Abstract: A water heater system includes a tank defining a fluid chamber and having a top end and a bottom end and a thermal mixing valve. The thermal mixing valve is arranged exterior of the tank and at the top end thereof. The thermal mixing valve includes a first fluid inlet that draws water from the bottom end of the tank, a second fluid inlet that is in fluid communication with the fluid chamber, and a fluid outlet exterior to the tank.

Abstract: A water heater system includes a water heater and a thermal mixing valve. The water heater includes a tank and a cap that each define interior volumes. The interior volume of the tank includes a heating element is the location where fluid is heated, whereas the cap includes a volume within which the thermal mixing valve may be disposed. The thermal mixing valve pulls cool and warm water from the volume of the tank, and then discharges a mixed stream of fluid at a user desired temperature via an outlet.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to a system for treating hard water encountered in aircraft potable water equipment; such as hot water heaters and, more particularly, to the prevention of scale deposits in aircraft lavatory and galley heated water system components by installing a unique scale reduction system. The scale reduction system generally comprised of a housing with a modular cartridge inserted therein. The cartridge is porous and contains a chemical composition within its inner cavity, and this chemical composition is mixed with untreated inlet fluid flow so that the outlet flow is of a sufficiently diluted concentration. Various chemical compositions may be utilized to counteract any number of conditions that affect potable water equipment and, in one embodiment, a water softening agent is utilized to combat scale build-up in aircraft plumbing.

Abstract: A water heater system includes a water heater and a thermal mixing valve. The water heater includes a tank and a cap that each define interior volumes. The interior volume of the tank includes a heating element is the location where fluid is heated, whereas the cap includes a volume within which the thermal mixing valve may be disposed. The thermal mixing valve pulls cool and warm water from the volume of the tank, and then discharges a mixed stream of fluid at a user desired temperature via an outlet.

Abstract: A water heater system includes a water heater and a thermal mixing valve. The water heater includes a tank and a cap that each define interior volumes. The interior volume of the tank includes a heating element is the location where fluid is heated, whereas the cap includes a volume within which the thermal mixing valve may be disposed. The thermal mixing valve pulls cool and warm water from the volume of the tank, and then discharges a mixed stream of fluid at a user desired temperature via an outlet.

Abstract: A water heater system includes a water heater and a thermal mixing valve. The water heater includes a tank and a cap that each define interior volumes. The interior volume of the tank includes a heating element is the location where fluid is heated, whereas the cap includes a volume within which the thermal mixing valve may be disposed. The thermal mixing valve pulls cool and warm water from the volume of the tank, and then discharges a mixed stream of fluid at a user desired temperature via an outlet.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to a system for treating hard water encountered in aircraft potable water equipment; such as hot water heaters and, more particularly, to the prevention of scale deposits in aircraft lavatory and galley heated water system components by installing a unique scale reduction system. The scale reduction system generally comprised of a housing with a modular cartridge inserted therein. The cartridge is porous and contains a chemical composition within its inner cavity, and this chemical composition is mixed with untreated inlet fluid flow so that the outlet flow is of a sufficiently diluted concentration. Various chemical compositions may be utilized to counteract any number of conditions that affect potable water equipment and, in one embodiment, a water softening agent is utilized to combat scale build-up in aircraft plumbing.

Abstract: A sanitary diaphragm valve is provided that includes a generally dome shaped diaphragm having a central boss that can be connected to or driven by a valve actuator. The diaphragm includes an outer peripheral edge and a relatively thin web portion that connects the boss to the outer edge. In one embodiment, the web portion is arcuate or dome shaped. The thinner web portion permits the diaphragm to have an extended cycle life and to permit the valve to operate at higher fluid pressures. The thin web may be defined by two different contoured surfaces, one convex and the other concave, such as formed by two radiuses. A valve body is provided that includes a bowl shaped valve cavity. This valve cavity includes an outer vertical edge to permit more thorough cleaning and to eliminate entrapment areas. The valve assembly provides support surfaces for the diaphragm that reduces stress on the diaphragm particularly at higher operating pressures.

Abstract: A sanitary diaphragm valve is provided that includes a generally dome shaped diaphragm having a central boss that can be connected to or driven by a valve actuator. The diaphragm includes an outer peripheral edge and a relatively thin web portion that connects the boss to the outer edge. In one embodiment, the web portion is arcuate or dome shaped. The thinner web portion permits the diaphragm to have an extended cycle life and to permit the valve to operate at higher fluid pressures. The thin web may be defined by two different contoured surfaces, one convex and the other concave, such as formed by two radiuses. A valve body is provided that includes a bowl shaped valve cavity. This valve cavity includes an outer vertical edge to permit more thorough cleaning and to eliminate entrapment areas. The valve assembly provides support surfaces for the diaphragm that reduces stress on the diaphragm particularly at higher operating pressures.

Abstract: Fluid flow arrangements that include optical fluid concentration sensors are disclosed. One arrangement directs fluid flow toward or against a sensor window. One arrangement inhibits light from entering a region that is sensed by the sensor. One arrangement includes a plurality of sensors that monitor blended fluids.

Abstract: A sanitary diaphragm valve is provided that includes a generally dome shaped diaphragm having a central boss that can be connected to or driven by a valve actuator. The diaphragm includes an outer peripheral edge and a relatively thin web portion that connects the boss to the outer edge. In one embodiment, the web portion is arcuate or dome shaped. The thinner web portion permits the diaphragm to have an extended cycle life and to permit the valve to operate at higher fluid pressures. The thin web may be defined by two different contoured surfaces, one convex and the other concave, such as formed by two radiuses. A valve body is provided that includes a bowl shaped valve cavity. This valve cavity includes an outer vertical edge to permit more thorough cleaning and to eliminate entrapment areas. The valve assembly provides support surfaces for the diaphragm that reduces stress on the diaphragm particularly at higher operating pressures.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention relates to self-contained biasing assemblies for use with fluid flow devices or assemblies, such as valve and pressure regulator assemblies. A self-contained biasing assembly of a fluid flow assembly can be readily changed without requiring substantial disassembly of the fluid flow assembly. The biasing force applied to components within the fluid flow assembly can be changed by changing the biasing assembly.

Abstract: A sanitary diaphragm valve is provided that includes a generally dome shaped diaphragm having a central boss that can be connected to or driven by a valve actuator. The diaphragm includes an outer peripheral edge and a relatively thin web portion that connects the boss to the outer edge. In one embodiment, the web portion is arcuate or dome shaped. The thinner web portion permits the diaphragm to have an extended cycle life and to permit the valve to operate at higher fluid pressures. The diaphragm may be made from a chemically resistant material and optimized to maintain high flexure.

Abstract: An adjustable mechanism for a valve or actuator is provided. The adjustable mechanism cooperates with one or more pistons, which in turn cooperates with a valve element to limit the axial displacement of the valve element relative to the valve seat. The adjustable mechanism can be adjusted axially, thereby providing a greater or lesser distance for the piston and diaphragm to travel. Embodiments incorporating the adjustable mechanism include a trickle valve, an on/off valve and a mixing valve. The adjustable mechanism also provides to the adjustment of the piston stroke to match or closely mirror the stroke of the vale element.

Abstract: A sanitary diaphragm valve is provided that includes a generally dome shaped diaphragm having a central boss that can be connected to or driven by a valve actuator. The diaphragm includes an outer peripheral edge and a relatively thin web portion that connects the boss to the outer edge. In one embodiment, the web portion is arcuate or dome shaped. The thinner web portion permits the diaphragm to have an extended cycle life and to permit the valve to operate at higher fluid pressures. The diaphragm may be made from a chemically resistant material and optimized to maintain high flexure.

Abstract: A sanitary diaphragm valve is provided that includes a generally dome shaped diaphragm having a central boss that can be connected to or driven by a valve actuator. The diaphragm includes an outer peripheral edge and a relatively thin web portion that connects the boss to the outer edge. In one embodiment, the web portion is arcuate or dome shaped. The thinner web portion permits the diaphragm to have an extended cycle life and to permit the valve to operate at higher fluid pressures. The thin web may be defined by two different contoured surfaces, one convex and the other concave, such as formed by two radiuses. A valve body is provided that includes a bowl shaped valve cavity. This valve cavity includes an outer vertical edge to permit more thorough cleaning and to eliminate entrapment areas. The valve assembly provides support surfaces for the diaphragm that reduces stress on the diaphragm particularly at higher operating pressures.

Abstract: A sanitary diaphragm valve is provided that includes a generally dome shaped diaphragm having a central boss that can be connected to or driven by a valve actuator. The diaphragm includes an outer peripheral edge and a relatively thin web portion that connects the boss to the outer edge. In one embodiment, the web portion is arcuate or dome shaped. The thinner web portion permits the diaphragm to have an extended cycle life and to permit the valve to operate at higher fluid pressures. The thin web may be defined by two different contoured surfaces, one convex and the other concave, such as formed by two radiuses. A valve body is provided that includes a bowl shaped valve cavity. This valve cavity includes an outer vertical edge to permit more thorough cleaning and to eliminate entrapment areas. The valve assembly provides support surfaces for the diaphragm that reduces stress on the diaphragm particularly at higher operating pressures.

Abstract: A sanitary valve comprising a valve body, a diaphragm and an actuator is provided. The valve body includes a cavity or bowl which defines a fluid chamber. A hole for passage of fluid into or out of the chamber is located in the bottom of the cavity. A second hole is located in the side of the cavity. Passages connect the holes to connection ports on the outside of the valve body. The ports, passages, holes and fluid chamber provide a fluid path through the valve. The diaphragm is mounted over the cavity and includes in its center a boss or raised area which extends into the cavity. The boss controls the flow of fluid through the valve. The size of the boss is slightly larger than the hole in the center of the cavity. The boss has a thickness selected so that the boss closes the center hole when the diaphragm is flexed towards the cavity.

Abstract: A porous fluoropolymer alloy material and method of fabrication is provided. The alloy material is fabricated by forming a compressed extrusion billet from two or more fluoropolymer resins capable of being stretched after extrusion and having different stretch characteristics. The fluoropolymer alloy billet is then extruded, stretched and sintered. The resulting material has a microstructure of large nodes interconnected by fibrils all oriented in the direction of stretch and has a higher tensile strength than produceable from previous porous fluoropolymer materials. Also, the resulting material can be made at lower stretch rates and at higher stretch ratios than previously possible without degradation of the material's strength.

Abstract: A compact manifold valve for use in gas flow systems includes a manifold body, first and second cartridge holders, first and second operating valves and an outlet port. The manifold body includes valve turrets for mounting the first and second operating valves. Different valves types such as externally pressurized, normally closed bellows or diaphragm valves, externally pressurized, normally open bellows or diaphragm valves, double acting bellows or diaphragm valves, manually operated valves and/or toggle operated valves may be readily interchanged in the manifold valve to accommodate different applications in the gas flow system. The manifold body also includes first and second valve chambers, first and second cartridge ports, and multiple fluid flow pathways fluidically interconnecting the valve chambers, cartridge ports and outlet port. The manifold valve further includes first and second cartridge holders which are configured to be readily mounted in and removed from the manifold body.