Abstract: A packing system is disclosed for use with a valve having a bonnet and a flow passage extending between an inlet and an outlet of a valve body. A bore can extend through the bonnet to receive a stem that moves a control member to control flow through the flow passage. A first packing arrangement can be arranged in the bore about a first portion of the stem. A second packing arrangement can be arranged in the bore about a second portion of the stem with the first packing arrangement between the second packing arrangement and the valve body. A bore port can extend through the bonnet and open into an inter-packing volume of the bore between the first and second packing arrangements and can provide fluid communication between the inter-packing volume and the outlet of the valve or other lower pressure area.

Abstract: A substrate transport system for transporting a substrate in a vacuum atmosphere includes a vacuum chamber, inside of which is configured to be capable of being set to a vacuum atmosphere, a transport arm provided inside the vacuum chamber and configured to hold and transport the substrate, a horizontal movement mechanism configured to move the transport arm in a horizontal direction inside the vacuum chamber, a horizontal duct arm mechanism including therein an accommodation portion having a normal pressure atmosphere, the horizontal duct arm mechanism being configured to be extendable/contractible as the transport arm moves horizontally, a vertical movement mechanism configured to move the transport arm in a vertical direction inside the vacuum chamber, and a vertical duct arm mechanism including therein an accommodation portion having a normal pressure atmosphere, the vertical duct arm mechanism being configured to be extendable/contractible as the transport arm moves vertically.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to multifunctional smart faucets able to dispense a plurality of cleaning and personal hygiene liquids. In accordance with aspects and embodiments, a multifunctional smart faucet system is provided comprising a faucet that, in addition to having traditionally plumbed hot and cold water lines, includes a plurality of reservoirs, each of the plurality of reservoirs having a reservoir channel extending from the reservoir through the body of the faucet. The faucet systems disclosed includes a manual push button able to dispense fluids in the reservoirs, as well automated systems for dispensing fluids on intervals and according to pre-determined programming. In some embodiments, the disclosed smart faucet systems are controllable by smart devices with the aid of a dedicated application.

Abstract: A sample injector for use in a fluid separation system for separating compounds of a fluidic sample in a mobile phase, the sample injector comprising a switchable valve, a sample loop in fluid communication with the valve and configured for receiving the fluidic sample, a metering device in fluid communication with the sample loop and configured for introducing a metered amount of the fluidic sample on the sample loop, and a control unit configured for controlling switching of the valve to transfer the sample loop between a low pressure state and a high pressure state via an intermediate state and for controlling the metering device during the intermediate state to at least partially equilibrate a pressure difference in the sample loop between the low pressure state and the high pressure state.

Abstract: Tube bending systems configured to bend a tube. The tube bending systems include a tube bending device and a lubrication system. The tube bending device includes a bending device frame and a bending die assembly. The tube bending device is configured to bend the tube. The bending die assembly is mounted to the bending device frame and includes a bending die against which the tube is selectively bent. The lubrication system is configured to selectively direct a lubrication fluid to the tube proximate the bending die assembly.

Abstract: A valve includes a valve body defining a top end, a bottom end distal from the top end, and a shaft bore defined in the top end and the bottom end; a valve shaft positioned at least partially within the shaft bore of the valve body and defining an end bore; and a shaft blowout prevention fastener secured within the end bore of the valve shaft.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to assemble actuators are described. An example method includes positioning a biasing element in a cavity defined by a housing of an actuator such that the biasing element is in an uncompressed state and at least a portion of the biasing element is to extend outside of the cavity beyond an end defined by the housing; compressing the biasing element to a compressed state until the portion of the biasing element extending outside of the cavity is positioned inside the cavity; coupling a cover to the end of the housing to capture the biasing element in the cavity; and maintaining the biasing element in the compressed state during the coupling such that the biasing element does not engage the cover.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional liquid analysis system includes a first dimension system and a second dimension system, wherein outflow from the first dimension system is separated at a flow splitter under controlled conditions. The flow splitter separates the first dimension outflow into first and second split outlet flows, with one of the split outlet flows being metered to a designated flow rate with a flow metering device disposed downstream from the flow splitter. The flow metering device selectively closes or opens an outlet flow path to define a volumetric flow rate along that outlet flow path, so that the other split outlet flow is correspondingly controlled.

Abstract: Embodiments of translating nut mechanism having enhanced lubrication features are provided, as are embodiments of variable bleed valve systems employing translating nut mechanism in the form of bidirectional stop mechanisms. In one embodiment, the translating nut mechanism comprises a housing containing a pool of grease or another lubricant. A screw shaft is mounted in the housing for rotation about a working axis. A translating nut is threadably mounted to the screw shaft and moves linearly along the working axis with rotation of the screw shaft. A first lubricant distribution feature, such as a grease paddle, projects from the translating nut into the lubricant pool. The first lubricant distribution feature moves through the lubricant pool to distribute lubricant within the translating nut mechanism as the translating nut moves along the working axis.

Abstract: A valve for controlling the temperature of a coolant to flow into a fuel cell stack to provide the optimum level of coolant at the appropriate temperature in order to keep the operation of the fuel cell stack stable is provided. In particular, new type of seal that can achieve maximum sealability with minimized friction force on a plunger shaft by changing the shape and structure of a seal for sealing the plunger shaft. As such, the valve provides a coolant control valve for a fuel cell stack in a fuel cell vehicle which can improve durability in addition to preventing water leakage and can contribute to reducing the manufacturing cost via reduction of the number or parts and simplification of the structure by removing peripheral parts all while sufficiently sealing the valve.

Abstract: A method in which the control lockup relay of a “factory installed” A750E, A750F, or A761E automotive transmission is removed from the original valve bore in which it is received, the width of the valve bore in enlarged, and the original control lockup relay is replaced by a wider control lockup relay accommodated in the enlarged valve bore for preventing cross-leaking between an hydraulic circuit applying pressure to the relay and an exhaust to maintain a predetermined applied pressure for normal operation of the relay. The control valve plunger of the lockup control valve of the “factory installed” transmission is replaced by a wider control valve plunger for preventing leaks between the hydraulic circuit applying hydraulic fluid pressure to the lockup control valve and an exhaust for maintaining the hydraulic pressure applied to the lockup control valve above a predetermined pressure for preventing erratic operation of the lockup control valve.

Abstract: A valve with a housing including an inlet opening and an outlet opening for a fluid; a closure element through which a flow of the fluid is controllable; an actuation device including an electric actuator for adjusting a closure cross section of the closure element; a drive housing at which a stator of the electric actuator is fixated, wherein a moveable moving element of the electric actuator is kinematically coupled with the closure element in an inner cavity of the drive housing which is loaded with a pressure from the fluid, wherein the stator is disposed in the inner cavity, and wherein the inner cavity of the drive housing is separated from the fluid through a moveable divider element. In order to use a valve with an actuator disposed in an abrasive fluid the inner cavity of the drive housing is separated from the fluid through a moveable divider element.

Abstract: A non-rising stem gate valve is provided that includes a drive sleeve disposed between the gate and the stem. The drive sleeve is coupled to the stem and isolates the moveable connection between the sleeve and the stem from fluid in the valve. The drive sleeve is also coupled to the gate such that movement of the drive sleeve along the stem moves the gate between the open and closed positions of the valve.

Abstract: A valve comprising a valve housing with a valve bonnet, an inlet opening and an outlet opening, the valve bonnet having a passage for a valve stem, the passage having a sidewall and the valve stem comprising a valve disk for closing the valve by bringing the valve disk in contact with a valve seat in the valve housing, the passage in the valve bonnet comprising at least a first section with a first cross sectional area and a second section with a second cross sectional area that is smaller than the first cross sectional area. The sidewall in the passage is in direct contact with the valve stem at the second section with the second cross sectional area.

Abstract: A method for greasing the mated threads of a valve stem and a stem nut of a motor-operated valve without the need to actuate the valve and without the need for an internal grease path within the stem nut includes pressurizing one end of the thread interface defined by the mating threads with pressurized grease. A device for carrying out the method may include a thread lubricator that has a bore that receives the free end of the valve stem and an adapter nut that attaches the thread lubricator to the valve housing. Pressurized grease flows into the thread lubricator and to the one end of the tread interface.

Abstract: A spring retaining sleeve includes a cylinder press-fit connection surface which has a press-fit diameter and a press-fit length. To enable cost-effective production of a stable press-fit assembly, at least one end of the cylinder press-fit connection surface, an optimized insertion chamfer for long press-fit assemblies is provided with a ratio of press-fit diameter to press-fit length of greater than thirty five percent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum valve for interrupting, releasing or controlling a flowing medium in the interior (3) of the vacuum valve (1). A shaft (6) coupled to a valve drive (5) is routed gas-tight from the atmospheric area (4) to the interior (3) through a valve housing (2) by way of a sealing shaft penetration (20) so that a movement produced by the valve drive (5) can be transferred from the atmospheric area (4) to the interior (3) for the purposes of interrupting, releasing or controlling the flow.

Abstract: Movable valve apparatus having conditioned lubricating surfaces are described. An example valve includes a valve packing having a graphite packing ring disposed within a bonnet of the fluid valve and a stem or shaft has a conditioned surface to hold a lubricating material. The conditioned surface of the stem or shaft is disposed within the bonnet and moves the lubricating material relative to and in contact with the graphite packing ring during operation of the fluid valve.

Abstract: Movable valve apparatus having conditioned lubricating surfaces are described. An example valve includes a valve packing having a graphite packing ring disposed within a bonnet of the fluid valve and a stem or shaft has a conditioned surface to hold a lubricating material. The conditioned surface of the stem or shaft is disposed within the bonnet and moves the lubricating material relative to and in contact with the graphite packing ring during operation of the fluid valve.

Abstract: A solenoid valve for controlling a hydraulic system having a coil which is composed of an electrical conductor, an armature which is situated at least partially inside the coil and is connected to a valve element for opening and closing a flow opening of the solenoid valve, and a hydraulic fluid-filled valve chamber that accommodates the armature and communicates fluidically with the hydraulic system. The armature is supported in movable fashion in the hydraulic fluid of the hydraulic system. In order to reduce the viscosity of the hydraulic fluid, the coil is situated so that a heating of the coil produced by a current flow produces a heating of the hydraulic fluid in the valve chamber.

Abstract: A grease supply mechanism is provided inside a vacuum transfer chamber. The grease supply mechanism includes: a grease storage part in a bottomed cylindrical shape storing grease therein; and a movable cover covering an opening of the grease storage part and sliding while being in contact with an inner wall of the grease storage part. When the cover is pressed and moved, the grease is supplied into a grease inlet via a grease supply port.

Abstract: A gate valve includes a pair of opposing housing members, a gate, primary sealing sleeves and a secondary sealing member. The primary sealing sleeves are disposed in each of the housing members. The gate is configured to slidably pass through a transverse gate chamber defined when the housing members are joined together. The secondary sealing member is secured between the housing members and includes at least one passage or aperture configured to allow lubricating fluid to be applied through at least one of the housing members through the secondary sealing member and onto the gate.

Abstract: A ball valve or any other type of valve in which sealing surface of the seat ring and surface of closure member keep relative sliding contact during opening and closing movement of the valves. One or more annular grooves cut into sealing surface of the seat ring around it's bore are filled with lubricant or grease used for lubricating the surfaces so as to avoid or mitigate their abrasive wear or galling caused by frictional heat.

Abstract: A grease supply mechanism is provided inside a vacuum transfer chamber. The grease supply mechanism includes: a grease storage part in a bottomed cylindrical shape storing grease therein; and a movable cover covering an opening of the grease storage part and sliding while being in contact with an inner wall of the grease storage part. When the cover is pressed and moved, the grease is supplied into a grease inlet via a grease supply port.

Abstract: A subsea valve actuator apparatus is disclosed for actuating a subsea valve. The valve actuator apparatus includes a housing which defines an enclosure and a rim. A cover cooperates with the rim for sealing the enclosure. A gearbox is disposed within the enclosure the gearbox including a worm wheel which is connected to the subsea valve for actuating the valve. The gearbox includes a seal which is disposed between the worm wheel and the housing for sealing the worm wheel relative to the housing so that lubricant disposed within the enclosure for lubricating the gearbox is sealed within the enclosure. A pressure compensator is disposed within the enclosure for maintaining pressure of the lubricant disposed within the enclosure at substantially the same pressure as the pressure of seawater outside the gearbox.

Abstract: Movable valve apparatus having conditioned lubricating surfaces are described. An example valve includes a valve packing having a graphite packing ring disposed within a bonnet of the fluid valve and a stem or shaft has a conditioned surface to hold a lubricating material. The conditioned surface of the stem or shaft is disposed within the bonnet and moves the lubricating material relative to and in contact with the graphite packing ring during operation of the fluid valve.

Abstract: A gate valve includes a pair of opposing housing members, a gate, primary sealing sleeves and a secondary sealing member. The primary sealing sleeves are disposed in each of the housing members. The gate is configured to slidably pass through a transverse gate chamber defined when the housing members are joined together. The secondary sealing member is secured between the housing members and includes at least one passage or aperture configured to allow lubricating fluid to be applied through at least one of the housing members through the secondary sealing member and onto the gate.

Abstract: A replaceable valve shaft sealing system is disclosed that enables the operator to greatly reduce the maintenance needs of valves where rotational movement of a shaft, that is connected to the actual metering apparatus of the valve, actuates the opening or closing of the valve thereby regulating fluid flow. The design of the shaft enables the user to replace the valve stem and associated sealing rings or to re-lubricate the shaft, while the valve is connected to the line, by simply removing the packing nut. There are no-preloaded sealing devices that require re-construction. Prior art designs use O-rings to prevent the seepage of fluid into the valve body and though the rotating shaft, but the disclosed shaft prevents contamination of the lubrication into the fluid flow and eliminates any of the axial loads that can cause O-rings to fail using the prior art designs.

Abstract: A solenoid valve system, wherein the valve member is provided with a seal member disposed thereabout. The solenoid valve is especially suitable for use with exhaust gas recirculation systems. The seal member is operable to slide axially relative to the valve member, including the stem portion thereof. An optional lubricant is provided between the valve member and the seal member so as to provide a relatively low friction environment therebetween when the valve member is in motion. An optional biasable member, in operable association with the seal member, is provided so as to maintain proper positioning of the seal member, e.g., during operation of the solenoid valve system.

Abstract: A shear valve assembly includes a stationary valve manifold having a manifold planar surface containing a plurality of manifold input ports and one or more manifold output ports, a movable valve switch having a switch planar surface in slidable, interactive contact with the manifold planar surface forming an interactive contact junction, the switch planar surface having a fluid switching channel capable of connecting one of the plurality of manifold input ports with one of the one or more manifold output ports, a surface modifying component disposed at the interactive contact junction that provides a period of extended useful life of the manifold planar surface and the switch planar surface beyond the useful life of pre-lubricated interactive contact junction, a drive shaft connected to the valve switch, and a valve housing supporting the stationary valve manifold, the movable valve switch, and the drive shaft.

Abstract: An assembly method includes a step of press-fitting a second valve 27 to a valve shaft 29 to which a first valve 25 is press-fitted and secured while measuring and adjusting a distance L2 so that it becomes equal to a distance L1. Thus, the first valve 25 and second valve 27 are press-fitted to the valve shaft 29 and those components are swaged together so that the first and second valves are secured to the valve shaft, and oil is placed in a press-fitted portion. When components, such as the first valve 25, are sintered parts, oil contained in the sintered parts themselves is used for increasing a joining force that occurs in the press-fitted portion.

Abstract: A grease supply mechanism is provided inside a vacuum transfer chamber. The grease supply mechanism includes: a grease storage part in a bottomed cylindrical shape storing grease therein; and a movable cover covering an opening of the grease storage part and sliding while being in contact with an inner wall of the grease storage part. When the cover is pressed and moved, the grease is supplied into a grease inlet via a grease supply port.

Abstract: The present invention provides an actuated gate valve including a gate valve housing and an actuating device attached to one end of the gate valve housing. The gate valve housing includes a displaceable valve plate, and the actuating device includes an actuator rod connected to the valve plate so that a force applied to the valve plate by the actuator rod is coincident with a displacement of the valve plate.

Abstract: An idle air control valve (11) for a vehicle includes a stator assembly (12) and a rotor assembly (26) operatively associated with the stator assembly and mounted for rotation with respect to the stator assembly. A shaft (36) is restricted from rotation and is associated with the rotor assembly such that rotation of the rotor assembly causes linear movement of the shaft. A pintle (38) is associated with a distal end of the shaft for linear movement therewith. A journal (28) is associated with the rotor assembly and is constructed and arranged to support and permit rotation of the rotor assembly relative to the stator assembly. Lubricant (30) is provided between a surface of the journal and a surface of the rotor assembly.

Abstract: A guillotine valve, used for example in pipelines includes a single block body incorporating sealing elements, each in the form of an annular hose section, which are made of an elastomeric material and which are hollow along their entire circumference, each providing an airtight pneumatic circumferential chamber filled with air. Due to the compressibility of the chambers the contact faces of the hose sections deform uniformly in relation to a closing blade. Convex contours on the internal faces of the hose sections result in a further sealing effect due the pressing together of the contact faces by the pressure of the pipeline fluid. The hose sections can each also incorporate a T-shaped metal core comprising an axial portion and a radial portion.

Abstract: Valve having a valve housing, a valve member slidable in the valve housing between open and closed positions, and a friction reducer to reduce friction between the valve member and the valve housing. The friction reducer comprises at least one guide shoe made of low friction material, to provide a low friction sliding surface, the guide shoe being removably insertable into a slot in the valve member. The guide shoe is arranged to cooperate with the slot such that the ends of the slot prevent the guide shoe from being extracted from the valve member in the direction of movement of the valve member, when the valve member is in position with the valve housing.

Abstract: In a sliding structure in which a shaft member is retained slidably in a guide hole, the lack of an oil film caused by the edge contact of the shaft member to which a pressing load in the axial direction is applied is prevented. With the fact being taken into account that end portions 25c1 and 25c2, which are always in slidable contact with a side surface 1232a of a guide hole 1232, of a side surface 25c of a shaft member 251 are the partial edge portion, a plurality of labyrinth grooves 2501 and 2502 are formed in the end portions 25c1 and 25c2, respectively, thereby it is possible for an oil film to cover the entire contact portion without increasing the groove width extremely. Because the groove width is not increased extremely, the length of the sliding portions can be ensured.

Abstract: A valve for controlling a fluid, in particular for controlling a gas. The valve includes a valve housing which accommodates an electromagnetic actuating unit for a solenoid armature which is guided axially displaceably in the valve housing and which cooperates with a valve seat via a valve-closing member, so that a fluid stream from an inflow side to an outflow side of the valve is controllable. At least one lubricant chamber adjacent to the guide gap between the valve housing and the solenoid armature is provided.

Abstract: An actuator having a set of slidable pistons including sliding regions with the sliding regions including at least one wear member supported by a resilient member and a second wear member laterally spaced from the first wear member with a lubrication reservoir located therebetween for maintaining the wear members in lubricated sliding engagement with the cylindrical walls of the housing to limit the need to replace or repair the actuator. In order to provide ingress and egress of fluid from the chambers within the actuator a channel passage extends along the back side of the extension of the piston to permit quick venting of fluid therefrom.

Abstract: An anti-coking valve arrangement having a valve body that defines a passage for the flow of fluid medium. Valve seat and valve member positioned within the valve body and function to control the flow of fluid medium. A first anti-coking device is operably associated with the valve stem. A second anti-coking device is operably associated with the bearing guide member. A third anti-coking device is operably associated with the valve member and the valve seat. A fourth anti-coking device is operably associated with the valve stem and the bearing guide. A fifth anti-coking device is operably associated with the bearing guide. A sixth anti-coking device is operably associated between the valve stem and the bearing guide.

Abstract: In an electronically controlled throttle apparatus, a coil spring is shaped to extend from a U-shaped hook portion which is a joint between a first spring portion having a returning function and a second spring portion having an opening function to the other end of the second spring portion. A coating of a lubricant is provided on a sliding contact area between the inside circumferential surface of the coil spring and the outside circumferential surface of the second spring inside circumferential guide. Thus, the sliding resistance in relative motion between the coil spring and the second spring inside circumferential guide can be significantly reduced.

Abstract: An actuator having a set of slidable pistons including sliding regions with the sliding regions including at least one wear member supported by a resilient member and a second wear member laterally spaced from the first wear member with a lubrication reservoir located therebetween for maintaining the wear members in lubricated sliding engagement with the cylindrical walls of the housing to limit the need to replace or repair the actuator. In order to provide ingress and egress of fluid from the chambers within the actuator a channel passage extends along the back side of the extension of the piston to permit quick venting of fluid therefrom.

Abstract: In an electronically controlled throttle apparatus, a coil spring is shaped to extend from a U-shaped hook portion which is a joint between a first spring portion having a returning function and a second spring portion having an opening function to the other end of the second spring portion. A coating of a lubricant is provided on a sliding contact area between the inside circumferential surface of the coil spring and the outside circumferential surface of the second spring inside circumferential guide. Thus, the sliding resistance in relative motion between the coil spring and the second spring inside circumferential guide can be significantly reduced.

Abstract: An actuator having a set of slidable pistons including sliding regions with the sliding regions including at least one wear member supported by a resilient member and a second wear member laterally spaced from the first wear member with a lubrication reservoir located therebetween for maintaining the wear members in lubricated sliding engagement with the cylindrical walls of the housing to limit the need to replace or repair the actuator. In order to provide ingress and egress of fluid from the chambers within the actuator a channel passage extends along the back side of the extension of the piston to permit quick venting of fluid therefrom.

Abstract: In a flow amount control device, column shaped valve element is slidably disposed in a cylindrical inner circumferential wall of a valve body. The valve element is provided along an outer circumference thereof with two ring shaped grooves. Fuel stored in the ring shaped grooves serves to form film of oil for lubrication in a sliding clearance between the valve element and the valve body so that frictional resistance therebetween is smaller and the valve element slides smoothly on the valve body. Accordingly, the device can control flow amount of fuel accurately.

Abstract: A pneumatic valve includes a cylinder having at least one gas port for providing inflow and outflow of a gas; a piston arranged in the cylinder and performing a reciprocating, straight-line movement in response to the inflow and outflow of the gas; a first valve shaft passing through the piston and having a first end portion including a first coupling portion; and a second valve shaft including a second coupling portion and having a first end portion protruding from the cylinder, wherein the second coupling portion is coupled to the first coupling portion.

Abstract: An exhaust gas valve device in an internal combustion engine, including a first bearing member mounted between a valve shaft and a valve body with one end of the valve shaft turnably fitted into the first bearing member, a second bearing member mounted between the valve shaft and the valve body with the other end of the valve shaft turnably passed through the second bearing member, and an actuator connected to the other end of the valve shaft protruding from the second bearing member. The valve body, the valve shaft and the first and second bearing members are formed of metal materials having equivalent thermal expansion coefficients; the first and second bearing members are press-fitted into said valve body; and a skin of a graphite-based solid lubricant is formed on a surface of the valve shaft in regions corresponding to the first and second bearing members.

Abstract: A plurality of grooves 32 are arranged on the inner circumferential surface of a first sleeve 19 so as to extend in the axial direction of the first sleeve 19. The plurality of grooves 32 are arranged at equal intervals around a center axis of the first sleeve 19 in the same sectional area of the first sleeve 19. Each groove 32 is formed with a circular cross section, and each groove 32 has a sufficient depth in the inner circumferential surface of the first sleeve 19 to reliably collect foreign matter in the groove 32. Each groove 32 has the same length as that of the first sleeve 19 in the axial direction of the first sleeve 19, and both ends of each groove 32 are opened on both end surfaces of the first sleeve 19.

Abstract: The present invention relates to automatic transmissions of land motor vehicles. Specifically, the present invention relates to pressure regulation in the system of automatic transmissions of land motor vehicles. The present invention is a pressure regulator valve that limits TV pressure. This valve is meant to replace the original equipment valve in the same casing the said original valve sat. The pressure regulator valve is slightly oversized and the kit has an o-ring equipped end plug to more positively seal the valve bore and prevent pressure loss, known in the industry as EPC/TV pressure. Furthermore, the valve has annular grooves added to prevent side loading by properly centering the valve in a bore. The pressure regulator valve comprises a steel ball and a spring combination with a gel like substance being added to prevent high wear and tear of the entire valve.

Abstract: A shear valve assembly comprises a pair of valve pads having opposing planar surfaces supported for relative sliding engagement. Each valve pad defines a plurality of liquid pathways by which a liquid can be passed from one pad to the other. The planar surface of one of the valve pads has an open channel formed therein, such channel having dimensions to accommodate a prescribed volume of liquid. Liquid is introduced into such channel via a first pair of pathways formed in the other valve pad, and liquid is dispensed from the open channel by a second pair of pathways that are brought into alignment with the channel during sliding movement between the valve pads. The valve assembly is particularly useful in blood-analyzing instruments for isolating and dispensing relatively minute volumes (of the order of microliters) of whole blood for analysis.