Abstract: A fluid flow control device (1) comprising at least one valve, the or each valve being controlled by an electrically-operate e actuator (32), a control means (27) for controlling the actuators and a communication means (28) to provide signals for the control means (27), wherein the device (1) includes an electrical power generation means (5) to generate electricity from the flow of fluid in the control device to operate the actuators (32), the control means (27) and the communication means (28). The device does not require an external electricity supply as it generates its entire electricity requirement locally. The device (1) may also receive instructions wirelessly to control the at least one valve.

Abstract: A fluid flow control valve system has a plurality of pairs of 3 port, 2 position (3/2) control valves (6, 6?) each valve being movable between its two positions by a pair of electrically-operable actuators (1, 2). A logic controller selectively generates electrical control signals for independently controlling operation of the pairs of 3/2 control valves, and a circuit means (11) is associated with each 3/2 control valve pair (6, 6?) to receive the control signals and provide electrical outputs to eit actuators (1, 2) of each 3/2 control valve of each pair. Variable switch means (14) forming part of the circuit means (11) pr the actuators (1, 2) to which the output is applied. Varying the switch means (14) programmes the fluid output mode of each 3/2 control valve pair to provide any one of a number of different effective valve types.

Abstract: A reactive speed hump (2) includes a fluid flow control valve assembly (4). A first valve (18, 20, 21) is naturally open and a second valve (10, 14, 15, 16, 17), naturally closed. Application of fluid pressure on the control valve assembly below a first lower threshold level or above a second higher threshold level allows a flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet, but an application of fluid pressure on the control valve between said first and second threshold levels allows substantially no fluid to flow between the inlet (7) and the outlet (9).

Abstract: A pin table for supporting a workpiece, such as a printed circuit board, while an operation is carried out on it, comprises a base defining a plurality of vertically disposed pneumatic cylinders arranged in a column and row matrix. Each cylinder has a two-position spool valve located axially beneath it in the base for controlling actuation of the cylinder between a position in which the piston rod is fully retracted and a position in which the piston rod is fully raised. The piston rods constitute the pins of the pin table and are selectively movable into their raised positions by the application of compressed air to the cylinders via the spool valves whereby a desired array of raised piston rods may be established.

Abstract: A flow sensor of the disc type for a compressed air lubricator comprises a flexible elastomeric disc having a pair of radial channels formed in each of its major surfaces. The channels afford lines of weakness which enable the disc readily and progressively to deform into a fluted cone-like configuration as the air flow rate through the lubricator increases, thereby increasing the potential air flow capacity of the lubricator compared to those including known designs of disc type flow sensor.

Abstract: A method of making a one-piece, rigid thermoplastics body for a discrete, releasable push-in tube coupling device of the collet type comprises initially injection moulding the body about one or more rigid cores. Each rigid core is then withdrawn axially while the moulding is still in a plastic state whereby the outer, narrower bore portions of the body expand radially. The expanded portions are then radially contracted back to their as-moulded configuration using a jaw-like tool and finally the body is allowed to cool.

Abstract: A slide valve, especially for use in a compressed air supply installation, includes a body defining an inlet passageway and an outlet passageway and a vane having an orifice therethrough and movable laterally relative to the passageways between a valve-open position in which the orifice is in register with the passageways thereby permitting fluid to flow through the valve, and a valve-closed position in which the orifice is wholly out of register with the passageways thereby isolating the inlet passageway from the outlet passageway. The vane defines, at least in part, an exhaust passageway that, in the valve-closed position, connects the outlet passageway to atmosphere via a further exhaust passageway formed in the body whereby, in the valve-closed position, the downstream side of the installation will automatically become depressurized.

Abstract: A processing apparatus for compressed air comprises a body defining inlet and outlet passages leading to a bowl supported by the body. The bowl is of composite construction comprising a flexible inner bowl and a high impact strength outer bowl formed from polycarbonate for protecting the internal bowl from external damage. The inner bowl has an annular flange trapped between the outer bowl and the body to form a gas-tight seal between them, and is formed from a material which will protect the outer bowl from solvent and/or chemical attack. The outer bowl has a small vent to atmosphere to allow controlled venting of the compressed air in the event of inner bowl failure without allowing fragments from the inner bowl to pass through the vent. Both bowls are made of translucent or transparent materials so that the contents of the inner bowl can clearly be seen.