Abstract: A modular manifold system is provided for interconnecting fluid components of a fluid system in a reduced area. The system is comprised of a one or more bridge fittings having an internal fluid passageway which has an inlet end in fluid communication with an outlet port of a first fluid component, and an outlet end in fluid communication with an inlet port of a second fluid component. The bridge fittings may additionally comprise two or more ports, which one of said ports may be in fluid communication with a manifold on another substrate level. The bridge fittings may be mounted within a channel of a backing plate for structural support or in channel blocks of varying sizes. An optional locator plate may be utilized which is mounted over the ends of the bridge fittings in order to align the inlet and outlet ports of the fluid components with the inlet and outlet ends of the bridge fittings. The bridge fittings may also be mounted to the locator plate in multiple directions forming multiple flow paths.

Abstract: A coupling assembly includes a pair of glands having ends that seal on opposite faces of a seal member. A coupling nut assembly cooperates with the glands to urge the ends against the seal member. A torque suppression assembly is mounted on a groove of the gland to limit rotational forces from the coupling nut assembly to the gland. The torque suppression assembly includes a thrust member that engages the coupling nut assembly and a bearing member that transfers axial make-up forces from the thrust member to the gland and rotates relative to the thrust member to reduce the torque transfer.

Abstract: A modular manifold system is provided for interconnecting fluid components of a fluid system in a reduced area. The system is comprised of a one or more bridge fittings having an internal fluid passageway which has an inlet end in fluid communication with an outlet port of a first fluid component, and an outlet end in fluid communication with an inlet port of a second fluid component. The bridge fittings may additionally comprise two or more ports, which one of said ports may be in fluid communication with a manifold on another substrate level. The bridge fittings may be mounted within a channel of a backing plate for structural support or in channel blocks of varying sizes. An optional locator plate may be utilized which is mounted over the ends of the bridge fittings in order to align the inlet and outlet ports of the fluid components with the inlet and outlet ends of the bridge fittings. The bridge fittings may also be mounted to the locator plate in multiple directions forming multiple flow paths.

Abstract: A coupling assembly includes a pair of glands having ends that seal on opposite faces of a seal member. A coupling nut assembly cooperates with the glands to urge the ends against the seal member. A torque suppression assembly is mounted on a groove of the gland to limit rotational forces from the coupling nut assembly to the gland. The torque suppression assembly includes a thrust member that engages the coupling nut assembly and a bearing member that transfers axial make-up forces from the thrust member to the gland and rotates relative to the thrust member to reduce the torque transfer.

Abstract: A pressure regulating valve includes a valve (22') biased closed against seat (21') by spring (7'). An adjustment arrangement including nut (6') and shaft (3') is used to set the spring bias.

Abstract: A pressure regulator includes a housing having a chamber that receives a pressure responsive member 30. The pressure responsive member 30 includes an internal charge 90 that allows a movable portion 68 of the regulator to react in response to pressure differentials. A preferred embodiment of the regulator includes a dampening member defined by an o-ring 82 that exerts a drag on the pressure responsive member 30 to address oscillations associated with high flow rates. The dampening force can be varied according to the subject invention. Moreover, a normally planar poppet retaining member reduces manufacturing costs of the regulator and allows for a highly polished surface to address concerns with impurities. A biasing arrangement 120 is also incorporated into the regulator to assure that the poppet 68 seals against the valve seat 70 if the internal pressure charge of the regulator is lost.

Abstract: A new fluid coupling assembly includes first and second split connection members positioned over a coupling member or gland of a fluid system. A body member is threadedly received over one end of the split connection members to define a split female nut member. A second threaded region of the body member has a different pitch and hand to facilitate make-up of the coupling assembly and assure that the components are urged together as the fluid components are brought into sealing engagement. A retaining collar is received over the split connection members to define a split male nut member.

Abstract: A new fluid coupling assembly includes a split male nut positioned over a coupling member or gland of a fluid system. The split male nut members are preferably formed of a precipitation hardenable material. Various interlock arrangements facilitate assembly of the split male nut halves. Moreover, providing indicia on the male nut halves assists in forming the threads and subsequent assembly. A female nut assembly includes a pair of inserts that are secured together by a collar having a shoulder defined by a counterbore. An external portion of the shoulder overlaps a counterbore formed therein to increase the strength of the female nut assembly.

Abstract: A pressure regulator includes a housing having a chamber that receives a pressure responsive member. The pressure responsive member includes an internal charge that allows a movable portion of the regulator to react in response to pressure differentials. A preferred embodiment of the regulator includes a dampening member defined by an O-ring that exerts a drag on the pressure responsive member to address oscillations associated with high flow rates. The dampening force can be varied according to the subject invention. Moreover, a normally planar poppet retaining member reduces manufacturing costs of the regulator and allows for a highly polished surface to address concerns with impurities. A biasing arrangement is also incorporated into the regulator to assure that the poppet seals against the valve seat if the internal pressure charge of the regulator is lost.

Abstract: An improved fluid system and method of monitoring fluid volume in a supply cylinder is provided. A pressure regulator is disposed immediately downstream from a shutoff valve associated with the supply cylinder. A meter or gage is then positioned downstream of the regulator to monitor outlet or downstream pressure. The fluid volume in the supply cylinder upstream of the regulator is then determined by means of a modified gage. A data processor and pressure transducer may also be associated with the system to monitor other parameters or provide further information related to system performance.

Abstract: A tube coupling comprises first and second coupling components each having flow passages terminating in openings formed in transversely extending sealing end faces positioned in aligned face-to-face relationship. First and second threaded nut members are associated with the coupling components and cooperate to drive the sealing end faces together. An annular drive member is located between the first nut member and the first coupling member for conducting axial forces from the first nut member to the first coupling component while preventing relative rotation between the first coupling component and the second nut member. To accomplish this function the drive member has a tapered exterior which wedges in a tapered recess in the second nut member.

Abstract: A pressure regulator includes a hermetically sealed housing that limits the potential for leak paths to atmosphere or exterior to the housing. The regulator includes a dampening arrangement for limiting oscillations during high flow rates. A stem clip secures a poppet assembly to a movable member of the regulator. The stem clip permits radial movement of the poppet assembly to facilitate centering of the poppet assembly relative to a valve seat. The poppet assembly includes a self-tapping poppet to precisely set the opening between the poppet and valve seat irrespective of tolerance stackup.

Abstract: A button-operated main shut-off and flow-control valve is disclosed which attaches directly to a supply cylinder in place of the conventional rotary-stem shut-off valve. Magnetic actuators in the valve eliminate the hazards of leaky seals around moving or rotating parts. Excess flow control is provided by internal valve elements which inhibit further fluid flow in excess of a design limit, and pressure regulation is provided within the same housing so that extremely low profile is preserved and fluid connections are significantly reduced for improved operating safety.

Abstract: A flow limit valve for limiting the flow rate of a pressurized fluid includes a valve body with an interconnecting cavity of circular cross section. Within the cavity is a piston that slides within the cavity under force generated by a pressure differential across the piston to a closed position in engagement with a seat at the end of the cavity. A first encapsulated magnet is carried within the valve body in a chamber located on the side of the seat opposite the cavity. The first encapsulated magnet can be moved in response to another magnet outside the valve body to move a pin which can extend through the seat when the piston is in a closed position to thereby move the piston to an open position. The magnetic forces applied through the valve body affect internal valve operation via the pin and thus avoids the dange of noxious fluids escaping through sliding seals or flexible membranes.

Abstract: A gas flow indicator comprises a housing defining a cylindrical flow passage having axially spaced first and second ends. A cylindrical piston member having first and second terminal ends and an exterior diameter which is substantially less than the diameter of the passage is axially positioned in the passage with its first terminal end facing the first end of the passage. The piston is mounted for sliding movement from a first position adjacent the first end of the passage to a second position adjacent the second end of the passage when gas flow through the passage exceeds a predetermined level. A flow passageway extends through the piston member from an inlet adjacent the first terminal end to a flow control outlet orifice spaced axially from the first terminal end.

Abstract: Fluid-flow control apparatus is disclosed by which magnetically-positionable elements within a rigid body can be externally manipulated using a controlling source of magnetic flux. The relative attractive forces which bias internal magnetic elements into normally-closed sealing engagement are substantially altered by repositioning the magnetic elements in response to the controlling magnet flux. Complete sealing or isolation against back flow through the valve under conditions of net positive outlet pressure is inhibited by the internal double-acting sealing elements which respond in unified manner to the controlling magnetic flux. Sealing surfaces on the elements are dome shaped to limit the effect of horizontal forces imposed thereon. The elements are biased into floating relation and reduced in dimension to inhibit contact with sidewalls of the valve body.

Abstract: Fluid-flow control apparatus and method are disclosed by which magnetically-positionable elements within a rigid body can be externally manipulated using a controlling source of magnetic flux. The relative attractive forces which bias internal magnetic elements into normally-closed sealing engagement are substantially altered by repositioning the magnetic elements in response to the controlling magnet flux. Complete sealing or isolation against back flow through the valve under conditions of net positive outlet pressure is inhibited by the internal double-acting sealing elements which respond in unified manner to the controlling magnetic flux.

Abstract: A flow limit valve for limiting the flow rate of a pressurized fluid includes a valve body with an interconnecting cavity of circular cross section. Within the cavity if a piston that slides within the cavity under force generated by a pressure differential across the piston to a closed position which prevents fluid flow through the valve. A pin is provided that is attached to the piston and that protrudes through the piston seat into the outlet side of the cavity when the piston is at the closed position. Opposite the pin is an encapsulated magnet within the valve body that can be moved in response to another magnet outside the valve body to contact the pin attached to the piston to move it to the open position. The magnetic forces applied through the valve body affect internal valve operation via the pin attached to the piston and this avoids the danger of noxious fluids escaping through sliding seals or flexible membranes.

Abstract: A module which integrates into a single block a process gas flow control system for precisely metering the flow of gas fed into a furnace diffusion tube or other utilization device. The block is formed of a chemically-inert body having cavities therein for nesting a gas filter, a pressure-regulator, a flowmeter, a pressure indicator and the other components of the system necessary to set the flow rate and pressure of the gas. These components are intercoupled by internal bores in the block which define flow passages that communicate with the cavities.