Abstract: A thermoplastic pipe distribution system is assembled by electromagnetic bond welding of a thermoplastic pipe to a thermoplastic fusion pipe joint assembly comprising a threaded fusion pipe ring, a threaded fusion pipe socket, and a susceptor layer between the fusion pipe ring and the fusion pipe socket. The fusion pipe ring is screwed into the fusion pipe socket, and the pipe is inserted into the fusion pipe ring. An induction coil is placed around the fusion pipe socket. Radiated electromagnetic energy heats the susceptor layer to melt at least a portion of the susceptor layer, at least a portion of the fusion pipe ring, at least a portion of the fusion pipe socket, and at least a portion of the pipe. The fusion pipe ring is further screwed in to compress the molten material. The joint is then cooled to solidify the molten material.

Abstract: A thermoplastic pipe distribution system is assembled by electromagnetic bond welding of a thermoplastic pipe to a thermoplastic fusion pipe joint assembly comprising a threaded fusion pipe ring, a threaded fusion pipe socket, and a susceptor layer between the fusion pipe ring and the fusion pipe socket. The fusion pipe ring is screwed into the fusion pipe socket, and the pipe is inserted into the fusion pipe ring. An induction coil is placed around the fusion pipe socket. Radiated electromagnetic energy heats the susceptor layer to melt at least a portion of the susceptor layer, at least a portion of the fusion pipe ring, at least a portion of the fusion pipe socket, and at least a portion of the pipe. The fusion pipe ring is further screwed in to compress the molten material. The joint is then cooled to solidify the molten material.

Abstract: A booster pilot valve operable at ultra low power levels is provided. The booster valve includes a moveable spool capable of directing a fluid flow to at least two different paths. The booster valve may be coupled to a piezotronic three-way valve, which controls the movement of the spool by redirecting a main fluid flow along different paths to create a force on the spool. The piezotronic valve is capable of actuation at very low power levels such as might be provided by a Profibus PA or other Bus system.

Abstract: An improved solenoid is provided that has a fully enclosing yoke with integral end cap and sleeve. A second, separate, or alternatively integral end cap with sleeve is provided to complete the magnetic yoke. The yoke/coil assembly is encapsulated with a liquid crystal polymer that has a melting temperature higher than the melting temperature of the coil bobbin to provide a good bond therebetween.

Abstract: A booster pilot valve operable at ultra low power levels is provided. The booster valve includes a moveable spool capable of directing a fluid flow to at least two different paths. The booster valve may be coupled to a piezotronic three-way valve, which controls the movement of the spool by redirecting a main fluid flow along different paths to create a force on the spool. The piezotronic valve is capable of actuation at very low power levels such as might be provided by a Profibus PA or other Bus system.

Abstract: A visual position indicator has a stator and a rotor with angularly displaced eccentricities for engaging corresponding spring biased actuators with magnets. Depending on the rotor position relative to the stator, one or more of the actuators is moved to a position whereat the field of its respective magnet can operate a magnetic switch disposed in a hermetically sealed housing. A decoder connected to the switches can produce a signal indicative of rotor position.

Abstract: A position indicator for a rotary valve actuator has a stator of one color mountable on a housing for the actuator and a rotor of a contrasting color which is connected to the actuator output shaft for rotation with it. The rotor has inner and outer coaxial cylindrical walls with windows in the outer wall. The stator has a hollow cylindrical wall in the space between the rotor walls. When the windows of the rotor and stator are in registration the inner wall of the rotor is visible and the stator is hidden to indicate one position of the actuator output shaft. When the windows of the rotor and stator are out of registration the inner wall of the rotor is hidden by the stator wall which is visible through the rotor window to indicate another position of the actuator output shaft. A circuit actuator and sensor may be mounted on the rotor and stator for generating electrical signals indicative of the actuator output shaft position in addition to the visual indication.

Abstract: A position indication for an actuator of a rotary valve has a rotor of one color mountable on the shaft of the actuator and a stator of contrasting color, each with a plurality of volutes in one-to-one correspondence. The rotor volutes are hidden behind corresponding stator volutes to indicate a closed disposition and extend beyond their corresponding stator volutes to indicate an open disposition of the valve actuator when viewed from a radial direction. Web members on the rotor are rotated into and out of registration with windows in the base and cover of the stator for indicating valve disposition from above. The rotor and stator are congruent to permit the indicator to be inverted depending on the direction of rotation of the valve actuator shaft during opening and closing of the valve.

Abstract: A solenoid valve has a yoke with reinforcing integral frame members surrounding inlet and outlet connectors molded into a plastic body which encapsulates the solenoid coil and electrical components and forms the valve housing.