Abstract: An adjustable IV stand has an adjustable support, which can be adjusted from a first compact configuration to a second expanded configuration that provides increased stability and a stand suitable for use to assist an ambulatory patient with walking.

Abstract: An adjustable IV stand has an adjustable support, which can be adjusted from a first compact configuration to a second expanded configuration that provides increased stability and a stand suitable for use to assist an ambulatory patient with walking.

Abstract: An internal diffuser on a diffuser stem is disposed in a bore of a rotary control valve for attenuating vibration in gas service or cavitation in liquid service. The valve has a valve body and a valve element, and the valve element is rotatable with respect to the internal diffuser. The internal diffuser can be rotatable or non-rotatable with respect to the valve body. The valve element has a valve stem, and the internal diffuser can be arranged coaxially with the valve stem, but this is not a necessary requirement. In one embodiment the internal diffuser is positioned in the bore of the valve element, and the diffuser stem is parallel with the valve stem and spaced laterally apart from it. In another embodiment the internal diffuser is located in the bore of the valve outside of the valve element in either an inlet or an outlet passage of the valve body. The diffuser stem has an axis which can be nonparallel with respect to the axis of the valve stem.

Abstract: A partial diffuser is provided in a flow path of a pipe or valve, dividing the flow path into an unrestricted flow region, a greater restricted flow region, and a lesser restricted flow region. The flow path is defined by an inside wall, and the lesser restricted flow region is proximate to the inside wall. The greater restricted flow region is distal to the inside wall, and the lesser restricted flow region lies between the greater restricted flow region and the inside wall. In one embodiment three partial diffusers project into the flow path in a ball valve. An inlet flow diffuser is installed in the inlet to the valve, and a valve element inlet flow diffuser is installed at an inlet to a valve element in the valve diametrically opposed to the inlet flow diffuser. A valve element outlet flow diffuser is installed in an outlet from the valve element at a position diametrically opposed to the valve element inlet flow diffuser.

Abstract: An improved low-noise rotary control valve is disclosed. Such valve includes a valve body (10) and a rotatable ball (12) mounted within the valve body. The improvement includes an upwardly extending diverter (28) in the entry flow passage (15) of the valve body (10). A downwardly extending diverter (30) is disposed on the leading edge of the upper half (50) of the valve (12). Such diverters (28, 30) provide only small impedance to flow when the rotary control valve is in the full open position, but provide a tortious path for fluid flow through the valve (20) when it is partially closed. Such tortious path of the fluid inhibits vortex formation within the flow passage of the valve (14) with the result that vibration and noise are reduced. A third impediment placed in the outlet flow passage (16) extends upwardly from the valve and inhibits vortex formation downstream of the valve.

Abstract: A valve includes a body having a valve element positioned therein. The valve element includes a bore therethrough, which is selectively alignable with bores through the valve body. As the valve element is moved to position the valve element bore in an askew position with respect to the valve body bores, flow eddies or turbulence may form and result in vibration and/or noise. The valve includes a plurality of diffusers which break up the flow to reduce the noise and/or vibration. Additionally, a secondary flow passage may be disposed between the valve element bore and the outlet bore of the valve body, to permit a portion of the flow through the valve to pass therethrough as the valve element is rotated to throttle the flow through the valve.

Abstract: A control force input system for a balance beam pneumatic valve positioner which does not allow the controlled apparatus to make a full travel motion when the overall control signal is removed. The control force is transmitted to the balance beam or other force summing bar using a linear solenoid coupled to a control spring coupled to the balance beam. When the motive power control signal is removed from the linear solenoid, the balance beam establishes an equilibrium position based on the existing position of the linear solenoid. Split wedges are repelled from the linear solenoid when a control signal is applied, releasing the solenoid shaft for movement. Alternatively, split slides are repelled from each other when a control signal is applied, releasing the solenoid shaft bias spring. When the control signal is removed, the split wedges or split slides are biased and attracted to the solenoid, locking the solenoid shaft in position. A variation for use with a current to pressure transducer is detailed.

Abstract: A control force input system for a balance beam pneumatic valve positioner which does not allow the controlled apparatus to make a full travel motion when the overall control signal is removed. The control force is transmitted to the balance beam or other force summing bar using a linear solenoid coupled to a control spring coupled to the balance beam. When the motive power control signal is removed from the linear solenoid, the balance beam establishes an equilibrium position based on the existing position of the linear solenoid. The solenoid shaft extends into a captive cylinder. A piston connected to the solenoid shaft is located in the captive cylinder and forms two chambers in the cylinder. A solenoid valve connects a port in each chamber. When the solenoid valve is activated, the piston is free to travel. When the solenoid valve is deactivated, as when the control signal is removed, the piston is held in position, locking the solenoid shaft in position.

Abstract: A control force input system for a balance beam or pivot arm pneumatic positioner which does not allow the controlled apparatus to make a full travel motion when the overall control signal is removed. The control force is transmitted to the balance beam by the coupling of the magnetic fields produced by a fixed magnet located on the balance beam and a variable magnet located away from the balance beam. When the motive control signal is removed from the variable magnet, the balance beam returns to an equilibrium or zero position due to the action of a pair of zero springs, stopping the controlled apparatus at its position when the control signal is removed.

Abstract: A control force input system for a balance beam pneumatic valve positioner which does not allow the controlled apparatus to make a full travel motion when the overall control signal is removed. The control force is transmitted to the balance beam or other force summing bar using a motor coupled to a drive unit which compresses or extends a control spring coupled to the balance beam. When the motive power control signal is removed from the motor, the balance beam establishes an equilibrium position based on the existing position of the motor.