Abstract: A valve actuator includes an actuator housing, a piston, a linkage assembly, a magnet, and a Hall sensor. The actuator housing is adapted to receive pressurized fluid. The piston is movably mounted within actuator housing, and is configured to translate in a first direction and a second direction. The linkage assembly is rotationally coupled to the piston and is adapted to couple to a valve element. The linkage assembly is configured to rotate the valve element in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction in response to piston movement in the first direction and the second direction, respectively. The magnet is mounted on the piston and is movable therewith, and the Hall sensor is mounted on the actuator housing and is responsive to movement of the magnet to supply a position signal.

Abstract: A negative pressure valve assembly is provided. The valve assembly comprises a valve port assembly comprising a port and a flange substantially surrounding the port, a valve comprising a plate adapted to substantially cover the port, the plate comprising a minor edge, a major edge having a major edge length, and a plate biasing assembly stop located at a first position along the major edge, the first position more than 50% of the major edge length as measured from the minor edge. The valve assembly further comprises a hinge coupled to the plate, the hinge adapted to couple the plate to the flange, and first plate biasing assembly adapted to couple to the valve port assembly and to bias the plate towards the valve port assembly, the first plate biasing assembly comprising a resilient member adapted to contact the stop plate.

Abstract: A valve actuator includes an actuator housing, a piston, a linkage assembly, a magnet, and a Hall sensor. The actuator housing is adapted to receive pressurized fluid. The piston is movably mounted within actuator housing, and is configured to translate in a first direction and a second direction. The linkage assembly is rotationally coupled to the piston and is adapted to couple to a valve element. The linkage assembly is configured to rotate the valve element in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction in response to piston movement in the first direction and the second direction, respectively. The magnet is mounted on the piston and is movable therewith, and the Hall sensor is mounted on the actuator housing and is responsive to movement of the magnet to supply a position signal.

Abstract: A diaphragm is provided that includes a plurality of zonal portions that define reinforced and non-reinforced areas of the diaphragm. A first zonal portion extends from a marginal edge portion toward a central portion and is formed of a fabric material. A second zonal portion extends from the first zonal portion toward the central portion and is formed of an elastomer. A third zonal portion defines the central portion and is formed of a fabric material. The combination of reinforced and non-reinforced portions provides for a decrease in the radial tension (spring rate) of the diaphragm and helps prevent undesired changes to the flow control valve flow setpoint.

Abstract: A negative pressure valve assembly is provided. The valve assembly comprises a valve port assembly comprising a port and a flange substantially surrounding the port, a valve comprising a plate adapted to substantially cover the port, the plate comprising a minor edge, a major edge having a major edge length, and a plate biasing assembly stop located at a first position along the major edge, the first position more than 50% of the major edge length as measured from the minor edge. The valve assembly further comprises a hinge coupled to the plate, the hinge adapted to couple the plate to the flange, and first plate biasing assembly adapted to couple to the valve port assembly and to bias the plate towards the valve port assembly, the first plate biasing assembly comprising a resilient member adapted to contact the stop plate.

Abstract: A bonding means for electrically coupling a first component and a second component at an interface. The bonding means including at least one electrically conductive bonding puck positioned between the first component and the second component. The bonding puck being disposed within a recess formed in at least one of the first component and the second component. The at least one electrically conductive bonding puck providing electrical bonding between the first component and the second component and establishing electrical continuity therebetween.

Abstract: A valve assembly is provided that includes a flowbody, a valve element movably disposed within the flowbody, and a flat beam spring-energized seal mechanism. The flat beam spring-energized seal mechanism includes a wiper seal carried by one of the flowbody and the valve element and movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The wiper seal includes a wave contour defining at least one seal wave. A flat beam spring is disposed in alignment with the at least one seal wave and configured to move the wiper seal toward the extended position when a force is exerted upon it by the at least one seal wave.

Abstract: A diaphragm is provided that includes a plurality of zonal portions that define reinforced and non-reinforced areas of the diaphragm. A first zonal portion extends from a marginal edge portion toward a central portion and is formed of a fabric material. A second zonal portion extends from the first zonal portion toward the central portion and is formed of an elastomer. A third zonal portion defines the central portion and is formed of a fabric material. The combination of reinforced and non-reinforced portions provides for a decrease in the radial tension (spring rate) of the diaphragm and helps prevent undesired changes to the flow control valve flow setpoint.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for biasing a shaft toward, and releasably securing it in, a predetermined position. The apparatus comprises a magnetic assembly coupled to the shaft for releasably securing the shaft in a predetermined position, a first member coupled to and extending from the shaft for rotating the shaft from the predetermined position, and a spring assembly coupled to the shaft for securing the shaft in the predetermined position.