Abstract: A fuel supply apparatus is adapted to control a pump which discharges fuel from a tank to a fuel passage, thereby regulating the pressure of fuel to be supplied to an engine. The tank includes a plurality of storage chambers, in a specific one of which the pump is placed. A part of the fuel discharged to the fuel passage is returned to the specific storage chamber through a branch passage. A storage chamber other than the specific storage chamber is in communication with the branch passage through a communication passage. A jet pump is operated to transfer the fuel from the storage chamber other than the specific storage chamber to the specific storage chamber through the communication passage by the action of the fuel flowing through the branch passage.

Abstract: On supplying fuel in an internal combustion engine, a control signal for changing a degree of vaporization of the fuel passing the air intake valve in accordance with the opening degree of the air intake valve or a load of the internal combustion engine so that the fuel of liquid state is restrained from existing in the combustion chamber is generated, and subsequently a vaporizing speed of the supplied fuel is changed in accordance with the control signal to adjust the degree of vaporization of the fuel.

Abstract: A fuel injector pump in a direct-injection fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine including a solenoid valve for controlling transfer of fluid from a high pressure chamber to a fuel injector nozzle. A supply passage and a return passage provide a fuel flow circuit for the fuel delivery system, the high pressure chamber being defined in part by a camshaft-driven plunger. An independent fuel leak flow path is provided to accommodate fuel leakage past a plunger of the pump, the fuel leak flow path extending to a zero pressure fuel tank.

Abstract: A five-stroke internal combustion engine that improves fuel efficiency, power output, and decreases emissions. The five strokes are an intake stroke, a recycle stroke, a compression stroke, a power stroke, and the exhaust stroke. The five-stroke internal combustion engine provides for recycling some of the fuel-air mixture during the recycle stroke and provides a greater power stroke to compression stroke ratio. A condensed fuel-air separator for the fuel-air mixture and a recycle valve for that condensed fuel-air separator are part of the design. The instant invention may be utilized for gasoline, diesel and natural gas type engines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a supercharger wherein pressurized air originating from the compressor side is fed into its gear box for draining the oil therein due to the reduced size of the gear box. The supercharger includes a gear case encompassing the drive gear and the driven gear. The gear case has at least one oil inlet in the gear case to receive oil, and at least one oil outlet on the gear case. An air passage has a first end connected to the compressor end down stream in relation to the compressor wheel, and a second end connected to the gear box, whereby pressurized air at the compressor end is disposed to be channeled toward the inside of the gear box for draining lubricating fluid therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of obstructing an air intake flow (115) improves the mixing and driving force when an EGR flow (111) is introduced to the air intake flow (115). Before the EGR flow (111) enters a passage (113) where it is intended to be mixed with an air flow (115), the air flow (115) is obstructed to enable better and faster mixing of the EGR flow (111) with the air flow (115). A pressure differential is created to increase suction of EGR flow (111) into the intake air flow (115), thereby resulting in increased EGR flow (111) into the cylinders of an engine.

Abstract: In an ignition coil assembly, a plurality of ignition coils is arranged to be electrically connected to spark plugs received in plug holes of an engine. A base cover includes a plurality of receiving through holes, which are arranged at corresponding positions that correspond to positions of the plug holes, respectively. A top cover covers a top surface of the base cover and secures each ignition coil through engagement with the head of each ignition coil. Fastening bolts temporarily fasten the top cover and the base cover in a manner that allows sliding adjustment of a securing position of each ignition coil, which is loosely received in a corresponding one of the base cover through holes, in an imaginary plane that is perpendicular to an axis of each ignition coil.

Abstract: A compound archery bow has a riser with upper and lower power or spring limbs, and a synchronizing pulley system for ensuring equal flexing of the limbs. There are bowstring cam members rotationally supported at the outboard ends of the power limbs. An inboard power cam is mounted on a pylon on the riser, and an outer power cam is coaxially mounted with the bowstring cam member. Cam cables extend over the inboard and outboard power cams. The bowstring cam members are configured so as to increase in effective radius as the bow returns from a full draw position to brace height. The power cams can be configured as a quad cam system.

Abstract: A conversion kit for an arrow rest having an elongated wire having two ends and a first loop between the first and second ends. Attached to the first end of the wire is a weight and the second end features a second loop. A connecting string attaches the first loop to a bus cable of an archery bow. The second loop is attached to an arrow rest which is attached to the archery bow. The conversion kit for an arrow rest allows the arrow rest to rotate faster so that the arrow rest does not interfere with an arrow when a user draws and releases the bus cable of the archery bow.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a fiber-cement material. An apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a blade assembly having an alignment member with a first finger portion and a spaced apart second finger portion. Each finger portion has a guide surface and the two guide surfaces define a guide plane. A reciprocating cutting member is pivotably coupled between the finger portions and is moveable relative to the finger portions transverse to the guide plane between a first position and a second position. The cutting member has a blade portion with outwardly facing side surfaces that have a first axial dimension when intersected by the guide plane with the blade in the first position and a second axial dimension, approximately equal to the first axial dimension, when intersected by the guide plane with the blade in the second position.

Abstract: A kitchen oven has an infrared gas broiler with a venturi tube assembly extending forwardly from a back wall of the oven for supplying fuel gas and drawing ambient air for combustion through a venturi tube opening at the oven back wall. Ducting is mounted on the oven back wall and extends over the venturi tube opening. A fan is mounted on the oven in communication with the ducting for supplying a positive air flow through the ducting to said venturi tube opening.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a range hood. The hood body (20) of the range hood consists of a lower plate (22) having perforations for sucking air from the kitchen into the hood body, with an inward locking flange (23, 23′) formed along the top edge of each sidewall of the lower plate. Two guide panels (21, 21′), each having a locking part, are assembled with the lower plate (22) by an engagement of their locking parts with the inward locking flanges. A double absorption filter (30) is installed inside the hood body so as to remove oil, dust and other impurities from exhaust air by means of an air vortex effect. The range hood also has a hood cover (10), an exhaust duct (11), a fan motor (13), an exhaust fan (12), and a ventilation duct (14) to discharge exhaust air to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A high efficiency hybrid atmospheric water heater that employs direct and indirect contact of water and hot gases to achieve approximately 99% efficiency. The heater employs a large capacity combustion chamber to burn both liquid and gaseous fuel and achieving low nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions. The heater also employs exhaust tubes in combination with a unique receiver can, or alternately, candy cane shaped exhaust tubes, thereby eliminating expensive metal overheating associated with canopy covered exhaust tubes and preventing backpressure and associated sporadic burner performance, noise, and vibration. The heater employs two recirculation water nozzles for introducing water above the direct and indirect contact portions of the heater, depending on the temperature of the water to be recirculated.

Abstract: A solar energy system comprises a solar absorber in the form of a solar boiler tank with a lower working liquid region having a liquid inlet and filled with a working liquid capable of boiling under a predetermined pressure, and an upper vapor accumulation region having a vapor outlet for withdrawing from the tank a vapor created in the tank. The system further comprises vapor utilization means associated with the vapor outlet. The solar boiler tank has at least one transparent window to receive and pass towards the working liquid highly concentrated solar radiation. The system also comprises means for controlling the pressure of vapor in the vapor accumulation region to make the working liquid boil at the predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A new treatment and apparatus for acute and chronic treatment is described here which incorporates nasal ventilation, with or without concomitant drug therapy, using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bi-level pressure treatment or variants thereof, including devices which automatically set their pressures based on physiologic data inputs.

Abstract: A method for administering a drug to a patient comprises coupling a valve system to the patient's airway. The valve system is configured to prevent or impede respiratory gases from flowing into the lungs for at least some time such that the intrathoracic pressure is less than atmospheric pressure. A drug is introduced into the patient, and the intrathoracic pressure is lowered using the valve system to cause blood to flow into the thorax and thereby increasing vital organ perfusion to enhance the circulation of the drug.

Abstract: A medical pacifier for delivering anesthesia and other gases into the oral cavity of a patient, such as an infant or child, is provided. The pacifier includes a nipple member adapted to be received within an oral cavity of the patient, the nipple member having a conduit extending therethrough and an outlet opening provided therein. A base is attached to the nipple member and adapted to remain outside the oral cavity. The base includes an inlet opening provided therein and a lumen extending therethrough which is in fluid communication with the conduit of the nipple member. The inlet opening is adapted to be connected to an external gas source such that gas can flow through the base and the nipple member for delivery via the outlet opening into the oral cavity of the patient.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for anesthetizing one or more laboratory animals is provided. An anesthetic component is introduced into a pressurized gas stream for delivery to laboratory animals. In one embodiment of the invention, a solo apparatus is used to administer anesthetic component to a single animal. The apparatus may also contain a host cage providing a group apparatus connected to the pressurized gas stream that permits administration of anesthesia to one or a group of animals simultaneously. One or more solo and/or group apparatuses may be used to administer anesthetic components to different animals at various dosages. The apparatus may also include a thermoregulatory system that transfers heat to animals as they receive anesthesia to control the animals' body temperature. In addition, the apparatus may include an exhaust system to remove contaminants from exhaust gases and to withdraw exhaust gases from the apparatus or apparatuses.

Abstract: An oscillatory positive expiratory pressure respiratory therapy device which may be incorporated into the expiratory limb of a ventilator circuit. Accordingly, this device allows a patient on a ventilator to be subjected to positive expiratory pressure (PEP) therapy combined with airway oscillation and intermittent air flow acceleration while allowing the oscillatory PEP respiratory therapy treatment to be bypassed without interrupting the integrity of the ventilating circuit once the device has been installed in the ventilator circuit. In this manner, all expiratory air in the ventilator circuit is accounted for, the expiratory air volume may be accurately monitored and the ventilator circuit does not have to be broken for insertion or removal of the device.

Abstract: An intake valve includes a bladder having a face piece coupled to one end and an opening formed in the other end, a cover attached to the other end of the bladder and having a port coupled to an air reservoir and having a hub coupled to a container, which may be used for pumping air into the bladder when the air in the air reservoir has been consumed. The cover has a check valve for air to flow into the cover when the container is expanded, and for pumping air into the bladder when the container is squeezed. Another check valve may be used for outward flowing of excess air.

Abstract: The invention relates to a head harness for a respirator which comprises a head plate (1) that is elastic in the X direction and that is substantially nonelastic in the Y direction. Front straps (2), temple straps (3) and neck straps (4) are fastened to the head plate, only the temple and the neck straps being extensible. The strap buckles (5) provided for fastening the front and temple straps to the mask base are rigidly adjusted according to the head size so that the mask is already correctly positioned and preliminarily fixed when put on and only the neck strap has to be readjusted. The head harness can be adapted to different head shapes and sizes and allows for a high wearing comfort. The respirator can be quickly and easily put on.

Abstract: The ventilation interface for sleep apnea therapy interfaces a ventilation device to the patient's airways. The ventilation interface includes a pair of nasal inserts made from flexible, resilient silicone which are oval shaped in cross-section and slightly tapered from a base proximal the ventilation supply to the distal tip end. A bead flange is disposed about the exterior of each insert at the distal end of the insert. In one embodiment, a valve is disposed between the nasal inserts and a source of positive airway pressure, the valve having a rim with a one-way diaphragm pivotally attached to the valve body with an inflatable bladder depending from the rim which seals against an exit port during inspiration and deflates to uncover the exit port on expiration. Another embodiment has nasal inserts without positive airway pressure but with a removable filter in the inserts for filtering inspired air.

Abstract: A nasal cannula for use in administering a gas under pressure through a nasal passage of a user comprises at least one tubular nasal prong assembly. The assembly includes an inner tubular prong 4 having a distal end to be placed in or adjacent the nasal passage and a proximal end for connection to a supply line 2 for the gas, and also includes an outer sleeve 8 extending over at least a portion of the inner tubular prong 4 to define therewith an annular passage 10 in communication with supply line 2. The arrangement is such that when gas flows through the supply line 2 most will flow out of the distal end of the prong 4 but some will pass through the annular passage 10 to form a shrouding stream.

Abstract: A biodegradable intra vaginal device for insertion into the vagina of an animal (eg; cattle) useful for herd oestrus synchrony purposes, the device is intra vaginally insertable, intra vaginally retainable and withdrawable by virtue of its ability to change its geometry yet is formed at least almost exclusively from a cyclodextrin and progesterone impregnated moulded matrix of a polyester polymer (eg; poly (&egr;-caprolactone)) or a starch-like polysaccharide polymer. There is preferably a loading of progesterone of from 0.1 to 3 gms. The surface area of the impregnated matrix is preferably from 15 to 200 cm2. Related methods and uses also form part of the invention.

Abstract: This invention discloses such a convenient navigation system and navigatable capsules which are useful for remote-controlled imaging, biopsy and programmable drug release within the body of an animal. The components of the system comprise a capsule dimensioned and shaped to move within the body. An anisotropic magnetic component is mechanically coupled to the capsule to move or orient the body in relation to an applied magnetic field, and a magnetic field generating system external of the body generates a three dimensionally oriented magnetic field within the body to move or orient capsule.

Abstract: A portable extinguishing ash container with pivoting lid is provided. The ash container features a flame-resistant fabric pouch which accommodates a metal container. The pouch is filled with a noncombustible granular material such as sand or pebbles for enveloping an outer surface of the ash container. A hinged circular, transparent lid allows the smoker to close the apparatus securely during transportation and to keep discarded butts and ashes inside. A small release button on the front causes the lid to open automatically when the button is pressed. Being transparent, the lid allows for various pictures, photographs, logos, or word phrases to be placed thereunder to provide for a visually appealing appearance. A pivoting cigarette platform is provided to permit resting support of a cigarette. A leather strap is included to facilitate transportability.

Abstract: A molded plastic repository for spent smoking materials having separate base and column pieces with connecting portions which are connected for use by a connector which engages the connecting portions. The base and column are molded as a single piece then severed in a plane so as to provide similar connecting portions in relation to the severing plane. The method of fabricating and assembly provides a savings in storing and shipping the repository.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high performance cigarette filter on the basis of cellulose ester fibers or filaments which can be mechanically disintegrated. The inventive high-performance cigarette filter is characterized in that a) the fiber weight (or filament weight)/draw resistance ratio S based on the filament titer is greater than approximately 0.7, the S value being calculated according to the formula S=(mA/&Dgr;P7.8/dpf[10 m/daPA], wherein mA refers to the fiber weight, &Dgr;P refers to the draw resistance and dpf represents the filament titer and for the draw resistance the value calculated for a diameter of 7.8 mm is inserted, b) the residual crimping value of the filter material does not exceed the value 1.45, c) the fiber weight amounts to maximally 10 mg/mm of the filter length, and d) the hardness of the cigarette filter is higher than approximately 90% filtrona hardness.

Abstract: This invention provides a kind of cigarette substitute which is called Ginkgo Biloba L. leaves cigarette. It not only has the function of refreshing, but also is good to people's health. It avoids the harm which is brought to human bodies by the poisonous substances in tobacco. Because Ginkgo biloba L. leaves contain a large amount of flavenoids and Ginkgolide which are good to human bodies, and these pharmaceutical active ingredients are easy to volatilize and can be absorbed into lung, then good effects will be done. The smoke of this kind of cigarette is soft and dense, and it can prevent and cure hypertension, heart disease, arteriosclerosis and senile dementia disease. This kind of cigarette can be produced by ordinary technology.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for plasma cleaning a workpiece (W) in a plasma-cleaning chamber (20) having an interior region (30). The method comprises the steps of first, loading the workpiece into the plasma cleaning chamber interior region. The next step is pumping down the plasma cleaning chamber interior region down to a pre-determined pressure, with hydrogen as the ambient gas. The next step is forming from the hydrogen gas a plasma (36) having an ion density in the range between 1010 and 1013 cm−3 and an ion energy lower than 30 eV The last step is exposing the workpiece to the plasma for a predetermined time. The apparatus of the present invention preferably includes first and second vacuum processing chambers (20 and 120), wherein the first chamber performs the plasma cleaning of the workpiece according to the method of the invention, and the second chamber performs an additional process step, e.g., depositing a metal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for removing contaminate particulate matter from substrate surfaces such as semiconductor wafers. The method and apparatus use a material, preferably a liquid curable polymer, which is applied as a sacrificial coating to the surface of a substrate containing contaminate particulate matter thereon. An energy source is used to dislodge the contaminate particulate matter from the surface of the wafer into the sacrificial coating so that the particles are partially or fully encapsulated and suspended in the sacrificial coating. The sacrificial coating is then removed. The coating is preferably formed into a film to facilitate removal of the coating by pulling (stripping) the film providing a cleaner substrate surface.

Abstract: A cleaning method is provided for an ultrapure water supply system having an ultrapure water production apparatus connected to a point of use of ultrapure water via a passage. In the cleaning method, a basic solution, for example, is circulated through the system to change the surface potential of fine particles in the system from an opposite to the same polarity as that of elements constituting the system, thereby facilitating the removal of the fine particles, and the fine particles are then discharged from the system to outside together with the basic solution. The cleaning method has excellent cleaning capability and also makes it possible to shorten the rinsing time required for removing the residual constituent of the cleaning solution.

Abstract: A liquid processing apparatus has a substrate rotating device including a holder for holding a substrate and a motor, a chamber for applying the liquid processing to the substrate, a posture changing mechanism for changing the posture of the substrate rotating device at outside of the chamber such that a state of the substrate held by the holder changes between vertical and horizontal, and a position adjusting mechanism for relatively adjusting the positions of the chamber and the substrate rotating device together with the posture changing mechanism such that the holder is housed in the chamber. The substrate is taken out from the container and held by the holder in a horizontal state. After the posture of the holder was changed to vertical, a process liquid is supplied to the substrate of vertical state.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing magnetic particles including a well plate for receiving an array tube holder having x rows of tubes, each tube containing magnetic particles, the well plate having (x+1) rows of wells for enabling the array tube holder to be shifted from a first position to a second position. The apparatus also includes ((x/2)+1) rows of magnets asymmetrically positioned within the well plate adjacent to the rows of wells. Placing the array tube holder in the first position causes magnetic fields produced by each magnet to attract the magnetic particles in the x rows of tubes to one side of each tube, and shifting the array tube holder to the second position reverses the magnetic fields, causing the magnetic particles to stream across to the other side of each tube. The array tube holder may be a 96 tube array tube holder (8 rows by 12 columns) in which case, the well plate includes 108 wells (9 rows by 12 columns) for simultaneously washing 96 tubes.

Abstract: A liquid waste disposal and canister flushing system for a medical canister including a press-fit canister lid, features a cabinet with an opening and a sink with a drain positioned therein. A mounting bracket is affixed to the cabinet and includes a shaft connected to the canister bracket for rotating the canister and a shaft connected to the lid removal bracket for removing the canister lid from the canister. The canister is secured within the canister bracket and is rotated from an initial position to a drainage position. The canister lid is positioned on the removal bracket and is rotated from an initial position to a removal position. Once the canister is rotated into the drainage position, the pressurized and diluted cleaning solution source is activated to flush the contents out of the canister and into the sink and drain. After the canister is sanitized it may be removed from the system and reused.

Abstract: Devices and methods for using surface or acoustic waves in a recording head to prevent particles from settling down on an interfacing surface on the head.

Abstract: A gardening protective shelter in umbrella shape includes a main rod, a plurality of ribs, a protective cover and a handle. The feature of the present invention is a sliding ring wraps around the main rod and is beneath a runner, a pulling rope each ties to the runner and the sliding ring respectively along the main rod and stretches out from the handle, an open ring and a close ring is at the end of the pulling ropes respectively. Users can pull two control rings to open and close the rib for easier installation and restoration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanized fumigation tent having a plural suspension system with composite closing structure. It includes an overhead structure; support frame having top; a tarp mounted atop the frame and hanging from the frame to define top and side curtains, the curtains having a lower periphery which defines a bottom perimeter; and first plurality of cables, being curtain cables, and communicating with the overhead structure. The curtain cables are functionally connected to side curtains and adapted for raising and lowering side curtains relative to support frame. There is second plurality of cables, being frame cables, and communicating with the overhead structure and being connected to the frame and adapted to raise and lower the curtains by raising and lowering the first plurality of cables, and so as to raise and lower the frame and the tarp by raising and lowering the second set of cables.

Abstract: A quick-pitch/strike tent. The tent includes a frame and a cloth housing suspended on the frame. The frame and the cloth housing are connected together and the frame has multiple poles. Each pole has multiple joints to conveniently pitch or strike the tent. The frame and the cloth housing are connected together so that pitching the tent consists of just erecting the frame. The joints of the poles are conveniently struck so the cloth housing and the frame can be quickly struck for storage and transportation together.

Abstract: In one aspect, the prevent invention provides control apparatus for controlling the pressure of a water distribution system. Typically the apparatus will be connected to a main pressure reducing valve in the system, which main valve is under the control of a dual diaphragm pilot valve. The control apparatus includes variable gas pressure output pipes which, in one embodiment, are connected to the pilot valve. There is also provided a relatively high gas pressure source and a relatively low gas pressure source, each of which are selectively connectable to the variable gas pressure output means in order to vary the pressure of the variable gas pressure source.

Abstract: The valve is intended to be opened at a predetermined temperature in order to release the pressurized fluid from the tank and its opening is triggered by melting of a meltable material. It comprises a body in the shape of a socket (10), the open end of which is exposed to the gas pressure and the bottom of which is closed except for a minuscule orifice (12). The side wall of the body (10) comprises at least one radial opening (14) and the body (10) is engaged, by its bottom, by sliding, in a cap (16) of complementary shape and is fastened thereto by means of the meltable material (18). The cap (16) comprises at least one access (20) to the atmosphere and, after melting of the meltable material (18), can be moved with respect to the body (10) until each access (20) communicates with a side opening (14) in the body (10).

Abstract: A stop valve which is fitted with a cylindrical supporting portion is comprised of a ring-shaped rigid axial portion, a ring-shaped platy bendable valve portion extending outward, and a sealing lip portion extending inward. The sealing lip portion has a first sealing lip which extends obliquely upward from the rigid axial portion and has a semi-circular seal effecting face provided at an edge thereof, and a second sealing lip which extends obliquely downward from the rigid axial portion and has a semi-circular seal effecting face provided at an edge thereof. The first and second sealing lips have an extending portion which connects the edge seal effecting face with the rigid axial portion and has substantially a same thickness as a diameter of the semi-circular shape.

Abstract: An aircraft drain device (14) for interposition between a potable water line (e.g., the drain line from an ice drawer) and a gray water line leading to a drainmast or other external drain. The drain device (14) includes a housing (30), an inlet (36) adapted for connection to the potable water line, an outlet (38) adapted for connection to the gray water line, and a piston (40). The preferably floatable piston (40) is movable between a normal operation position, whereat potable water can flow to the drainmast, and a back-up operation position, whereat the potable water is protected from contact with the gray water. The drain device (14) can be constructed to prevent spillage (or leakage) during back-up operation.

Abstract: A valve assembly for insertion in a line formed by an existing pipe of predetermined outside diameter containing fluid under pressure includes a valve body with a bonnet-supporting flange that defines an access way into the valve body through which an installer can cut and remove a section of the existing pipe. A bonnet with a moveable gate having a width no less than the predetermined outside diameter of the pipe, includes a flange-mating portion that fits into the access way in a fluid-tight fit while defining a gate opening through which the gate moves into the valve body to a closed position in which the gate extends through the gate-receiving gap in the pipe and into fluid-tight engagement of the valve body.

Abstract: A grounded jet pump assembly for a fuel system of a vehicle includes a fuel reservoir and a grounded fuel component disposed in the fuel reservoir. The grounded jet pump assembly also includes a jet pump having an outlet extending into the fuel reservoir and a grounding member at the outlet of the jet pump for contacting flow of fuel from the jet pump and contacting the grounded fuel component to complete an electrical circuit for grounding the jet pump.

Abstract: A tool assembly for connection to a charging inlet tube of a fluid receiving system, and for evacuating and dispensing a charging fluid to the fluid receiving system. The tool assembly includes a tool housing having an upper and a lower housing half and including a plurality of internal valve components. The internal valve components are assembled in sliding engagement with each other within the tool housing and are held in assembled engagement by assembly of the upper and lower housing halves together whereby the tool assembly may be quickly disassembled and assembled for replacement of components. Fluid flow through the tool assembly is directed by an inner body positioned between the upper and lower housing halves, and vacuum and fluid charging is controlled by a vacuum control poppet and fluid control poppet, respectively, which poppets are longitudinally moveable relative to the inner body and to each other.

Abstract: A female coupler for use as a fluid connector having an exterior portion, an interior portion, a poppet valve and a piston. The exterior portion has an internal bore with an open forward end adapted to receive a male coupler, a flow port for supplying pressurized fluid to the internal bore, an internal surface with at least one groove and at least one outlet passage through the exterior portion fluidly communicating with the at least one groove. The interior portion has a main cavity and an internal valve seat and is disposed within the housing bore and axially movable within the exterior portion from a first position, in which fluid is sealed within the female coupler, to a second position in which fluid can exit the female coupler. The poppet valve is slidably received within the interior portion and spring-biased forwardly against the valve seat to normally prevent fluid flow through the interior portion.

Abstract: An injector injects fluids, such as hydrate inhibitors into a pipeline such as a natural gas pipeline. The injector is comprised of two motor valves with different force constants such that they open and close in a sequence that injects fluid into the pipeline. The motor valves are controlled by pressure in a control line, where the pressure in the control line is controlled by a latching solenoid valve that pressurizes and vents the control line, according to the signals received from a control panel. When used with a natural gas pipeline, the displaced natural gas captured by the overhead storage tank can be used to fuel a natural gas heater.

Abstract: A fluid control valve includes a main body and a switching member. The main body is provided with a chamber in which the switching member is rotatably disposed. The chamber is in communication with an inlet and two outlets. The switching member is formed of a connection rod and a horizontal disk. The connection rod is fastened to a control knob by which the switching member is actuated to turn. The horizontal disk is provided with two through holes via which the inlet is in communication with the outlets. The fluid control valve can be operated in four different ways, thanks to the horizontal disk of the switching member.

Abstract: This invention pertains generally to valve lift spacers that determine the travel distance of a valve member, such as movement between upper and lower seats. In the case of pressure switching valves, such as those used in the fuel injection industry, valve travel distance is often relatively small. Because of realistic machining tolerances, it is often difficult to mass produce valves that consistently exhibit comparable travel distances, especially when those distances are on the order of microns. The present invention addresses this issue by providing valve lift spacers with a variety of thicknesses in order to compensate for the inevitable variation that would otherwise be produced due to the various valve components having realistic geometrical tolerances. The valve lift spacer and a valve using the same finds a principal use in fast response pressure switching valves, such as those utilized in electro-hydraulic actuator portion of a fuel injector.