Abstract: A metering ball valve has a slot and a flow channel design such that flow varies in a linear manner as the valve is operated over the range from open to shut. Reasonably accurate volumetric flow rate determination is achieved based on valve position indication on the valve itself. In an alternative embodiment, the ball valve has an array of orifices that replace the slot. A method is disclosed to determine flow rate based on valve position indication.

Abstract: A metering ball valve has a slot and a flow channel design such that flow varies in a linear manner as the valve is operated over the range from open to shut. Reasonably accurate volumetric flow rate determination is achieved based on valve position indication on the valve itself. In an alternative embodiment, the ball valve has an array of orifices that replace the slot. A method is disclosed to determine flow rate based on valve position indication.

Abstract: This invention discloses apparatus and methods for increasing the duty cycle of forward converters up to 90 percent by adding a quasi-resonant network to the primary circuit. The quasi-resonant network removes the parasitic energy from the primary winding of the transformer during the OFF period of the forward converter. The parasitic energy is stored in a capacitor in the quasi-resonant network. A portion of the stored energy is recovered and transferred back to the input energy source. The increased duty cycle enables the forward converter to maintain a substantially constant output voltage over a wide range of input voltages. In addition, the invention requires less parts and is thus more reliable than previous energy recovery networks. It contains no resistors, which accounts for less loss. It also causes less electromagnetic interference than other methods.