Francis N Leighton

US Patent:

45195803, May 28, 1985

Filed:

May 15, 1984

Appl. No.:

6/610424

Inventors:

Francis Leighton - Woodland Hills CA
Fred W. Trebes - Northbridge CA

Assignee:

Air Dry Corporation - Northridge CA

International Classification:

F16K 3144

US Classification:

251223

Abstract:

A safe high pressure instrument valve comprising a body, a bonnet and stem wherein the stem cannot be inadvertently removed from the bonnet and the bonnet cannot be inadvertently removed from the body. An expanded portion of the stem is removably captured in the bonnet to ensure that the stem remains in the bonnet during operation. A locking means comprising a lock nonrotatably attached to the bonnet, a locking element nonrotatably attached to the body and a means for releasable engaging the lock to the locking element ensures that the bonnet will not be inadvertently removed from the body during operation.

US Patent:

44247389, Jan 10, 1984

Filed:

Nov 6, 1981

Appl. No.:

6/319089

Inventors:

Francis Leighton - Woodland Hills CA

Assignee:

Air-Dry Corporation - Northridge CA

International Classification:

F15B 1108

US Classification:

91422

Abstract:

A fluid flow controller comprises a casing and includes a valve that is actuatable by either a diaphragm or a piston. Diaphragm actuation is provided by a diaphragm held by a retainer, the retainer being axially moveable within the casing in response to fluid pressure on the diaphragm. Piston actuation is provided by (i) the retainer and (ii) sealing means at the periphery of the retainer for providing fluid tight engagement between the casing and the retainer. With either diaphragm or piston actuation, even if the diaphragm ruptures, substantially no fluid can bypass the retainer, and the flow controller continues to function. A relief valve prevents rupture of the diaphragm if the fluid pressure exceeds a predetermined valve.

US Patent:

46231200, Nov 18, 1986

Filed:

Mar 22, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/715075

Inventors:

Francis Leighton - Woodland Hills CA
Fred W. Trebes - Northridge CA

Assignee:

Air Dry Corporation of America - Northridge CA

International Classification:

F16K 3144

US Classification:

251223

Abstract:

A globe valve having a main body, a bonnet, and a stem is provided with a mechanism that prevents the bonnet from being inadvertently backed off the main body. The mechanism includes a lock held to the body so that the lock is incapable of rotating as the stem is rotated, and means for releasably engaging the bonnet to the lock. For example, the lock can have a plurality of teeth that engage corresponding teeth on the bonnet. A locking ring can be used to hold the stem in the bonnet.

US Patent:

47367679, Apr 12, 1988

Filed:

Mar 25, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/715685

Inventors:

Francis Leighton - Woodland Hills CA

Assignee:

Air Dry Corporation - Northridge CA

International Classification:

F16K 1708
F16K 1734

US Classification:

137469

Abstract:

A fluid flow controller utilizes a vacuum assist to decrease accummulation. The controller comprises a poppet and a poppet seat between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. An axially movable piston is connected to the poppet so that the piston and poppet move axially together. A high pressure chamber is at the pressure of the inlet fluid and a low pressure chamber is in fluid communication with the gap between the poppet and poppet seat. The difference in pressure between the two chambers is used to bias the poppet away from the poppet seat.