Abstract: A force sensitive suspension unit for vehicles differentiates between the dynamic characteristics of the vehicle and the characteristics of the unsprung weight of the wheel assembly. Consequently, the independent parameters of vehicle isolation and comfort are segregably reconcilable with optimum wheel to ground response.

Abstract: A combination venting and antipollution device for a shipboard liquid storage tank. A closure wall divides the vent conduit into a lower tank chamber in direct communication with the tank and an upper vent space in direct communication with the vent opening. A spring-urged valve closure member opens or closes an opening through the closure wall. Low pressure in the tank moves the valve closure member down into a lower open position, to admit air or other fluid to the tank; high pressure in the tank moves the valve closure member up into an upper open position to vent air from the tank. A hydrostatic pressure chamber open to the atmosphere houses a sealed bellows, and a spill-lock valve secured to the bellows normally opens to the vent a spill-lock chamber on the vent side of the valve closure member.

Abstract: A free delivery controlled return valve, of the type employed in fluid power hoisting apparatus, which controls the speed at which a load is lowered as a function of load magnitude. An improved valve structure is disclosed which overcomes false load signals, such as those generated when the hoisting apparatus' lift cylinders are fully extended against a stop, and which thus permits the load platform to descend at an appropriate speed. An improved fluid sonic muffler is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pressure responsive check valve permits fluid flow therethrough in a first direction and blocks fluid flow therethrough in the reverse direction until the fluid pressure at the blocked side exceeds a preselected pressure level at which time the check valve is controllably opened for reverse flow therethrough.

Abstract: A bi-directional fluid flow control valve is provided with a spool-like valve body with a circumferential relief in its periphery bounded by a seal disk and by a reduced-diameter portion of the valve body, with a substantially tubular, elastic membrane stretched over the aforementioned portion and the seal disk, spanning the relieved portion. A flow channel penetrates the valve body centrally from the end closest to the reduced-diameter portion, and communicates with said relief via radial passages. Pressure differentials in either sense across the tubular membrane distort the membrane in such a manner that a flow passage is opened across the valve. When the pressure in the relieved groove is greater than on the outside of the membrane, the latter lifts from the seal disk. When the external pressure is greater, the membrane collapses into the relief groove, allowing flow through channels milled in the inner face of the seal disk.

Abstract: A series of valves with tapered-conical seats including valves such as safety relief or self-regulating in-line check valves which operate without springs but by the use of self-holding tapers which firmly stay in place when seated, the angle of the taper varying between 0.5.degree. to 45.degree., depending on the kind of material chosen and the valve type, TEFLON requiring a smaller angle for the same pressure holding capacity as conventional materials or other plastics, offering also valve design variations which include novel relief valves with springs and with self-relieving tapers, as well as shutoff valves with self-holding and self-relieving tapers operated by solenoids directly, and piloted valves, the valve series with conical seats, and improved sealing characteristics reduces dribble range while reference load is self-holding taper or a spring, and allows for reusable valves to replace safety rapture discs in some applications.

Abstract: A catheter comprising, an elongated shaft, an inflatable balloon secured to the shaft, and an inflation lumen extending along the shaft and communicating with the balloon. The catheter has valve means communicating with the inflation lumen, with the valve means being normally closed and being openable to pump fluid into the inflation lumen for inflating the balloon. The catheter also has vent means communicating with the inflation lumen, with the vent means being normally closed and opening responsive to closure of the valve means and a pressure in the balloon above a predetermined amount, such that the vent means relieves pressure in the balloon above the predetermined amount after inflation of the balloon.

Abstract: A hydraulic damper of the type including a valve disc deflectable around the inner and outer peripheries thereof to form fluid passages around the outer and inner circumferences thereof when the damper is actuated in opposite directions. A movable valve seat defining an annular valve seat having a diameter intermediate the inner and outer diameters of the valve disc is disposed to cooperate with the valve disc such that the effective pressure receiving area of the valve disc is reduced when the valve disc deflects in one direction and the movable valve seat is movable substantially freely when the valve disc deflects in the other direction.

Abstract: A two-stage regulator valve, particularly for regulating the operation of single acting hydraulic lift motors in lift trucks, which embodies a spool valve controlling first and second ports in the valve body and responsive at one end to lift motor fluid pressure. At the opposite end the valve is responsive first to the force of a first spring which closes the spool on one port when lift motor fluid is below a predetermined pressure, and secondly, following predetermined compression of the first spring during which both ports are opened to exhaust pressure fluid from the lift motor, to the added combined force of a lift motor pressure responsive piston and a second spring. The piston forms with the spool valve a differential area response to said fluid pressure and together with the second spring regulates the position of the spool valve so as to variably restrict the other port to control the exhaust from the lift motor inversely as a function of the fluid pressure therein.

Abstract: A two-way pressure-control valve has a housing formed with an axially extending bore adjacent whose front end opens a front port and adjacent whose rear end opens a rear port. A valve body is slidable in the bore between the rear port and the front end and a piston is slidable in the bore between the rear end and the rear port. Thus the valve body can slide across the front port and block fluid flow between the ports via the bore, and the valve body and the piston define a front compartment, a middle compartment always connected to the rear port and connectable to the front port when the valve body is moved forwardly, and a rear compartment. A passage is formed in the housing for connecting the front port to the rear compartment so that the pressure in the middle and rear ports is always effective across the piston. In addition the valve body is formed with an axially through-going small-diameter orifice that allows pressurization of the front compartment to the same pressure as the middle compartment.

Abstract: A monolithic radiator cap comprising a minimal number of inexpensive constituent parts engages the filler neck of an automotive cooling system. A valving gasket is normally held against the sealing surface of the filler neck by a spring which is responsive to thermal expansion of the cooling medium for controlled fluid flow out of the system. A seal is carried by the cap to engage the interior wall of the filler neck and hermetically seal the filler neck. The seal is maintained during the working and vent positions of the cap. Alternately, the cap includes auxiliary valving means for controlling fluid flow into the system in response to thermal contraction of the cooling medium.

Abstract: A poppet type relief valve includes a poppet and associated seat with the poppet being mounted in an actuator which is connected to the poppet by a lost-motion connection. The poppet is spring loaded with respect to the actuator, and the actuator is also spring loaded toward the seat. When pressure is applied between the poppet and the actuator, the actuator is forced back against its spring until the lost motion is taken up. Further increases in pressure cause the actuator to pull the poppet away from its seat permitting flow through the valve in one direction. Pressure applied on the opposite side of the poppet causes the poppet to move away from the seat without necessarily moving the actuator simply by overcoming the force of the spring between the poppet and the actuator. Thus, pressure on one side of the poppet will cause it to open at a predetermined pressure, and pressure on the opposite side will also cause it to open at another predetermined pressure.

Abstract: Two check valves are connected between a fuel tank and a carbon canister to relieve excessive pressure or vacuum in the fuel tank.

Abstract: A valve which may operate as either a check valve or a relief valve includes a chamber which is connected to a first hydraulic conduit by a restricted passage. A relief valve vents the chamber at a predetermined pressure to unbalance the valve member and allow fluid to flow from the first conduit to a second. The valve member is made with a telescoping portion to allow reverse flow when the first conduit is at a lower pressure than the second.

Abstract: Hydrostat systems are provided containing a coaxial multidirectional flow control valve interposed between a pump and a hydraulic motor, to direct flow in one direction through one path and to direct flow in the opposite direction through another path, to provide a bypass function, such as to bypass a filter. The valves are space-saving, can be kept closed under low biasing forces, and can be made light in weight, affording a low-mass valve that can be moved in milliseconds from a closed to an open position. The valves can control not only different forward and reverse flow paths, but also a path for a bypass function such as relief flow through one of the forward and reverse flow paths. When two valves are used, unidirectional flow through can be achieved regardless of direction of flow in the fluid line.

Abstract: The disclosed valve assembly permits the automatic scuttling, or sinking, floatable pressure vessels or other containers, and comprises an extensible, spring-restrained nozzle containing a spring-biased ball seal within a flow passage. Vessel internal pressure extends the nozzle from a retracted position to expose the exterior end of the flow passage. A calibrated restraining spring ring maintains the nozzle retracted and in the extended position during pressure vessel operation. The ball seal is displaced from a nonsealing position against a ball seat to preclude pressure relief through the flow passage. After exhaustion of internal pressure, the bias spring and external water pressure force the ball seal from the ball seat to permit water entry and subsequent sinking of the vessel.

Abstract: A pressure limiting device for protecting a fluid pressure circuit involves a stack of elastomeric washers, and each of the washers has a slit through which fluid can bleed to reduce the fluid pressure below a critical value; the slits are normally closed and so prevent substantial fluid flow, but are able to open to pass fluid when the pressure reaches a critical value at which the pressure distorts the stack of washers.

Abstract: There is disclosed a family of check and/or pressure relief fluid valves utilizing a spring biased annular diaphragm element for valving. In a single-function form there is disclosed a simple check valve. In a dual-function form there is disclosed a check valve also having a pressure relief function permitting reverse flow above a predetermined pressure differential, this form being disclosed in an automotive fuel tank filler tube cap (i.e. a "gas cap"). There is also disclosed an improved filler tube cap construction and seal therefor. In a multifunction form there is disclosed a fluid valve capable of relieving a source of fluid under pressure to a primary outlet at a first very low pressure and additionally to a secondary outlet at a higher pressure. This valve also acts as a check valve by preventing the pressure of the fluid source from dropping below that at the secondary outlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control valve assembly for a hydrostatic control system such as power steering assembly. A common control valve assembly of this type has relatively rotatable inner and outer elements connected respectively to a vehicle steering wheel and a servomotor. Paired holes in the inner and outer element permit the flow of fluid therethrough when the unit is in its neutral position with the paired holes in respective registration. In hydrostatic steering system of this type impact is sometimes applied to the steering wheel when the working motor connected to the steered wheels is suddenly loaded, e.g. when the wheels strike a stone. Such impacts on the steering wheel are avoided by providing a one-way valve in a section of the working path through which fluid flows to the working motor. Pressure regulating valve means, excess pressure valve means and emergency control valve means are associated with the one-way valve assembly.

Abstract: A novel emergency flow shut off device for fluid control systems particularly adapted for use in adverse marine environments. In normal operation the valve spool is continuously exercised by a reversing fluid pressure differential as fluid reversibly flows through the valve. External means are provided to conveniently monitor movement of the spool and thereby assure that the spool is free to shut off flow in a sudden emergency. Fluid cushioning means are provided at the end of the spool emergency shut off stroke to prevent damage to the valve. In a typical application the vertical motion of an offshore drill ship on the ocean swells causes oscillating flow in the fluid control system thereby automatically exercising the valve.

Abstract: Fluid flow through a conduit is controlled by varying the pressure of the fluid. The fluid passes through a normally closed valve comprising a flexible sleeve held in pinched closed condition by an elastic material which is isolated from all pressures except those transmitted through the sleeve.

Abstract: An improved exerciseable emergency flow shut off device for fluid control systems particularly adapted for use in adverse marine environments. In normal operation the valve spool is continuously exercised by a reversing fluid pressure differential as fluid reversibly flow through the valve. The improved valve includes low breakaway force spool biasing means to reduce the internal fluid resistance of the valve in normal operation and high breakaway force restraining means connected to the shut off means. In the preferred embodiment the spool biasing means and restraining means comprise separate coil springs concentrically located on the spool, the biasing means having a spring rate substantially lower than the restraining means. The biasing coil is reciprocateably compressed in response to the reversing fluid pressure differentials thus minimizing flow resistance. The restraining means is compressed in response to a sudden excess pressure differential thereby permitting shut off of the valve.

Abstract: A climb and dive valve for use as in a pressurized aircraft fuel tank characterized in that the movable valve member thereof is opened to vent the fuel tank in response to predetermined increase in tank pressure with respect to ambient pressure, and is opened by a valve actuator to admit ambient air into the fuel tank in response to predetermined decrease in tank pressure with respect to ambient pressure.

Abstract: A vent and relief valve for a tank containing pressurized fluid such as oxygen or hydrogen characterized in that coaxial vent and relief valve members have interengaged seats to close the vent outlet of the valve, the vent valve member having actuating means associated therewith to disengage said seats to open communication between the interior of the tank and the vent outlet of the valve as during filling of the tank, and the relief valve member being actuated by fluid pressure in the tank exceeding a predetermined value to move said relief valve member to disengage said seats and thereby again establish communication between the interior of the tank and the vent outlet of the valve thus to vent excess fluid pressure.

Abstract: A combination lock and relief valve in which a single valve poppet provides both functions. The combination valve is so arranged that the opening pressure of the poppet as a relief valve is independent of system pressure and remains constant regardless of system pressure variations. Moreover, when the poppet opens as a relief valve while the system pressure is on, the differential pressure across the poppet is relatively small whereby to minimize or eliminate erosion of the valve seat as occurs more readily when relief valve poppets are opened with high pressure differentials thereacross.

Abstract: A dual-acting relief valve is shown which senses fluid pressure above a desired amount in either of two control conduits and operates to interconnect the conduits, thus permitting a higher pressure to be vented to the lower pressure. The two conduits are interconnected by means of an intersecting chamber containing a ported sleeve and either a poppet valve on a stem or a slide valve in association with an isolation piston axially movable in the sleeve for interrupting communication between the conduits. One end of the isolation piston is connected to sense the pressure in one of the conduits, which pressure is opposed by a spring located in a chamber connected to return fluid pressure and thus isolated from control pressure. A bore internal of the valve stem connects the other control conduit with a chamber between the isolation piston and the valve stem.

Abstract: A hydraulic control valve for transmitting power from a transmitter to a receiver which is remote from the transmitter. The power is transmitted through an actuating line from the transmitter. The transmitter is in the form of a housing which contains both a pressure relief valve permanently connected to the line and synchronising mechanism for synchronising movement of the transmitter with the receiver.

Abstract: A valve is provided for use in an anesthesia breathing circuit and is located between the breathing bag or ventilator and the remaining parts of the circuit. The valve comprises a housing having an inlet connectible to the bag or ventilator and an outlet which is connectible to the remaining circuit. The valve has essentially two parallel flow paths for gas; in one path there is a check valve to allow gas to pass only in a direction away from the bag or ventilator, and in the other path is located a diaphragm valve which is spring biased to a closed position and is opened at a predetermined pressure in that path. The valve allows the retention at all times of a predetermined pressure within the patient circuit and thus the operator can select the lowest pressure which the patient's lungs will reach during ventilation to insure the lungs will always be expanded to more than their normal resting state.