Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlled access to pressurized fluid lines and to exhausted lines. The apparatus includes a rod body having a bore; a packing fitting attached to a first end of the rod body and a ball valve attached to a second end of the rod body; a transverse arm between the first and second ends of the rod body, the transverse arm having a bore communicating the rod body bore; and a slideable rod in the bore of the rod body, in a first position of the rod a first end extends through the packing fitting to outside of the rod body and a second end is completely within the rod body, in a second position of the rod the first end extends through the packing fitting to outside of the rod body and the second end of the rod extends through and past the ball valve.

Abstract: A device for controlling an actuator includes an input interface that receives a plurality of input signals including a setpoint command signal and a feedback signal. An output interface provides a drive signal to the actuator. First, second, and third redundant loop controllers processes the setpoint command signal and the feedback signal to generate respective actuator control signals. A primary controller compares the actuator control signals to determine whether at least two are substantially similar. The device outputs the drive signal to the actuator according to an actuator control signals that has been determined by the primary controller to be substantially similar to another. Any one of the redundant loop controllers is hot swappable with a replacement loop controller such that loop controller redundancy is operatively maintained by the device in controlling the actuator while one of the redundant loop controllers is hot swapped.

Abstract: Fuel tank apparatus and related methods are described. An example method includes placing a first end of a flexible coupling through an access opening formed on a wall of a fuel tank and into a first end of a guide positioned in a cavity of the fuel tank; feeding the first end of the flexible coupling in a first direction through the guide and away from the access opening; redirecting the first end of the flexible coupling towards the access opening by continuing to feed the flexible coupling the first direction; coupling a first fuel component to the first end of the flexible coupling when the first end of the flexible coupling is accessible via the access opening; and directing the flexible coupling in a second direction opposite the first direction via the guide to couple the first fuel component in the cavity of the fuel tank at a position away from the access opening.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to couple fuel components to a fuel tank are described. An example method includes forming a guide within a cavity of a fuel tank, positioning a carrier on the guide, and sliding the carrier along the guide.

Abstract: A portable air pump apparatus and method that includes an elongated elongated cylinder portion having a first air channel for transporting compressed air, and an air discharge portion having a connection head, a finger or thumb grip portion, a rotatable thumb-lock lever, and a second air channel extending vertically therethrough the air discharge portion and engagable with an inflation valve of an inflatable object. The second air channel is in communication with the first air channel of the elongated cylinder portion. The rotatable thumb-lock may be rotated within a predetermined range of movement defined substantially by a non-engaged position and an engaged position.

Abstract: A valve having a flow control assembly with a bore having particle-deflecting features is provided. In one embodiment, the bore of a flow control assembly of a valve includes a contour shaped to deflect particles in a fluid stream through the valve toward the center of the fluid stream and away from a sealing surface of the flow control assembly. The bore may also, in some embodiments, create a Venturi effect that cleans sealing surfaces by drawing particles away from the sealing surfaces. Additional valve systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An engagement system (10) for a fluid-coupling device (9) may include a first engagement member (31) and a second engagement member (15) that is in operation with the first engagement member (31). A working chamber (33) is disposed between and at least partially defined by the first engagement member (31) and the second engagement member (15). The working chamber (33) has an inlet port (118) and an outlet port (120). A fluid reservoir (35) is fluidically-coupled to the working chamber (33). A scavenge valve (11) is coupled between the working chamber (33) and the fluid reservoir (35) and adjusts the fluid flow through the outlet port (120). An engagement system (10) for a fluid-coupling device (9) may in addition to or alternatively include a working chamber (33) that includes a working chamber inlet port (118) that is along an outer perimeter (126) of the first engagement member (31).

Abstract: A drug compounding skid for sterile transfer of a compounded drug. The skid includes vessels configured to form a sterile seal of a drug contained therein. The skid may include a sterilization system, a drug transfer system, and a cleaning system. The skid may be used to perform sterile transfer of a compounded drug from the vessels to a holding tank. A skid may include a plurality of drug compounding tanks with agitation devices mounted thereto.

Abstract: A digitally controlled current to pressure converter (CPC) and method of controlling same is provided. The method of controlling includes the step of periodically imparting symmetrically-opposed movement of a control valve of the CPC to loosen and flush accumulated silt therefrom. More particularly, the method may include the step of periodically introducing a small-amplitude symmetrically-opposed impulse to a controller that actuates a hydraulic control shaft of a three-way rotary valve. Also provided is a method of preventing malfunction due to faulty input or feedback signals received by the CPC, and a method of detecting the health status of multiple CPCs when used in a redundant configuration.

Abstract: A mobile fluid dispensing apparatus is shown comprising of a mobile part, a complimentary part, where the mobile part has a means for fluid exchange between the mobile part and the complimentary part. The mobile part is configured to engage with the complimentary part to form a fluid connection between them when the mobile part is moved in relation to the complimentary part.

Abstract: Pre-treated water cooling hoses and a method for implementing pretreatment of water cooling hoses for increased reliability are provided. Pretreatment of the water cooling hoses includes attaching the water cooling hose to a water cooling system, filling the water cooling system with a high concentration corrosion inhibitor solution, and running the system for an extended time to saturate the attached hose with the high concentration corrosion inhibitor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of running a conduit in an incineration plant as well as a device with a conduit, in which the conduit is surrounded by a ceramic component onto which flue gas flows from at least two opposite directions, wherein between the conduit and ceramic component a protective fluid space with a protective fluid inlet and/or heat exchanger pipes is provided.

Abstract: A high purity water delivery system has a reservoir (40) of purified water. A distribution line (42) extends downstream from an outlet (44) of the reservoir to a return (46) of the reservoir. A plurality of delivery stations each include an outlet (54?) and a diverter (102; 102?; 102?; 102?'). The diverter has an upstream inlet port (104) along the distribution line and a downstream outlet port (106) along the distribution line. The diverter has a supply port (108) downstream of the inlet port and a return port (110) downstream of the supply port. The diverter has a flow restriction (112; 112?; 216) between the supply port and the return port. Each delivery station includes a flow control valve (56?) between the outlet on the one hand and the supply port and return port on the other hand.

Abstract: Floating roof storage vessels including a vapor emission reduction system designed to be inserted into deck leg apertures, when the legs have been removed during hydrocarbon storage.

Abstract: A universal connector (100) is disclosed for use in the food industry to connect a food product dispenser to a food product source. The connector (160) has an evacuation tube (120) having a dispensing port (140), intake manifold (128), a grommet interface section (154), and an inner cylindrical chamber (136) disposed within the evacuation tube (120). The connector (100) has a grommet (110) in surrounding relation with the grommet interface (154) of the evacuation tube (120). The connector (100) capable of creating a connection between the food product source to facilitate evacuation of the contents of the food product source.

Abstract: A valve comprises a valve mechanism located within a housing arrangement, wherein the housing arrangement comprises an outer housing configured to be mechanically secured with a fluid conduit system, and an inner housing located within the outer housing and configured to contain pressure.

Abstract: A system and method for sampling fluid from a top land piston crevice of a reciprocating piston engine. Access into the crevice is via a length of tubing inserted into a bore through the piston wall. Two valves, first a relief valve and then a piloted check valve, operate together to capture a sample of fluid from the crevice at a time just before TDC of the piston on its compression stroke. The sampled fluid flows from the check valve into a sample container. The valves further cooperate to close fluid communication from the crevice after a sample is taken, which allows the engine to operate normally.

Abstract: A tire pressure control system (100) for a self-inflating tire includes a left coupling conduit (128) in fluid communication with a left tube end (104) of a peristaltic pump tube (102), a right coupling conduit (129) in fluid communication with a right tube end (105), a bypass conduit (130) extending between and coupling the left coupling conduit (128) and the right coupling conduit (129), and a bypass valve (150) configured to block the bypass conduit (130) when the tire pressure is less than a predetermined target pressure. When the bypass valve (150) substantially blocks the bypass conduit (130), then pressurized air generated in the peristaltic pump tube (102) is forced into the self-inflating tire. When the bypass valve (150) does not block the bypass conduit (130), then air is allowed to circulate within the peristaltic pump tube (102).

Abstract: The water tank comprises a number of peripherally disposed modular wall components, each modular wall component defining a radially inner exposed surface, for direct engagement with the water inside the water tank, and a radially outer form-work area, for receiving liquid concrete to be cured. An integral hinge edgewisely interlocks each pair of successive modular wall components. An expansible joint is mounted into each hinge, wherein the expansible joint cooperates with the hinge so as to releasably interlock the modular wall components in their peripherally disposed fashion. The expansible joint provides a water tight seal at the hinge when soaked in water for a sufficient period of time. A second bevelled seal joint is further mounted against the hinge adjacent each wall component inner exposed surface spacedly from and radially inwardly from the expansible joint. Both first and second seal joints are for direct liquid engagement with the water tank water.

Abstract: A flow passage structure is provided with a fluid flow passage that includes a plurality of straight flow passages, a first return bend that connects the downstream end of the straight flow passage through which a fluid flows from a second end surface toward a first end surface among the plurality of straight flow passages to the upstream end of the straight flow passage which is disposed at the downstream side of the straight flow passage and is adjacent to the straight flow passage, and a second return bend that connects the downstream end of the straight flow passage through which the fluid flows from the first end surface toward the second end surface among the plurality of straight flow passages to the upstream end of the straight flow passage which is disposed at the downstream side of the straight flow passage and is adjacent to the straight flow passage.

Abstract: A gasification system includes a reaction chamber having an inlet for receiving a feedstock for conversion to a gas. Also included is a quench chamber configured to cool the gas. Further included is a quench ring operably coupled to a water supply pipe for receiving water therein, the quench ring configured to provide a water flow to the quench chamber. Yet further included is a sealing component disposed at a coupling interface between the quench ring and the water supply pipe.

Abstract: A valve device including a valve housing which bounds a valve chamber in which a valve member is accommodated for movement between a blocking position and a release position in order to influence a free flow cross-section for a fluid in a flow path between an inlet passage terminating into the valve chamber and an outlet passage leading from the valve chamber, further including a first absolute pressure sensor for providing a first pressure signal as a function of an operating pressure in the flow path, and further including an evaluation circuit for processing the first pressure signal. It is provided that a second absolute pressure sensor is located outside the flow path, which is designed to provide a second pressure signal as a function of an operating pressure outside the flow path and which is connected to the evaluation circuit for enabling a differential pressure between the first and second pressure signals to be determined.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise different methods and equipment for efficiently and relatively inexpensively producing Casimir cavities for use in quantum vacuum energy extraction. The methods include without limitation, sintering; submicron porous filter materials; web roll-to-roll produced mesh or foil layers; nanotube arrays; web roll-to-roll produced porous membranes such as graphene, metallically doped; web roll-to-roll produced metallic crystals with self assembling arrays of nano-channels; three-dimensional prototyping; charged particle deposition; metal wire bundles; metal tube bundles; and metallically doped or metallically coated glass or polymer wire bundles.

Abstract: A vent valve assembly includes a first housing component, a second housing component, and a third housing component, as well as a first valve and a second valve. The first, second, and third housing components are configured to assemble together along one directional axis with the second housing component, the first valve and the second valve between the first and third housing components and with the second valve laterally-spaced from the first valve. A vapor flow path directs vapor from the first valve to the second valve, thereby reducing an overall height of the vent valve assembly.

Abstract: A gelled composition for pipeline, flowline, pipeline jumper or flowline jumper dewatering or preventing ingress of seawater into open pipeline systems or components during tie-in operations of jumpers or additional pipe, valving, manifolds, subsea pipeline architecture or flow conduits operations is disclosed, where the composition includes a concentrated metal formate solution and a hydratable polymer. The gelled formate compositions have improved dewatering properties with 100% or 360 pipe coverage. The gelled formate compositions have can also be reused by breaking and reformulation.

Abstract: A hydraulic filtering, cooling and lubrication system is disclosed. The system is for use with a vehicle including an engine, a pump coupled to the engine and a plurality of axles. The system includes a separate manifold for each axle of the vehicle and/or each pair of wet disc brakes. Each manifold is separate from every other manifold to minimize cross contamination of axles.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fluidic oscillator insert for use in a subterranean well can include forming the insert with a conical housing engagement surface thereon, and forming at least one fluidic oscillator on a substantially planar surface of the insert. A well tool can include a housing assembly, at least one insert received in the housing assembly, the insert having a fluidic oscillator formed on a first surface thereof, the insert being at least partially secured in the housing assembly by engagement of conical second and third surfaces formed on the insert and housing assembly, and a cover which closes off the first surface on the insert. An insert for use in a well tool can include a conical housing engagement surface, and at least one fluidic oscillator formed on a substantially planar surface. The fluidic oscillator produces oscillations in response to fluid flow through the fluidic oscillator.

Abstract: A dialysis machine includes an ultrafiltration pump that pumps fluid from a pump inlet to a pump outlet, and a calibration fluid container. The container including a bottom, an upstanding sidewall, a container inlet and a container outlet, the bottom and the upstanding sidewall defining a container interior. The container may be to the atmosphere. At least the container outlet being disposed in the sidewall proximate to the bottom. The first end of a first hose is fluidly coupled to the pump inlet, and the second end of the first hose is removably, fluidly coupleable to the container outlet. The first end of a second hose is fluidly coupled to the pump outlet, and the second end of the second hose is removably, fluidly coupleable to the container inlet. In this way, a calibration process may be performed when the second ends of the first and second hoses are fluidly coupled to the container outlet and the container inlet, respectively.

Abstract: An intelligent condensate management system for purging and cleaning an air conditioning condensate drainage system, the intelligent condensate management system comprises a housing, the housing having an inlet and an outlet; a primary condensate flow line providing a flow path between the housing inlet and outlet, the primary condensate flow line having a check valve; a flush line providing a flow path between the housing inlet and outlet parallel to the primary condensate flow line, the flush line having a pump, wherein an inlet to the flush line is connected to a lower portion of the housing inlet; a logic panel for actuating the pump between a standby mode and a flushing mode; wherein the check valve is configured to allow flow from the housing inlet to the housing outlet; wherein actuating the pump to a flushing mode causes the check valve to close. Also described are methods to flush a condensate drain system.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a manifold defines an internal region and a first inside surface. A fluid liner is permanently bonded to the first inside surface, and dynamically responds to pressure fluctuations within the internal region during fluid flow therethrough while the permanent bond is maintained. According to another aspect, an end cap is connected to the elongated member and defines a second inside surface. The fluid liner is engaged with each of first and second inside surfaces, and defines a third inside surface. A first thickness of the fluid liner is defined between the first and third inside surfaces, a second thickness of the fluid liner is defined between the second and third inside surfaces, and the second thickness is greater than the first thickness. According to another aspect, a plug opening is formed through the fluid liner, and a liner plug extends within the plug opening.

Abstract: A method of flow baffle installation is disclosed herein. The method, in various aspects includes the steps of orienting a side support at a specified elevation about a sidewall of a sump using a leveling support, bolting the side support to the sidewall of the sump following the step of orienting a side support at a specified elevation about a sidewall of a sump using a leveling support, orienting an opposing side support at the specified elevation about the sidewall of the sump using a corresponding leveling support, bolting the opposing side support to the sidewall of the sump following the step of orienting an opposing side support at the specified elevation about the sidewall of the sump using a corresponding leveling support, adjusting an adjustable cross-member to span between the side support and the opposing side support. This Abstract is presented to meet requirements of 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b) only.

Abstract: A bucket sump system for use with a liquid which includes a bucket having an interior comprising: sides defining an open top and coupled to a flat bottom, and a wedge insert received by the interior of the bucket, resting flush against the flat bottom of the bucket. The wedge insert has a flat bottom portion, a sloped top surface connected to the bottom portion through a first side having a first height and a second side having a second height, and an orifice defined by the first side of the wedge insert. The liquid received by the interior of the bucket flows from the second side of the sloped top portion of the wedge insert to the first side of the sloped top portion of the wedge insert and into the orifice. The second height of the wedge insert is greater than the first height of the wedge insert.

Abstract: A device is provided for plugging a hole in a membrane. The device comprises a cap including a chamber for storing compressed gas, an inflatable bladder connected to the cap and a first conduit via which fluid can escape from a distal side of the membrane whilst the device is inserted into the hole. The device further comprises a first control means for controlling the escaping fluid through the device, a second conduit via which a compressed gas can flow from the chamber into the inflatable bladder and a second control means for controlling the flow of compressed gas from the chamber into the bladder. The bladder is arranged to be inserted at least partially through the hole in the membrane in a non-inflated state and at least partially inflated after it has been inserted therein.

Abstract: A control unit generates a control signal for controlling an actuator to manipulate a valve element and to control a quantity of flow in a passage according to both an opening position of the valve element and a predetermined correlation between the opening position and the quantity of flow. The control unit includes a storage unit storing an error-characteristic function and a compensation unit to compensate the control signal according to the error-characteristic function. An actual correlation between the opening position and the quantity of flow is actually measured separately from the predetermined correlation. The error-characteristic function is an approximation of a relation between an opening position x in the predetermined correlation and an opening position y in the actual correlation at a same quantity of flow, which are calculated beforehand with reference to the actual correlation and the predetermined correlation.

Abstract: Method for installation of a pipe based system (pipe system) comprising pipe lengths and coupling components, distinguished in that the method comprises the steps: to pre-assemble the pipeline system loosely by assembling pipe lengths and coupling components by inserting pipe lengths into coupling parts, the coupling parts are adapted so as to hold the pipe length in place and in orientation whilst the axial pipe length position in the coupling component easily can be adjusted, and conduct optional sufficient clamping or attachments to the surrounding walls, ceilings or floors, so that the pipe system is self-supporting in the intended position and such that the assemblage of the components easily can be adjusted by a technician, to adjust the components of the pipeline system into the intended position, so that the pipeline system is basically without any inherent tensions, optionally to attach or clamp the pipeline system further onto to the surrounding walls, ceilings or floors, and to permanently join the

Abstract: A drain assembly includes a drain body connected to a drain pipe such that the drain body is in fluid communication with the drain pipe; and a drain head assembly adjustably connected to the drain body such that the drain head assembly is in fluid communication with the drain body. The drain head assembly includes a shank adjustably connected to the drain body and a strainer assembly connected to the shank. The strainer assembly includes a strainer, an upper frame, and a lower frame connected to each other. The lower frame includes a connection feature that non-threadably and removably connects the strainer assembly to the shank. The drain assembly further includes a cover removably connected to the shank in a position over the shank and to at least partially define a void in a poured concrete slab around the shank.

Abstract: A diverter assembly (12) for use with a faucet assembly (10) including a diverter valve (78) secured to an inlet end (80) of a sprayer tube (46) and removably received within a connector (62).

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprising in sequence first, second and third layers of plastics materials. A microfluidic circuit including a laterally extending microfluidic channel is formed at the interface between the first and second layers by surface structure in one or both of the first and second layers. A via is formed in the third layer for supplying or removing fluid to or from the microfluidic circuit. A conduit is formed in the second layer to provide fluid communication between the microfluidic channel and the via. A weld is formed at the interface between the second and third layers in a continuous closed path around the via and forms a fluid-tight seal for fluid flow between the via and the microfluidic circuit.

Abstract: A system for removably connecting plumbing to a device includes a flange, one end of which is configured to bond to the plumbing. An insertion area at a distal end of the flange is sized and shaped to fit within a port of the device. An o-ring seat is cut/formed across a perimeter (e.g. outer circumference) of the insertion area of the flange. An o-ring is positioned around/in the o-ring seat such that, after insertion of the insertion area of the flange into the port, the o-ring provides a seal between the insertion area and an inner surface of the port. A retention device such as a retention nut holds the insertion area within the port.

Abstract: A quench ring assembly for a high-temperature vessel includes a main structural sub-assembly coupled to at least one lower wall tube. The quench ring assembly also includes a flow control sub-assembly coupled to the main structural sub-assembly and extending circumferentially therethrough. The quench ring assembly further includes a wear sub-assembly removably coupled to the main structural sub-assembly. The wear sub-assembly includes a heat shield canopy extending over the flow control sub-assembly.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device including a body having at least one waterway, a valve assembly in fluid communication with the at least one waterway, the valve assembly including a movable valve member configured to control the flow of water through the at least one waterway and a stem operably coupled to the moveable valve member for movement therewith, and a handle coupled to the stem for movement therewith. A magnetically attractive element is supported by one of the handle and the stem, and at least one magnet is supported by the other of the handle and the stem that is configured to magnetically attract the magnetically attractive element to couple the handle to the stem.

Abstract: A fuel delivery system comprising: a fuel source; a first trailer comprising a first manifold in fluid communication with a first fuel train; and a second trailer comprising a second manifold in fluid communication with a second fuel train, wherein the first and second manifolds are connected in series to the fuel source.

Abstract: An alignment device for coupling a liquid drug cartridge with a longitudinal cartridge axis and a constricted neck portion with a cap and a piercable septum distal from the neck portion with an adapter is presented. The septum is perpendicular to the cartridge axis. The device comprises an adapter cannula with a longitudinal cannula axis to pierce the septum and a proximal cartridge engagement structure for axial aligned engagement with a distal end section of cartridge body. The device further comprises a distal adapter engagement structure for axial aligned engagement with the adapter. A coupling of the cartridge with the adapter is enabled via the alignment device. The adapter and the cartridge are, during the coupling, aligned by the cartridge engagement structure and the adapter engagement structure, respectively relative to each other such that the longitudinal cartridge axis and the longitudinal cannula axis form a common longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A fitting for an intake line is provided. The fitting includes a connector piece having an intake end and a foot valve end. The intake end couples to an intake line and the foot valve end couples to a foot valve. A flange circumvents the connector piece. The intake end extends from an intake side of the flange. The foot valve end extends from a foot valve side of the flange.

Abstract: Provided herein is a shallow-liquid strainer apparatus with an intake assembly that can be adjusted to keep the inlet opening completely submerged beneath the surface of the liquid to avoid letting the surrounding atmosphere into the device where it can cause inefficient flow. The intake assembly can comprise a sliding door on tracks designed to cover all or a portion of the inlet. The apparatus can be connected to a pump. The wall of the device on which the inlet is located and the inlet itself can be angled toward the back wall to facilitate submerging of the inlet. The device can comprise a strainer attached to the inlet for removing undesirable elements from the liquid. A ramp can be provided near the inlet to allow the liquid to flow upward toward the outlet. Methods of making the device are also provided.

Abstract: A vapor chamber and method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The vapor chamber includes a lower shell, an upper shell, a wick structure and a working fluid. The lower shell has a bottom plate and a lower side plate extended from a periphery of the bottom plate. The upper shell has a top plate, an annular slot formed on the outer edge of the top plate, and an upper side plate extended from a periphery of the annular slot. The upper shell covers the lower shell so that the upper side plate abuts against the lower side plate, and a solder accommodating space is formed between the annular slot and the lower side plate.

Abstract: A shape memory faucet has a base configured to be coupled to a surface, a spray head configured to direct a spray of fluid, and a faucet spout disposed between the base and the spray head, the faucet spout comprising a waterway and at least one elongated member formed from a shape memory alloy material. The faucet spout having the elongated member(s) formed from the shape memory alloy material is deformable from an initial shape corresponding to a rest position to a displaced shape corresponding to a deployed position. The elongated member(s) formed from the shape memory alloy material are operable to return the faucet spout to the rest position when released from the deployed position.

Abstract: A battery rack system and method are provided including a battery rack for holding a plurality of batteries. Further included is a liner-equipped containment system connected to the battery rack. The containment system is adapted for containing leaks or spills from the batteries.

Abstract: A method of maintaining an inkjet printhead in an inkjet printer includes moving a sealing face of a cap into contact with a printhead face in which are disposed nozzles of the inkjet printhead; compressing the cap while a valve connected to the cap is in an open position; closing the valve; and moving a base of the cap away from away from the sealing face while the sealing face is sealed against the printhead face and the valve is closed in order to generate suction at the printhead face for priming the nozzles

Abstract: A method of producing a fluid stream regulator involves determining a flow rate class and flow type for fluid stream regulator, and determining whether the fluid stream regulator includes a flow regulator. A diffuser plate system is selected based on the determined flow rate class, a shell body is selected based on the determined flow type, and a wire-mesh screen is selected based on the determination of whether the fluid stream regulator includes a flow regulator. The selected diffuser plate system, shell body, and wire-mesh screen each have a color coding indicating a characteristic of the component.