Abstract: An outflow regulator for a gravity-fed liquid outlet of a liquid reservoir comprising a restriction plate mountable within the liquid outlet for limiting a flow rate of an effluent. The restriction plate allows a lower passage for the effluent when a first level of liquid is reached within the liquid reservoir, and an upper passage for the effluent when a second level of liquid is reached. The regulator also comprises a flapgate pivotable between a closed position where the flapgate covers the lower passage of the restriction device and an open position away from the restriction plate. When the flapgate is in the closed position, the effluent is free to flow out though the upper passage. A float counterweight switches the flapgate between the opened position and closed position according to the liquid level in the reservoir.

Abstract: A one-piece manifold for a reverse osmosis system includes a filter configured to receive water from a water port and a membrane configured to receive filtered water via a first conduit. The membrane is also configured to send permeate water to a reverse osmosis tank. The manifold also includes a flow restrictor configured to receive concentrate water from the membrane via a second conduit and to pass the concentrate water to a drain port.

Abstract: A flow control valve controls a flow of water through a passage to a brine tank of a water treatment apparatus. A valve seat is between first and second sections of the passage. The valve seat has a first end with a concave surface facing the first section and an aperture extending from the concave surface to a second end that faces the second section. A groove in the concave surface extends from the first end to the aperture. A valve element moves within the first section in response to pressure of the water in the first section thereby varying the size of a path through the passage by an amount that varies as a function of the water pressure. The action of the valve element maintains a substantially constant flow rate through the flow control valve regardless of water pressure variation.

Abstract: A damper utilizing a frame having a base and a wall portion extending outwardly from the same. The wall portion supports a stepped edge which is positioned to at least partially circumvent and aperture formed by the frame. A plurality of flanges are positioned in overlying relationship and slidably move relative to one another by a mechanical mechanism. A plurality of flanges ride on a stepped edge portion to cause fanning of the flanges across the aperture to selectively occlude the aperture or a portion thereof.

Abstract: A shrinkage control material for elastomeric molding. On a surface of a resilient metal wire, an adhesive layer of a halogenated polymer-based or olefin-based adhesive is disposed. An elastomeric molding includes the shrinkage control material and a elastomeric extrusion formed around the shrinkage control material to cover, the elastomeric extrusion being bonded by vulcanization to the shrinkage control material.

Abstract: A seal ring for an orifice plate includes a metal annular body having an outer peripheral edge and an inner peripheral edge. A first sealing element retainer is integrally formed with and extends from a first side of the body. A second sealing element retainer is integrally formed with and extends from a second side of the body. An annular first sealing element engages the first sealing element retainer on the first side of the body. An annular second sealing element engages the second sealing element retainer on the second side of the body. The first sealing element and the second sealing element leave the outer peripheral edge of the body exposed to facilitate metal on metal contact between a carrier of an orifice fitting and the outer peripheral edge. The first sealing element and the second sealing element extend past the inner peripheral edge to form an orifice plate receiving groove.

Abstract: A double directional check valve and flow restrictor combination including a housing which contains a pair of axially-aligned check valves and a flow restrictor disposed between the check valves. Dry purge air flows into the housing through the flow restrictor, which facilitates smooth and uniform flow of the air, and out of one of the check valves to a dessicant chamber to dry or regenerate dessicant in the chamber. The housing is fitted with flanges or other connection structures for quick, easy and convenient attachment of the housing to a piping network in an air, nitrogen or other process drying system.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a dissolvable product feed apparatus for dissolving a feeding dissolvable product includes a dissolvable product holding vessel and an automatic flow control device fluidly connected to the holding vessel.

Abstract: A homogenization device comprising a flow-through channel having at least two local constrictions of flow wherein the size of a first local constrictions is adjustable thereby permitting variable flow rate through one portion of the device and the size of a second local constriction is fixed thereby permitting constant flow rate through another portion of the device.

Abstract: A damper utilizing a frame having a base and a wall portion extending outwardly from the same. The wall portion supports a stepped edge which is positioned to at least partially circumvent and aperture formed by the frame. A plurality of flanges are positioned in overlying relationship and slidably move relative to one another by a mechanical mechanism. A plurality of flanges ride on a stepped edge portion to cause fanning of the flanges across the aperture to selectively occlude the aperture or a portion thereof.

Abstract: Pellets which may, for example, simulate snow are brought to a position such as the top of a tree from where they are dispensed. After falling to the bottom. the pellets are collected and re dispensed. The pellets are blown through a venturi tube and from there to a tube which runs to the position at where the pellets are dispersed. An adjustable flap is provided in the venturi tube, this flap functioning both to contribute to the venturi action controlling the fluid pressure and as a valve to control the rate of flow of pellets for optimum operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conditioning loose-fill insulation including an elongated tubular cylinder having a plurality of internal blades positioned in a helical configuration. Large nodules of glass fibrous material pass through the conditioning cylinder and are combed into smaller, more uniform sizes, thus allowing a more uniform additive application further downstream in the manufacturing process. The addition of a tangential airflow to the conditioning cylinder facilitates the combing process by adding a tangential force to move the nodules down the cylinder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving a flow of fluid and restricting the flow through a device are described. The apparatus includes an insert having a shaped surface including at least one through-hole located off-center. The shaped surface may be a bell-shaped curve in cross-section. The method includes supplying a flow of fluid to one side of the apparatus, redirecting a portion of the flow of the fluid onto itself, and directing the flow to the at least one through-hole.

Abstract: A valve or ball reversal orifice provides provide a first flow restriction to a material flowing through the ball reversal orifice and a second flow restriction when the material reverses flow direction. The valve includes a housing having at least first and second walls that define a cavity therein. The cavity is configured such that a cross-sectional area of the cavity taken perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cavity decreases from the second wall to the first wall. A first port is provided in the first wall for allowing material to enter or exit a cavity, and a second port is provided in the second wall for allowing material to enter or exit the cavity. A flow restrictor, such as a ball, disposed in the cavity and is movable between a relatively large portion of said cavity and a relatively small portion of said cavity to provide different flow restriction depending on the direction of material flow through the cavity.

Abstract: A safety valve limits but does not curtail flow of fluid from a source through the body of the safety valve upon release of a handle. A pivotable vane disposed within the body is urged to pivot from a first state not restricting fluid flow to a second state restricting fluid flow in response to the force of the fluid flow. A shaft supporting the vane is connected to the handle. Retaining the handle in a position commensurate with the first state of the vane will permit fluid flow through the safety valve, which fluid flow will become limited upon release of the handle due to a change in state of the vane.

Abstract: A flow regulator (1) having a regulator housing (2) with a control peg (4) in a passage channel that encompasses an annular flow restrictor (5) made of elastic material. The flow restrictor defines a control gap (6) located between itself and at least one part that is fixed to the housing. The passage cross-section of the gap can be modified by deformation of the flow restrictor resulting from the difference in pressure during cross flow. Spaced recesses (7, 8) oriented in the flow direction are provided in a peripheral direction on the surfaces of the part fixed to the housing defining the control gap (6). The regulation recesses are on the inner surface of the regulator housing (2) and on the peripheral surface of the control peg. The desired flow rate is achieved at comparatively low liquid pressure and remains practically constant in case of increased or fluctuating liquid pressures.

Abstract: A back flow prevention valve for preventing water from draining back into a water supply line. The back flow prevention valve includes a housing comprising a tubular body having a first and second open end each having a respective covering thereon with an aperture extending therethrough. A water supply pipe is fluidly coupled to the aperture in a first covering. A cylinder is coupled to the first covering and extends inward of the tubular body. A piston having a bore extending therethrough is slidably positioned in the cylinder. A biasing member biases the piston toward the first covering. The aperture in the second covering has a ledge therein for opening the valve. A one-way valve is removably coupled to the piston and is adapted for letting water move outwardly through the piston toward the second end of the tubular member.

Abstract: A method of controlling the fluid pressure of an inflatable stopping bag used to block the fluid flow through a fluid conduit comprises pressurising the bag using a pressure regulator which operates to regulate the pressure of the bag as a function of the instantaneous pressure in the pipe upstream of the stopping bag.

Abstract: An expansion valve for modifying the flow of a refrigerant fluid to provide reliable control of a refrigeration system includes a channel for conveying the refrigerant fluid. The channel has an inlet for accepting the refrigerant fluid and an outlet for exhausting the refrigerant fluid. A heating element is disposed in a path of the fluid and associated with the inlet. Electrical terminals are coupled to the heating element for controlling thermal properties of the heating element to modulate or regulate the flow of the refrigerant fluid through the channel.

Abstract: A unitary diaphragm assembly for use primarily in conventional flush valves. The diaphragm assembly has a flexible diaphragm which includes a sealing portion and a mounting portion at the outer peripheral edge. A flow ring is positioned adjacent the sealing portion of the diaphragm. An elongated barrel member extends from the diaphragm in a longitudinal direction and includes a plurality of radial guides positioned circumferentially around the outer surface of the barrel member along a portion of the length of the barrel member. The diaphragm defines an orifice having a ring portion that flexes when a pressure difference is applied across the orifice thereby increasing the flow rate across the diaphragm. The orifice has a smaller diameter at a first end relative to a second end of the orifice. A method of compensating for a pressure difference across the diaphragm is also disclosed.

Abstract: A throttling choke valve having a wear sleeve lining the interior surface of the cylindrical passage downstream of the valve sealing mechanism. A preferred embodiment of the wear sleeve has a removable retainer ring that fits between the wear sleeve and the fluid outlet. The retainer ring has a distal end that opens into the pipeline. At the distal end of the retainer ring the thickness of the wall of the retainer is decreased such that the interior surface is curved outward toward the interior surface of the pipeline.

Abstract: A valve or ball reversal orifice provides provide a first flow restriction to a material flowing through the ball reversal orifice and a second flow restriction when the material reverses flow direction. The valve includes a housing having at least first and second walls that define a cavity therein. The cavity is configured such that a cross-sectional area of the cavity taken perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cavity decreases from the second wall to the first wall. A first port is provided in the first wall for allowing material to enter or exit a cavity, and a second port is provided in the second wall for allowing material to enter or exit the cavity. A flow restrictor, such as a ball, disposed in the cavity and is movable between a relatively large portion of said cavity and a relatively small portion of said cavity to provide different flow restriction depending on the direction of material flow through the cavity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the amount of gas consumed during welding operations by reducing gas-surge principally for M.I.G. and T.I.G. welding systems. A preferred embodiment consists of a series of removable orifice bodies which may be threaded into a valve body. The removable orifice bodies restrict the maximum rate at which gas can flow from through the welding system. Gas-flow cannot exceed the maximum rate permitted by the particular diameter of the removable orifice body used, but may be adjusted up or down by substituting one of a plurality of available interchangeable orifice bodies. To allow for a higher gas flow rate, an orifice body with a larger diameter gas flow passage is used. For a lower gas flow rate, an orifice body with a smaller gas flow passage is used.

Abstract: A rotary vane combustion engine is provided that has a plurality of vane cells. This rotary vane combustion engine includes a rotor having a plurality of vanes; a stator enclosing the rotor to form a plurality of vane cells between the plurality of vanes; one or more intake ports for providing intake charge to the vane cells; one or more exhaust ports for removing exhaust gas from one of the vane cells; and a variable bandwidth fuel-air source connected to at least one of the intake ports for providing a discrete band of mixed fuel and air having a desired axial width to each of the plurality of vane cells. By providing a discrete band of fuel and air to each of the vane cells, this rotary vane combustion engine will allow the machine or engine to run at lower power without requiring it to run a vacuum to lower the density of mixed fuel and air. As a result, vacuum pumping losses can be substantially eliminated and the machine or engine can operate more efficiently.

Abstract: A safety device for protecting a fluid pipeline (1) from an excessive flow of the fluid running through it. The device includes a body (2) delimited by a tubular wall (20), having an upstream end (21) and a downstream end (22) and being selectively inserted into the pipeline (1). A valve (3), which is sensitive to a pressure loss, is supported by the body (2) and disposed between the upstream and downstream ends. A retaining means (4a, 4b) holds the body (2) in place inside the pipeline (1). An inflatable envelope (5) is provided outside the body for impermeably encasing a section of effective length of the tubular wall (20) into which at least one first opening (231) is cut.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for diurnally storing and releasing municipal sewage in its conveyance network of sewers and interceptor piping to affect a reduction in peak energy demand and on-peak energy usage at the wastewater treatment plant, and, to reduce peak loadings to wastewater treatment plant clarifiers, aeration basins, channels and pumps, thereby improving plant performance and extending the wastewater treatment plant capacity. Utilization of the existing sewer system provides a way to obtain cost effective electrical cost reductions, flow equalization capacity, or an optimized combination thereof. With the disclosed invention it is possible to equalize wastewater flows, or alternatively to shift flow peaks from the on-peak electric rate periods to the off-peak electric rate periods providing less equalization.

Abstract: A unitary diaphragm assembly for use primarily in conventional flush valves. The diaphragm assembly has a flexible diaphragm which includes a sealing portion and a mounting portion at the outer peripheral edge. A flow ring is positioned adjacent the sealing portion of the diaphragm. An elongated barrel member extends from the diaphragm in a longitudinal direction and includes a plurality of radial guides positioned circumferentially around the outer surface of the barrel member along a portion of the length of the barrel member. The diaphragm defines an orifice having a ring portion that flexes when a pressure difference is applied across the orifice thereby increasing the flow rate across the diaphragm. The orifice has a smaller diameter at a first end relative to a second end of the orifice. A method of compensating for a pressure difference across the diaphragm is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a drainage system for a conduit having a conduit inflow and a conduit outflow, the intention is that at least one drainage obstacle which can be moved in the direction of flow (X) is provided for limiting, directing, regulating or influencing a stream of water.

Abstract: A volume adjusting faucet includes a body with an outlet, a switch and an adjust valve, and a rod portion. The rod portion has a through hole at a proper location and vertical to a passageway for containing the adjust valve, which has a valve body and a valve cap both provided with an annular groove for a O-shaped ring to fit therein. The valve body has a small neck portion with a vertical hole. Then the valve body is inserted in the through hole from one side, and the valve cap is inserted in the through hole from the other side to screw with the valve body together. If the adjust valve is rotated by the switch, the angle between the through hole and the passageway is altered to alter the volume of water flowing out. Further, the small neck portion enables water to flow with the minimum volume even if the through hole and the passageway form 90 degrees, achieving the function of water saving.

Abstract: A flow duct for the passage of a two-phase flow which has a liquid and a gaseous phase is described, comprising an inner wall completely enclosing the two-phase flow radially to the direction of flow. The invention is distinguished by the fact that raised contours are provided on the inner wall of the flow duct, and these raised contours are attached to the inner wall essentially perpendicularly to the direction of flow and are at a distance from one another in the direction of flow.

Abstract: An apparatus for helping to protect a vehicle occupant in the event of a collision comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device 12. An inflator 14 having a source of inflation fluid 48 for inflating the protection device 12 includes a passage 30 through which the inflation fluid 48 flows from the inflator 14 into the protection device 12. A member 60 for regulating the flow of the inflation fluid 48 through the passage 30 defines a first orifice 68, through which inflation fluid 48 flows, of a first fluid flow area when no electric current is applied to the member 60 and defines a second orifice 68a, through which inflation fluid 48 flows, of second fluid flow area larger than the first fluid flow area when electric current is applied to the member 60.

Abstract: An emulsification device having a mobile frame, mobile fluid deflectors, and stationary fluid deflectors, with the fluid shear deflectors being positioned in the outer periphery of the interior of the device, and with minimal flow resistance from factors other than the deflectors. Flow of component fluids passes directly through the fluid shear areas, with a minimal flow path through other flow resisting structures.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device for use in heat pump systems is provided. The device includes an elongated body shaped to define a plurality of lines of contact along the elongated body which reduces operational noise and which improves fluid flow characteristics. In a preferred embodiment, the device includes four or six lines of contact. The device may also include a highly angled nose region to improve seating and stability.

Abstract: An I-type counterflow absorber for directly connecting with a piping system to absorb the impact force and noise resulting from water hammering in the piping system. It includes an outer tube, an inner tube, a valve seat, a valve and an annular piston board. The outer tube includes a front tube and a rear tube. The valve seat is located between the front tube and the rear tube and has a funnel groove and a passage formed therein. The inner tube is located in the rear tube and has one end engaging with one side of the funnel groove. The valve includes a valve engageable with another side of the funnel groove. The piston board is located between the inner tube and the rear tube for separating the space between the inner tube and outer tube in a buffer zone and an air chamber filled with air.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for selectively discharging a stream of liquid has a body (102) adapted for connection to a source of liquid under pressure, a throttle valve assembly (120) for maintaining a constant output flow throughout changes in supply pressure, a smooth bore barrel (140) for providing a deluge stream, a fog tip (160) for providing an aspirated fog spray and a shut off valve (180). The fog spray pattern is variable from a straight stream parallel to the axis of the apparatus to a wide spray at an angle to the axis of the apparatus. The deluge stream and the fog spray are selectable separately or in combination.

Abstract: An improved method and device for attaching a filter to the entrance of a pipe has been described. The filter attaching device includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion includes a plurality of projections for securing the filter to the device. The lower portion is connected to the upper portion and retains the filter in engagement with the entrance to the pipe. The lower portion is inserted into the pipe so that the filter is brought into contact with the entrance to the pipe. The lower portion includes means for frictionally engaging the walls of the pipe so that the device and filter are retained in a fixed position.

Abstract: A pressure relief adapter includes a body and a slideable sleeve positioned in a passageway thereof and cooperating therewith and with O-rings to define a sealed chamber containing ambient air or other gas. The slideable sleeve has an enlarged head at one end. A compression spring in the chamber urges the sleeve toward the end having the enlarged head. Upon introduction of hydraulic fluid under pressure into the passageway and sleeve, the hydraulic fluid acting on the enlarged head urges the sleeve in a direction compressing the spring and reducing the size of the chamber thereby relieving pressure in the fluid flow system in which the adapter is positioned.

Abstract: A single piece housing with a floating gas sealing member in a gas communication channel between the two ends of the housing, for joining a high pressure gas port to a second gas port in gas sealing relation.

Abstract: A variable orifice for controlling the flow of pulverized coal and air in a pipe leading to a cool burner comprises a plurality of flow restriction poles extending into the pipe. The poles are radially adjustable to vary the amount of restriction to flow. Indicia are provided to indicate the position of the inner ends of the poles.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for automatic transmissions includes a separate plate interposed between valve bodies and formed with a first hole for fluid communication between the valve bodies. A cup is disposed in one of the valve bodies, having a bottom biased to contact the separate plate. The bottom of the cup is formed with a second hole which fluidly communicates with the first hole. The second hole is smaller in radial dimension than the first hole, and includes two truncated-cone holes with a minimum-diameter portion.

Abstract: A throttling element, and throttling device utilizing the throttle element, provide absolute minimum possible resistance when in the fully opened position yet easily and effectively throttles the flow, so as to introduce a variable pressure drop, upon rotation utilizing conventional actuators. The device cannot be closed off completely, and it is possible to produce it in the same cost range as for butterfly valves yet having significant advantages thereover. The throttling element includes an annular metal substantially spherical segment having an exterior arcuate extent of about 80.degree. or less (e.g. about 60-70.degree.) with first and second elongated metal shaft stubs extending radially outwardly from the exterior of the annular substantially spherical segment, on opposite of the segment the dimension of elongation of the shaft stubs.

Abstract: A throttle element for installation in a fuel carrying conduit, which is embodied as a screwed in insert with a head that constitutes an annular gap in relation to a cylindrical circumference wall of the conduit and this annular gap is disposed as a filter upstream of the throttle of the throttle element.

Abstract: The invention is a water flow limiting device that is placed into a housing. The flow device has a baffle plate which has one or more inlet passages and an outlet passage that has a predetermined diameter. The device also has a cylinder plate with one or more drain passages. The cylinder plate is connected to the baffle plate to form a distribution chamber. The distribution chamber receives the water from the outlet passage and empties it through the drain passages. The flow device also has a baffle device that is attached to the cylinder plate and accurately regulates the amount of water flowing from the distribution chamber into the drain passages. The baffle device may be a needle point screw, a rounded screw, a flat screw, or a combination screw and moveable orifice plate.

Abstract: A varying cross-sectional area capillary tube for a refrigeration system. The capillary tube comprises at least a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a cross-sectional area that is effectively smaller than the cross-sectional area of the second portion. By doing so, any contaminants contained in the refrigerant will deposit themselves within the second portion of the capillary tubes, but because of the increased cross-sectional area, will not clog the capillary tube.

Abstract: A dispensing valve for dispensing a liquid including a valve housing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, an armature positioned in the housing, the armature being reciprocal between an open and closed position, a sealing disk fixedly secured to a sealing end of the armature for sealing engaging a valve seat positioned about the fluid outlet for providing selective fluid communication between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and a flow control device positioned in the fluid outlet for providing a substantially quiet and constant flow of liquid through the fluid outlet. The flow control device including a high pressure region and a low pressure region downstream of the high pressure region with the high pressure region of the flow control device including a flow control orifice having an inside diameter less than a diameter of the fluid outlet and the low pressure region of the flow control device intersects the high pressure region of the flow control device.

Abstract: A valve assembly is shown having a valving member situated generally in the path of flow of a fluid which varies in pressure and urges the valving member in generally the same direction as the flow of the fluid; a spring is shown resiliently resisting the movement of the valving member by the flow of fluid; as the valving member is urged in the direction of the flow of the fluid the valving member reduces the effective flow area of the valve assembly through which area the fluid is to flow; the valve assembly features low hysteresis, resistance to plugging by debris in system, is flow sensitive activating at higher pressure differential as flow is increased and it may incorporate a fail safe feature reopening in case of spring failure; flow noise attenuation is also a feature.

Abstract: Apparatus, positioned at an inlet port to a pump, for shielding the pump from a process chamber of a semiconductor wafer processing system, where the apparatus has a variable effective throughput area. Specifically, the apparatus is a restrictor shield having a first effective throughput area during processing and a second effective throughput area during bakeout, where the first effective throughput area is typically less than the second effective throughput area. The selection of the effective throughput area is directly responsive to the temperature within the process chamber.

Abstract: In a throttle device for a pressure control apparatus, the return line inside a pressure control valve or in the line course outside it is provided with a cross-sectional constriction that throttles the flow. This cross-sectional constriction is variable automatically, as a function of the flow rate and hence of the prevailing pressure, in such a way that at a low flow rate a small flow cross section and at a high flow rate a large flow cross section results. It is thus possible to design the return line pressure as high as possible over a wide range of the flow rate and to keep the pressure difference between the inflow line and return line slight and thereby to minimize the noise production in the pressure control valve.

Abstract: A variable flow restricting device comprises a part (12) having a groove (14) provided in a face (18) thereof and a through-passage (20) communicating with the groove. The device further comprises a covering structure (22) for engaging the face (18) to cover the groove (14) and thereby define a flow path which extends from the through-passage (20) in communication therewith. Covering of the groove is facilitated by a structure (26) for providing relative displacement between the part (12) and the covering structure (22) for causing resilient deformation of the covering structure and/or the part (12) to provide adjustably variable covering of the groove. The flow path extends from the through-passage (20) to an extent which is adjustably variable according to relative displacement of the part (12) and the covering structure.

Abstract: A flush valve includes a body with an inlet, an outlet, a valve seat at the outlet, and a piston movable in the body toward and away from the valve seat to control flow through the outlet. The piston has a chamber and there is a refill orifice in the piston connecting the chamber with the body inlet. Pressure in the chamber maintains the piston closed upon the valve seat. A relief valve in the piston vents the chamber to the outlet to permit the piston to move away from the valve seat to open flow from the inlet to the body outlet. The piston has a guide portion which extends downstream of the valve seat when the piston is in the closed position. The guide portion of the piston has a plurality of outwardly extending axial ribs, the outer surface of which is radially in alignment with the path of flow through said valve seat.