Abstract: A gas mixing system that includes first and second flow assemblies and an exhaust gas outlet. Each of the first and second flow assemblies include a plurality of on/off valves with different flow rate values and a proportional valve. The first flow assembly is configured to have a first gas flowed therethrough and the second flow assembly is configured to have a second gas flowed therethrough. The output of the first flow assembly is combined with the output of the second flow assembly and the mixed gases exit through the exhaust gas outlet. The gas mixing system can be used in a ventilator assembly.

Abstract: A device is provided for removing product items contained in a blister package having raised protrusions containing the product items and a protective membrane holding the items in the protrusions having a holder. The holder has a first and second end. The device has a first and second heating band post, at least one heating band, a power element, a power switch for supplying a power source to the power element, and electronic control circuitry for controlling current to the heating band.

Abstract: An electropneumatic proportional flow valve improves flow control because it incorporates a plurality of internal valves in parallel with each electronically controlled, miniature proportional valve manipulated sequentially to each other. Such parallel arranged valves operated sequentially allows for precision control of the low-end of the full scale output; the larger mechanical valve allows for the high-end of the full scale output.

Abstract: An electropneumatic proportional flow control device improves electropneumatic control of pneumatically operated valves. Improved turn down ratios in regards to the electromagnetic response of the device to a supplied control voltage is achieved using two variable spring devices, one linear, as part of the pressure regulator valve component, and the other non-linear, as part of the proportional valve component and which are magnetically responsive to different magnetic forces. The use of both the linear and non-linear springs together results in an increased turndown-ratio, especially during initial valve control.

Abstract: An electropneumatic proportional flow control device improves electropneumatic control of pneumatically operated valves. A single integrated valve incorporates a proportional valve component in operational and physical coordination with a pressure regulator valve component. The flow path of fluid is initially passed through the regulator component whereby pressure is regulated to within a manageable range for operation of a balanced type proportional valve component.

Abstract: An electropneumatic proportional flow control device improves flow control because it incorporates two internal valves in parallel: a first electronically controlled, miniature proportional valve manipulated in parallel with a second and larger pilot -operated valve. The miniature valve allows for precision control of the low-end of the full scale output; the larger mechanical valve allows for the high-end of the full scale output. These valves are encompassed within a valve assembly comprising a valve manifold, a pilot-operated diaphragm, electronic control circuitry, and a flow restrictor.

Abstract: An electrically controlled proportional valve provides for precise control of armature movement using an armature which is positioned at the center of the valve by centering leaf springs. The armature is supported and biased axially by angled leaf springs that support the armature in an orbital fashion. These angled orbital leaf springs support the armature for elastic movement in the axial direction, and hold it biased against a first port, so that the armature functions as a valve element, which normally closes that port. A magnet coil is positioned so that when an electrical current passes through the coil, it exerts a force on the armature which overcomes the bias of the orbital leaf springs and draws the armature away from the first port and toward the magnet coil.

Abstract: An electrically controlled proportional valve provides for precise control of fluid flow using an armature which is positioned at the center of a spider. The armature is supported and biased axially by a plurality of springs that radiate outwardly from it. The springs support the armature for elastic movement in the axial direction, and hold it biased against a first port, so that the armature functions as a valve element, which normally closes that port. A magnet coil is positioned so that when energized it applies force to the armature, overcoming the bias of the springs and drawing the armature away from the first port. During armature movement the plurality of springs are deflected at their outer diameter against an angled surface on the valve case. The increased spring surface area that rests against the valve case causes a proportional relationship between the movement of the armature and the magnetic field created by the magnet coil.

Abstract: A gas mixing valve has first and second inlet chambers linked to supplies of a first and second gas, and a mixing chamber having a blended gas outlet. The inlet chambers are connected to the mixing chamber via first and second control valves, each valve having a valve seat and valve member with opposing surfaces defining a flow control orifice. Each valve seat and valve member are relatively movable between a closed position in which no flow occurs and a maximum opening position to define a series of orifices of progressively increasing area corresponding to the same geometrical progression. The position of each valve member can be controlled to provide a desired mixing ratio. Each valve seat is provided in a respective piston, and the pistons are tied together to move in response to variations in pressure drop across each piston, in order to vary the orifice size to compensate for changes in flow rate without changing the mixing ratio.

Abstract: A gas mixing valve has first and second inlet chambers linked to supplies of a first and second gas, and a mixing chamber having a blended gas outlet. The inlet chambers are connected to the mixing chamber via first and second control valves, each valve having a valve seat and valve member with opposing Surfaces defining a flow control orifice. Each valve seat and valve member are relatively movable between a closed position in which no flow occurs and a maximum opening position to define a series of orifices of progressively increasing area corresponding to the same geometrical progression. The position of each valve member can be controlled to provide a desired mixing ratio. Each valve seat is provided in a respective piston, and the pistons are tied together to move in response to variations in pressure drop across each piston, in order to vary the orifice size to compensate for changes in flow rate without changing the mixing ratio.