Abstract: An example microfluidic device includes a microfluidic network through which operational fluid is to flow and a droplet ejector. The microfluidic device includes a drive fluid storage volume to contain drive fluid, the drive fluid storage volume connected in series between the microfluidic network and the droplet ejector. When the drive fluid is ejected from the droplet ejector, the operational fluid is drawn through the microfluidic network.

Abstract: A molecular diagnostics apparatus is provided. The molecular diagnostics apparatus is adapted to perform DNA chain replication to one sample. The molecular diagnostics apparatus includes a bracket, a central control module, a motor, a magnetic unit, a rotational carrier, a detection module and at least one power supply coil. The central control module is disposed on the bracket. The motor is disposed on the bracket, wherein the central control module drives the motor. The magnetic unit is disposed on the bracket, wherein the magnetic unit provides a magnetic field. The motor is adapted to rotate the rotational carrier. The rotational carrier is rotated relative to the bracket. The sample is disposed on the rotational carrier. The detection module is disposed on the rotational carrier. The power supply coil is coupled to the detection module, and disposed on the rotational carrier. The molecular diagnostics apparatus of the embodiment has a simpler structure and better reliability.

Abstract: A rotatable pressure relief valve assembly is provided. The assembly may comprise a butterfly valve, a spring actuator, and a diaphragm device having a flexible membrane. A linkage assembly may be provided with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end may be configured to engage with a terminal end of a piston of a spring actuator, and wherein the second end may be configured to engage with a latch arm of the diaphragm device. A pilot tube may be configured to transmit an inlet fluid pressure from the inlet side of the butterfly valve to the sealed chamber. The assembly may further comprise a buckling pin mechanism having a buckling pin. The diaphragm device may be configured to translate the inlet fluid pressure into a compressive force and to transmit the compressive force to the buckling pin, and the latch arm may be configured to disengage from the second end of the linkage assembly when the buckling pin has buckled.

Abstract: A brake control system (BCS) may comprise a shutoff valve configured to receive pressurized fluid, a one-way check valve configured to route the pressurized fluid, a first pressure transducer coupled between the one-way check valve and the shutoff valve, and an accumulator configured to supply pressurized fluid to a brake control valve module (BCVM) in response to the shutoff valve being in a closed position.

Abstract: A safety device includes a connection point (21) for a pressure accumulator (1) that is connected to a bursting unit (55) at the gas end via the connection point (21). The bursting unit (55) can be triggered by a controllable force element (73). In the triggered state, the bursting unit allows the pressure accumulator (1) to be emptied at the gas end.

Abstract: A seat rail cover includes a retaining section, configured to be introduced at least partially into a part of the seat rail, and a cover section, configured to cover the seat rail when the retaining section is introduced into the seat rail. At least the cover section of the seat rail cover is formed in one piece by 3D printing. Geometry, surface texture, color composition and/or color pattern of at least a visible part of the cover section in the installed state of the seat rail cover are matched to a surface and/or a floor covering of a floor element next to a seat rail to which the seat rail cover is connectable. Furthermore, a floor element with a seat rail and a seat rail cover as well as an aircraft with such a floor element. A method for manufacturing a seat rail cover by 3D printing.

Abstract: A pneumatic actuator (1) includes a housing (22) having a first portion (23), a second portion (25), and a fluid inlet (2) formed in the first portion (23). The actuator (1) includes a diaphragm (6) disposed in the housing (22), a piston (7) connected to the diaphragm (6), and a spring (10) that extends between the piston (7) and the housing second portion (25). A pressurized chamber (3) is defined between the diaphragm (6) and the housing first portion (23), and the housing first portion (23) includes a pressure relief device (8).

Abstract: An airbag for a front passenger seat includes a passenger-side wall and a circumferential wall that extends forward from the passenger-side wall in a narrowing fashion. One each vent hole is formed on a left wall region and a right wall region of the circumferential wall for releasing an extra inflation gas. Each of the vent holes is formed into an elongate hole whose long axis extends generally along a direction that a passenger advances. A tether is disposed inside the airbag so as to be deployable generally along a left and right direction. The tether is disposed at such a position as to exert a tension force in a peripheral region of the vent hole in a direction generally orthogonal to the direction that the passenger advances when the passenger-side wall catches the passenger.

Abstract: A single-use container for the prevention of over-pressurization is provided. The single-use container has an enclosure for a fluid and an over-pressurization relief device fluidly connected to the enclosure. The over-pressurization relief device is configured to relieve pressure from the enclosure when a pressure of the fluid within the enclosure exceeds a specified relief pressure. The specified relief pressure is set to be lower than the burst pressure of the enclosure. The over-pressurization relief device is connectable to a controlled pathway for relieving the fluid from the enclosure in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A rail cover for a seat rail includes a cover element for completely covering a longitudinal portion of the seat rail. The cover element extends at least in part in a plane of extension that is formed by a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction of the rail cover and includes a first, rigid, longitudinal portion and a second longitudinal portion that follows on from the first longitudinal portion. The first longitudinal portion and the second longitudinal portion are mechanically coupled together by means of a flexible portion, wherein the second longitudinal portion is designed to carry out a pivoting movement in a direction across the plane of extension.

Abstract: An accumulator of the invention is provided with a safety mechanism for an emergency which releases an internal pressure of the housing to the oil port side so as to prevent the housing from being exploded by the internal pressure of the housing which comes to a higher pressure in an emergency, for example, occurrence of fire disaster. The safety mechanism for the emergency has a taper portion in a corner portion between the tubular portion and the end surface portion of the stay. The taper portion is buckled at its root position in the emergency. In the case that the taper portion is buckled, a pressure releasing flow path is formed between the bellows cap or the retained member and the taper portion as well as the bellows cap or the retained member and the end surface portion come away. The stay can be manufactured only by press molding.

Abstract: A conduit protection system, comprising: a conduit for carrying a fluid; a sealed vessel surrounding the conduit along a protected zone of the conduit; and a valve moveable between a first position for obstructing fluid flow through the protected zone of the conduit and a second position for enabling fluid flow through the protected zone of the conduit, wherein the valve is biased to the first position, and wherein the valve is fluidically coupled to the sealed vessel such that a positive pressure within the sealed vessel is operable to move the valve to the second position against the bias. Also, a method for protecting a fluid carrying conduit.

Abstract: A fire hydrant break off valve includes an offset pivot and a lateral trigger captured between a fire hydrant and fire hydrant break off riser. When a collision breaks the break off bolts holding the fire hydrant to the hydrant break off riser, the lateral trigger is released and the valve rotates to a closed position. Force of water attempting to escape rotates the valve around the offset pivot. The edge of the valve is tapered and after rotating, the valve is pushed against a matching seat to close the valve. The match of the tapered valve against the tapered seat stops or nearly stops all flow of water from the broken hydrant.

Abstract: A valve includes, a tubular having at least one port, a sleeve in operable communication with the tubular configured to uncover the at least one port in response to moving from a first position to a second position, and a seat that is configured to be passed a selected number of times without shifting the sleeve from the first position to the second position and is further configured to be passed one additional time after the selected number of times after shifting the sleeve from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A fume blocking drain cap could include a drain cap body having a top side and an underside defining at least one aperture extending therethrough and a dissolvable membrane attached to the underside of the drain cap body. The dissolvable membrane is arranged over the at least one aperture sealing the aperture from the underside of the drain cap body. A retainer ring may be provided that abuts the bottom surface of the dissolvable membrane to retain the dissolvable membrane against the underside of the drain cap body. The cap could also include a collar having an outside surface and inside surface. The collar is attached to and depends from the underside of the drain cap body and surrounds the dissolvable membrane.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to pressure relief devices and to corresponding pressure relief assemblies that have improved vacuum resistance, improved fragmentation resistance, and/or improved burst control while maintaining low mass. The pressure relief device includes a substantially flat flange section and a domed section. The domed section may include a transitional line that defines a change in the shape of the domed section. The pressure relief device may also include a bracket for securing or aligning a domed section to a flange section. The pressure relief device may further include a stress distribution feature that is disposed transversely to a line of weakness in the domed section. The pressure relief assembly may include a fastener having a wire that is configured to break and release the pressure relief device when subject to a predetermined tensile load.

Abstract: A drainage device for placement on a housing includes an external plug component and a liquid expandable component. The external plug component has a first cap section and a second attachment section. The first cap section is positionable over an exterior side of a housing wall. The first attachment section is adapted to attach the drainage device to an opening in the housing wall. The liquid expandable component contacts the external plug component and is adapted to contact a structure within the housing when the drainage device is placed on the housing. Characteristically, the liquid expandable component has a higher volume when contacted with liquid than when dry. The liquid expandable component pushes the internal plug component away from the structure within the housing when the liquid expandable component transitions from a non-liquid-containing state to a liquid containing state thereby providing a path for liquid to escape.

Abstract: A safety valve for interrupting the flow of fuel through a fuel line includes a housing member and a safety valve insert, wherein the housing member houses a portion of the safety valve insert and the valve insert includes a connection end for connecting to a grounding surface to draw electrical current through the safety valve insert, a fusible link, which is broken by electrical current, and a plunger, which is released when the fusible link is broken and interrupts the flow of fuel through a fuel line.

Abstract: A device and method for preventing the backflow of undesirable gases from being drawn up through a drain line into a room. The device is particularly useful in applications where liquid flow into the drain is infrequent, resulting in little or no liquid left standing in the P-trap to serve as a gas barrier. When installed the device prevents the unwanted backflow of sewer gases into the room above. However, if water or a similar liquid is introduced into the drain line, the device dissolves, thereby allowing the liquid to pass down the drain line.

Abstract: A pressure relief device is disclosed for a system containing a pressurized fluid. The device includes a main valve body having inlet and outlet flow ports and a valve plug positioned to seal the flowpath of the pressurized fluid between the inlet port and the outlet port of main valve body. A force transmission component is connected to the valve plug and an activation component is installed between the force transmission component and a mounting surface. The activation component is configured to prevent axial movement of the valve plug until a predetermined pressure is exerted on the valve plug. The force transmission component more efficiently transfers the output force acting on the valve plug to the activation component.

Abstract: A valve mechanism is herein described that utilises a frangible plug. The valve mechanism comprises a valve body having an inlet port and an outlet port and a passageway extending therebetween. The valve mechanism comprises a frangible plug that is held within the valve body to block the passageway when the plug is intact. The plug comprises a predefined fracture plane and is configured to fracture across the predefined fracture plane upon application of an impact force.

Abstract: A pipeline shut-off device (10) comprising a tube section (10a) arranged in a pipeline (3) and having a shut-off member (19), wherein the shut-off member (19) can be destroyed in the closed position by a device (22) arranged in the region of the pipe section (10a), with the device for destroying the shut-off member (19) being able to be actuated from the outside.

Abstract: A downhole tool for use in completing a well includes a plug body selectively securable to a wellbore at a desired elevation and having a flowbore. A non-dissolvable flow restrictor is operably disposed in the flowbore and operates to restrict fluid flow through the flowbore, and a time-dissolvable retainer or spacer is operably coupled to the flow restrictor to retain the flow restrictor in a first position within the flowbore. The retainer is dissolvable within a predetermined passage of time to release the flow restrictor to move between the first position and a second position within the flowbore to control the flow of fluid through the downhole tool.

Abstract: A shear valve (1) for use in a downhole tool between the annulus and tubing in a well comprises an outer housing (11) and an internal body (13) movable in a longitudinal direction within the housing when the valve is activated, and at least one obstruction device (16, 10) which can be arranged to obstruct the internal body from moving. The obstruction device is capable of being deactivated by pressure from the tubing side of the valve.

Abstract: A flow control system for use with a subterranean well can include a flow chamber through which a fluid composition flows, and a closure device which is biased toward a closed position in which the closure device prevents flow through the flow chamber. The closure device can be displaced to the closed position in response to an increase in a ratio of undesired fluid to desired fluid in the fluid composition. A structure can prevent the closure device from being displaced to the closed position. The fluid composition can flow through the structure to an outlet of the flow chamber.

Abstract: A safety valve for interrupting the flow of fuel through a fuel line includes a housing member and a safety valve insert, wherein the housing member houses a portion of the safety valve insert and the valve insert includes a connection end for connecting to a grounding surface to draw electrical current through the safety valve insert, a fusible link, which is broken by electrical current, and a plunger, which is released when the fusible link is broken and interrupts the flow of fuel through a fuel line.

Abstract: A flapper valve preferably used in injection application in deep subterranean locations has an actuating sleeve with a seat to accept an object. A j-slot connects the actuation sleeve movement to the housing so that with an object on the seat and an applied pressure cycle the sleeve moves the flapper to the open position. The plug is dissolved and the injection begins. The plug can have an opening so as to allow continuous injection flow as the flapper is operated. Closing the flapper involves a second object on the same seat and a pressure cycle so that a spring can push the sleeve away from the flapper to allow a torsion spring on the flapper to close it.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling flow of a fluid into a wellbore tubular may include a flow control device controlling the flow of the fluid; and a disintegrating element associated with the flow control device. The flow control device may be actuated when the disintegrating element disintegrates when exposed to the flowing fluid. The disintegrating element may disintegrate upon exposure to water in the fluid. A method for producing fluid from a subterranean formation includes: configuring an element to disintegrate when exposed to a selected fluid; positioning the element in a wellbore; and actuating a flow control device using the element. The element may disintegrate when exposed to water. Actuating the flow control device may restrict a flow of fluid into a wellbore tubular.

Abstract: A valve housing blank comprises a receiving space for a valve insert having a longitudinal axis. At least two first pairs of supply ducts, which are opposite to each other with respect to the longitudinal axis, extend laterally from an outer side of the blank towards the receiving space. The pairs of supply ducts, as seen in the direction of the longitudinal axis, are arranged so as to be offset relative to each other. Only one of the supply ducts is open towards the receiving space. The other supply ducts are closed off from the receiving space by a destroyable dividing wall.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some embodiments a non-pyrotechnic valve includes an inlet piece, an actuator comprising a shape-memory metal, and an outlet attached to the inlet piece. In some examples, the shape-memory metal includes Nitinol.

Abstract: A safety valve designed to stop the flow of fluid through a conduit or pipe when an internal or external force causes the valve to rupture in a predetermined region and a method for using such a safety valve is provided. The safety valve generally comprises a first region, a second region, and a separation region. The separation region is designed such that the application of an internal or external force or force will cause the valve to rupture.

Abstract: A water sensor and activation assembly including a paper element to sense the presence of water leaks from appliances such as clothes washing machines, refrigerator ice makers and the like, and to cause an associated water shutoff valve to turn off the source of water leakage. The water sensor, in conjunction with the shutoff valve, operates without any electrical power requirement. The design allows the water sensor to operate in a high humidity environment.

Abstract: A method for testing the integrity of a plumbing system. A first step involves affixing a seal with a releasable adhesive over a component of the plumbing system having a bore to occlude the bore. A second step involves charging the plumbing system with a fluid.

Abstract: The high-pressure output (2) of a donor container is coupled to a user system (11) by means of a main transfer tube (4) through a pilot valve (5) controllable by an auxiliary line (6) which is connected (12) to an auxiliary circuit of the system (11), extends along the main tube (15) and is fixed thereto by the reduced length thereof at several distinct points (S<SUB>i</SUB>). In such a way, the rupture or inflammable leakage of the tube (4) generates the tearing off or meting of the auxiliary line (6) in such a way that the output valve (5) is immediately closed. Said invention is particularly suitable for an inflammable gas supply to stationary plants.

Abstract: A shear valve (10) comprises a casing having a first part (12) for positioning on one side of a pipe and a second part (14) engageable with the first part (12) for positioning on the other side of the pipe. A blade (26) is disposed substantially within the first part and is actuable across the pipe towards the second part for cutting the pipe. The blade has a support region for supporting the periphery of the pipe as the pipe is being cut.

Abstract: A flood detection and valve shutoff device which comprises a water sensitive sensor. A mechanism is for retaining the water sensitive sensor on a floor near a water heater. Another mechanism is for biasing a valve in a water inlet pipe of the water heater to a closed position. A lanyard in a taut condition extends between the water sensitive sensor and the biasing mechanism, so as to keep the valve in an open position. When the water sensitive sensor detects water on the floor the lanyard will be released from the water sensitive sensor, causing the biasing means to move the valve from the open position to the closed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device, to a capsule and to a method for use in personal hygiene, in particular when taking a shower or a bath or when washing hands. According to one aspect of the invention, a device for use in personal hygiene, in particular when taking a shower or a bath or when washing hands, is provided which is designed and adapted such that into the device a capsule, in particular a multi-chamber capsule, can be inserted. Advantageously, the device comprises an appliance for opening the capsule with means for damaging a capsule wall in order to open the capsule. The appliance for opening the capsule or the means for damaging the capsule wall can be adapted to push open or puncture the capsule wall, in particular to pierce a hole into the capsule wall. Advantageously, the capsule is a disposable capsule or an expendable article.

Abstract: A flow device adapted to operate as a restrictor as well as provide a pressure relief capability in the event of an over-pressurization event within a fluid system containing the device. The flow device includes an expandable orifice that has an outer perimeter, a plurality of cantilevered tabs surrounded by the outer perimeter, and an opening surrounded and defined by the tabs. The tabs project from the outer perimeter toward the opening, which restricts flow of the bleed air through the expandable orifice at a pressure below a predetermined pressure level, but then expands to relieve an over-pressure condition of the bleed air at a pressure above the predetermined pressure level as a result of the cantilevered tabs being deflected by the over-pressure condition. The device is adaptable for use in aircraft applications, including the regulation of bleed air used in anti-icing/de-icing systems.

Abstract: This is directed to systems, processes, machines, and other means that simulate blast waves from explosive events. The invention can make waveforms tailored to a user's preference to accurately model a variety of explosive events by utilizing a driver section and a transition section that have divergent geometries.

Abstract: Apparatus deflates a tire following unauthorized access to a motor vehicle. In one embodiment, a self-damaging tire valve assembly is capable of being damaged to such a degree by damage inflicting apparatus in close proximity to the valve assembly that air escapes from the corresponding tire. An activation device housed within the damage inflicting apparatus, when activated, following unauthorized access of a motor vehicle is able to damage the body and grommet of the valve assembly without damaging the tire rim. In one embodiment, a processor transmits an activation signal to a wireless switch following reception of an unauthorized access signal when the motor vehicle is in an armed state. In one embodiment, a housing containing the tire deflating apparatus is in contact with the valve assembly, and the tire deflating apparatus is activated to cause the tire to be deflated following unauthorized access of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: An air conditioning system condensate collection pan or water leak containment pan electrical control switch includes a housing or frame for supporting a switch unit which includes an elongated actuator arm. The housing includes a slot disposed adjacent a distal end of the actuator arm for receiving a water soluble tablet engageable with the actuator arm to bias the arm into a predetermined position of the switch. Abnormal accumulation of condensate or leaking water dissolves the tablet and allows the actuator arm to move to a position to effect actuation of the switch. The switch may be connected to a control unit, a thermostat and/or to an alarm generator including a self-contained unit having battery powered audio and/or visual alarm devices, an on-off switch and a circuit test switch.

Abstract: A disposable urine bag is provided. The bag includes an upper delimiting edge, a lower delimiting edge and lateral delimiting edges defining a space in the bag. The lower delimiting edge includes a drain valve, whose first drain mouthing in a first hollow element communicates with the space in the bag, and whose second mouthing in a second element is situated outside the delimiting edges of the bag. The drain valve is a disposable valve including a seal between the first and the second element and at least one indicator situated in the area of the seal. A disposable urine bag is provided whereby the drain valve seal may be broken without using significant finger strength and without a risk of the user being soiled with urine.

Abstract: A safety breakaway connector has a male fitting and a female fitting inserted into one another. The female fitting includes a swivel that rotates about an angle to a breakaway portion of the invention. The swivel has a female portion connected to the breakaway portion and a male portion that pivotally connects to a nozzle. The male portion has an axis spaced apart from the axis of the breakaway portion. The male portion rotates or pivots about the female portion subject to a biased cam. The biased cam has a ball bearing that travels within a race formed in the male swivel. The biased cam provides an offset to the connector so that a fuel line in communication therewith avoids an orientation perpendicular to the direction of travel of a vehicle. The breakaway portion then detaches the fuel line cleanly from the swivel that remains with the fuel nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to devices and methods for controlling fluid flow in meso-scale fluidic components in a programmable manner. Specifically, the present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for placing two microfluidic components in fluid communication at an arbitrary position and time, both of which are externally defined. The inventive apparatus uses electromagnetic radiation to perforate a material layer having selected adsorptive properties. The perforation of the material layer allows the fluid communication between microfluidic components allowing volumetric quantitation of fluids. Using the perforation of the material functionality such as metering and multiplexing are achieved on a microscale. This functionality is achieved through basic operations, like dosimeters filling, dosimeters purging, dosimeters extraction, dosimeters ventilation and channels routing.

Abstract: A combination in a mixture, solution, emulsion, or other ways of combining the different elements that make up the combination, to prevent odors in sewer lines from entering various types buildings, trailers, motor homes, manufactured homes, and the like which have plumbing fixtures therein with a connection to be made to a sewer line to conduct refuse from the plumbing fixture or fixtures to the sewer line. Sewer lines are breeding grounds and conduits for odors, and unprotected plumbing fixtures connected to sewer lines can be the entry points of such odors, particularly when the fixtures are left idle for many weeks or even months. The different elements forming the combination are water and polyethylene glycol (PEG) or a similar member of the glycol family, such as polypropylene glycol (PPG), propylene glycol (PG), and ethylene glycol (EG). It may also include, when appropriate, one or more odor-control and/or other control substances.

Abstract: A gas supply system is described comprising: a gas capsule enclosed at one end by a pierceable diaphragm; a spacer element adjacent the pierceable diaphragm, the spacer element having a channel providing access to the pierceable diaphragm; a shaft with a piercing tip; and a seal. The shaft, spacer element and seal are arranged so that when the shaft accesses the pierceable diaphragm via the channel, the shaft is caused to enter into a sealing engagement with the spacer element via the seal before the piercing tip pierces the pierceable diaphragm. In an alternative embodiment, no spacer element is provided and instead a seal is provided in a groove in a wall defining a recess at a position so that when a gas capsule is inserted into the recess, the seal enters into a sealing engagement with the gas capsule before the piercing tip of the shaft pierces the pierceable diaphragm enclosing the gas capsule.

Abstract: A fluid transfer device comprising a housing and a flow controller at least partially slidably disposed in the housing, the flow controller comprising at least one fluid channel and a vent conduit. A shroud, alone or in combination with the fluid transfer device comprising a plurality of segments terminating in a annular edge and defining a plurality of openings, and a plurality of protrusions, each of the plurality of protrusions having a proximal end connected to the annular edge and a distal end positioned in one of the plurality of openings adapted for the housing of the fluid transfer device is provided.

Abstract: A nuclear engineering plant has a containment, whose interior chamber is subdivided by a wall into a systems chamber and an operating chamber which is accessible during normal operation. The containment ensures a particularly high operational reliability, in particular also in incident situations, in which hydrogen is released in the systems chamber. For this purpose, a number of overflow openings are provided in the partition wall, the respective overflow opening is closed by a closure element of a closure apparatus which opens automatically when a trigger condition associated with the respective overflow opening is reached. Closure apparatuses are provided which open both as a function of pressure and independently of pressure. The closure apparatus furthermore has a closure element containing a bursting film or a bursting diaphragm. The closure apparatus is configured such that it frees the overflow opening automatically when a predetermined environment-side trigger temperature is reached.

Abstract: A valve system for releasing a pressurized fluid is provided that includes a housing that has a that defines an interior of the housing with at least one fluid escape aperture through the wall. A trigger member may be located in the interior of the housing and is accessible from outside of the housing. A plunger may be located in the interior of the housing and can move when the structural integrity of the trigger member changes. A container can be included that has pressurized fluid therein that acts against the plunger. The pressurized fluid is capable of exiting through the fluid escape aperture when the plunger changes position.

Abstract: A tripper unit for actuating a device (e.g. valve-closing actuator) upon contact with water. Basically, the tripper unit is comprised of a housing having a replaceable cartridge therein which, in turn, is wrapped with an adsorbent paper which prevents a plunger from moving downward. When a leak occurs, water will flow into the housing and into contact with the absorbent paper which will quickly disintegrate to allow a compression spring in said housing to move the plunger downward to thereby actuate the unit.