Robert D Zimmerly

US Patent:

6382239, May 7, 2002

Filed:

Dec 9, 1998

Appl. No.:

09/207637

Inventors:

Robert D Zimmerly - Kenosha WI

Assignee:

Tri-Clover, Inc. - Kenosha WI

International Classification:

F16K 11048

US Classification:

137312, 73 46, 13761413, 1376255

Abstract:

A diverter valve for controlling a fluid flow without the sudden hammering pressure changes normally found in fluid control systems, and a method for assembling the valve. The valve includes a modular valve body with two substantially identical sections, each with a valve seat, oppositely arranged. The valve body also includes a T-shaped connecting section connected between the end openings of the two other sections. A valve stem shaft in the valve body has two valve plugs facing together, with the two valve seats between the valve plugs, so that each valve plug moves against the flow of the fluid to a closed position. A valve actuator shifts the valve stem shaft axially between first and second positions so that first one plug is closed, and then the other. The second valve plug is removably attached to the shaft by means of a hollow stem connected to the second valve plug preferably by means of threads. The hollow interior of this stem provides a channel for escape of any fluids leaking through the threaded connection so that such leakage can be detected.

US Patent:

48507040, Jul 25, 1989

Filed:

Feb 25, 1988

Appl. No.:

7/161300

Inventors:

Robert D. Zimmerly - Kenosha WI
Robert J. Riemer - Kenosha WI

Assignee:

Ladish Co.

International Classification:

B01F 704

US Classification:

366263

Abstract:

A two stage blender is capable of handling high viscosity liquid-powder mixtures. The mixture discharged from the first stage is directed to the second stage, from which it is discharged at a relatively high discharge pressure. The second stage further enhances the natural vacuum created within the first stage, so that powder is fed at a constant ratio for a wide variety of liquid flows. Selected internal parts of the blender are designed to permit cleaning the blender in place.

US Patent:

51523205, Oct 6, 1992

Filed:

Jan 6, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/817050

Inventors:

Robert D. Zimmerly - Kenosha WI

Assignee:

Tri-Clover, Inc. - Kenosha WI

International Classification:

F16K 11048

US Classification:

1376255

Abstract:

A diverter valve for controlling a fluid flow without the sudden hammering pressure changes normally found in fluid control systems, and a method for assembling the valve. The valve includes a modular valve body with two substantially identical sections, each with a valve seat, oppositely arranged. The valve body also includes a T-shaped connecting section connected between the end openings of the two other sections. A valve stem shaft in the valve body has a two valve plugs facing together, with the two valve seats between the valve plugs, so that each valve plug moves against the flow of the fluid to a closed position. A valve actuator shifts the valve stem shaft axially between first and second positions so that first one plug is closed, and then the other. The second valve plug is removably attached to the shaft by means of a tube connected to the second valve plug. This tube slides over one end of the valve stem shaft until it contacts a shoulder, and attaches to the valve stem shaft in that position.

US Patent:

54698804, Nov 28, 1995

Filed:

Dec 16, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/357464

Inventors:

Robert D. Zimmerly - Kenosha WI

Assignee:

Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance, S.C. - Pully

International Classification:

F16K 1120

US Classification:

137240

Abstract:

A plurality of manifold valve assemblies each including pairs of generally vertical valve cylinders each cylinder having actuator rods that are coaxial with each other, the rods being independently actuatable by their respective actuators. Each cylinder has an inlet port at its top each connected to a different supply conduit and each being connected by a crossover conduit near its lower end to the lower end of the other cylinder of the pair. One of the bottom ports of each pair is connected to a drain, thereby forming a leak detector, while the other bottom port of each pair is connected to a line supplying a clean-in-place liquid. Valve seat 45 is positioned below valve plug 40 so that it is closed by extension of actuator rod 32.

US Patent:

60450339, Apr 4, 2000

Filed:

Apr 2, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/053962

Inventors:

Robert D Zimmerly - Kenosha WI

Assignee:

Tri-Clover, Inc. - Kenosha WI

International Classification:

B23K 3102
B21D 3900
F16L 4700
F16L 1700

US Classification:

228189

Abstract:

A method of forming lengths of pipe for assembly together to form fluid flow conduits includes the steps of providing a pipe having a first inner diameter and a central longitudinal axis, providing a ferrule which has an annular first end, having an inner diameter equal to the pipe inner diameter and having a second end formed into a flange adapted to form a flange coupling when abutted against and connected to another similar flange. The flanges have end faces countersunk approximately 1. degree. to 5. degree. The first end of each ferrule is welded to an end of a pipe, whereby the end face of the flange assumes an orientation wherein the end face is substantially normal to the central longitudinal axis.

US Patent:

62933000, Sep 25, 2001

Filed:

Sep 13, 2000

Appl. No.:

9/660677

Inventors:

Robert A. Dumke - Kenosha WI
Robert D. Zimmerly - Pleasant Prairie WI

Assignee:

Alfa Laval Inc. - Kenosha WI

International Classification:

F16K 1110
F16K 5100

US Classification:

137312

Abstract:

A valve assembly includes a valve body formed of a cylinder having upper and lower ends with an inlet port at one end, an outlet port on an opposite end and at least one side outlet port. An annular ring element has upper and lower ends on which are formed upper and lower valve seats, respectively, the ring being sealed around its periphery on each end to the valve body. A central portion of the ring connecting the upper and lower ends has at least one and preferably about 6 to 8 openings therethrough in fluid flow communication with the side outlet port. An actuator assembly fitted in the cylinder includes actuators, concentrically fitted actuator rods valve stems and valve plugs for opening and closing the two valve ports by engaging the valve seats on opposite sides of the ring. The rod for the upper valve seat is in the form of a hollow cylinder concentric and coaxial with the actuator rod for the lower seat, the first and second rods being independently actuatable. An independently controllable actuator assembly in the side outlet port includes a valve actuator, an actuator rod attached to and a valve plug for closing the outlet port.

US Patent:

52320235, Aug 3, 1993

Filed:

Dec 22, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/995151

Inventors:

Robert D. Zimmerly - Kenosha WI

Assignee:

Tri-Clover, Inc. - Kenosha WI

International Classification:

F16K 1120

US Classification:

1376372

Abstract:

A plurality of manifold valve assemblies each including a generally vertical valve cylinder having an inlet port at its top and at least two outlet ports near its bottom. A single actuator valve is fitted for closing each of the ports, each including a valve actuator, an actuator rod attached to and actuatable by the actuator, one end of the rod projecting outward from the actuator, and at least one valve plug attached to the projecting end of the actuator rod. Two of the three valves have rods that are coaxial with each other, the rods being independently actuatable by their respective actuators, a hollow cylindrical valve stem attached to the projecting end of the hollow actuator rod, having a valve plug for opening and closing an inlet port, the valve plug having a central opening through which the first actuator is fitted, the other two valves having valve plugs for opening and closing outlet ports, and being independently controllable by a valve actuator, one of the outlet ports. The outlet ports are configured so that liquids will drain by gravity from the lower end of the cylinder into either one of the outlet ports when the other of the outlet ports is closed.

US Patent:

6073969, Jun 13, 2000

Filed:

Apr 2, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/054327

Inventors:

Robert D Zimmerly - Kenosha WI

Assignee:

Tri-Clover, Inc. - Kenosha WI

International Classification:

F16L 1706

US Classification:

285 12

Abstract:

A gasket is provided for joining lengths of pipe having dissimilar end faces which are of approximately equal diameters and which are substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the pipes. The end faces each include a circular recess which are of differing diameters. The gasket has a first side which has a surface contour which is a mirror image of one of the faces and the opposite side has a surface contour which is a mirror image of the other end face. The outer periphery of said gasket is of a substantially lesser thickness than its inner marginal portion so that compression during use of the thicker inner marginal portion is minimized.