Abstract: A solenoid fuel drain valve (2) comprising a valve body (4), having a drain hole (20) and an air inlet opening (22), a solenoid coil (10) and a piston, the drain hole (20) having a drain inlet (20) and a drain outlet (15); and the piston being arranged within the valve body (4) to be moveable between a closed condition, wherein the drain hole (20) and the air inlet opening (22) are sealed, and an open condition, wherein the drain hole (20) and the air inlet opening (22) are open, movement of the piston being controlled by the solenoid (10).

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator for actuating a valve installed in a hydraulic or compressed air system, comprising a coil support which can be displaced by means of air space induction in a magnetically conducting housing on a magnetic cylinder composed of a permanent magnet and a cylinder pole disk. The invention is characterised in that the dimensions of the permanent magnet (16) and the pole disk (17) correspond to each other in such a way that the diameter of the front surface of the permanent magnet (16) is at least the same size as the circumferential surface of a neighbouring pole disk (17) and that the width of the coil (23) associated with the pole disk (17) exceeds the width of the pole disk (17) by the lift amplitude of the coil support (19).

Abstract: A cryogenic coupling device includes a valved receptacle and a valved nozzle. Rollers in an outer collar of the receptacle are received in helical channels along a collar of the nozzle. A notch or detent in each of the channels provides a vent position to vent fluid before the nozzle is fully disconnected from the receptacle. Interface seals on the nozzle include first and second annular seals that function as ice and containment scrapers, as well as fluid seals. The nozzle has a rotatable handle assembly, isolated from the fluid path, which provides easy connect and disconnect of the nozzle from the receptacle. The handle assembly includes a thermal break, and is easily removable from the nozzle, along with other parts of the nozzle and receptacle, for service and maintenance.

Abstract: A multi-function spray nozzle for engine applications useful as a cooling device to introduce a fluid into the fluid stream of the engine, and as a cleaning device to introduce a fluid to clean internal components of the engine. The nozzle includes a multi-layered arrangement of etched plates defining flow paths for the first and second fluids. Non-radial feed slots direct the first fluid into a cylindrical swirl chamber. The swirling fluid exits the swirl chamber through a spray orifice or a prefilmer, depending on whether the nozzle is configured as a simplex or prefilmer nozzle. Other non-radial feed slots direct the second fluid inward, downstream of the first fluid, to create a fine dispersion of droplets for fluid stream cooling purposes. During cleaning, only the first fluid is introduced through the nozzle, which results in a larger droplet size suitable for cleaning purposes of the internal components of the engine.

Abstract: A fuel injector for gas turbine engines includes an inlet fitting, a housing stem, and a spray nozzle. A pair of fuel passages in the stem deliver fuel in a primary (continuous) flow and a secondary (non-continuous or reduced) flow to primary and secondary discharge orifices in the nozzle. The fuel passages are defined by inner and outer concentric conduits, with the primary flow directed through the inner conduit, and the secondary flow directed through the outer conduit. Fins are provided unitary with the inner conduit along the length of the housing stem, and are fixed at their radial outer ends to the outer conduit. The fins provide structural support and thermally connect the inner and outer conduits. During low power operation, the fins transfer heat energy between the outer conduit to the inner conduit to cool the outer conduit and thermally protect the fuel in the secondary fuel passage.

Abstract: A closed crankcase emission control assembly for an internal combustion engine includes a filter assembly comprising a housing and a replaceable filter element. The filter element includes a ring of filter media; a first annular end cap sealed to one end of the media ring; a second end cap sealed to another end of the media ring; a cup-shaped valve pan fixed to the second end cap and which together therewith defines a sump container; and an opening with a lip seal in the valve pan which closely receives a standpipe from the housing to allow continuous drainage of oil collected by the filter element. The filter housing includes an inlet port to receive blow-by gasses from the engine crankcase, and an outlet port to provide the substantially oil and particulate free gasses to an induction system (e.g. a turbocharger) and back to the engine crankcase.

Abstract: A water separator is formed in two pieces, one of which is unitary (in one piece) with the intake air scoop, and the other of which is unitary (in one piece) with the air cleaner housing, or cowl therefore. An inlet scoop piece includes an enlarged rib defining an internal enlarged channel. A drain tube extends downwardly from the annular rib. An outlet scoop piece includes an internal lip, projecting co-axial with the body of the water separator. The inlet scoop piece alternatively can include both the enlarged rib portion and the internal lip. The outlet scoop piece has a forward-facing receiving channel, outwardly surrounding the lip, which receives a forward facing mouth of the inlet scoop to properly align the inlet scoop with the outlet scoop. Attachment flanges are provided on each piece to connect the inlet scoop with the outlet scoop.

Abstract: A fluid-actuated cylinder includes a piston rod with a circumferential groove. A split ring, with predetermined linear expansion properties, is cooled to a temperature below the temperature of the rod, and the ring halves are located in the groove. The ring is then equalized with the temperature of the rod, and expands into compression against the sidewalls of the groove. An interference fit is provided with the groove, which prevents axial and rotational movement of the ring with respect to the piston rod. The expansion also prestresses the piston rod between the groove sidewalls. The split ring is then connected to an annular flange on a ring-shaped piston to fix the piston with respect to the piston rod. The piston rod assembly is then located in a cylinder housing, with the piston providing a fluid seal with the cylinder walls as the piston rod reciprocates.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for an actuator provides staged operation during extend and retract. A pair of reversible pumps are conjointly driven by a reversible motor. A relief valve in the retract circuit directs fluid to tank when fluid pressure increases above a predetermined value. An unloader valve in the extend circuit is responsive to pressure at a first stage pump to direct flow to tank when the pressure increases above a second predetermined value. A non-return check valve connected between the pumps in the extend circuit closes the flow circuit to the second stage pump during high loads, so that the flow from the second stage pump goes to tank, and the return flow from the actuator goes only to the first stage pump. The non-return check valve is responsive (via a signal line to the retract circuit portion) to the pressure in the extend and retract circuit portions.

Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a storage tank, a cover assembly and a filter assembly for filtering hydraulic fluid, gasses and air. The tank includes an opening and an attachment ring bounding the opening. The cover assembly has an inlet port and is removably connected to the attachment ring to support and enclose the filter assembly in the tank. The filter assembly includes a filter element having a filter media ring for filtering hydraulic fluid, and an annular breather filter surrounding the filter media ring at one end of the ring for filtering vent gas and air. The filter element is supported in a diffuser tube received in the tank opening. The diffuser tube includes a stand-off ring with a convoluted groove or channel to provide a vent path between the diffuser tube and the tank opening to direct vent gasses and ambient air through or around the breather filter.

Abstract: A fluid filter includes a cylindrical pleated filter media disposed around a central perforated support core or self-supporting. An outer support sleeve comprising a extruded nylon, diamond-shaped mesh is stretched across the pleated media, and elastically conforms to the pleat peaks to structurally retain the pleats of the pleat peaks in fixed relation to one another. A bead of adhesive is then applied over the sleeve to fix the sleeve to the pleat peaks. End caps are disposed at opposite ends of the fluid filter.

Abstract: An access port includes a process port with a removable valve core. An adapter is receivable within an end of the process port, and includes a depressor which can engage a valve within the valve core. The process port allows correction of standard female coupling members for rapid in-plant processing of air conditioning and refrigeration systems; while the use of the adapter with the process port permits the connection of standard field service equipment, to facilitate repair of the air conditioning and refrigeration systems.

Abstract: A filter assembly includes housing enclosing a replaceable filter element. A support core is provided in the housing, and includes an extension and locking assembly. The element includes a ring of filtration media with a pair of end caps. The first end cap includes a central opening to receive the support core. The extension and locking assembly prevents the cover of the housing from being attached to the housing body without a proper filter element installed. The extension and locking assembly includes a bypass member and a locking member, which are in locking engagement when an element is absent in the housing. The second end cap includes internal protrusions which engage the locking member when the filter element is installed to disengage the bypass member from the support core, and allow the element to be inserted and the cover to be installed.

Abstract: A back seating valve includes a valve body enclosing a valve plug with a threaded through-bore; and a valve element with a threaded valve stem and valve head. The valve plug and valve stem are initially preassembled, and then inserted into the valve body. The valve body is mechanically formed to retain the valve plug in the valve body without the use of welding or brazing. The valve plug has an external, non-cylindrical geometry which prevents the valve plug from rotating within the valve body. The valve plug is axially held between a shoulder and a narrowed-down end in the valve body. An external portion of the valve stem can be rotated to move the valve head into open, intermediate and closed positions between a front valve seat in the valve body, and a back valve seat in the valve plug.

Abstract: A shovel for snow, dirt or other product comprises a main shovel handle having a main hand grip and a main pole which is attached to a blade; and an auxiliary handle having an auxiliary hand grip and an auxiliary pole. According to one aspect, the auxiliary pole has a threaded end which is received in a threaded bore in the main pole. The auxiliary pole can be easily attached and detached from the main pole. Adhesive can also be used. According to further aspects, a separate connecting device connects the auxiliary pole to the main pole. In one further aspect, the connecting device has a first branch threadably attached to the main pole, a second branch threadably attached to the auxiliary pole, and a third branch threadably attached to the blade. The connecting device could also be formed as a cuff or sleeve and entirely surround the main pole and be attached thereto such as with a screw, or could be formed in a semicircular cuff and be attached to the main pole such as with bands or clamps.

Abstract: A T-handle for a filter includes an integral mechanical indicator. The T-handle indicator has a threaded portion that extends through a hole in the filter cover and retains the cover to a canister. The indicator includes a spring-biased button that provides a visual indication of whether the element needs to be replaced. The button is received in a body that is open to the pressure on the downstream side of the filter element. A pair of clips on the button engage the indicator body to retain the button in the inward (element change) position. The clips can be accessed when the T-handle indicator is removed from the filter to return the button to the outward (fresh element) position. The indicator button includes an axially-elongated slot extending radially through the button, and the body includes a corresponding pair of holes on opposite sides of the slot.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus and method comprises parallel filtering elements backflushable with the pressure of the filtered flow. At least one washing organ connecting alternately to the different filtering elements, forms a discharge channel for the washing flow. A freewheel clutch is connected to a rotating axle of the washing organ, converting reciprocating movement generated with the pressure of flow in the filtering apparatus and with pressure alternating with it into a continuously parallel, stepping rotary movement of the washing organ. The mechanism containing the clutch may be outside the filtering room of the apparatus, and based on the alternation of the higher pressure of the flow filtered in the apparatus and the lower pressure from the discharge channel. The freewheel clutch is articulated to a piston in the cylinder, and is moved back and forth with the pressure difference, controlled by the channels relaying the pressure and by the valves.

Abstract: A fuel filter includes a housing and a pipe in the housing. The pipe includes a central flow passage, an opening along the length of the pipe into the passage, and an exterior groove. A latch device with discrete fingers closely surrounds the pipe and is engageable with the groove to prevent the latch device from moving axially along the pipe. The latch device has an annular sleeve, radially-outwardly spaced from the fingers. A valve device surrounds the pipe and has a sleeve normally covering the pipe opening in the pipe. A filter element has an end cap with thin, flat keys. The keys project through the slots in the valve device and engage the sleeve of the latch device to unlock the latch device from the pipe, and also engage and move the valve device to uncover the opening in the pipe, when the filter element is inserted into the housing.