Abstract: A method of forming an orthodontic aligner comprises: generating a teeth digital model; generating a digital dental model based thereon; assigning an identifier to the digital model; forming a dental model, marked with the identifier, corresponding to the digital model; coding a RFID chip within a pallet with the identifier; placing the dental model upon the corresponding pallet, based on the identifier, to form a model/pallet pair; placing the model/pallet pair into a model/pallet vessel; placing a biocompatible thermoplastic sheet upon a membrane stretched about a pressurizable chamber; heating the thermoplastic sheet; placing the membrane and the heated sheet adjacent the model/pallet pair; pressurizing the chamber to apply pressure to the membrane to form the sheet onto the model to form a molded aligner sheet; and cooling the molded aligner sheet to form the orthodontic aligner. The membrane creates a physical barrier between the applied pressure and the sheet.

Abstract: Various ways to integrate control valves into the structure of a heat exchanger are disclosed. The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger assembly that includes a heat exchanger and a valve integration unit. The heat exchanger includes a plurality of alternating first and second fluid passages in heat exchange relation, and at least one inlet manifold and one outlet manifold interconnected by one of the plurality of first or second fluid passages. The valve integration unit is fixedly attached to heat exchanger and includes a fluid passage in fluid communication with at least one of the inlet and outlet manifolds. A valve mechanism is mounted within the valve integration unit in fluid communication with the fluid passage, the valve mechanism controlling the flow of a heat exchange fluid through the fluid passage.

Abstract: A by-pass valve capable of activating at least two different temperatures is disclosed. The valve has a valve chamber housing a valve mechanism having a piston-cylinder arrangement. The cylinder defines two separate chambers therein for housing two different thermal materials each having a different activation temperature. A piston is arranged in each end of the cylinder operably coupled to the corresponding thermal material housed within the cylinder. A valve spool or valve sleeve is operably coupled to one of the pistons associated with the valve mechanism, the valve spool or sleeve adapted for sliding within the valve chamber for controlling flow to the fluid outlet ports formed in the valve. In some embodiments, the valve mechanism housing two different thermal materials can be arranged in combination with additional valve mechanism housing different thermal materials allowing for further multi-stage activation allowing for various flow arrangements through the valve.

Abstract: A heat exchanger apparatus having a first fluid channel, a second fluid channel, a bypass channel, and inlet and outlet manifolds. A thermal bypass valve assembly is positioned within the inlet manifold, and contains an outer sleeve having a first, second and third apertures axially displaced. An inner sleeve positioned within the outer sleeve and moveable from a first to a second position upon actuation of a first actuator. The inner sleeve has a first orifice on a wall of the inner sleeve and a second orifice defined by the inner sleeve second end. The first orifice aligns with the first aperture in the first position and the second aperture in the in the second position. A second actuator coupled to a stopper that engagingly disengages from the second orifice upon actuation of the second actuator.

Abstract: Various ways to integrate control valves into the structure of a heat exchanger are disclosed. The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger assembly that includes a heat exchanger and a valve integration unit. The heat exchanger includes a plurality of alternating first and second fluid passages in heat exchange relation, and at least one inlet manifold and one outlet manifold interconnected by one of the plurality of first or second fluid passages. The valve integration unit is fixedly attached to heat exchanger and includes a fluid passage in fluid communication with at least one of the inlet and outlet manifolds. A valve mechanism is mounted within the valve integration unit in fluid communication with the fluid passage, the valve mechanism controlling the flow of a heat exchange fluid through the fluid passage.

Abstract: The invention relates to various ways in which to integrate control valves into the structure of a heat exchanger. The present disclosure relates to a heat exchanger assembly that includes a heat exchanger and a valve integration unit. The heat exchanger includes a plurality of alternating first and second fluid passages in heat exchange relation, and at least one inlet manifold and one outlet manifold interconnected by one of the plurality of first or second fluid passages. The valve integration unit is fixedly attached to heat exchanger and includes a fluid passage in fluid communication with at least one of the inlet and outlet manifolds. A valve mechanism is mounted within the valve integration unit in fluid communication with the fluid passage, the valve mechanism controlling the flow of a heat exchange fluid through said fluid passage.

Abstract: A by-pass valve capable of activating at least two different temperatures is disclosed. The valve has a valve chamber housing a valve mechanism having a piston-cylinder arrangement. The cylinder defines two separate chambers therein for housing two different thermal materials each having a different activation temperature. A piston is arranged in each end of the cylinder operably coupled to the corresponding thermal material housed within the cylinder. A valve spool or valve sleeve is operably coupled to one of the pistons associated with the valve mechanism, the valve spool or sleeve adapted for sliding within the valve chamber for controlling flow to the fluid outlet ports formed in the valve. In some embodiments, the valve mechanism housing two different thermal materials can be arranged in combination with additional valve mechanism housing different thermal materials allowing for further multi-stage activation allowing for various flow arrangements through the valve.

Abstract: A valve apparatus for controlling the flow of two sources of a first fluid while preventing mixing of the two fluid sources is disclosed along with a system incorporating the same. The valve apparatus has a first valve chamber with a first valve mechanism for controlling the flow of a first fluid, such as a heated coolant, from a first source. A second valve chamber with a second valve mechanism controls the flow of a first fluid, such as a cooled coolant, from a second source, the first and second valve chambers being fluidly isolated from each other. At least one thermal actuator arranged within a control chamber or control manifold controls operation of the first and second valve mechanisms, the thermal actuator having a first activation temperature for controlling the first valve mechanism and a second activation temperature for controlling the second valve mechanism.

Abstract: A heat exchanger apparatus containing a heat exchanger and a thermally actuated bypass valve is described. The heat exchanger has a plurality of plates defining a first, a second and a bypass channels. A first fluid inlet manifold is in fluid communication with the first and the bypass channels. The bypass valve is positioned in the first fluid inlet manifold, and contains a sleeve having a first slot and a second slot, that permit fluid flow from a first fluid inlet to the bypass channel and to the first fluid inlet manifold, respectively. A drum is positioned within the sleeve and is movable from a first position to a second position. The drum has an aperture permitting first fluid flow to the first slot in the first position and to the second slot in the second position. An actuator engages the drum and actuates it to move from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: The invention relates to various ways in which to integrate control valves into the structure of a heat exchanger. Accordingly, there is provided a heat exchanger assembly comprising a heat exchanger and a valve integration unit. The heat exchanger includes a plurality of alternating first and second fluid passages in heat exchange relation, and at least one inlet manifold and one outlet manifold interconnected by one of the plurality of first or second fluid passages, the valve integration unit being fixedly attached to heat exchanger and comprising a fluid passage in fluid communication with at least one of the inlet and outlet manifolds. A valve mechanism is mounted within the valve integration unit in fluid communication with the fluid passage, the valve mechanism controlling the flow of a heat exchange fluid through said fluid passage.

Abstract: A heat exchanger apparatus having a first fluid channel, a second fluid channel, a bypass channel, and inlet and outlet manifolds. A thermal bypass valve assembly is positioned within the inlet manifold, and contains an outer sleeve having a first, second and third apertures axially displaced. An inner sleeve positioned within the outer sleeve and moveable from a first to a second position upon actuation of a first actuator. The inner sleeve has a first orifice on a wall of the inner sleeve and a second orifice defined by the inner sleeve second end. The first orifice aligns with the first aperture in the first position and the second aperture in the in the second position. A second actuator coupled to a stopper that engagingly disengages from the second orifice upon actuation of the second actuator.

Abstract: A valve apparatus for controlling the flow of two sources of a first fluid while preventing mixing of the two fluid sources is disclosed along with a system incorporating the same. The valve apparatus has a first valve chamber with a first valve mechanism for controlling the flow of a first fluid, such as a heated coolant, from a first source. A second valve chamber with a second valve mechanism controls the flow of a first fluid, such as a cooled coolant, from a second source, the first and second valve chambers being fluidly isolated from each other. At least one thermal actuator arranged within a control chamber or control manifold controls operation of the first and second valve mechanisms, the thermal actuator having a first activation temperature for controlling the first valve mechanism and a second activation temperature for controlling the second valve mechanism.

Abstract: A valve apparatus having a co-axial fluid inlet and outlet is disclosed. The valve apparatus comprises a housing having a generally tapering main cavity. The valve apparatus further comprises a first fluid inlet formed therein for receiving fluid from a source, a first fluid outlet for returning the fluid to the source, a second fluid outlet for discharging fluid from the housing and a second fluid inlet for receiving fluid and returning the fluid to the fluid source. A valve mechanism is slidingly mounted within a first valve chamber for controlling flow from the first fluid inlet to the second fluid outlet, the valve mechanism having a first position wherein a second valve chamber is in communication with the first valve chamber and the first fluid outlet, and a second position wherein a third valve chamber is in fluid communication with the first valve chamber and the second fluid outlet.

Abstract: A valve can be incorporated as an integral part of the heat exchanger as a plug-in item that can be located anywhere desired between the inlet and outlet flow manifolds of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A heat exchanger apparatus containing a heat exchanger and a thermally actuated bypass valve is described. The heat exchanger has a plurality of plates defining a first, a second and a bypass channels. A first fluid inlet manifold is in fluid communication with the first and the bypass channels. The bypass valve is positioned in the first fluid inlet manifold, and contains a sleeve having a first slot and a second slot, that permit fluid flow from a first fluid inlet to the bypass channel and to the first fluid inlet manifold, respectively. A drum is positioned within the sleeve and is movable from a first position to a second position. The drum has an aperture permitting first fluid flow to the first slot in the first position and to the second slot in the second position. An actuator engages the drum and actuates it to move from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A by-pass valve capable of activating a two different temperatures is disclosed. The valve has a first bore in fluid communication with a fluid inlet and a second bore having a first end in fluid communication with a first outlet and a second end in fluid communication with a second outlet. First and second branch ports interconnect the first bore and the first end of the second bore and the first bore and the second end of the second bore, respectively. A first valve mechanism is arranged in the first bore for controlling fluid flow to said first branch port and is operable at a first activation temperature. A second valve mechanism is arranged in the second bore for controlling flow to the second outlet and is operable a second activation temperature that is different than said first activation temperature, the first and second valve mechanism operating in series to provide three different operational states.

Abstract: A heat exchanger apparatus containing a heat exchanger, a fitting at the fluid inlet and a thermally actuated bypass valve positioned in a fluid inlet manifold of the heat exchanger. The valve contains a sleeve having first and second slots, that permit fluid flow from a fluid inlet to a bypass or fluid inlet manifold. A drum positioned within the sleeve is movable from a first to a second position, and has an aperture that permits fluid flow to the first or second slot. An actuator engages the drum and actuates it to move from the first to the second position. The sleeve further contains a lip positioned between the fitting and a bypass channel cover plate for affixing the sleeve in position.

Abstract: The invention relates to valve system configurations for an active warm-up (AWU) system for an automobile to improve warm-up conditions without delaying cabin warm-up or defrost times. More specifically, the invention relates to a system for heating/cooling transmission fluid of an automobile by controlling the source of the heat exchange fluid for transferring heat to/from the transmission fluid during different start-up conditions using a series of various valves arranged in series intermediate a first heat exchanger associated with cabin warm-up/defrost of the passenger compartment and a second heat exchanger for transferring heat to/from the transmission fluid.

Abstract: A valve apparatus having a first housing coupled to a second housing. The first housing having a first chamber in fluid communication with a first inlet and a first outlet. The first chamber adapted for receiving a thermal actuator moveable from a first position to a second position in response to temperature of a first fluid in the first chamber. The second housing having a second chamber in fluid communication with a first and a second ports, the second chamber being fluidly sealed from the first chamber. The second chamber adapted for receiving a valve mechanism, which is operatively coupled to the thermal actuator and moveable from a first valve position preventing flow of a second fluid from the first port to the second port to a second valve position permitting flow of the second fluid from the first port to the second port upon actuation by the thermal actuator.

Abstract: A valve apparatus having a co-axial fluid inlet and outlet is disclosed. The valve apparatus comprises a housing having a generally tapering main cavity. The valve apparatus further comprises a first fluid inlet formed therein for receiving fluid from a source, a first fluid outlet for returning the fluid to the source, a second fluid outlet for discharging fluid from the housing and a second fluid inlet for receiving fluid and returning the fluid to the fluid source. A valve mechanism is slidingly mounted within a first valve chamber for controlling flow from the first fluid inlet to the second fluid outlet, the valve mechanism having a first position wherein a second valve chamber is in communication with the first valve chamber and the first fluid outlet, and a second position wherein a third valve chamber is in fluid communication with the first valve chamber and the second fluid outlet.