Abstract: Fluid connectors are described where one or more sensors are provided for sensing a connection state of the fluid connectors. The sensor(s) indicates that the fluid connector of the first fluid system is connected to the second fluid system prior to initiating fluid flow between the first and second fluid systems. The sensor(s) senses movements of one or more elements of the quick connect fluid connectors that are involved in the actual connection of the fluid connectors to the second fluid system. The elements that are sensed can be, for example, one or more cylindrical sleeves of the connector or a piston of the connector. Therefore, the connection state of the fluid connectors can be determined accurately.

Abstract: Fluid connectors are described where one or more sensors are provided for sensing a connection state of the fluid connectors. The sensor(s) indicates that the fluid connector of the first fluid system is connected to the second fluid system prior to initiating fluid flow between the first and second fluid systems. The sensor(s) senses movements of one or more elements of the quick connect fluid connectors that are involved in the actual connection of the fluid connectors to the second fluid system. The elements that are sensed can be, for example, one or more cylindrical sleeves of the connector or a piston of the connector. Therefore, the connection state of the fluid connectors can be determined accurately.

Abstract: A pressure reducing valve including a balanced valve cartridge. The balanced valve cartridge has a retainer including a central bore. A valve seat and a valve plug are disposed within the central bore and cooperate to open and close the valve. A cap closes one end of the central bore, the cap including a blind bore for receiving a portion of the valve plug. Downstream fluid pressure is transmitted into the blind bore through a hollow portion of the valve plug, thus balancing the valve plug within the retainer.

Abstract: A diaphragm control valve has a universal diaphragm mounting location, the diaphragm control valve includes a bonnet, a valve body, a diaphragm, and a clamping washer. The bonnet includes a first clamping surface that transitions into a first annular retention surface formed by a skirt, and the valve body includes a second clamping surface that transitions into a second annular retention surface formed by an upturned annular lip.

Abstract: A control assembly for a fluid flow control device includes a control element, a load spring, and a spring clip. The control element can be movably disposed for controlling fluid flow, and the load spring biases the control element into a predetermined position. The spring clip contacts the load spring at a plurality of points to dampen vibrations experienced by the load spring, thereby reducing and./or eliminating resonance. The spring clip includes a body plate and first and second opposing arm plates extending away from the body plate. Each arm plate includes a proximal end adjacent the body plate, a distal end spaced away from the body plate, and a finger extending upwardly away from the distal end. A corner at an intersection between the finger and the distal end includes a contoured edge for facilitating attachment of the load spring to the spring clip.

Abstract: A back pressure regulating valve includes a valve body having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a central bore, a bonnet housing a load spring operatively coupled to a diaphragm, and a chamber in flow communication with the fluid inlet. A valve cartridge includes a housing sized to fit within the central bore and including a first portion, a second portion, a valve guide, and a flow passage. A valve seat is disposed in the housing, and a valve plug is shiftable between an open position permitting flow and a closed position preventing flow. The valve plug engages a valve guide, and a spring biases the valve plug toward the open position. A retainer is disposed adjacent the first portion of the housing and engages a portion of the valve plug to retain the valve plug in the housing.

Abstract: A pressure reducing valve including a balanced valve cartridge. The balanced valve cartridge has a retainer including a central bore. A valve seat and a valve plug are disposed within the central bore and cooperate to open and close the valve. A cap closes one end of the central bore, the cap including a blind bore for receiving a portion of the valve plug. Downstream fluid pressure is transmitted into the blind bore through a hollow portion of the valve plug, thus balancing the valve plug within the retainer.

Abstract: A control assembly for a fluid flow control device includes a control element, a load spring, and a spring clip. The control element can be movably disposed for controlling fluid flow, and the load spring biases the control element into a predetermined position. The spring clip contacts the load spring at a plurality of points to dampen vibrations experienced by the load spring, thereby reducing and./or eliminating resonance. The spring clip includes a body plate and first and second opposing arm plates extending away from the body plate. Each arm plate includes a proximal end adjacent the body plate, a distal end spaced away from the body plate, and a finger extending upwardly away from the distal end. A corner at an intersection between the finger and the distal end includes a contoured edge for facilitating attachment of the load spring to the spring clip.

Abstract: A diaphragm control valve has a universal diaphragm mounting location, the diaphragm control valve includes a bonnet, a valve body, a diaphragm, and a clamping washer. The bonnet includes a first clamping surface that transitions into a first annular retention surface formed by a skirt, and the valve body includes a second clamping surface that transitions into a second annular retention surface formed by an upturned annular lip.

Abstract: A back pressure regulating valve includes a valve body having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a central bore, a bonnet housing a load spring operatively coupled to a diaphragm, and a chamber in flow communication with the fluid inlet. A valve cartridge includes a housing sized to fit within the central bore and including a first portion, a second portion, a valve guide, and a flow passage. A valve seat is disposed in the housing, and a valve plug is shiftable between an open position permitting flow and a closed position preventing flow. The valve plug engages a valve guide, and a spring biases the valve plug toward the open position. A retainer is disposed adjacent the first portion of the housing and engages a portion of the valve plug to retain the valve plug in the housing.

Abstract: An ergonomic hand knob for a control valve includes a valve body and a plurality of flutes disposed in the valve body, each flute including a flute surface. Each flute is asymmetric with respect to an innermost point of the flute surface. A first flute surface has a greater slope than a second flute surface. The first flute surface lays in a direction of tightening from the innermost point and the second flute surface lays in a direction of loosening from the innermost point.

Abstract: A pressure reducing valve including a balanced valve cartridge. The balanced valve cartridge has a retainer including a central bore. A valve seat and a valve plug are disposed within the central bore and cooperate to open and close the valve. A cap closes one end of the central bore, the cap including a blind bore for receiving a portion of the valve plug. Downstream fluid pressure is transmitted into the blind bore through a hollow portion of the valve plug, thus balancing the valve plug within the retainer.