Abstract: The present invention relates in general to vortex shedding flow meters with enhanced sensitivity for sensing and measuring vortex frequencies.

Abstract: A steam trap comprises a housing defining a flow passage extending between an inlet and an outlet. A cap fitted to the housing has a stop face. In addition, the housing and the cap define a trap chamber. A movable valve element is located in the trap chamber. The steam trap further comprises a first temperature sensor having an inlet sensing portion in the flow path between the inlet and valve element. A second temperature sensor has an outlet sensing portion in the flow path between the valve element and the outlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates in general to vortex shedding flow meters with enhanced sensitivity for sensing and measuring vortex frequencies.

Abstract: A pivoting mechanism for use in a high temperature steam distribution system includes an input member operative to move between a low level position and a high level position. A compression spring having a first end and a second end is also provided. The first end of the compression spring is connected to the input member. A pivot member is operatively connected to the second end of the compression spring. The pivot member rotates in a snap over fashion to a first position when the input member reaches the upper position. When the input member reaches the lower position, the pivot member rotates in a snap over fashion to a second position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gas pressure driven liquid pump having a pump body, liquid inlet, liquid outlet, a pair of pump mechanisms each including a float, and a baffle within the pump body creating two chambers within the pump body. A separate pump mechanism is configured to operate in the respective chambers. The baffle includes a void located below a low liquid level position so that a liquid seal is maintained between the two chambers. As the pump body fills with liquid condensate, a high liquid level position will trigger the respective pump mechanisms to allow motive gas into the chambers, pumping the liquid out of the pump body.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing liquid flow rate comprises a conduit for conducting a flow of liquid through it and a flow sensor. The flow sensor includes a fixed portion attached to a sidewall of the conduit. The fixed portion has a pair of stationary electrodes positioned in spaced apart relation and adapted to contact the liquid conducted through the conduit. The flow sensor further includes a cartridge portion adapted for removable engagement with the fixed portion. The cartridge portion has sensor terminals adapted to electrically engage the stationary electrodes. In addition, the flow sensor includes an electromagnetic coil operative to generate a magnetic field within the fluid flow.

Abstract: A steam trap comprises a trap body having an inlet and an outlet each defining inner threads. The trap body further includes a spigot defining external threads. Also provided is a cap defining internal threads for engaging the external threads of the spigot of the trap body. A valve element freely moves inside a trap chamber defined between an inner surface of the cap and the valve seat of the spigot. The cap defines a top surface on which a disc of thermally insulative material is juxtaposed. A cup-shaped cover, which may carry indicia such as manufacturer name and model number, is received over the thermally insulative disc.

Abstract: A gas pressure driven fluid pump comprising a pump tank having a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet. A float, carried within the interior of the pump tank, is operable to move between a low level position and a high level position. A snap-acting valve is operatively connected to the float. The snap acting valve has a rotatable port member that moves so as to switch to exhaust porting when the float falls to the low level position. The port member further switches to motive porting when the float rises to the high level position. As a result, fluid filling the pump tank causes the float to rise from the low level position to the high level position during exhaust porting. Fluid exiting the pump tank causes the float to fall from the high level position to the low level position due to introduction of motive gas during motive porting.

Abstract: A gas pressure driven fluid pump having a pump tank with a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet. A float assembly is carried within the interior of the pump tank and is movable between a low level position and a high level position. A compression spring is connected between the float assembly and a pivot member. Due to the force applied by the compression spring, the pivot member rotates to a first position when the float reaches its high level position and rotates to a second position when the float reaches its low level position. A valve assembly is connected to said pivot member to switch between motive porting and exhaust porting in a snap over fashion due to rotation of said pivot member between said first position and said second position. A damper system may be connected to the valve assembly to slow movement of the valve assembly between motive porting and exhaust porting.

Abstract: A gas pressure driven fluid pump having an electronic cycle counter. The pump has a pump tank with a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet. A switching mechanism is operative within the pump tank for switching to exhaust porting when the fluid level within the pump tank falls to a low level position and switching to motive porting when the fluid level within the pump tank rises to a high level position. An electrical counter circuit is operatively connected to the pump tank for incrementing a stored count in response to the fluid level within the pump tank rising to a predetermined level.

Abstract: A gas pressure driven fluid pump comprising a pump tank having a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet. A float, carried within the interior of the pump tank, is operable to move between a low level position and a high level position. A snap-acting valve control mechanism uses magnetic interaction to switch between exhaust porting and motive porting. Fluid exiting the pump tank causes the float to fall from the high level position to the low level position due to introduction of motive gas during motive porting. Exhaust porting begins when the float falls to the low level position.

Abstract: A gas pressure driven fluid pump comprising a pump tank having a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet. A float, carried within the interior of the pump tank, is operable to move between a low level position and a high level position. A snap-acting valve is operatively connected to the float. The snap acting valve has a rotatable port member that moves so as to switch to exhaust porting when the float falls to the low level position. The port member further switches to motive porting when the float rises to the high level position. As a result, fluid filling the pump tank causes the float to rise from the low level position to the high level position during exhaust porting. Fluid exiting the pump tank causes the float to fall from the high level position to the low level position due to introduction of motive gas during motive porting.

Abstract: A band controlled valve apparatus for controlling fluid flow from a source to a sink, including a base (12) having an upper surface and an aperture (16) extending from the upper surface through the base (12) allowing the flow of fluid from the source through the base (12) to the sink when the aperture (16) is not covered, an elongate flexible band (8) with a first portion (8a) in contact with the upper surface of the base (12) and a second portion (8b) extending forwardly of the first portion (8a) then upwardly and rearwardly above at least a part of the first portion (8a), the second portion (8b) being actuated to selectively move the second portion (8b) of the band (8) forwardly or rearwardly to cover or uncover, respectively, the aperture (16) with the first portion (8a) of the band (8) to thereby prevent or allow, respectively, fluid flow through the aperture (16).

Abstract: A band controlled valve apparatus for controlling fluid flow from a source to a sink, including a base (12) having an upper surface and an aperture (16) extending from the upper surface through the base (12) allowing the flow of fluid from the source through the base (12) to the sink when the aperture (16) is not covered, an elongate flexible band (8) with a first portion (8a) in contact with the upper surface of the base (12) and a second portion (8b) extending forwardly of the first portion (8a) then upwardly and rearwardly above at least a part of the first portion (8a), the second portion (8b) being actuated to selectively move the second portion (8b) of the band (8) forwardly or rearwardly to cover or uncover, respectively, the aperture (16) with the first portion (8a) of the band (8) to thereby prevent or allow, respectively, fluid flow through the aperture (16).

Abstract: An automatic injection device includes a drug-filled vessel having a flexible membrane over a first opening thereof and a puncturable seal in a wall thereof, a hollow needle attached at a first end to the flexible membrane and having a sharp end positioned proximate the puncturable seal housing. A pressure source such as a combustible propellant provides a compressed gas above the flexible membrane to force the membrane into the drug-filled vessel, forcing the hollow needle through the puncturable seal and the drug contained in the vessel through the hollow needle. After the drug has been substantially evacuated from the vessel, the membrane is allowed to return to its pre-expanded state thus retracting the hollow needle into the vessel. Preferably, the flexible membrane is an elastomeric material having a plurality of concentrically configured corrugations to allow expansion of the membrane into the vessel.

Abstract: A fountain apparatus includes a nozzle and lights which are selectable and moveable in at least two degrees of freedom about axes that are approximately perpendicular. Nozzle movement is preferably controlled by preprogrammed electronics which control movement of the nozzle and selective activation of the lights. Such an automated control system also may control the spray stream velocity. The flow streams are controlled to create a dynamic display which may be synchronized to music or other light shows.

Abstract: An automated injection module is comprised of a housing, a piston drug capsule disposed within the housing, a piston core including a puncture seal membrane defining a reservoir for holding a drug between the puncture seal membrane and the piston drug capsule, an injection device having at least one sharp end for puncturing the puncture seal upon activation of the device, an end cap on a distal end of the housing, and a pressure source on a proximal end of the housing. The pressure source is preferably a propellant that ignites and forces the piston toward the distal end. Substantially simultaneously, the injection device pierces the puncture seal membrane, the piston core is forced into the piston drug capsule, and the drug is evacuated from the reservoir through the injection device and into a patient.

Abstract: A volumetric pump for administering intravenous fluids to a patient comprises a housing having an elongate cavity therein with an open and a closed end. A resilient sheet of material having a centrally-located aperture covers the open end, and a pump shaft is slidably disposed through the aperture to form a sphincter seal therebetween. An inlet conduit leading from a fluid source (an IV bag) passes through the housing into the cavity near the open end thereof, and an outlet conduit leading to a fluid sink (the patient) passes through the housing from the cavity near the closed end thereof. The shaft is driven back and forth in reciprocating motion inwardly and outwardly of the cavity to produce, respectively, a positive pressure forcing fluid out of the outlet conduit to the fluid sink, and a negative pressure forcing fluid from the fluid source through the inlet conduit.

Abstract: A gas powered pump tank is alternately filled with liquid such as water at low pressure, and then emptied by gas pressure such as from pressurized steam. An auxiliary exhaust assist valve opens at a threshold pressure after switching from the pumping phase to the filling phase to more quickly vent the pressure in the tank and minimize obstruction of the incoming flow of liquid. The pump tank has inlet and outlet check valves for the liquid, permitting flow only in a positive pumping direction. A gas inlet valve and a primary gas exhaust valve are controlled by an alternating mechanism such as a float with a snap action toggle that opens one of the gas valves while closing the other. The auxiliary exhaust assist valve has a valve body spring biased inwardly of the tank, and opens at a pressure lower than the pumping pressure, thereby venting the tank more rapidly and also assisting in venting any additional steam produced by boiling of the water or other liquid.

Abstract: A volumetric pump for administering intravenous fluids to a patient comprises a housing having an elongate cavity therein with an open and a closed end. A resilient sheet of material having two branched portions which form a centrally-located aperture is disposed over the open end of the housing. A pump shaft is slidably disposed through the aperture such that one branched portion toward the cavity and the other branched portion extends away from the housing such that a sphincter seal is formed about the shaft. An inlet conduit leading from a fluid source such as an IV bag passes through the housing into the cavity near one end thereof, and an outlet conduit leading to a fluid sink such as a patient passes through the housing from the cavity near the other end thereof.