Abstract: A compact, rugged and light weight condenser structure for a heat exchange system, preferably fabricated in layers and incorporating a jet fin structure for heat exchange with a single phase coolant fluid and tapered passages to maintain relatively constant vapor flow velocity and a consistent, high efficiency flow regime in a refrigerant fluid including vapor and liquid phases. Layered construction permits economical fabrication of the condenser in a plurality of configurations and heat exchange capacities. Tapered configuration of the refrigerant passages, together with the consistent distribution of jet fin heat exchange to the coolant allows a flow regime to be maintained which is highly tolerant of variation in the direction and force of acceleration forces on the condenser. Accordingly, a condenser capable of highly consistent heat exchange performance over a wide range of acceleration conditions is provided.

Abstract: The device comprises a valve body (6) mounted in seal-tight manner through the wall (7) of a chamber (3) and a shutter (4) received in the body, and means (4) for selective seal-tight connection of the chamber (3) to a pipe system (5) with the shutter in an open position.The connecting means (4) comprise a removable sleeve (18) adapted to be externally secured in seal-tight manner to the body (6), and a means (23, 31) for actuating the shutter (7), mounted for rotation in the sleeve (18) so as to move the shutter in the sleeve between a closed position and the aforementioned open position in which the chamber (3) communicates with the pipe system (5) via the body (6) and the sleeve (18).

Abstract: A vacuum valve for use in a tanker is constructed with means (11, 12, 13, 33, 35, 36) for applying a supplemental closing force to the valve body if the pressure drop across the vacuum valve rises substantially above a value designated for the vacuum valve. Such an extraordinary rise of the pressure drop will occur by escapage from an injury under the waterline caused by grounding, and the supplemental closing force will therefore close the valve very fast and will thereby contribute to maintaining a high vacuum in the tank, counteracting continued escape.

Abstract: A valve is provided which includes a valve body having a passageway from an inlet end to an outlet end and a tapered annular valve seat intermediate the ends, a plastic poppet being provided with a disc portion and a tapered portion which can engage the valve seat, the tapered part being stepped to provide a deflectable outer edge portion, the poppet including three beams which extend toward the inlet end of the body and are bent outwardly to enter a groove in the valve body, thereby providing resilient means to bias the poppet to a closed position. The valve body includes a transverse wall adjacent the valve seat, the wall having openings for allowing flow through the passageway and also including an opening that receives a post projecting from the poppet toward the outlet end and beyond the wall for engagement by a mating connector to displace the poppet to its open position.

Abstract: An improved solenoid actuated valve is provided of the type having a fluid pressure-operated diaphragm to move a valve head between open and closed positions. Fluid under pressure at a valve inlet is admitted through a diaphragm port to a control chamber for normally retaining the diaphragm and a valve head carried thereby in the closed position. A solenoid unit is actuatable to vent the control chamber to relieve pressure therein, whereby the fluid pressure at the valve inlet displaces the diaphragm to open the valve head. The opened valve head moves into close proximity with a flow control piston within the control chamber and cooperates therewith to meter fluid outflow from the control chamber in a manner maintaining a minimal or substantially zero pressure differential across the diaphragm. The position of the flow control piston is adjustable to variably select the open position of the valve head in accordance with a desired valve flow rate.

Abstract: An articulated downspout (10) is disclosed having an upper fluid duct (12), an elongated lower fluid duct (14) pivotably connected to the upper fluid duct (12), and a planar flap (16) also pivotably connected to the upper fluid duct (12). The lower fluid duct (14) pivots between a raised position where horticultural equipment can pass therebelow unimpeded, and a lowered position for the distribution of rainwater. The lower fluid duct (14) is released from its raised position in response to downward pressure exerted by rainwater on the collection portion (26) of the flap (16).

Abstract: Aseptic constant flow valves to be used, for example, in the dairy industry should be readily washable and allow sterilization by means of conventional washing and sterilizing agents. A valve which fulfils these requirements comprises an operating chamber with inlet and outlet which is connected to the valve housing and therefore can be circulation-washed and sterilized together with the latter.

Abstract: A self-cleaning valve plug and seat assembly for use within a valve chamber comprises a seat member extending into the chamber and having an inwardly converging frustconical seating surface thereon. A cylindrical skirt portion extending inwardly coaxially from the seating surface includes ports therein connecting with a fluid passage extending axially through the seat member. A valve plug includes a cylindrical bore extending partway thereinto and adapting the plug for sliding movement over the seat member skirt portion. The plug includes a surface intersecting the bore at an actute angle to provide a circular cutting edge at the open end of the bore. Means are provided for moving the plug axially toward and away from the seat member so that the plug is disposed clear of the seat member ports in the open valve position and covers the ports in the closed valve position with the plug cutting edge engaging the seating surface of the seat member in fluid-tight sealing relation.

Abstract: The invention provides means for controlling the flow of fluids such as parenteral fluids. It comprises a body and flexing means. The body defines a passageway with opposed flexible walls which can be held in contact throughout their cross-section except for a limited region of which the cross-section varies along the body. The limited region may be formed by tapered grooves in the walls. The flexing means retains the body flexed so that the walls thereof are held in contact over a localized area of limited axial length, due at least partly to the internal stresses set up in the body arising from its flexure. The body is movable lengthwise relative to the flexing means to alter the position of the localized area and thus to alter the rate of fluid flow through the body.