Abstract: A fuel-tank fitting includes a cylinder-shaped fitting body including a connecting end to be connected with a pipe and a free end to be disposed freely inside a fuel tank, a flange disposed on an outer peripheral surface of the fitting body, and fastened to an opening periphery of an installation opening opened through the fuel tank, and a check valve disposed in the fitting body, openable only in a direction heading from the connecting end of the fitting body to the free end thereof, and closable for sealing a fuel. The fitting body further includes a first portion sealing the check valve, a second portion fastened to a portion of the flange, a third portion connecting the first and second portions, and a fragile portion fracturing more preferentially than the first and second portions and the flange fracture while securing a fuel-sealing ability inside the fuel tank.

Abstract: A mesovalve having a diaphragm situated between a first chamber and a second chamber. There may be an inlet and an outlet in the first chamber. The diaphragm may provide an orifice between the first and second chambers. There may be a first electrode on the diaphragm and a second electrode on an inside surface of the second chamber. The diaphragm may have first and second positions, or numerous variable positions. Applying a voltage across the electrodes may electrostatically move the diaphragm to the second position during which the outlet is at least partially opened for fluid communication with the inlet, the orifice is closed and the diaphragm is stopped in the second position by a cushioning fluid pressure in the second cavity to prevent pull-in. Removing the voltage from the electrodes may let the diaphragm return to the first position, open the orifice and close the outlet.

Abstract: A process and system for the analysis and/or control of a mixture of liquid hydrocarbons and biodiesel to determine biodiesel concentration includes a) measuring the near infrared absorption in at least two of the bands of two absorption bands from a portion of the range of 800-2500 nm; in particular 1100-2500 nm which are used to quantify the biodiesel content. b) taking each of the absorbances measured, or a mathematical function thereof, c) performing at least one mathematical computing or statistical treatment using the above absorbances or functions as individual independent variables, d) assigning and applying weighting constants or their equivalents to the independent variables, and, optionally e) applying the above steps using known compositions to calibrate the instrument and determine the weighting constants or equivalents, and further optionally f) outputting a signal indicative of the biodiesel concentration in the mixture, based on the absorbances or functions.

Abstract: To detect the volume of gas remaining in a gas bottle or a fixed tank of a system for supplying liquefied gas as fuel for a combustion engine, a positive temperature coefficient (or PTC) probe (16) is placed in the gas feed line (12) between the gas source and the combustion engine. The PTC probe (16) detects the change of phase, from the liquid phase of the liquefied gas to the gaseous phase, in the feed line (12) and delivers an electrical signal to an electronic circuit that triggers a visual or audible signal in response to the detection of the phase change.

Abstract: An air valve device is adapted to be fitted into an opening of an inflatable article, and includes a valve seat formed with a valve body that is disposed between an inflating port and a conduit, an axially movable member having a valve disc which is disposed in the conduit to be moved between open and closed positions, and a plunger which is connected to the valve disc and which has a head end disposed in the inflating port, a biasing member disposed to bias the valve disc to the closed position, and a releasably retaining mechanism disposed between the valve seat and the plunger to arrest axial movement of the movable member against the biasing action of the biasing member when the valve disc is in the open position, thereby facilitating inflation and deflation of the inflatable article.

Abstract: The invention relates to a first stage pressure reducing valve having a tubular plug, particularly for regulators of scuba breathing apparatus. According to the invention, at least a portion of the outer surface of the valve has fins (19, 19?) for heat exchange with the outside environment, designed to prevent or reduce the formation of ice (18) caused by the temperature drop generated by gas expansion inside the valve.

Abstract: Disclosed is a check valve (5) that is screwed into a threaded bore (1) of a housing (2) of a hydraulic subassembly between a first pressure side (26) and a second pressure side (27) by means of an external thread (11) which is disposed in a first cylinder section (8) of a cylindrical valve housing (6) of the check valve (5). A passage duct (39) which allows a hydraulic fluid to flow between the sidewall of the threaded bore (1) and a first removed portion (16) of the surface area (10) of the cylindrical valve housing (6) is embodied in at least one angular segment (a1, a2, and a3) of the valve housing (6).

Abstract: An insertion part is provided in the form of a back-flow preventer and which can be inserted in a gas or liquid line. An insertion part is also provided that can be inserted into a gas or liquid line in the form of a flow regulator. The insertion parts are characterizedin that they comprise an annular lip shaped part which, togther with its annular body, is held inside the housing and which has at least one controlling lip (9), with the controlling lip being displaced by the fluid, and/or at least one sealing lip (14). The insertion part can be used in a versatile manner and is characterized by the simple production thereof as well as by having a uniform and reliable functioning.

Abstract: A faucet with a vertically adjustable spout.

Abstract: The present invention presents various novel approaches to solving the problems inherent in measuring biological pressures in high pressure systems. Thus, to protect a pressure transducer exposed to fluid flows at higher pressures than its overpressure rating, a novel valve is used that closes a protected leg in which the transducer is located. The various exemplary embodiments of such valves each have a high pressure input, one or more low pressure inputs, and an output. In operation, when a high pressure fluid flow occurs at a high pressure input, such valves automatically close the low pressure inputs. Alternatively, a novel transducer system is presented, which automatically limits the effective pressure sensed by a transducer to a certain maximum.

Abstract: A system is provided that monitors at the wellsite injection of additives into formation fluids recovered through wellbores and controls the supply of such additives from remote locations. The selected additive is supplied from a source at the wellsite into the wellbore via a suitable supply line. A flow meter in the supply line measures the flow rate of the additive through the supply line and generates signals representative of the flow rate. A controller at the wellsite determines the flow rate from the flow meter signals and in response thereto controls the flow rate of the additive to the well. The wellsite controller interfaces with a suitable two-way communication link and transmits signals and data representative of the flow rate and other parameters to a second remote controller. The remote controller transmits command signals to the wellsite controller representative of any change desired for the flow rate.

Abstract: A valve assembly including a valve body having a bore and a port extending to the bore, an orifice member received in the bore and having an end wall and a side wall, and wherein the end wall defines an orifice providing fluid communication with the port of the body. A valve member is received in the orifice member and is movable along an axis with respect to the orifice, and a flat spring is secured to the side wall of the orifice member and has arms secured to the valve member. A valve seat is secured to the end wall and defines an opening over the orifice, and a plug is secured to an end of the valve member opposite the valve seat such that, when the valve member is moved along the axis towards the orifice, the plug contacts the seat to seal the opening.

Abstract: A solenoid operated valve has a pressure transducer sensing valve outlet pressure integrally formed in the valve body, such as by overmolding. Upon connection of the transducer and solenoid to an electronic controller, the controller generates a valve energization signal in response to a desired valve pressure output and the transducer input for providing closed loop control of the valve outlet pressure. An ASIC may also be integrally formed in the valve body, such as by overmolding for providing integrated signal conditioning; and, the optional ASIC, if employed, may also include the circuitry for the electronic controller for providing a “smart” pressure control valve.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a mass flow controller to have a constant control loop gain under a variety of different types of fluids and operating conditions, and for configuring the mass flow controller for operation with a fluid and/or operating conditions different from that used during a production of the mass flow controller. Further, the system and method includes providing control by reducing the effects of hysteresis in solenoid actuated devices by providing a non-operational signal to the solenoid actuated device.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling water flow is provided. The apparatus is a novel electronic water controller capable of operation using a battery-type power source, and providing for achievement of long battery life. The apparatus generally comprises an electronic control module, a vacuum pressure sensor, a trigger switch, a vacuum switching module and a means to electrically connect the electronic control module to a power source.

Abstract: A valve comprises a housing (1) having an inlet (4) and an outlet (5), and a pressure sensing port (8). A piston (6) slides in a part (3) of the housing (1) in response to a difference between a first fluid pressure at the pressure sensing port on the one side of the piston, and a second fluid pressure at the inlet and/or outlet on the other side of the piston (6). A valve member (7) carried by the piston is operable thereby to close the inlet (4) when said second fluid pressure is less than a value sufficiently greater than said first fluid pressure. The valve member (7) is movable with respect to the piston (6) to facilitate closing of the inlet (4), in response to a fluid flow from the housing (1) to the inlet (4), when the piston is not acting to close the inlet.

Abstract: A diaphragm valve for opening or closing itself through making direct contact of or through breaking the direct contract of a metal diaphragm with a valve seat disposed inside a body provided with an inlet port and an outlet port. The diaphragm valve includes an elevating member which serves to make or break the direct contact of the metal diaphragm with the valve seat and which is fusion-bonded to the metal diaphragm.

Abstract: A relief valve and related systems and methods are disclosed for use in fluid distribution lines. The relief valve comprises a body defining a cavity and comprising at least first and second openings in fluid communication with the cavity. A connector piece is connected to the body at the first opening to connect the valve to a fluid distribution line. A rupture disc is disposed within and obstructs the first opening. When it is desired that fluid from the fluid distribution line be vented from the system, the rupture disc is punctured and thereby allows for fluid communication through the first opening of the valve.

Abstract: An electro mechanically-assisted control system for use in a second-stage regulator. Regulator control assembly (20?), also referred to as all-electronic (AE) assembly (20?), includes an electromechanical actuator (EMA) sub-assembly (22) for controlling airflow through single air supply line (23). EMA sub-assembly (22) includes electronically controllable actuator (ECA) (34), which removably seals EMA orifice (36) in wall (30) of pilot chamber (32). ECA (34) is electrically connected with and controlled by control electronics (38). The control electronics include programmable microprocessor (40), which is electrically connected with charge and discharge electronics (42), both of which are electrically connected with power supply (44). All-electronic (AE) assembly (20?) has only an EMA sub-assembly and no mechanical actuator sub-assembly.

Abstract: A combination check valve and pressure relief valve is provided for use in regulating the flow of fluid between a first fluid side and a second fluid side. The valve may include a valve body, a valve insert positioned within an aperture of the valve body, a check poppet attached to the valve insert, and a check spring positioned between the valve insert and the valve body. In addition, a relief spring and a relief poppet may be positioned within a cavity formed by the valve insert and secured in position by the check poppet. The combination of the valve insert and the check poppet is adapted to move relative to the valve body and against the force of the check spring to permit fluid to pass from the first fluid side to the second fluid side, and the relief poppet is adapted to move relative to the check poppet against the force of the relief spring to allow fluid to pass from the second fluid side to the first fluid side.