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 cooling and heating cycle apparatus includes a high pressure coolant gas discharged from an outlet port of a compressor and supplied selectively to one end or the other of a heat exchanger through a high/low pressure switch valve. A low pressure coolant gas expelled from the other end of the heat exchanger is supplied to an inlet port of the compressor through the high/low pressure switch valves. A low pressure coolant gas flow rate regulating valve for controlling a flow rate of the low pressure coolant gas supplied to the inlet portion of the compressor is disposed between the compressor and the high/low pressure switch valve.

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 refrigerant flow metering device for use in a refrigeration system which uses a movable piston with a fixed flow passage in series with a variable area flow passage. The variable flow area is defined by the position of the piston relative to the containing housing. The position of the movable piston is a function of refrigerant pressure differential across the piston and the force of a spring member acting in an opposite direction on the piston. The variable flow area is defined as the clearance between a tapered fixed housing and the tapered portion of the movable piston. The piston is sealed via an “O” ring seal causing fluid to flow first through a fixed bore and then through the variable flow area.

Abstract: When a fluid passes through a conventional elbow, turbulence is created in the fluid flow. The fluid may not stabilize and return to a laminar flow until 40-50 pipe diameters downstream. Turbulence in a piping system can cause a variety of problems such as measurement error, noise, vibration, and/or erosion. The flow diffuser of the present invention may be configured as a 90° elbow for use in a piping system to reduce turbulence and/or pulsation as the fluid passes through the improved elbow. The elbow can restore substantially laminar flow in a space of about four pipe diameters, with nominal pressure drop.

Abstract: In a fluid flow restrictor, the amount of fluid flow restriction increases in response to higher dispensing system pressures and decreases in response to lower dispensing system pressures. In this manner, a relatively consistent flow rate of fluid being dispensed can be maintained regardless of fluctuations in system pressure. Variable resistance is provided by changing the length of the fluid flow path or by changing the cross-sectional area, and, thus, the volume of the fluid flow path, or by changing both the length and the cross-sectional area of the fluid flow path.

Abstract: A method and system for producing constant-flow valves having a plurality of different flow rates includes a plurality of orifices each having a seat defining contoured flow control surfaces, the orifices having at least K different configurations of flow control surfaces, where K≧2, and a plurality of diaphragms of identical shape each formed of an elastomeric material having a defined Shore A durometer hardness, the diaphragms having at least M different Shore A durometer hardnesses, where M≧2, each diaphragm being configured to engage the flow control surfaces of the seat of each orifice so as to create flow control passages between the diaphragm and the flow control surfaces, the diaphragm being deflected by pressure differential across the diaphragm so as to constrict the flow control passages as the pressure differential increases.

Abstract: A refrigerant flow metering device for use in a refrigeration system which uses a movable piston with a fixed flow passage in series with a variable area flow passage. The variable flow area is defined by the position of the piston relative to the valve body. The position of the movable piston is a function of refrigerant pressure differential across the piston and the force of a spring member acting in an opposite direction on the piston. In one embodiment, the variable flow area is defined as the clearance between a tapered fixed housing and a tapered portion of the movable piston. In an alternative embodiment, the metering device includes a two-piece piston having a re-open feature that increases the inlet orifice diameter of the piston.

Abstract: A common rail system having a regulated prefeed pump, which pumps a fuel flow from a fuel tank to a high-pressure pump. The fuel flow is split with the aid of a valve assembly into a lubricant flow and a high-pressure feed flow that is pumped into a high-pressure reservoir, and acted upon by high pressure. The prefeed pump has a substantially linear characteristic feed curve with a certain slope. To improve the regulating performance, the valve assembly for the lubricant flow includes a valve whose characteristic feed curve initially rises in a first portion (I) with the rpm of the prefeed pump with the same slope as the characteristic feed curve of the prefeed pump. Then in a second portion (II) rises substantially linearly, with a lesser slope than the characteristic feed curve of the prefeed pump, and in a third portion (III) finally drops again.

Abstract: A drip irrigation line includes a plurality of emitter units secured within a water supply tube such that each emitter unit defines with the tube a flow-control passageway having an inlet port communicating with the interior of the water supply tube and an outlet port communicating with a water discharge opening in the water supply tube. Each emitter unit includes a one-way valve at one of the ports. Such port has an opening circumscribed by a cylindrical boss, and the one-way valve thereat includes a cap having a skirt of elastomeric material normally engaging the outer surface of the cylindrical boss to block reverse water flow into the flow-control passageway, but is deformable under water pressure to permit forward flow from the tube interior into the flow-control passageway.

Abstract: A refrigerant flow metering device for use in a refrigeration system which uses a movable piston with a fixed flow passage in series with a variable area flow passage. The variable flow area is defined by the position of the piston relative to the containing housing. The position of the movable piston is a function of refrigerant pressure differential across the piston and the force of a spring member acting in an opposite direction on the piston. The variable flow area is defined as the clearance between a tapered fixed housing and the tapered portion of the movable piston. The piston is sealed via an “O” ring seal causing fluid to flow first through a fixed bore and then through the variable flow area.

Abstract: When a fluid passes through a conventional elbow or valve in a piping system, turbulence is created in the fluid flow. The fluid may not stabilize and return to a laminar flow until 40-50 pipe diameters downstream. Turbulence in a piping system can cause a variety of problems such as noise, vibration, and/or erosion. Turbulence also creates a pressure drop which is undesirable. The flow diffuser of the present invention may be configured as a 90° elbow for use in a piping system to reduce turbulence and pressure drops as the fluid passes through the improved elbow. The elbow of the present invention included an elongate tapered discharge nozzle. The elbow can restore substantially laminar flow in a space of about four pipe diameters.

Abstract: A variable resistance device for use in a duct of a high pressure air supply system employs a rotatable butterfly damper locatable in the air supply system having a closed and an open position for variably restricting airflow through the air supply system. The butterfly damper is provided with apertures which permit air to flow through the butterfly damper even when it is in a closed position. The apertures are sized to provide a maximum resistance value at a minimum air flow rate in a closed position, a minimum resistance value at a maximum air flow rate in a 70% open position, and a nearly linear relationship between an angular rotation position of the butterfly damper and resistance.

Abstract: A flow proportioning assembly for dividing a portion of a fluid flow such as gas for presentation to a sensor includes a holder member having a central opening and forming an exterior peripheral passageway when inserted within a conduit of a flow meter housing. A resistor member can be adjustably mounted in the central opening downstream of a holder member aperture to encourage a laminar flow pattern and a large entrance port and a large exit port can communicate with a passageway that is operatively connected with a sensor. The exit port is downstream of the resistor member. Flexible fastener members can engage the resistor member and the holder member for ease of mounting. The resistor member can also comprise a helical arrangement of small fluid passageways to encourage laminar flow.

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 device for limiting the flow rate of a liquid generally includes a tubular and rotation-symmetrical housing with an inlet opening and an outlet opening for the liquid. A substantially rotation-symmetrical first body is guided for axial displacement and urged toward the inlet opening by a spring. The first body includes a widest peripheral part located at a distance from an inner wall of the housing. An annular second body is disposed in a stationary position on the inner wall of the housing. As liquid flow increases through the device, the first body moves toward the second body while reducing a passage size of a gap defined between the first body and the second body.

Abstract: A cap assembly for providing continuous drip to a faucet exposed to freezing temperatures such as a faucet located outside a house. The cap assembly includes a cap member adapted to be mounted over the end of a faucet, which cap member includes a cylindrical wall portion and a closed end portion having an opening therein. The cap assembly includes an internal annular ridge which is adapted to receive a flow disc within the ridge, which flow disc includes an opening which is non-aligned with the opening in the closed end portion of the cap in order to create a dripping action. A rubber washer is positioned in sealing engagement with the internal annular ridge and the flow disc. A filter member is located within the rubber washer such that, upon mounting of the cap assembly over the end portion of a faucet, a continuous dripping flow through the cap assembly may be provided in order to prevent water within the faucet or within piping leading to the faucet from freezing.

Abstract: An in-line agitating device for fluids includes an elongate internally-threaded cylindrical tube, open at each end, with a flow-disturber such as a round ball positioned inside the tube so as to substantially but not completely block off the bore of the tube. When a fluid is introduced into one end of the tube, its velocity increases as it is forced through the restricted space between the ball and the inner surface of the tube and then rapidly decelerates, causing turbulence which results in vigorous agitation of the fluid. This agitation is intensified by swirling action imparted to the fluid by the internal threading of the tube.

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: The invention provides, in a first form, an expandable plug for regulating pressure or flow within a tube. The plug has an inflatable bladder (12) for diametral expansion by internal fluid pressure introduced by inlet (14). The plug is reinforced by an envelope (26) of cords (28) which spread laterally upon inflation of the bladder to provide diametral support to the bladder. In a second form of the invention, an inflatable plug positioned in a tube of internal diameter d is controlled according to the equation P.sub.p =.DELTA.P+P.sub.d wherein P.sub.d is the internal pressure in the plug, .DELTA.P is the differential pressure across the plug and P.sub.d is the plug free expansion pressure for diameter d.

Abstract: A fuel admission valve for metering gas without using a mass flow sensor. The valve uses a flow control element and nozzle, an actuator, a fuel supply pressure sensor, a fuel supply temperature sensor, a flow control element position sensor, and a flow control circuit to meter gas in sonic flow with insensitivity to the discharge pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting sonochemical reactions and processes using in large scales liquid medium volumes is disclosed which passes a hydrodynamic liquid flow at a velocity through a flow through channel internally containing at least one element to produce a local constriction of the hydrodynamic liquid flow. The velocity of the liquid flow in the local constriction is at least 16 m/sec. A hydrodynamic cavitation cavern is created down stream of the local constriction, thereby generating cavitation bubbles. The cavitation bubbles are shifted with the liquid flow to an outlet from the flow through channel and the static pressure of the liquid flow is increased to at least 0.85 kg/cm.sup.2. The cavitation bubbles are then collapsed in the elevated static pressure zone, thereby initiating the sonochemical reactions and processes.

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: The invention provides a modular gas cooktop system comprising a gas cooktop including compartments and standardized connections for a plurality of modular gas cooking units and an adapter. The standardized connections provide the maximum gas flow rates expected for use with the modular gas cooking units and the adapter provides gas flow rates compatible with the individual gas cooking units. The adaptor automatically reduces the gas flow rate provided to a modular cooking cartridge to match the gas flow requirement of the particular cartridge. The adapter can be added to the cartridge during the manufacturing process, thereby eliminating the requirement of removing an existing orifice from the gas appliance and replacing it with a second orifice when installing the cartridge in the gas appliance. The invention further includes a method for adapting the gas flow rate available to a modular cooking cartridge in a gas appliance.

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 mixer for a fluid flow in a pipe connection, especially for homogenizing a multiphase flow, has a housing to be inserted in the pipe connection for the fluid to flow through. In the housing there are at least one and preferably two or more adjoining and individually displaceable regulating elements having cooperating wall portions with flow passages. At an upstream side radial flow passages cause the fluid to converge into a central chamber. In the cooperating wall portions, a number of flow channels can be aligned or misaligned with one another and/or the inlet and outlet openings to regulate and control flow by movement of the regulating elements. The regulating elements also define a full cross-section opening at 90.degree. to the flow passages, which can clear the passage between the inlet and outlet for passage of a pipe pig.

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: 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 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: In a homogenization unit, a homogenizing valve comprises an impact head which, with a lower valve body, forms an annular high-pressure chamber (64) supplied by a high pressure channel (24). An annular surface of the impact head cooperates with an opposite face of a passage head (22) accommodated in the lower valve body to define a radial passage gap, with an impact ring facing it; the gap leads into a low-pressure annular chamber (54) from which a low pressure channel (34) leads off. The impact head comprises two spaced out guide areas to guide the head in the valve body.

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 control apparatus for controlling gas flow in a molecular region including a housing, having a through-channel, and a control plate displaceable in its plane between an open position, in which the plate is located sidewise of the through-channel, and a closed position, in which the control plate crosses the through-channel, the control plate having a circumferential edge at least a portion of which is received in a groove circumscribing the through-channel, with the received portion having a profile which is offset backward or projects out with respect to the cross-sectional profile of the through-channel, and with the received portion having a diminished cross-sectional profile in comparison with the remaining edge portion.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device for maintaining a substantially constant predetermined rate of flow through a control valve including a fluid flow passage for directing fluid flow through the valve, a resilient fluid flow rate control washer positioned in the fluid flow passage for maintaining a substantially constant predetermined rate of flow through an outlet of the fluid flow passage irrespective of a pressure of the fluid in the passage and fluid flow conditioning washers for conditioning the flow of fluid through the flow rate control washer with the fluid flow conditioning washers being movable with respect to the flow rate control washer for aiding in the conformability of the flow rate control washer. Preferably, at least two fluid flow conditioning washers are positioned upstream of the flow rate control washer and at least one fluid flow conditioning washer is positioned downstream of the flow rate control washer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a muffler for a gas flow at a gas intake of a achine. The muffler includes at least one venturi nozzle cooperating with a chamber. Each venturi nozzle has an inlet opening, an outlet opening and a throat therebetween. The chamber has a chamber inlet connected to either the inlet opening or the outlet opening of each venturi nozzle. The chamber has a chamber outlet connected to the gas intake of the machine. Some embodiments of the invention feature variation of the total throat area of the muffler. Other embodiments of the invention feature variation of the volume enclosed by the chamber.

Abstract: An improved control valve to control very low rates of flow having a valve body housing a throttle mechanism. The throttle mechanism comprising a bore and throttle plunger, having a helical exterior groove, sized with an annular passage therebetween. The size of the cylindrical passage is selected and held within limits so that media of a chosen viscosity maintains fully developed laminar conditions as it enters and exits the valve, by keeping the Reynolds Number under 4000. The flow rate is controlled by varying the distance that the throttle plunger extends into the bore. Because the valve operates under constant laminar conditions this varying distance yields linear results between the length of engagement of the throttle plunger in the bore and the flow rate resulting in an increased accuracy control valve.

Abstract: A shock absorber in a liquid conduit (4) is provided. The shock absorber comprises a closed liquid tank (10), which is partly filled with gas and has a joint means (11) connected to the conduit (4). Via the joint means, liquid can flow to and from the tank (10) for compressing and decompressing the gas. The joint means (11) comprises a check valve means which, in its forward direction, permits a substantially free liquid flow from the conduit (4) to the tank and, in its rearward direction, permits throttled liquid flow from the tank to the conduit.

Abstract: An IV fluid flow control device includes a rigid casing defining a flow passage having a fluid entrance and a fluid exit. A rigid, previous base is affixed inside the flow passage of the casing. A flexible, resilient flow regulator is disposed inside the flow passage of the casing adjacent to and upstream of the base. The flow regulator normally has a smaller cross-section than does the flow passage, leaving open space for fluid to pass. A rigid, previous cap is disposed inside the flow passage of the casing adjacent to and upstream of the flow regulator. The cap is axially movable inside the flow passage of the casing. The flow regulator biases the cap against pressure from fluid entering through the fluid entrance. Increases beyond a threshold level in the pressure from fluid entering through the fluid entrance cause axial compression of the flow regulator, thereby expending the transverse cross-section of the flow regulator, resulting in a reduction of the open space for fluid to pass.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sanitary safety device which is interposed in a water-supply line and there is insertable in an opening in the region of a coupling point or joint. It is characteristic of the sanitary safety device according to the invention that the sanitary safety device has a flow regulator (2) or similar restrictor as well as a backflow preventer (3), these being combined in the sanitary safety device to compose a constructional unit in the form of a cartridge (1). Such is insertable for example, in the opening of a recess in the form of a cartridge mount provided in a hose connector. The cartridge (1) composed of the flow regulator (2), backflow preventer (3) and any strainer attachment (8) at the inflow end can thus be interposed in a water-supply line in a simple fashion and with little effort.

Abstract: Disclosed is a means for automatically regulating water pressure in water pipe mainly including a tube connected to and between two sections of water pipes. A plurality of pressure-reduction members and springs are alternately disposed in the tube. The pressure-reduction members have an external diameter slightly smaller than an inner diameter of the tube. Grooves or through holes are formed on a circumferential surface or bottom surface, respectively, of the pressure-reduction members for water to pass through. Whereby, when a small volume of water with low water pressure flows into the tube, the springs are in an extended state, allowing water flowing into the tube to freely pass the grooves around the pressure-reduction members and to enter into the springs via circumferential clearances of the springs, and finally flows out of the tube via the through holes on the lowest pressure-reduction member in the tube.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a device to make flow uniform in a denitrification system, which can achieve a predetermined flow regulation effect with low pressure loss independently of the gas flow rate. According to the present invention, the device installed on the upstream side of a chemical injection means for the denitrification system is composed of at least one perforated plate 11, and the perforated plate 11 can be turned by a rotating shaft 10 or 10a from the closed position where the gas flow path is closed to the open position where the gas flow path is opened or vice versa.

Abstract: A flow control limiter for limiting the volumetric flow rate of a fluid flowing through a line. A stator is matingly seated in the line, and includes a sleeve portion and a curved portion extending outwardly and upstream from the sleeve portion. The stator further includes a centrally disposed neck portion connected to the sleeve portion. A shuttle is slidably fitted onto the neck portion such that an annular space is formed between the shuttle and the curved portion of the stator for the flow of fluid therethrough, the shuttle being slidable between an upstream position and a downstream position. A spring is disposed between the stator and the shuttle to bias the shuttle toward the upstream position.

Abstract: An improved mechanical system selectively locks the tester valve of an annulus pressure responsive tester valve in position for an indeterminate number of well annulus pressure cycles. The tester valve also features a multi-range metering cartridge which is operable to meter fluid over a wide range of differential pressures. The metering cartridge provides an adjustable resistance flow path which permits fluid flow across the cartridge. The resistance of the flow path is adjustable by selectively diverting the fluid through a series of fluid flow resistors. Resistance may be increased either by adding a number of flow resistors serially or by adding a single flow resistor which itself provides a greater fluid flow resistance.

Abstract: A fluid flow control apparatus 10 which uses a plurality of deformable metal springing arms 98, 108 to position a plurality of metal plates 40, 50, 70 within a chamber 34. The metal plates 40, 50, 70 define a plurality of flow paths to vary the amount of flow through the flow control apparatus 10. By changing the size and quantity of the various flow paths F.sub.1, F.sub.2, F.sub.3 and F.sub.4 the flow control apparatus can be tailored to each specific application. The fluid flow control apparatus thus has the durability advantages associated with metal flow controls by using metal spring arms instead of coil springs, and provides the smaller packaging advantages associated with molded rubber flow controls. The apparatus utilizes the deflection of the metal springs instead of the deformation of rubber which will change. The diameter of the apparatus can be as small as 3/8 inch larger than the inlet diameter, and have a length of as little as 3/8 inch.

Abstract: A throttle device for stock suspensions in a paper machine including a feed line, a drain line and a spatially variable cavity connecting the feed line and drain line with each other. The cavities provided with a plurality of nestable walls in which the nesting effects a lengthening of the flow path.

Abstract: Fluid flow through a conduit is selectively blocked upon the occurrence of an alarm condition by an inflatable member normally folded when not in use to occupy as small a volume as is practicable. The small size volume together with securement of the inflatable member in a preferred location minimizes the effect of the inflatable member to normal fluid flow. A thin, tear-away sleeve maintains the inflatable member in the folded state and quickly tears apart during inflation enabling the inflatable member to fill and plug the interior of the conduit. The shape of the inflatable member, together with the fluid source utilized for inflation assures rapid, liquid-tight sealing. Alarm signal monitoring and inflation initiation is guaranteed under substantially all conditions through the employment of an electronic controller with a stand-by battery.

Abstract: A variable pressure reducing device for reducing high pressure in steam and hot water samples forces the liquid through an annular passageway between a pair of rods within a complementary pair of tubes. The flow rate through the rod-in-tube device, or the pressure drop across the device, is adjustable by means of a rotatable guide screw for adjusting the position of the rods within the tubes. The rods are tapered to provide a smooth flow of liquid through the device. The seal around the guide screw is self energized by means of a seal jacket between a valve gland and a stem portion of the guide screw constructed so that the biasing force of a spring on the seal jacket is supplemented by pressure from liquid flowing through the device The guide screw is centered within the valve gland to keep the guide screw properly aligned, particularly when the device is used with a motor for rotating the guide screw to adjust the position of the rods.