Abstract: The present invention discloses a movable valve core and an electromagnetic valve comprising the same. The movable valve core, comprising a cylindrical core body (1) defining a central axis, a leading head (2) fixed to the core body (1) removably, wherein a water-proof valve membrane (3) sandwiched between the core body (1) and the leading head (2), wherein a mounting hole (4) is axially formed in the core body (1), and a connector (5) for projecting into the mounting hole (4) extends axially from the bottom of the leading head (2), and the connector (5) is fixed into the mounting hole (4). The connector (5) is provided with an outer thread (6), and the leading head (2) is screwed into the mounting hole (4).

Abstract: A pneumatic valve arrangement for a pneumatically operated field device, such as a control device, of a processing plant, such as a chemical plant, a foodstuff processing plant, a power plant or the like is disclosed. The valve arrangement may include an air supply conduit for receiving pressurized air from a source of pressurized air, a control air conduit for aerating and venting a pneumatic actor of the field device, and a venting conduit for discharging pressurized air to a pressure sink, such as the atmosphere; a venting valve for opening and/or closing the venting conduit and an aerating valve for opening and/or closing the air supply conduit; and a pivotable carrier lever for common actuation of the aerating valve and of the venting valve, wherein the carrier lever holds the venting valve in its closed position while it opens the aerating valve from its closed position.

Abstract: Provided is a diaphragm valve that improves the durability of a diaphragm by focusing on the ratio of the radius of curvature of a pressing surface of a diaphragm presser to the radius of curvature of the diaphragm. SRb/SRa=0.4 to 0.6 is satisfied, wherein SRa represents the radius of curvature of a diaphragm 5 and SRb represents the radius of curvature of a pressing surface of a diaphragm presser 6.

Abstract: An exemplary method may comprise receiving a matrix for a set of documents, each cell of the matrix including a frequency value indicating a number of instances of a corresponding text segment in a corresponding document, receiving an indication of a relationship between two text segments, each of the two text segments associated with a first column and a second column, respectively, of the matrix, adjusting, for each document, a frequency value of the second column based on the frequency value of the first column, projecting each frequency value into a reference space to generate a set of projection values, identifying a plurality of subsets of the reference space, clustering, for each subset of the plurality of subsets, at least some documents that correspond to projection values, and generating a graph of nodes, each of the nodes identifying one or more of the documents corresponding to each cluster.

Abstract: A valve comprising a valve cap, a valve body and a diaphragm positioned between the valve cap and the valve body. The valve further has a plurality of plungers movable, by an actuation system, between a closed position where the plunger engages the diaphragm, and an open position where the plunger is disengaged from the diaphragm. Each plunger comprises a base section connected to the actuation system and having a head projecting away therefrom; a top section extending between the base section and the diaphragm, the top section having a foot in contact with the head of the base section; and a biasing mechanism biasing the top section away from the diaphragm when the plunger is in the open position. Tangential contact points may also be provided between components of the actuation and the biasing mechanism for preventing a misalignment of the actuation system within the valve body.

Abstract: An implantable device controls the movement of fluid to an inflatable portion of a gastric band. The implantable device includes a body. The body has an inlet, an outlet and a valve seat positioned between the inlet and the outlet. The body defines a fluid passage from the inlet to the outlet. The implantable device also includes a diaphragm. The diaphragm has one or more edges coupled to the body. The diaphragm is made of an elastomeric material and capable of being moved between a closed position that blocks the valve seat and does not allow the fluid to move from the inlet to the outlet and an open position that does not block the valve seat and allows the fluid to move from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.

Abstract: An air dryer cartridge is provided for a compressed air supply system, in particular a compressed air supply system of a commercial vehicle, with a drying agent box which is filled with a drying agent. The drying agent box can be coupled in an axial direction to a connecting flange of the compressed air supply system. A seal, which is designed as a non-return valve and, in the fitted state of the air dryer cartridge, acts in a sealing manner between the drying agent box and the connecting flange, is arranged on the drying agent box. A method for operating the air dryer cartridge on the compressed air supply system is also provided.

Abstract: A microfluidic dispensing system may include multiple supply lines for simultaneous filling of diaphragm pumps associated with each supply line. Each supply line may fill corresponding groups of diaphragm pumps with a corresponding ingredient to a supply reservoir for the supply line. Accordingly, different groups of diaphragm pumps corresponding to different supply lines may be filled with corresponding ingredients simultaneously. Those ingredients corresponding to the different groups of diaphragm pumps may also be dispensed simultaneously, giving rise to a faster and more efficient fluidic dispensing system.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.

Abstract: A bi-directional continuous peristaltic micro-pump is described. The micro-pump comprises: a substrate, an actuating mechanism and a fluid channel. The actuating mechanism comprises: a first slanted membrane the thickness of which increases progressively from left to right, a first chamber formed between the first slanted membrane and the substrate; and a second slanted membrane, the thickness of which decreases progressively from left to right, the second slanted membrane being located to the first slanted membrane's right side and parallel to the first slanted membrane with a space between the two membranes, a second chamber formed between the second slanted membrane and the substrate. By inflating the first chamber and the second chamber, the first slanted membrane and the second slanted membrane generate a continuous sweeping motion to force the working fluid to flow.

Abstract: A valve assembly has a valve manifold which includes a housing having a central mixing chamber and a shell surface, and further has at least two diaphragm valves which are each adapted to be attached to a valve port provided on the shell surface. A first valve port has three openings, and the further valve ports each have at least two openings. A respective first opening of the valve ports is in direct fluid communication with the central mixing chamber and the second and third openings of the valve ports are each in fluid communication with an inflow or outflow via a duct. Each valve includes inlets or outlets which correspond with the openings of the valve ports and which are each in fluid communication with an opening. Each valve is adapted to shut or open the flow path between the first opening of a valve port and the second or third opening.

Abstract: A metering assembly includes a fluidic chip and metering chambers. Selectable outlet valves communicate with each metering chamber to provide a discrete dispensed volume. The valves may be commonly controlled and may be formed as multi-level valves. The valves may be grouped into common substrate valve clusters. Purge channels communicate with the metering chambers and controlled purge valves allow reverse flow wash fluid to wash the metering chamber. Pressure ports are employed to actuate the valves. A method of dispensing a fluid from the fluidic chip includes a) to selectively filling (or filling) the metering chambers with a selected fluid; and b) outputting (or selectively outputting) the fluid to output locations. The total output volume of fluid dispensed from each metering chamber may be accumulated. The process may be repeated until the accumulated volume equals the desired volume and may be repeated for another fluid from a plurality of different fluids.

Abstract: A flow control device for a gas chromatograph is provided. The flow control device includes first and second valves each having alpha and beta operating states and a plurality of ports. In each of the first and second valves, the ports are associated to have alpha pairs of the ports and beta pairs of the ports. In the alpha operating state of each of the first and second valves, the ports in each of the alpha pairs are connected and the ports in each of the beta pairs are disconnected. In the beta operating state of each of the first and second valves, the ports in each of the beta pairs are connected and the ports in each of the alpha pairs are disconnected. The first and second valves are formed by a cylindrical manifold plate disposed between cylindrical first and second port plates. A first diaphragm is disposed between the first port plate and the manifold plate and a second diaphragm is disposed between the second port plate and the manifold plate.

Abstract: This invention provides fluidic devices, in particular microfluidic devices, with diaphragm valves having low failure rates. Low failure rates are achieved by inhibiting sticking of the diaphragm to functional surfaces such as valve seats, valve chamber and fluidic channels and conduits. One way to implement this is to provide exposed surfaces facing the diaphragm, particularly valve seats, with a low energy material, such as a noble metal, a perfluorinated polymer, a self-assembled monolayer, hard diamond, diamond-like carbon or a metal oxide. In other embodiments, the valves are provided with ridges and the diaphragm is adhered to the fluidic or actuation layer with an adhesive material.

Abstract: In a fluidic device with a storage compartment communication is allowed between the storage compartment and other portions of the device. The communication is controlled through a valve arrangement and a membrane covering the compartment. The valve arrangement can be provided through a sealing clamp with clamp fingers. The clamp fingers control communication between the storage compartment and remaining portions of the fluidic device.

Abstract: A purge valve for a split fuel cell stack design that prevents a direct flow path between the anode sides of the split stacks. The purge valve includes an inlet port that receives purge air from a compressor, a first outlet port in fluid communication with the anode side of one of the split stacks and a second outlet port in fluid communication with the anode side of the other split stack. A spring biased shaft maintains a diaphragm in a closed position to close off the flow channels between the inlet port and the first outlet port, the inlet port and the second outlet port and the first and second outlet ports during normal fuel cell operation. A hole is provided through the diaphragm to provide pressure equalization in the chamber.

Abstract: A valve positioner for controlling a valve closure element is provided. The positioner includes a positioner housing with a plurality of fluid flow passageways in fluid communication with a fluid supply source and the valve closure element. The positioner housing is configured to receive a detachable spool manifold assembly. The spool manifold assembly is positioned adjacent the plurality of fluid flow passageways. The spool manifold assembly includes a reciprocally moveable spool configured to selectively port fluid flow from the plurality of fluid flow passageways. The spool manifold assembly includes a diaphragm connected to the spool via a flexible shaft. The diaphragm is in fluid communication with a transducer for receiving a fluid causing the diaphragm to expand or contract and thereby displacing the spool. The flexible shaft is radially elastic in order to minimize axial backlash between the diaphragm and the spool. The flexible shaft configuration minimizes the spool stroke.

Abstract: A metering assembly includes a fluidic chip and metering chambers. Selectable outlet valves communicate with each metering chamber to provide a discrete dispensed volume. The valves may be commonly controlled and may be formed as multi-level valves. The valves may be grouped into common substrate valve clusters. Purge channels communicate with the metering chambers and controlled purge valves allow reverse flow wash fluid to wash the metering chamber. Pressure ports are employed to actuate the valves. A method of dispensing a fluid from the fluidic chip includes a) selectively filling (or filling) the metering chambers with a selected fluid; and b) outputting (or selectively outputting) the fluid to output locations. The total output volume of fluid dispensed from each metering chamber may be accumulated. The process may be repeated until the accumulated volume equals the desired volume and may be repeated for another fluid from a plurality of different fluids.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for implementing microfluidic analysis devices are provided. A monolithic elastomer membrane associated with an integrated pneumatic manifold allows the placement and actuation of a variety of fluid control structures, such as structures for pumping, isolating, mixing, routing, merging, splitting, preparing, and storing volumes of fluid. The fluid control structures can be used to implement a variety of sample introduction, preparation, processing, and storage techniques.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to improve the flow property so as to increase the gas flow amount, to inhibit the gas from staying within a valve chamber, and to enhance the gas-replacement property such as evacuation performance and purge performance. A housing (2) is provided with a first flow passage (7), a valve chamber (9) of a shut-off valve (8) and a second flow passage (10) in the mentioned order. A diaphragm (13) is arranged so that it hermetically covers the valve chamber (9). The first flow passage (7) has an inner end opened into an inner surface of the valve chamber (9) to which a mid portion of the diaphragm (13) is opposed. A valve seat (15) is formed around this opening. The shut-off valve (8) is opened and closed by allowing the diaphragm (13) to approach and separate from the valve seat (15). A groove portion (18) is formed in the inner surface of the valve chamber (9) around the valve seat (15).

Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.

Abstract: A cartridge for analyzing a fluid sample has a body defining at least first and second channels and a cavity separating the channels. An end of the first channel is positioned on a first side of the cavity, and an end of the second channel is positioned on a second side of the cavity. The cavity is defined by a first curved surface positioned adjacent the end of the first channel, a second curved surface positioned adjacent the end of the second channel, and at least a third surface between the first and second curved surfaces. The cartridge also comprises an elastic membrane for establishing a seal with the first and second curved surfaces to prevent the flow of fluid between the channels. The third surface is recessed from the first and second surfaces to provide a gap between the membrane and the third surface when the membrane is pressed against the first and second surfaces. A cartridge having a conical valve seat is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cartridge for analyzing a fluid sample has a body defining at least first and second channels and a cavity separating the channels. An end of the first channel is positioned on a first side of the cavity, and an end of the second channel is positioned on a second side of the cavity. The cavity is defined by a first curved surface positioned adjacent the end of the first channel, a second curved surface positioned adjacent the end of the second channel, and at least a third surface between the first and second curved surfaces. The cartridge also comprises an elastic membrane for establishing a seal with the first and second curved surfaces to prevent the flow of fluid between the channels. The third surface is recessed from the first and second surfaces to provide a gap between the membrane and the third surface when the membrane is pressed against the first and second surfaces. A cartridge having a conical valve seat is also disclosed.

Abstract: The system controls of a pneumatically operated valve using an electrical control signal from a controller. A pilot circuit of the system has multiple piezo valves that are subject to electrical signals from the controller to provide pneumatic output signals to a volume booster circuit of the system. Relatively small volume pneumatic pilot signals from the piezo valves are used to determine the opened or closed state of higher volume valve assemblies of the booster circuit which connect or disconnect the actuator of the valve to be operated with a source of pressurized gas. Both the piezo valves and the booster valve assemblies are subjected to gas at the same operating pressure, but the surface area of pistons in the booster valve assemblies exposed to the piezo valves is substantially larger than the surface area of the pistons exposed to operating pressure such that the pneumatic signals shift the pistons even when pressure is the same on both sides thereof.

Abstract: A 3-way hydraulic valve comprising a body formed with an inlet port for connecting to a pressurized supply line, a first outlet port for connecting to an outlet line and being in flow communication with the inlet port, a gate intermediate the inlet port and the first outlet port, dividing the body into an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber, the body further comprises a second outlet extending from the outlet chamber, and a control chamber fitted with a deformable diaphragm sealingly engageable with the gate so as to prevent flow between the inlet port and the first outlet port, and a sealing port associated with the second outlet and comprising a sealing member linearly displaceable between a closed and an open position.

Abstract: A fluid controller (1), having a valve body (4) having flow paths used as inlet and outlet for a bonnet (5), and an operating mechanism (7) moving the diaphragm in vertical direction, wherein the flow paths of the valve body communicates with each other through a protrusion-free communication path (8), the diaphragm is fitted closely to the communication path when lowered so as to close the flow path and, when raised, the center part of the diaphragm is recessed and its part near the outer periphery part is protruded, and also a curved surface (52) to which the outer upper surface (63) of the protruded part is closely fitted is formed on the bonnet at the inner lower surface of a diaphragm holding part (51).

Abstract: A multiport, diaphragm sealed valve suitable for use as both a sampling and column switching valve. The valve is constructed to internally block fluid communication between one or more pairs of ports in a valve operating mode. Such blocking may be used to conserve carrier gas when the valve is in the ON position.

Abstract: Pipe for crop irrigation—has inlet and outlet along length with internal flexible longitudinal dividing wall movable between first flow position and second position where fluid is unable to pass through outlet.

Abstract: The system controls the position of a pneumatically operated valve using an electrical control signal from a controller. A pilot circuit of the system has multiple piezo valves that are subject to electrical signals from the controller to provide pneumatic output signals to a volume booster circuit of the system. Relatively small volume pneumatic pilot signals from the piezo valves are used to determine the opened or closed state of higher volume valve assemblies of the booster circuit which connect or disconnect the actuator of the valve to be operated with a source of pressurized gas. Both the piezo valves and the booster valve assemblies are subjected to gas at the same operating pressure, but the surface area of pistons in the booster valve assemblies exposed to the piezo valves is substantially larger than the surface area of the pistons exposed to operating pressure such that the pneumatic signals shift the pistons even when pressure is the same on both sides thereof.

Abstract: A diaphragm valve is described, which has a valve body having disposed within it an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The valve body also has first and second connection members that extend from the valve body at substantially a right angle, and where the connection members are hollow and in fluid communication with the upper chamber of the valve body. The valve comprises: an entrance for admitting a fluid, an exit for passage of the fluid when the fluid is flowing, a draining port for draining of the fluid from the valve, and a passage between the entrance, the exit, and the draining port; wherein the passage is shaped to permit complete draining of the fluid from the valve under force of gravity when the draining port is open.

Abstract: When a drive signal is not applied to a piezoelectric element 42, a diaphragm 38 is contacted with a valve seat 52 to disconnect diaphragm chambers 24a, 24b from a passage 54. In this case, even if the pressure of a fluid introduced into the diaphragm chambers 24a, 24b is varied, the diaphragm 38 is positively supported by a valve seat 52 with no deformation, resulting in the passage 54 being positively closed up. Therefore, the possibility of the fluid leaking is eliminated. On the other hand, when a drive signal is applied to the piezoelectric element 42, the diaphragm 38 is bent, and thus the diaphragm chambers 24a, 24b are connected with the passage 54, resulting in the fluid being allowed to flow into the passage 54. If the piezoelectric element 42 comes to bend excessively, the piezoelectric element 42 is brought into contact with a cushioning member 56 to prevent the piezoelectric element 42 from being excessively deformed.

Abstract: Valves are disclosed including a housing having at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet, a valve seat for at least one of the fluid inlets and fluid outlets, a diaphragm movable between a first position engaged with the valve seat and a second position disengaged from the valve seat, the diaphragm having a surface area which is greater than the size of the valve seat so that the surface area of the diaphragm is greater than the surface area necessary for abutment against the valve seat, an actuator for actuating the diaphragm between the first and second positions, and an activator for displacing the diaphragm whereby at least partially portions of the surface area of the diaphragm are exposed to the valve seat upon displacement of the diaphragm.

Abstract: Disclosed is a control device for use in fluid systems. In one embodiment the fluid is a liquid. A substantially cylindrical housing has therein a symmetrical cavity. The cavity is divided in upper and lower chambers by a circular and planar diaphragm. The upper chamber housing wall has protruding therefrom a cylindrical boss having a port for admitting a liquid. The boss forms a valve seat. The diaphragm has a plurality of concentric corrugations surrounding a central planar integral valve member. A media port in the lower chamber housing admits media for putting pressure on the diaphragm. When the pressure exceeds a predetermined value, the valve member closes upon the seat and entraps liquid between the diaphragm and upper chamber housing. The liquid acts to cushion, conforming to the shape of the diaphragm, thereby preventing damage to the diaphragm.

Abstract: A device for regulating the flow of gases having substantially different molar masses, comprisingan always-open feed line connected to a gas source at a defined pressure and to an apparatusa first calibrated restriction placed in the feed line,a bypass line connected via at least one of its two ends to a valve of a branching valve or a 4-way valve, placed in the feed line, and via the other end to a point of connection to the feed line, the valve being switchable between a first position for bringing the feed line into communication with the bypass line and a second position for isolating the bypass line from the feed line, anda second calibrated restriction placed in the bypass line, the first calibrated restriction being placed on the feed line portion lying between the valve and the point of connection.

Abstract: A method of delivering a pure gas charged with a predetermined quantity of at least one gaseous impurity to an apparatus, comprising the steps of mixing at least two different auxiliary gases, including the impurity to form a mixture, diluting a sampled quantity of the mixture in the pure gas in a predetermined manner, delivering the pure gas charged with the impurity to the apparatus, wherein the auxiliary gases are stored in a reservoir in the form of a mixture of known composition, most of the auxiliary gases in the mixture having volume concentrations substantially of the same order of magnitude.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to methods and structures for controlling a valve. One embodiment provides a valve control comprising a first valve fluidly connected with a first fluid conveying conduit and a second fluid conveying conduit. The first valve is movable between a first position where fluid communicates between the first fluid conveying conduit and the second fluid conveying conduit and a second position where fluid does not communicate between the first fluid conveying conduit and the second fluid conveying conduit. A first source of relatively increased pressure and a first source of relatively reduced pressure are provided. A third conduit fluidly connects the first source of relatively increased pressure and the first source of relatively reduced pressure with the first valve. A third valve is fluidly connected with the third conduit.

Abstract: An IV component has at least one opening and a valve associated with the opening. The valve is normally closed to prevent fluid communication through the opening. A needleless connector can be engaged with a male element of the valve to open the valve and thereby establish a passageway for fluid communication thorough the opening.

Abstract: A rubber valve plate is sandwiched between a stator and a cover. Ports in the stator for coupling to a vacuum source and vacuum motors are aligned with poppets molded in the valve plate. A manifold in the plate joins regions surrounding the valves to couple the vacuum source to all the valves. Openings in the cover plate allow a dome of each poppet to protrude. A rotary actuator adjacent the cover is configured to selectively engage the domes to actuate certain poppets which are moved against the stator to close the port to vacuum or are allowed to move toward the cover to connect the port to vacuum.

Abstract: A three-way valve having a valve body with an internal output chamber. A supply means is in fluid communication with the output chamber for providing a source of fluid to pressurize the output chamber and thereby obtain a desired device output signal. An exhaust means in fluid communication with the output chamber provides a passage for the fluid to vent from the output chamber out to atmosphere. An output means, also in fluid communication with the output chamber, is included for directing the device output signal from the output chamber to a pneumatic device. A single bending element selectively actuates the supply means or the exhaust means to obtain a predetermined pressure value to be maintained by the valve. The bending element is positioned adjacent and between the supply and exhaust means.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a three-way weir valve. The valve housing has a common flow duct and two additional flow ducts, all connectable to external flow lines. A weir with two valve seats on opposite sides of the weir separates the common flow duct from the two additional flow ducts. Two coaxial diaphragms are arranged to engage with the weir valve seats. The common flow duct communicates with one flow duct over one of the weir valve seats and communicates with the other flow duct over the other weir valve seat. The two diaphragms are engaged with compressors connected to pistons engaged in pneumatic cylinders. An air line connects the two pneumatic cylinders. One diaphragm and compressor are biased towards engagement with its other weir valve seat resulting in a normally closed position. The other diaphragm is biased away from engagement with its weir valve seat resulting in a normally open position.

Abstract: A branched valve includes a main flow passage and a branch flow passage provided in a main body, a weir provided between the main and branch flow passages, and a valve disc which can contact with and come off from the weir and which selectively connects and disconnects the main and branch flow passages, wherein a branch flow entrance wall of the branch flow passage integrated with the weir has either a flat surface or a convex surface. The outer wall of the branch flow exit of the main flow passage may rise vertically from the outer wall of the main flow passage, and the side wall of the weir is located approximately on the center line of the main flow passage. The branch flow passage may be provided so that the center line thereof is located higher than the center line of the main flow passage. The valve disc may be a diaphragm.

Abstract: A rotatable driver comprising a Geneva type wheel is operated by a turning knob associated with climate designations on a mounting dashboard panel. The driver has drive pins that engage slots in tangential movement in driven links connected to push-pull cables. These cables in turn are connected to control doors in air ducts in vehicle climate control systems. The driver includes a wall segment selectively engageable with the driven links to serve as a stop such that upon driving movement of one of the driven links the other driven link is held stationary. One of the driven links has a cam edge that actuates an electric switch for an air conditioning unit on the vehicle in selected positions of the driven link. A directional air flow lever has an axis of rotation in alignment with the axis of rotation of the rotatable driver and operative between the turning knob and the mounting panel.

Abstract: A sampling valve is disclosed comprising a stretchable hollow valve plug mounted on the front end of an axially displaceable valve stem. The plug is provided on its inner surface with a bead projecting into a groove in the stem. When the stem is withdrawn from the valve body for inspection or other purposes, the plug is carried along due to the engagement of the bead with a side wall of the groove.

Abstract: A valve comprises a valve body (2) defining a through passage (3), a branch passage (7), and an aperture (11) in the wall of the through passage. A closure member (12) is movable between a first position in which the closure member seals the aperture and a second position in which the closure member establishes communication between the through passage and the branch passage.

Abstract: Apparatuses for the preparation of different hot drinks, such as in particular espresso machines, conventionally have a multiway valve (2), which is used for supplying hot water or superheated steam produced in a water heater to different means, such as coffee filters, frothing nozzle and/or collecting vessels. As a result of high temperatures and pressures the multiway valve is exposed to considerable stresses, which in the long term cannot be withstood by known valves or only when a complicated and costly construction is adopted. In the novel apparatus the multiway valve is provided with a perforated disk (8) and a rotary control dial (9). Rods (14) for closing the distributing passages (5) are passed through the holes in the perforated disk. The distributing passages are provided in a distributing block (1) to which the multiway valve is flanged. The position of the rods is determined by the rotary position of the control dial provided with a guide link for the rods.

Abstract: A multiple rotary control valve of the pinch type for use in conjunction with a steam sterilizing apparatus. The valve comprises at least two side by side cams, each having cylindrical and flat portions for respectively pressing and releasing, in the proper sequence, flexible tubes conducting the fluids intervening in the sterilizing process. In a preferred embodiment, the cams rotate about an axis transverse to the tubes and are disposed between opposite pairs of tubes, and the tubes are trained and held in transversely aligned openings provided in detachable covers. A wear member is provided between the cams and the respective tubes.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with method and apparatus for opening and closing a multi-way valve. The present invention discloses method and apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid into a plurality of fluid distributing pipes, wherein an elastic wall which constitutes a fluid passage is opened and closed in plural positions by the application of an external pressure to provide communication between only predetermined fluid distributing pipes out of plural fluid distributing pipes connected to the fluid passage.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for administering cardioplegic solution to a heart during open heart surgery. A source of solution is delivered to a control switch from a single tube source and the tube is divided at a "Y" connector into two tubes, one for antegrade delivery and one for retrograde delivery. The control switch has a prime position with both divided tubes open. Movement from prime position to an operative position is irreversible. In the operative position, there is an "off" position with both tubes closed, an antegrade position with the antegrade tube open and the retrograde tube closed, and a retrograde position with the retrograde tube open and the antegrade tube closed. Movement from one position to the other requires movement through the "off" position so there can be no cross-flow from antegrade to retrograde. Pressure monitoring tubes are incorporated into the switch to be opened and closed with the respective tubes.

Abstract: A valve for use e.g. as a pilot valve in an offshore water deluge fire fighting system has a ported cylindrical body and an elastomeric sleeve defining between them an annular passage for flow between the various ports. Selected ports can be closed by means of captive balls which are cammed out by a central spool to deform localized areas of the sleeve into sealing contact with the housing wall surrounding the port openings. In this way the moving parts of the valve are isolated from the fluid by the sleeve and problems of sticking, e.g. caused by salt deposits when used with seawater, are avoided. In another embodiment, a flat pad of elastomeric material is used to the same effect in a ported body defining a planar flow passage.