Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring fluid pressure includes a reusable base section, and a disposable dome section detachably connected to the base section. The disposable dome section defines a fluid pathway and includes a dome viewing segment in fluid communication with a flush segment and a stopcock segment. A pressure transducer sensor is disposed in the reusable base section and is adapted to produce electrical signals proportional to fluid pressures sensed in the fluid pathway. A usage indicator can be disposed in the base section to provide a visual indication of usage of the apparatus within a predetermined number of uses. A calibration port can be provided in the base section to allow for simple calibration by the user without violating the sterility of the apparatus. The ability to reuse the base section with the sensor component reduces the cost of the apparatus, while the disposability of the dome section with the fluid pathway ensures sterility for each use.

Abstract: A feedblock for supplying a multi-layer stream of polymeric material to an extrusion die is provided wherein the dimension of at least some of the layers of the multi-layer stream can be precisely adjusted and/or controlled. The feedblock includes a primary flow path which is used to create a first layer and two secondary flow paths which are used to create a set of second and third layers. The secondary flow paths are positioned relative to the primary flow path such that the second and third layers are deposited on opposing sides of the primary layer in a sandwich-like configuration. Each of the secondary flow paths include a contoured slot through which a secondary fluid stream of polymeric material is deposited onto a primary stream of polymeric fluid flowing in the primary flow path. The contoured slot is geometrically shaped such that adjusting the position of the contoured slot alters the shape of the secondary fluid stream as it is deposited onto the primary flow path.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flow control apparatus and method. In accordance with the present invention, the flow control apparatus comprises a thermostat that automatically actuates valve to enable water to flow through the valve when the temperature of the air or water is at or near the freezing temperature of water (32° F.). When the temperature of the air or water rises above freezing, the thermostat causes the valve to close, thereby preventing water from flowing through the valve. Therefore, when the apparatus is coupled to an end of a water conduit, such as a water spigot or hose, water is allowed to flow through the conduit when the air or water temperature is at or near freezing to prevent the conduit from bursting due to water freezing and expanding within the conduit.

Abstract: A liquid diverter system comprising a plastic panel with the collector panel portion angled downward from all corners and sides to a circular recessed drain mounting land to divert liquids to a suitable storage container or disposal area. A perpendicular flange formed at outer edge creates a reservoir capable of holding liquids when immediate drainage is not possible. A non-woven plastic mesh pad in the collector panel prevents debris from clogging the drain, absorbs sound made by falling water and eliminates splashing.

Abstract: A surge prevention valve may be used to prevent the formation of an initial surge of high pressure. The valve may be located, for example, between a high pressure oxygen cylinder and a medical pressure regulator. The valve also may be used for other purposes. The surge prevention valve may have a housing with an inlet and an outlet. A seal unit may be used to close the main flow path from the inlet to the outlet, and a bleed passageway may be provided in the seal unit to bypass the main flow path. The valve may have an actuator for opening the bleed passageway and for moving the seal unit to open the main flow path. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a manual push-then-turn operation is used to open the valve. The actuator may be used to threadedly move the seal unit toward and away from the valve seat to close and open the main flow path. In addition, a valve rod may be provided for closing the bleed passageway.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a float for a liquid waste disposal apparatus having a simple structure for enabling the content inside a container to be easily visually recognizable and allowing a faster and steadier solidification of an absorbed liquid waste. A water-absorptive material 6 is retained inside a spherical float 5 in a manner where a water-absorptive material 6 is wrapped by a water permeable sheet 22 inside a hemispherical primary structural portion 5a and a secondary structural portion 5b capable of being separated into two portions, and thus structured, a circle shaped hole 5c or a square shaped hole 5d of the float 5 serving as a flow path for flowing downward a liquid waste 21 absorbed from an upper portion into a lying member L is formed at the surface of the float 5. The float 5 is contained inside the lying member L in a floatable manner permitted to revolve in a vertical direction.

Abstract: An existing straight pipe 1 is cut off at two locations by rotating two seal-up housings 2 each mounted with a cutter 3, to form two cutoff groove 12C. A straight pipe portion 1p between the two cutoff grooves 12C remains left without retrieval, to impart a flexibility and contraction and expansion properties to a pipeline.

Abstract: A toilet fill valve (16) includes a fill tube (21) which is mounted through a hole (14) in a toilet tank wall (12), having isolating means for isolating the fill tube (21) from direct contact with the toilet tank wall (12), as well as isolating water-borne noise and vibration in the fill tube (21) from direct transmission to the wall (12) of the tank (10).

Abstract: A method of replacing a gas main that supplies gas to a recipient through an existing service line includes connecting a first tapping tee to the new gas main and connecting a second tapping tee to the existing service line that communicates with a downstream recipient. Branch passages of the first and second tapping tees are fluidically connected together by a connecting conduit. The new gas main is then tapped with the first tee so that gas flows from the new gas main into the connecting conduit up to the second tee. All air is bled from the connecting conduit between the first and second tees, and the existing service line is then tapped with the second tee so that gas is supplied to the recipient through both the existing service line and the connecting conduit. Gas flow to the recipient from the old main is then terminated. The second tee is a specially configured tapping tee specifically adapted for bleeding air from the connecting conduit that interconnects the first and second tees.

Abstract: A valve where the valve membrane is made from silicone rubber. Preferably the valve is a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) thermopneumatic valve. Because of the advantageous physical properties of silicone rubber, the valve provides desirable performance with reasonable power consumption.

Abstract: A supplying method and a supplying apparatus for supplying fluorine gas, in which when a fluorine-occluding substance is used for the fluorine gas-generating means, a necessary amount of fluorine gas can be stably and swiftly supplied to have a uniform concentration to &a chamber of an excimer laser device or the like even at running, to say nothing of the gas exchange time. In a fluorine gas-generating means, fluorine gas is generated at the use point by controlling a fluorine-occluding substance to a predetermined temperature, the fluorine gas is introduced into a mixing container, a diluting gas is introduced into the mixing container to mix it with the fluorine gas to prepare a fluorine mixed gas having a predetermined pressure and a predetermined fluorine gas concentration, and the fluorine mixed gas reserved in the mixing container is supplied to a use side such as chamber, using the pressure difference.

Abstract: A pressure-control valve (1) comprises a first control piston (1), which is disposed between a first pressure chamber (6), which adjoins the first control piston (1) and is connected to at least one working line (A, B), and a second pressure chamber (7), which adjoins the first control piston (1) and is pushed against a stop (3) by a first preloading spring (4). A throttle (8) connects the first pressure chamber (6) and the second pressure chamber (7). The second pressure chamber (7) is connected to a second control piston (11), which is preloaded by a second preloading spring (17) and which, when a predetermined pressure in the second pressure chamber (7) is exceeded, is displaced to an extent such that a control edge (12) of the second control piston (11) clears a connection of the second pressure chamber (7) to a hydraulic fluid discharge point (23).

Abstract: An end-cap lockingly securable to the end of the pipe at the same time a secondary action such as a branch line is formed to the main pipe line. The end cap housing has an integral branch forming member to allow a user to lock the end cap to the pipe by forming a branch line on the side of the pipe with the end cap housing sandwiching the end of a pipe between a pipe insert and a pipe receptor in the end cap housing. The pipe receptor includes an insert having a sealing surface, which when engaged to the interior surface of a pipe, forms a leak-proof relationship with the pipe.

Abstract: A device for combining tomographic images with human vision using a half-silvered mirror to merge the visual outer surface of an object (or a robotic mock effector) with a simultaneous reflection of a tomographic image from the interior of the object. The device maybe used with various types of image modalities including ultrasound, CT, and MRI. The image capture device and the display may or may not be fixed to the semi-transparent mirror. If not fixed, the imaging device may provide a compensation device that adjusts the reflection of the displayed ultrasound on the half-silvered mirror to account for any change in the image capture device orientation or location.

Abstract: A valve comprising a body having an inlet (13, 113, 213) adapted to be connected to a pressurized source of liquid and an outlet (15, 115, 215) which is to communicate with a reservoir, a valve seat (25, 125, 225) between the inlet and outlet, a valve member (27, 127, 227) movable relative to the valve seat between an open and closed position, the valve member having a first face (29,129, 229) which is movable to be in opposed relation to the valve seat and to be engaged with the valve seat when the valve is in the closed position, the valve member having a second face (31, 131, 231) located in opposed relation to the first face, a chamber (33, 133, 233) located between the body and the second face, a first passageway (35, 135, 235) providing communication between the first face and the chamber, the chamber having a discharge outlet (51, 151, 251), a control means (43, 45, 143, 145, 243, 245) associated with the discharge outlet, the control means being controlled by a bearing member (17, 117, 217) adapted to

Abstract: A closed &Dgr;Pstat-installation is disclosed for the potential-independent control of the pressure difference for continuous column tests under high hydrostatic pressure, as well as a pressure difference control process useful in particular for carrying out migration tests in pressure columns. By coupling two potential bottles into a closed vessel system, the gas or fluid pressure required to carry out the continuous column tests can be regulated at any desired height independently of outer influences. The pressure difference required to move the liquid is adjusted by setting the potential bottles at predeterminable heights.

Abstract: Fuel shut-off device for use in a diesel fuel tank to discontinue fuel flow to a fuel pump comprises a valve seat forming a fuel flow opening for fuel to flow from the fuel tank to the fuel pump, a fuel control valve cooperably disposed relative to the valve seat to control fuel flow from the fuel tank to the fuel pump, and a spring biasing the fuel inlet valve to a closed position against the valve seat. A diaphragm is provided having a first valve-actuating side for moving the fuel inlet valve relative to the valve seat against bias of the spring and a second side. The second side is communicated to a control chamber having an inlet orifice that is communicated to the fuel tank and an outlet orifice that is communicated to said fuel pump.

Abstract: A break-away ring manufactured from a frangible material and removably received by a water meter of the type used to measure the volume of water consumed by a residence or a commercial facility. The break-away ring applies a holding pressure for retaining within the water meter a register to measure the volume of water consumed. The ring has a plurality of notches formed therein. A tool is inserted in one of the notches for prying the break-away ring outwardly from the water meter, whereby to break the ring and end the holding pressure generated thereby. Accordingly, the register can now be easily lifted out of the water meter for repair or replacement. The foregoing removal of the register is accomplished without having to either interrupt the water service to the consumer or disconnect the water meter from the consumer's water line.

Abstract: An overflow prevention mechanism for use in association with liquid transfer systems of the type including an electrically controllable flow control device such as a pump connected between a source of liquid and a liquid tank, the mechanism including a backup liquid level sensor and a shunt trip breaker or other normally-closed switching device. The backup liquid level sensor senses if the level of liquid within the tank reaches an extreme high level. When the liquid level within the tank reaches the extreme high level the backup liquid level sensor produces an output indicative of the liquid having reached such extreme high level. The shunt trip breaker is connected between the source of electrical energy and the flow control device.

Abstract: A fuel tank has a recess formed on the inner surface of the upper wall. A vent valve has a mounting portion extending therefrom with a resiliently deflectable disc formed thereon and a guide disc spaced from the deflectable disc. Upon insertion into the recess the deflectable disc is deflected and the periphery thereof frictionally engages the inner surface of the tank wall recess. The guide member slidably fits into the recess to prevent lateral movement of the mounting portion and removal from the recess.