Abstract: A rate-of-change flow measurement device is provided including first pressure sensor, a position control valve with a valve position sensor, a second sensor position and a chamber comprising a part of the flow path of the device, and an isolation valve, arranged in this order along the flow path of the device. The device receives valve position data from the valve position sensor and pressure data from the pressure sensors, and calculates a volume of the chamber at least in part using the valve position data when a calibration of a device-under-test is performed by decreasing a pressure of the chamber or increasing the pressure of the chamber while opening the position control valve to maintain the pressure reading of the first pressure sensor constant to stay at a pressure set point.

Abstract: A flow rate ratio control device smoothly switches branches without generating abrupt changes in the flow rates of a fluid flowing therethrough. The device includes at least two branches from a main flow path, first and second fluid control valves each including a position sensor for a valve body, a storage unit that stores reference positions of the valve bodies in order to divide the fluid flowing into the branches at predetermined ratios, and a control unit that controls the ratios of the branches by performing position control to place the valve body of the first valve in the reference position, and by performing flow rate control to set the flow rate of the second valve to a target flow rate. When the valve body of the second valve reaches the reference position, the control unit switches the position control and flow rate control between the valves.

Abstract: A rate-of-change flow measurement device is provided including first pressure sensor, a position control valve with a valve position sensor, a second sensor position and a chamber comprising a part of the flow path of the device, and an isolation valve, arranged in this order along the flow path of the device. The device receives valve position data from the valve position sensor and pressure data from the pressure sensors, and calculates a volume of the chamber at least in part using the valve position data when a calibration of a device-under-test is performed by decreasing a pressure of the chamber or increasing the pressure of the chamber while opening the position control valve to maintain the pressure reading of the first pressure sensor constant to stay at a pressure set point.

Abstract: Provided is a fluid control apparatus that without enhancing temporal control performance, every time, can stabilize a fluid flow rate achieved by, for example, pulse control, and eliminate fluid wasted at the time of supplying the fluid by including one flow path. A control mechanism includes a first feedback controller adapted to control a first valve on the basis of first pressure measured by a first pressure sensor. In addition, when a second valve is closed, the first pressure feedback controller controls the first valve so that the first pressure measured by the first pressure sensor reaches target burst pressure, and when and after the first pressure reaches the target burst pressure and the second valve is opened, the control mechanism is configured to control the first valve so that the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow path reaches a target constant flow rate.

Abstract: A calibration data generation apparatus includes a flow rate sensor that measures the flow rate of a fluid flowing through a fluid control valve; a differential pressure control mechanism; a temperature control mechanism; and a control unit that when the fluid passing has sound velocity, uses the temperature control mechanism to change the temperature from a reference temperature to comparative temperature. In addition, the control unit includes a valve opening control part that controls the fluid control valve so that at the comparative temperature, an output value outputted from one of the position sensor and the flow rate sensor becomes equal to the reference output value of the one; and a calibration data generation part that generates the calibration data on the basis of a calibration data generation output value outputted from the other one of the position sensor and the flow rate sensor.

Abstract: Provided is a fluid control device that achieves high sealing performance at full closure, and can suppress damage to a valve body or a valve seat surface even without mechanical accuracy improvements. The fluid control device includes: a fluid control valve provided in a flow path through which fluid flows: and a control mechanism that controls the fluid control valve. The fluid control valve includes: a valve seat surface; a valve body that contacts and separates from the valve seat surface; and an actuator that drives the valve body. Further, the control mechanism includes a speed adjustment part that when the valve body is brought close to the valve seat surface in order to fully close the fluid control valve, and the valve seat surface and the valve body reach a predetermined distance apart, reduces the moving speed of the valve body more than before reaching the predetermined distance.

Abstract: A calibration data generation apparatus includes a flow rate sensor that measures the flow rate of a fluid flowing through a fluid control valve; a differential pressure control mechanism; a temperature control mechanism; and a control unit that when the fluid passing has sound velocity, uses the temperature control mechanism to change the temperature from a reference temperature to comparative temperature. In addition, the control unit includes a valve opening control part that controls the fluid control valve so that at the comparative temperature, an output value outputted from one of the position sensor and the flow rate sensor becomes equal to the reference output value of the one; and a calibration data generation part that generates the calibration data on the basis of a calibration data generation output value outputted from the other one of the position sensor and the flow rate sensor.

Abstract: In order to provide a fluid control apparatus that without enhancing temporal control performance, every time, can stabilize a fluid flow rate achieved by, for example, pulse control, and eliminate fluid wasted at the time of supplying the fluid by including one flow path, a control mechanism includes a first feedback controller adapted to control a first valve on the basis of first pressure measured by a first pressure sensor. In addition, when a second valve is closed, the first pressure feedback controller controls the first valve so that the first pressure measured by the first pressure sensor reaches target burst pressure, and when and after the first pressure reaches the target burst pressure and the second valve is opened, the control mechanism is configured to control the first valve so that the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow path reaches a target constant flow rate.

Abstract: Provided is a fluid control device that achieves high sealing performance at full closure, and can suppress damage to a valve body or a valve seat surface even without mechanical accuracy improvements. The fluid control device includes: a fluid control valve provided in a flow path through which fluid flows: and a control mechanism that controls the fluid control valve. The fluid control valve includes: a valve seat surface; a valve body that contacts and separates from the valve seat surface; and an actuator that drives the valve body. Further, the control mechanism includes a speed adjustment part that when the valve body is brought close to the valve seat surface in order to fully close the fluid control valve, and the valve seat surface and the valve body reach a predetermined distance apart, reduces the moving speed of the valve body more than before reaching the predetermined distance.

Abstract: A reversible chest protector includes internal padding configured to absorb impacts against both the front and rear-facing surfaces of the chest protector. The chest protector includes inner and outer layers of fabric that are molded to an internal foam core. The foam core may include outer layers of closed-cell foam molded to the fabric layers, and an internal layer of open-cell foam molded to the closed-cell foam layers, such that the padding layup is symmetrical. Other features and advantages will appear hereinafter.

Abstract: A reversible chest protector includes internal padding configured to absorb impacts against both the front and rear-facing surfaces of the chest protector. The chest protector includes inner and outer layers of fabric that are molded to an internal foam core. The foam core may include outer layers of closed-cell foam molded to the fabric layers, and an internal layer of open-cell foam molded to the closed-cell foam layers, such that the padding layup is symmetrical. Other features and advantages will appear hereinafter.

Abstract: A ball glove includes a rear strap or back strap that is adjustable to accommodate different hand configurations and sizes. The back strap includes multiple spaced apart openings, or sets of openings, through which one or more laces or other connecting elements may be threaded. A user may adjust the length of the back strap by threading the laces through the openings that yield the best strap-length for his or her hand or wrist. The back strap optionally includes a top portion and a bottom portion that are detachably connected to each other, such that the top portion may be replaced with a different top portion embroidered with—or otherwise displaying—a wearer's jersey number, team logo, or other desired feature.

Abstract: A chest protector includes rows of padding protruding inwardly from a base section. The pads are arranged to rest against the body of a wearer. Ventilation channels are located between neighboring rows of padding to provide multiple paths for heat dispersion. The rows of padding are able to flex relative to one another such that the chest protector may conform to the body of the wearer.

Abstract: A valve for vacuum lifting systems has a flow passage with a load end, a vacuum end, orifices at each end, and an air impermeable float member within the passage. The valve is positioned in the air flow path between a vacuum lifting pad and a vacuum pump, with its vacuum end in the direction of the pump and its load end in the direction of the pad. Activation of the vacuum pump creates an initial air flow which causes the float member to move at a determinable rate from a rest position at the load end toward the vacuum end. If the load end of the valve is open, activation of the pump causes the float member to form a vacuum seal with the interior wall of the flow passage at the vacuum end orifice. If the lifting pad is in operative contact with a suitable load surface, the length of the valve flow passage is such that on activation of the pump a vacuum seal will be formed between the load and the lifting pad before the float member reaches the vacuum end orifice.