Abstract: A modular pipe-crawling robot for in-pipe maintenance operations in aspects of the present disclosure may have one or more of the following features: (a) at least two locomotion modules, (b) each module has feet which can extend outward to grip a wall of a pipe while simultaneously reducing its length or disengaging its feet from the inner wall while increasing its length, (c) a gear mechanism built into mechanical linkage, wherein each module's feet are held perpendicular with respect to the inner wall of the pipe, and (d) a joint coupling the at least two modules.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved octave key systems for use with (e.g., incorporation into) an instrument in the bassoon family.

Abstract: System and method relates to a firewater monitor brake system, comprising a vertical locking disc collar adapted to be affixed externally or internally to a horizontal swivel of a firewater monitor system; a horizontal locking disc collar adapted to be affixed externally or internally to a vertical swivel of the firewater monitor system; a vertical brake mount adapted to be affixed to a horizontal swivel mounting pad of the firewater monitor system; a horizontal brake mount adapted to be affixed to a vertical swivel mounting pad of the firewater monitor system; a vertical brake system; wherein the vertical brake system is affixed to the vertical brake mount such that a portion of the vertical brake system is disposed around a portion of the vertical locking disc collar; a horizontal brake system, wherein the horizontal brake system is affixed to the horizontal brake mount such that a portion of the horizontal brake system is disposed around a portion of the horizontal locking disc collar; and a master cylinde

Abstract: A system for removing or tranferring a pharmaceutical product from a reservoir including an ampoule with a moveable piston therein and an adaptor which includes, generally along a longitudinal axis, a reservoir connector and an ampoule connector for coupling to the ampoule, wherein the ampoule connector includes at least one locking mechanism which, in a side wall, includes a resilient element generally corresponding to a portion of the side wall which extends along the periphery thereof and, at opposing ends, merges with the side wall.

Abstract: A mounting system made up of a valve isolation assembly comprising first and second inlet ports and first and second outlet ports along with a pair of crossable pressure lines made up of first and second pipes. The first and second pipes respectively define first and second upper ends and first and second lower ends. The first and second pipes also define first and second middle portions. The upper ends of each first and second pipe are operably coupled to the first and second inlet ports of the valve isolation assembly. In one embodiment the first and second middle portions each define a quarter right-handed helix turn. In another embodiment the first and second middle portions each define a quarter left-handed helix turn.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for guiding the flow of a fluid sample is disclosed. The microfluidic device comprises a base plate (1) that extends in two lateral directions and has at least one through-going recess (1.1) in the vertical direction; a flow-through unit (2) that has at least a first and a second flow-through site (3.1, 3.2); and a plate structure (4). The flow-through unit (2) is arranged relatively to the recess (1.1) of the base plate (1) so that a vertical fluid flow from one side of this arrangement to the opposite side through each of the first and the second flow-through sites (3.1, 3.2) is enabled. Further, the plate structure (4) and the flow-through unit (2) are arranged relatively to each other so that a linking channel cavity (41) is formed for enabling a lateral fluid flow from the first to the second flow-through site (3.1, 3.2).

Abstract: A seal member internally seals a depressurized chamber constructed by joining a plurality of plates. The seal member includes a linear portion for sealing a linear joint of the depressurized chamber and a loop portion for sealing around a corner of the depressurized chamber by being pressed against internal walls of the plates forming the corner. The loop portion is arranged to enclose the corner of the depressurized chamber. The loop portion is fixed by using a support block held at the corner and a corner pressing member joined to the plates forming the corner. The loop portion is secured between a support surface of the support block and the corner pressing member.

Abstract: A filter apparatus is provided which includes a first filter membrane element (40a), and a second bacterial filter membrane element. The first viral filter element (40a) is capable of treating water at a first second flow rate and is adapted to remove contaminants which are larger than a first size, while the second bacterial filter element (40b) is capable of treating water at a second higher flow rate and is adapted to remove contaminants which are larger than a second contaminant size. The first and second filter elements (40a), (40b) may be commonly housed within a sealed housing. An accumulating vessel (60) is placed in fluid communication with an outlet of the first filter element (40a) and an outlet of the second filter element (40b). The filter apparatus includes a duck bill type check valve (75) made of an antimicrobial material intermediate the second filter element (40b) and a dispensing faucet (70).

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a device for the distribution of gas comprising transferring the gas into a swirl chamber through an inlet section positioned tangentially to the swirl chamber,

Abstract: A filter, especially a filter for lubricating oil of an internal combustion engine, including an inlet for the raw liquid and an outlet for the clean liquid. A filter insert (12) is arranged inside the filter, as well as a valve, such as a pressure relief valve (23). Parts of the valve are provided with coatings, for example hydrophobic coatings of polytetrafluoroethylene or silicone. The filter can also contain a heating element (34) in the vicinity of the valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to pipes for conveying drinking water, including a main layer made of polyolefin covered on the outside with a layer of a thermoplastic polymer which is impervious to hydrocarbons, such as, for example, polyamides, polyvinylidene fluoride, ethyl/vinyl alcohol copolymers or polyesters. These pipes are particularly useful for pipes buried in soils that may be contaminated with hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A spray nozzle for producing an asymmetrically distributed fluid discharge pattern such as for use in a container coating application is provided. The spray nozzles includes a body portion having an internal fluid passageway which terminates in a substantially hemispherical dome shaped end wall. A discharge orifice is provided in the end wall which is produced by superimposing on each other an approximately round opening and an elongated opening having opposed rounded ends. The elongated opening having a length greater than a diameter of the round opening and the round opening and the elongated opening defining respective edges of the discharge orifice which extend at different angles relative to a longitudinal axis of the fluid passageway. The resulting orifice produces a fluid discharge pattern wherein the amount of fluid discharged tapers in a continuous, non-linear manner from the location of maximum discharge to points of minimum flow at either end of the discharge pattern.

Abstract: Apparatus for introducing a fluid into a process stream such as promoter into the feed stream of a reactor for manufacturing vinyl acetate comprises: (a) a process stream pipe having a bend and (b) a nozzle for introducing the fluid into the process stream downstream of the bend characterised in that the pipe has a flow-correction device downstream of the bend and the nozzle is mounted downstream of the flow-correction device to an end of a support arm which extends into the pipe in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of the pipe downstream of the bend.

Abstract: A container is provided that is disposable, for first collecting blood delivered from a patient, preferably by a vacuum draw of blood into a container, and then the blood in the container is treated. The treatment is provided by an at least partial a back-and-forth or reciprocating motion of blood along membranes, such that filtrate components of the blood pass through the membrane walls and are collected, whereby retentate components of the blood are retained, with the back-and-forth motion being provided by a substantially constant vacuum draw, that provides a pumping action by a diaphragm pump. A replenishment liquid is automatically added, substantially proportional to the amount of filtrate components of the blood that are withdrawn. The membranes are protected by a device which removes body fat or other potentially harmful materials.

Abstract: A system for controlling fluid flow from an outlet aperture, particularly a standpipe such as a fire hydrant. There is a first cylindrical collar element for location around the standpipe and connected with that element a second cylindrical element such that a space is defined between the two elements. There is a base provided between the two elements and a first outlet pipe for location above the standpipe. When the system is located about the standpipe fluid fills the space and stabilizes the elements relative to the standpipe. Fluid can then be directed away from the area of the aperture in the standpipe through the flexible pipe.

Abstract: In the present invention, various sizes of non-wetting droplets are inserted into microtube devices of various shapes having therein a gas or wetting fluid which causes the droplets to movement in response to fluid pressure. The droplets may translate within a void of the microtube device which is filled with the gas or wetting fluid or rotate in a fixed position. The nonwetting fluid may also be formed into rings within ring shaped channels. The microtube devices may operate to stop fluid flow, act as a check-valve, act as a flow restrictor, act as a flow regulator, act as a support for a turning axle, and act as a logic device, for example.

Abstract: A bi-directional airflow controllable system for controlling flow of air through an air circulating system to at least one zone an air temperature of which is to be controlled is coupled to an airflow duct to aid or oppose airflow throughout the duct and the system to the zone. The bi-directional airflow controllable system includes a fan positioned to interact with air moving through the system and the duct. The fan is coupled to a motor to be energized to drive the fan in a forward or reverse direction. The fan when driven by the energized motor in a forward direction creates air pressure from the fan to oppose the flow of air from the airflow duct. The fan when driven by the energized motor in a reverse direction aids the flow of air from the airflow duct. A bi-directional airflow control unit is electrically coupled to the motor.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for controlling airflow in a given direction in an air circulating system in which the method comprises the steps of:(a) placing a motor driven fan in the air circulating system in such a manner that the fan, when driven by the motor, creates pressure in a direction opposing the given direction of airflow, and(b) activating the motor to drive the fan to cause the airflow moving in said given direction to be diminished because of said opposing pressure.The apparatus is directed to an air flow controllable register for controlling a flow of air through the register from a register air flow supply duct in response to an externally provided control signal that commands differing airflow rates through the register. More specifically, the air flow controllable register includes a register flow control unit that includes a rotary mounted fan positioned within the register airflow supply duct. The fan is coupled to a motor.

Abstract: A modular nozzle system for refueling aircraft fuel tanks includes a nozzle valve linkage mechanism which permits the valve body to have a shorter length than previous designs. The nozzle may include a mechanical fuse for releasing the connection between the nozzle body and a fuel tank upon the application of predetermined forces. The nozzle may also include a swivel joint which facilitates positioning the nozzle for connection to a fuel tank. The nozzle may also include a quick disconnect assembly which facilitates connection of the nozzle to various hose end connection. The system also may comprise an assembly fixture for assembling the mechanical fuse and a test fixture for testing the release force of the mechanical fuse.

Abstract: An energy absorber for a high pressure and velocity fluid jet emanating from a nozzle is disclosed. An energy absorbing ball is freely rotatably supported in an energy absorbing chamber between seat faces. The high pressure and velocity fluid enters the energy absorbing zones and strikes the ball, causing it to rotate. The energy of the fluid is thereby substantially reduced. Since the ball is constantly in motion, a new surface is continually being brought into contact with the high energy fluid stream. This insures uniform wear of the ball as well as a long life. The ball and seats are disposed in a first end of a fluid flow conduit whose second end is carried in an adjustable support block which is in fluid communication with a fluid return line. The support block allows the spacing between the nozzle and the energy absorber to be varied to accommodate varying thicknesses of materials being cut by the high pressure fluid stream.

Abstract: A method of forming a flat plate swing valve shell from a commercially available forged or swaged pressure vessel head having circular sections in horizontal planes and elliptic sections in vertical planes. The shell is formed by cutting the head along a vertical axis to form two halves, rotating the halves outwardly with respect to each other and repositioning them so their original base edges are juxtaposed and the two halves form a continuous enclosure having an open base and which has elliptic sections in both vertical and horizontal planes, and welding the two halves along said base edges to form a unitary valve shell.

Abstract: The shutoff device for closing a large cross-sectional area gas duct comprises a lock chamber defined by the gas duct walls and the two rows of swivel louvre grills held to the housing of the shutoff device which accommodates also a mechanical actuator, said louvre grills being arranged in the gas duct at an angle to the vertical plane in such a manner as to be spaced more widely apart in the top portion of the gas duct than in the bottom portion thereof. When the gas duct is being closed the lock chamber is filled with bulk free-flowing material from the top hopper located in the gas dust upper portion, whereas when the gas duct is being opened, the lock chamber is emptied of said bulk material, which is free to pour by gravity into the bottom receiving hopper, both of said hoppers being interconnected through a conveyer for the bulk material to return to the top hopper.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of transport of vaporized matter by laser beam, and the equipment to practice the method. The vaporized material is introduced into the laser beam at the point of generation of the beam, and conveyor junctions are provided, such as prisms, having passageways therethrough, the prisms deflecting the beam and the passageways therethrough being the center of the beam for passage of vapors with the beam.