Abstract: A valve system enables use of a standard single line faucet with a water treatment system. The valve system may include a housing having ports for receiving untreated supply water, supplying water to a water treatment system, receiving treated water from the water treatment system and supplying treated water to a dispenser. The valve system includes an automatic shutoff device that prevents water from flowing into the water treatment system when the dispensing faucet is closed and allows water to flow into the water treatment system when the faucet is open. The valve system may include a pressure relief mechanism that removes pressure from the water treatment system when the faucet is closed and a check valve for maintaining a desired amount of pressure within the valve system.

Abstract: A solenoid valve assembly capable of providing a continuous flow of pressurized inert gas to operate a process tool without interruption. A system comprising the solenoid valve assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A water purifying system having a bypass path supplies raw water to an outlet when a filter assembly is separated from a valve assembly. The water purifying system includes a valve assembly having a valve cover with an inlet and an outlet, and a head member moved up and down within the valve cover to form an inflow path and an outflow path, and a filter assembly removably connected to the valve assembly and mounted with a filter. When the filter assembly is connected to the valve assembly through a linear motion, the filter assembly advances the head member so that a fluid flown in through the inlet is guided to the outlet passing through the filter. When the filter assembly is separated from the valve assembly, the head member is retreated so that the fluid flown through the inlet is guided to the outlet bypassing the filter.

Abstract: A valve system enables use of a standard single line faucet with a water treatment system, protects water treatment systems and other fluid flow devices from unnecessary fluid pressure, and regulates or prevents fluid flow to a dispenser or outlet in response to a particular event, such as a leak. The valve system includes a housing having ports for: (1) receiving a supply fluid, (2) supplying the fluid to a device, such as a water treatment system, (3) receiving the fluid from the device and (4) supplying fluid to a dispenser. The valve system also includes an automatic shutoff device within the housing that prevents water from flowing into the housing and the water treatment system when the dispensing outlet is closed and that allows water to flow through the housing and into the water treatment system when the outlet is open. The valve system may also include a second actuator connected to the automatic shutoff that is capable of moving the automatic shutoff to a partially or fully closed position.

Abstract: A hydraulic feed-rate control apparatus pushes out a fluid by a main piston to a reservoir chamber via feed-rate adjustment mechanisms and flow passages and adjusts a feed rate of a reciprocating body; the adjustment mechanisms comprises first and second throttle valves arranged at front ends of a cylinder and adjusting flow rates of the fluid flowing into the flow passages; the main piston comprises an auxiliary piston integrally moving, and opening and closing the second throttle valve; and the auxiliary piston comprises an outer peripheral portion fitted in the second throttle valve and closed, a concave portion formed between a front portion and rear portion of the outer peripheral portion, a circulation hole formed in an inner peripheral portion of the auxiliary piston, rear-portion escape holes communicating the rear portion and the circulation hole, and concave-portion escape holes communicating the concave portion with the circulation hole.

Abstract: A system for treating liquids comprising: a fluidics unit having at least one functional unit; at least one liquid storage unit of the first type; at least one liquid storage unit of second type; a first liquid line; and a second liquid line, wherein a flow of liquid through the first liquid line directed from the fluidics unit to the liquid storage unit of first type is blocked, at least at times, by means of a first valve and a flow of liquid through the second liquid line in the direction from the liquid storage unit of second type to the fluidics unit is blocked, at least at times, by means of a second valve.

Abstract: A valve assembly having a first valve defining an inlet connected to the inlet supply and an outlet connected to the concentrate chamber, a second valve defining an inlet connected to the permeate chamber and an outlet connected to the faucet, and a third valve defining an outlet connected to drain, a port connected to the concentrate chamber, and an inlet connected to the inlet supply. The port is selectively in fluid communication with the third valve outlet and inlet. When the faucet opens, the first valve opens, the second valve has permeate flowing, and the third valve opens a flowpath between the third valve port and the inlet due to pressure dropping in the second valve. When the faucet closes, the first valve closes and the third valve opens another flowpath between the third valve port and outlet due to pressure created in the second valve.

Abstract: An assembly and method for connecting a movable plate to a fixed plate for connecting hydraulic, pneumatic and/or electric circuits and wherein the movable plate and the fixed plate have matching connector elements. The movable plate includes at least one centering component capable of interacting with the fixed plate. The assembly includes an actuator having a fixed support, a movable component for moving the movable plate relative to the fixed support, between a first retracted position corresponding to a disconnected state of the plates and a second position corresponding to a connected state. The assembly also includes a device for moving the movable plate relative to the actuator, and the movable plate and the fixed support respectively have at least one positioning member and at lest one positioning component which interact to position the movable plate relative to the fixed support when the movable plate is in the first position.

Abstract: A fluid treatment system having bulk beds. The fluid to be treated essentially streams from the bottom up through a bulk bed, while the bulk material migrates through the bulk beds in countercurrent to the fluid essentially from the top down. This is accomplished by removing partial quantities of bulk material at the lower end of the bulk bed, and delivering partial quantities of the bulk material to the bulk bed at the top. At least one charging wagon provided with optionally sealable bulk material outlets is able to traverse a charging channel between a charging position and several partial bulk bed release positions above the bulk beds. Provided below the bulk material outlets and the bulk material valve of the charging wagon are bulk material through pipes, the bulk material outlet mouths of which end on bulk material cones of an underlying bulk bed.

Abstract: A hydraulic system that includes a controller controlling multiple hydraulic pumps to power multiple hydraulic functions. Any ratio of flow can be directed from each of the pumps to each of the functions, including having a pump dedicated to each function, or having one pump dedicated to one function and another pump supplying multiple functions including the one function. The controller can receive machine feedback and failure data indicating regions of the system with functional disruptions, and can direct flow from the pumps to the functions along routes that avoid the functional disruptions. The system can include operator input devices that provide operator inputs to the controller for controlling the system. The system can operate the hydraulic system in different modes, including modes to improve fuel efficiency and to improve productivity. The system can include a mode switch for operator selection of a desired mode.

Abstract: A modular fitting for use with a commercially-available fluid or pneumatic switch, such as solenoid valves. The modular fittings disclosed can be aggregated to form a resulting modular fitting assembly according to the number of fluid circuits desired. The modular fittings include one or more coupling features that provide the ability to couple adjacent modular fittings.

Abstract: An encapsulated valve system includes a first housing portion having a first facing surface, the first facing surface comprising a plurality of branch pathways formed as a recess within the first facing surface. The valve system further includes a second housing portion having a second facing surface, the second facing surface comprising a plurality of branch pathways formed as a recess within the second facing surface. A disposable conduit is configured to be interposed between the first and second housing portions and disposed within the recess of the first facing surface and the recess of the second facing surface. The disposable conduit is thus sandwiched between the first and second facing surfaces. A plurality of pinch valve actuators are mounted on one or both of the first housing portion and the second housing portion, the plurality of pinch valve actuators configured to pinch the disposable conduit at selective branch pathways.

Abstract: The present application discloses novel systems for conducting the filtration of blood using manifolds. The manifolds integrate various sensors and have fluid pathways formed therein to direct fluids from various sources through the requisite blood filtration or ultrafiltration system steps.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that may be utilized for chemical vapor deposition and/or hydride vapor phase epitaxial (HVPE) deposition are provided. In one embodiment, a metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) process is used to deposit a Group III-nitride film on a plurality of substrates. A Group III precursor, such as trimethyl gallium, trimethyl aluminum or trimethyl indium and a nitrogen-containing precursor, such as ammonia, are delivered to a plurality of straight channels which isolate the precursor gases. The precursor gases are injected into mixing channels where the gases are mixed before entering a processing volume containing the substrates. Heat exchanging channels are provided for temperature control of the mixing channels to prevent undesirable condensation and reaction of the precursors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a disposable rigid flow path which by itself or in conjunction with a clam shell or manifold system provides additional pressure resistance for the disposable device. In a first embodiment, the device is comprised of a first sheet of rigid plastic material and a second sheet of plastic material. Each sheet has a first major surface and a second major surface and a thickness between the first and second major surfaces. At least one and preferably both have flow channels formed in them. The flow channels are formed in the sheet(s) in manner such that the area of the sheet where the flow channels are formed extend away from the first major surface of the sheet and beyond the normal plane of the second major surface of the sheet. The first and second sheets are liquid tightly sealed to each other at their adjoining first major surfaces. In the embodiment where each sheet contains a flow channel, the flow channels of the two sheets are aligned and in register with each other.

Abstract: A water vapor transfer assembly for a fuel cell system includes at least one water vapor transfer device. The water vapor transfer device permits a transfer of water from a wet stream to a dry stream. The water vapor transfer device is disposed between a pair of end plates. The end plates each have a plurality of outwardly extending ribs. The water vapor transfer device and the end plates are disposed within a housing having a pair of wet stream apertures and a pair of dry stream apertures formed therein. The housing further includes a plurality of channels formed adjacent the dry stream apertures. The channels are in fluid communication with the wet stream apertures. The outwardly extending ribs of the end plates cooperate with the channels to define a tortuous bypass flow path between the wet stream apertures of the housing.

Abstract: A braking system for a combined tractor-trailer assembly wherein a leading trailer is coupled to a towing tractor and a trailing trailer is coupled to the leading trailer. All of the wheels of the trailers are provided with brakes which may be applied and released in response to the operation of a brake control pedal operated by a driver in the tractor. The brakes also may be applied to the trailing trailer whenever the latter is parked. The brakes of the trailing trailer normally are maintained in applied condition by a spring assisted mechanism when such trailer is parked. Such mechanism normally is disabled by pressurized fluid when the trailer is in service and the pressured fluid is accessible via a valve which simultaneously enables the parking brakes and service brakes simultaneously to be coupled to and uncoupled from the pressure fluid system.

Abstract: A system and method for transporting a bulk solid biomass fuel. The biomass transport system comprises a remote storage bin (RSB), a biomass transfer system, and a vacuum source. The RSB contains a quantity of fuel and a controllable dispensing valve configured to dispense a controlled rate of the fuel into a first pipe. The vacuum source provides a stream of air through a second pipe. The biomass transfer system comprises a register and a hod. The register is coupled to a support surface, a first opening be fluidly coupled to the first pipe, and a second opening fluidly coupled to the second pipe.

Abstract: A flow substrate including a body having a first surface and a second opposing surface, a plurality of pairs of ports defined in the first surface of the body, a plurality of fluid pathways extending between each respective pair of ports and in fluid communication with each port of the respective pair of ports, and at least one cap. Each fluid pathway is formed in the second surface of the body. The at least one cap has a first surface constructed to seal at least one fluid pathway, and a second opposing surface. At least one of the body and the at least one cap includes a weld formation formed in at least one of the second surface of the body and the second surface of the at least one cap constructed to surround the at least one fluid pathway and facilitate welding of the at least one cap to the body along the weld formation.

Abstract: Provided is a process and device for exchanging heat energy between three or more streams in a microchannel heat exchanger which can be integrated with a microchannel reactor to form an integrated microchannel processing unit. The combining of a plurality of integrated microchannel devices to provide the benefits of large-scale operation is enabled. In particular, the microchannel heat exchanger enables flexible heat transfer between multiple streams and total heat transfer rates of about 1 Watt or more per core unit volume expressed as W/cc.

Abstract: An adapter allows a hot water storage tank of the kind having an electrical immersion heater fitted into a base of the tank via a flange. The adapter includes a flange having peripheral holes corresponding to holes in the flange of the electrical immersion heater. A cold water outlet mounted project through the flange and allows connection to a cold water inlet of an external heater. A hot water inlet projects through the flange and allows connection to a hot water outlet of the external heater. The hot water inlet is configured so that in use hot water entering therethrough is directed to an uppermost location of the tank.

Abstract: This invention provides microfluidic devices that comprise a fluidics layer having microfluidic channels and one or more regulating layers that regulate the movement of fluid in the channels. The microfluidic devices can be used to mix one or more fluids. At least a portion of the fluidics layer can be isolated from the regulating layer, for example in the form of a shelf. Such isolated portions can be used as areas in which the temperature of liquids is controlled. Also provided are instruments including thermal control devices into which the microfluidic device is engaged so that the thermal control device controls temperature in the isolated portion, and a movable magnetic assembly including magnets with shields so that a focused magnetic field can be applied to or withdrawn from the isolated portion or any other portion of the microfluidic device. Also provided are methods of mixing fluids.

Abstract: The fluid coupler comprises a male coupler, a female coupler, and a seal between the male coupler and the female coupler when they are coupled, preventing fluid leakage. The female coupler receives the male coupler when in a coupled position. The male coupler includes a two pieced housing, a unitary valve and a biasing member. The two pieces of the housing may be joined. A cavity runs the length of the housing. The female coupler includes a housing, an annulus, a unitary valve and a biasing member. The annulus and the housing may be joined. A cavity runs the length of the housing. The unitary valves and biasing members fit within the cavities and are capable of longitudinal positioning within a configurable range. When male coupler and female coupler are coupled, the unitary valves are open permitting fluid flow. Otherwise, if uncoupled, the unitary valves are closed preventing fluid leakage.

Abstract: An omnibus quasi-hydrosystem is disclosed. The omnibus quasi-hydrosystem includes a module base, at least two channel switching members mounted in the module base, at least two inlets formed in the module base and at least two outlets formed in the module base. The inlets allow fluid entering into the omnibus quasi-hydrosystem, the channel switching members alter the fluid path in the omnibus quasi-hydro system to a desired outlet to output the fluid. In addition, a modular omnibus quasi-hydrosystem is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: In the treatment of water, an end piece is connected to a treatment cartridge housing and inserted into an appliance having bypass, inlet, and outlet valves. The end piece has an end piece wall from which an inlet fitting, outlet fitting, and protrusion extend. The inlet fittings, outlet fittings, protrusion, and cartridge housing each have a longitudinal axis. The inlet and outlet fittings have a cam surface for actuating the inlet and outlet valves, respectively. Further, the cam surfaces of the inlet and outlet fittings are angled and vectored in relation to their respective longitudinal axis. The protrusion is shaped for actuating the bypass valve.

Abstract: A modular mounting and connection or interconnection system for microfluidic devices (20) includes a plurality of end-butting compression-sealing fluid connectors or adapters (32), and one or more clamping structures (54, 56) each structured to hold one of the fluid connectors (32) in compression against a planar surface of a microfluidic device (20), and to press against the device, on another directly opposing planar surface thereof, either a contact pad (48) or another of the fluid connectors (32), with each clamping structure (54,56) including an individually moveable compression-providing element such as a compression screw (36) structured to provide a controlled amount of compression.

Abstract: Methods and systems for continuous multistage processing of particulate solids that can control the distribution of residence times of processed particles. One disclosed method includes admitting fluidizing gas into transfer tunnels between fluidized bed vessel stages, using gas inlets located in or outputting directly into the transfer tunnel to promote flow of the fluidized solids through the transfer tunnel. A common gas distributor plate can supply gas to the stage vessels and to any transfer tunnels having gas inlets. The distributor plate can be separable from the system or openable to provide access for removal of obstructions and for maintenance. A common base plate can incorporate lower portions of the stage vessels and the sides and roofs of the transfer tunnels, the bottoms of the vessels and tunnels optionally being provided by the gas distributor plate. Some multistage systems and processing methods have from 15 to 200 or more stages.

Abstract: A connecting structure for an integration panel and a fluid device in which an excellent sealing property can be held even when substantially no further fastening is performed, and the assembling workability is improved is provided. When an integration panel 1 and a valve 2 are to be communicatingly connected to each other in a sealed state through single circular pipe-like fluid passages 3, 7 by using an annular gasket G, an annular projection 11 and outer and inner tapered peripheral faces 12a, 13a are formed in first and second fluid supply/discharge port portions 1A, 2A, and the gasket G is configured by a fluororesin having a pair of annular grooves 51, 51 and tapered peripheral faces 52a, 53a. The integration panel 1 and the valve 2 are attracted to each other, thereby configuring a joined state where a sealing portion S1 is formed by fitting the annular projection 11 to the annular groove 51 to press contact the tapered peripheral faces 12a, 13a, 52a, 53a with each other.

Abstract: A faucet assembly includes two faucets and two connection pipes are connected to the two faucets. A conjunction portion is connected between the two connection pipes and an outlet pipe extends from the conjunction portion and has outlet. A control valve unit includes two control valves which are respectively received in two respective recesses in the conjunction portion. The two recesses communicate with the outlet pipe. Each control valve includes a sealing member which movably seals the connection pipe corresponding thereto. The water pressure from the other connection pipe cannot move the sealing member so that the water with larger pressure cannot enter the connection pipe in which the water pressure is lower.

Abstract: A routing system for shared conduits used in industrial applications is sensitive to material types and material flow histories to allow compatible materials to flow through shared conduits without cleaning while preventing contamination of materials in those shared conduits.

Abstract: A shrouded valve apparatus including an outer conduit, an inner conduit disposed within the outer conduit, and a valve member operable to regulate flow through the inner conduit. This apparatus is useful in shrouded aircraft fuel systems.

Abstract: A bellows structure (10) comprises a first end (50), a second end (52), and a wall (54) extending axially therebetween. The wall (54) includes a plurality of lobe portions (80) and furrow portions (82) connecting adjacent lobe portions (80). The furrow portions (82) are radially recessed relative to the lobe portions (80) when the bellows wall (54) is in an unstressed state. To increase the volume of the bellows chamber (56) in response to fluid condition changes, the furrow portions (82) unfold and move radially outward.

Abstract: Module assembly for a gas system operating at pressures greater than 100 bar. The assembly comprises at least two modules made as solid metal blocks. Bach block provided with a system of drilled channels and appendages. The system of channels comprises a main and at least one branch channel. The appendages comprise at least a shut-off valve and a flow or pressure meter connected to the branch channel. The blocks of two modules are positioned laterally against one another. Each block having openings aligned with a corresponding number of openings in the other block, for joining channels in the one block to channels in the other block. The invention furthermore relates to a gas system provided with the module assembly according to the invention and to the use of such an assembly.

Abstract: Fluid-based no-moving part logic devices are constructed from complex sequences of micro- and nanofluidic channels, on-demand bubble/droplet modulators and generators for programming the devices, and micro- and nanofluidic droplet/bubble memory elements for storage and retrieval of biological or chemical elements. The input sequence of bubbles/droplets encodes information, with the output being another sequence of bubbles/droplets or on-chip chemical synthesis. For performing a set of reactions/tasks or process control, the modulators can be used to program the device by producing a precisely timed sequence of bubbles/droplets, resulting in a cascade of logic operations within the micro- or nanofluidic channel sequence, utilizing the generated droplets/bubbles as a control. The devices are based on the principle of minimum energy interfaces formed between the two fluid phases enclosed inside precise channel geometries.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for providing portable dredging flotation hoses capable of being wound on reels in a reduced volume configuration and transported to dredging sites. Some dredge flotation hoses include a first lay-flat hose disposed about a second, inner lay-flat hose and sealed at both ends of the first lay-flat hose to form an inflatable annular space therebetween. Some devices have a coupling member at either end of the lay-flat hoses to receive and couple the inner lay-flat hose within the outer lay-flat hose and provide external access to the channel flowing through the inner lay-flat hose. A closeable orifice can be provided through the body of the coupling device to allow inflation of the annular volume between the inner and outer lay-flat hoses. Lay-flat hose pairs having sizes of 3 and 4 inches to 10 and 12 inches, and other combinations are provided by the present invention.

Abstract: This invention provides a three-in-one water-supply pipe with accessories for quality-distinguished distribution of domestic water. This pipe contains three pipes arranged in a triangular combination to supply drinkable water, service water and recycled water at the same time. The diameter and thickness of the pipe walls of the three pipes depend on required water-supply volume and pressure. The accessories, including triangle shaped straight pipe, straight joint, 90-175 degree bending joint, tee joint and pipe clip are all made of contamination-free material, which can be assembled into a multi-pipe delivering system for separate supply of different domestic water to users. This three-in-one pipe system reduces manufacturing costs and provides good heat insulation to save energy. It is also easy for installation and maintenance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for generating pressure suitable in magnitude for powering micro-sized devices. The present invention typically comprises a gas generation chamber that is equipped with an activation element and filled with a gas-containing liquid. Powering of the activation element causes gas within the liquid to be released. Upon release a series of pressure distribution channels deliver the gas to a wide variety of peripheral microfluidic devices. A series of one-way valves and multi-chambered configurations allow for a wide variety of pressures to be generated from a single pressure generation device. By manipulating the scale of the pressure generation device, lab-on-chip, hand held, and bench top applications are possible and may readily be interfaced to allow a substantial amount of user control of the system.

Abstract: A valve is used with a carburetor, and the carburetor therefor. The valve has a throttle valve and an air valve. The air valve defines an air bore and has a baffle disposed within the air bore. The baffle separates one section of the air bore from another section, and impedes airflow through the air bore during at least some positions of the air valve.

Abstract: A magnet vent assembly for venting a cryogenic gas from a superconducting magnet of an MRI system. The assembly comprises: a first burst disc, the first burst disc comprising a first inlet and a first outlet; a second burst disc, the second burst disc comprising a second inlet coupled to the first inlet and a second outlet coupled to the first outlet; and wherein the magnet vent assembly is configured to switchably direct a flow path of cryogenic gas through either of the following: the first burst disc and the second burst disc. A service tool for a magnet vent assembly for venting a cryogenic gas from a superconducting magnet of an MRI system. The magnet vent assembly comprises a first burst disc.

Abstract: A flow-through valve is provided and includes a housing connecting first and second ends to allow fluid flow from the first end to the second end. The first end includes first and second inlet ports, while the second end portion includes an outlet port. The flow-through valve further includes a valve cartridge including a first fixed disk having an opening thereon, a first moveable disk in fluid communication with the first fixed disk, a second fixed disk having an opening thereon and a second moveable disk in fluid communication with the second fixed disk. The fixed disks and moveable disks may be configured within the valve cartridge to independently adjust the hot/cold water flow or the temperature/flow rate.

Abstract: Joint-type coaxial connection (10) to connect/disconnect to/from each other two elements (A, B) defining coaxial tubular pipes inside which a respective fluid flows. The connection (10) defines two respective coaxial paths for the passage of the fluid, one internal and one external, able to be selectively opened/closed substantially simultaneously so as to connect pairs (11a, 11b; 12a, 12b) of tubular pipes, respectively inner and outer. In the connection step the two elements (A, B), located coaxial and with the front faces in contact, have a reciprocal approaching travel with the sealing means (44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52) which close every passage between the inner pipe and the outer pipe, and between the outer pipe and the part of the joint outside the outer pipe, before achieving the reciprocal fluid-dynamic continuity of the two coaxial pipes of the connection.

Abstract: In the treatment of water, an end piece is connected to a treatment cartridge housing and inserted into an appliance having bypass, inlet, and outlet valves. The end piece has an end piece wall from which an inlet fitting, outlet fitting, and protrusion extend. The inlet fittings, outlet fittings, protrusion, and cartridge housing each have a longitudinal axis. The inlet and outlet fittings have a cam surface for actuating the inlet and outlet valves, respectively. Further, the cam surfaces of the inlet and outlet fittings are angled and vectored in relation to their respective longitudinal axis. The protrusion is shaped for actuating the bypass valve.

Abstract: A double tank refrigerated carbonated beverage dispensing apparatus for blending fresh water and carbon dioxide to produce a carbonated liquid delivered to a faucet bank for dispensing mixed soft drinks at a temperature at or below the freezing point of water, includes a double tank carbonator having in inner tank contained within an outer tank, insulated by a void between the two tank, the void having refrigeration coils connected to a refrigeration circulation system. The apparatus includes a soda water circulating system, a heat exchange unit for pre-cooling water and beverage syrup lines, syrup coils adapted to the double tank carbonator for chilling some beverage syrup lines, temperature sensors for regulating temperature of the carbonated water and fluid level probes to regulate the amount of water delivered to the double tank carbonator.

Abstract: A diverter valve comprises a housing having inlets, a first outlet, and a second outlet. The inlets are connected to hot and cold water supplies, and mixing of the hot and cold water occurs both inside the housing and inside a mixing chamber external to the valve. The first outlet is connected to a spout, and the second outlet is connected to a spray unit. A valve element is mounted in the housing, movable between a closed position and an open position with respect to the first outlet. A piston member comprising a first piston at the bottom end of the valve element, and a second smaller piston at the top end of the valve is responsive to pressure differential between the second outlet and the inlet for movement to a first and second position. When a lower pressure exists at the second outlet, the piston member moves to the second position, closing off the first outlet. The valve also includes a flow regulator to regulate the flow through the second outlet.

Abstract: The gas control assembly includes a control body threaded to a vessel neck to extend into the vessel containing pressurized fluid and has a fitting in the body bore which in conjunction therewith provides a part of a first fluid passageway from an inlet in the vessel and an outlet to the ambient atmosphere. A manually operated valve and a pressure regulator are provided in the first passageway exterior of the vessel. In one embodiment the control body has a second passageway opening through a relief device to the vessel interior and to the ambient atmosphere while in a second embodiment a relief device is provided exterior of the vessel and opens to the first passageway. A main valve is provided in the first passageway and is moved to an open condition when a solenoid is energized.

Abstract: A fluid manifold usable with a welder and air compressor combination. The manifold is constructed of a single unitary manifold block and which is divided into two separate fluid communication systems that are isolated from each other by the manifold block itself. Each of the separate fluid communications systems provides various channels and external ports to access those fluid channels to enable the welder and air compressor combination to be more easily assembled and constructed by locating the manifold in a convenient location within the welder and air compressor combination and which has the necessary fluid channels and conduits already formed within the manifold so that the manufacturer or assembler can simply affix the proper fluid lines and system components to the manifold in carrying out the construction of the welder and air compressor combination and be assured that the proper fluid communication will be achieved.

Abstract: A rapid coupling system for establishing a connection of at least two pressurized lines in a pressure sealed manner is provided. A first coupling plug element has an operating mechanism, including a journal, in a connecting block thereof. A second coupling socket element is adapted to be connected to the first coupling element in a pressure sealed manner. A control unit is arranged in a socket element connecting block and includes a displaceable plunger having at least one cam. A pressure relief unit is connectable to at least one of the pressure lines via a pressure relief connection. When the first and second coupling elements are connected to one another, the journal of the operating mechanism displaces the control plunger, causing at least one cam of the control plunger to engage the pressure relief unit.

Abstract: A system and method provide for the interconnection of a medical fluid processing system with at least one patient temperature control pad positionable on a patient. Includable in the system is at least one connector interconnected and/or interconnectable to the medical fluid processing system and at least one connector interconnected and/or interconnectable to the at least one temperature control pad, wherein the connectors include an orientation device which provides for interconnection of the connectors at a predetermined orientation.

Abstract: A quick-action multi-port fluid coupling having a socket member and a plug member each housing a plurality of coupling devices arranged in a non-linear array. A cam arrangement is provided for axially drawing the plug member into the socket member in a leveraged manner so that the coupling devices can be connected under fluid pressure with relatively little manual force required. The coupling can also include an alignment arrangement that ensures that no contact occurs between the cooperative coupling devices until the coupling members are in proper alignment relative to each other.

Abstract: A service valve assembly, for use in a split air conditioning/heat pump system, with a single valve block having a plurality of passages, a first valve and a second valve. The assembly includes a first cavity within the block with a first valve holding passage, for conducting gaseous refrigerant inside the valve block. The first valve includes a first through passage radially extending both through the first valve as well as from an outer surface of a first side of the block to an outer surface of a side opposite the first side. A first charging passage extends from the valve block outer surface to the first through passage. The valve block also includes a second cavity, including a second valve holding passage, for conducting liquid refrigerant within the block. The second valve includes a second through passage extending both through the second valve as well as from the outer surface of the valve block first side to the outer surface of the opposite side.