Abstract: A valve for downhole chemical injection control, having a single chemical injection fluid line (2) to feed all the injection points, regardless of the number of zones, exclusively electrically-driven by a single electric cable (3), with embedded sensing electronics (7), which communicate and activate an electric motor (4), coupled to a multi-position sphere (5) for dosing the chemical injection fluid, which, according to the electric motor rotation, is moved, altering its position, to enable the passage of interest to be selected, according to the volume of chemical fluid to be injected, a single turn of the sphere being required to commute all the possible positions, the performance of which is low in power consumption, and for a short period of time, having after its positioning in the desired passage zero consumption to maintain this position.

Abstract: A medical instrument with an aerosol outlet, which is fluidically connected—via an aerosol line—to a generation device. The generation device is adapted to generate aerosol for dispensing by means of the medical instrument. In addition, a generation device is stated, which, in embodiments of the generation device, for example can be used in a device with the instrument according to the invention. The generation device comprises a mixing unit for mixing a liquid and a gas together, which mixing unit is connected to a liquid container for supplying the mixing unit with a liquid, in which case the generation device is adapted to utilize the gas pressure of a gas under pressure subjecting the liquid to a pressure in order to press the liquid out of the liquid container to the mixing unit.

Abstract: A method of removing hydraulic fluid from an aircraft hydraulic system is disclosed including a hydraulically actuated mechanism that is actuated by an electrohydraulic servo valve, a hydraulic fluid port through which hydraulic fluid can escape, and a hydraulic fuse with a closed state and an open state between the electrohydraulic servo valve and the hydraulic fluid port. The hydraulic fluid port is opened, and then the activation of the electrohydraulic servo valve is controlled to force hydraulic fluid to escape from the hydraulic system via the hydraulic fluid port, the control being so that the hydraulic fuse does not enter and remain in the closed state.

Abstract: A valve includes: a tubular pipe section, a first flat plate extending transversely to the pipe section inside the pipe section and secured to the pipe section, this first flat plate being pierced with a central orifice and with a plurality of peripheral orifices positioned circumferentially around the central orifice, a second flat plate extending transversely to the pipe section inside the pipe section and mounted with the ability to rotate inside the pipe section, the second plate having a plurality of orifices of which at least the shape and the spacing correspond to those of the orifices of the first plate, at least one support element supporting the second plate such that the at least one support element can pivot with respect to the first plate, and an adjusting system engaging with the second orifice plate in order to adjust the relative positions of the peripheral orifices.

Abstract: A buffer valve is installed on a pneumatic diaphragm valve. An inner flow channel of the buffer valve includes an inner micro gas hole, an inner chamber, an outer gas hole, and a floating ball. The buffer valve has functions with a high-filling action, a shielding action, a releasing action, a shielding time ?t, and an adjusting mechanism. When inflatable, the floating ball will not block the inner micro hole to be quickly filled with high-pressure gas. when gas discharge, the floating ball will move to the outer gas hole with the gas flow and produce the shielding action to reduce the discharge rate to reduce the vibration and slow down the approach speed of the diaphragm to reduce the impact against the valve seat. When the pressure of the gas decreases, the floating ball is separated from the outer gas hole by the releasing action to accelerate the discharge.

Abstract: A flow channel switching valve includes a valve stem that is attached to a ball valve member. The flow channel switching valve includes a potentiometer shaft that is press-fitted into an attachment hole provided in an end surface of the valve stem, and a potentiometer that detects a rotation angle of the potentiometer shaft around an axis. The potentiometer shaft has a small-diameter portion, a medium-diameter portion, and a large-diameter portion that are sequentially connected in a direction of the axis, and is supported rotatably around the axis in the attachment hole in an inserted state before being press-fitted into the attachment hole. The large-diameter portion is press-fitted into an upper end portion of the attachment hole.

Abstract: Some fluid coupling devices described herein are configured for use in fluid systems for purposes of providing a single-use, aseptic disconnection functionality that substantially prevents fluid spillage when being disconnected. In some embodiments, the coupling portions cannot be functionally reconnected to each other after being disconnected from each other.

Abstract: This document describes stepper motor drive systems. The stepper motor drive systems can be used in many different applications including, for example, to drive a stepper motor of an occluder device in association with a heart-lung machine.

Abstract: A locking assembly includes a first motor gear configured to be rotated in a first direction. The locking assembly also includes a second motor gear configured to be rotated in a second direction. The locking assembly also includes a first lock gear configured to be rotated in the first direction in response to the first motor gear rotating in the first direction. The locking assembly also includes a second lock gear configured to be rotated in the second direction in response to the second motor gear rotating in the second direction. The locking assembly also includes a locking mechanism configured to be rotated in the first direction in response to the first lock gear rotating in the first direction, and to be rotated in the second direction in response to the second lock gear rotating in the second direction.

Abstract: A temperature control fluid is introduced through a first port. The temperature control fluid introduced into the first port is discharged through a second port. A piston is configured to be moved by a pressure to open or close a path connecting the first port and the second port. A pressure control space is provided at at least one side of a moving direction of the piston when the path is opened or closed. Air is supplied into the pressure control space through a third port. A leak portion communicates with the pressure control space, and allows the air supplied into the pressure control space to leak therethrough.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hydrostatically adjustable flow control valve. In one embodiment, the valve includes a fixed sleeve that slidably receives a spool. A spring biases the spool relative to the fixed sleeve. A primary orifice is used to deliver fluid to the interior area of the fixed sleeve and spool. A control device is used to selectively vary the rate at which fluid drains from the interior area. Draining the fluid results in the spool being received within the interior of the fixed sleeve. The movement of the spool opens flow ports within the sleeve. This, in turn, allows fluid to exit the valve. Conversely, the control device can be set to prevent fluid drainage. This results in the spool extending from interior of the fixed sleeve, the closure of the flow ports, and the sealing of the valve.

Abstract: A pilot-operated relief valve assembly can include a relief valve, and a pressure detection assembly. A valve lift factor or indicator of relief flow can be determined based on pressure measurements gathered by the pressure detection assembly.

Abstract: A tool for running a casing string assembly into a wellbore includes a degradable plug assembly that temporarily isolates light fluid trapped in a lower portion of the casing string from heavier fluid in the upper portion of the casing string, thereby reducing the horizontal weight of the casing string by an amount sufficient to overcome a drag force. After the casing string is landed at a final location in the wellbore, fluid is introduced to the degradable plug assembly to degrade the plug and clear the axial passageway of the casing string so that tools or other equipment can pass therethrough.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body defining a fluid inlet in fluid communication with a fluid outlet. The valve body has an inner body surface defining an interior chamber extending between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. A valve element is disposed within the interior chamber and rotatable through a range of positions relative to the outlet providing a high level of precision control of a fluid flow rate through the valve assembly. A valve seat with a seal is positioned around a valve element. The valve seat is configured to self-adjust its inner radial diameter to correspond to the outer radial diameter of the valve element to maintain a portion of an inner seat surface in contact with an outer valve surface of the valve element through the range of positions.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling movement of a door or other apparatus, such as to provide and restrict access to a chicken coop, including a plurality of input devices, a plurality of output devices, and a microprocessor configured on a circuit board to detect signals from the input devices, process the signals, and based upon predetermined logic generate and transmit output signals to the output devices. One of the input devices is a wireless smart switch remotely controlled by a user, which transmits electric current based upon user input such that when the user input indicates an intention that the apparatus move in a first direction, the switch will transmit electric current, and when the user input indicates an intention that the apparatus move in a second direction, the switch will stop transmitting electric current.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to a valve for semiconductor processing. The valve includes a valve body having an inlet conduit and an outlet conduit separated by a diaphragm body. The diaphragm body includes a motor, a transmission link coupled to the motor, a rotatable ring surrounding a fixed plate and separated by a dynamic seal, the rotatable ring coupled to the transmission link, and one or more shutter plates movably coupled to the rotatable ring by a respective pivotable fastener, wherein the fixed plate includes an opening and the one or more shutter plates are movable relative to the opening.

Abstract: An exemplary door closer has an adjustable size and includes a rotatable member operable to adjust the size and an indicator mechanism configured to indicate the current size. The indicator mechanism includes a cover mounted to a housing of the door closer and a dial rotatably mounted to the cover. The dial is engaged with the rotatable member such that the dial rotates in response to rotation of the rotatable member. The cover includes an indicating region, and the dial includes a display surface including indicia relating to the sizes of the door closer. The display surface is non-perpendicular to the rotational axis of the rotatable member. When the door closer has been adjusted to a particular size, indicia relating to the particular size are indicated by the indicating region.

Abstract: An assembly line grow pod includes a plurality of fluid lines fluidly coupled between a fluid source and a fluid destination within the assembly line grow pod, a plurality of valves, each coupled to a fluid line such that fluid movement through the fluid lines is selectively controlled by the valves, and a master controller communicatively coupled to the valves. The master controller is programmed to receive information relating to fluid delivery within the assembly line grow pod, determine one or more valves to direct the fluid, determine valve parameters for each of the valves that achieve the fluid direction, and transmit one or more control signals to the valves for directing the fluid within the assembly line grow pod.

Abstract: A valve system having a valve position indicator is disclosed. The valve position indicator allows for viewing of the valve position from one or more viewing locations. In one example, the valve position indicator includes a side valve open/close indicator and a top valve open/close indicator on a valve assembly. An indicator locking mechanism securely locks the valve position indicator in alignment with a position of a control valve.

Abstract: A filtration system interconnection structure having manifold with a rotatable manifold magnet of correlated magnets, a shroud with alignment tracks, an actuating valve for water ingress, and a filter cartridge having a rotatable filter magnet of correlated magnets, where the manifold magnet and the filter magnet are in magnetic communication with one another when the filter cartridge is inserted with the shroud, and are at least partially rotatably compatible, where the manifold magnet rotates with the filter magnet until the manifold magnet experiences a rotational stop beyond a predetermined rotation of the filter magnet, thus allowing the filter magnet to shift polarity with respect to the manifold magnet and present a repulsion force for removal of the filter cartridge from the shroud.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for preventing over pressurization in a fluid management system used in an integrated circuit (IC) device tester. The prevention of the over pressurization in the fluid management system is based on the use of a pressure relief valve coupled to the fluid management system.

Abstract: An access panel with cleanout includes a planar member, a pipe, a fastener, a closing member, and a cover. The planar member has a bottom surface and a top surface, with an opening extending therethrough. The pipe is coupled to the opening of the planar member, with an opening of the pipe being spaced from a top surface of the planar member. The fastener is associated with the opening of the pipe. The closing member is for coupling with the fastener of the pipe to close the pipe. The cover is for covering the opening of the planar member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for diagnosing a diaphragm valve having the following steps: a) providing at least one first quantity that characterizes a valve diaphragm, at least one second quantity that characterizes the diaphragm valve, and at least one third quantity that characterizes operation of the diaphragm valve to a determination device; determining a quantity that characterizes a current state of the valve diaphragm, in particular a current wear, from the first, second, and third quantities by means of the determination device by using at least one algorithm.

Abstract: A volatile liquid refueling apparatus, which includes a probe, and a receiver including a dual locking mechanism whereby said apparatus can be locked in either an open position or a closed position, and a safety lock which disables or enables access to the dual locking mechanism when manually.

Abstract: Smart response technology mattresses generally includes a sub-core assembly including a self-adjusting, non-powered smart response unit and a polyurethane foam circumscribing a perimeter of the smart response unit and having a thickness equal to or less than a thickness of the smart response unit, wherein the smart response unit comprises a plurality of fluid support cells, wherein each fluid support cell includes an envelope and a reforming element disposed within the envelope; a manifold system including a manifold conduit interconnecting at least two of the fluid support cells, and intake and exhaust valves fluidly coupled to the manifold conduit configured to dynamically open and close in response to a weight load. The mattresses include additional foam layers overlaying the sub-core assembly to define the smart response technology mattresses.

Abstract: A control valve pneumatic actuator using a transparent casing includes a casing having a cylindrical shape and made of a transparent material to enable an inside of the casing to be observed from outside, a driveshaft penetrating the inside of the casing, a diaphragm fixedly connected to the driveshaft inside the casing and vertically moving in the casing according to a movement of the driveshaft, a ring holder attached to an outer circumferential of the diaphragm and having a groove having a C-shape, a rubber ring inserted into the groove of the ring holder, a control valve connected to a lower portion of the drive shaft extending below the casing, and a yoke arranged below the casing and connecting the casing to the control valve.

Abstract: A Venturi device for introducing a second fluid into a first fluid includes a T-joint, a converging component, and a diverging component. The T-joint component includes a first elongated tube extending along a first direction and a second elongated tube extending along a second direction being perpendicular to the first direction. The converging component is shaped and dimensioned to slip fit within a first through-opening of the first elongated tube through a first inlet port and has a cross-section that decreases along the first direction from the first inlet port to an inner section of the first though-opening. The diverging component is shaped and dimensioned to slip fit within the first through-opening of the first elongated tube through an outlet port and has a cross-section that increases along the first direction from the inner section of the first though-opening to the outlet port. The converging component is coaxially aligned with the diverging component along the first direction.

Abstract: A self-adjusting, non-powered smart response technology mattress generally includes an accelerated calibration system comprising a valve fluidly connected to a body support device including a plurality of fluid support cells, wherein each fluid support cell includes an envelope and a reforming element disposed within the envelope; and a non-powered manifold system including a manifold conduit interconnecting at least two of the fluid support cells, and intake and exhaust valves fluidly coupled to the manifold conduit configured to dynamically open and close in response to a weight load. The accelerated calibration system is configured to selectively permit fluid flow out of the fluid support cells in the absence of a weight load upon opening of the valve. Also discloses is a process for releasing excess pressure formed as a result of temperature and barometric pressure changes in the self-adjusting, non-powered smart response technology mattress.

Abstract: A system for providing a load on a bearing mounted to a shaft includes an attaching member releasably connectable to the shaft and a press mechanism in fluid communication with a source of fluid and configured to provide a compressive load to the bearing. The press mechanism includes a switch having a base and a piston in communication with the fluid such that an increase in a pressure of the fluid results in the piston extending upwardly from the base and a decrease in the pressure of the fluid results in the piston retracting toward the base. The switch includes a lower proximity sensor and a higher proximity sensor. The piston is configured to extend upwardly from the base past the lower proximity sensor and to trip the higher proximity sensor. The switch is configured to control the increase in the pressure in response to the piston tripping the higher proximity sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing inline inspections of pipelines of composite structure installed in a host pipeline or standing alone comprising a multiplicity of sensor/transducers located on or within the pipe structure to measure and record various pipeline properties, an activation/reading/storage device to activate read and collect measurement results from the sensor transducers, an automatic launch and recovery system for the activation/reading/storage device, and a database/storage/analytical device to receive, analyze and interpret results from collected data and transmit appropriate instructions to a pipeline operator or remotely activated system for action. The remote reading of sensor/transducers may be accomplished by a device running through the pipeline or passing over or near the pipeline, where ground-level handheld or wheeled vehicle mounted, fixed wing or rotary aircraft, hovercraft watercraft or satellite based instrumentation can record the location and condition of a pipeline.

Abstract: This disclosure pertains to a control device for the coolant flow in a cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine with the following characteristics: a housing with an inlet opening, an outlet opening and a movable control element for varying the flow-through cross section of the channel; an annular seal arrangement comprising a sealing frame and a sealing ring is seated between a sealing surface of the housing and a sealing surface of the control element. According to this disclosure, it is proposed that the sealing ring rests against a plane sealing surface of the housing in a sealing fashion and meets this plane sealing surface along a contact line that encloses a first surface area. Depending on the flow direction through the seal arrangement, the sealing ring features a surface section that has a defined circumference referred to the length of the contact line between the sealing ring and the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing inline inspections of pipelines of composite structure installed in a host pipeline or standing alone comprising a multiplicity of sensor/transducers located on or within the pipe structure to measure and record various pipeline properties, an activation/reading/storage device to activate read and collect measurement results from the sensor transducers, an automatic launch and recovery system for the activation/reading/storage device, and a database/storage/analytical device to receive, analyze and interpret results from collected data and transmit appropriate instructions to a pipeline operator or remotely activated system for action. The remote reading of sensor/transducers may be accomplished by a device running through the pipeline or passing over or near the pipeline, where ground-level handheld or wheeled vehicle mounted, fixed wing or rotary aircraft, hovercraft watercraft or satellite based instrumentation can record the location and condition of a pipeline.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dispensing device for an agricultural sprayer. The dispensing device includes a supply manifold having at least two inlets, each inlet connectable to a product source and engaging with a closing valve, and a dispensing manifold having at least two outlets, each outlet connectable to at least one spraying member and engages with a closing valve. The dispensing device further includes a control mechanism that includes at least one camshaft having a plurality of cams. Each cam controls the opening and closing of an associated valve.

Abstract: An actuator with an override device to avoid damage to components during transition to and from manual operation and during manual operation. In one embodiment, the actuator comprises an output shaft, a drive assembly coupled with the output shaft, the drive assembly comprising a motor and a brake, an override device coupled with the output shaft, the override device comprising a gear assembly and a switch actuator, and a housing forming an enclosure about at least the gear assembly and the switch actuator. The switch actuator can be configured to modify an external input to the drive assembly in response to relocation of the gear assembly relative to the output shaft between a first position and a second position so as to disconnect the motor from the external input at the first position, disconnect both the motor and the brake from the external input at the second position, and apply the external input to the brake during transition between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A valve with a locking mechanism and an integrated valve are provided. The valve includes a handle body having a knob, the handle body being disposed rotatably on top of a valve body housing a valve shaft for opening and closing a valve piece. A cutout stepped face is formed on a part of the outer periphery of the valve body located under the handle body. A locking plate having a locking hole is placed rotatably in the cutout stepped face via a pivotally attaching portion, and when the locking plate is rotated to either a position at which the valve body is in a full-close state or a position at which the valve body is in a full-open state, the locking hole is faced the upper surface area of the valve body to allow locking.

Abstract: A valve opening setpoint corrector and a correction table storage are provided in a flow rate controlling valve. A correction table indicating valve opening correction values corresponding to combinations of amounts of opening of a valve and front-back differential pressures across the valve is stored in the correction table storage. In the valve opening setpoint corrector a correction value acquirer acquires, from the correction table, the valve opening correction value ? that corresponds to the inputted measured value of the valve and front-back differential pressure across the valve and sends it to the setpoint corrector, as a correction value that takes into account the amount of twist in the valve rod. The setpoint corrector corrects, by the correction value taking into account the amount of twist in the valve rod, the valve opening setpoint from the air conditioning controller, sending this corrected valve opening setpoint to the valve opening controller.

Abstract: A system for providing a load on a bearing mounted to a shaft includes an attaching member releasably connectable to the shaft and a press mechanism in fluid communication with a source of fluid and configured to provide a compressive load to the bearing. The press mechanism includes a switch having a base and a piston in communication with the fluid such that an increase in a pressure of the fluid results in the piston extending upwardly from the base and a decrease in the pressure of the fluid results in the piston retracting toward the base. The switch includes a lower proximity sensor and a higher proximity sensor. The piston is configured to extend upwardly from the base past the lower proximity sensor and to trip the higher proximity sensor. The switch is configured to control the increase in the pressure in response to the piston tripping the higher proximity sensor.

Abstract: A computer with a proper program generates a phased array sequence of signals. In a pulser with delays, the signals are fed through a multiplexor into multiple water wedges that are attached to a lift-type check valve being tested. For a sequential operation of the lift-type check valves from the open to the closed position, ultrasonic signals are transmitted through the fluid contained in the valve and reflected back through piezo-electric crystals to the multiplexor. By summation and merger of the signals, an image can be developed of the operation of the lift-type check valve to determine if the lift-type check valve is operating properly. By comparing the signals received with a known standard for that lift-type check valve, proper operation, or lack thereof, of the lift-type check valve under test can be determined.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus for progressively stapling and forming an incision in body tissue is provided. The apparatus includes a body portion and a tool assembly supported on the body portion. The apparatus further includes an input cam member slidable within the body portion, a drum member rotatably supported within the body portion, and an output cam member slidable within the body portion. The drum member is coupled to the input cam member such that linear movement of the input cam member effects rotatable movement of the drum member. The output cam member is coupled to the drum member such that rotatable movement of the drum member effects linear movement of the output cam member. Linear movement of the input cam member effects movement of an anvil in relation to a cartridge between unclamped and clamped positions.

Abstract: A rotary compressor, comprising: a housing, comprising a lubricant oil storage part for containing lubricating oil; a compression mechanism disposed in the housing; a driving mechanism driving the compression mechanism, the driving mechanism comprising a rotation shaft, through-holes extending along the axial direction of the rotating shaft are disposed inside the rotating shaft, and the rotation shaft is in fluid connection with the lubricating oil storage part via the through-holes; and an oil level sensor in fluid connection with the through-holes inside the rotation shaft via a pressurized collection channel. Also disclosed is a rotation mechanism, comprising an oil level sensor in fluid connection with the through-holes inside the rotation shaft via the pressurized collection channel. Accurate and reliable detection of the lubricating oil in a compressor can be done using the pressurized collection channel and the oil level sensor, thus greatly saving cost and improving compressor reliability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control valve (10) for controlling a fluid flow, comprising a valve housing (22) and a positioning element (12) which can be translationally moved and which includes a shut-off portion (14, 70) and a throttle portion (16), with a valve seat being furthermore provided which includes a sealing portion (18, 44) and a throttle opening portion (28, 46), with the shut-off portion (14, 70) of said positioning element (12) being adapted to cooperate with the sealing portion (18, 44) of the valve seat (20, 40) so as to enable shut-off of the fluid flow, and with the throttle portion (16) of the positioning element (12, 54) being adapted to cooperate with the throttle opening portion (28, 46) of the valve seat (20, 40, 60) so as to enable the setting of a defined fluid flow, with at least the surfaces of the throttle opening (28) and the sealing portion (18, 44) being furthermore made of the same hard material.

Abstract: Variable conductance gas distribution systems, reactors and systems including the variable conductance gas distribution systems, and methods of using the variable conductance gas distribution systems, reactors, and systems are disclosed. The variable conductance gas distribution systems allow rapid manipulation of gas-flow conductance through the gas distribution system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting collisions in radio frequency tags in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. In one embodiment, a receiver system includes a receiver configured to receive and sample a phase modulated input signal, and a multiple symbol noncoherent soft output detector configured to receive the sampled input signal and to generate a soft metric indicative of the reliability of a detected symbol based upon observations over multiple symbols, a collision detector configured to calculate a decision metric from a set of soft metrics generated by the multiple symbol noncoherent soft output detector and detect a collision when the decision metric satisfies a predetermined criterion.

Abstract: A closure for a keg comprises a housing and at least one valve element that is movable with respect to the housing, inwardly into an open state and outwardly into a closed state. The closure also comprises a lock mechanism having a locking element that is movable with respect to the housing and is capable of holding the valve element in the open state. The lock mechanism includes first and second couplings at which the locking element and the valve element are mutually engageable. The lock mechanism is arranged such that when the locking element and the valve element are engaged at the first coupling, the locking element moves with the valve element as the valve element moves from the open state into the closed state.

Abstract: A valve includes a housing. A sleeve at least partially surrounded by the housing. The sleeve slidable relative to the housing and a travel stop that is engageable with the sleeve to limit travel of the sleeve.

Abstract: A device for indicating the status of a valve includes a position indicator, wherein the position indicator includes a monitoring element, and a communication element. A method for indicating the status of at least one valve includes monitoring positions of a device enclosed by a first valve with a position indicator and communicating the positions of the device enclosed by the first valve with a communications element.

Abstract: The invention relates to an on-off valve with a pressure reducer intended to be connected to a gas cylinder. The objective of the invention is to ensure that the device is closed and put into service by way of simple and reliable means at high pressures. A shutter is controlled by a mobile part of the valve with pressure reducer, forming a low-pressure chamber of the device. The shutter is subjected to an elastic force in the closing direction. A working spring of the valve with pressure reducer acts on the mobile part in the opening direction. A rotary control member working over at least one turn makes it possible to compress the working spring into the position in which the valve with pressure reducer is put into service. In the closed position, a plate of pusher of the control member is remote from the working spring.

Abstract: A tool for unseizing and/or lubricating a valve having a protruding valve stem on an exterior periphery. The tool possesses a hollow tubular member, having at one end thereof an open, hollow, cylindrical flexible member adapted to be placed over and contain therewithin a portion of the valve stem. A circumferential tightening member, encircling one end of the flexible member, is provided, to permit the flexible member to sealingly engage the valve stem about the outer periphery thereof when the flexible member is placed over the valve stem. The tool further possesses a fluid inlet port, situated along a length of the tubular member, in fluid communication with an interior of the tubular member, and a pressurized fluid inlet port likewise in fluid communication with the interior of the tool. A method for un-seizing and/or lubricating such valve, making use of the above tool, is further disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting errors in real time in CMP processing. A method includes disposing a semiconductor wafer onto a wafer carrier in a tool for chemical mechanical polishing (“CMP”); positioning the wafer carrier so that a surface of the semiconductor wafer contacts a polishing pad mounted on a rotating platen; dispensing an abrasive slurry onto the rotating polishing pad while maintaining the surface of the semiconductor wafer in contact with the polishing pad to perform a CMP process on the semiconductor wafer; in real time, receiving signals from the CMP tool into a signal analyzer, the signals corresponding to vibration, acoustics, temperature, or pressure; and comparing the received signals from the CMP tool to expected received signals for normal processing by the CMP tool; outputting a result of the comparing. A CMP tool apparatus is disclosed.

Abstract: A valve apparatus for a fluid transmission line. The valve apparatus comprising a housing; a drive mechanism; a leadscrew selectively rotatable in a first or second rotational leadscrew direction by the drive mechanism; a drive gear mounted to the housing, the drive gear configured to be selectively driven in a first or second drive gear direction during rotation of said leadscrew in the first or second leadscrew direction to operate an iris mechanism.