Abstract: A water heating apparatus including a tank divided into first and second chambers, wherein water in the first and second chambers has first and second temperatures, respectively, a first outlet for supplying water from the first chamber, a first thermostat to measure the first temperature, a second thermostat to measure the second temperature, means for heating water in the second chamber, a pump having a pump inlet in fluid communication with the second chamber and a pump outlet in fluid communication with the first chamber, and a controller configured to initiate pumping of water from the second chamber to the first chamber when the first temperature is below a predetermined first value. The controller is also configured to initiate heating of water in the second chamber when the second temperature is below a predetermined second value, the second value being greater than the first value.

Abstract: An two-stroke internal combustion engine includes a cooling circuit having at least one passageway on the exhaust side of the engine for cooling the exhaust side of the engine and at least one passageway on the intake side of the engine for cooling at least a portion of the intake side of the cylinder. The engine also includes at least one cooling channel traversing the engine located in the vicinity of one of the bearings supporting the crankshaft for cooling the bearings.

Abstract: A valve actuator assembly for an engine includes a movable poppet valve, and movable first and second spool valves. The assembly also includes an intermediate channel interconnecting the first and second spool valve, a driving channel, and a first and second feedback channel interconnecting the second spool valve and the poppet valve. The valve actuator assembly includes an actuator cooperating with the first spool valve to position the first spool valve to selectively allow high pressure fluid flow to the second spool valve and the driving channel to position the engine valve. The valve actuator assembly further includes a first and second on/off valve in respective fluid communication with the first feedback channel and the second feedback channel to selectively exhaust the first and second feedback channel to control motion of the second spool valve. The second spool valve includes a detent feature operable to maintain the second spool valve in a center biased position.

Abstract: A variable valve operating device that makes it possible to reduce the loss in driving force transmission from a camshaft to a valve during a valve lift is provided. The rotary motion of a drive cam is transmitted to a swing member via intermediate rollers. A coupling member couples the intermediate rollers, to a swing fulcrum that is fastened to a control shaft. The swing fulcrum is positioned eccentrically to the center of the control shaft. Further, when the control shaft is positioned at a predetermined rotation position, the swing fulcrum is positioned so that the control shaft is placed between the swing fulcrum and the intermediate rollers. Preferably, the swing fulcrum, the control shaft, and the intermediate rollers are aligned.

Abstract: An arrangement structure of an electrically-driven actuator is used in a variable valve operating mechanism capable of adjusting an operation of a valve of an engine. A part of the electrically driven actuator exposed to the outside of the engine is arranged at a position shifted in a car width direction with respect to an exothermic body provided at a periphery of the engine.

Abstract: A device (1) for varying the control times of an internal combustion engine (100) is provided. A device (1) is proposed, with a means for limiting the angle of rotation, this being optimized in terms of the magnitude of the transmittable forces. A further aspect of the invention relates to making the mounting of the device (1) more flexible to the effect that the same components can be used in devices (1) with different relative angle-of-rotation ranges.

Abstract: A control method for an internal combustion engine of a vehicle that is used with a variable valve timing (VVT) system to promote lock pin disengagement. The method establishes if the VVT is at a lock pin position, establishes if a lock pin is not disengaged out of an associated recess, and can control the rate of movement of the VVT away from the lock pin position so that the lock pin can be disengaged out of the recess.

Abstract: A hydraulic lash adjuster (17;61;81) in which the body (19) defines a body bore (39) extending over substantially the entire axial length of the body, thus making it possible to finish the bore (39) by a more accurate process, such as honing. In the FIG. 2 embodiment, there is a cylindrical member (71) disposed in the lower portion of the body bore (39) cooperating to define a leakdown clearance (39,71 S), to isolate side load on the plunger (25) the leakdown. In the FIG. 3 embodiment, there is both the leakdown clearance (23S,39) between the body bore and the plunger (23) and the leakdown clearance (39,71 S) between the body bore and the cylindrical member (71), the leakdown flow rate of FIG. 3 being variable if the body and the cylindrical member (71) comprise dissimilar metals, having different coefficients of thermal expansion.

Abstract: A rocker box, pushrod assembly, oil delivery system, tappets and tappet guides are provided for an engine, particularly a motorcycle engine. The rocker box includes a separable upper portion and lower portion with a seal for sealing the upper portion and lower portion when coupled together. The pushrod assembly includes an adjusting unit that collapses into a pushrod shaft. The oil delivery system includes an oil passageway(s) in a rocker shaft of a rocker arm assembly, and at least one of an oil passageway(s) in a rocker box and an oil passageway(s) in a pushrod assembly.

Abstract: A rotary machine which can be either a pump or an internal combustion engine has a housing enclosing a plurality of rotor spindles lying on the surface of an imaginary cone for driving an output shaft positioned at the vertex of the imaginary cone. The spindles have a beveled gear on one end and engaging an output shaft and a conical bearing on the other end. Angled eccentric rotors are mounted to each spindle shaped to maintain tangential sliding contact with two adjacent rotors to form a compression or combustion chamber. A spherical version of a compressor or an engine uses a plurality of rotary pistons each of which is eccentrically mounted and forms a spherical segment. Each rotary piston is mounted for tangential sliding contact with at least two other rotary pistons to form a displacement chamber therebetween. The rotary pistons use a generally “tear drop” shape. A rotary pump has a housing having a manifold for distributing intake and exhaust air.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to an engine system, and a method in an engine system comprising an internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder (2) at which a piston (3), at least one inlet valve (5), at least one exhaust valve (7), and fuel injection means (11), for injection of fuel directly into the cylinder (2), are provided. The method comprises performing the following steps in at least one of the at least one cylinder: controlling (204) at least one of the at least one intake valve (5) so as to introduce air into the cylinder (2), performing (203, 206) at least one main combustion fuel injection (P21, P22) for a main combustion with air introduced into the cylinder (2), controlling (201), during an exhaust stroke and an intake stroke, the intake and exhaust valves (5, 7) so as to form a negative valve overlap (NVO) to capture main combustion residues, and performing (202) at least one pilot fuel injection (P1) during the negative valve overlap.

Abstract: A governor device comprises a first lever connecting a governor lever to a rotary speed setting lever interlockingly, a second lever pivotally supported by the first lever, and a third lever pivotally supported by the second lever, regulated its rotation amount by the second lever and interlocked with a governor weight. A fuel injection compensation spring is provided between the first lever and the second lever so as to bias them for decreasing the rotary speed for a fixed amount at the time of low speed rotation. A compensation starting rotary speed setting device, which is a set load changing means for the fuel injection compensation spring, is provided on the first lever near the fuel injection compensation spring.

Abstract: An ignition device performs spark ignition to a fuel mixture in a combustion chamber (13) of an internal combustion engine (100, 101) by using a spark plug (50). The spark plug (50) includes a first electrode (51), a second electrode (52, 11a, 11b, 21), and an insulating member (53, 11c) which is formed from dielectric substance and interposed between the first electrode (51) and the second electrode (52, 11a, 21). By impressing an alternating current between the first electrode (51) and the second electrode (52, 11a, 21), non-equilibrium plasma discharge between the insulating member (53, 11c) and one of the first electrode (51) and the second electrode (52, 11a, 21) is promoted. Igniting the fuel mixture by the non-equilibrium plasma discharge achieves a high ignition performance is achieved with low energy consumption.

Abstract: A fuel system for an internal combustion engine includes at least one first fuel pump and a pressure region into which the fuel pump pumps and which communicates with an elastic volume reservoir. The elastic volume reservoir has a characteristic pressure/volume curve, which is defined by at least two points. It is proposed that a first point is defined by a first volume at a first pressure that is somewhat greater than a vapor pressure of the fuel at ambient temperature, and that a second point is defined by a second volume and a second pressure in the pressure region that corresponds to a maximum pressure; the difference between the first and second volumes corresponds at least approximately and at least to a value by which the volume of the fuel in the pressure region decreases upon cooling down from a maximum temperature to ambient temperature.

Abstract: The fuel injection system has at least two electrically actuated control valves for controlling the fuel injection; the control valves are each connected via electric lines to an electric control unit. In the fuel injection system, terminal elements for connection of the electric lines are provided. For a first of the control valves, a structural element is provided, on which the terminal elements for all the control valves are disposed, and which can be secured to a housing part of the fuel injection system. At least one electric connecting line from the terminal elements to the second control valve disposed inside a housing part of the fuel injection system is integrated with the structural element.

Abstract: A preset waiting period is previously set on the basis of a signal in correspondence to a detection of a start point of a detection of a no-tooth portion of a signal rotor. In the case of a control for injecting a fuel after the preset waiting period has elapsed, an output of a signal indicating a start point of an actual detection of the no-tooth portion by a waveform shaping portion is delayed due to the existence of the no-tooth portion. A control computer corrects the preset waiting period to be shorter by an amount corresponding the delay. Accordingly, an accuracy of a fuel injection start timing control is improved.

Abstract: A fuel supply system for a motor vehicle has a sucking jet pump (6, 7) which is connected to a flow line (5). The valve (16, 17) reduces the cross-section of an opening (20) in a nozzle (14, 15) of the sucking jet pump (6, 7) with increasing pressure in the flow line (5). Hydraulic losses in supplying the sucking jet pump (6, 7) with fuel as a pump fluid are prevented and the conveying performance of the sucking jet pump (6, 7) is maintained, preferably, at a constant level.

Abstract: A straddle type motorcycle includes a frame, an engine mounted on the frame and having a substantially vertical cylinder assembly and an intake air passage extended backward from a rear surface of the cylinder assembly, a fuel tank disposed above the cylinder assembly, and a fuel supply device. The fuel supply device includes a fuel pump disposed at a rear portion of the fuel tank, the fuel pump being overlapped with the cylinder assembly in a longitudinal direction of the motorcycle in a side view of the motorcycle, a fuel injector installed on the intake air passage, and a fuel hose connecting the fuel injector with the fuel pump.

Abstract: A fuel supply system includes a fuel pump, a filter element, a pressure regulating valve, and a filter case. The filter case is configured to cover radially inner and outer surfaces of the filter element. The filter case has a receiving portion. A bottom portion of the receiving portion and an end portion of the filter element defines therebetween an outflow chamber for storing fuel. The outflow chamber includes a partitioning member that partitions the outflow chamber into first and second outflow chamber sections. The second outflow chamber section is communicated with an inlet portion of the pressure regulating valve. The partitioning member has a communication portion that provides communication between the first and second outflow chamber sections.

Abstract: Fuel delivery system for an internal combustion engine comprising a method and apparatus for generating and delivering a homogeneous charge with a variable fuel/air ratio which relies on fuel-absorbent, air-permeable evaporative wick membranes in a primary mixing region to which a portion of thermally-regulated air from an air dividing region has come. A single moving control element is used to control the quantity of in-rushing air in the primary mixing region, and therefore the amount of fuel rich air produced in this primary mixing region, and at the same time this single moving control element modulates both the quantity of fuel rich air and the quantity of regular fuel-free combustion air which are brought together in a secondary mixing region where they combine in the desired ratio to form a homogeneous charge with a variable fuel/air ratio. The use of a single moving control element allows extremely economical construction.

Abstract: The blow-by gas that has flowed from a front-stage breather-chamber inlet (33) into a front-stage breather chamber (28) floats up around a preliminary valve-seat peripheral wall (22) and a preliminary breather-passage peripheral wall (24) and flows from a breather-chamber inlet (21) into a breather chamber (3). When a breather-chamber peripheral wall (12) is removed from a breather-chamber attaching seat (11), a diaphragm valve (16) is attached to the breather-chamber attaching seat (11) and has a valve face (18) seated on a preliminary valve seat (23), and a plug (27) is taken out of a preliminary breather outlet (25), from which a breather pipe (5) is led out, thereby enabling the front-stage breather chamber (28) to be used for a single-stage breather chamber provided with the diaphragm valve (16).

Abstract: An Ignition device for an internal combustion engine including a control device and an ignition coil which is feedable on its primary side by a voltage supply unit. The control device is provided to interrupt or reduce the voltage impressed on the primary side of the ignition coil when a magnitude of a magnetic induction B on the primary side of the ignition coil is greater than a predeterminable maximum value.

Abstract: A bow maintenance press and method provides operation adaptable to various bow designs using adaptable bow press fingers that apply force to the bow limb ends. The bow limb end fingers may be interchangeable to supply different shapes or sizes and/or may provide adjustment in at least a limb end width or length, such that substantially equal force is applied to the bow limb ends of a bow having at least one split limb end. The fingers may be tiltable to adjust for differing limb end lengths and may be spring-loaded to ease in initial placement and retention of a bow before it is compressed.

Abstract: A wrist strap for use with a bow string release assembly, including a pair of interconnected fabric limbs extending angularly from a common central area and a fabric covered magnet in the free end of each limb; the magnets being arranged to attract one another when the free end of one limb is placed proximate the free end of the other limb; and a connector strap with a connector member thereon fixed to the first limb and another connector strap with a cooperating second connector member thereon, the connector members being releasably locked together to affix the wrist strap to the wrist of a user; and a tether strap fixed to the common area, and including means to attach the tether to a bow trigger assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a turning type charcoal roast board, and more particularly, to a turning type charcoal roast board, wherein if exchange of a used roast board is required during roast of meat using a charcoal fire, new roast rods are placed at an opening of a main body of the roast board in such a manner that the roast rods stored in a roast rod-supplying box are fed via a moving means through users simple operation of a control device for controlling the feeding of the roast rods installed on a main body of the charcoal roast board, and roast rods used at the opening of the main board are transferred to and received in a roast rod-receiving box by means of rotation of the moving means. According to the present invention, the roast board can be rapidly exchanged to prevent meat from being burned, and it is possible to eliminate inconvenience in use due to frequent exchange of roast boards.

Abstract: A device for arresting spark and ash issuing from, and precisely controlling the ventilation of and temperature inside, a heat source-containing vessel such as a cooking grill, stove, oven, cooker, fireplace, heater, or firebox. The device comprises a spark arrestor assembly including a base plate, a cover plate, and a spark arrestor. The base plate defines an opening. The cover plate and spark arrestor are slidably mated in two channels formed in the base plate around the opening. The cover plate and spark arrestor may be adjusted to extend across or only partway across the opening as selected by a user of the device. Tabs are provided on the cover plate and spark arrestor for easy adjustment thereof. Tabs in the base plate are positioned to define a range of slidable motion of the cover plate and spark arrestor.

Abstract: A pneumatic signal conditioning device may have a first fluid path and a second fluid path. The first fluid path includes a first inlet and a first outlet, and is configured such that the first outlet provides a first conditioned signal representing a pressure at the first inlet. Similarly, the second fluid path is configured such that the second outlet provides a second conditioned signal representing a pressure at the second inlet.

Abstract: The apparatus provides for the determination of the instantaneous phase in the respiratory cycle, subject's average respiration rate and the provision of ventilatory assistance. A microprocessor (16) receives an airflow signal from a pressure transducer (18) coupled to a port (17) at a mask (11). The microprocessor (16) controls a servo (19), that in turn controls the fan motor (20) and thus the pressure of air delivered by the blower (10). The blower (10) is coupled to a subject's mask (ii) by a conduit (12). The invention seeks to address the following goals: while the subject is awake and making substantial efforts the delivered assistance should be closely matched in phase with the subject's efforts; the machine should automatically adjust the degree of assistance to maintain at least a specified minimum ventilation without relying on the integrity of the subject's chemoreflexes; and it should continue to work correctly in the presence of large leaks.

Abstract: Devices and methods for maintaining an open airway are described. Systems and methods are described for maintaining an opening of an airway by application of force to a patient's tissues in one of inferior, anterior, and lateral directions.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method of treating restless leg syndrome by eliminating venous reflux in an underlying vein. The malfunctioning vein can be removed or ablated by inserting a catheter into the vein that transmits sufficient energy to coagulate or ablate the lining of the vein causing it to permanently close, eliminating the source of venous reflux and the symptom of restless leg syndrome.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing a carbonaceous heat source chip, capable of drying an extrusion-molded carbonaceous heat source rod to proper hardness and supplying the same to a heat insulating material-wrapping device. The apparatus includes a hollow pipe that forms a conveying path for transporting the carbonaceous heat source rod continuously extrusion-molded by an extrusion molding machine, to the heat insulating material-wrapping device. The apparatus forms an airflow running through the hollow pipe by means of an air amplifier, and transports the carbonaceous heat source rod while drying the rod by using the airflow.

Abstract: A hair clip and hairpin combining device includes a pin member pivotally coupled to a plate with a pivot axle and for allowing the plate to be rotated relative to the pin member between an open working position and a folded clamping position, and a spring member coupled between the ears and the flaps for maintaining the plate and the pin member either at the open working position as a hairpin or at the folded clamping position as a hair clip, and thus for allowing the hair clip and hairpin combining device to be changeable between the hair clip and the hairpin or for being used as either a hair clip or a hairpin.

Abstract: There is provided a sump assembly of a dishwasher. The sump assembly includes a self-cleaning filter assembly having a mesh filter, a sump cover for mounting the self-cleaning filter assembly on a top surface thereof, the sump cover having a filter supporting sleeve extending upward for supporting the self-cleaning filter assembly, a sump case seating on an upper portion of the sump cover to reserve washing water, and a fluid passage guide for discharging the washing water stored in the sump case in a predetermined direction, the fluid passage guide having a washing pump disposed therein.

Abstract: An improved walker leg tip having a felt nap is provided. The walker leg tip has an arcuate shaped shell with the shell having a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion has an aperture at least partially therethrough, the aperture dimensioned to accept an end portion of the walker leg. The felt nap covers at least part of the bottom portion of the arcuate shaped shell. In some instances, the arcuate shaped shell is spherically shaped and can be made from a polymer, vulcanized rubber and the like. Optionally, a sleeve can extend from the top portion of the shell, the sleeve having a sleeve aperture that is in alignment with the aperture of the top portion and dimensioned to fit at least partially over an end portion of a walker leg. A removable insert can also be included, the insert having an outer diameter dimensioned to fit at least partially into the aperture of the top portion and an inner diameter dimensioned to fit at least partially onto the end portion of the walker leg.

Abstract: The invention relates to a retractable rod and a tent made from the rod. The retractable rod comprises a multitude of rigid skeleton joints having two axial end surfaces and side surfaces. The joints are connected through the convex-concave connection by two flexible ropes passing through the holes of the joints to form a rod. There is a storage compartment locating at one end of the rod which winds and stores the rod therein. The storage compartment comprises a shaft, a rod storage sleeve which is in an intermittent drive mode fixed to the shaft; one end of the two flexible ropes passes through the rod storage sleeve and is fixed to the shaft. The rod storage sleeve is supported and rotates between two rope-protecting boards. A tension part locates at the other end of the rod and the other end of the two flexible ropes is fixed to the tension part. The advantage of the invention is that the tent made from the retractable rod occupies a small storage space.

Abstract: A mechanism that is comprised of two or more four-bar linkages is shown. Each linkage shares a common link with each adjacent linkage and the movement of said two or more linkages is synchronized by mechanical means such that said mechanism may move between a collapsed and an extended state. Said mechanical means may be in the form of additional links or geared connections.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the intra-abdominal pressure of a hospitalized patient includes a urinary catheter connected to a urine valve providing selectable communication between a discharge end of the urinary catheter and either a drain or a fluid source. Preferably, the urine valve is adapted for remote actuatation and has a housing adapted to resist patient discomfort from leg-valve contact. Plumbing structure desirably maintains fluid supply and drain conduits in a substantially parallel arrangement to assist routing those conduits between a patient's legs. When the urine valve is oriented to permit communication with the fluid source, an infusion pump may be used to infuse a known quantity of fluid through the urine valve and into the patient's bladder. A pressure transducer desirably is connected in-circuit to indicate the fluid's pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing a dense liquid such as diesel fuel from being dispensed into a storage tank that contains a less dense liquid, such as gasoline fuel and vice versa. The unloading process happens by gravity through a vertical down hole. The invention uses the gravitational flow of the fluid, a movable float that is moved by contact with a fluid of a predetermined density, and a magnetic member to activate the stopping feature.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly comprising an electromechanical device and a self-sealing valve, and in particular, to any inflatable device that includes the assembly. In one embodiment, the assembly comprises a valve housing defining an opening through which fluid can be provided to the inflatable device, a flexible diaphragm assembly that is configured to self-seal the opening with sufficient fluid pressure in the inflatable device and to open under sufficient fluid pressure from a fluid moving device, to provide fluid through the opening to and seal the inflatable device. The assembly further comprises an electromechanical device including an actuating arm, having a first position in which the actuating arm urges open the self-sealing valve and a second position in which the actuating arm does not act upon the self-sealing valve, so as to regulate an amount of fluid within the inflatable device. With this arrangement, a small, low power, low duty cycle electromechanical device can be used.

Abstract: The object is to provide a mixing valve and a mixing device which can more easily control the flow rates of one fluid and another fluid or fluids in comparison with a conventional mixing valve. In a mixing valve 10A in which a main passage 13 through which one fluid f1 passes and at least one subsidiary passage 14 (14A, 14B) through which the other fluids f2, f3 pass are connected via opening/closing valve portions 20A, 20B to open/close communicating openings 18A, 18B, pressure sensors 31, 32, 33 (34) are disposed in the main passage and the subsidiary passages, respectively, to detect the pressures of the fluids passing through the main passage and the subsidiary passages.

Abstract: A flow shut off valve for residential water line pressure includes a self cleaning valve element held in a housing having an inlet, an outlet section and an outlet adapter with a fluid passage connecting the inlet and the outlet adapter. The inlet and the outlet adapter include exterior threads for connection to a further item. The valve element is slidably mounted within a passage in a poppet guide and metering slot insert having one or more metering slots that allow variable fluid flow between the inlet and outlet adapter. A spring biases the valve element toward the inlet. Reduced back pressure at the outlet adapter drives the valve element into a closed position with a sealing surface against the valve seat to terminate flow. The flow shutoff valves are contemplated for integration with stop valves supplying water to employment with household appliances, sinks, toilets and the like.

Abstract: A hydraulic fluid reservoir and hydraulic pump combination has at least one hydraulic fluid port and includes a container with a hollow body having a top and a conduit having a bottom within the container and a top above the bottom. The conduit has an opening adjacent to the bottom of the conduit. The opening is spaced apart below the top of the container. A closure member is releasably, sealingly connected to the top of the conduit. Hydraulic fluid can be added to the container via the conduit up to the level of the opening of the conduit. Addition of further hydraulic fluid fills the conduit to the top thereof and the conduit overflows if additional hydraulic fluid is added after the top of the conduit is reached by the fluid. Preferably the container has a main interior chamber and a smaller chamber which is adjacent to one of the side walls of the container. The smaller chamber is has a bottom opening near the bottom of the smaller chamber which communicates with the main interior chamber.

Abstract: A splitter for faucets includes a body in which a control unit is received. The control unit includes a collar in which a ceramic disk is received. The ceramic disk has a plurality of through holes and a number of the through holes is equal to a number of the outlets of the body. A ceramic plate is connected to the ceramic disk so as to cover some of the through holes in the ceramic disk. The ceramic disk is connected with a control shaft which has a resilient member on a radial portion thereof. An end member is mounted to radial portion and includes a plurality of gaps so that when the control shaft is rotated, the protrusion on the resilient member is removably engaged with one of the gaps so as to generate a sound.

Abstract: A capacity control valve has a communication path (31) for communicating a discharge chamber (11) and a control chamber (12); one valve chamber (36) in the middle of the communication path (31); communication paths (32, 31b) for communicating a suction chamber (13) and the control chamber (12); the other valve chamber (36) in the middle of the communication path (32); a valve body (40) including a first valve section (41) that opens and closes the communication path (31) and a second valve section (42) that opens and closes the communication path (32), the first and second valve sections being placed in the valve chamber (36) and performing the opening and closing operation in a manner opposite to each other; and a solenoid (60) for moving the valve body (40). The valve body (40) has a pressure receiving section (44) at its end section that is across the second valve section (42) from the first valve section (41), and the pressure receiving section (44) receives pressure in the control chamber.

Abstract: A fluid isolation valve having a valve body with a first fluid flow port, a second fluid flow port and a fluid drain port with a valve in the fluid drain port. The valve body also defines a fluid flow channel, a drain flow channel and a valve portion, wherein the valve portion is disposed in the valve body to be communicated with the first fluid flow port, the second fluid flow port and the fluid drain port. A flow diversion device is also provided and is disposed within the valve portion. The flow diversion device is configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration, such that when the flow diversion device is in the first configuration the first fluid flow port is communicated with the second fluid flow port. Consequently, when the flow diversion device is in the second configuration the first fluid flow port is communicated with the fluid drain port. The fluid flow can be decrease or stop by use of the valve within the fluid drain port.

Abstract: A gas valve having a valve member disposed within a valve cavity, and an elastomeric valve seat extending from a valve cavity wall into the valve cavity. The valve member is movable between an open position in which the valve member does not engage the resilient valve seat thereby permitting gas to flow through the gas valve, and a closed position in which the valve member does engage the resilient valve seat thereby preventing gas to flow through the gas valve. In some embodiments, the elastomeric valve seat extends radially into the valve cavity from a groove formed in the valve cavity wall.

Abstract: A flapper valve assembly attaches to a fluid device, such as a heat exchanger and has a fluid port in communication with the fluid device to provide by-pass flow in cold flow or pressure spike conditions. The flapper valve assembly includes a shim plate and a face plate that together define a slot therebetween. A spring flapper slides into the slot and is retained therein and intermittently blocks flow through the fluid port to provide the by-pass flow when required.

Abstract: A duct (10) for transporting a two phase mixture has a length portion of circular cross-section (12) leading, via a transition zone (14) in which the duct cross-section changes from circular to lobed, to a zone in which its cross-section exhibits at least one lobe (16) extending helically around and along the duct. The duct has a cross-sectional area which is substantially constant, or which progressively increases, over the transition zone. The transition from circular to lobed cross-section is alternatively smooth and continuous, and the transition zone occupies a duct length in which the or each lobe becomes relocated by at least one position.

Abstract: The present invention is a male and female safety cap to protect hose and liquid transport fittings and the hand of the operator. The male safety cap has a circular disk with a diameter larger than the female fitting and a loop handle. The female safety cap has raised parallel ridges to protect the cam arm and a loop handle. A T-handle cam is provided to improve handling. In one embodiment, the safety caps are covered in a resilient material to reduce shock. In another embodiment, the safety caps are molded from an electrical dissipative material to prevent static electricity buildup and discharge when removing the safety cap. The loop handle forms a continuous arcuate structure to provide protection to the operator's hand. The safety caps can be color coded or affixed with labels to prevent product cross contamination. Safety caps can be adapted to threaded couplings and fittings.

Abstract: There is provided an insert to be sealingly mounted into a plug hole of a pipe having a sealing area surrounding the plug hole. The insert comprises an internal unit and a fastener. The internal unit and the fastener have corresponding cooperating sealing portions and mounting portions. The sealing portion of the internal unit is formed with a flange adapted to be forced into the plug hole. The flange and the sealing portion of the fastener have corresponding sealing surfaces. These surfaces are adapted to sealingly clamp therebetween the sealing area of the pipe, when the insert is mounted into the plug hole. One of the sealing surfaces being in the form of a sealing edge and the other being in the form of a conical surface. When the fastener is mounted onto the internal unit, the sealing portions of the internal unit and the fastener form therebetween a chamber. The chamber is in fluid communication with the outside environment, allowing atmospheric pressure within the chamber.