Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electromagnetic actuation system for opening and closing pipe valves. The electromagnetic actuation systems utilizes one or more electromagnets surrounding one or more permanent magnets attached to a rotary shaft of the valve mechanism. A controller activates the one or more electromagnets such that the produced magnetic field rotates, thereby applying a force to the one or more permanent magnets and thus rotating the rotary shaft. The system does not require rotation of the one or more electromagnets relative to the one or more permanent magnets, advantageously reducing the number of moving parts within the valve system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an axially-rotated valve which permits increased flow rates and lower pressure drop (characterized by a lower loss coefficient) by using an axial eccentric split venturi with two portions where at least one portion is rotatable with respect to the other portion. The axially-rotated valve typically may be designed to avoid flow separation and/or cavitation at full flow under a variety of conditions. Similarly, the valve is designed, in some embodiments, to produce streamlined flow within the valve. A typical cross section of the eccentric split venturi may be non-axisymmetric such as a semicircular cross section which may assist in both throttling capabilities and in maximum flow capacity using the design of the present invention. Such a design can include applications for freeze resistant axially-rotated valves and may be fully-opened and fully-closed in one-half of a complete rotation.

Abstract: An axially-rotated valve permitting increased flow rates and lower pressure drop is disclosed using an axial eccentric split venturi with two portions where at least one portion is rotatable with respect to the other portion. A cross section of the eccentric split venturi may be non-axisymmetric such as a semicircular cross section which may assist in both throttling capabilities and in maximum flow capacity. Applications are disclosed for freeze resistant axially-rotated valves which may be fully-opened and fully-closed in one-half of a complete rotation. An internal wide radius elbow connected to a rotatable portion of the eccentric venturi may assist in directing flow with lower friction losses. A valve actuator may actuate in an axial manner located outside of the axial flow path. A seat may be used between the two portions that may include a peripheral and diametrical seal in the same plane.

Abstract: The present invention provides an axially-rotated valve which permits increased flow rates and lower pressure drop (characterized by a lower loss coefficient) by using an axial eccentric split venturi with two portions where at least one portion is rotatable with respect to the other portion. The axially-rotated valve typically may be designed to avoid flow separation and/or cavitation at full flow under a variety of conditions. Similarly, the valve is designed, in some embodiments, to produce streamlined flow within the valve. A typical cross section of the eccentric split venturi may be non-axisymmetric such as a semicircular cross section which may assist in both throttling capabilities and in maximum flow capacity using the design of the present invention. Such a design can include applications for freeze resistant axially-rotated valves and may be fully-opened and fully-closed in one-half of a complete rotation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an axially-rotated valve which permits increased flow rates and lower pressure drop (characterized by a lower loss coefficient) by using an axial eccentric split venturi with two portions where at least one portion is rotatable with respect to the other portion. The axially-rotated valve typically may be designed to avoid flow separation and/or cavitation at full flow under a variety of conditions. Similarly, the valve is designed, in some embodiments, to produce streamlined flow within the valve. A typical cross section of the eccentric split venturi may be nonaxisymmetric such as a semicircular cross section which may assist in both throttling capabilities and in maximum flow capacity using the design of the present invention. Such a design can include applications for freeze resistant axially-rotated valves and may be fully-opened and fully-closed in one-half of a complete rotation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an axially-rotated valve which permits increased flow rates and lower pressure drop (characterized by a lower loss coefficient) by using an axial eccentric split venturi with two portions where at least one portion is rotatable with respect to the other portion. The axially-rotated valve typically may be designed to avoid flow separation and/or cavitation at full flow under a variety of conditions. Similarly, the valve is designed, in some embodiments, to produce streamlined flow within the valve. A typical cross section of the eccentric split venturi may be non-axisymmetric such as a semicircular cross section which may assist in both throttling capabilities and in maximum flow capacity using the design of the present invention. Such a design can include applications for freeze resistant axially-rotated valves and may be fully-opened and fully-closed in one-half of a complete rotation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an axially-rotated valve which permits increased flow rates and lower pressure drop (characterized by a lower loss coefficient) by using an axial eccentric split venturi with two portions where at least one portion is rotatable with respect to the other portion. The axially-rotated valve typically may be designed to avoid flow separation and/or cavitation at full flow under a variety of conditions. Similarly, the valve is designed, in some embodiments, to produce streamlined flow within the valve. An axially aligned outlet may also increase the flow efficiency. A typical cross section of the eccentric split venturi may be non-axisymmetric such as a semicircular cross section which may assist in both throttling capabilities and in maximum flow capacity using the design of the present invention. Such a design can include applications for freeze resistant axially-rotated valves and may be fully-opened and fully-closed in one-half of a complete rotation.

Abstract: The invention includes an axial-mounted high flow rate valve by fixedly mounting a rotatable valve sealing element so that it pivots on an axis which is substantially parallel to a central axis of the pipe or conduit to which the valve is connected. The rotatable valve sealing element can be not only circular, but non-circular as well, having an extended length along the pivot axis for even greater flow rates and may be particularly suited for installations in sprinkler systems which require greater flow than a normal valve of the same diameter and may even be used as a combination valve for hydrant and sprinkler system use, such as in residential applications. The present invention also may include a purge port to purge residual fluid remaining in the valve, downstream of the valve sealing element, to assist in preventing freezing of the valve and it may include an air port to allow air to enter the valve to alleviate a possible vacuum created by the purging and to enable more effective purging.

Abstract: A device for holding a door upright for painting comprises a bracket that attaches the device to the electrical junction box in a ceiling, a telescoping rigid section held by the bracket, and a pin at the end of the rigid section that engages the top edge of the door. The telescoping rigid section adjusts to different door sizes and different ceiling heights. It also moves to a retracted position from an extended position, so that the door can be easily positioned and removed. In the vertical position, only slight force is needed to hold the door there, force provided in part by the attachment of the device to the junction box. Use of the junction box obviates the need for more elaborate support systems.

Abstract: A winterizing system (10) for underground sprinkler systems which can be newly installed during the sprinkler system installation, or can be utilized as a retrofit design, having a single valve means (13) and a drive shaft (19) to allow winterization completely from the exterior of building structure (50). Drive shaft (19), which may be flexible for most retrofit installations, is mounted such that it is accessible from the exterior. Upon manipulation of drive shaft (19) inlet port (14) and drain port (16), with connected drain line (24), can be opened and closed by a technician without entrance into building structure (50). Additional features include backflow prevention devices, tamper-proof drive shaft keys, and special connectors.

Abstract: A winterizing system (10) for underground sprinkler systems which can be newly installed during the sprinkler system installation, or can be utilized as a retrofit design, having a single valve means (13) and a drive shaft (19) to allow winterization completely from the exterior of building structure (50). Drive shaft (19), which may be flexible for most retrofit installations, is mounted such that it is accessible from the exterior. Upon manipulation of drive shaft (19) inlet port (14) and drain port (16), with connected drain line (24), can be opened and closed by a technician without entrance into building structure (50). Additional features include backflow prevention devices, tamper-proof drive shaft keys, and special connectors.

Abstract: A windshield wiper is provided which comprises a slotted metal backing or mounting strip and an extruded blade of rubber or rubber-like material formed with a main body mounting portion and a generally triangular wiping portion, the body portion having a first pair of complimentary longitudinal side grooves for engagement by the backing or mounting strip and a similar second pair of grooves parallel to the first pair forming a thin section adjoining the generally triangular wiping portion of the blade, and a longitudinally extending heater wire adapted to be energized electrically embedded in the wider section of the generally triangular wiping section in proximity to the neutral or elastic axis of the blade whereby torsional restraint is minimized.