Abstract: A fuel transfer control apparatus in a motor vehicle for automatically shutting off the transfer of fuel from an auxiliary tank to a main tank once the main tank is full and has begun to overflow. The transfer control apparatus is readily installed and includes a chamber having an inlet opening for receiving fuel overflow from the main tank and an outlet opening for connecting the main tank to an outside source of fuel. The transfer control apparatus also includes a sensor for monitoring the level of fuel in the chamber and a switch activated by the sensor for automatically stopping the transfer of fuel.

Abstract: A process gas supply system at the gas supply point includes an automated means for evacuating gas in a process line fed by the process gas supply system when an abnormal event occurs. The process gas supply system of this invention eliminates the need for any special valves or piping at the point of use of the process gas as well as the need for a return line from the point of use to the process gas supply system to purge the process line. A process gas is contained in a cylinder under pressure. The cylinder is coupled to a process line by the process gas supply system. The process gas supply system includes a gas flow controller and an automatic evacuation system. The gas flow controller controls the supply of the process gas from the cylinder to the process line. In an abnormal event, process gas flow from the cylinder is blocked by the gas flow controller and the automatic evacuation system evacuates the process gas not only from the gas flow controller, but also from the process line.

Abstract: A valve for controlling flow of hydraulic fluid. The valve includes first and second relatively movable valve members (60 and 62). The valve members (60 and 62) include cooperating surfaces (112, 142, 144) which define first and second orifices for metering fluid from a pressurized fluid source (44) toward first and second locations (22 and 24) in a fluid utilization device (12). The valve members (60 and 62) have a displaced position in which the first orifice is increased in size and the second orifice is decreased in size. The increased size of the first orifice reduces a pressure drop across the first orifice. The decreased size of the second orifices increases a pressure drop across the second orifice. The valve members (60 and 62) include means (114 and 146) for increasing a pressure on a downstream side of the second orifice to reduce the pressure drop for controlling valve noise.

Abstract: A throttle or fluid control valve uses at least one compressible multi-wave asher as a fluid control element. The apertures formed by the multi-wave washer are short and of low aspect ratio when the valve is fully open to limit pressure drop across the valve, thus substantially preventing cavitation and flow-related noise to high flow velocities. As the valve is closed, the aspect ratio of the apertures increases but surfaces of the apertures remain angled to each other to provide noise cancellation and damping. Several multi-wave washers spaced by sliders are preferably used to further limit pressure drop in any stage and to form a serpentine path in the general direction of flow to provide further noise cancellation and damping. The sliders also enhance the self-purging action of the valve structure. A closure structure is also provided for assuring full closure of the valve.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device includes a support brace fixably mounted in a uid flow tube. An actuator rod is slidably supported by the support brace. A plurality of conical washers are mounted in sliding engagement on the rod between a stop mechanism on the rod and the support brace. The conical washers are arranged along the rod in an abutting configuration such that adjacent conical washers abut alternately at an apex or base of the conical washers. In operation, the rod is moved so that a compressive force is applied to the conical washers. In this way, the conical washers expand in a radial fashion to reduce the fluid flow area between the device and the tube.

Abstract: A vapor pressure control system for controlling the vapor pressure in a fuel storage tank is provided which comprises a cooling chamber for cooling the fuel vapor, wherein the temperature of the cooling chamber is maintained at a point slightly above the freezing point of water. Vapor intake and return lines provide for communication of the fuel vapor between the tank and the cooling chamber. A fan interposed in the intake line causes the circulation of the fuel vapor between the tank and the cooling chamber. The fan is operated by a pressure sensitive switch which causes the fan to run when the difference between the ambient air pressure and tank vapor pressure falls below a certain minimum level, and which causes the fan to stop when the difference between the ambient air pressure and tank vapor pressure rises above a certain, maximum level. The fan is shut off by a temperature sensitive switch when the ambient temperature approaches the freezing point of water.

Abstract: A fuel vapor vent assembly with liquid trap is incorporated in a vent valve mounted on a motor vehicle fuel tank. The vent valve operates to vent the fuel tank through a vertically oriented orifice in the vent assembly when the valve is in a normal upright position and closes the orifice when the fuel tank together with the valve is tipped to a significant degree from this position. An elevated liquid trap is provided in the vent assembly at the outlet of the orifice that traps liquid from the venting fuel vapor while permitting venting to continue therethrough and then drains the trapped liquid back past the valve into the tank when the pressure in the latter is relieved. An insert mounted in the valve body is adapted to define both the orifice and liquid trap.

Abstract: A convertible two-stage pressure regulator in which a main valve regulates fluid flow between an inlet and an outlet in response to a control pressure produced by first and second regulator valves arranged in parallel, the control pressure depending on the outlet pressure and the forces applied by compression springs to diaphragms carrying the first and second regulator valve closure elements. An electrically operated valve is provided for selectively disabling the second regulator valve whose regulator spring applies a higher force than the spring of the first regulator valve. The compressions of the regulator valve springs are coordinately varied by a manually operable selector mechanism for convening between natural and LP gas usages.

Abstract: A check value for controlling fluid flow comprises two sleeves connected to one another in fluid-tight engagement and a flexible membrane disposed across an interior cross-section of the engaged sleeves. The flexible membrane is secured to the sleeves along less than the membrane's full circumference, so that the unsecured portion of the membrane can flex to allow fluid to flow through the sleeves in one direction. The membrane resists fluid flow in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A multiple flow rate fluid control valve assembly in which the mode of fluid flow is interfaced with the rate of fluid flow has a mode control valve having a switch for selectively setting the valve to either of a continuous fluid flow mode or a pulse fluid flow mode. A fluid flow rate control valve is connected to the mode control valve for selectively controlling the rate of fluid flow from a source of fluid through the rate control valve to the mode control valve, to thereby provide fluid from the source of fluid to the mode control valve at a rate which is appropriate for the mode of fluid delivery and the particular fluid use.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve, for pressurized fluid storage vessels such as a rail tank car for volatile liquids, has a flap valve for rotational movement in a valve passage between a closed position seated on a valve seat and blocking the passage and an open position in which the passage is substantially unobstructed. A spring arrangement for keeping the valve closed against a rated pressure includes an externally mounted spring system which, when exposed to fire conditions which might threaten the wall strength of the vessel, loses spring temper so as to reduce the closing pressure of the valve. The flap valve is supported through an arm by a ball joint allowing a limited pivotal movement, and the valve seat is located in the valve passage by an O-ring allowing a limited degree of float in its own plane.

Abstract: A flow limiting throttle element for restricting the flow of a fluid guided in a delivery line, including a pressure-tight housing having a first bore hole portion, a second bore hole portion adjoining the first bore hole portion and two coaxially arranged working connections. A substantially cylindrical piston is arranged in the first bore hole portion of the housing so as to be freely axially displaceable therein, the first bore hole portion having a length that is at least 50% of the piston length. Overflow ducts are arranged in an outer surface area of the piston and the second bore hole portion of the housing has a cylindrical recess which communicates with the overflow ducts and transits into a first one of the working connections. The first working connection having an inner diameter smaller than that of the second bore hole portion.

Abstract: An improved fluid bypass valve includes a valve housing having an inlet port, an outlet port and a bypass port, all of which are in fluid communication with a valve chamber within the valve housing. A shuttle having a fluid passage therein is disposed within the valve chamber and moves between a first travel limit position, in which fluid communication between the fluid passage and the bypass port is blocked and a second travel limit position, in which such fluid communication is permitted. First and second fluid seals are disposed in contact with interior surfaces of the valve housing on opposite sides of the bypass port, and the shuttle is disposed in sealing and sliding engagement with both the first and second fluid seals when the shuttle is in the first and second travel limit positions.

Abstract: A contactor assembly has a pneumatic actuator coupled in driving relationship with a contact arm for affecting opening and closing of at least one pair of contact tips and has a magnet valve coupled between a source of actuating air pressure and the pneumatic actuator. The valve includes an air inlet port, an air outlet port and an air exhaust port. Resilient valve seats are incorporated in the valve for sealingly engaging metallic seats on a separable valve stem. In one form, an integral filter assembly is incorporated in the valve to filter inlet air. In another form, an in-line filter is coupled to the inlet port for filtering air.

Abstract: A device that will automatically shut-off the flow of a fluid when the device senses predetermined seismic and other shock forces. The device includes a housing having an inlet and outlet in communication with the flow of fluid. An inertia ball, which moves directly or indirectly from a resting position to block the flow of fluid, is held in a closed position by the force of an external magnet. When the external magnet moves about a given path, the inertia ball moves to a resting position, thus opening the flow of fluid. The movement of the external magnet along the given path forces the inertia ball to follow the magnet, thus providing an easy way of controlling the flow of fluid without the use of mechanical seals.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for preventing an outflow of a fuel formed in a fuel tank of a vehicle, the apparatus including a fuel tank disposed in the vehicle to store a fuel and having an outlet passage to evaporate a fuel vapor of the fuel to a canister, a casing disposed to protrude into the fuel tank and having a plurality of holes formed therein for absorbing the fuel vapor, a float elastically supported by a first elastic member within the casing and having a head for shutting off the outlet passage, and a check valve capable of discharging the fuel vapor within the fuel tank by opening and closing an orifice penetrating the head according to pressure within the fuel tank.

Abstract: A system for injecting chemicals, e.g., odorants, from a chemical supply into a gas pipeline includes three primary components, a pump for injecting the odorant, a metering device, and a programmable controller. The controller is preferably powered by a solar panel to facilitate use of the system in remote areas for long periods of time. A removable data carrier, such as a memory module, is connected to the controller to collect odorant system event data. The data carrier is removable from the controller and the data therein may be downloaded into an auxiliary audit computer for generation of summary audit reports. The system precisely monitors how much odorant is used per pump stroke and insures that the odorant injection rate remains constant irrespective of environmental or equipment variations which might otherwise cause inaccuracies in the measurement of odorant usage data and/or the fluctuation of the odorant injection rate.

Abstract: This invention relates to an automatic flowrate regulator for ventilation and air-conditioning installations, wherein it comprises a rigid flap articulated in the body and which is subjected, on the one hand, to elastic means, on the other hand, to the pressure of the air stream, this antagonistic action ensuring control of said flap which at any moment leaves free a section adapted to ensure balancing of the installation.

Abstract: A hydraulic fluid pressure operated control mechanism for controlling of hydraulic systems has a housing with a flow through cross-sectional area restricted by a drill hole in an open position of the control mechanism and a seat engageable by a throttle device for restricting the flow through cross-sectional area in a closed or throttling position of the control mechanism. The inwroughted seat for the throttle device is located in the conical bottom of a bore and has the form of a frustum of a pyramid having a plurality of sides.

Abstract: A gasket which is interposed between a pair of valve bodies of an automatic transmission each of which is provided with a hydraulic circuit for feeding operating fluid to frictional engaging elements of the automatic transmission. The gasket which is interposed between the pair of valve bodies is formed with a slit which in turn communicates with a fluid passage which in turn intercommunicate the hydraulic circuits of the pair of valve bodies, and has a valving element defined in the gasket by the slit. A portion on the side of the hydraulic circuit of one valve body is provided with a valve seat over which overlies and closes the slit. Depending upon the difference in pressure between the hydraulic circuits of the pair of valve bodies, the valving element elastically deforms itself so as to permit the flow of the operating fluid from one hydraulic circuit into the other hydraulic circuit.