Abstract: A diaphragm is provided that includes a plurality of zonal portions that define reinforced and non-reinforced areas of the diaphragm. A first zonal portion extends from a marginal edge portion toward a central portion and is formed of a fabric material. A second zonal portion extends from the first zonal portion toward the central portion and is formed of an elastomer. A third zonal portion defines the central portion and is formed of a fabric material. The combination of reinforced and non-reinforced portions provides for a decrease in the radial tension (spring rate) of the diaphragm and helps prevent undesired changes to the flow control valve flow setpoint.

Abstract: A diaphragm is provided that includes a plurality of zonal portions that define reinforced and non-reinforced areas of the diaphragm. A first zonal portion extends from a marginal edge portion toward a central portion and is formed of a fabric material. A second zonal portion extends from the first zonal portion toward the central portion and is formed of an elastomer. A third zonal portion defines the central portion and is formed of a fabric material. The combination of reinforced and non-reinforced portions provides for a decrease in the radial tension (spring rate) of the diaphragm and helps prevent undesired changes to the flow control valve flow setpoint.

Abstract: A valve assembly is provided including an injection molded flow body having at least one inlet port, at least one outlet port, and a flow passage there between. The injection molded flow body is formed of a high performance engineering thermoplastic resin. A plurality of reinforcement fibers may be homogeneously suspended in the high performance engineering thermoplastic resin and provide increased strength and temperature capability for use in high temperature applications.

Abstract: A valve assembly is provided including a thermoplastic injection molded flow body and an electrical bonding connection providing a bonding path between the thermoplastic injection molded flow body and an external ground point. The thermoplastic injection molded flow body is formed of a resin having a fill matrix suspended therein. The electrical bonding connection includes either a metallic saddle and a retaining bolt, mechanically retaining the metallic saddle to a support rib of the valve flow body or a metallic threaded insert molded into the at least one support rib and a retaining bolt inserted into mating threads of the metallic threaded insert. The electrical bonding connection provides a bonding path between the valve flow body and an external ground point.

Abstract: A temperature sensitive resettable linear actuator includes a linear actuator housing and a support shaft. The support shaft has a first end portion configured for longitudinal movement within the linear actuator housing and a second end portion extending from the linear actuator housing. The support shaft is configured to translate between an extended position and a retracted position. A shape memory alloy device is positioned within the linear actuator housing and coupled to the support shaft for moving the support shaft from the extended position to the retracted position when the shape memory alloy device reaches a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A bi-directional positive and negative pressure relief valve includes valve elements and flow passages that are configured to provide a fairly specific pressure distribution on the valve elements, and thus valve opening may be controlled in a more precise manner. The valve element and flow passage configuration results in a valve having a reduced size and weight, relatively higher rate and relatively smaller springs, and relatively smaller valve seat diameters. The bidirectional positive/negative pressure relief valve furthermore exhibits relatively high pressure and flow control accuracy, and exhibits good valve stability.

Abstract: A variable geometry ejector pump is configured to receive pressurized fluid from one or more pressurized fluid sources and to control fluid pressure and temperature down stream of the pump to a variety of pressure and temperature values. The variable geometry ejector pump includes a primary inlet, a secondary inlet, a variable geometry ejector, an ejector valve, an actuator, a mixing section, a diffuser section, and an actuator control mechanism. The actuator control mechanism is adapted to receive one or more control signals, and is operable, in response to the control signals, to control the actuator, to thereby control fluid pressure and temperature down stream of the pump.

Abstract: A bleed air system selectively supplies engine bleed air from one or more of at least three bleed air sources to a variable geometry ejector pump. The bleed air system provides improved performance over current systems, and decreases overall system weight and cost. The system includes a controllable valve stage that controllably directs bleed air from one or more of at least three bleed air sources to the variable geometry ejector pump.

Abstract: A temperature sensitive resettable linear actuator includes a linear actuator housing and a support shaft. The support shaft has a first end portion configured for longitudinal movement within the linear actuator housing and a second end portion extending from the linear actuator housing. The support shaft is configured to translate between an extended position and a retracted position. A shape memory alloy device is positioned within the linear actuator housing and coupled to the support shaft for moving the support shaft from the extended position to the retracted position when the shape memory alloy device reaches a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A resettable thermal valve for controlling the flow of a fluid therethrough comprises a valve assembly housing having a fluid passageway therethrough and a valve coupled to the valve assembly housing and disposed at least partially within the fluid passageway. The valve is moveable between an open position and a close position and is coupled to a resettable, temperature sensitive linear actuator assembly. The linear actuator assembly enables the valve to move from the open position to the closed position when it is heated to a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A resettable thermal valve for controlling the flow of a fluid therethrough comprises a valve assembly housing having a fluid passageway therethrough and a valve coupled to the valve assembly housing and disposed at least partially within the fluid passageway. The valve is moveable between an open position and a closed position and is coupled to a resettable, temperature sensitive linear actuator assembly. The linear actuator assembly enables the valve to move from the open position to the closed position when it is heated to a predetermined temperature.