Abstract: A device for preventing a primary relief valve in a mud system from opening at a pressure lower than a nominal opening pressure includes a flow restrictor between a mud pump of the mud system and the primary relief valve. In addition, the device includes a cavity between the flow restrictor and the primary relief valve.

Abstract: A differential pressure valve is disclosed, comprising: a valve body, the valve body having at least one flow inlet and one flow outlet; at least one shutter, the shutter being movable between an open position and a closed position under a differential pressure across the valve; a flow passage from the flow inlet to the flow outlet; at least one biasing member configured to bias the shutter towards a closed position so as to block the flow passage through the flow inlet. The biasing member comprises at least two springs arranged in parallel, one of the springs having at least one resonance frequency different from at least one resonance frequency of the other of the two springs.

Abstract: Described are pressure fuses or pressure breakers which regulate the pressure downstream from the device. When the fluid pressure exceeds the trip pressure, the pressure fuse or breaker will trip and protect other components downstream of the fuse or breaker. Also described are methods of regulating pressure downstream from a fluid source using such fuses or breakers.

Abstract: A multi-stage pressure regulator system. The system of the present invention provides for distribution of the Joules-Thomson (J-T) cooling effect between multiple stages. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pressure is first reduced by a set ratio in one or more stages followed by an adjustable pressure output stage. The present invention thereby provides a system to control pressure reduction and thus prevent condensation (and associated distortion of a vapor composition sample) of a gas due to J-T cooling effect. The system of the present invention is particularly suitable for use placement (via, for example, a probe) within the source gas supply containment vessel, pipeline or the like, so that pressure reduction occurs at or near isothermal conditions, further lessening the likelihood of J-T condensation.

Abstract: The invention supplies a quantity Q of gas while dividing at flow rate ratio Q1/Q2 from a gas supply facility equipped with a flow controller. A total quantity Q=Q1+Q2 of gas is supplied into a chamber at flow rate Q1 and Q2 through shower plates fixed to ends of branch supply lines by providing open/close valves with a plurality of branch supply lines GL1 and GL2, respectively, to supply the specified quantity of gas from the gas supply facility, and by utilizing bypass line BL1 on the downstream side of the open/close valve OV1 and branched from GL1, bypass line BL2 on the downstream side of the open/close valve OV2 and branched from GL2, pressure type division quantity controller connected to the bypass line BL1 and the bypass line BL2, a sensor measuring pressure inside branch supply line GL1, and another sensor measuring pressure inside branch supply line GL2.

Abstract: An on board inert gas generation system for an aircraft receives air from a relatively low pressure source such as low pressure engine bleed air or ram air and passes it to a positive displacement compressor to increase the pressure thereof to be suitable for supply to an air separation module. All or a portion of the compressed air from the positive displacement compressor may be supplied by operation of a valve to one or more other aircraft components to provide at least one of power, heat or pressure thereto.

Abstract: A sub sea valve actuator system including a piston and cylinder assembly and a return spring arranged in an actuator housing, a hydraulic pump and electric motor assembly associated with the piston and cylinder assembly, and hydraulic flow lines for hydraulic medium driving the piston and cylinder in relative displacement against a force of the return spring. The valve actuator system includes a detector configured to detect an end-of-stroke position of the piston and cylinder assembly. The detector includes at least one of: a motor current monitoring circuit unit, a hydraulic medium pressure sensor unit, a position sensor unit, and a linear variable differential transformer unit. An electromechanical arresting mechanism is arranged to be energized for releasably arresting the return spring in a compressed state in result of the detected end-of-stroke position.

Abstract: A gas expansion module for use with semiconductor wafer loadlocks and other regulated-pressure components of semiconductor processing tools is provided. The gas expansion module may be barometrically isolated from the loadlock or other component and pumped down to a vacuum condition while the loadlock is performing operations at a higher pressure, such as ambient atmospheric conditions. After an initial pump-down of the loadlock is performed, the gas expansion module may be fluidly joined to the loadlock volume and the gases within each allowed to reach equilibrium. A further pump-down of the combined volume may be used to bring the loadlock pressure to a desired vacuum condition.

Abstract: A doser valve with a seat comprising at least one axially located slot from an outer surface of the seat and at least one radial/tangential extending passage in fluid communication with the at least one axially located slot and an exit passage out of the seat.

Abstract: A vapor delivery apparatus for providing a precursor vapor for a vapor deposition process includes a precursor container for holding a liquid or solid precursor. A first temperature control assembly maintains the precursor container at a first temperature to generate a vapor precursor from the liquid or solid precursor. An isolation valve is coupled to the precursor container, and a specific quantity of the vapor precursor is accumulated in an expansion volume. A fill valve, which is coupled to each of the isolation valve and the expansion volume, controls the flow of the vapor precursor from the precursor container into the expansion volume. A second temperature control assembly maintains the isolation valve at a second temperature greater than the first temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating vapor from a liquid precursor for a thin film deposition on a substrate includes an inlet section in fluid communication with a downstream vaporization chamber section. The inlet section comprises a gas inlet for receiving gas from a gas source through a gas flow sensor and a gas flow control valve and a liquid inlet for receiving liquid from a liquid source through a liquid flow sensor and a liquid flow control valve. An electronic controller controls the gas and liquid flow control valves thereby controlling the rates of gas and liquid flow into the inlet section to generate vapor in the downstream vaporization chamber section for thin film deposition on the substrate.

Abstract: An injection device (100) comprising: a housing (102) defining a space (104); a seat (110) located in said space (104), the seat (110) being configured for receiving a flow path element (116) capable of injecting a pressurized fluid into the injection device (100) through the seat (110); a pressure source (132) for pressurizing a medium in said space (104), thereby reducing the pressure difference between the pressurized fluid in said flow path element (116) and said medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a unit for simulating the pressure and temperature conditions of an air flow drawn in by a reciprocating internal combustion engine (1) at a height above sea level, corresponding to the operating height of said reciprocating internal combustion engine (1). According to the invention, the unit comprises at least: (a) a radial inward-flow turbine (2) for expanding an air flow towards the pressure and temperature of the air drawn in by the reciprocating internal combustion engine; (b) a first container (4) and (c) a second container (5) connected to the first container (4) by means of at least a connection pipe (7) in order to balance the pressure between the two containers; (d) a centrifugal compressor (3); and (e) a vacuum pump (6) for maintaining a pressure equal to the pressure of the air flow drawn in by the reciprocating internal combustion engine (1).

Abstract: A bi-directional pressurized system with devices for and configured to mitigate issues associated with leak and creep phenomena at various stages throughout the system, including valves and controls to distribute a leaked amount of fluid prior to delivery to a pressure-sensitive destination and a pressure relief valve to bring an initial pressure within an acceptable range for distribution to reach a target pressure is disclosed. A startup method for mitigating leakage of the system during a rest phase, including selectively reducing the initial pressure upstream of a pressure-sensitive destination, is disclosed.

Abstract: A flow control device for control of fluid flow through a tubular member comprises a control chamber having a piston disposed therein, where the piston is moveable from an open piston position to a closed piston position by the application of a first fluid pressure, and a valve chamber having a valve therein, where the valve is moveable from a closed valve position to an open valve position by the application of a second fluid pressure. A seal preventing fluid flow through the control chamber into the tubular member is formed in the closed piston position, and a flow path through the valve chamber and into the tubular member is formed in the open valve position.

Abstract: The present invention is a central tire inflation system and a valve for use in the system including a casing securable to the rim of a vehicle in communication with the tire that houses a main body connectable to a pressurized fluid supply of the central tire inflation system, and a valve member moveable within the main body to control the flow of air through the valve. The valve can be mounted flush on the exterior surface of the rim or in a recessed position within the rim, and can be connected to a manifold that is able to control the flow of pressurized fluid from the central tire inflation system to each valve and tire connected to the valve. The operation of the manifold and pressurized fluid supply can be controlled utilizing a controller operably connected to the manifold and fluid supply.

Abstract: A valve (100) for controlling pressure in a ventilation system is disclosed. The valve comprises an electromagnet (105, 106), a shaft (107) connected to the electromagnet, and a diaphragm (110) connected to the shaft, wherein the electromagnet applies force to the diaphragm based on an input. The ventilation system comprises a ventilator (200) connected to a patient circuit (204), the valve (100) controlling pressure in the ventilation system, and a controller (206) connected to the valve and configured to provide the input to the valve.

Abstract: Method for providing a fluid at a target pressure. In one implementation, the method may include providing a semiconductor solution at a velocity to a supply line through a dispenser, measuring a pressure of the semiconductor solution flowing through the supply line, comparing the measured pressure with the target pressure, and adjusting the velocity based on the results of the comparison.

Abstract: A control program for a positive displacement metering system measures the time required for the travel of a free piston in a cylinder of known volume to determine an average flow rate during a full stroke of the piston. The system may also measure and record the inlet and outlet pressures or the differential pressure between the fluid inlet and outlet. The control program positions a four-way valve which may function as an adjustable metering orifice in response to the measured average flow rate and/or changes in the inlet and outlet pressures to achieve the desired flow rate. At the end of each stroke, the four-way valve is repositioned to reverse fluid flow through the metering cylinder. The system may revise the valve position settings for both forward and reverse strokes based on the measured time required for a full stroke at a certain valve position. In this way, the system automatically and iteratively compensates for changes in fluid properties and fluid pressure.

Abstract: The pressure limiting valve has a low pressure gauge configured to measure the operability of a backflow prevention device having a line pressure relatively higher than the maximum PSI rating of the low pressure gauge. The valve body has an inlet statically coupled to a pressurized fluid source and an outlet coupled to the low pressure gauge. Upper and lower chambers fluidly coupled via a conduit are formed from an interior portion of the valve body and generally separated by a flexible diaphragm. A spring actuable via movement of the flexible diaphragm in response to pressure changes in the valve body biases a closure seat in an open position relative to the outlet when the valve body is not under pressure, and compresses under pressure to permit the closure seat to seal the outlet when pressure in the valve body reaches a maximum PSI rating of the low pressure gauge.

Abstract: A pressure control device for isolating a section of a conduit is described. The device comprises a support member, a flexible cup member mounted to the support member, a first swellable element, the first swellable element adapted, upon activation by an activation fluid, to urge a first portion of the cup member outwards into engagement with a conduit surface and at least one bypass arranged to permit the activation fluid to bypass the swellable element and build up behind a second portion of the cup member.

Abstract: Concepts and technologies disclosed herein for relief valves (“relief valves”). A relief valve can include a flow path, a primary valve poppet that is urged or biased into a closed position by a tensioned spring, and a pilot valve in communication with a valve compartment of the relief valve. When an exterior space pressure overcomes the tensioned spring, the primary valve poppet can be overcome and pressure between an interior space and the exterior space can equalize, at least partially. When the pressure within the interior space increases beyond a defined threshold, which can be defined by a spring of the pilot valve, the pilot valve can open, the valve compartment can vent, and the tensioned spring again can be overcome and can open to allow at least partial equalization of pressures within the interior space and the exterior space.

Abstract: This is a pneumatic device used to transfer air from an inflated tire to a deflated tire using a flexible tube and methods of use. The transfer tube is flexible and allows sealed air to transfer through in one direction by using standard screw-on valve connectors on each end and a one-way check valve intersecting the tubing, thus preventing a loss of air from the tire being inflated using no other gauges or mechanical devices.

Abstract: A fluid regulator includes a regulator body having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet connected by a fluid flow path, with a portion of the regulator body forming a first chamber and a second chamber, an orifice disposed in the fluid flow path, a seat, and a control element disposed within the fluid flow path and shiftable between an open position spaced away from the seat and a closed position seated against the seat, with the control element arranged to respond to fluid pressure changes to control flow of a process fluid through the orifice. A first diaphragm having a radially inner portion is operatively coupled to the control element, and a second diaphragm having a radially inner portion also is operatively coupled to the control element.

Abstract: A method for distributing fuel in a fuel system of a motor vehicle. The method may be applied in a fuel system having a first fuel tank, where fuel is confined at a first pressure, and a second fuel tank, where fuel is confined at a second pressure greater than the first pressure. The method comprises releasing fuel already resident in the second fuel tank to the first fuel tank, and admitting fuel to the first and second fuel tanks simultaneously.

Abstract: A directional flow valve in a cardiovascular prosthesis test system includes a regurgitant flow passage. Forward flow from a pump through the valve is unrestricted and allowed to pass freely through the directional flow valve. Regurgitant flow is allowed across the directional flow valve to reduce a negative pressure gradient across the prosthetic device. The volume of regurgitant flow is controllable by changing a size of the regurgitant flow pathway.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve for a vehicle transmission includes a housing, a valve piston, an actuating piston, and a bi-stable spring. The housing is connectable with an inlet passage and an outlet passage for the transmission. The valve piston is sealed to the housing and selectively blocks a fluid flow between the inlet passage and the outlet passage. The actuating piston is sealed to the housing and is arranged to be displaceable by a hydraulic pressure in the inlet passage. The bi-stable spring is engaged with the valve piston and the actuating piston. In some example embodiments, the bi-stable spring is axially fixed with regards to the valve piston and displaceable by the actuating piston.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically controlling gas pressure for a plasma cutter includes a plasma torch, a gas supply system to provide a pressurized gas to the plasma torch, and a proportional valve configured to regulate the pressurized gas. The proportional valve includes a body, a valve seat positioned therein and defining a valve orifice, and a plunger having a mating surface on one end that mates with the valve seat and the orifice and a pressure receiving surface on an opposite end. The proportional valve also includes an inlet to receive the pressurized gas and distribute the pressurized gas to the valve orifice and the pressure receiving surface of the plunger, an electrical solenoid having a chamber to electro-magnetically translate the plunger therein, and a bias urging the plunger toward the valve orifice in conjunction with the pressurized gas when electrical power is reduced to the electrical solenoid.

Abstract: A closed-loop system includes a pump driving a fluid through a series of conduits. A control system is included that minimizes pressure fluctuations in a bootstrap reservoir to maintain a desired minimum pressure at the pump inlet. Moreover, the control system reduces a maximum system pressure by reducing the magnitude of pressure fluctuations encountered by the bootstrap reservoir.

Abstract: A system for regulating a pressure of a piston on a bed in a flow through column system, where the flow through column system includes a piston pressure chamber in communication with the piston and an inlet line and an outlet line in communication with the bed. A pump has an inlet in communication with a supply of hydraulic fluid. A forward pressure reference communicates with the inlet line. A forward pressure regulator has a reference inlet in communication with the forward pressure reference and an inlet in communication with the pump. A switching valve communicates with the piston pressure chamber, and also has a inlet in communication with the outlet of the forward pressure regulator. A back pressure reference communicates with the outlet line. A back pressure regulator has an inlet in communication with the outlet of the switching valve, a reference inlet in communication with the back pressure reference and an outlet in communication with the supply of hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: Embodiments of a fluid flow regulating device and methods of using the same are described. Certain embodiments manages fluid flow between one or more input ports and output ports at least partly in response to fluid pressure changes and/or by a mechanism driven by fluid flow, optionally without using electrical power.

Abstract: An active vortex control system (AVOCS) includes a set of primary injectors that inject gas into a cavity to generate a vortex in front of and possibly around components inside the cavity. The vortex interferes with an external flow field in an opening to the cavity to protect the components from the external environment. Sets of secondary injectors may inject gas at a reduced mass flow into the cavity to compensate for energy losses to maintain the coherence of the vortex. The AVOCS is well suited for use in windowless endo- and exo-atmospheric interceptors to protect the electro-optical imagers and optical components from Earth atmosphere.

Abstract: A method of deactiving an underwater hydraulic device provides a hydraulic device that is capable of being operated under water, the device having a hydraulic cylinder with a pushrod and a piston. The device is lowered below a water surface with a hose reel that is located at the water surface area such as on a marine vessel. The hose reel includes first and second hydraulic hoses that connect to the cylinder on opposing sides of the piston. Fluid flow in the first and second hydraulic hoses is continuously monitored. The ratio of the volume of fluid flowing into the cylinder from one side of the piston to the volume of fluid flowing into the cylinder from the other side of the cylinder is continuously calculated with a computer or controller. The hydraulic device is deactivated if the ratio varies from a preset value. One embodiment includes a plurality of flow meters for measuring fluid flow to and from one or more hydraulicly powered apparatuses.

Abstract: A method of controlling a valve includes detecting a supply pressure at a fluid source and detecting a first port pressure at a first side of a piston. A controller actuates the valve from a closed position to a first open position when the supply pressure is in excess of the first port pressure. Thereafter, the controller actuates the valve to the closed position when the supply pressure is less than the first port pressure.

Abstract: New methods and devices for reducing water consumption by restricting the supply pressures at the water consumption points.

Abstract: A method of supplying and controlling the flow of a process gas to a process chamber. The method includes initiating a known flow rate of a process gas to a process chamber, dividing the known flow rate of the process gas into a first flow of the process gas at a first flow rate and a second flow of the process gas at a second flow rate, measuring a first pressure associated with the first flow of the process gas, measuring a second pressure associated with the second flow of the process gas, and controlling the first flow rate and the second flow rate according to a target flow condition by adjusting a first conductance of the first flow of the process gas and a second conductance of the second flow of the process gas and monitoring the first pressure and the second pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to periodically inspect and control piston movability are provided that can include using a contactless sensor system through a gas outlet port of a pressure relief device. By moving a stop, relative movement of the piston can be compared to the fixed body reflecting a movability or a blocking of the release piston. Inductive/magnetic or optical borescope sensors can detect piston movement through the gas outlet, for example. The activation function where the piston must move when activated can therefore be tested and maintained.

Abstract: A microfluidic valve operable to semi-permanently close a channel of a microfluidic device defined between a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) film and a substrate operates employs a surface contact bond between the TPE and a wall of the channel. Thermomechanical release of the valve, tristate functionality, and repeated semi-permanent closure and release are demonstrated.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a system and process for the equalization of pressures of a flow stream across one or more valves is provided. A process circuit having clean non-abrasive fluid and at least one slave cylinder for transmitting pressure to a process flow stream is employed.

Abstract: The flow cytometer system of the preferred embodiment includes a flow cell body that functions to contain, protect, and align the components of the flow cytometer system; a flow channel, coupled to the flow cell body, that functions to conduct and focus sample fluid through an interrogation zone; and a sample injection probe, removably coupled to the flow cell body, that functions to provide a uniform flow of sample fluid to the flow channel. The flow cytometer system is preferably designed for the flow cytometer field. The flow cytometer system, however, may be alternatively used in any suitable environment and for any suitable reason.

Abstract: A liquid delivery system and method move an air impermeable membrane adjacent a liquid chamber in response to withdrawal of liquid from the chamber to move a plunger. The plunger moves between a first position fluidly connecting a fluid source and a fluid actuated valve to open the valve and supply liquid to the liquid chamber and a second position blocking connection of the fluid source and the fluid actuated valve.

Abstract: A gas flow device and method are provided for controlling the flow of gases into a process chamber. The gas flow device includes one of more pressure reduction stages, a metering valve, a pressure gauge, and a control system. the gas flow device provides a steady and stable flow of gas from a gas source to a process chamber held at sub-atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A fermentation pressure relief, anti-oxidation and visual observation apparatus and related method, comprising: a collar with an opening therethrough capable of sealably mating to a fermentation vessel lid atop a fermentation vessel; and a flap attached to the collar via a flap-to-collar attachment and situated atop the collar opening to seal the opening when substantially no upward pressure subsists against the flap such that entry of air or other matter downward through the opening is substantially barred; wherein, when the apparatus is attached to the fermentation vessel lid: when pressure subsists within the fermentation vessel the pressure causes the flap to slightly separate from the collar opening and is thereby is permitted to bleed out between the flap and the collar opening through the separation; and after the pressure has bled out the separation is reversed and the flap reverts to a position wherein it again seals the opening, by virtue of the pressure having been bled out.

Abstract: A pressure regulating device has a pressure regulating valve with a valve casing and a regulating unit which is movable relative to the former. The regulating unit contains an actuation element which may be moved by a control pressure, and two first and second closing members, each spring-biased in a closed position, which may be switched by the actuation element. The connection between a primary port and a secondary port is controlled by the first closing member. Fixed immovably to the actuation element is a restrictor element which is moved into a restriction position when the actuation element is so positioned that the first closing member is normally moved into its closed position. If, because of a fault, the first closing member is not moved into the closed position, only a very small amount of pressure medium flows to the secondary port, so that consequential damage may be avoided.

Abstract: A method and a system control flow of fluid from a storage tank through a supply line to an end user. The system includes a valve that in its open position allows fluid flow from the storage tank to the end user and closes when the pressure in the fluid supply line drops below a predetermined set point. The storage tank is thereby isolated because the valve prevents fluid from flowing from the storage tank to the supply line when the pressure in the supply line is lower than a predetermined upper limit of the storage tank pressure. An end use that is particularly suited to the present system and method is a fuel storage and supply system for a natural gas powered internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A hydraulic system is disclosed that has first and second passages connecting a pump to an actuator in closed-loop manner, and first and second load-holding valves within the first and second passages. The hydraulic system may also have a regeneration valve connected to the first and second passages between the actuator and the first and second load-holding valves to selectively connect the first and second passages. The hydraulic system may further have a controller configured to cause a control valve to simultaneous move the first and second load-holding valves toward flow-blocking positions when pump displacement is about zero. The controller may also be configured to selectively cause the regeneration valve to connect the first and second passages when pump displacement is non-zero, and to cause only one of the first and second load-holding valves to move to its flow-blocking position when the regeneration valve connects the first and second passages.

Abstract: There is provided a fluid rerouting system for valve bodies that use hydraulic pressure, via a balance pressure line, to move spools. In an exemplary embodiment, the system comprises a valve sleeve having a plurality of ports that are substantially aligned with a plurality of fluid connections in the mating bore, except that no valve sleeve port aligns with the balance pressure line. The system also includes a spool having a plurality of lands that are sized and configured to fit slidably in said valve sleeve. The combination of the valve sleeve and at least one of the lands form a chamber, fluid access to which is via an aperture traversing the land. Means for blocking the access of said balance pressure line to said valve sleeve are also included.

Abstract: A hydraulic system is disclosed. The hydraulic system may have a unidirectional variable displacement first pump, a first hydraulic actuator connected to the first pump via a closed-loop first circuit, a unidirectional variable displacement second pump, and a second hydraulic actuator connected to the second pump via a closed-loop second circuit. The hydraulic system may also have a third pump selectively connectable in closed-loop manner to the first or second circuits, and a first valve disposed between the first hydraulic actuator and the first pump and configured to selectively direct fluid from the first circuit to the second and third pumps.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring and controlling a fluid flow in a pipe system for liquid transport, such as oil flow during buoy loading, wherein there in each end of a the pipe system is spliced in a sensor (1) consisting of a pipe section (2) with a reinforced rubber bellows (3) positioned as a restriction within the transport pipe. The rubber bellows (3) is forced radially outward when there is oil flowing through the transport pipe, and compresses a gas filled volume in a pressure vessel (4) via a pipe connection (4B) in communication with an annulus (5), and a pressure transmitter (6A/B) gives signals to a control system (7).

Abstract: An aircraft hydraulic air bleed valve system having an air vent valve connected to an electronic controller where the opening of the air vent valve is permitted only when the aircraft is in a pre-determined flight mode where the aircraft flight mode is determined by a gyroscope connected to the controller.