Abstract: A method of bonding includes applying a glass composition to at least a first material surface. The glass composition includes a glass powder and a solvent. The first material surface is disposed onto a second material surface. An elevated temperature is applied to the first material surface and the second material surface to form a bond between the first material surface and the second material surface. The first material surface and the second material surface are compressed under an isostatic pressure.

Abstract: A handheld field maintenance bus monitor is provided. The handheld field maintenance bus monitor is coupleable to at least one process communication loop, and is configured to capture and store a selected quantity of digital communication observed on the process communication loop during a capture period. Optionally, the handheld field maintenance bus monitor may be configured to couple to and interact with process communication loops of at least two different process communication protocols, such as HART® and FOUNDATION™. A method of analyzing captured and stored communication data is also provided.

Abstract: In at least some embodiments, an apparatus includes a hydraulic directional control manifold and a plurality of electric piezopumps. The apparatus also includes an electric piezopump controller that operates the plurality of electric piezopumps in varying combinations to provide generation and directional control of hydraulic power to linear hydraulic actuators using localized closed-loop hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A pressure-compensated accumulator bottle is provided. In one embodiment, the accumulator bottle includes a housing and an interior wall that generally define first, second, and third chambers within the housing. In this embodiment, a spring is disposed in the second chamber and configured to apply a biasing force on a first piston disposed within the first chamber. Further, in this embodiment, an additional piston is disposed within the third chamber and is configured to facilitate balancing of the pressure of a fluid disposed in the second chamber with the pressure of the external environment such that the magnitude of a second biasing force applied on the first piston by the pressure of the fluid depends at least in part on the pressure of the external environment. Hydraulic circuits and systems including a pressure-compensated accumulator bottle are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pressure-compensated accumulator bottle is provided. In one embodiment, the accumulator bottle includes a housing and an interior wall that generally define first, second, and third chambers within the housing. In this embodiment, a spring is disposed in the second chamber and configured to apply a biasing force on a first piston disposed within the first chamber. Further, in this embodiment, an additional piston is disposed within the third chamber and is configured to facilitate balancing of the pressure of a fluid disposed in the second chamber with the pressure of the external environment such that the magnitude of a second biasing force applied on the first piston by the pressure of the fluid depends at least in part on the pressure of the external environment. Hydraulic circuits and systems including a pressure-compensated accumulator bottle are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pressure-compensated accumulator bottle is provided. In one embodiment, the accumulator bottle includes a housing and an interior wall that generally define first, second, and third chambers within the housing. In this embodiment, a spring is disposed in the second chamber and configured to apply a biasing force on a first piston disposed within the first chamber. Further, in this embodiment, an additional piston is disposed within the third chamber and is configured to facilitate balancing of the pressure of a fluid disposed in the second chamber with the pressure of the external environment such that the magnitude of a second biasing force applied on the first piston by the pressure of the fluid depends at least in part on the pressure of the external environment. Hydraulic circuits and systems including a pressure-compensated accumulator bottle are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pressure regulator is provided. In one embodiment, the pressure regulator includes a piston and supply seal rings, wherein the diameter of the piston is at least half of the sum of the diameters of the supply seal rings to reduce deadband and increase sensitivity. In another embodiment, the pressure regulator has a maximum deadband of less than 200 pounds per square inch when coupled to a supply pressure of at least 1000 pounds per square inch. Other embodiments related to pressure regulators are also provided.

Abstract: In at least some embodiments, an apparatus includes a hydraulic directional control manifold and a plurality of electric piezopumps. The apparatus also includes an electric piezopump controller that operates the plurality of electric piezopumps in varying combinations to provide generation and directional control of hydraulic power to linear hydraulic actuators using localized closed-loop hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A process control loop monitor includes a housing configured to mount in the field of an industrial process. A loop interface circuit couples to a process control loop and receives data from the process control loop. A memory stores data received by the loop interface circuit from the process control loop.

Abstract: A pressure-compensated accumulator bottle is provided. In one embodiment, the accumulator bottle includes a housing and an interior wall that generally define first, second, and third chambers within the housing. In this embodiment, a spring is disposed in the second chamber and configured to apply a biasing force on a first piston disposed within the first chamber. Further, in this embodiment, an additional piston is disposed within the third chamber and is configured to facilitate balancing of the pressure of a fluid disposed in the second chamber with the pressure of the external environment such that the magnitude of a second biasing force applied on the first piston by the pressure of the fluid depends at least in part on the pressure of the external environment. Hydraulic circuits and systems including a pressure-compensated accumulator bottle are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pressure regulator is provided. In one embodiment, the pressure regulator includes a body having an internal cavity for receiving a pressurized medium and inlet and outlet ports that enable a pressurized medium to enter the internal cavity at a first pressure and exit at a second pressure. The exemplary pressure regulator also includes a control piston disposed within the internal cavity that is configured to move in response to a change in pressure within the internal cavity. The pressure regulator of this embodiment also includes a damping feature within the internal cavity that is configured to oppose the movement of the control piston. Other embodiments of pressure regulators and systems are also provided.

Abstract: A pressure regulator is provided. In one embodiment, the pressure regulator includes a housing having a supply port for receiving a pressurized medium within the housing and an outlet port for outputting the pressurized medium to a downstream device. The housing of this embodiment also includes a vent port for venting the pressurized medium from the housing. The pressure regulator of this embodiment further includes two pistons disposed within the housing, wherein one piston controls flow of the pressurized medium through the supply port, and the other piston controls flow of the pressurized medium through the vent port, based on the level of pressure within the housing. Other embodiments of pressure regulator devices and systems are also provided.

Abstract: A process control loop monitor includes a housing configured to mount in the field of an industrial process. A loop interface circuit couples to a process control loop and receives data from the process control loop. A memory stores data received by the loop interface circuit from the process control loop.

Abstract: A handheld field maintenance bus monitor is provided. The handheld field maintenance bus monitor is coupleable to at least one process communication loop, and is configured to capture and store a selected quantity of digital communication observed on the process communication loop during a capture period. Optionally, the handheld field maintenance bus monitor may be configured to couple to and interact with process communication loops of at least two different process communication protocols, such as HART® and FOUNDATION™. A method of analyzing captured and stored communication data is also provided.

Abstract: A pressure regulator is provided. In one embodiment, the pressure regulator includes a housing having a supply port for receiving a pressurized medium within the housing and an outlet port for outputting the pressurized medium to a downstream device. The housing of this embodiment also includes a vent port for venting the pressurized medium from the housing. The pressure regulator of this embodiment further includes two pistons disposed within the housing, wherein one piston controls flow of the pressurized medium through the supply port, and the other piston controls flow of the pressurized medium through the vent port, based on the level of pressure within the housing. Other embodiments of pressure regulator devices and systems are also provided.

Abstract: A pressure regulator is provided. In one embodiment, the pressure regulator includes a body having an internal cavity for receiving a pressurized medium and inlet and outlet ports that enable a pressurized medium to enter the internal cavity at a first pressure and exit at a second pressure. The exemplary pressure regulator also includes a control piston disposed within the internal cavity that is configured to move in response to a change in pressure within the internal cavity. The pressure regulator of this embodiment also includes a damping feature within the internal cavity that is configured to oppose the movement of the control piston. Other embodiments of pressure regulators and systems are also provided.

Abstract: A pressure compensated shear seal solenoid valve for use in subsea control systems is disclosed utilizing an arcuate cross section fluid passageway to improve flow rates, ease of serviceability and reduce size.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for detecting crack-like flaws in components. A plurality of exciting frequencies are generated and applied to a component in a dry condition to obtain a first ultrasonic spectrum of the component. The component is then wet with a selected liquid to penetrate any crack-like flaws in the component. The plurality of exciting frequencies are again applied to the component and a second ultrasonic spectrum of the component is obtained. The wet and dry ultrasonic spectra are then analyzed to determine the second harmonic components in each of the ultrasonic resonance spectra and the second harmonic components are compared to ascertain the presence of crack-like flaws in the component.