Abstract: A tumble control valve for an intake manifold of an engine which eliminates or substantially reduces air leakage between the bottom and sides of the valve blade through a selected rotational segment of the blade as it moves from the closed position toward the open position. The sealed area is maintained by contouring the inner cavity wall to track the arc defined by the bottom edge of the rotating blade. In other embodiments, a flexible flange or wedge-shaped element is attached to the blade to engage the inner cavity wall through the selected rotational segment. In another aspect of the invention, air flow pressure is maintained and tumble is optimized compared to rotational movement of the blade by contouring the top wall surface to track the arc defined by the rotating upper edge of the blade.

Abstract: An intake amount control apparatus of an internal combustion engine in accordance with the invention includes a control portion that controls an opening amount of a throttle valve provided in an intake passageway of the internal combustion engine and operation of a lift amount changing mechanism capable of changing a lift amount of an intake valve. The control portion controls the operation of the lift amount changing mechanism so that, prior to execution of a fuel cut control at the time of an engine deceleration, the lift amount of in intake valve becomes smaller than at the time of a normal engine idle operation where the fuel cut control is not executed.

Abstract: An operating apparatus of an engine in a portable working machine improves an operability of a throttle lever while preventing a Run-on phenomenon or the like. The operating apparatus is provided with a first operating device for operating a throttle valve of the engine in a range from a fully closed state to a fully opened state, a switch for switching the engine between an operable state and a stoppable state, and a second operating device for operating the switch. The second operating device is structured so as to regulate an operation position of the first operating device at a time of operating the switch such that the engine is brought into the operable state, and to allow the first operating device to fully close the throttle valve at a time of operating the switch such that the engine is brought into the stoppable state.

Abstract: In a fuel supply apparatus for an internal combustion engine including a first fuel injection valve for directly injecting a fuel into a cylinder and a second fuel injection valve for injecting the fuel into an intake manifold, production of deposits in the first fuel injection valve is prevented and a satisfactory homogenous air-fuel mixture can be formed during homogenous combustion while an engine is at idle. In order to achieve this effect, during homogenous combustion while the engine is idle, a second fuel injection valve injects the fuel and a first fuel injection valve injects the fuel to which pressure has been applied by a low-pressure pump, without a high-pressure pump applying further pressure to the fuel.

Abstract: An engine ECU executes a program including the steps of calculating an in-cylinder injector's injection ratio; if the ratio is 1, calculating a cold state increase value by employing a function f(1) having the engine's temperature as a parameter; if the ratio is 0, calculating a cold state increase value by employing a function f(2) having the engine's temperature as a parameter; and if the ratio is larger than 0 and smaller than 1, calculating a cold state increase value by employing a function f(3) having the engine's temperature and the ratio as parameters.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine (30) has a fueling system comprising fuel injectors (36) that utilize oil under pressure to force fuel into engine combustion chambers. Oil is pumped to an oil rail (44) by an engine-driven pump (42) whose effective displacement can be varied. A control system (32) processes certain data, such as engine speed and load, for controlling the effective displacement of the pump. The pump has a larger stage (42B) and a smaller stage (42A). The control system selects and de-selects the stages to control pump displacement.

Abstract: A pressure pattern estimation device of a fuel injection controller of an engine estimates a pressure transition of fuel in a common rail. A surplus pressure range calculation device of the fuel injection controller calculates a surplus pressure range in which pressure pattern data provided by the pressure pattern estimation device exceeds a target common rail pressure. The fuel injection controller releases the common rail pressure to a lower-pressure side by operating a pressure reduction valve of the common rail to eliminate the surplus pressure range calculated by the surplus pressure range calculation device. Thus, the common rail pressure (injection pressure) during an injection period is smoothed.

Abstract: A fuel injector for injecting fuel into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine is equipped with a pressure booster that has a working chamber continuously connected to a common rail, and has a differential pressure chamber, which a piston part separates from the working chamber. The fuel injector also has an injection valve member. To actuate the fuel injector, a valve having a control valve in the form of a servo valve and an actuating valve that actuates this control valve. The multistage valve controls both the pressure booster and the injection valve member. The control valve and the actuating valve are hydraulically coupled to each other and different outlet throttles can be opened and closed in order to achieve different opening speeds of a servo valve piston.

Abstract: In an energy-saving high-pressure fuel supply control device for sucking a low-pressure fuel via a flow rate control valve and supplying high-pressure fuel acquired by pressurizing the sucked fuel to a fuel rail, at a time point that is logically decided from a bottom dead center and at which the pressure of the high-pressure fuel rises to a pressure to hold closing of the flow rate control valve, energization of the flow rate control valve is ended to restrain energization energy to the flow rate control valve. The time point when the energization of the flow rate control valve is ended is deviated toward lag side in advance by a time that causes deviation of the bottom dead center of the plunger toward the lag side from the original bottom dead center.

Abstract: A fuel tank unit including a fuel tank, a fuel pump, and a pad. The fuel pump may be attached to the bottom of the inside of the fuel tank, and the pad is preferably positioned between the fuel tank and the fuel pump, and may be made from rubber. The fuel tank may have a flat-box shaped exterior, and at least a portion of the top circumferential edge of the outside may be beveled, with a lid located in the beveled region. The fuel pump may be located substantially at the center of the inside bottom of the fuel tank.

Abstract: A connector attaches an accessory to a fuel pump module. The connector includes a fuel pump module mounting member having attachment features to attach the mounting member to the fuel pump module, and movement limiting features to resist relative movement with respect to the fuel pump module. The connector also includes an accessory mounting extension that extends from the mounting member and includes attachment features to attach the accessory to the connector.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for providing a fuel system for an internal combustion engine (10) that includes a fuel tank (13), a fuel pump (12) and a fuel filter (19) located in a flow duct (14) between the fuel pump and the fuel consumers (11) of the engine. The flow duct (14) includes a valve chamber (20), located downstream of the fuel filter, and having a valve cone (24) movably arranged in the chamber between an upper valve seat (20b) and a lower valve seat (27). The upper part of the valve chamber (20) has an outlet (22) for bleeding to the fuel tank (13). The valve cone (24) is provided with an inner passage (25) with a valve seat (25a) which, under normal fuel pressure, interacts with a bleed cone (26) that is movable in the passage (25).

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for managing fuel vapor pressure in a fuel system that supplies fuel to an internal combustion engine. The fuel vapor pressure management apparatus performs leak detection on a headspace of the fuel system, performs excess negative pressure relief of the headspace, performs excess positive pressure relief of the headspace, and performs a diagnostic on the purge valve. The apparatus includes a housing, a pressure operable device, and a printed circuit board. The housing defines an interior chamber. The pressure operable device separates the interior chamber into first and second portions. And the pressure operable device includes a poppet that moves along an axis and a seal that is adapted to cooperatively engage the poppet. The printed circuit board is supported by the housing in the interior chamber.

Abstract: A combination vapor vent/rollover valve and surrounding storage canister are disposed in a common housing for positioning inside a small engine fuel tank. In one embodiment described, the canister surrounds the vapor vent/rollover valve which may include a gravity pressure relief valve and a vacuum relief valve. In another embodiment a pressure relief valve and adjacent storage canister are disposed in a common housing for positioning inside a small engine fuel tank.

Abstract: A thermal transfer internal combustion engine with an air transfer cylinder located between a pair of power cylinders. The transfer cylinder has an intake valve and two transfer valves alternately feeding the two power cylinders. The power cylinders each contain a mono valve used for both intake and exhaust. Counter-flow manifolds connect the mono valves of the power cylinders to the transfer valves of the transfer cylinder. A regenerator with catalytic converter properties is located in each counter-flow manifold. The regenerator is heated by exhaust gases exiting the power cylinders, prior to exiting the engine through exhaust dump valves. Uncompressed intake air is pushed from the transfer cylinder through the regenerator where it is heated and delivered to the power cylinder for conventional processing. The heat recovery system provides high compression temperatures at low compression ratios, reducing engine fuel consumption.

Abstract: There is provided a supercharger system for supercharging a vehicle engine includes a first lower intake manifold adapter attached to the vehicle engine. The supercharger system further includes a second lower intake manifold adapter attached to the vehicle engine. The first and second lower intake manifold adapters can be attached to respective first and second cylinder heads of the vehicle engine. The supercharger system further includes a plate situated between the first and the second lower intake manifold adapter, where the plate is adapted to receive a supercharger on a bottom surface of the plate. The supercharger provides compressed air that flows through the first and the second lower intake manifold adapter to the vehicle engine. The supercharger system further includes an upper manifold plenum chamber situated over the plate, where the upper manifold plenum chamber receives the compressed air from the supercharger.

Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation control device in a diesel engine, capable of suppressing NOx and smoke discharged. A first temperature sensor (11) is provided at a portion more on the upstream side than a portion where a suction air path (3) joins an exhaust gas recirculation path (4), and a second temperature sensor (12) is provided on the downstream side. Further, an engine load detection sensor (6) and an engine speed detection sensor (7) are arranged. The exhaust gas recirculation control device also has memory means where the temperature of suction air before it is mixed with an exhaust gas and a temperature value at a second temperature sensor installation position are previously memorized, the temperature value corresponding to an appropriate exhaust gas recirculation amount that is uniquely defined by an engine load and an engine speed. Further, judging means is provided.

Abstract: A exhaust gas recirculation assembly for an engine having an intake manifold and an exhaust manifold, the exhaust gas recirculation assembly including a flow control body, a closing member, an electric motor coupled to the closing member, and an electronic controller electrically connected to the electric motor. The flow control body includes a manifold conduit and an inlet conduit in fluid communication with the manifold conduit. The manifold conduit includes a recirculation opening and a mounting member. The mounting member is adapted to connect the manifold conduit in fluid communicate with the intake manifold. The inlet conduit includes a mounting member adapted to connect the inlet conduit in fluid communication with the exhaust manifold.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio sensor monitor is provided which is designed to monitor reactive characteristics or response rates of an air-fuel ratio sensor when an air-fuel ratio of a mixture to an internal combustion engine is changing to a rich side and to a lean side. The monitored response rates are used in determining whether the sensor is failing or not, in determining the air-fuel ratio of the mixture accurately, or in air-fuel ratio control of the engine.

Abstract: A compound spring-loaded archery bow, which retains the appearance of a traditional bow, has a rigid bow frame that is formed by a central riser with a handgrip and arrow rest, an upper limb extending upward from the central riser and a lower limb extending downward from the central riser. Cam mechanisms are mounted at the upper end of the upper limb and the lower end of the lower limb and a bowstring is secured to and extends between the upper and lower cam mechanisms. When the bowstring is drawn from an initial preset position to shoot an arrow, there is a synchronized actuation of the upper and lower cam mechanisms. The upper and lower limbs are tubular and contain separate upper and lower spring assemblies for applying tension to the bowstring through the cam mechanisms only when the bowstring is drawn from its initial preset position.

Abstract: A cutting machine includes a bottom collecting tray, a cutting blade overhanging on a cutting table and having a cutting area defined at an outer circumferential portion thereof when the cutting blade cuts the work piece, and an environment control arrangement. The environment control arrangement includes an end collecting tray, which is upwardly extended from the bottom collecting tray, having a collecting chamber for collecting residual particles of the work piece while the cutting blade cuts the work piece, wherein the end collecting tray must be upwardly extended to a position above the cutting area of the cutting blade, and a suction source having a sucking inlet provided at a lower portion of the end collecting tray for collecting the residual particles within the collecting chamber by means of sucking effect.

Abstract: Methods for changing the body temperature of a patient by having them breathe a mist created by nebulizer. The temperature of the mist is adjusted using a heat exchanger. The methods may be used to either cool or warm patients for a variety of clinical reasons. In addition, the invention includes a device (Thermomist) that can be used for generating a mist that can be administered to patients.

Abstract: An aerosol medication delivery apparatus includes a holding chamber having an input end and an output end and defining an interior space. The output end comprises an orifice having a cross-sectional area of less than about 60 mm2. In one preferred embodiment, the orifice has a circular cross-section. Preferably, the orifice has a diameter of between about 2.0 mm and about 7.50 mm. In one preferred embodiment, an inhalation and exhalation valve is located at the output end. A method of using the holding chamber is also provided.

Abstract: A flow indicating system that includes a conduit that contains a substance, wherein the conduit defines a path along which the substance primarily flows and a viewing port attached to the conduit and the viewing port prevents substantially non-ambient atmosphere gases and substances from escaping therefrom and allows visualization of an internal space defined by the viewing port. A flow indicator that is positioned within the conduit so as to be viewed via the viewing port and is positioned so as to not to substantially interfere with a flow of the substance along the path.

Abstract: An injection system for the delivery of a gaseous substance to a patient respiratory system is described herein. The injection system includes a control unit and a valve assembly including a valve and a valve actuator allowing partial opening of the valve and controlled by the control unit. The control unit is supplied with gas flow data and controls the valve assembly so that the opening of the valve is a function to the gas flow to thereby enable the control over the concentration of the gaseous substance delivered to the patient.

Abstract: A method of treating a disease involving surfactant deficiency or dysfunction in a patient's lungs is disclosed comprising the steps of providing a liquid lung surfactant composition; aerosolizing the lung surfactant composition with a vibrating aperture-type aerosol generator to form a surfactant aerosol; and introducing the surfactant aerosol into the gas flow within a circuit of a pressure-assisted breathing system coupled to the patient's respiratory system, whereby a therapeutically effective amount of said surfactant is delivered to the patient's lungs. Apparatus is also disclosed that increases the efficiency of delivery of aerosolized medicaments such as aerosolized lung surfactant.

Abstract: A non-tracheal ventilation tube includes a multi-lumen tube shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a proximal cuff and a distal cuff. The multi-lumen tube shaft is separated into a ventilation channel extending from a proximal ventilation opening to a distal ventilation opening, a suction channel extending from a proximal suction opening to a distal suction opening, and an inflation channel. The proximal cuff is attached to the tube shaft and is connected to the inflation channel for inflation and deflation. The distal cuff is attached to the tube shaft on the distal side of the proximal cuff and is connected to the inflation channel for inflation and deflation. The proximal suction opening and the proximal ventilation opening are located on the proximal side of the proximal cuff. The distal suction opening is located on the distal side of the distal cuff. The distal ventilation opening is located between the proximal cuff and the distal cuff.

Abstract: A mask (10) for supplying gas under pressure to the nasal airway of a human includes a manifold (30) including means (36) for connection to a gas supply means, a gas supply element or elements (26) for providing said gas to the nasal airway without pressurising the exterior of the nose and a flexible strap (12) formed from an elastomeric material for securing the manifold (30) in position. The strap (12) extends either side of the manifold (30) and is shaped to generally conform with the shape of the upper lip and adjacent cheek area to act as a distributed anchor means for the mask (10).

Abstract: A Support Structure for Adult Devices is disclosed. The device provides a flat, adjustably inclinable surfaces to which adult novelty devices may be attached. The device may include a hinged junction between a pair of flat members to provide the inclinability. The device further has one or more struts extending between the flat members to set the device at a particular incline angle. Still further, the device may have non-skid strips on its underside to prevent slippage on smooth surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention consists of a seamless self-adhesive hair extension and a method of attaching it to a head of a wearer. The seamless self-adhesive hair extension is comprised of a plurality of either natural or synthetic hair strands attached to a base support made of polyurethane which has a rectangular strip of double-sided self-adhesive tape with a removable backing as a fastener. The method consists of separating a user's hair along a part line into an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion and lower portion are temporarily swept up and away from the part line. Another double-sided rectangular strip of self-adhesive tape is placed along a lower portion part line approximately ¼? from the scalp onto the user's natural hair, and then alternating ¼? strands of the user's natural hair are withdrawn from the upper portion of hair above the part line such that the strands will be laid upon the double-sided self-adhesive tape.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a handle having first and second ends and a head operatively connected to the second end of the handle. Bristles are on the head; an inner cavity is disposed within the first end of the handle; and dental floss is contained in the cavity. A lid is hinged to the first end of the handle and the lid is comprised of a cover member and a flap member.

Abstract: A dental floss holder includes a main body, a retractable member movably mounted on a first end of the main body, a rotation member rotatably mounted in the main body and having a first end engaged with the retractable member to move the retractable member axially relative to the main body by rotation of the rotation member, and a control member rotatably mounted on a second end of the main body and engaged with a second end of the rotation member so as to rotate the rotation member. Thus, the dental floss holder is operated to stretch or release the dental floss easily and conveniently, thereby facilitating the user mounting or replacing the dental floss.

Abstract: In a chamber (11), a SiOF film is formed on a wafer W using a plasma CVD method. A film remaining inside the chamber (11) is cleaned up using a gas containing NF3. A manometer (28) is prepared for the chamber (11). An end point of cleaning of the chamber (11) is detected by monitoring the pressure inside the chamber (11).

Abstract: A dish-cleaning appliance comprises a sink having a bowl defining a wash chamber with an open top for providing access to the wash chamber. A liquid recirculation system is provided for spraying liquid throughout the wash chamber. A drain conduit can be provided, alone or in combination with the recirculation system, for draining liquid from the wash chamber when the drain is closed. The lid is mounted to the sink and is movable to selectively cover the open top of the bowl and a user interface located in the sink.

Abstract: A wafer chuck is configured to hold a wafer efficiently for spin process cleaning of wafer edges and back sides. A first group of retractable tips extend to hold the wafer during a first portion of the cleaning period. A second group of retractable tips extend to hold the wafer during a second portion of the cleaning period. Residues left between the tips and the wafer edge areas during the first portion of the cleaning period are removed during the second portion. The change from the first group of tips to the second group of tips occurs while the wafer is rotating.

Abstract: A collapsible tent provides insect protection for infants such as less than a year old while being small and portable enough for use in many public spaces. Excellent ventilation and visibility are provided by mosquito and no-see-um blocking fabric formed into a dome-like shape. Flexible support rods cross one another at the apex of the tent and reside within arch-shaped fabric channels. A detachable or alternatively attached ground barrier completes the enclosure. For storage, the flexible support rods are brought adjacent to one another to form a flat arch-shape with the pair of proximate ends then coiled toward the other pair to form a small circular shape that is readily retained within this compact shape by a carrying pouch. When the tent is erected, the carrying pouch is attachable to the tent to serve as a sunshade. A hanging support inside the tent may be used to suspend infant toys.

Abstract: A method of providing a continuous, sequential, and cyclic, if desired, liquid feed to a processor from a plurality of containers, which comprises feeding the liquid from a first of the containers through a first conduit to a reservoir having a float valve, to keep the level of the liquid in the reservoir high enough to maintain the float valve in an upper floating position that closes the float valve. The first conduit is uncontrolled by the float valve. The float valve controls a second conduit which connects with a second container. As liquid is withdrawn from the reservoir for processing, liquid from the first conduit and container replenishes the reservoir until it is exhausted. Then, the liquid level drops, and the float valve opens the second conduit for replenishing the reservoir with liquid from the second container. A crossover valve may be used so that the float valve controls flow from either container connected to the second conduit.

Abstract: A modular fluid supply system for use with a liquid supply source includes a plurality of container packs, a fluid delivery line in fluid communication with the containers of the packs, and a controller. Each container pack includes at least one container that contains a fluid mixture of at least two different fluid components. The fluid delivery line is configured to deliver fluid mixtures from the containers to a tool that utilizes the fluid mixtures, and the controller is configured to selectively and automatically control the flow of the fluid mixture from each container pack to the tool. The modular fluid system can be integrated with a main fluid supply system or independently implemented for continuous and reliable supply of mixed fluids to a particular application, such as off-shore pipeline welding operations.

Abstract: A water supply system comprising a supply line and a network of consumers, one of which being a monitored consumer who receives the least amount of pressure, a pressure regulation system comprising a pressure reducing valve (PRV) associated with a pilot valve preset to a nominal output pressure and a pressure control system comprising a differential control valve (DCV). A pickup unit is provided for measuring a flow parameter indicative of the pressure at the monitored consumer and emitting a pressure signal to a controller generating in turn a control signal responsive to the pressure signal to activate an actuator of the DCV thereby governing the flow rate through the DCV, so as to obtain desired pressure at the monitored consumer, regardless of altering flow rate through the PRV.

Abstract: A mixing valve for mixing steam and water comprising an inlet chamber for steam, an inlet chamber for water, and a mixing chamber for mixing the steam and the water. The mixing chamber has at least one outlet connected thereto. A valve member arranged in the steam inlet chamber is coupled to a diaphragm. The valve is responsive to pressure differentials in the water inlet chamber, and is utilized to control steam flow from the steam inlet chamber to the mixing chamber. The mixing valve includes an internal partition between the steam inlet chamber and the water inlet chamber. The internal partition includes a thermal break that minimizes the contact between the steam inlet chamber and the water inlet chamber, thus minimizing the heat transfer therebetween.

Abstract: A modular lining system for a valve body for use in fluid handling systems including fluid transport tankers, and a method for lining a valve body using the modular lining system. The lining system is slidably inserted into the valve body to protect the valve body from corrosive or other damaging materials. The liners are placed such that they are easily removable for cleaning or replacing when damaged. An actuator comprising a piston is actuated within one of the liners to selectively allow and stop fluid flow.

Abstract: A valve arrangement in a hydraulic circuit comprises a longitudinal duct 3 and a transverse duct 2. A throttle slide 10 can be displaced in the direction of the longitudinal duct 3. Arranged in the throttle slide 10 is a valve piston 25, by means of which the flow through the hollow throttle slide 10 can be enabled or blocked. The flow of hydraulic fluid takes place through two groups of passage holes 33a, 35a, which are arranged in the throttle slide 10. The interaction of pressure and flow direction of the hydraulic fluid, and also the restoring force of a slide spring 20 and a piston spring 30, achieves a situation where hydraulic fluid can flow through the valve arrangement in both directions but that a throttling action occurs only when the hydraulic fluid flows from the transfer duct 2 to the longitudinal duct 3 under increased pressure.

Abstract: A valve is provided having a housing with an inlet and an outlet. Within the confines of the housing is a fluid flow path that allows for fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet. The valve includes a valve element that is movable to and from a position where it blocks fluid communication along the fluid flow path, thereby closing the valve. The valve also includes a resilient member provided in a chamber of the valve that is fluidly sealed from the fluid flow path. The resilient member urges the valve element to move to the position for closing the valve. When the pressure of fluid entering the inlet exceeds a preselected amount, the pressure of the fluid overcomes the urging of the resilient member and the valve element moves towards a position that allows fluid communication along the fluid flow path, thereby opening the valve.

Abstract: A multi-position micro-fluidic valve system that includes an actuator assembly with a housing and a drive shaft rotatably disposed in the housing for rotational displacement about a drive axis thereof. One end of the drive shaft is configured to couple to a drive motor for selective rotation of the drive shaft about the drive axis. One of at least two different multi-position fluid valve devices can be removably mated to the actuator assembly. Each valve device is configured for rotational movement of a corresponding valve shaft about a valve rotational axis thereof between a plurality of discrete fluid distribution positions. A coupling device selectively and removably mounts the valve shaft of the respective valve device to the drive shaft of the actuator assembly. This enables selective positioning of the multi-position fluid valve device at a discrete one of the plurality for discrete distribution positions.

Abstract: The gas flow regulating valve (1) is adapted to one cooking burner amongst the several on a cooking hob. The regulating valve member (7) is cylindrical-shaped and coupled to a step motor “M”, which controls the axial displacement “X” thereof through a fixed closure member (8), over successive positions (P0–P6) effecting the regulation of an outlet gas flow “Q” between the OFF and a minimum flow Qmin. The regulating member (7) is provided with at least one elongated superficial recess (9,9?) communicating the inlet side (3a) with the outlet side (3b) of the gas chamber, a regulating surface opening (9,11) provided with a surface groove (11) adjacent to said superficial recess (9) towards the outlet side (3b), in the form of a variable passage area (A,H) for the regulation of a intermediate flow Qgra, and at least one gas through-flow conduit (12) in permanent communication with the outlet side (3b) for a calibrated flow Qmin.

Abstract: A low-flow diaphragm valve is disclosed having a flexible diaphragm that cooperates with a portion of the valve body to open and close the valve. The diaphragm may have a portion for seating in a passage between the inlet and outlet of the valve and may have one or more ribs for seating against other portions of the body located around the passage. While the valve body may include openings or interruptions to permit fluid and small particulate matter to flow through the valve, the ribs and openings block or restrict particulate matter of relatively large size from flowing to the passage between the diaphragm and the valve body. With this structure, the valve will function even when particulate matter is trapped between one or more of the diaphragm portion that sits in the passage and ribs, on the one hand, and the body on the other hand.

Abstract: The device described herein is a valve suitable for the control or shut-off of fluid flow in a piping system. It comprises a valve housing having inlet and outlet ports and a cylindrical bore whose axis is slanted at about 90 degrees in relation to the axis connecting said inlet port. A ball or closure member being slidingly arranged within said cylindrical bore and being capable of making tight contact with a fixed or flexible seating surface and wherein said cylindrical bore has one or more radially outwardly protruding flutes or grooves providing a fluid path around said ball or closure member. Additional means to allow for the ball or closure member to connect to a conventional actuating device having linear output motion.

Abstract: A reed valve having a plate shaped support substrate with a valve hole formed in a central section passing through in a plate thickness direction is provided. A flexible plate-shaped reed covering the valve hole at one surface of the support substrate and having one end in a longitudinal direction that is fixed to the support substrate. The support substrate has a rib extending along a center line in a longitudinal direction of the inside of the valve hole, to divide the valve hole into two spaces. A surface of the rib opposite to the reed is positioned on substantially the same plane as a surface of the support substrate to which the rib is attached, and is adjacent to the reed.

Abstract: A plumbing apparatus includes a housing having first and second opposite ends and defining an interior volume therebetween and an inlet fitting connected to the housing and connectable to a fluid source external to the housing. In one embodiment, the plumbing apparatus may also include an outlet fitting connected to the housing, disposed on the exterior thereof and in fluid communication with the inlet fitting; and a hose assembly receivable in the housing for storage, with one end thereof connected to the inlet fitting, and the other end of the hose assembly connectable to the fluid source. The plumbing apparatus may further include a cover member to cover one of the ends of the housing. The cover member may be operable between a closed position preventing access to the interior volume and an open position allowing access to the interior volume. The hose assembly may include a female fitting on said end connectable to the fluid source.

Abstract: A pressurized package containing an initial paint formulation having a neutral or clear color is prepared by mixing a propellant and a clear non-pigmented base or a clear pigmented base or a white pigmented base in a pressurizable container. This pressurized container is then sold to retail stores where tints and/or pigment dispersions are injected into the pressurized container to arrive at a matched or selected final color and sold directly to the end user.