Abstract: A pump that has a cavity (13) in which is located a non-elastomeric membrane (14). An inlet (24) opens into the cavity (13) and is associated with a valve (27). A valve (28) is likewise provided in an outlet (25). Also opening into cavity (13) is a port (22) to which a negative or positive pressure can be applied whereby the membrane (14) can be moved between its two stable states corresponding to completion of inlet and exhaust of a pumping cycle.

Abstract: A pump that has a cavity (13) in which is located a non-elastomeric membrane (14). An inlet (24) opens into the cavity (13) and is associated with a valve (27). A valve (28) is likewise provided in an outlet (25). Also opening into cavity (13) is a port (22) to which a negative or positive pressures can be applied whereby the membrane (14) can be moved between its two stable states corresponding to completion of inlet and exhaust of a pumping cycle.

Abstract: A pump that has a cavity (13) in which is located a non-elastomeric membrane (14). An inlet (24) opens into the cavity (13) and is associated with a valve (27). A valve (28) is likewise provided in an outlet (25). Also opening into cavity (13) is a port (22) to which means for applying negative and positive pressures can be connected whereby the membrane (14) can be moved between its two stable states corresponding to completion of inlet and exhaust of a pumping cycle.

Abstract: A pump that has a cavity (13) in which is located a flexible membrane (14). An inlet (24) opens into the cavity (13) and is associated with a valve (27). A valve (28) is likewise provided in an outlet (25). Also opening into cavity (13) is a port (22) to which means for applying negative and positive pressures can be connected whereby the flexible membrane (14) can be moved to its two states corresponding to completion of inlet and exhaust of a pumping cycle.

Abstract: A pinch mechanism, which can be used as part of a pump, includes a deformable tube (10) enclosed within a body (11) which has a first chamber (11a). The deformable tube (10) defines a flow passage. A second chamber (19) is coupled via passage (17) to the first chamber (11a). A piston (20) is located within the second chamber (19) and movable between first and second positions. Upon moving to the first position a pressure increase occurs in the first chamber (11a). Upon moving to the second position a negative pressure is created in the first chamber (11a). A vent means (25) is located at a point during movement of the piston (20) between the first and second positions which enables pressure equalisation within the second chamber (19) to occur.

Abstract: A pinch mechanism suitable for use as a valve or as part of a pump. The pinch mechanism comprises a housing (11) within which an elongate conduit element (12) is located. A conduit engagement member (13c) is retained within the housing (11) to be movable transverse to a longitudinal axis of the conduit element (12). The engagement member has an end portion (13d) which engages with the conduit element (12), this end portion (13d) having a cross-sectional dimension less than the lateral inner dimension of the conduit element (12), this lateral dimension being at right angles to the direction of movement of the engagement member (13c).

Abstract: A washing system for in place washing of a machine or equipment. The washing system includes a supply valve arrangement (21) that is connectable to at least one source (16) of washing fluid, wherein the valve arrangement is operable to regulate a flow of washing fluid to the machine or equipment to be washed. A doser unit (10) having a linear actuator (14) is coupled through a valve (26) to a source (24) of cleaning additive. A control unit (29) is coupled with the valves (21, 26) and the doser unit (10) via a sensor (27) such that controlled changes in the flow of washing fluid and the addition of cleaning additive to the washing fluid can be effected. When the supply is formed by two sources of washing fluid, one source is at a higher temperature than the other. The control unit (29) is further able to change the pressure of the flow of washing fluid to the machine or equipment such that controlled changes in the pressure can be effected.