Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for influencing mixing of a first fluid injected through a slot into a second fluid flowing through a conduit, by automatically or remotely adjusting the slot width to provide at least a certain slot velocity of the first fluid being introduced into the conduit. In particular, methods and apparatus are provided for mixing control in injecting titanium tetrachloride into an oxygen stream in a process for making titanium dioxide.

Abstract: A valve system for monitoring and controlling a flow of a fluid additive into a main fluid line is disclosed. The system includes a pump that provides a constant flow of the additive from a fluid reservoir through a supply conduit into the main fluid line. A portion of the fluid additive may be diverted into one or more return conduits leading back to the reservoir by opening a solenoid actuated valve in the return conduit. Flow meters are employed to detect the flow rates of the fluids in the supply conduit and the main fluid line. The flow meters provide signals to a control system, which are effective to control the operation of the solenoid actuated valves to maintain a desired flow of the additive into the main fluid line.

Abstract: A method of decreasing a transition time through a speed range that is unsafe for an integrity of a first expander, by automatically biasing a speed of a second expander that receives a fluid flow output from the first expander is provided, when the current speed of the first expander is within a bias application range. The method includes setting the speed of the second expander to be larger than a current speed of the first expander when the current speed of the first expander increases and is smaller than a first speed value, or decreases and is smaller than a second speed value, and setting the speed of the second expander to be smaller than the current speed of the first expander, when the current speed of the first expander increases and is larger than the first speed value or decreases and is larger than the second speed value.

Abstract: The invention provides a rinsing device, in particular for endoscopy, comprising an electrically driven pump, in particular a peristaltic roller pump, as well as a method of operating such a device. A control device is provided to detect and/or adjust a flow rate. In order to avoid an excessively high pressure in case of an unintended stenosis, e.g. kinking of the supply tube, or also intended stenoses, e.g. insertion of a narrow rinsing probe, a current-measuring device is provided to detect a current being received by the pump. The control device is adapted such that when the flow rate exceeds a prespecified limiting value and at the same time the current exceeds a first predetermined current value, the flow rate is reduced to a safe flow-rate value.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a flow rate adjusting unit is disposed on a gas passageway and includes a valve that adjusts the flow rate of a gas and an actuator that controls the displacement amount of the valve. A displacement amount storage unit stores displacement amount information in which a displacement amount of the valve, used when a gas flows into the gas passageway at a flow rate defined according to a process procedure before performing the process procedure, is obtained in advance for each process procedure. A setting circuit acquires the displacement amount corresponding to the process procedure from the displacement amount storage unit, and controls the actuator on the basis of the acquired displacement amount.

Abstract: A system for generating gas includes a gas source which includes a gas generator and a gas compressor. The system also includes a gas management apparatus in a flow path between the gas source and gas sink. The gas management apparatus includes a primary pressure vessel that stores gas when a gas source flow rate exceeds a gas sink flow rate, and that releases stored gas when the gas source flow rate is less than the gas sink flow rate. The gas management apparatus also includes a primary variable state material that absorbs the gas when in an absorptive state, and releases the gas in a releasing state.

Abstract: A mass flow controller arranged to perform mass flow test operation in the controller itself by incorporating a test tank. The mass flow controller is provided, in a channel (6) for feeding fluid, with a means (8) for detecting the mass flow rate of fluid flowing through the channel and outputting a flow rate signal, and a mechanism (10) for controlling the mass flow rate by varying the valve opening by a valve drive signal.

Abstract: A device and method for continuously controlling the flow rate of an aqueous chemical drawn into a flowing fluid stock includes a metering assembly drawing the aqueous chemical into the inlet of a metering assembly through a flow rate sensor and then through a metering device and into the flowing fluid stock. The flow sensor is monitored and an electronic controller can adjusts the flow rate of the aqueous chemical through the metering device in response to monitoring the flow rate sensor. An electronic controller can also change the direction of the flow of the aqueous chemical into the flowing fluid stock through one ejector to another ejector in response to monitoring at the metering assembly.

Abstract: A method for determining an actual gas flow rate as gas flows through a gas flow delivery system is provided. The method includes sending the gas through the gas flow delivery system into a gas conduit, wherein a section of the gas conduit is widened to form an orifice. The method also includes pressurizing the gas to create a choked flow condition within the orifice of the gas conduit. The method further includes measuring upstream pressure of the gas via a set of pressure sensors. The method yet also includes calculating the actual flow rate based on the upstream pressure of the orifice of the gas conduit.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a hot water system that quickly supplies hot water at user's desired temperature and reduce installation cost, and a method of controlling the same According to the present invention, the hot water system includes: a motor, a closing member that controls flow rate of water by rotation of the motor, and a control valve that controls the opening amount of a valve on the basis of output voltage according to a position of the closing member which is changed by the rotation of the motor; a flow rate information measuring unit that measures flow rate information to determine flow rate of water passing through the control valve; a control unit that sets flow rate of water by calculating desired flow rate of water in response to the flow rate information, which is measured by and inputted from the flow rate information measuring unit, and controlling the motor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to control pressure in a fluid delivery system utilizes a variable-pressure regulating means and a flow-controlled selecting means to provide a higher pressure when the flow in the system is higher, and to provide a lower pressure when the flow in the system is lower. It exploits an inherent signal that is generated and transmitted by the fluid, and which enables remote control of the pressure. Useful, for example, to provide pressure control for a garden hose fitted with a closeable nozzle, wherein full pressure is provided through the hose when the nozzle is open, lower pressure is maintained when the nozzle is closed, and the operator controls pressure in the hose from the fluid delivery end of the hose, protecting the hose from bulging or splitting, making the hose easier to handle, and conserving water. Other applications include protecting washing machine supply hoses from bursting and flooding; and pressure control of fire sprinkler, compressed gas, and pneumatic control systems.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for detecting and preventing fluid leaks. A rate of flow of a portion of fluid flowing through a fluid distribution network over a period of time is monitored. A determination is made whether the rate of flow of the fluid over the period of time is greater than zero but so low that it indicates a leak in the water pipe. If the rate of flow over the period of time indicates a leak, then the flow of the liquid through the system is stopped and an indication is provided that a leak has been detected.

Abstract: “SINGLE SYSTEM FOR CONTROL OF HIGH OR LOW PRESSURE GASES FLOW RATE AND VALVE FOR CONTROL OF HIGH OR LOW PRESSURE GASES”, consists essentially in a system (S), which has active control of the movement of the valve (1) ram (P) solely by the concept of measurement of the flow rate and by the difference of pressure between the input and output of said valve (1), which, based on certain preconceived parameters, opens or closes the ram (P) so as to compensate the error between the actual and programmed flow rates.

Abstract: In order to provide an automatically operating cooling air regulating device for a grate cooler for cooling hot bulk material such as cement clinker, for example, which can be constructed easily and can be used without problems both for non-moving and also in particular for moving cooling grate regions or moving cooling grate systems, a regulating device with a regulator housing which is arranged below the cooling grate, performs its movements with it and is flowed through by the cooling air supplied is proposed according to the invention, an inner body which can be moved translatorily by the cooling air flow being guided displaceably in the regulator housing and the free flow cross section of the regulator housing remaining for the cooling air being reduced automatically with increasing height inside the regulator housing of the inner body against which the cooling air flows, and vice versa.

Abstract: A method of pumping fluid including the steps of providing an electrokinetic pump comprising a pair of double-layer capacitive electrodes having a capacitance of at least 10?2 Farads/cm2 and being connectable to a power source, a porous dielectric material disposed between the electrodes and a reservoir containing pump fluid; connecting the electrodes to a power source; and moving pump fluid out of the reservoir substantially without the occurrence of Faradaic processes in the pump. The invention also includes an electrokinetic pump system having a pair of double-layer capacitive electrodes having a capacitance of at least 10?2 Farads/cm2; a porous dielectric material disposed between the electrodes; a reservoir containing pump fluid; and a power source connected to the electrodes; the electrodes, dielectric material and power source being adapted to move the pump fluid out of the reservoir substantially without the occurrence of Faradaic processes in the pump.

Abstract: Systems, program product, and methods to estimate and manage flowing fluid characteristics of a fluid stream flowing through a pipeline in real-time, are provided. A system can include a vertically oriented extent of a pipeline for transporting crude oil, a pair of spaced vertically apart sensors or sensor assemblies connected to a bypass line interfaced with or positioned across the vertically oriented extent of the pipeline to obtain pressure and temperature readings of the crude oil flowing through the pipeline, a controller in communication with the pair of sensors or sensor assemblies, and crude oil analysis and management program product stored in the memory of the controller and adapted to determine or estimate density, specific gravity, and API gravity of the crude oil to thereby manage flowing fluid characteristics of the crude oil.

Abstract: In order to provide, for a grate cooler for cooling hot bulk material, such as, for example, cement clinker, an, in particular, automatically operating cooling air regulator which has a simple construction and can be used without difficulty both for unmoved and, in particular, for moved cooling grate regions or moved cooling grate systems, for example, cylindrical hose sleeve comprised of elastic material be tension-mounted as an actuating member coaxially in the regulator housing which is arranged below the cooling grate, participates in the movements of the latter and has a casing comprised of solid material, the pressure difference inside and outside the hose sleeve and the deformation resistance of the sleeve being set such that the hose sleeve is deformable, in particular, automatically from its maximum flow cross section into its minimum flow cross section and at the same time regulates the volume flow of the cooling air flow from below into the cooling grate.

Abstract: A fuel supply device includes a fuel supply pipe receiving fuel at a non-regulated pressure delivered by a pump, a device for measuring the flow rate of fuel in the pipe, a first controlled variable-restriction valve mounted in the supply pipe, a control system connected to the flow rate measurement device and to the first valve to control the valve to deliver fuel to the engine at a desired flow rate under normal operating conditions of the engine, a second controlled variable-restriction valve mounted in the supply pipe in series with the first valve, and a control for controlling the second valve to enable the engine to be supplied with fuel at an adjustable, reduced flow rate in response to detecting over-speed or over-thrust of the engine.

Abstract: A method of combining a first fluid from a first source (1) with a second fluid from a second source (16) in a de-sired ratio, by measuring the flow rate and pressure of the first fluid (at 12 and 14) prior to combining (at 10), and determining from this the desired flow rate and pressure at which the second fluid should be added to achieve the desired ratio. The pressure and flow rate of the second fluid is measured (at 6 and 8) and provides a feedback loop to ensure that the second fluid is being added at the desired flow rate and pressure to achieve the desired ratio. The pressure and flow rate of the second fluid may be controlled by multiple pumps 2 of different power.

Abstract: Fluid flow properties often dictate the performance of processing operations. The present invention relates to a system for evaluating properties of a fluid flowing in a pipe. A test cell (20) which includes two parallel surfaces (5, 6) which are positioned in the flow. One of the surfaces is moveable relative to the other, to a position in close proximity to the other, to create a stagnant flow region between the surfaces. The system further includes a test input device (10) to apply input motion to one of the surfaces, and a test output device (13) to measure output motions from the cell in response to input motions. Furthermore, the system includes a processing device (9) to calculate rheological parameters of the fluid from signals produced from the test input and test output device. There is also a process for evaluating properties of a flowing fluid.

Abstract: A dispenser device includes reservoirs for containing respective substances, pumps associated with respective reservoirs, and a pushbutton. The device allows two substances to be dispensed in varying proportions by actuating the pushbutton. In embodiments, each pump has a moving control member which, when actuated, causes the substance contained in the reservoir associated with the pump to be dispensed. In embodiments, at least one elastically-deformable transmission member is associated with a control member and is disposed in such a manner as to transmit displacement of the pushbutton to the control member in order to dispense substance. In embodiments, at least one adjustment member adjusts the end-of-stroke position of the displacement at least of the control member associated with the transmission member.

Abstract: A dual piston/poppet valve in a fuel dispenser works with a two-stage valve to help eliminate errors from an inferential flow meter. When the two-stage valve opens partially, a secondary fuel path is opened in the dual piston/poppet valve. A sensor detects the opening of the secondary fuel path and reports its opening to a control system. The two-stage valve opens fully and a primary fuel path is opened concurrently. During transaction completion, the two-stage valve partially closes, resulting in the closing of the primary fuel path. When the two-stage valve closes completely, the secondary fuel path closes. The sensor detects the closing of the secondary fuel path and reports the closing to the control system. Based on the outputs of the sensor, the control system accepts or declines input from a flow meter.

Abstract: An electrical command signal to a direct drive valve is compensated by a digital signal processor to cause the output hydraulic fluid flow from the valve to conform to a desired predetermined flow. The compensation is accomplished by measuring flow from the valve using a standard direct drive valve code. This flow is compared to a desired flow and the difference is taken on a point to point basis. A compensation is then calculated to change the command signal so as to cause the flow to be according to the desired flow.

Abstract: A time based mass flow controller controls the volume flow and mass flow accurately based on time.

Abstract: A property of unconnected first and second fluid flows is matched, such as, but not limited to, matching the flow rate of the replacement water stream with the waste water stream in kidney dialysis. The first and second flow paths are interconnected so substantially the same flow from the first flow source encounters a first flow transducer which is in the first flow path and a second flow transducer which is in the second flow path. Transducer readings are taken for various identical values of the property of the first fluid flow. Then the first and second flow paths are disconnected, and the property, such as but not limited to flow rate, of one of the fluid flows in one of the flow paths is controlled using transducer readings and the previous interconnected-path transducer readings to match the property in the two flows. In one example, the transducers are uncalibrated transducers.

Abstract: A flow rate of unconnected first and second fluid flows is matched, such as, but not limited to, matching the flow rate of the replacement water stream with the waste water stream in kidney dialysis. The first and second flow paths are interconnected so substantially the same flow from a positive displacement pump in the first path encounters a flow-rate transducer in the second path. Transducer readings are taken for various values of the controllable pump speed of the pump. Then, the first and second flow paths are disconnected, a transducer reading is taken, and the flow rate of the fluid flow in the first flow path is controlled by controlling the pump speed using the value of the pump speed from the previous interconnected paths which corresponds to the value of the transducer reading from the previous interconnected paths which matches the transducer reading for the disconnected paths.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for cleaning pipe-shaped filter elements arranged in a housing including a separation wall dividing the housing into a clean gas space and a raw gas space into which the filter elements extend from the clean gas space through the separation wall and the raw gas is directed from the raw gas space through the filter elements into the clean gas space while dust is removed from the raw gas and collected on the filter elements, the filter elements are cleaned from time to time by supplying momentarily pressurized flushing gas to the clean air space which, at the same time, is closed to generate a flushing gas pulse providing for a backflow of clean gas from the clean gas space to the raw gas space, which dislodges dust collected on the filter elements.

Abstract: The mass flow controller of the present invention includes a sensor. This sensor is used to detect a mass flow within a gas line. Additionally, this sensor provides an output to an electronic control system coupled to the sensor. The electronic control system will determine an expected mass flow based on the output of the sensor. The electronic control system will adjust a control valve with a control signal to regulate a first gas flow through the control valve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stabilizing startup gas flow through an MFC supplying reactant gases to a semiconductor system, wherein the method includes receiving a gas setpoint in a tunable activation circuit, determining a desired valve control voltage corresponding to the gas setpoint, and bypassing an MFC valve controller signal. The method further includes ramping a valve control voltage for a flow control valve of the MFC to the desired valve control voltage with the tunable activation circuit, and returning control of the MFC to an MFC valve controller circuit.

Abstract: The mass flow controller of the present invention includes a sensor. This sensor is used to detect a mass flow within a gas line. Additionally, this sensor provides an output to an electronic control system coupled to the sensor. The electronic control system will determine an expected mass flow based on the output of the sensor. The electronic control system will adjust a control valve with a control signal to regulate a first gas flow through the control valve.

Abstract: A mass flow controller has a sensor section that generates an electrical signal, dependent on the measured flow rate. The controller sends a control signal to a magnetic field generating unit, dependent upon the actual flow rate and the desired flow rate, which in response, generates a magnetic flux in the direction of the fluid input to the fluid output through the body of the controller. This means that the magnetic flux is concurrent with the fluid flow within the mass flow controller body. The magnetic flux alters the position of a plunger button assembly, located between the bypass chamber and the fluid output, relative to an orifice plate to control the flow rate to obtain the desired output flow. By incorporating the proportional control valve within the mass flow controller body, the need for a separate and large valve section is eliminated, reducing the size and cost of the controller.

Abstract: A mass flow controller has a sensor section that generates an electrical signal, dependent on the measured flow rate. The controller sends a control signal to a magnetic field generating unit, dependent upon the actual flow rate and the desired flow rate, which in response, generates a magnetic flux in the direction of the fluid input to the fluid output through the body of the controller. This means that the magnetic flux is concurrent with the fluid flow within the mass flow controller body. The magnetic flux alters the position of a plunger button assembly, located between the bypass chamber and the fluid output, relative to an orifice plate to control the flow rate to obtain the desired output flow. By incorporating the proportional control valve within the mass flow controller body, the need for a separate and large valve section is eliminated, reducing the size and cost of the controller.

Abstract: A fluid mass flow controller, particularly adapted for controlling mass flow rates of toxic and reactive gases used in semiconductor device fabrication, includes a control circuit connected to pressure sensors for sensing the differential pressure across a flow restrictor in the mass flow controller for controlling a valve to control the fluid mass flow rate to a setpoint. The control circuit compares the differential pressure with the downstream pressure at a measured temperature with a data set of a gas passing through the flow controller for a range of differential pressures and downstream pressures and adjusts the flow control rate accordingly. The flow controller is mechanically uncomplicated including a two part body for supporting the pressure sensors, a remotely controllable flow control valve and the flow restrictor.

Abstract: A fluid mass flow control apparatus, particularly adapted for use in controlling fluid flow to semiconductor fabrication processes, comprises a tubular body part having inlet and outlet fittings and a bore extending therethrough and supporting a valve seat in the bore. A closure member is connected to an arm which extends laterally through a tubular spigot portion of the body part. The body part has a reduced thickness wall at the spigot portion to allow elastic deflection of the wall and movement of the arm to control the position of the closure member. An elongated tube or rod actuator on which a resistance heating coil is supported is operably connected to a control system for heating the actuator to move the arm to control flow of fluid through the apparatus. A flow restrictor is mounted upstream of the valve seat and a mass flow sensor is in communication with the passage to provide a mass flow rate signal to the control system.

Abstract: An MFC controlling device automation method and related system. The method mainly comprises the steps of automatically controlled algorithmic obtaining of MFC open loop system parameters by an identification technique; automatically controlled algorithmic determining of PI control parameters by a dominant pole-placement method; and automatically controlled calculating of a fuzzy logic rule table. The steps form an automatically controlled single closed loop. By performing said steps, multiple PI control parameter sets are obtainable fast and in an automatic way, and a calculation is done to form a refined fuzzy rule data table, so that a greatly enhanced MFC reaction function is attained.

Abstract: A device for providing uniform powder flow to the nozzles when creating solid structures using a solid fabrication system such as the directed light fabrication (DLF) process. In the DLF process, gas entrained powders are passed through the focal point of a moving high-power laser light which fuses the particles in the powder to a surface being built up in layers. The invention is a device providing uniform flow of gas entrained powders to the nozzles of the DLF system. The device comprises a series of modular splitters which are slidably interconnected and contain an integral flow control mechanism. The device can take the gas entrained powder from between one to four hoppers and split the flow into eight tubular lines which feed the powder delivery nozzles of the DLF system.

Abstract: An excess flow shut-off valve has a body with a flow passageway therethrough. A closure ball is rotatably supported within the body and has a flow passageway therethrough. The ball has a first rotational position in which the ball passageway is in alignment with the valve body passageway permitting flow through the valve and a second rotational position in which the flow passageway is out of alignment with the body flow passageway, preventing flow through the valve. A closure spring biases the ball towards the second (closed) position. An actuator has a first position holding the ball in the first (open) position. A paddle extending from the actuator into the body flow passageway. Fluid flow through said valve impinging on the paddle and tends to displace the actuator against the bias of the actuator spring. The bias of the actuator spring is overcome by excess fluid flow impinging on the paddle to thereby permit the ball to rotate to the valve closed position.

Abstract: A fluid driving system for portable flow cytometers or other portable devices that accepts a less precise and less stable pressure source, and then adjusts the pressure in a closed-loop manner to maintain a constant, desired flow velocity. The fluid driving system may be used in portable or wearable cytometers for use in remote locations, such as at home or in the field.

Abstract: A microfluidic device adapted for use with a power source is disclosed. The device includes a substrate and a heater member. The substrate and heater member form a first portion. A second portion is formed adjacent to the first portion. The second portion includes a high activating power polymer portion, at least one resin layer and a shield member. The second portion is selectively shaped to form a thermal expansion portion. A diaphragm member encapsulates the thermal expansion portion so that when power is applied to the heater portion, the high activating power polymer expands against the diaphragm member, causing the diaphragm member to deflect. This device is adapted for use as a microactuator or a blocking microvalve.

Abstract: A mass flow controller has a sensor section that generates an electrical signal, dependent on the measured flow rate. The controller sends a control signal to a magnetic field generating unit, dependent upon the actual flow rate and the desired flow rate, which in response, generates a magnetic flux in the direction of the fluid input to the fluid output through the body of the controller. This means that the magnetic flux is concurrent with the fluid flow within the mass flow controller body. The magnetic flux alters the position of a plunger button assembly, located between the bypass chamber and the fluid output, relative to an orifice plate to control the flow rate to obtain the desired output flow. By incorporating the proportional control valve within the mass flow controller body, the need for a separate and large valve section is eliminated, reducing the size and cost of the controller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixer for mixing an industrial secondary gas (B) into an industrial primary gas (A).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an excess flow valve system having a sliding poppet within a chamber with an orifice at one end, wherein the closing flow rate settings can be adjusted. Precise adjustments can be made externally by turning a threaded member extending through the valve, which causes a retainer, threadably located on the member, to move laterally within the chamber. This movement causes an angled surface on the retainer to engage and slide in relation to a similarly angled surface on the poppet. As the poppet is urged toward the retainer by a coiled spring, the poppet is moved longitudinally within the chamber, either toward or away from the orifice. Turning the threaded member enables the maximum travel distance of the poppet, and therefore, the threshold flow rate of the valve, to be precisely set.

Abstract: An automatically actuated regulation system for a natural gas pipeline having flow control unit, a vibration sensor, a gas flow meter, a trigger unit, and a microprocessor. The microprocessor actuates the flow control unit when two conditions are met. First, there must be a vibration which surpasses a predetermined threshold. Second, flow in the natural gas pipeline must have increased over the flow rate before the vibration.

Abstract: The working media, e.g., fluid or gaseous will be motioned in a restricted space, e.g., in a piping by adding velocity to the same. While prior to the working media motion the wavelength of the motioned working media dynamic processes will be calculated then the working media will be supplied into the restricted space the characteristic diameters of which in the characteristic sections will be calculated depending on the motioned working media wavelength. When utilizing the proposed method of working media motion to achieve the maximum possible decrease of the resistance the value of characteristic diameter in the characteristic section of the restricted space will be calculated by the formula: d.sub.1 =n.times..lambda.+1/4.lambda.. When utilizing the proposed method of working media motion with the objective of maximum possible increase of the resistance the value of the characteristic diameter in the characteristic section of the restricted space will be calculated by the formula: d.sub.1 =n.times..lambda.

Abstract: A system for controlling the rate of flow of a liquid in a liquid flow system, especially a system for controlling the rate of flow of treated water in a municipal water treatment and pumping system, the flow control system utilizing a venturi (10) having an inlet (12), a restricted throat (14) and a diffuser (16) through which the liquid flow is in series. The rate of flow of liquid through the venturi is adjusted by a flow rate control valve (18) in fluid communication with the diffuser of the venturi, and the flow control valve has a spool (22) that moves linearly to selectively permit a variable volume of liquid to flow through the valve into an outlet main (20). The movement of the spool is actuated by an electrically operated linear actuator (44) that operates in response to an electrical signal from a digital controller (40), which is indicative of a pressure differential between liquid pressure at the inlet of the venturi and liquid pressure at the throat.

Abstract: A flow-responsive diverting valve is particularly useful with pressure washers of the type having a water pump coupled to an internal combustion engine equipped with a pull-rope starter. The valve provides an "easy-start" feature and has a valving chamber and a fluid inlet and two fluid outlets. A magnet is fixed on the valve body and when fluid flows into the inlet at the low flow rate occurring when operating the starter, a valving device, e.g., a check ball, is restrained by the magnet. When fluid flows into the inlet at a higher flow rate (as when the engine is running and the pump is delivering water at a substantial rate), the device closes the first outlet and diverts water to the second outlet. A method for operating a pressure washer includes magnetically restraining the valving device away from the first outlet while operating the starter and then running the engine, thereby urging the device to close the first outlet.

Abstract: A compact, automatic mechanical fluid shut-off device which can detect a sustained leak in a pipe as well as a pipe burst and automatically shuts off fluid flow in the pipe. The device is detachable, easy to install, and easy to retrofit into existing pipes. The device employs a unique combination of bias mechanism and fluid flow channels to achieve an automated method of stopping a fluid flow when there is an abnormal fluid flow in the pipe due to pipe burst or sustained leak.

Abstract: A control system is provided for monitoring and regulating fluid pressure at a remote and/or potentially hazardous location along the length of a fluid flow conduit, without requiring a pressure sensor device at the remote site. The control system comprises a controller responsive to fluid pressure and flow rate readings taken at a convenient and/or safe location along the length of the flow conduit, to derive fluid pressure at the remote site. The controller provides a display of the derived pressure and/or operates a control valve at the safe site to regulate the pressure at the remote site.

Abstract: A downhole valve 10 opens or closes a bypass (12,13) in response to the pressure of the fluid in the valve. The valve housing body 14 is adapted for fluid communication with a tubular within a well bore. The valve bypass may be repeatedly cycled from open to closed position by selectively raising and lowering the fluid pressure. A replaceable flow restriction 18 in the valve is sized to produce a desired flow-induced pressure drop across the valve to cycle the valve with fluid flow. Differential sealing areas (11c and 15,16) are provided to cycle the valve by varying the static fluid pressure in the valve. According to the method, a flowing fluid pressure drop induced by fluid flow through the valve is used to change the state of the valve, and a subsequent change in hydrostatic fluid pressure or fluid pressure is used to return the valve to its original state.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for effectively proportioning a mixture of compressible and non-compressible fluids, wherein the resulting mixture has an almost constant density. The present invention is particularly useful for admixing supercritical fluids with polymeric coating compositions for various spray applications.