Ratchet Patents (Class 251/230)
  • Patent number: 11359457
    Abstract: Downhole well completion system for control of flow to or from multiple compartments (1a,1b,1c,1d) in a targeted subterranean reservoir (30), comprising a plurality of interval control valves (2) connected in series forming a downhole string (24), said interval control valves (2) are manipulated from surface via hydraulic control lines (4a, 4b, 4c) to open or close flowports (20) of each interval control valve (2), wherein each interval control valve (2) comprises a command module (5) connected to at least two of said hydraulic control lines (4a, 4b), a first hydraulic control line is a command line (4a) to deliver applied pressure to the command module (5), which translates hydraulic pressure signals into axial movement of an inner ratchet rod (6) that determines the position of an integral pilot valve (7), a second hydraulic control line is a common-open or common-close line (4b), to provide hydraulic power to either open or close the flowports (20) of each interval control valve (2), and the inner ratchet
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Bosse Nova AS
    Inventors: Anthony Kent, Jan Tore Overanger
  • Patent number: 11105438
    Abstract: A valve for a flush-mounted body of a sanitary fitting, at least having a valve housing with a longitudinal axis, a rotatable flow control element for adjusting a flow volume of a liquid flowing through the valve, and a valve knob for opening and closing the valve. The valve knob can be adjusted via the flow control element, rotationally and parallel to the longitudinal axis, by a control knob for the valve, and the control knob is fastened to the valve knob by a rotary coupling so that the control knob can be non-rotatably fastened relative to the valve housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: Grohe AG
    Inventor: Yukiko Toyoda
  • Patent number: 10865552
    Abstract: An overflow drain assembly includes a housing configured to be installed at a bottom of a basin. A plug assembly is configured to be disposed within the housing and has an upper and lower plug body translatable to each other. A fluidic seal is attached to the upper plug body and configured to removably engage in a water tight manner with a top side water inlet of the housing. A single compression spring is disposed between and biases apart the upper and lower plug body. A first permanent magnet attached to the lower plug body is above a second permanent magnet attached to the upper plug body. The upper plug body is configured to be manually pushed downward a first time by a user to automatically lock into an open position and manually pushed downward a second time to automatically raise and lock into a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: WESTBRASS COMPANY
    Inventors: Max Homami, Marc Gregory Martino
  • Patent number: 10744254
    Abstract: An automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) system using gravity to deliver fluid from one or more source dialysate bags to the patient as the destination, and using gravity to deliver fluid from the source patient to the destination drain container or drain receptacle, and heats at least one dialysate bag placed onto a heated plate, and using a disposable tubing set is used for dialysate delivery to and from the patient, and using one or more solenoid-operated, normally closed, electronically-controlled pinch valves which pinch or release the disposable tubing set's tubing to stop or start fluid flow, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Inventors: Steve Lindo, Richard Pendergraft, Jennifer Miller, Jacob Henderson, Trevor Roach, Emily Byrne, Cameron Eckert
  • Patent number: 10443756
    Abstract: An actuator for use with an on/off solenoid configured to maintain a position corresponding to the energized state of the solenoid when the solenoid is de-energized. The actuator is comprised of a guide that rotates a selector between one of two positions each time the solenoid is energized. One position of the actuator places the selector in an extended position and the other position of the actuator places the selector in a retracted position. To move the selector between the first and second positions, the solenoid is momentarily energized, and in each position of the selector, the solenoid is de-energized. The actuator can be coupled to a poppet valve to maintain the valve in one of two positions when the solenoid is de-energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: FLEXTRONICS AP, LLC
    Inventor: Matthew Peterson
  • Patent number: 10330215
    Abstract: A pneumatic valve unit for use in a tire changer for selectively connecting at least one pressure source of the tire changer to at least one operating member of the tire changer upon successive operation of at least one pedal of the tire changer, the pneumatic valve unit comprising a pneumatic valve with a valve housing and a plunger axially slidably received in the valve housing, the plunger being operatively coupled to the pedal and movable between at least two predetermined axial positions upon successive operation of the pedal, and a selection mechanism for selectively connecting the pressure source to the operating member upon successive operation of the pedal, wherein the selection mechanism comprises a selector housing for axially slidably receiving the plunger therein, a cam body comprising a plurality of cam surfaces, a spacer body comprising a plurality of spacer surfaces for acting together with the cam surfaces, and a biasing means for biasing the spacer body towards the cam body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: SNAP-ON EQUIPMENT SRL A UNICO SOCIO
    Inventors: Luigi Balsotti, Davide Balugani, Roberto Rosi, Paolo Sotgiu
  • Patent number: 10107406
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body defining a main flow pathway (28) and a bypass channel (52) for bypassing the main flow pathway. A ball (20) is located in the main flow pathway and is moveable between an open position and a closed position. When the ball is in the open position, an open pathway through the ball fluidly completes the main flow pathway to provide an ordinary flow, and when the ball is in the closed position the ball blocks the main flow pathway. A pressure relief feature (50) is disposed in the bypass channel (52), and the valve body further defines a pressure relief passage (62) comprising a clearance between an outer surface of the ball (20) and the valve body. The pressure relief feature (50) permits a relief flow from the bypass channel (52) through the pressure relief passage (62) around the ball (20), and to the outlet (24) to relieve excess pressure in the connecting inlet piping (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventor: Craig Obermark
  • Patent number: 10053844
    Abstract: A universal drain has a plug body, at least two sealing member and a pressing knob. The plug body is composed of a base, a movable member, a rotating member, a first spring and a cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: YU-HSIN PLASTIC CORP LTD
    Inventor: Pei-Hsiang Huang
  • Patent number: 10049520
    Abstract: An electronic entry device such as a door lock includes a display that uses substantially no power when a static image is presented. Such a display can be “always on” and be used to display information to users of the entry device on a continuous basis. In some embodiments, the persistent display is an e-ink display. In some embodiments, the persistent display may present a scannable code, such as a QR code, that is statically displayed on the persistent display when a new product is unboxed. The persistent display can also present weather, news, scheduling, or other information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: SARGENT MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventors: William Gardiner, Andrew Wilding
  • Patent number: 9945491
    Abstract: A device for actuating a valve, comprising a casing, said casing exhibiting a transparent region and said casing preferentially having been formed from an upper part and a lower part, a transmission assembly, an electric motor and a base board for attaching electrical components, wherein LEDs or a multicolor LED and an optical waveguide have been arranged in the casing, preferentially on the base board, the position or another function of the valve being indicated by the LEDs lighting up, and the optical waveguide collimating and focusing the light of the LEDs for the purpose of indicating the position or malfunction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Georg Fischer Rohrleitungssysteme AG
    Inventors: Juergen Stumpp, Stefan Buergi
  • Patent number: 8973614
    Abstract: The outlet switch device includes a fixed unit, an outlet switch mechanism, an inlet switch mechanism and a driving mechanism. The outlet function switch is realized through the relative rotation between the outlet switch mechanism and the fixed unit; the fixed unit includes a control cavity and an inlet waterway connected to the external water resource; the outlet switch mechanism includes a switch plate, which is movable connected inside the control cavity and divides the control cavity into an upper cavity and a lower cavity; the inlet switch mechanism controls the inlet waterway to control the water turning into the upper cavity or the lower cavity, making the switch plate move up and down with the effect of the water; the driving mechanism is disposed between the switch plate and the fixed unit to transform the action up and down to rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignees: Xiamen Solex High-Tech Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Huasong Zhou, Zhongcheng Jin, Jianmin Chen, Bin Chen
  • Patent number: 8973610
    Abstract: A pneumatic control valve includes a first valve body, a pushing block, a rotating block, a second valve body, an end cover, and a piston. The first valve body defines a first gas inlet and a receiving hole. The first valve body forms a plurality of guiding ribs evenly positioned on the inner surface of the receiving hole away from the first gas inlet, and each of the guiding ribs forms an inclined surface at a distal end thereof. The pushing block and the rotating block are slidably received in the receiving hole. The second valve body is connected to an end of the first valve body adjacent to the receiving hole of the first valve body. The end cover is fastened on an end of the second valve body away from the first valve body. A pneumatic control system using the pneumatic control valve is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hai-Feng Ma, Xiao-Bing Xu
  • Publication number: 20150034853
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to valves, generally including a body assembly and handle assembly. The body assembly generally includes a body and a stem passing through the body. The handle assembly generally includes a handle body and an insert. The insert provides an interface between the stem and the handle body. The insert includes protrusions extending therefrom configured to distribute stress resulting from a moment load applied to the handle assembly through the handle body to reduce failure of the handle body. Methods of positioning a valve are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: Hayward Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul M. Gutmann, Joshua Lee Hoots, Gary A. Moren, Jon Terence Stone
  • Publication number: 20150021504
    Abstract: A unisex ball valve coupling includes an interface end that engages an interface end of a mating coupling half assembly. A valve of the coupling has a valve body, which has an open position in which fluid flow is permitted through the internal passage and a closed position in which the valve body closes off fluid flow through the internal passage. A valve shaft rotates with the valve body between the open position and the closed position. The valve shaft has a first surface. A blocking member is movable from a blocking position to a non-blocking position within the body portion. In the blocking position, the blocking member engages the first surface of the valve shaft to secure the valve body in the closed position and, in the non-blocking position, the blocking member does not engage the first surface of the valve shaft to permit opening of the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Tak-Yiu Wong
  • Publication number: 20150013806
    Abstract: A water supply valve comprising a valve body having a first orifice and a second orifice, a rotatable valve shaft, and a handle. The rotatable valve shaft can be inserted into the first orifice or the second orifice, thereby converting the water supply valve from first configuration where the handle is on the left side to a second configuration where the handle is on the right side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: DANIEL L. MCCOY, LEONARD G. FRANKLIN, JR.
  • Patent number: 8925583
    Abstract: A flow adjustable waterway switch device is disposed inside a valve body. The valve body is disposed with an inlet connected to the water source and at least two outlets. The waterway switch device has a driving shaft, a setting plate rotated and disposed inside the valve body and a button mechanism. One end of the driving shaft is disposed outside the valve body, and the other end is disposed inside the valve body. The setting plate is rotated by the driving shaft. The flow area of the inlet is changed by the relative rotation of the setting plate and the valve body to adjust the flow. The button mechanism includes a switch plate rotated and disposed inside the valve body, a switch rotor and a restoring spring, the driving shaft is rotated relatively to the switch rotor but not sliding relatively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignees: Xiamen Solex High-Tech Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Huasong Zhou, Shuiyuan Luo, Zhongcheng Jin, Jianmin Chen
  • Patent number: 8893805
    Abstract: Bypass valve comprising a ported housing (1) and concentrical ported sleeve (2). Ported piston (3) is slidably arranged within the sleeve. Between sleeve and piston is a control system consisting of control element (5) fixed to sleeve (2) by means of plugs (7) passing through apertures (49) and holes (68). Noses (35) protrude into recesses (34) of drive element (4). Saw teeth (31) on drive element (4) interact with teeth (29) on rotatable timing element (6). Key (27) on element (6) interacts with teeth (32) on control element (5). Lower end (70) of key is abutting against ridge (67) formed on inner surface of sleeve (2). when key (27) is engaged to teeth (32), teeth (31, 29) on elements (4, 6) are misaligned. Pressure increase results in piston (3) and drive element (4) moving downward freeing key (27) from engagement with teeth (32). Teeth (31, 29) are forced into alignment with subsequent rotation of timing element (6). In this position, ports on piston and sleeve are partially aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Bruce McGarian
  • Patent number: 8752582
    Abstract: An improved sequencing fluid control valve comprising a housing having inlet and outlet ports, a valve seat disposed within the housing, a collapsible valve member disposed within the housing and forming a chamber and a bulb. A sequencing means disposed within the chamber that controls the axial motion of the valve member in response to application of fluid pressure at the inlet such that the motion of valve member alternates between an open free flowing state and a closed restricted flow state. Housing and valve member cooperate in the open position to provide an annular flow path that does not require the fluid flow direction to substantially change while flowing from inlet to outlet. Housing and valve member bulb cooperate in the closed position to form a circumferential seal to restrict the fluid flow. Alternative embodiments including viscous damping means and variations on the housing mount are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Aeromaster Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Spitzer
  • Patent number: 8739831
    Abstract: A self-reset valve has a fixed unit, a water diversion body, a stop mechanism, a drive shaft and a clutch. The fixed unit is disposed with an inlet waterway and at least two waterways. The water diversion body is rotatably connected to the fixed unit inside. The water diversion body is disposed with an outer revolution surface having an outer ratch and an inner revolution surface. The stop mechanism is connected to the fixed unit and acted on the outer ratch. The drive shaft is rotatably connected to the fixed unit. The drive shaft is disposed with a control end and a drive end. The clutch is connected between the drive end of the drive shaft and the inner revolution surface of the water diversion body. The reset elastic body is connected between the drive shaft and the fixed unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignees: Xiamen Solex High-Tech Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Huasong Zhou, Yanhui Zhong, Haisong Peng, Qingshuang Li
  • Patent number: 8628057
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a locking mechanism for a valve device having a valve body for retaining the valve body at a predetermined opened position, including: a disk having a rotational shaft rotatable together with a valve body driving shaft and having a cutout groove formed on an outer circumferential face thereof; a ball disposed in the cutout groove; a body member having an axial direction restriction face and an inner circumferential face; a holder member having an engaging face which has a diameter gradually decreasing toward the ball and is engageable with the ball; and a spring member biasing the holder member toward the ball, wherein said ball is clamped by and among the engaging face which is acted upon by the biasing force of said spring member, the axial direction restriction face and the inner circumferential face so that a rotational direction position of the rotational shaft is retained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignees: Keihin Corporation, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukinobu Sakata, Takuya Wakabayashi
  • Patent number: 8607811
    Abstract: A flapper valve preferably used in injection application in deep subterranean locations has an actuating sleeve with a seat to accept an object. A j-slot connects the actuation sleeve movement to the housing so that with an object on the seat and an applied pressure cycle the sleeve moves the flapper to the open position. The plug is dissolved and the injection begins. The plug can have an opening so as to allow continuous injection flow as the flapper is operated. Closing the flapper involves a second object on the same seat and a pressure cycle so that a spring can push the sleeve away from the flapper to allow a torsion spring on the flapper to close it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Lale Korkmaz
  • Publication number: 20130327971
    Abstract: A handwheel and method for use are disclosed. The handwheel including a body and a ratchet assembly disposed within the body, the ratchet assembly can include an interface that connects the ratchet assembly to a valve stem assembly of a compressed gas cylinder, the handwheel can include a chain or tether that secures the handwheel to the gas cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: Casidy Anise Anderson
  • Patent number: 8602058
    Abstract: The pushbutton stopcock assembly has a sleeve with outer ports, a body portion with inner ports, and a pushbutton to actuate a rotation of the body portion. Each outer port of the sleeve connects to a fluid passageway for the introduction of fluids, and each inner port is in fluid connection with the other inner ports. In this manner, fluids flow and travel from fluid passageways, through the outer ports, and through the inner ports. The body portion has a first end with a spring and a second end with a cam. The pushbutton abuts the second end portion of the body portion, such that depressing the pushbutton engages the cam to be cooperative with a complementary cam within the sleeve so as to rotate the body portion a set amount. Each set amount of rotation corresponds to a particular alignment of the outer ports and inner ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Gil Del Castillo
  • Patent number: 8596299
    Abstract: An externally mounted mechanical device for mechanically closing a pressurized tank or cylinder valve, such as a grill tank, is provided. The device comprises a securing mechanism, a rotatable mechanism having a handle recess to receive a handle of pressurized tank or cylinder valve, and a torsional spring, wherein the torsional spring is configured to store potential torsional force and then release the torsional force by way of a timed release mechanism. The mechanical device comprises a securing device for securing the mechanical device to a tank or cylinder. Torsional force may be stored in torsional spring by way of a ratchet and pawl that also is configured to release the stored torsional force by way of a timed release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Turtle Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Ajay Patel, Alan Kenyon, Arvind A. Patel
  • Patent number: 8579255
    Abstract: A step ratchet mechanism that allows for the incremental movement of an assembly that may be adapted to incrementally open or close an adjustable orifice. The step ratchet mechanism may be comprised of a modified body lock ring that permits incremental movement along a mandrel in either direction along the mandrel. The step ratchet mechanism may be actuated a designated distance by the application of pressure to the mechanism. The step ratchet mechanism may be ideal for using pressure to drive a downhole multi-position device. The modified body lock ring is adapted to both secure the mechanism at each set position as the mandrel is pumped down as well as allowing the mechanism to ratchet when the mandrel is pumped back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventor: Richard J. Ross
  • Patent number: 8561640
    Abstract: A hydraulic valve including an inlet port for receiving a pressurized hydraulic fluid and an outlet port for expelling the hydraulic fluid. The valve also includes a displaceable spool for blocking and unblocking a flow path between the inlet and outlet ports, and a latching mechanism for displacing the spool in response to a pressure surge for the hydraulic fluid. The valve includes a first elastic element and a second elastic element, where the first elastic element urges the spool into a position blocking the flow path and the second elastic element urges the latching mechanism to displace the spool into a position out of the flow path. In an unlatched position of the latching mechanism, force from the second elastic element is transferred to the spool, and in a latched position of the latching mechanism, the spool is isolated from the second elastic element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Trevor McConnell, Philip George
  • Patent number: 8474482
    Abstract: A switching valve is proposed that switches between at least two different outlets with the aid of a valve closing body and a valve seat. The valve contains an actuating device that can be actuated by the user. The actuating device acts on an advancing device that advances the valve closing body from a stable, discrete position into another stable, discrete position. The advancement can be caused either by the interaction of beveled surfaces or by means of the flow of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Hansgrohe SE
    Inventor: Fabian Melle
  • Patent number: 8418720
    Abstract: A water diverting device comprises an inlet, two outlets, an upper and a lower sealing seats respectively for the outlets. The device further comprises a water diverting switch that fits with the sealing seats and used to switch over the outlets. The switch includes a sliding shaft and fixed base with a sliding through hole. The switch is provided with a retaining hook for holding the sliding shaft up and down direction. On the surface of the sliding shaft, there are the first and second stop positions for the hook part of the hook, first and second unidirectional slide channels. The switch has a spring pushing the shaft from its head towards its tail. The head of the shaft connects with a valve core, and positions of the sealing seats correspond with travel of the valve core. The water discharge direction is changed over by a diverting switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Ningbo Bosheng Plumbing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Difeng Cen
  • Patent number: 8413673
    Abstract: A flow actuated valve includes a valve body, a diverter member, an actuator member, and a check disk. The valve body defines a first upper aperture, a second upper aperture, and a lower aperture. A check disk member connects to the actuator member to control the flow of fluid depending upon the direction of the flow of the fluid through the valve. When the check disk member is closed, the diverter member engages the actuator member to allow a first fluid to flow through the first upper aperture or to allow a second fluid to flow through the second upper aperture. In operation, the fluid is selected by changing the directional flow of the fluid to close the check disk member which causes the actuator member to engage the diverter member to either allow the first fluid source or the second fluid source to flow therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Alcor Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Sacchetti
  • Patent number: 8403297
    Abstract: A switch for kitchen and bath appliances comprises a sliding shaft and a fixed base with a sliding through hole for the sliding shaft. The switch has a retaining hook for holding the sliding shaft. On the surface of the sliding shaft, there are a first and a second stop positions fitting with the hook part of the retaining hook. The first and second stop positions are at different height on the surface of the sliding shaft, with the first stop position close to the head of the sliding shaft. On the surface of the sliding shaft, there are the first and second unidirectional slide channels for the hook part of the retaining hook. The switch has a spring pushing the sliding shaft from head of the sliding shaft towards its tail. The switching on/off states are changed by a pressing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Ningbo Bosheng Plumbing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Difeng Cen
  • Patent number: 8397745
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Colt Irrigation, LLC
    Inventor: James Walter Hurst
  • Patent number: 8316953
    Abstract: A well tubing valve including a substantially tubular body connected in a tubular string and a rotational valve member having at least one aperture. The valve member is a sleeve having a part spherical surface, is rotationally moveable relative to the body to align and misalign the at least one aperture in the valve member with a port in the body. The valve member is actuable to rotate relative to the body in a single direction, and moves from the open position to a closed position and back by rotation in the same sense. The valve also includes a sealing arrangement adapted to provide a metal seal that is biased to seal against the part spherical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Red Spider Technology Limited
    Inventors: Michael A. Reid, Irvine C. Brown
  • Patent number: 8276833
    Abstract: A handheld and multi-section water distributor contains a body including an inlet end, an outlet end, and a chamber defined between the inlet end and the outlet end; a pressing element including a push segment and a press segment integrally connected on a bottom end of the push segment; a plugging member including a plug segment and a retaining segment integrally extending from a bottom end of the plug segment; the plug segment being formed in a cone shape and extending downward decreasingly to define an outer sealing wall so as to closely engage with the inner sealing wall of the closing room; the retaining segment including a number of protrusions arranged around a bottom end thereof to be retained in the recesses respectively; a resilient element fixed between the inflow room and a top fence of the plugging member to push the plugging member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventors: Mengfeng Cheng, Changwen Zhang
  • Patent number: 8230871
    Abstract: A fluid flow regulating device is provided that maintains pressure and flow rate characteristics of a source fluid while the fluid is distributed to multiple delivery lines. The inventive device switches between multiple output ports in response to fluid pressure changes or by a mechanism driven by fluid flow. Thus, existing fluid delivery systems are easily expandable while avoiding installation of additional timing control mechanisms, electrical runs, or fluid sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Inventor: James W. Hurst
  • Patent number: 8191859
    Abstract: The present invention provides a water flow control valve, which has an improved structure, thus reducing manufacturing costs and increasing the reliability of products. To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the water flow control valve includes synchronous motors (20), which generate drive forces in directions opposite each other, an eccentric cam (30), which is provided between the synchronous motors (20) and converts a direction in which the drive force is transmitted, a power transmission unit (50), which is in rolling contact with the eccentric cam and adjusts the amount of fluid that flows through a housing using operation of the eccentric cam, and ratchet gears (40), which are provided between the synchronous motors and the eccentric cam and transmit the drive force of one of the synchronous motors while preventing the drive force of the remaining synchronous motor from being transmitted in a no-load operation manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Kyungdong Network Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tae-Sik Min
  • Patent number: 8186647
    Abstract: A solenoid valve includes a bobbin, a coil, a rod, and at least one ball. The bobbin has a through hole and a multiple-turning-point groove in the inner wall of the bobbin. The coil winds around the bobbin. The rod is disposed in the through hole and is capable of moving inward or outward along the through hole, and has a recess in the outer wall of the rod. Each ball is received in the groove and the recess at the same time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Delta Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Chieh-Cheng Chen, Ming-Chih Tsai, Chien-Chia Lin
  • Publication number: 20110259427
    Abstract: A passive cycle skipping valve comprising a pawl and a wheel comprising a first plurality of pins, wherein a distal end of the pawl is configured to engage any of the first plurality of pins where when the second pin is separated from the first pin by at least a threshold pin separation distance, the valve opens and when the second pin is not separated from the first pin by at least the threshold pin separation distance, the valve does not open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: Red Mountain Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: Michael E. Slafter, Randal E. Zugnoni
  • Patent number: 8028356
    Abstract: A water controlling valve includes an outer sheet, an end cap and a control valve group. The control valve group is disposed between a flowing bore in the outer sheet and a water bore in the end cap. The water controlling valve is connected with the outlet of a water tube. When the control valve group is pushed upwards, the water bore in the end cap and the flowing bore in the outer sheet are closed in a predetermined sequence, then the water in the tube will not flow out. When the control valve group is pushed downwards, the flowing bore in the outer sheet and the water bore in the end cap are opened, then the water will flow out. When the water is stopped, the occurring positive or negative pressure wave is lowered, and then the vibration and the raspy noise will be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Highplus International Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Yu-Yueh Kao, Chih-Hung Kao
  • Publication number: 20100171053
    Abstract: A tap adapter comprises a tap head, a tap body and a plunger. The plunger is mounted within the body so as to be movable from a closed position to both a first open position and a second open position. Resilient means are arranged to return the plunger from either open position to said closed position. The adapter is arranged such that the return to the closed position from said first and second open positions takes different lengths of time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: Aqua-Smart Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Robert Williamson, Rob Collins
  • Publication number: 20100163764
    Abstract: An adaptor for a water delivery device to avoid water wastage by the provision of two durations of water flow, comprising a tap head, a tap body and a plunger, the plunger being slidably mounted within the body so as to be movable from a closed position to both a first open position and a second open position; resilient means being arranged to return the plunger from either open position to said closed position, the adapter being arranged such that the return to the closed position from said first and second open positions takes different lengths of time, and adjustment means arranged to adjust the ratio between the length of time for the plunger to return to the closed position from the first open position and the length of time for the plunger to return to the closed position from the second open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: Aqua-Smart Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Rob Collins, Robert Williamson
  • Patent number: 7694359
    Abstract: A pull-chain shower valve is interposed between a pipe stub and a shower head of a typical shower and allows a user to turn the water on and off at the shower head assembly without the need to use the main valve controls of the shower. The device uses a ball valve that articulates between an open position wherein water flows out of the shower head and a closed position wherein water does not flow out of the shower head. A standard pull-chain assembly is used to articulate the ball valve between its open position and its closed position. A pull-chain of the pull-chain assembly is pulled in order to advance the ball valve to its next position. Each sufficient pull of the pull-chain advances the ball valve exactly 90 degrees. If the pull-chain is not pulled sufficiently, the ball valve resets to its prior position. A reset mechanism is provided for the pull-chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Inventor: Leaton Hall
  • Patent number: 7648053
    Abstract: A linear sliding gate valve (10) for a metallurgical vessel comprises a slide plate (20) with a first orifice (30) and a fixed plate (22) with a second orifice (32). A slideable tray (26) supports the slide plate (20) and is arranged to slide the slide plate (20) relative to the fixed plate (22) so as to control an outflow of the metallurgical vessel by the relative position of the first and second orifices (30; 32). The slide plate (20) is rotatable relative to said slideable tray (26). The sliding gate valve further comprises a ratchet mechanism (40; 140) for providing defined angular positions of the slide plate (20). The ratchet mechanism (40; 140) is mounted on the slideable tray (26) such that the slideable tray (26) forms the fixed frame of the ratchet mechanism (40; 140).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Tech-Gate S.A.
    Inventors: William Rose, Dominique Verrelle, Albert Gauche
  • Publication number: 20080302985
    Abstract: To provide a handle with a torque limiter capable of performing the opening/closing operation of a flow passage with a specified tightening force, less causing wear and damage to a valve element even if repeatedly used, capable of stably controlling a flow rate over a long period, capable of securely performing the opening of the flow passage, and manufacturable at low cast and a fluid controller having the handle with the torque limiter. This handle with the torque limiter comprises a handle body (62) connected to an operating mechanism (5) vertically moving the valve element by a rotating operation and a cover body (61) fitted to the handle body. The handle body comprises a ratchet wheel (7), and the cover body comprises a ratchet claw (8) rotatable about a pivot shaft (81) and a spring (9) energizing a force to rotate the ratchet claw in a direction for engaging the ratchet claw with the outer peripheral teeth for the ratchet wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Kunihiko Daido, Hisatoshi Akamoto
  • Patent number: 7448591
    Abstract: A step ratchet mechanism that allows for the incremental movement of an assembly that may be adapted to incrementally open or close an adjustable orifice. The step ratchet mechanism may be comprised of a modified body lock ring that permits incremental movement along a mandrel in either direction along the mandrel. The step ratchet mechanism may be actuated a designated distance by the application of pressure to the mechanism. The step ratchet mechanism may be ideal for using pressure to drive a downhole multi-position device. The modified body lock ring is adapted to both secure the mechanism at each set position as the mandrel is pumped down as well as allowing the mechanism to ratchet when the mandrel is pumped back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: BJ Services Company
    Inventor: Richard J. Ross
  • Patent number: 7387290
    Abstract: A self locking air nozzle for an inflatable product includes a mounting seat with a first through hole, a shoulder and a tubular extension extending from the mounting seat, a rotatable cylinder rotatably mounted on the shoulder, a driven sleeve received in the rotatable cylinder to be linearly movable relative to the rotatable cylinder, a sealing seat securely connected to the driven sleeve and selectively engaged with a bottom peripheral edge of the mounting seat so as to be linearly movable relative to the mounting seat that the sealing seat is moved to close communication between the first through hole of the mounting seat and air holes defined in a periphery of the sealing seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Inventor: Cheng-Chung Wang
  • Patent number: 7341239
    Abstract: The valve has a valve housing (39), in which a valve body (26) is mounted displaceably and preferably rotatably about its longitudinal axis (A). It has at least one valve seat (53, 54), with which the valve body (26) interacts. A button (22) is operationally connected to the valve body (26) in order to displace the valve body (26) from a basic position into a working position. The valve body (26) is controlled in such a way that it is automatically locked releasably in the working position when its displacement from the basic position into the working position takes place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Weidmann Plastics Technology AG
    Inventors: Benjamin Hodel, Henning Kaess
  • Publication number: 20080001111
    Abstract: A step ratchet mechanism that allows for the incremental movement of an assembly that may be adapted to incrementally open or close an adjustable orifice. The step ratchet mechanism may be comprised of a modified body lock ring that permits incremental movement along a mandrel in either direction along the mandrel. The step ratchet mechanism may be actuated a designated distance by the application of pressure to the mechanism. The step ratchet mechanism may be ideal for using pressure to drive a downhole multi-position device. The modified body lock ring is adapted to both secure the mechanism at each set position as the mandrel is pumped down as well as allowing the mechanism to ratchet when the mandrel is pumped back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventor: Richard J. Ross
  • Patent number: 7296593
    Abstract: A switching valve assembly 32 for use in a mixing faucet is disclosed. The switching valve assembly comprises a switching valve assembly 32 for use in a mixing faucet, which comprises a manual operation member 36 adapted to be moved in response to a pressing operation by a user, a push rod 35 having a base end joined to the manual operation member, a pilot valve 40 disposed relative to a distal end of the push rod, a coil spring 42 interposed between the pilot valve and the distal end of the push rod, a diaphragm main valve 46 having a pilot-valve port designed such that the pilot valve is selectively brought into contact therewith and separated therefrom, a pressure chamber 48 formed on the side of a back surface of the main valve to contain a part of the push rod, the pilot valve and the coil spring, and a valve seat 52 designed such that a front surface of the main valve is selectively seated thereon and unseated therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Toto Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Matsui, Osamu Tokunaga
  • Patent number: 7093609
    Abstract: An air inflation tube of a mini-size air pump is disclosed. The air inflation tube of the air pump has a dual direction air inflation capability, that is, inflation and deflation, and the pressure releasing and air pumping are done by the same tubular body to solve the problem of excessive tire pressure without removing the air inflation tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventor: Chih-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 6942195
    Abstract: A valve for a water faucet includes a barrel, a valve core received in the barrel, and a bottom cap mounted in the barrel and under the valve core. The valve core has a disk with multiple first ribs formed at an inner wall of a hole thereof. Each of the first ribs has a first bevel edge formed at a top thereof. An outer rod has multiple ratchets formed at a top thereof and a circumferential position offset between corresponding first bevel edges and ratchets. Multiple first lugs are formed at an outer periphery of the outer rod. The inner rod has multiple second lugs corresponding to the first lugs. Each of the second lugs has a second bevel edge for abutting the ratchet and the first bevel edge. The spindle extends through an inlet of the barrel and has a head for blocking an inlet of the barrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Chih-Hung Kao