Abstract: A valve (100) includes a body (1) having a valve seat (10) formed therein, a bonnet (2), a diaphragm (3) supporting a valve element (18) abutting against and moving away from the valve seat (10), and an elastic member such as an O-ring (5). The body (1) is formed with an annular groove (13) extending around the valve seat (10), and the diaphragm (3) is provided at the peripheral edge (20) with an annular engagement part (21) formed to have an approximate L-shape in cross-section. The annular engagement part (21) is inserted into the annular groove (13) in a tight state by the elastic member disposed between the bonnet (2) and the annular engagement part (21) of the diaphragm (3).

Abstract: The present invention involves, in some embodiments, mechanisms and methods of occluding collapsible tubing with an occluder to prevent fluid flow therethrough. In some embodiments, a tube occluding mechanism is disclosed that includes a bendable occluding member for creating a force that can be applied to a collapsible tube to occlude the tube. In some embodiments, the collapsible tube can be an inlet/outlet tube on a removable pumping cartridge that is coupled to a reusable pump drive component when the system is in operation. In such embodiments, the occluding mechanism can be attached to the reusable component and can be used to block fluid flow to and from the pumping cartridge. In some embodiments, the occluding member can comprises a spring plate which can create a force to occlude tubing when in a relaxed, unbent configuration, and which can be bent to unocclude the tubing.

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

Abstract: A passage switching valve includes a lower actuator and an upper actuator. the lower actuator includes a case, a diaphragm, an operating rod, and a spring. A lower end of the operating rod is connected to a valve element. The upper actuator includes a case, a diaphragm, an operating rod, and a spring. An upper end of the lower operating rod is abuttable on a lower end of the upper operating rod. The upper pressure chamber and the lower negative pressure chamber are communicated with each other. Each of the negative pressure chambers of the actuators is to be supplied with negative pressure. Each of the operating rods is held against vibration by a bush. The lower spring is set to be greater in urging force than the upper spring.

Abstract: An airflow baffle apparatus for a forced-air cooled computer system is comprised of a linearly inflating airflow baffle bladder with a fixable surface and a topologically self-adjusting compliant surface. The linearly inflating airflow baffle bladder is couplable with the computer system. The fixable surface of the linearly inflating airflow baffle bladder is fixedly couplable to a first interior surface of the computer system. The topologically self-adjusting compliant surface of the linearly inflating airflow baffle bladder is couplable to an internal topology of the computer system in response to inflation of said linearly inflating airflow baffle bladder.

Abstract: An adjustment valve includes a first diaphragm integrally formed from an attachment section engaged with and fixed to the bottom of a rod, a joining section to which a valve body is fixed, a thin film section radially extending from a shoulder section, a thick wall section continuous with the thin film section, and a seal section provided at the peripheral edge of the thick wall section. The second diaphragm has a central hole, and includes an integrally formed thin film section radially extending from a thick wall section at the center hole, and a seal section is provided at the peripheral edge thereof. A diaphragm hold-down member penetrates the central hole at the shoulder section of the rod, causing the second diaphragm to be sandwiched and fixed. The rod is disposed with play in the through-hole in the bottom of the cylinder, and is supported by a spring engaged between a step section of the cylinder and the bottom surface of the shoulder in a state such that radial movement is prevented.

Abstract: In a pilot-type valve, a valve box enclosing a main valve is flangeless, and the valve box is arranged in a state sandwiched between pipe flanges. In the pilot-type valve that uses a pilot valve to control a driving force required to operate a main valve 2 to open and close the main valve 2,valve box 6 enclosing the main valve 2 is sandwiched between pipe flanges F, F1 tightened to each other with bolts B, B1, . . . and nuts N, N1, . . . . In addition, the valve box 6 is flangeless at its connection end portions 11, 12 for connection with the pipe flanges F, F1 and having an inlet and outlet 7 and 8 for a pressurized fluid respectively. A cover flange neck 18 extended upward from the valve box 6 is restricted only at sites on its wide walls corresponding to the bolts B, B1 extended between the pipe flanges F, F1 and adjacent to each other on the circumferences of the pipe flanges F, F1, so that the cover flange neck 18 can be passed through the interval between the bolts B, B1 at this restricted portion.

Abstract: A turbocharger actuator and method of calibrating for a variable nozzle turbocharger. Included are an actuator housing having a diaphragm connected across it, a piston, and a compression spring arranged to be generally centered in the actuator housing biasing the piston. Three rivets connect the actuator housing to a bracket. The diaphragm is crimped to connect to the actuator housing, which is coated with an elastomeric bead. The bracket includes three plate sections, the first having a plurality of rivet holes, and second two each having an elongated hole to receive an attachment bolt and allow sliding movement of the actuator assembly relative to the turbocharger housing.

Abstract: An actuator assembly for use in conjunction with a pneumatic valve assembly of the type which includes an airway having an inlet port, an outlet port, and a valve disposed within the airway and configured to be moved between an open position and a closed position, comprises a first actuator coupled to the valve for moving the valve between the open position and the closed position in a first operational mode, and a second actuator coupled to the valve for opening the valve in a second operational mode.

Abstract: A method and rotary valve actuator to apply increased torque proximate the open or the closed position of a valve are disclosed. An example rotary valve actuator includes an elongated actuator member and a lever configured to receive a shaft associated with a valve, the lever having a lever arm coupled rotatably to an end of the actuator member, so that when the lever is coupled to the shaft of the valve the elongated actuator member applies a maximum torque to the shaft when the valve is proximate a fully closed or a fully open position.

Abstract: A valve is disclosed having an inlet duct aligned with an outlet duct and an angularly oriented elliptical seat positioned between them. A pressure chamber faces the seat. A pivoting valve closure member is positioned between the pressure chamber and the seat. An asymmetrical rolling diaphragm is attached to the closure member and defines part of the pressure chamber. A seat engaging surface on the side of the closure member opposite the pressure chamber is sealingly engageable with the seat to close the valve. The valve closure member is pivoted into the closed positioned by pressurizing the pressure chamber. The valve remains closed against hydraulic pressure in the inlet duct. The valve is permitted to open by de-pressurizing the pressure chamber, allowing the closure member to pivot out of engagement with the seat. Fluid may then flow from the inlet duct to the outlet duct.

Abstract: The present invention illustrates an irrigation valve that operates at low flows by providing a guide washer of the valve assembly that prevents diaphragm extrusion. Specifically, the circular channel area of a guide washer of the valve includes spoke-like fins. These fins keep the diaphragm from extruding into the open channel over time, while allowing for easy guide washer manufacturing.

Abstract: A diaphragm operated valve having the diaphragm attached at its lower end to a valve closure plug, and movable therewith, and attached at its upper end to a portion of valve body that forms the pressure cavity. The diaphragm has a stepped portion between its upper and lower ends which folds back on itself when the valve opens. The valve body has shoulder portions that support the diaphragm when the valve is closed to avoid stressing the diaphragm material due to pressure in the pressure chamber. This allows the outside diameter of the diaphragm to be minimized, and eliminates the need for fabric reinforcement. A filter screen is positioned flush with the surface of the valve plug so that high velocity flow across the screen while the valve is opening and closing removes accumulated dirt thereby making the screen self cleaning.

Abstract: A control valve includes a valve body defining a top opening. A bonnet is provided for closing off the top opening of the valve body. A stem housed in the bonnet and the valve housing slidably moves a valve plug in the valve housing to open and close the valve. A packing assembly is provided for sealing between the stem and bonnet, and a packing retainer maintains the packing assembly within the bonnet. A retainer ring is provided for securing the packing retainer in place. The retainer ring can be formed as a generally cylindrical ring that engages the packing retainer and can be tightened on the packing retainer. Outer notches formed in an exterior surface of the lock nut provide for tightening of the lock nut with a tool. In addition, the retainer ring may include a lower portion that closely receives an outer surface of the packing retainer, thereby to center the retainer ring with the packing retainer.

Abstract: A device and control method for actuating valves of a motor vehicle internal combustion engine including at least a controlled hydraulic actuator actuating the associated valve that is provided in the form of a cylinder. A mobile piston connected to the valve delimits two opposite hydraulic pressure chambers each supplied with an incompressible fluid and pressure regulated by a control unit such that the pressure prevailing in one of the chambers is alternately higher/lower than that which prevails in the other chamber to actuate the valve. Each pressure chamber of the cylinder is capable of communicating with a corresponding actuating hydraulic pressure source, which includes a pneumatic return mechanism for the fluid.

Abstract: The bypass valve system of a turbo-charged engine includes a compressor coupled between an air intake and a cylinder. The system also includes a bypass valve coupled in a bypass passage between an intake manifold and the air intake. The bypass valve is configured to selectively open and close the bypass passage in response to a change in pressure downstream of the compressor. A throttle position sensor is configured to generate an electric signal that is proportional to a degree of opening of a throttle valve. Also, an electronic control unit (ECU) is configured to output an activating signal when a sudden closure of the throttle valve is detected based on the electric signal. Finally, a solenoid valve is configured to supply pressure downstream of the compressor to the bypass valve when it receives the activating signal.

Abstract: A normally open fluid manipulation valve assembly and system and a method for closing, re-opening and re-closing same. The normally open valve assembly can include a substrate including a first surface, with first and second recesses formed in the first surface. A recessed channel can be formed in the first surface. The recessed channel can extend from the first recess to the second recess and can be at least partially defined by a first deformable material having a first modulus of elasticity. The valve assembly can also include an elastically deformable cover. The elastically deformable cover can include a layer of an elastically deformable material having a modulus of elasticity that is greater than the modulus of elasticity of the first deformable material, and an adhesive layer that contacts the first surface of the substrate.

Abstract: Described are dispensing apparatuses and methods of their use, the dispensing apparatuses having one or more process chamber inside of a control chamber, and the volume of the process chamber increases or decreases by adding or removing control fluid from the control chamber, with proper valving, to cause fluid to flow into and out of the process chamber, for use in dispensing fluid, especially in precise amounts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device which is to be utilized at the time of observation of a mixed state or a chemically-combined state of a mixture attained by mixing together trace amounts of gases or trace amounts of liquids or mixing a trace amount of a gas with a trace amount of liquid. A micropump 1 comprises a pump structural material having a reaction chamber formed therein; a reaction agent 4 which is housed in a reaction chamber 6 and produces a gas of predetermined pressure; reaction initiation means 5 which is disposed beside the reaction agent and causes the reaction agent to produce a gas; and a channel 7 which is provided in the pump structural material and guides the gas of predetermined pressure produced by the reaction agent from the reaction chamber to an outlet port. The pump structural material and the reaction initiation means are stacked one on top of the other.

Abstract: A control valve includes a valve body defining a top opening. A bonnet is provided for closing off the top opening of the valve body. A stem housed in the bonnet and the valve housing slidably moves a valve plug in the valve housing to open and close the valve. A packing assembly is provided for sealing between the stem and bonnet, and a packing retainer maintains the packing assembly within the bonnet. A retainer ring is provided for securing the packing retainer in place. The retainer ring can be formed as a generally cylindrical ring that engages the packing retainer and can be tightened on the packing retainer. Outer notches formed in an exterior surface of the lock nut provide for tightening of the lock nut with a tool. In addition, the retainer ring may include a lower portion that closely receives an outer surface of the packing retainer, thereby to center the retainer ring with the packing retainer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a diaphragm valve. When a chamber is expanded by fluid supply into a pipe-shaped button, a valve stem is slightly moved upward by a rod and a shaft to open an outlet of an orifice. Fluid received in a space between a cap and a diaphragm and having a high pressure is discharged into an outlet-side space, whereby the diaphragm opens a guide conduit. When fluid is discharged from the pipe-shaped button, the diaphragm is moved toward the guide conduit, and the valve stem closes the outlet. The fluid in the inlet-side space has a high pressure, and the fluid in the space between the cap and diaphragm has a low pressure. The high pressure fluid flows toward the low pressure fluid through a pilot hole of the diaphragm. When fluid pressure balance is effected between the spaces, the diaphragm closes the guide conduit.

Abstract: A gas flow controller includes a control valve coupled for actuating a main valve. In one example embodiment, a gas flow controller includes a main valve and a servo valve operated by an actuator, said servo valve being used for controlling the opening of the main valve. The servo valve is implemented in a variety of manners, such as a three-way valve means or as a double two-way valve. The servo valve further communicates, via gas pipes, with a first gas chamber limited by a diaphragm being in operative connection with the main valve, as well as to a second gas chamber in the inlet area, and a third gas chamber in the outlet area.

Abstract: In a pressure-responsive actuator, the inside of a case is divided into first and second air chambers by a diaphragm, and a coil spring is accommodated in the second air chamber for exerting a spring force for urging the diaphragm in a direction to decrease the volume of the first air chamber. A rod is coaxially connected at one of opposite ends to a side of a retainer mounted to a central portion of the diaphragm on the side of the first air chamber and at the other end to a tip end of an arm fixed at its base end to a driven shaft rotatable about an axis perpendicular to a plane parallel to the rod. In this pressure-responsive actuator, the case is provided with a tilt-restricting portion for restricting the tilt of the rod to a range in which the contacting of the diaphragm with the inner surface of the case can be avoided.

Abstract: A valve has a pair of surfaces, such as those of pipes, with an inflatable bladder disposed therebetween. Controlled inflation and deflation of the bladder provides for control of flow through the valve. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A control valve is fluidly coupled to chambers containing fluid of different pressures for regulating flow therebetween. The control valve has a valve housing having a chamber fluidly coupled to a first chamber, a second chamber, and a third chamber. A fluid flow regulation member is disposed in the chamber and is configured to regulate fluid flow between the second chamber and the third chamber. A diaphragm is disposed substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the chamber in which longitudinal deflection of diaphragm is representative of the pressure in the first chamber.

Abstract: A compact, in-line valve assembly consists of a hollow valve body, a seat, and a first diaphragm assembly including a deflectable portion forming a first volume between the seat and the first diaphragm assembly. A second diaphragm is attached to the first diaphragm assembly such that a second volume is defined between the second diaphragm and the second opening. A third volume is formed between the first diaphragm assembly and the second diaphragm and is sealed from the first volume and the second volume. A process flows through the first diaphragm assembly between the first volume and the second volume. A low-leak rate, self-aligning head assembly including a stem and a head coupled are coupled to the first diaphragm assembly. A deflection of the deflectable portion and the second diaphragm provides movement to open and close the head from the valve seat.

Abstract: A valve for use in microfluidic structures. The valve uses a spherical member, such as a ball bearing, to depress an elastomeric member to selectively open and close a microfluidic channel. The valve may be operated manually or by use of an internal force generated to shift the spherical member to its activated position.

Abstract: A valve assembly for controlling flow of gases and liquids includes a valve housing having a first end wall, a second end, and a peripheral wall such that a lumen is defined within the valve housing. Each of the first and second ends has an opening extending therethrough. A pipe extends into the lumen and is integrally coupled to the valve housing. The pipe has a free end positioned within the valve housing. A valve is positioned in the valve housing and is adapted for selectively opening and closing the opening in the first end wall. A resiliently expandable jacket is in fluid communication with the free end of the pipe. A pressurized fluid may be placed in communication with the pipe such that the resiliently expandable jacket expands to selectively position the valve in an open or closed position with respect to the opening in the first end wall.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for translating linear movement into rotational movement in an actuator configuration is provided. For example, a rotary actuator assembly includes a housing having a central bore. A piston is disposed within the housing and is linearly movable along an axis of the central bore. A rolling diaphragm is disposed within the housing and coupled with the piston. A bifurcated linkage having an end flange couples with the piston and the rolling diaphragm. An articulatable coupling further connects the bifurcated linkage with a rotating linkage. A spring button, which can be cone shaped, is disposed within the housing. A compression spring is retained between the end flange of the bifurcated linkage and the spring button, for example, by a threaded rod and nut. The assembly is arranged such that when force is applied to the rolling diaphragm the bifurcated linkage is linearly transported, which results in the pivoting of the rotating linkage about a pivot point.

Abstract: A pressure enhanced valve comprising: a diaphragm for controlling a flow of fluid media having a first pressure entering through a first chamber, the diaphragm having a first side within the first chamber wherein the first pressure is applied to the first side; and a pressure inlet for providing a second pressure to a second side of the diaphragm in a second chamber, the second side configured opposite of the first side, wherein the first chamber and the second chamber are separately sealed from one another. The first and second pressures are any appropriate amount in relation to one another. The pressure inlet supplies internal working fluid tapped from an internal port or externally supplied fluid at the second pressure. The valve further comprising a control circuit coupled to the pressure source. The valve alternatively includes a filter element and a pressure regulator positioned within the pressure inlet.

Abstract: A pneumatic pumping device for pumping liquids such as landfill leachates and polluted liquids or thick matter includes a tubular body (1) forming a pump body and defining a cylindrical main chamber (2) in the upstream and downstream ends of which respectively emerge an inlet (3) and outlet (4) for the liquid to be pumped. The pneumatic device further includes a sleeve valve (7) arranged in front of the inlet to control the passage of the liquid to be pumped through the orifice, elements (8) for controlling the opening and closure of the sleeve valve with a compressed gas, a delivery pipe (9) passing through the outlet and extending inside the tubular body over the major part of the length thereof, and elements for supplying the main chamber with compressed gas.

Abstract: A water system uses a pressure reservoir of an extremely small size. A valve device is placed between a water pump and the pressure reservoir. The valve device has a constant outlet pressure to limit the flow from the pump at high pressures. The pump is turned on and off by a pressure on/off switch. The valve device maintains the pressure to the reservoir at or below the off switch pressure except for a trickle flow. The trickle flow fills the reservoir when there is little or no water usage from the reservoir. The trickle flow is achieved by preventing the surfaces to seal by a projection or notch the valve surfaces of the valve device. Each time the valve opens any debris is washed from the valve surfaces thereby keeping them free of debris.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump, in which a working fluid control valve (D) opens a working fluid make-up passage (B24) to prevent a diaphragm (C) from being damaged when an excessive discharge pressure acts on the diaphragm. The working fluid control valve (D) for opening and closing the working fluid make-up passage (B24) is provided with a valve disc formed to be capable of reciprocating relative to the diaphragm (C) in a valve disc receiving chamber (B2) to close an opening of the valve disc receiving chamber (B2), means for biasing the valve disc toward the diaphragm, and means for closing the working fluid make-up passage (B24) when a distance, over which the valve disc extends from the opening of the valve disc receiving chamber, exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A valve assembly has a valve body in which an inlet port is formed. A valve seat, penetrated by an elliptical opening, is secured in the valve body to provide an outlet port. The inlet port communicates with an inlet chamber, and the outlet port communicates with an outlet chamber. An untethered valve disc is pivotally movable with respect to the valve seat intermediate the inlet and the outlet chambers to control opening and closing of the elliptical opening through the valve seat. A motor and a control rod are utilized selectively to effect pivotal movement of the valve disc to open the valve for fluid flow and to permit closure of the valve when fluid flow is to be discontinued. The motor incorporates a diaphragm to move a piston that, in turn, axially translates the control rod in response to the pressure in a chamber bounded, at least in part, by the diaphragm.

Abstract: A micro-machined valve assembly includes a valve diaphragm that will not adhere to a valve seat during elevated temperature operation. In one embodiment, the valve assembly comprises a valve seat, a diaphragm suspended over the valve seat, the diaphragm configured to contact the valve seat upon the application of an actuating pressure on the diaphragm. The diaphragm comprises a continuous film of a first material to which a layer of adhesive is applied. A portion of the adhesive in a region where the diaphragm contacts the valve seat is removed. In an alternative embodiment, the invention is a valve assembly comprising a valve seat, a diaphragm suspended over the valve seat, the diaphragm configured to contact the valve seat upon the application of an actuating pressure on the diaphragm. The diaphragm comprises a continuous film of a first material, where a portion of the first material in a region where the diaphragm contacts the valve seat includes a first metallic material.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an expansion valve of an air conditioning system for an automobile which does not employ a conventional method that opens and shuts in response to a motion of a pin and ball and can control a flow of a refrigerant and control linearly a flow rate of a refrigerant flow into an evaporator by using holes of a fixed hole plate fixed to a valve body and holes of a rotatable cam which is rotated by a motion of a pin moved upward and downward in response to a pressure difference between an outlet of an evaporator of an expansion valve and an interior of a pressure proof barrel. In the expansion valve of the present invention, it is possible to prevent a huntting phenomenon a reverse flow of the refrigerant into the evaporator and a noise caused by a ball, which have been generated in a conventional expansion valve, from creating.

Abstract: An improved micro-machined valve assembly includes a valve diaphragm that will not adhere to a valve seat during elevated temperature operation. In one embodiment, a portion of the diaphragm that is susceptible to adhering to the valve seat at elevated temperature is removed in the region where the diaphragm contacts the valve seat. In another embodiment, the valve diaphragm includes a metal layer applied to the portion of the diaphragm that comes into contact with the valve seat during operation of the valve. The metal layer extends the operating temperature of the valve by preventing adhesion of the diaphragm to the valve seat during high temperature operation. Selection of an appropriate material for the metal layer can improve chemical inertness of valve, thereby reducing the possibility that the material flowing through the valve will react with the metal.

Abstract: A compact, in-line valve assembly consists of a hollow valve body, a seat, and a first diaphragm assembly including a deflectable portion forming a first volume between the seat and the first diaphragm assembly. A second diaphragm is attached to the first diaphragm assembly such that a second volume is defined between the second diaphragm and the second opening. A third volume is formed between the first diaphragm assembly and the second diaphragm and is sealed from the first volume and the second volume. A process flows through the first diaphragm assembly between the first volume and the second volume. A low-leak rate, self-aligning head assembly including a stem and a head coupled are coupled to the first diaphragm assembly. A deflection of the deflectable portion and the second diaphragm provides movement to open and close the head from the valve seat.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a valve flap, especially in the air intake duct of an internal combustion engine, including a vacuum box (20) which executes a longitudinal movement in dependence on the application of a negative pressure or vacuum, and the longitudinal movement of the vacuum box is transmitted via a coupling rod (16) to a traverse rod (15), which in turn is connected to an actuating lever (13) for the valve flap (11). The coupling rod (16) and traverse rod (15) system allows the vacuum box to be arranged in any position relative to the valve flap (11). The apparatus can be simplified further by combining the diaphragm disk (27) with the coupling rod (16) to form a single, integral part. In this case, a force is exerted eccentrically on the vacuum box. The eccentrically exerted force can be compensated by the diaphragm having a shape other than a round contour.

Abstract: A valve for use in microfluidic structures. The valve uses a spherical member, such as a ball bearing, to depress an elastomeric member to selectively open and close a microfluidic channel. The valve may be operated manually or by use of an internal force generated to shift the spherical member to its activated position.

Abstract: A compact automatic valve has a cylindrical body with a sleeve inserted to move in the cylindrical body in the axial direction. A first diaphragm, having an annular joint section and an annular protrusion arranged in the outer circumferential section, is joined to one end of the sleeve. A second diaphragm, having an annular joint section and an annular protrusion arranged in the outer circumferential section, is joined to the other end of the sleeve. A first cylindrical diaphragm presser, joined to one end of the cylindrical body, presses the annular protrusion of the first diaphragm and a second cylindrical diaphragm presser, joined to the other end of the cylindrical body, presses the annular protrusion of the second diaphragm. Both the first cylindrical diaphragm presser and the second cylindrical diaphragm presser have a fluid communicating port.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating a water gate has a door of the water gate provided in a water channel, and has a mechanism for vertically operating the door. A pressure receiving plate is fixed to the door via an operating rod, and upper and lower air bags are provided on the upper and lower sides of the pressure receiving plate. An air compressor sends air into each of the upper and lower air bags, and a change-over valve and a flow rate regulating valve between the upper and lower air bags and the air compressor are adapted to switch and regulate the air sent into the upper and lower air bags. With this arrangement, compressed air is sent into the air bags to move the pressure receiving plate, vertically move the door and open and close the door. This apparatus is, moreover, adapted to drive the operating rod using the pressure of the air sent into the air bags, so that it has become possible to simplify the structure greatly.

Abstract: A water system uses a pressure reservoir of an extremely small size. A valve device is placed between a water pump and the pressure reservoir. The valve device has a constant outlet pressure to limit the flow from the pump at high pressures. The pump is turned on and off by a pressure on/off switch. The valve device maintains the pressure to the reservoir at or below the on switch pressure except for a trickle flow. The trickle flow fills the reservoir when there is little or no water usage from the reservoir. The trickle flow is achieved by a notch in the valve surfaces of the valve device or by a projection preventing the surfaces to seal. Each time the valve opens any debris in the notch is washed from the notch thereby keeping the notch free of debris. Back flow of the trickle is prevented with a roll seal valve by restricting the trickle to a flow path and incorporating a check valve in the flow path.

Abstract: In producing a semiconductor device by annealing with laser light irradiation, while a linear laser light is scanned in a direction perpendicular to a line, the annealing is performed for a semiconductor material. In this state, since an anneal effect in a beam lateral direction corresponding to a line direction is 2 times or more different than that in the scanning direction, a plurality of semiconductor elements are formed along a line direction in which the linear laser light is irradiated. Also, a line direction connecting the source and drain region of a thin film transistor is aligned to the line direction of the linear laser light.

Abstract: A seal for a shut-off device moved in a rectilinear manner, which is switched from a closed to an open position and vice versa so as to shut off material flows. The seal is formed of metallic components which define a pressure chamber to which external pressure can be applied to achieve seal tightness. Employing only metallic components makes it possible to use the seal in a wide temperature range and under conditions of exceptional wear caused by either frequent actuation or the composition of the flowing medium. The sealing system includes a shut-off device (1) against which a movable seat (5) forms a seal. The seat is connected to the tubular casing (2) in a pressure tight manner, and the casing in turn is connected to a flange (3). The assembly is connected to a housing (8) by a flange (6) and is sealed by seal (7). Membranes (9, 10) and support plate (14) form a pressure chamber (11) to which pressure Ps is applied through connecting nipple (13) and bores (12).

Abstract: A valve is provided including a body made of anaerobic, reactive fluid resistant material. The valve also directs pressurized fluid in a substantially planar manner between adjacent port holes on a recessed area of a fluid body section of the valve. The flexible diaphragm can be actuated manually or programmed to dispense pressurized fluid, such as cyanoacrylate fluid. A method of dispensing anaerobic, reactive material is also provided.

Abstract: A water discharge device, particularly a toy water gun, includes a portable housing containing a reservoir for a quantity of water; a discharge control device for controlling the discharge of water from the housing; and a hand-operated pump for manually pumping water from the reservoir through the discharge control. The discharge control device includes an expansible chamber having an inlet connected to the pump, an outlet through which the water is discharged, and a pressure-responsive valve controlling the outlet. The valve is normally closed to permit expansion of the reservoir and a build-up of water pressure during the pumping of water by the pump into the reservoir, but automatically opens when a predetermined pressure is reached in the chamber to discharge water through the outlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to valve constructions which allows two different flow rates to pass through said valve, whether by two separate control signals or by one control signal and the second flow rate being attained automatically or inherently after the first flow rate has passed through the valve. The invention also includes a filter material cleaning system and a method of operating a filter material cleaning system which utilizes this valve but which helps to prevent the factors which would cause the re-deposition of the filtered particulate material whether onto the row of filter bags being cleaned, and or an adjacent row to the row being cleaned or two adjacent rows to the row being cleaned.

Abstract: A rotary valve actuator with movable actuator linkage maintained in a constant "pull-pull" tension, includes a sliding canister, rotatable lever, and a return spring substantially aligned in-line with each other. The linear motion of the canister in response to an expanding and contracting pressurized bladder is converted through chain linkage into rotary lever motion. The return spring is connected through respective chain linkage to the lever so the pulling tension of the spring/lever linkage rotates the lever and maintains tension on both chain linkages. Adjustable travel stops are provided. In an alternate embodiment the return spring chain linkage is configured at right angles to the linear movement of the canister.

Abstract: A high pressure regulator is provided with a valve member, a seat member, and an actuator. The axial position of the seat member may be selectively fixed with respect to the body. The valve member is axially moveable with respect to the seat member, and includes a flange member for engaging a shoulder surface on the body for limiting movement of the sealing member relative to the seat member. The sealing member preferably has a very slight taper of less than 10.degree. for maximizing the sealing area with the seat member. A frustro-conical sealing bore in the seat member preferably has a long axial length which is at least 50% of a nominal diameter of the valve member in sealing engagement with an annular seal between the body and the valve member. The cap housing includes an interior deflection surface for deflecting fluid from the seating bore.