Abstract: Forming systems and assemblies as disclosed herein comprise a composite material comprising a structural component and a resin component combined with the reinforcing component. A forming element is disposed within the composite material and has a coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater than that of the composite material. The forming element is positioned to provide a desired integral structural reinforcement and/or surface feature to the composite. The composite material may comprise one or more passages extending from a surface thereof to the forming element. The composite material may be cured by heat to take a set configuration and then allowed to cool. The cooling of the composite material and the forming element enables the forming element to contract relative to the composite material and become delaminated therefrom to facilitate easy removal, and thereby provide an improved method and assembly for making structural reinforcing features in composite structures.

Abstract: Forming systems and assemblies as disclosed herein comprise a composite material comprising a structural component and a resin component combined with the reinforcing component. A forming element is disposed within the composite material and has a coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater than that of the composite material. The forming element is positioned to provide a desired integral structural reinforcement and/or surface feature to the composite. The composite material may comprise one or more passages extending from a surface thereof to the forming element. The composite material may be cured by heat to take a set configuration and then allowed to cool. The cooling of the composite material and the forming element enables the forming element to contract relative to the composite material and become delaminated therefrom to facilitate easy removal, and thereby provide an improved method and assembly for making structural reinforcing features in composite structures.

Abstract: End cap section (10) for use in the construction of a configurable pressure vessel (80) and the vessel constructed thereof. The vessel having an interior volume and including at least one such end cap section joined to a second section. The end cap section (10) has a tubular wall (12) extending from an enclosed first end (16) to an open second end (18). At least one mounting pad (30) is positioned on the outer surface (20) of the wall on the enclosed first end (16) thereof. Such mounting pad has a base portion (32a-e) supported on the wall (12) and a generally tubular stub portion (34a-e) extending outwardly from the base portion intermediate a proximal end adjoining the wall (12) and a distal end (40a-e) configurable for connection to a fluid component (90). With the stub proximal end being closed by the wall, such end is openable through the wall to provide a port opening into the interior volume of the vessel.

Abstract: A pneumatic reciprocating fluid pump for pumping a fluid includes at least one check valve assembly that includes a check valve body insert, a ball within the valve body insert, and an annular sealing ring member disposed within a seat ring receptacle. The sealing ring member has dimensions smaller than corresponding dimensions of the seat ring receptacle, such that the sealing ring member is capable of moving within the seat ring receptacle. The ball is configured to slide back and forth between a first position and a second position within the check valve body insert responsive to forward and reverse flow of fluid therethrough. In one position, the ball is seated against the sealing ring member and prevents reverse flow of the fluid through the check valve assembly, and forward flow of the fluid through the check valve assembly is enabled when the ball is in another position.

Abstract: A pneumatic reciprocating fluid pump for pumping a fluid includes at least one check valve assembly that includes a check valve body insert, a ball within the valve body insert, and an annular sealing ring member disposed within a seat ring receptacle. The sealing ring member has dimensions smaller than corresponding dimensions of the seat ring receptacle, such that the sealing ring member is capable of moving within the seat ring receptacle. The ball is configured to slide back and forth between a first position and a second position within the check valve body insert responsive to forward and reverse flow of fluid therethrough. In one position, the ball is seated against the sealing ring member and prevents reverse flow of the fluid through the check valve assembly, and forward flow of the fluid through the check valve assembly is enabled when the ball is in another position.

Abstract: A pneumatic reciprocating fluid pump for pumping a fluid at least one check valve assembly that includes a check valve body insert, a ball within the valve body insert, and an annular sealing ring member disposed within a seat ring receptacle. The sealing ring member has dimensions smaller than corresponding dimensions of the seat ring receptacle, such that the sealing ring member is capable of moving within the seat ring receptacle. The ball is configured to slide back and forth between a first position and a second position within the check valve body insert responsive to forward and reverse flow of fluid therethrough. In one position, the ball is seated against the sealing ring member and prevents reverse flow of the fluid through the check valve assembly, and forward flow of the fluid through the check valve assembly is enabled when the ball is in another position.

Abstract: One or more electroactive polymer (EAP) strips are circumferentially or lengthwise embedded or mounted around the fluid passage member. The EAP strips change electrical characteristics (e.g., capacitance, resistance) independent of an applied actuation as they are stretched, so they may be used to measure fluid pressure and/or fluid flow rate.

Abstract: Forming systems and assemblies as disclosed herein comprise a composite material comprising a structural component and a resin component combined with the reinforcing component. A forming element is disposed within the composite material and has a coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater than that of the composite material. The forming element is positioned to provide a desired integral structural reinforcement and/or surface feature to the composite. The composite material may comprise one or more passages extending from a surface thereof to the forming element. The composite material may be cured by heat to take a set configuration and then allowed to cool. The cooling of the composite material and the forming element enables the forming element to contract relative to the composite material and become delaminated therefrom to facilitate easy removal, and thereby provide an improved method and assembly for making structural reinforcing features in composite structures.

Abstract: One or more electroactive polymer (EAP) strips are circumferentially or lengthwise embedded or mounted around the fluid passage member. The EAP strips are configured to function as a pump when a prescribed electrical charge is applied and removed from the EAP strips, which causes the EAP strips to expand and constrict accordingly. A series of these strips may be mounted along a portion of the fluid passage member and electrically actuated in a prescribed manner to exert a squeezing force around the fluid passage member, which functions to pump fluid through the fluid passage member. The EAP strips also change electrical characteristics (e.g., capacitance, resistance) independent of the applied actuation as they are stretched, so they may be used to measure fluid pressure and/or fluid flow rate.

Abstract: Mixing devices comprise a mixing element having a body with a fluid inlet port, and a fluid outlet port that is separated from the fluid inlet port. Fluid outlet passages extend through a body wall section defining the fluid inlet port, and fluid inlet passages extend through a body wall section defining the fluid outlet port. The body includes an outside surface having a reduced diameter section, and the fluid inlet and outlet passages are positioned axially along the reduced diameter section. The mixing element is statically disposed within an internal chamber of a housing, and an annular volume is defined between an inside surface of the internal chamber and the mixing element reduced diameter section to facilitate passage and mixing of fluid within the annular volume. The mixing element total inlet area is approximately equal to its total outlet area to minimize unwanted pressure drop.

Abstract: Precision dispense pumps comprise a housing that has an internal chamber disposed therein. A pressurizing assembly disposed within the chamber and includes a cylindrical pressurizing member having a head, a thin-walled skirt extending axially away from the head, and a flange is positioned circumferentially around the skirt. The pressurizing assembly includes a support coupled to backside of the pressurizing member. The support has a cylindrical outside surface sized support the skirt when it is translated from a chamber surface during pressurizing assembly axial movement. A shaft projects through an opening in the support and into a partial opening in the pressurizing member. A fluid transport body is attached to the housing and includes a fluid chamber having a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port. An actuator is disposed within an actuator housing attached to the housing and is coupled to the shaft to cause axial movement of the pressurizing assembly within the housing chamber.

Abstract: Mixing devices comprise a mixing element having a body with a fluid inlet port, and a fluid outlet port that is separated from the fluid inlet port. Fluid outlet passages extend through a body wall section defining the fluid inlet port, and fluid inlet passages extend through a body wall section defining the fluid outlet port. The body includes an outside surface having a reduced diameter section, and the fluid inlet and outlet passages are positioned axially along the reduced diameter section. The mixing element is statically disposed within an internal chamber of a housing, and an annular volume is defined between an inside surface of the internal chamber and the mixing element reduced diameter section to facilitate passage and mixing of fluid within the annular volume. The mixing element total inlet area is approximately equal to its total outlet area to minimize unwanted pressure drop.

Abstract: Precision metering valves include a body having a fluid inlet port, a fluid outlet port, a fluid chamber interposed therebetween, and an orifice disposed within the fluid chamber. The orifice has an opening that extends a length along the fluid chamber. A movable element is disposed within the fluid chamber, and includes a stem that is at least partially disposed within the orifice to control the flow of fluid through the valve. The stem and/or the orifice includes an outside surface feature configured to adjust the flow rate of fluid through the valve as a function of stem insertion depth within the orifice. A thin-walled section extends from the stem and extends axially therefrom. The thin-walled section has a sufficient length to facilitate axial stem movement of the stem by rolling transfer. A flange projects from the thin-walled section and extends circumferentially therearound.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body having a fluid chamber and a fluid inlet and fluid outlet. A poppet assembly is movably disposed within the chamber and includes a poppet head. The chamber includes a valve seat and is interposed between the fluid inlet and outlet. An actuator is attached to the poppet assembly. A lock-out mechanism is connected with the actuator for placing the valve into a closed position with the poppet head positioned against the valve seat. The lock-out mechanism includes a shaft member that is movably attached to the valve apparatus. When the shaft member is in a first position, the actuator is permitted to cause desired poppet assembly movement with the valve. When the shaft member is in a second position, the actuator and poppet assembly position within the valve is fixed with the poppet head seated against the valve seat.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body having a fluid chamber and a fluid inlet and fluid outlet. A poppet assembly is movably disposed within the chamber and includes a poppet head. The chamber includes a valve seat and is interposed between the fluid inlet and outlet. An actuator is attached to the poppet assembly. A lock-out mechanism is connected with the actuator for placing the valve into a closed position with the poppet head positioned against the valve seat. The lock-out mechanism includes a shaft member that is movably attached to the valve apparatus. When the shaft member is in a first position, the actuator is permitted to cause desired poppet assembly movement with the valve. When the shaft member is in a second position, the actuator and poppet assembly position within the valve is fixed with the poppet head seated against the valve seat.

Abstract: Precision dispense pumps comprise a housing that has an internal chamber disposed therein. A pressurizing assembly disposed within the chamber and includes a cylindrical pressurizing member having a head, a thin-walled skirt extending axially away from the head, and a flange is positioned circumferentially around the skirt. The pressurizing assembly includes a support coupled to backside of the pressurizing member. The support has a cylindrical outside surface sized support the skirt when it is translated from a chamber surface during pressurizing assembly axial movement. A shaft projects through an opening in the support and into a partial opening in the pressurizing member. A fluid transport body is attached to the housing and includes a fluid chamber having a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port. An actuator is disposed within an actuator housing attached to the housing and is coupled to the shaft to cause axial movement of the pressurizing assembly within the housing chamber.

Abstract: Variable flowrate regulators of this invention r comprises a regulator body having a fluid transport chamber disposed therethrough. Fluid inlet and outlet ports are in fluid flow communication with the chamber, and a valve seat is positioned at one end of the chamber. A diaphragm housing is attached to the body and has a diaphragm chamber in fluid flow communication with the fluid transport chamber. A diaphragm is disposed within the diaphragm chamber. A one-piece poppet assembly is attached to the diaphragm and is disposed within the body. The poppet assembly comprises a head that has a diameter sized greater than that of the valve seat for providing a leak-tight seal thereagainst when placed in a closed position. The poppet assembly also comprises a plurality of orifices positioned downstream from the head for passing fluid into the fluid transport chamber when the head is unseated from the valve seat. The plurality of orifices is positioned concentrically within the fluid transport chamber.

Abstract: Anti-pumping dispense valves, constructed according to principles of this invention, comprise a fluid transport housing having a fluid inlet passage extending into the housing, a fluid outlet passage extending out of the housing, and a fluid transport chamber disposed within the housing. The fluid transport chamber includes an valve seat. An actuator housing is attached to the fluid transport housing and includes an actuator chamber that is in contact with the fluid transport chambers. A diaphragm/poppet assembly is disposed within the fluid transport chamber and comprises a poppet positioned downstream of the seat for placement against the seat to stop fluid flow through the first fluid transport chamber. An actuator is disposed within the actuator chamber for moving the diaphragm/poppet assembly.

Abstract: Fittings of this invention comprise a body having a substantially hollow transport passage extending between a body first end and a body second end. The fitting body ends are adapted to accommodate attachment with respective fluid handling devices. The fitting has a hexagonal outside surface portion for grasping and rotating the fitting. An interlocking attachment member is disposed along an outside surface of the fitting body and is adapted to form an interlocking attachment with a complementary member of a fluid handling device when the fitting is connected thereto. The interlocking attachment member comprises a plurality of ratchet teeth that are configured to register with a complementary fluid handling device member. The fitting body first end includes a tongue that is configured to provide an interference fit within a groove in a fluid handling device opening to provide a leak-tight seal between the fitting the fluid handling device.

Abstract: Anti-pumping dispense valves, constructed according to principles of this invention, comprise a fluid transport housing having a fluid inlet passage extending into the housing, a fluid outlet passage extending out of the housing, and a fluid transport chamber disposed within the housing. The fluid transport chamber includes an valve seat. An actuator housing is attached to the fluid transport housing and includes an actuator chamber that is in contact with the fluid transport chambers. A diaphragm/poppet assembly is disposed within the fluid transport chamber and comprises a poppet positioned downstream of the seat for placement against the seat to stop fluid flow through the first fluid transport chamber. An actuator is disposed within the actuator chamber for moving the diaphragm/poppet assembly.