Abstract: An axial swaged fitting for permanently joining to a tube to achieve an elastic strain preload condition comprises an annular body including a detent step. An annular driver includes a driver detent feature. The driver is configured for selective distal sliding motion with respect to the tube and body to bring the driver detent feature into selective engagement with the detent step at least partially via elastic deformation of the driver detent feature. At least one swage ring is laterally interposed between the tube and the driver. The driver selectively exerts a predetermined compression force laterally inward toward the tube to urge the at least one swage ring into a sealing contact with the tube and responsively place the tube into the elastic strain preload condition. The driver detent feature concurrently engages the detent step to resist proximal motion of the driver with respect to the body.

Abstract: An axial swaged fitting for permanently joining to a tube to achieve an elastic strain preload condition comprises an annular body including at least one body compression ball cavity. The body laterally surrounds at least a portion of the tube. An annular retainer includes at least one retainer compression ball cavity. The retainer laterally surrounds at least a portion of the body. A compression ball is located concurrently in both of the body compression ball cavity and the retainer compression ball cavity. The compression ball is deformed into both the body and the retainer. An annular collar laterally surrounds at least a portion of the retainer. The collar selectively exerts a predetermined compression force laterally inward toward the tube to urge the at least one compression ball into a deformation contact with at least one of the body compression ball cavity and the retainer compression ball cavity into the elastic strain preload condition.

Abstract: An axial swaged fitting for permanently joining to a tube to achieve an elastic strain preload condition comprises an annular body including at least one body compression ball cavity. The body laterally surrounds at least a portion of the tube. An annular retainer includes at least one retainer compression ball cavity. The retainer laterally surrounds at least a portion of the body. A compression ball is located concurrently in both of the body compression ball cavity and the retainer compression ball cavity. The compression ball is deformed into both the body and the retainer. An annular collar laterally surrounds at least a portion of the retainer. The collar selectively exerts a predetermined compression force laterally inward toward the tube to urge the at least one compression ball into a deformation contact with at least one of the body compression ball cavity and the retainer compression ball cavity into the elastic strain preload condition.

Abstract: Processes for the extraction of PHAs from biomass, said processes comprising: combining the biomass containing the PHAs with a single main solvent to form a biomass liquor; heating the biomass liquor to at least partially solubilize the PHAs from the biomass to form a PHA liquor; separating the biomass from the PHA liquor to form a PHA-enriched liquor; evaporating from 0% to about 50% of the single main solvent from the PHA-enriched liquor to form a solvent vapor and a concentrated PHA-enriched liquor; and cooling the concentrated PHA-enriched liquor to form precipitated PHAs and an impure solvent liquor. Optionally, further recovering the precipitated PHAs from the impure solvent liquor by filtration under pressure. A PHA-enriched liquor and a concentrated PHA-enriched liquor.

Abstract: Processes for the extraction of PHAs from biomass, said processes comprising: combining the biomass containing the PHAs with a single main solvent to form a biomass liquor; heating the biomass liquor to at least partially solubilize the PHAs from the biomass to form a PHA liquor; separating the biomass from the PHA liquor to form a PHA-enriched liquor; evaporating from 0% to about 50% of the single main solvent from the PHA-enriched liquor to form a solvent vapor and a concentrated PHA-enriched liquor; and cooling the concentrated PHA-enriched liquor to form precipitated PHAs and an impure solvent liquor. Optionally, further recovering the precipitated PHAs from the impure solvent liquor by filtration under pressure. A PHA-enriched liquor and a concentrated PHA-enriched liquor.

Abstract: An inverted bellows valve has a two-piece stem interconnecting the valve and actuator for reciprocating axial movement of the stem tip. Tapered surfaces are advantageously utilized between cooperating elements for self-centering the valve assembly. An annular gland disposed along the exterior of the valve stem has concentric inner and outer O-rings which permit the stem to float and compensate for misalignment. A wobble collar is also disposed in abutting engagement with the stem to compensate for uneven spring forces which could otherwise cock the stem. The bellows subassembly is removable in one piece to facilitate maintenance and replacement.