Abstract: A valve and associated components and methods, and a container including such a valve. The valve can include a flow guide to guide flow of material away from a sealing engagement between sealing members of the valve. The flow guide assists in preventing ingress of material between the sealing members to maintain proper function of the valve.

Abstract: A method of operating a submersible pumping system includes the steps of placing the pumping system in a normal mode of operation and then detecting the possible presence of a gas slug in proximity to the pumping system by measuring a decrease in the load on the motor. Once the possibility of a gas slug has been detected, the method continues by placing the pumping system in a reduced speed cycle. The pumping system is kept in the reduced speed cycle until the absence of a gas slug in proximity to the pumping system is detected by evaluating two independent conditions within the pumping system.

Abstract: A valve and associated components and methods, and a container including such a valve. The valve can include a flow guide to guide flow of material away from a sealing engagement between sealing members of the valve. The flow guide assists in preventing ingress of material between the sealing members to maintain proper function of the valve.

Abstract: A valve and associated components and methods, and a container including such a valve. The valve may be referred to as a non-rising stem gate valve. The valve includes a gate movable by a drive assembly to open and close the valve. The drive assembly includes a thrust bearing assembly configured to resist damage due to thrust force. The thrust bearing assembly can include a race threaded to a drive shaft of the drive assembly. The race can be pinned to the drive shaft by a roll pin.

Abstract: A method of operating a submersible pumping system includes the steps of placing the pumping system in a normal mode of operation and then detecting the possible presence of a gas slug in proximity to the pumping system by measuring a decrease in the load on the motor. Once the possibility of a gas slug has been detected, the method continues by placing the pumping system in a reduced speed cycle. The pumping system is kept in the reduced speed cycle until the absence of a gas slug in proximity to the pumping system is detected by evaluating two independent conditions within the pumping system.

Abstract: A system for ventilating the cabin of an overheated vehicle which takes advantage of convection and evaporation as methods of cooling. The system is voice controlled. The invention places a fan, separate from the vehicle's air conditioning and heating system, near the rear of the cabin. The fan directly connects the interior cabin air to outside air. Upon the opening of the driver's door, the driver's window rolls down and the fan turns on, drawing hot air out of the cabin to the outside, through the rear duct and across the driver's perspiring face and body. After the temperature inside the cabin drops to a predetermined comfortable temperature, a chime sounds to alert the driver to turn the ventilating system off. Alternatively, the system may shut off automatically after a preset time period. Voice control allows the driver to winterize the system, to turn off the chime, or to run the system for demonstration purposes.