With Snap Action Patents (Class 251/75)
  • Patent number: 11971107
    Abstract: A valve including a valve body including an inlet opening and a plurality of outlet openings; and an actuating gate adapted to seal at least one of the plurality of outlet openings, where the actuating gate is adapted to rotate eccentrically about a central axis while also translating in a direction perpendicular to the central axis upon actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2024
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics L+S GMBH
    Inventors: Christian Elz, Mike Schmiech
  • Patent number: 11758949
    Abstract: A charging cases for electronic cigarettes includes a container configured to house the electronic smoking device, a micro-control unit (“MCU”) configured to facilitate charging a first rechargeable battery for the electronic smoking device. A plurality of connecting pins are configured to facilitate electrical coupling between the electronic smoking device and the MCU. A connector is movably coupled with the charging case and configured to connect the MCU to external circuitry. A system includes an electronic smoking device comprising a battery, an eCig memory, control electronics, and a charging case comprising a container, a micro-control unit (“MCU”), a connector, and a charging case battery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Inventors: Hitesh Bagai, Andreas Ingo Beer
  • Patent number: 11660411
    Abstract: A respiratory device having a respiratory gas source, a control unit and a connecting device for connecting to a respiratory mask. The control unit is connected to a sensor for detecting a measurement parameter. The control unit has a step generator for specifying a stepped modification of the pressure that is generated by the respiratory gas source. The sensor measures a signal that corresponds to the pressure distribution and is coupled to an analyzer that evaluates the temporal distribution of an analysis signal that is dependent on the measuring signal. The step generator increases the pressure by a pressure step in a respiratory cycle that follows the measuring evaluation, if the analyzer determines a deviation of the analysis signal from a limit value after a predeterminable time limit has elapsed following the pressure increase. The deviation must exceed a predeterminable minimum differential in order to trigger a pressure increase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: Loewenstein Medical Technology S.A.
    Inventors: Wolfgang Wedler, Bjoern Tiemann, Christof Goebel
  • Patent number: 11624449
    Abstract: An apparatus for directing fluid flow is disclosed, including a valve structure having a chamber, a main port, a first port, and a second port, each of the ports being connected to the chamber. A poppet structure in the chamber is moveable between a first position blocking the first port and a second position blocking the second port. A first compliant member connecting the poppet structure to an inner wall of the chamber, is configured to alternate application of forces to the poppet structure, in opposite directions, between the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Vinay Kumar Tumkur Chandrashekar, Elias Eliot
  • Patent number: 10519022
    Abstract: Dispensing assembly comprising a container, containing a pressurized beverage, connected to or provided with a dispense assembly, wherein the dispense assembly comprises an outlet channel closable by a valve body and a chamber between the container and the valve body, which chamber is at least partly closed by a movable and/or deformable wall part connected to the valve body or a valve seat, such that pressurized beverage from the container filling the chamber forces the wall part, into a position biasing the valve body or the valve seat in a position closing the outlet channel and by pushing the wall part the valve body or the valve seat can be forced into a position opening the outlet channel, wherein preferably at least during use there is an open connection between said chamber and a beverage compartment of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: HEINEKEN SUPPLY CHAIN B.V.
    Inventors: Bernardus Cornelis Johannes Landman, Jeroen Frank Otto, Rudolf Klaas Van Beelen, Vincent Schats
  • Patent number: 9708803
    Abstract: A pop-up drain stopper linkage assembly contains: a lift rod, a drain base, a connector, a threaded rod, a threaded sleeve, a driving rod, and a drain stopper. The lift rod is pulled upward or pressed downward by a user after extending through the basin. The drain base is disposed on the basin and includes an outlet. The connector is fixed on the drain base. The threaded rod is connected with the lift rod and moves vertically in response to the lift rod. The threaded sleeve screws with and moves vertically in response to the threaded rod and includes a first retaining portion. The driving rod includes a first segment, a second segment, a spherical ball, and plural second retaining portions. The drain stopper is secured on the drain base and includes a bottom end moving vertically in response to a lever movement of the driving rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: GLOBE UNION INDUSTRIAL CORP.
    Inventors: Yiping Lin, Chunhung Li
  • Patent number: 9395012
    Abstract: An electromagnetic valve apparatus with nonlinear springs for variable valve timing in an internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes a valve, floating spring assembly, translational cam, and motor. The cam and spring serve to minimize lash and valve stem bending forces. During opening and closing of the valve, spring potential energy is converted into valve kinetic energy and then back into potential energy at the end of the motion. The potential energy is then available for the next opening/closing event. The motor initiates motion, replaces friction and vibration losses, and terminates motion. However, the motor supplies minimal energy as the valve opens and closes, and vice-versa, naturally due to combined effects of system inertia and the nonlinear spring. In addition to valve control, the apparatus may be applied to fuel injectors, or any reciprocating linear or rotary mechanism where electronic control is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: LAUNCHPOINT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Brian A. Paden, Orlo James Fiske, Michael R. Ricci, Murat Okcuoglu, David B. Paden, Bradley E. Paden
  • Patent number: 9255463
    Abstract: A flapper equalizer plunger embodies a unitary coiled spring that is compressed by the flow tube to shift the plunger to equalize pressure across the flapper before the flow tube tries to move the flapper. The hydraulic control system then need only to overcome the force of a flapper pivot spring to swing the flapper 90 degrees to an open position behind the flow tube. The integral spring is produced with a wire EDM technique and can be symmetrical or asymmetrical around its periphery as a way of offsetting off-center impact from the bottom of the flow tube. The plunger can be rotationally locked if it is asymmetrical. The pitch can be constant or variable and the output force greatly exceeds the force provided by an independent coiled spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Mark S. Megill, Steve Rosenblatt
  • Patent number: 9038983
    Abstract: A drain plug assembly that has particular application for sealing a drain hole in a high voltage battery compartment on a vehicle. The plug assembly includes a plug that inserted into the drain hole. The plug assembly further includes a return spring coupled to the plug and causing the plug to be biased into the drain hole. The plug assembly also includes at least one shape memory alloy device coupled to the plug and a support structure. The SMA device receives an electrical current that causes the device to contract and move the plug out of the drain hole against the bias of the return spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Craig A. Kollar, Xiujie Gao, Alan L. Browne, Paul W. Alexander, Nancy L. Johnson, Shawn G. Quinn, Milind S. Gandhi, Scott R. Webb
  • Patent number: 8973892
    Abstract: A locking mechanism for a valve device, which includes a valve body for opening and closing a fluid path, for retaining the valve body at a predetermined opening position, the valve device further including a gear wheel to which rotational driving force of a rotational driving source is transmitted and a rack section having rack teeth provided thereon for meshing engagement with the gear wheel and configured to convert rotational movement of the gear wheel into linear movement and move together with the valve body. The locking mechanism for a valve device includes: a ball abuttable with a wall face of the rack section; and a spring member configured to press the ball toward the wall face; the valve body being retained by frictional force generated when the ball is pressed against the wall face of the rack section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignees: Keihin Corporation, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Kawauchi, Yukinobu Sakata, Takahiro Sasaki, Takuya Wakabayashi
  • Patent number: 8757267
    Abstract: A pressure-actuated valve fit to a tubing string for alternately closing to communicate fluids from a wellbore to the tubing string and opening to communicate fluids from a wellbore annulus to the tubing string. The valve is particularly useful for lifting liquids which accumulate in the tubing string when the reservoir has a diminished pressure. In this case, gas is accumulated in the wellbore annulus and when the valve is opened the gas enters the valve and is directed to the tubing string for lifting the liquids. The valve is closed by a spring and has a closing-assist which applies an additional force to the spring to ensure the valve is fully closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Inventors: Bruce Mitchell, Gordon Bosley
  • Patent number: 8714199
    Abstract: A valve (100) is provided according to an embodiment of the invention. The valve (100) comprises a body (102) including a plurality of ports (204, 205, 206). The valve (100) also comprises a valve actuator (150) positioned within the body (102). The valve actuator (150) includes a slider (110) and one or more shape memory alloy elements (112a, 112b). The one or more shape memory alloy elements (112a, 112b) are coupled to at least one side (113, 114) of the slider (110). The slider (110) is movable between a first position and at least a second position upon energizing at least one of the shape memory alloy elements (112a, 112b) of the one or more shape memory alloy elements (112a, 112b) in order to actuate the valve (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Fluid Automation Systems SA
    Inventors: Nicolas Deperraz, Julien Solioz, Michael Baumgartner
  • Patent number: 7918245
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure reservoir having at least one pressure chamber formed between two opposed, movable inner boundary members. Each inner boundary members includes a spring cover and a diaphragm spring. An outer boundary member peripherally surrounds the movable inner boundary members and has a U-shaped cross section along at least a part of its periphery to axially support the diaphragm springs in a fixed axial position. The outer boundary member can be formed in several pieces that are held together by interconnections or by a surrounding outer tensioning member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Martin Staudinger, Marco Grethel, Felix Dreher, Franz Benz
  • Publication number: 20080289700
    Abstract: The present invention comprises, in one embodiment, a compression safety valve apparatus adapted to engagingly connect to an existing gas cylinder valve. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a housing base having a first bore, a rupture disc holding means having a second bore, at least one rupture disk, a piston having at least a third bore, a spring, and an outer housing cylinder having a forth bore, the first bore, the second bore and the third bore all being in gas flow communication with the compressed content of the tank. In operation, for example, during an over-pressurization event occurs, the extreme force of the escaping gas places a force on the bottom surface of the present invention's rupture disc assembly, so that the piston's beveled surface substantially mechanically engages the outer housing's upper ceiling. This mechanical engagement allows gas to continue to escape from the tank through one or more bleeder bores and a gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: Levi D. Masingale
  • Patent number: 7367540
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fast closing clamp for the pinching off of hoses, wherein the fast closing clamp has a clamp jaw with a clamping position, in which it can pinch off a hose, and an open position. The fast closing clamp in accordance with the invention furthermore comprises a holding apparatus, a spring device and a latch device as well as a return mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Lifebridge Medizintechnik AG
    Inventor: Gerhard Brieske
  • Patent number: 7314208
    Abstract: An apparatus for selectively channeling a high temperature fluid without chemically reacting with the fluid. The apparatus includes an inlet and a membrane positioned adjacent to the inlet, each composed of a chemically inert material. The membrane is formed by compressive preloading techniques. The apparatus further includes a seat disposed on the inlet adjacent to the membrane. The seat is composed of a heat resistant and chemically inert material. Operation of the apparatus requires that the temperature of the fluid remains below the chemical characteristic melting point of the seat. The apparatus further includes an actuator coupled to the membrane for rendering the membrane in an open and a closed position with respect to the seat. Specifically, the actuator supplies a load in the normal direction to the membrane to selectively engage the membrane in a plurality of predetermined configurations. Operatively, the apparatus receives the fluid at the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Joseph Rightley
  • Patent number: 7114697
    Abstract: The invention relates to a quick-acting valve actuator comprising: a driven member (31) driven by a drive device (35) suitable for causing the driven member (31) to travel along a stroke (C1) to a trigger position; and locking-and-trigger means (41) co-operating with the driven member (31) and the actuator member (21) so that: during the stroke (C1), the actuator member (21) is stationary, and the driven member (31) is moving; and when the driven member (31) reaches the trigger position, the driven member (31) is held stationary, and the actuator member (21) is urged by prestress means (51) to open or close the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: GeoServices
    Inventors: François Millet, Christophe Michaud, François Girardi
  • Patent number: 6945276
    Abstract: Valve with a displaceable actuating device that controls the movements of at least one actual sealing element for opening and closing, and the actuating device is loaded with an elastic element essentially in a perpendicular direction relative to the direction of displacement, and the longitudinal axis of the actuating device and the force exercised by the elastic element are aligned in one position of the actuating device between its two extreme positions. In order to realize a valve that can be electrically switched using minimal currents and that is characterized, in particular, by its small construction size but that is still able to achieve large regulating distances, the actuating device is a unilaterally constrained piezoelectric bending element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Hygrama AG
    Inventors: Erich Dörfler, Bernhard Russ, Günther Strasser, Rainer Teltscher
  • Patent number: 6886589
    Abstract: The float valve (11) controls water level e.g. in an associated plant pot. A housing (21) has a water inlet (25) with an inlet port (26), a float (31) able to rise and fall with the level of the water in the housing (21), a valve operating mechanism (60) able to open and close the port (26), and an actuator means (40) to operate the valve operating mechanism when the float (31) rises and falls to predetermined levels. For opening and closing the inlet port (26), there is a valve operating mechanism comprising a valve operator (60) having a valve member (67) and a lever (61) mounted for pivoting movement about generally central pivot point (65). Actuator means (40) is coupled to the float (31) and switches between a standby condition an active condition respectively to the closed and open positions of the valve operating mechanism (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignees: Autogrow Pty Ltd., Aquarose Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: John Earnest Oretti
  • Patent number: 6742761
    Abstract: An SMA actuated miniature latching valve for on and off control of fluid flow. A valve closure includes a poppet for opening and closing the fluid flow path. The poppet is operated responsive to an actuator mechanism which has SMA wires arranged to be actuated by electric resistant heating. Actuation causes different ones of the wires to contract and pull the poppet either toward or away from a valve seat. A latching mechanism comprising a conical spring operates between two bistable positions which hold the poppet either fully open or fully closed without further application of power to the actuators. A method of forming a secure mechanical and electrical connection between an SMA wire end and its support includes the steps of swaging a metal cone between a cone-shaped hole in the support and the wire end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: TiNi Alloy Company
    Inventors: A. David Johnson, Glendon Benson
  • Patent number: 6631830
    Abstract: A spring-controlled snap action valve assembly and an apparatus for dispensing pressurized liquid using the valve assembly, the apparatus including a connection to a source of pressurized liquid, the spring-controlled snap action ball valve assembly including a snap action ball valve and an inlet and an outlet, a conduit in fluid communication from the connection to the valve assembly inlet, a nozzle in fluid communication with the valve assembly outlet, and an actuator connected to the valve assembly to actuate the snap action ball valve from a closed position to an open position and from an open position to a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Larami Limited
    Inventors: Chor Ming Ma, George L. Skinner, Jeffrey Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 6575190
    Abstract: A non-return valve for a fuel tank, the valve comprising a substantially tubular body and a deformable shutter member fixed to said body, said shutter member being formed integrally by molding a plastics material and being shaped in such a manner as to return under its own elasticity into a shut position, with the valve body serving as a seat, whenever the shutter member is at rest and the pressure of fuel is no longer sufficient to overcome the elastic return action of the shutter member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Compagnie Plastic Omnium
    Inventors: Alexis Rosseel, Patrice Baudoux
  • Publication number: 20030034358
    Abstract: A spring-controlled snap action valve assembly and an apparatus for dispensing pressurized liquid using the valve assembly, the apparatus including a connection to a source of pressurized liquid, a spring-controlled snap action ball valve assembly including a snap action ball valve, an inlet and an outlet, a conduit in fluid communication from the connection to the valve assembly inlet, a nozzle in fluid communication with the valve assembly outlet, and an actuator connected to the valve assembly to actuate the snap action ball valve from a closed position to an open position and from an open position to a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2001
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Applicant: Larami Limited
    Inventors: Chor Ming Ma, George L. Skinner, Jeffrey Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 6386506
    Abstract: An improved snap action valve construction is disclosed in which a compensator blade has deflection resisting ribs positioned along a weld line defined between an active blade and the compensator blade. Additionally, the compensator blade may have a recessed tab for securing a spring between the compensator blade and a snap blade. In one embodiment, the snap blade includes one or more longitudinal recesses to increase the deflection of the snap blade in the area of the recesses. In another embodiment, the snap blade has an arc-shaped rib surrounding a portion of a valve member opening. The arc-shaped rib resists flexing of the snap blade in the area of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Maxitrol Company
    Inventor: Donald W. Cox
  • Patent number: 6283147
    Abstract: A non-return valve for a fuel tank, the valve including a bistable closure member. The closure member is made of an elastomeric plastics material and in the closed position it has an umbrella-configuration, and in the open position it has an inverted umbrella-configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Compagnie Plastic Omnium
    Inventor: Alexis Rosseel
  • Patent number: 6116569
    Abstract: An improved snap action valve construction is disclosed in which stiffening ribs are provided on the snap blade in an area adjacent the valve member carried thereby to aid in resisting flexing of the blade in this area. Additionally, a rib may be provided on the snap blade to provide a pivotable line contact between the snap blade and associated valve member to ensure better sealing engagement with the valve seat. In one embodiment stiffening ribs are also provided on a compensator blade in the area of attachment to the active blade to provide increased resistance to flexing in this area due to heat transfer from the active blade. In another embodiment, the compensator blade is secured to the snap blade in spaced relationship to the active blade so as to limit heat transfer therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Maxitrol Company
    Inventor: Donald W. Cox
  • Patent number: 6089533
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an arrangement having one or several hydraulic actuators. The arrangement is characterized in that the hydraulic actuators are realized, at in part, by utilizing bistable magnetic valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Bubeck, Thomas Laux
  • Patent number: 5984645
    Abstract: A combined compressor pressure sensor and excess pressure relief valve (12) uses a formed disk (22) that snaps down and back up at a pair of predetermined pressures. The disk (22), when it snaps down, opens a plug (34) to in turn allow excess pressure from the compressor (10) to escape. When up, the plug (34) remains sealed, the outside vents (42) remain blocked, and compressor gas flow only through the center of the plug (34) and disk (22) to a sensing chamber (46).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Larry Donald Cummings
  • Patent number: 5957151
    Abstract: A simple and frictionless pressure limiting valve assembly for use in pneumatic tire valves wherein a snap diaphragm is movable into and out of a sealing relationship with a valve member by means of the snap action of a snap action diaphragm. The snap action diaphragm may be biased by a means if desired to permit inflation of the pneumatic tire until a desired pressure is reached whereby the snap action diaphragm reverses itself and closes the air flow passageway. This inexpensive assembly only has a few parts. Some preferred embodiments are easy to incorporate (add to) in a conventional tire valve assembly and some others have their specific design. The effective point of activation of the snap action of the snap action diaphragm may be calibrated to precise values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Inventors: Rene Dalcourt, Germain Rinfret
  • Patent number: 5906219
    Abstract: A pressure sensitive valve 10 comprises a valve body 12 defining a bore 14, an inlet port 16 and an outlet port 18. The inlet port 16 is in fluid communication with the outlet port 18 and defines a fluid flow path 20. The fluid flow path 20 is in communication with the bore 14. A reverse buckling member 22 extends at least partially across the bore 14, the member 22 being adapted to reverse its conformation when a set pressure has been exceeded. The valve 10 includes means for actuating inversion of the reverse buckling member 22 when the set pressure has been exceeded. The valve 10 also includes means for sealing the reverse buckling member 22 from the fluid flow path 20.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: Pressure Wise Limited
    Inventor: Kieron John Lavery
  • Patent number: 5855221
    Abstract: A tire deflator includes a tubular housing with indicia markings showing a desired terminal pressure to preset a tire to a desired air pressure. Click stops are provided at air pressure intervals via indentations, which interact with springy pointer. A cap with a threaded cap is moved to move the cap to the desired click stop indentation. A hose terminates in a pneumatic chuck which attaches the tire deflator to a tire valve. In operation, the user simply turns the threaded cap relative to the tubular housing to the desired terminal pressure "click stop", as indicated by numbers on the tubular housing. The user then attaches the hose chuck to the tire valve by using the handle to lock on; the chuck has an internal pin which forces open the tire valve. The deflation process commences when pressure release pin on the bottom of the deflator is pressed in so that it snaps to its inward stable position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Inventor: Gordon Rieckhoff
  • Patent number: 5810327
    Abstract: A shutoff valve with a spring-loaded valve disk. The spring, designed as a tension or pressure spring is arranged outside of the valve housing, where a pivoting arm is attached to the actuating shaft. One end of the arm remote from the shaft is engaged by the spring. The other end of the spring is supported on an abutment mounted on the outside of the valve housing. The driver and the abutment are arranged in such a way that in the closed position, an imaginary connection line extends between the abutment and the driver with a lateral displacement transverse to the longitudinal shaft axis extending in the direction of closing the valve. The operational state of the spring is always visible so that a damage or defect can be readily identified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Gestra GmbH
    Inventor: Jurgen Lutz
  • Patent number: 5794749
    Abstract: A temperature-responsive fluid-type fan coupling has a sealing casing with a partition plate disposed therein. The partition plate divides interior portions of the casing into an oil reservoir chamber and a torque transmission chamber. A port extends through the partition plate to provide communication between the chambers. The casing is rotatably mounted around a rotary shaft such that an end of the shaft is disposed in the torque transmission chamber. A drive disc is fixedly mounted to the shaft and is disposed in the torque transmission chamber. Fluid in the torque transmission chamber functions to transmit torque from the disc to the casing. The valve member has one end mounted to the partition plate and an opposed end movably positioned in proximity to the port through the partition plate. Intermediate portions of the valve member are engaged by a pin, which in turn is movable in response to a temperature-responsive member. The valve member is biased to instantaneously open and close at set temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Usui Kokusai Sangyo Kaisha Limited
    Inventor: Hideo Ryuu
  • Patent number: 5711757
    Abstract: A controller (10) having a housing (11) within which is positioned a moveable portion (13). The housing comprises an outer housing portion (12a) and an inner housing portion (12b) and having a vent (14) and a limit peg (22). Detent means (15) defines the lower position limit of the movement of the inner housing portion (12b) and second detent means (16) defines the upper limit of the movement of the inner housing portion (12b) with the outer housing portion (12a). Biasing means (17) biases the moveable portion 13 to a first position. The device further comprises an inlet (19) attachable to a pump and an outlet (20) connectable to an inflatable body to form part of a continuous passive motion device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 27, 1998
    Assignee: Neoligaments Limited
    Inventor: Julian D. Bryant
  • Patent number: 5657784
    Abstract: A control arrangement (10) for a shut-off valve actuable by vacuum and intended for use in vacuum waste water systems, comprising a first valve (14) which is actuated by static pressure of collected waste water, and including a chamber (56) which can be put under vacuum via the first valve, whereby a second valve (20), charged by a spring (71), is abruptly opened when the pressure in the chamber drops below a preset level, so that vacuum reaches the shut-off valve and opens it, and, in case static pressure is reduced, the first valve closes and the chamber is gradually ventilated until the pressure in this chamber reaches a preset level at which the second valve and in turn the shut-off valve abruptly close.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Roediger Anlagenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Martens
  • Patent number: 5449143
    Abstract: An air vent includes a louver blade rotatable to adjusted positions by a motor. A control mechanism which connects the motor with the louver blade includes a control member connected to the motor, and a rotation transmitting member connecting the control member to the louver blade. The control member and rotation transmitting member are rotatable about a common axis. The rotation transmitting member and control member are capable of limited relative rotation in the event that an unwanted external force is applied to the louver blade, in order to isolate the motor from that external force. Spring-biased return blocks engage an elliptically shaped portion of the rotation transmitting member to return the louver blade to a prescribed angular relationship to the control member when the external force is relieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1995
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nam S. Hur
  • Patent number: 5445501
    Abstract: A device for feeding liquid under pressure comprises a vessel having an operating fluid inlet, an operating fluid outlet, an inlet opening for the liquid to be fed under pressure and an outlet opening for the liquid to be fed under pressure; a float disposed within said vessel; a change-over valve for alternately switching the operations of opening and closing the operating fluid inlet and outlet in response to the movement of the float; and a link mechanism. The link mechanism comprises a valve operating rod connected to the change-over valve and a compression spring supported at one end thereof by the valve operating rod and adapted not to cross any fulcrum at the time of operation thereof, and operates to move the valve operating rod in a snap motion in response to the movement of the float. The compression spring is supported by the valve operating rod so that the vector of action of the compression spring passes onto the point connecting the compression spring with the valve operating rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: TLV Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideaki Yumoto
  • Patent number: 5426990
    Abstract: A toggle linkage over-center mechanism employs first and second solid, metal links having facing axial ends pivoted to each other for pivoting about a first axis, the first link is pivotably coupled at one end to the fixed support for pivoting about a second pivot axis. The second link has an opposite axial end pivotably coupled about a third axis to an element for causing over-center movement of the pivotably coupled first and second links through a center line defined by the first and third pivot axes. Tension coil springs having opposite ends are pivotably coupled to respective outboard ends of the pivotably coupled first and second links. One of the rigid metal links is adjustable over its length to preload the tension coil springs to a sufficient magnitude to maintain preload tension within the over-center toggle linkage mechanism over the full range of movement of the toggle links between oppositely oblique over-center positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1995
    Assignee: Eastern Machine, Inc.
    Inventor: Armand Francart, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5411051
    Abstract: A self-regulating tire pressure system and method employs a bistable valve (10) that allows air from a high pressure reservoir (6) to replenish the pressure within a tire (4) when it has fallen below an actuating pressure, and discontinues its operation only after the tire pressure has increased to a closing pressure that is greater than the actuating pressure. The system is capable of sensing the valve's (10) frequency of operation as an indication of a slow tire leak when the frequency exceeds a predetermined threshold, of sensing the number of valve (10) operations and the duration of each operation as an indication of a flat tire condition when the number of operations for a predetermined duration exceeds a second threshold, and of sensing the duration of the valve's (10) operation as an indication of a low reservoir (6) pressure condition when that duration exceeds a third threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: Ross D. Olney, John W. Reeds
  • Patent number: 5293919
    Abstract: A self-regulating tire pressure system and method employs a bistable valve (10) that allows air from a high pressure reservoir (6) to replenish the pressure within a tire (4) when it has fallen below an actuating pressure, and discontinues its operation only after the tire pressure has increased to a closing pressure that is greater than the actuating pressure. The system is capable of sensing the valve's (10) frequency of operation as an indication of a slow tire leak when the frequency exceeds a predetermined threshold, of sensing the number of valve (10) operations and the duration of each operation as an indication of a flat tire condition when the number of operations for a predetermined duration exceeds a second threshold, and of sensing the duration of the valve's (10) operation as an indication of a low reservoir (6) pressure condition when that duration exceeds a third threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: Ross D. Olney, John W. Reeds
  • Patent number: 5280808
    Abstract: An air control valve for directing air flow in a double-acting reciprocable motor, where the valve has a first link which is pivotally connected at one end to the motor and mechanically coupled along its length to a reciprocable motor member; a second link pivotally connected to the same point as the first link, and having an over-center spring detent mechanism to position it in either of two pivot positions; both of the links having alignable transverse slots, with a compression coil spring engaged in both slots; and a slide valve member attached to the second link and pivotally movable therewith, to direct the air flow into either of the double-acting motor drive members, the air valve toggling to its second position near the end of the motor drive stroke to cause the motor to reciprocate in the other direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1994
    Assignee: Graco Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Kvinge, Marlin R. Melquist, Steve P. Plager
  • Patent number: 5265841
    Abstract: An electromagnetic valve assembly having a valve unit with a valve seat and a coil arrangement. An armature is slidably disposed in the bore of the coil arrangement and has one end cooperable with a core head to form an air gap and at the other end a closure device cooperable with the valve seat. The closure device has a ring shaped mounting part attached to the armature and a closure element in the form of a radially inwardly extending tongue-like part which is resiliently connected to the mounting part and is cooperable with the valve seat to maximize the operating effects of the coil arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Danfoss A/S
    Inventors: John G. Abrahamsen, Kurt Harck, Holger Nicolaisen
  • Patent number: 5255711
    Abstract: A chamber (24) is filled with a fluid whose pressure is to be regulated to a predetermined value. A valve (30) is disposed between the chamber (24) and a high pressure source of the fluid. A rolling diaphragm (18) has a face (18c) exposed to the fluid in the chamber (24), and actuates the valve (30) to connect the chamber (24) to the source when the chamber pressure drops below the predetermined value and to disconnect the chamber (24) from the source when the chamber pressure rises to substantially the predetermined value. A spring (26) urges the diaphragm (18) against the chamber pressure with a force corresponding to the predetermined pressure value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventor: John W. Reeds
  • Patent number: 5230361
    Abstract: A snap action toggle valve actuator assembly for use in a fluid holding tank. Movement of a float or other movable actuating element causes pivotal movement of pivot arm, which compresses a spring. When the float element reaches a predetermined level, the spring causes a downward movement in linkage attached to the rear of a valve actuating lever and an upward movement of a valve rod secured to the other end of the valve actuating lever and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignee: Spirax Sarco, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Carr, Daniel Douro
  • Patent number: 5211372
    Abstract: A exhaust valve for use in a cryogenic gas expansion system which uses a non-metallic valve seat and a metallic valve disk assembly which is moved into and out of contact with the valve seat to close and open the valve, respectively. The valve disk assembly has a valve disk element, a number of spring elements, and a ring element, all of which are integrally formed from a single metallic sheet. The valve disk element moves with a non-linear, snap action movement which movement is controlled by a cryogenic solenoid. When the disk element is moved out of seated contact with the valve seat and reaches a position just past the point at which the snap action has commenced, the movement is limited by a stop element so that the force, and hence the solenoid current, required to hold the valve open at that position is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Joseph L. Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5209455
    Abstract: There are provided a valve which is opened by an improved two-step motion, a valve which operates positively without leakage of fluid even when the difference in pressure between inlet and outlet of the valve is very small, and an improvement of a solenoid valve using those valves.The present invention relates to small-sized opening/closing valve and solenoid valve capable of being operated by very small force and electric power using a dry cell or the like, and is suitable to a solenoid valve for automatic opening/closing control which is used in city gas appliances, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Materials Corporation, MIC Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tokio Uetsuhara, Kenji Iio, Masaki Kouzu, Yuichi Andoh
  • Patent number: 5186207
    Abstract: The expansion valve has an operating pressure setting member that can adjust the operating pressure of a pressure-activated diaphragm by moving a spring retainer of an operating spring against the force the spring which is interposed between the diaphragm and the spring retainer. The operating pressure setting member, after being set at a desired setting position, is securely fitted into and crimped by a secondary coolant flow pipe. The operating pressure setting member has a coolant passage for the coolant to pass through. This construction can completely prevent leakage of the coolant from the operating pressure setting member as would occur with conventional expansion valves whose operating pressure setting member is not installed inside the secondary coolant flow pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1993
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Saginomiya Seisakusho
    Inventors: Morio Kaneko, Kazushige Tajima
  • Patent number: 5012643
    Abstract: A pressure-driven engine is provided therein with an intake valve and an exhaust valve the opening and closing operations of which are controlled by a combination of the urging force of the respective springs and the attractive force of the respective magnets. The engine automatically repeats reciprocating motion merely by supplying a pressure source such as steam or various kinds of compression gas. The reciprocating motion or the rotational motion converted from the reciprocating motion is utilized as a power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Inventor: Masanobu Higami
  • Patent number: 4986308
    Abstract: The invention provides a fluid switching microelectrovalve in which the mobile member playing the role of closure member for one or other of the pipes (18,19) is a single membrane (23) with oriented deformation applied by a rocker (24) against one or other of the pipes to be closed, the rocker (24) being moved from one to the other of its two balance positions corresponding to the two closure positions of the membrane by a spool (3) sliding in the valve body (1) under the action of the core of an electromagnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1991
    Assignee: ABX
    Inventor: Serge Champseaux
  • Patent number: 4969424
    Abstract: A diaphragm valve includes a magnetically attractive snap disc with two unrestrained positions in one of which its edge contacts a valve seat to block flow and an electromagnet operates to urge the disc to end of its two positions with additional means for returning it to the other. Use of a valve for two cycle engine crankcase inlet control is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1990
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Edward D. Klomp