Abstract: A dispensing valve assembly with a housing having a plurality of inlet passageways connectable at a respective upstream end to a respective supply source. Each inlet passageway is in communication with a pressure responsive valve element. The valve element is biased to abut a discharge valve seat in a closed position about an upstream end of an outlet passage. The valve element is moveable to an open position when pressure in its respective inlet passageway exceeds a predetermined value. Each outlet passage is in fluid communication with a common dispensing outlet.

Abstract: A solenoid valve with a ferromagnetic flux frame which, in assembly, locates and retains the components of the solenoid valve without an exterior housing. Preferably, the solenoid valve has an electric coil disposed on a tubular coil bobbin, a plunger received within the bobbin and first and second bodies each having at least one passage with the passages selectively communicated with each other by the plunger. The flux frame preferably has two complementary halves which when mated together interconnect the first and second bodies at opposed ends of the flux frame to retain and locate the parts of the solenoid valve without an overmolded or exterior housing. Preferably, the halves of the flux frame are mated with a snap-fit to facilitate assembly of the solenoid valve.

Abstract: An oxygen management device adapted to mount on a post on a compressed oxygen cylinder. The device includes a manifold block which is attached to the oxygen cylinder post. A pressure regulator is mounted directly on and is integral with the manifold block for reducing the oxygen pressure to a desired level. The manifold block also mounts an overpressure relief valve, a solenoid operated flow control valve, a bypass valve, a continuous flow restrictor and a pressure gauge. The manifold and the components mounted thereon, a control circuit and a battery for operating the control circuit are mounted in an annular housing which has a central opening for receiving the oxygen cylinder post. The control circuit senses when a patient inhales in a nasal cannula and opens the flow control valve to deliver a predetermined dose of oxygen to the nasal cannula at the beginning of inhalation.

Abstract: The invention features a coupler that is substantially disposed around an armature, and is constructed to provide an axial force-transmitting relationship between a carrier and the armature for blocking and unblocking the passage of fluids between the first and second passages. The force-transmitting relationship is characterized by the carrier being capable of axial movement relative to the armature, while the carrier substantially following the motion of the armature for both blocking and unblocking the passage of fluids between the first and second passages. The coupler includes coaxially nested coupling and blocking springs that provide equal spring forces and are removed from the direct passage of fluid between the first and second fluid passages. The solenoid is reversible in orientation such that the electrical connectors can be situated on either the manifold face, or 180.degree. on the opposite face.

Abstract: A proportional solenoid-controlled valve provides for precise control of fluid flow using a flat spring and a damper. The flat spring is three-lobed and is constrained on its outer diameter in one of six degrees of freedom. The damper has three outer lobes which are compressed between the armature assembly and the valve body. A spring-loaded seal configuration having an annular elastomer seal compensates for dimensional instability of the elastomeric seal material and the armature assembly.

Abstract: A valve-proportional solenoid arrangement is provided in a unitary housing. The spring elements of the solenoid are mounted within this housing in the nature of a clamped cartridge. Fluid movement through the valve is adjustable by either movement of the valve seat or the solenoid polepiece within the housing. The solenoid elements are secured into the housing by a threaded cap at one end. The valve elements are secured into the housing by a threaded cap at another end. In alternative embodiments, to assist in threaded securing of the armature to the retainer, portions of the circumference are flattened, although without altering the working area of the magnetic field with respect to the polepiece.

Abstract: An arrangement whereby a plurality of coils may be simultaneously formed on a common coil form and thereafter that form sliced or sectioned to yield individual coils is disclosed employing an elongated hollow coil form of insulating material with a plurality of lateral surface openings spaced therealong and extending in the direction of elongation. A conductive strip extends along the surface of the coil form and has a plurality of conductive tabs extending from the strip and through corresponding coil form openings into the hollow interior of the form. A plurality of wire ends are attached to the conductive strip and the coil form rotated to generate the plurality of coils thereon. A second conductive strip may be placed along the formed coils for terminating the other coil lead so that when individual coils are severed from the form, convenient terminals connected to the beginning and terminus of the coil are available for connecting the coil in circuit with other components.