The top cover plate is removed so the rotor can be removed from the valve body. A seal is positioned on the top cover plate along the first bore so that when the rotor and top cover plate are placed in or on the valve body, the flow control valve is sealed at the interface between the top cover plate and the valve stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Muhammad Pervaiz, Richard Scardina
  • Patent number: 7587824
    Abstract: A method for rebuilding a flow control valve, may be performed by first providing a flow control valve having a rotor positioned in a chamber of a valve body. The rotor has a valve stem. A top cover plate is mounted to the valve body above the rotor and has a first bore through which the valve stem protrudes. The top cover plate is removed so the rotor can be removed from the valve body. A seal is positioned on the top cover plate along the first bore so that when the rotor and top cover plate are placed in or on the valve body, the flow control valve is sealed at the interface between the top cover plate and the valve stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Muhammad Pervaiz, Richard Scardina
  • Publication number: 20090217523
    Abstract: A process for remanufacturing valve bodies such as fuel injector valve bodies includes receiving a salvaged valve body having a first segment, a second segment and a middle segment which includes a valve seat and a guide bore for a valve therein. The process further includes removing material of the valve body where the valve seat and the guide bore are disposed, and positioning an insert within the valve body in place of the removed material. A new valve seat and a new guide bore are then machined in the insert, including locating for machining the new valve seat and new guide bore on a timing face of the valve body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Kirk Johnson, Gary Harris, Alberto F. Garcia
  • Publication number: 20090199403
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for extending the life of a booster valve in an automatic transmission. The booster valve commonly resides in the pump stator body and is modulated by reverse oil pressure and pressure control solenoid pressure signals. Pressure signals from the reverse oil pressure and the pressure control solenoid force a booster valve piston towards a pressure regulator valve piston also generally residing in the pump stator body. The booster valve piston slides inside a booster valve sleeve, and over time, the booster valve sleeve wears and the performance of the booster valve degrades or fails. The present invention replaces an original inner booster valve spring with a longer (or in some cases shorter) replacement booster valve spring to shift the operating range of the booster valve piston to an unworn portion of the booster valve sleeve to extend the life of the booster valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: STEVEN W. YOUNGER