Abstract: A valve comprises a valve seat member and a movable valve member (preferably a disc with at least one face coated with piezo electric material) movable towards and away from the seat to close and open the valve and a sealing element made from a resilient material and attached to one of the members. The sealing element possesses an initial deformable characteristic so that initial closure of the valve causes the seating element to substantially conform to the shape of the other member and retain the so-conformed shape. The sealing element comprises first and second springs of different resiliently formable characteristics, the second spring preferably being a ring of elastomeric material, and the first spring--after initial deformation of the sealing element--being rigidly adhesively secured to the valve seat member.

Abstract: This invention relates to a piezoelectric valve for controlling fluid flow and, more particularly to such a valve which is neither solenoid or servo assisted. In this specification and claims, reference to fluid(s) includes both liquid(s) and gas(es). One particular form of piezoelectric valve for controlling fluid flow comprises a housing, a cavity within the housing, piezoelectric valve disc element and a valve seat, inlet and outlet ducts for leading fluid into and out from the cavity and disposed on opposite sides of the valve disc element and means for supporting the valve disc element at a central region of the element with the peripheral region of the disc disposed for cooperation with the valve seat so that upon actuation of the element by a voltage applied thereto, the periphery of the disc is displaceable and at least a portion of a peripheral region of the disc serves to control fluid flow between the inlet and outlet ducts.

Abstract: A filter of the type incorporating a porous filter membrane 1. Frequently such membranes are very fragile, and the invention describes an improved way of mounting them within the housing. Attached to a perimeter portion of the membrane 1 is a thin strip 8 of flexible material such as polypropylene. The strip 8 is attached, on the one hand, to the base 4 of the filter housing by a first joint 10 and, on the other hand, to the perimeter of the membrane by a second joint 9. Between the two joints is a region of flexure which enables the membrane to float relative to the housing, thus isolating the membrane from relative movement between the membrane and the housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for transferring knitted fabric from needles of a first knitting gauge to needles of a second knitting gauge. A row of parallel, elongate points are provided each being arranged parallel to one another and secured at each end to a movable frame. The bands pass through respective slots in two trick bars with the points being located between the two bars so that movement of the bands in unison carries the points from one trick bar to the other. If the slots in the respective trick bars are at the two selected knitting gauge then passage of the bands through the slots adjusts the spacing of the points from one gauge to the other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of and mechanism for transferring a knitted fabric from the knitting needles (28) of a flat knitting machine (10) to the needles (38) of a magazine bar (21).One of the beds (12) of the machine is dropped slightly and the tips of transfer elements (24) are brought into juxtaposition with the needles (28). The tips of the elements (24) are then engaged in the eyes of the needles (28) which are then withdrawn to transfer the loops of the fabric to the elements (24). The latter are then moved into engagement with the needles (38) of the magazine bar (21) and the loops transferred to the magazine needles by means of teeth (52) of a member (50) which engage and carry the loops from the elements (24) to the needles (38).