Abstract: A method and infusion set for consecutively draining liquid medicines from a plurality of containers, such as two containers (1, 2) containing said liquid medicines, the liquid medicine via a differential pressure valve (5a) is fed into a drip chamber (6), wherein the fluid flow is permitted initially from one container (1) by the higher fluid pressure and differential force area from the first container (1) on a diaphragm disk (15), whereby the fluid flow from the second container (2) is stopped and, later an automatic switch to a second container (2) as a source of fluid is effected when the fluid flow from the almost drained first container (1) is at a lower fluid pressure and a smaller differential force area and is exceeded by a higher fluid pressure of the second container (2) and the larger differential force area.

Abstract: A butterfly water valve for a heater core has a vacuum motor attached to the water valve body with the vacuum motor connected to the butterfly valve crank. The vacuum motor housing has a well formed therein and a solenoid operated valve is quick connected in the well and is ported directly to the vacuum motor pressure chamber. The solenoid valve well communicates with a vacuum connector formed integrally with the vacuum motor housing. The vacuum motor housing is preferably formed of two shells welded together and sealing about the rim of a pressure responsive diaphragm.

Abstract: A flow control valve has a gate connected between an operating fluid inlet and outlet. An actuator permits manual adjustment of the gate area to allow fluid to pass from the inlet to the outlet at a threshold rate of flow for a threshold pressure at the first inlet. A biasing mechanism cooperable with the gate and linearly responsive to variations in a control pressure applied to a control inlet of the valve constantly automatically readjusts the area of the gate in proportion to the control pressure. In a constant speed pneumatic motor application of the valve, the motor inlet pressure is applied to the control inlet of the valve and the motor outlet pressure is applied to the operating fluid inlet of the valve. A regulator connected to the motor inlet senses the pressure at the motor outlet. In operation, at idle, the threshold flow rate through the valve is selected by manual adjustment of the valve actuator or stem. The load is added and the motor outlet pressure decreases.

Abstract: Small flow control valve with tight shutoff capability having a conventional valve housing with inlet and outlet ports and a one piece internal guide and seat ring combination, further having a plug with a lower throttling profile engaged within the seat ring bore; a deformable seal which is capable of being deformed by a collar radially inwardly to compress the exterior of the lower contoured plug portion to prevent leakage in the closed valve position. The collar is held in constant compression by a coiled spring placed between the collar and an enlarged head portion of the plug. The valve further has an actuating device adjustably attached thereto.

Abstract: There is provided a valve for use in regulating flow of fluid through a conduit having a deformably resilient valve sleeve, in which the valve includes a housing, and at least first and second opposing jaw members disposed transversely to the conduit for deforming the valve sleeve with the conduit sandwiched between the first and second opposing jaw members. The jaw members are movable between an open position, with the first and second jaw members spaced apart a distance sufficient to permit flow of liquid through the conduit, and a closed position, with the jaw members pinched together sufficiently to restrict or shut off the flow of fluid through the conduit. Inflatable diaphragms are provided to control movement of the jaw members between the open position, when the diaphragms are in a deflated configuration, and the closed position, when the diaphragms are in an inflated configuration.

Abstract: A subsea actuator for operating a valve (20) or the like comprises a movable wall member (19) fixed to an axially slidable stem and separating a pressure chamber (2) from a space (3) which is subjected to the hydrostatic pressure of ambient seawater. A selector valve (11) is operable to connect the chamber (2) to a source of pressurised fluid, e.g. a source of pressurised gas (14), or to a drain e.g. connected to atmosphere by a pressure vessel (12) and pipe (15). A blowdown valve (16) and dump valve (13) are provided for ejecting liquid collected in the vessel (12). The space (3) may be connected to an open-bottomed container (17) to provide a gas barrier between the seawater and the interior of the actuator. Supply of pressurised gas to the chamber (2) causes the member (19) to be driven forwards, gas being allowed to flow past the member into the space (3) during this movement to assist the expulsion of water from the container (17) and the expulsion of any contaminants from within the actuator.

Abstract: A bladder type damper assembly formed of a flexible envelope of fluid impermeable plastic material incorporating an insert made of two segments of rigid sheet material joined in hinged relation at one edge and moveable between a flat association and a preselected open angular orientation. The fluid conformable portion of the bladder envelope between the open edges of the insert segments provides a folding region in the form of a valley configuration provided by seaming the two overlapping layers of the bladder between the two insert segments when folded in flat relation. The seam is formed by applying heat and pressure to the two bladder layers through an opening in one or both of the insert segments with separator material appropriately placed.

Abstract: A drain valve is provided for connection to a water supply line for draining water in a vacuum flush aircraft sanitation system. The valve comprises a housing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The housing also includes a pressure chamber with a diaphragm that is normally biased to a first position by a spring when the chamber is depressurized. This allows water to flow from the fluid inlet to the drain outlet and ultimately to a drain mast of the aircraft. When the chamber is pressurized, however, the diaphragm moves to a second position which operates a linkage mechanism that moves a plug against a seat in the drain outlet to close the drain outlet so that rinse water does not drain from the valve's fluid inlet. A sanitation system also is disclosed, in which grey water from the aircraft lavatory sink is collected and transferred under pressure through a rinse line to flush a toilet bowl when the drain valve is closed.

Abstract: A valve assembly embodies a valve element, an expansible and contractible chamber space having porting via which it is expanded and contracted, and a connecting rod that transmits the expansion and contraction of the chamber space to the valve element, in a signal plastic part.

Abstract: A miniature compound lever fluid-operated pinch valve/regulator in which a swell tube is sandwiched between a rectilinearly movable planar member and a frame, and in which the swell tube responds to pressurized fluid to displace the planar member from the frame. A spring-biased lever engages the planar member to collapse the swell tube in the absence of the pressurized fluid. A pinch lever is also mounted in the frame and is engaged by the spring-biased lever. The result is a compound lever mechanism which responds to the swelling and collapse of the swell tube in response to a pressurized fluid introduced into the swell tube to cause the mechanism to perform a pinching function on a resilient fluid-carrying tube passing through the valve/regulator.

Abstract: An angularly shaped inflatable bladder assembly adaptable to use as a damper or shut-off means for control of fluid flow in fluid flow systems and more specifically for control of air flow in air conditioning systems. The angularly shaped bladder is formed of an assembly of fluid impermeable polymer sheet materials edge sealed. The bladder is bent to a desired angular form less than 180 degrees and at least one layer being flexible fluid conformable material without shape memory so that it responds to inflating fluid such as air pumped between the layers through a connection to the bladder. One or two inflatable pockets are provided upon bending the assembly along a line between two opposite edges of the bladder. Upon inflation the single or two pockets enlarge and push the opposite sides of the assembly further apart whereby the angle between the two becomes wider, or upon deflation the opposite sides are drawn together to narrow the angle.

Abstract: A valve actuator for an associated valve which includes apparatus for opening and closing an associated valve and a first housing in which a first diaphragm is disposed to define first and second chambers on respective sides of the first diaphragm. The apparatus also includes a valve actuator having a housing in which is disposed a second diaphragm to define a third chamber. The valve actuator includes apparatus connecting the second diaphragm to the apparatus for opening and closing the valve; and fluid coupling apparatus connecting the second chamber and the third chamber. The apparatus for opening and closing the valve includes a crank arm carried on a shaft.

Abstract: A valve comprises a connection plate attached to the housing, such plate having a sealing surface facing into such housing, a flat spool arranged to be able to be reciprocated in a direction parallel to such sealing surface so as to sealingly wipe said surface and to connect together and separate from each other ports opening into said surface, said ports being at the ends of ducts extending through said plate, and means for operating said spool by reciprocating same, said operating means taking the form of wall means defining operating spaces at the ends of the spool, means for passing an operating fluid into said spaces for changing the volume thereof so that when the volume of one space is increased the volume of the other is decreased, said wall means being at least in part secured to said housing, said operating means further defining two operating surfaces at the two ends of said spool, said operating surfaces and said wall means part secured to said housing being connected together by at least one flex

Abstract: A valve assembly (10) for controlling high pressure gas with low controlling gas pressures. The assembly includes a valve housing (12) having a cavity (22), an inlet port (26) and two outlet ports (28, 30). Mounted within the housing in communication with each outlet port are tubular members (38), each having a closed end (38.3) and an aperture (42) in a smooth cylindrical sidewall (38.2). A wobble bar (50) within the cavity is associated with a rubber-like sheet of material (54), which sheet has two sealing portions (56.2, 56.4) draped over the apertures. A very soft sponge-like resilient block (56) normally holds the sealing portions against the apertures to cause the apertures to be sealed. Actuating structure causes the wobble bar to be moved from a normal position to an operative position, an end of the wobble bar bearing down upon another portion of the rubber-like sheet of material to cause an adjacent sealing portion to peel away from the aperture to permit flow through the aperture.

Abstract: A pressure control valve (10) comprises a first element (14) arranged to pivot relative to a second element (18) in response to inflation and deflation of a sac (16) interposed between the elements, the second element having a fluid passageway (32, 34) including an outlet (32a) which is controlled by said first element by virtue of its pivotal movement, said fluid passageway communicating with said inflatable sac, means (30) being provided to adjust and limit the pivotal action of the first element.

Abstract: There is disclosed a pneumatic gate valve actuator adapted to move the gate of the valve between opened and closed position by the introduction of air pressure into or the exhaustion of air pressure from an expandable and contractible pressure chamber formed within a tire casing and between upper and lower plates having their peripheries connected to inner edges of a tire casing. The lower plate is connected to the stem for the gate, the upper plate is connected to the bonnet of the actuator, and a coil spring is compressed between the lower plate and the bonnet, so that the gate may be moved to open position upon the supply of air pressure to the chamber, and moved to closed position upon the exhaust of air pressure from the pressure chamber.

Abstract: The valve includes a housing with inlet and outlet members joined by a resilient flexible valve closure. An annular chamber that does not communicate with the inlet or outlet surrounds the valve closure. When a flow of fluid is desired through the valve closure, a pressurized fluid is introduced into the annular chamber to deform the valve closure enabling the closure to open. Reduction or elimination of the pressure for deforming the valve closure permits the valve closure to assume its normal closed position, thereby permitting a shut off of fluid flow. Variable flow rates can be accomplished by obtaining predetermined deformations of the valve closure corresponding to predetermined levels of the pressurizing fluid which cause such deformation.

Abstract: A valve system for gas or liquid, comprising a hydraulic power transmission (19) where the pressure of hydraulic fluid is controlled by fluid pressure actuated members (15) and the changes of the fluid pressure actuate operative members (5, 7, 10) of the valve system, where the fluid pressure actuated members and the operative members comprise a tubular expandable bellows (10, 14, 25) with one gable (21) closed and the other (22) connected via tubes (11, 23) or similar to other expandable bellows (10, 14, 25) in the valve system and the thus arisen closed space in filled with hydraulic fluid (24), and that the expandable bellows (10) in the operative member stand in connection with a valve body (5) in a valve tube (1) and that the fluid pressure actuated members (15) is placed outside the valve tube (1). The valve body (5) is movable in the longitudinal direction of the valve tube (1) and in close contact with a seat (3) when the valve system is closed.

Abstract: A fluid flow control valve which is responsive to the pressure drop occurring across the valve in order to maintain a substantially constant volume of fluid flow regardless of the pressures appearing at the upstream and downstream sides of the valve has a valve casing with an inner face that widens outwardly from a fluid inflow end to a fluid outflow end, and a valve member which is convex towards the fluid inflow end of the casing and is axially movable relatively to the casing in order to vary the annular gap between the valve member and the valve casing. Means for sensing the fluid pressures at points spaced from the valve member on the upstream and downstream sides thereof are coupled to a fluid pressure actuating mechanism for acting directly upon the axially movable valve ember in order to vary the axial position of the valve member in accordance with the pressure drop across the valve.

Abstract: The pyrotechnic valve according to the invention comprises one or more pyrotechnic devices able to produce gases under a high pressure, which has the effect of suddenly deforming a membrane equipped with a rigid weight. The latter projects a punch, which shears a tight end fitting, thus freeing the fluid passage. The membrane ensures a perfect seal between the fluid circulation zone and the zone containing the gases produced by the pyrotechnic devices.

Abstract: An air induction system for an automotive air-conditioner has an air switching housing connected to the suction opening of a blower casing. The housing is provided with a fresh outdoor air induction opening formed in the top wall opposing the suction opening, and a recirculated indoor air induction opening formed in a side wall adjacent to the top wall. An air-switching door is provided for selectively opening and closing the outdoor air induction opening and the indoor air opening. The air-switching door is foldable substantially at its mid portion so that, when the door closes the indoor air induction opening, it is folded to provide a small effective area, while, when it closes the outdoor air induction opening, it is extended to provide a large effective area. The system further has auxiliary indoor air induction openings formed in other side walls and an accordion-type shutter for selectively closing and opening the auxiliary indoor air induction opening.

Abstract: A dual bellows apparatus for controlled, programmed application of forces to an extension of the spindle of a spring loaded safety relief valve. A controller which may be remote from the valve is adapted to perform a plurality of functions on the valve while installed in an operating system by pressurization of the respective bellows. These functions include force-assisted opening of the valve, force-assisted blowdown, anti-simmer control and measurement of the set pressure.

Abstract: An air inlet valve for admitting air to the milk drain conduit of a milking cup or collector piece includes a housing secured to the milking cup or collector piece, a diaphragm clamped within the housing, and a valve poppet secured to the diaphragm so as to project from one side thereof. The valve poppet cooperates with a valve seat to form a valve adapted to periodically open and close in response to a pulsator pressure action on the other side of the diaphragm. In its opened state, the valve permits atmospheric air to flow through a connecting conduit to the milk drain conduit such as the interior of a rubber teat cup. The connecting conduit opens through the valve seat surface. The valve poppet can be releasably secured to the diaphragm.

Abstract: The invention is a pneumatically operated valve assembly for simultaneously (1) closing gas-transfer lines connected to a gas centrifuge or the like and (2) establishing a recycle path between two of the lines so closed. The valve assembly is especially designed to be compact, fast-acting, reliable, and comparatively inexpensive. It provides large reductions in capital costs for gas-centrifuge cascades.

Abstract: A fluid actuated pilot assembly employing a cantilevered spring member which is mounted to apply a force to a sensing piston in opposition to the force applied by the sensed fluid pressure. Upon the occurrence of the pressure of the fluid being sensed exceeding the force of the cantilevered spring member, the sensing piston is moved to initiate a control function.

Abstract: An installation control valve, for example for use in a fire fighting sprinkler installation, comprises a pivotal butterfly valve disc co-operable with a movable stop, which in one position abuts the valve disc to retain the valve closed against pressure forces acting thereon. A retaining mechanism is releasably held to resist stop movement and so prevent valve disc opening but is operable under a predetermined condition to permit stop movement from said one position to a second position. When the stop is in the second position, unequal pressure forces on either side of the valve disc cause same to move thereby opening the valve.

Abstract: An assembly of a seal unit and a plunger-like member movable relative to the seal unit, the seal unit comprising a washer-like resilient seal member having an opening therethrough and press-fittingly receiving the plunger therethrough in such a manner that an inner peripheral portion of the washer-like seal member is turned into substantially parallel sealing and wiping engagement with the plunger while being substantially transverse to the remainder of washer-like seal member.

Abstract: A valve comprises a diaphragm and a diaphragm housing with a cover plate peripherally sealed against the diaphragm. The cover plate has a pressure port communicating therethrough for receiving a pressurized fluid. A reciprocable member contacts a side of the diaphragm opposite the cover plate and is reciprocable towards and away from the cover plate. A valve body carries the reciprocable member and has a valve seat and a discharge port therein. A valve closure member is carried by the diaphragm housing. Springs resiliently bias the valve body towards the diaphragm housing so the valve seat is normally in sealing engagement with the valve closure member. The valve closure member is movable away from the valve seat, to permit a fluid to pass between the closure member and the valve seat and out of the discharge port, when the pressure of a fluid from the pressure port against the diaphragm and the pressure of fluid on the closure member are sufficient to deflect the springs.

Abstract: A control valve with balanced plug for fluid flow control having a cylindrical guide barrel provided with discharge ports, and a coaxial plug which slides in the plug. The plug is balanced through bores which cause the pressure to be the same on opposing faces of the plug and upstream and downstream of the plug. The plug is rigidly connected by a control lever to an operating stem of the valve, in such a manner that the plug and the stem move rigidly in the same direction along non-coinciding parallel axes.The lever is resilient to compensate for errors of parallelism between the operating stem and the barrel caused by constructional defects or severe operating conditions.Preferably the lever is of the gooseneck type to limit weight and overall size, and the neck of the valve body is of elliptical cross-section.The valve is of the universal type, and operates independently of the direction in which the fluid flows.

Abstract: A pneumatic pressure responsive valve assembly includes a housing, a diaphragm piston including a diaphragm member and a piston member, the diaphragm member having an outer periphery secured to the housing and an inner periphery secured to the piston member, two pneumatic chambers defined by the diaphragm piston within the housing, one of the chambers selectively receiving both of the fluid pressures which are higher and lower than those within the other of the chambers, the diaphragm member having a curvature which expands towards either of the chambers, an expanding portion formed on either of the housing or the piston member and corresponding to the configuration of the curvature of the diaphragm member to thereby prevent the curvature of the diaphragm member from turning over, and a valve member for cooperation with movement of the piston member.

Abstract: This scuba regulator second stage includes the following improvements:(a) a diaphragm assembly using a pair of generally conical flexible diaphragms facing each other and clamped together about a portion of their periphery, the unclamped peripheral sections flexibly spreading apart to function as an exhaust valve;(b) a "detune button" which prevents inadvertent turn-on of the breathable gas supply valve during unattended use of the regulator, and which is automatically disengaged when the user begins to breathe through the regulator;(c) a case configuration in which the breathable gas inlet tube is situated very close to the regulator mouthpiece so as to minimize the torque loading on the teeth of the user as the user's head is turned;(d) a unitary valve configuration in which the entire breathable gas flow valve assembly is removable from the regulator case as an integral unit, without the use of tools;(e) a valve poppet configuration which prevents tilting of the poppet when the breathable gas glow control

Abstract: A pilot-operated back pressure regulator of simplified design and construction having a balanced valve plug attached to a diaphragm actuator and secured to the regulator body by bolts for ready simultaneous removal of the plug and actuator. The diaphragm divides the actuator into two cavities; a spring cavity acting to close the valve plug and pressure balancing cavity. A pilot valve is in communication with the inlet pressure to the regulator body, the spring cavity and an exhaust to regulate the inlet pressure to flex the diaphragm. In a preferred embodiment O-ring seals are located between (a) the valve plug and the valve seat, (b) the valve plug and its guide, and (c) the valve plug guide and the regulator body.

Abstract: A toilet installation is disclosed which is especially suited for pleasure boats. A discharge tank is disposed under a toilet fixture and connected with it through an inlet orifice. A flexible obturating member comprising a flexible flap member and a downwardly opening cup-shaped float member is fixed at one side of the inlet orifice so that the flexible obturating member hangs in the discharge tank when the latter is not pressurized. Compressed air from an air compressor is carried through a conduit for pressurizing the discharge tank and expelling the effluent from the discharge tank through a drain orifice, the outlet end of the conduit is aimed at the underside of the float member so that compressed air issuing from the conduit thrusts the obturating member against the inlet orifice thereby sealing off the discharge tank from the tiolet fixture.

Abstract: A secondary air supply system for the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine having a catalytic converter with a three-way catalyst, having an air control valve which selectively supplies a part of compressed air to the exhaust system while relieving the rest of the air to the atmosphere, wherein the air control valve has a valve element balanced by oppositely acting springs to a neutral position where it supplies a predetermined amount of secondary air necessary to provide stoichiometric exhaust gases at a standard flow of exhaust gases and is shifted to opposite sides of the neutral position in accordance with oscillation of feedback control of the air/fuel ratio of exhaust gases.

Abstract: A method for lifting oil from the bottom of a well comprises, (1) injecting a fluid of less specific gravity into the well with a fluid flow control valve, and (2) equalizing the fluid pressure on all sides thereof for making the fluid flow control valve balanced and frictionless as the fluid of less specific gravity is ejected thus requiring a minimum of energy for operation thereof for providing a highly efficient lifting of the oil in the well.

Abstract: A control actuator for a turbocharger comprises a diaphragm-displaced actuator rod projecting outwardly from an actuator housing through a seal permitting axial and angular rod movement for variably positioning a turbocharger wastegate valve.

Abstract: A fuel economizer system for an internal combustion engine comprising a fuel supply tank, a main fuel supply line connecting the tank to the carburetor of the engine, and a fuel pump in the supply line for delivering fuel to the carburetor, an adjustable fuel metering valve positioned in the fuel supply line between the fuel pump and the carburetor, and means for automatically adjusting the metering valve in response to changes in load conditions on the engine to provide minimum fuel pressure and fuel to the carburetor inlet during idle and no-load conditions, while increasing the fuel pressure and amount of fuel supplied to the carburetor in response to increases in the load condition on the engine.

Abstract: A control valve of an exhaust recirculation apparatus comprises an expansible vacuum chamber communicating with a venturi portion and having a first diaphragm and a spring urging the diaphragm to expand the chamber, an expansible exhaust pressure chamber having a second diaphragm disposed to oppose the first diaphragm at a distance and communicating with an exhaust inflow chamber, a control chamber disposed between the above chambers and defined by the first and second diaphragms and a frame mounting the first and second diaphragms thereon. The first and second diaphragms are connected by a bracket to which a seal member is secured through a block. In the control chamber is disposed a conduit one end of which has an opening facing the seal member with a gap therebetween, the other end communicates with a throttle portion and an exhaust gas recirculation valve provided in an exhaust recirculation passage.

Abstract: An exhaust gas pressure responsive valve assembly includes a first body of resinous material, a second body of metal material secured to the resinous material, a diaphragm member having an outer periphery held between both of the bodies so as to define an atmospheric chamber on the side of the resinous body and an exhaust gas pressure chamber on the side of the metal body, a spring biasing the diaphragm member against the exhaust gas pressure within the exhaust gas chamber, inlet and outlet ports provided in the resinous body, a passage provided in the resinous body for connecting the inlet and outlet ports, at least one metal plate secured to the diaphragm member, a guide member of resinous material secured to the metal plate, and a valve mechanism arranged within the guide member for controlling fluid communication between the passage and the atmospheric chamber in response to movement of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A diaphragm-actuated slide valve where spring force is utilized to urge the moving slide valve element against the stationary valve element. To obtain a good seal at the valving ports with a minimum of spring force, the moving slide valve element is made to present a convex contact face to the stationary valve element at the port region of the moving valve element. At the same time, a clamping connection of the fluid tube to the moving slide valve element is obtained. The moving slide valve element is in the form of an apertured, initially flat block. The fluid tube passes through an aperture in an initially curved spring clamp plate provided with clamping serrations in the tube-receiving aperture, the tube engaging in a counterbore in the valve block at its port. Clamping screws engage through opposite parts of the clamp plate and threadedly engage the valve block at opposite spaced locations relative to the tube.

Abstract: A normally open valve construction utilizes a valve housing defining a fluid passageway extending through the housing between at least two ports, and an expandible, metallic bladder within the housing. The bladder is mounted in non-obstructing relationship with the fluid passageway when the valve is open and is expanded across the passageway in flow-obstructing relationship when the valve is closed. The bladder in the expanded condition has a generally tubular configuration and is closed at one end. In the non-expanded condition, one portion of the tubular configuration is folded coaxially within an adjacent portion to shorten its axial length and to remove all portions of the bladder from the fluid passageway. A pyrotechnic squib or other fluid pressure generator discharges within the tubular configuration to extend the bladder into the fluid passageway and close the valve.

Abstract: Ventilator with an inhalation phase and an exhalation phase in its operative cycle having a servo controller with an inlet adapted to be connected to supply gas under pressure and also having an outlet. The controller has control valve means movable between open and closed positions to control the flow of gas from the inlet to the outlet of the servo controller. The control valve means is an open position during the inhalation phase of the ventilator and in a closed position in the exhalation phase of the ventilator. Means is provided for supplying gases to the patient from the servo controller until a predetermined pressure has been reached. After the predetermined pressure is reached, means is provided to supply an additional flow of gases to the patient to provide an inspiratory apneustic plateau for the patient. After a predetermined period of time, the patient is permitted to exhale and thereafter the same cycle is repeated.

Abstract: An inlet plenum extends into a control box and opens into the interior of the control box. Conditioned air is introduced into the box through the inlet plenum and flows from the box, to an area being serviced, through an outlet spaced from the plenum opening in the box. A damper is positioned at the plenum opening and it and the plenum at the opening having conforming shapes, i.e., segments of a circle. The damper closes over the discharge opening and, to vary the volume of air flowing through the box, pivots away from the opening about an axis offset from the center of the arc of the damper and the plenum opening. When the damper is closed on the plenum opening, the centers of the arcuate plenum opening and the damper are coincident and, relative to a central plane parallel to air flow through the plenum, are offset from that plane so that the damper is moved away from the plenum opening by air flow.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermostatic control unit for radiator valves, this unit being of the type which has an adjustable bellows. The bellows is adjusted only during initial calibration of the thermostatic control unit or when the temperature setting of the unit is changed. The control unit includes a screw and nut arrangement in which the nut is attached to the free or moving end of the adjustment bellows. About three turns between the screw and the nut have been found suitable to provide a sufficient movement of the nut to allow an adequate adjustment of the bellows. A problem with prior units of this type is that if the screw is turned inwardly more than three turns the thread may bottom and thereby cause an excessive and damaging torque to be transmitted to the bellows. Alternately, if the screw is turned outwardly to disengage from the nut, the nut becomes cocked in the enclosed casing and it becomes impossible for the screw to re-enter the nut.

Abstract: A fluid pressure operated valve includes a housing into which fits an expansible membrane. The housing is formed with an input aperture and an output aperture each respectively closable by one of a pair of movable flaps. The membrane is coupled to the fluid pressure the application of which causes the expansion of the membrane. This expansion can be controlled to provide on the one hand, regulation of the flow through the valve. Or, on the other hand, the expansion can drive the flaps fully across their respective apertures and cause the membrane to sealingly engage the housing interior to block fluid flow through the valve.This Abstract is neither intended to define the invention nor to limit its scope.

Abstract: A valve actuator for converting linear motion to rotary motion comprising: a housing; a force transmitting member disposed in the housing responsive to pressure applied to one side thereof for travel between first and second terminal positions; a rod member connected to the force transmitting member for reciprocal movement between first and second terminal positions in response to travel of the force transmitting member between its terminal positions; and a crank member connected to the rod member and rotatable in response to reciprocal movement of the rod member, about an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of the rod member, through an angle of a preselected value.

Abstract: One or more domed valve closure members are operable to open and close ports in the side walls of irrigation channels. Each closure member is cantilevered by a semi-flexible arm from a frame that has a pivot point lying in a plane substantially coincident with the plane of the sealing surface of the valve. A pneumatic bellows, which may be remotely controlled, exerts pressure to close the closure member against the sealing surface of the wall about the port. An adjustable limit stop fixes the degree of opening of the closure member as it swings arcuately away from the valve port to open. A manual control lever with an adjustable limit stop and an over-center locking arrangement replaces or supplements the pneumatic closure arrangement.

Abstract: A valve assembly comprises a body having an inlet and an outlet, a chamber between the inlet and the outlet, a valve diaphragm fitted in the valve body and attached to a rigid closure member adapted to close the inlet with the periphery of the diaphragm supported by a wall of the chamber, and an auxiliary control, or pilot valve communicating with the chamber, said diaphragm comprising an annular member of rubber-like material with a thin outer peripheral portion and a thickened inner portion.

Abstract: The specification describes a linear fluidic actuator comprising a plurality of expansible tubes or tubular envelopes closed at opposite ends and coupled in a chain and arranged to have one end of the chain anchored while the other end is adapted to move and exert a tensile force upon inflation of one or more of the tubes, as by compressed air, into a circular diameter, in accordance with the degree of contraction of the chain of tubes. A variation of the actuator utilizes the contracting force of the chain of tubes to effect compression of one or more caged springs, the compressive force of which is illustratively shown and described as actuating a floating member to operate a valve device of the gate or plug type. Also disclosed are modifications utilizing a plurality of parallel-related chains of tubes and tubes expansible to different diameters for utilizing different inflating pressures.

Abstract: The present invention deals with a bag diaphragm comprising one or more flattened extremely flexible bags assembled together, to be mounted between rigid plates at a variable mean distance and to be inflated in operation by a variable pressure difference, and with an air damper operated by means of a bag diaphragm as mentioned above, this air damper being suitable for air conditioning plants, in constant flow, or constant variable flow, or mixing appliances, in fresh air and return air ducts, where an air flow is to be controlled, the operation of the air damper being possible without any electrical or pneumatic energy supply system, due to the particular characteristics of the aforesaid bag diaphragm and particular design of the damper.