Abstract: An anti-rotation device for preventing a hydraulic connector assembly from leaking. Various embodiments of the anti-rotation device provide a mechanism whereby threadably engaged connectors, such as compression fittings, are permitted to rotate only a fraction of a turn after loosening. For many applications, the limited degree of loosening is sufficient to prevent the onset of leaking. Structurally, the anti-rotation device can include a band that is secured to a female nut of a hydraulic connector. Protrusions extend laterally from the band and engage with a stop tab on the male body of the hydraulic connector assembly, thereby limiting rotation of the female nut that would otherwise cause leaks.

Abstract: A patch antenna comprises a patch radiator, at least a first connection point for at least a first radio frequency signal, and at least a first feed structure. The first feed structure is arranged to connect the first connection point to at least two feed points on the patch radiator, a first of the feed points being disposed adjacent to a first edge of the patch radiator, and a second of the feed points being disposed adjacent to a second edge of the patch radiator, the first and second edges being on opposed sides of a central region of the patch radiator. The first feed structure comprises at least a first transmission line arranged to connect the first of the feed points to the second of the feed points, the transmission line being disposed in a substantially parallel relationship to the patch radiator.

Abstract: A bag-in-bag-in-bottle assembly formed by a flexible dispensing container with a dispensing fitment. The dispensing container is positioned adjacent or sandwiched between one or more flexible pressurization containers having a separate inlet/outlet path through a second fitment. The bag-in-bag assembly can then be placed in a containment vessel with the fitments mounted such that it is accessible on the vessel. A liquid can be extracted from the dispensing container by introducing a fluid into the pressurization container(s) with enough pressure to force the liquid out through the dispensing fitment. A contoured dispensing head may be coupled to the bag-in-bag-in-bottle assembly using a cam actuation arrangement for simultaneously locking the pressurization, vent and fluid extraction couplings.

Abstract: A bag-in-bag-in-bottle assembly formed by a flexible dispensing container with a dispensing fitment. The dispensing container is positioned adjacent or sandwiched between one or more flexible pressurization containers having a separate inlet/outlet path through a second fitment. The bag-in-bag assembly can then be placed in a containment vessel with the fitments mounted such that it is accessible on the vessel. A liquid can be extracted from the dispensing container by introducing a fluid into the pressurization container(s) with enough pressure to force the liquid out through the dispensing fitment. A contoured dispensing head may be coupled to the bag-in-bag-in-bottle assembly using a earn actuation arrangement for simultaneously locking the pressurization, vent and fluid extraction couplings.

Abstract: A valve manifold assembly including a manifold body defining a primary flow passage and a secondary flow passage fluidly coupled therewith through an aperture in the wall of the primary flow passage. A valve including a head portion and a stem extending therefrom is disposed through the aperture. The head portion has a valve sealing surface adjacent and extending around the stem, and a valve seat having a seat sealing surface facing into the primary flow passage extends around the aperture. The valve is selectively shiftable between a closed position wherein the valve sealing surface is sealingly engaged with the seat sealing surface to block fluid flow between the secondary flow passage and the primary flow passage, and an open position wherein the valve sealing surface is spaced apart from the seat sealing surface to enable fluid flow between the secondary flow passage and the primary flow passage.

Abstract: A diaphragm valve including a valve body, a diaphragm assembly and an actuator assembly having a housing body that isolates the actuator from the ambient atmosphere. The diaphragm assembly is welded to the valve body to reduce and/or eliminate fluid leakage around the diaphragm assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the housing body for the actuator assembly may be welded to the valve body to reduce fluid leakage. The welding may be performed using ultrasonic welding techniques.

Abstract: A patch antenna comprises a patch radiator, at least a first connection point for at least a first radio frequency signal, and at least a first feed structure. The first feed structure is arranged to connect the first connection point to at least two feed points on the patch radiator, a first of the feed points being disposed adjacent to a first edge of the patch radiator, and a second of the feed points being disposed adjacent to a second edge of the patch radiator, the first and second edges being on opposed sides of a central region of the patch radiator. The first feed structure comprises at least a first transmission line arranged to connect the first of the feed points to the second of the feed points, the transmission line being disposed in a substantially parallel relationship to the patch radiator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a write request at a storage device is provided. A write request that identifies a sender of the write request is received at a storage device. The write request is examined to determine the identity of the sender. A determination is made as to whether, within a hierarchical relationship, the sender is subordinate to any entity that has been designated as being unable to perform write requests at the storage device. Upon determining that (a) the sender is not subordinate to any entity that has been designated as being unable to perform write requests at the storage device, and (b) the sender has not been designated as being unable to perform write requests at the storage device, the sender is allowed to write to the storage device. Thereafter, the write request from the sender may be performed at the storage device.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for managing access to resources that are shared by a cluster of nodes. One aspect of the invention is to require verification that a quorum is a valid quorum prior to enforcing the access rights specified by a node that is a member of the group of nodes holding the quorum. Further, the verification that a quorum is a valid quorum prior to enforcing access rights occurs only if the quorum associated with the specified access rights is suspected to be invalid.

Abstract: A valve manifold assembly including a manifold body defining a primary flow passage and a secondary flow passage fluidly coupled therewith through an aperture in the wall of the primary flow passage. A valve including a head portion and a stem extending therefrom is disposed through the aperture. The head portion has a valve sealing surface adjacent and extending around the stem, and a valve seat having a seat sealing surface facing into the primary flow passage extends around the aperture. The valve is selectively shiftable between a closed position wherein the valve sealing surface is sealingly engaged with the seat sealing surface to block fluid flow between the secondary flow passage and the primary flow passage, and an open position wherein the valve sealing surface is spaced apart from the seat sealing surface to enable fluid flow between the secondary flow passage and the primary flow passage.

Abstract: A diaphragm valve including a valve body, a diaphragm assembly and an actuator assembly having a housing body that isolates the actuator from the ambient atmosphere. The diaphragm assembly is welded to the valve body to reduce and/or eliminate fluid leakage around the diaphragm assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the housing body for the actuator assembly may be welded to the valve body to reduce fluid leakage. The welding may be performed using ultrasonic welding techniques.

Abstract: A bag-in-bag-in-bottle assembly formed by a flexible dispensing container with a dispensing fitment. The dispensing container is positioned adjacent or sandwiched between one or more flexible pressurization containers having a separate inlet/outlet path through a second fitment. The bag-in-bag assembly can then be placed in a containment vessel with the fitments mounted such that it is accessible on the vessel. A liquid can be extracted from the dispensing container by introducing a fluid into the pressurization container(s) with enough pressure to force the liquid out through the dispensing fitment. A contoured dispensing head may be coupled to the bag-in-bag-in-bottle assembly using a earn actuation arrangement for simultaneously locking the pressurization, vent and fluid extraction couplings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing a write request at a storage device is provided. A write request that identifies a sender of the write request is received at a storage device. The write request is examined to determine the identity of the sender. A determination is made as to whether, within a hierarchical relationship, the sender is subordinate to any entity that has been designated as being unable to perform write requests at the storage device. Upon determining that (a) the sender is not subordinate to any entity that has been designated as being unable to perform write requests at the storage device, and (b) the sender has not been designated as being unable to perform write requests at the storage device, the sender is allowed to write to the storage device. Thereafter, the write request from the sender may be performed at the storage device.

Abstract: An extended stroke poppet valve particularly suited for handling caustic fluids and having features enabling an extended service life for the valve. The valve includes a two part primary diaphragm assembly with a wetted diaphragm made from highly fatigue resistant fluoropolymer material, and a diaphragm backer made from high strength fluoropolymer material designed to withstand the high stress loads imposed by an extended valve stroke. The combination of these two layers in a single primary diaphragm assembly yields a highly durable, caustic chemical resistant, diaphragm capable of use in a long stroke poppet valve and having a relatively long service life.

Abstract: A fluid flow control system including a subassembly having a plurality of fluid flow component bases coupled with at least one fluid conduit to define a fluid flow path. The system further includes fluid flow components that are configured to couple selective fluid flow component bases on the subassembly such that the fluid flow components are in fluid communication with each other along the fluid flow path. The system also includes a channel block having a recess, wherein the fluid flow component bases are configured to be at least partially nested within the recess.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a sight tube flowmeter is formed of a plurality of fluoropolymer components welded together to form a unitary flowmeter body. The components can comprise a PFA upright sight tube having two end portions, a flow conduit extending therethrough and two fitting portions that are uniquely welded onto each end of the sight tube, and a fluoropolymer float device movable to various positions within the flow conduit depending on the flow level of the fluid flowing therethrough. The float device can be of conventional design or for those flowmeter embodiments where low fluid flow rates are to be measured, an elongate float can be utilized. The floats and, in particular, a designated portion thereof, are visible through the sight tube to provide visual indication of the position, and thus the flow rate of fluid flowing through the flowmeter. In addition, alternative embodiments include the implementation of the unique sight tube and elongate float design in conventional flowmeters.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a sight tube flowmeter is formed of a plurality of fluoropolymer components welded together to form a unitary flowmeter body. The components can comprise a PFA upright sight tube having two end portions, a flow conduit extending therethrough and two fitting portions that are uniquely welded onto each end of the sight tube, and a fluoropolymer float device movable to various positions within the flow conduit depending on the flow level of the fluid flowing therethrough. The float device can be of conventional design or for those flowmeter embodiments where low fluid flow rates are to be measured, an elongate float can be utilized. The floats and, in particular, a designated portion thereof, are visible through the sight tube to provide visual indication of the position, and thus the flow rate of fluid flowing through the flowmeter. In addition, alternative embodiments include the implementation of the unique sight tube and elongate float design in conventional flowmeters.

Abstract: An extended stroke poppet valve particularly suited for handling caustic fluids and having features enabling an extended service life for the valve. The valve includes a two part primary diaphragm assembly with a wetted diaphragm made from highly fatigue resistant fluoropolymer material, and a diaphragm backer made from high strength fluoropolymer material designed to withstand the high stress loads imposed by an extended valve stroke. The combination of these two layers in a single primary diaphragm assembly yields a highly durable, caustic chemical resistant, diaphragm capable of use in a long stroke poppet valve and having a relatively long service life.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a sight tube flowmeter is formed of a plurality of fluoropolymer components welded together to form a unitary flowmeter body. The components can comprise a PFA upright sight tube having two end portions, a flow conduit extending therethrough and two fitting portions that are uniquely welded onto each end of the sight tube, and a fluoropolymer float device movable to various positions within the flow conduit depending on the flow level of the fluid flowing therethrough. The float device can be of conventional design or for those flowmeter embodiments where low fluid flow rates are to be measured, an elongate float can be utilized. The floats and, in particular, a designated portion thereof, are visible through the sight tube to provide visual indication of the position, and thus the flow rate of fluid flowing through the flowmeter. In addition, alternative embodiments include the implementation of the unique sight tube and elongate float design in conventional flowmeters.

Abstract: A valve made principally of plastic has a creep compensating features providing consistent engagement between valve members and their respective valve seats, minimizing creep, and compensating for any creep that does occur. The features compensate for compression of internal valve components as well as extension of the valve body. In a manually operated three way valve embodiment of the invention, a trapped spring mechanism inserted between an actuator portion and the upper valve member provides the closure force for the upper valve member on the upper valve seat. The first valve member and second valve member connect through a extensible portion. Valves according to the invention are particularly suitable for quarter-turn three-way manual diaphragm valves and for applications in the semiconductor industry.