Abstract: A system, including a first flow control element configured to couple to a stem, and a second flow control element coupled to the first flow control element, wherein the first and second flow control elements are configured to expand relative to one another to create a seal in a closed position between a chamber and a flow path in a valve body, and wherein the first and second flow control elements are configured to enable fluid flow between the chamber and the flow path in an open position.

Abstract: A method and system are described for a refrigerant distributor, and for attaching the distributor tubes to an evaporator coil. A short tube can inserted into the bell end of a tube and the bell end can be crimped around the short tube to lock it into place. The short tube preferably has a bead or widened shaft around which to crimp the bell. The disclosure is particularly beneficial for aluminum based components because aluminum is more susceptible to blockages or leaking due to problems from brazing.

Abstract: A heat exchanger of an HVAC system including an inlet header, an outlet header, and tubes configured to extend between the inlet header and the outlet header. The system also includes a first interchangeable refrigerant distributor segment of the inlet header, where the first interchangeable refrigerant distributor segment includes first orifices configured to fluidly couple with the tubes to facilitate distribution of refrigerant from the inlet header to the tubes in a first configuration. The system also includes a second interchangeable refrigerant distributor segment of the inlet header, where the second interchangeable refrigerant distributor segment includes second orifices configured to fluidly couple with the tubes to facilitate distribution of refrigerant from the inlet header to the tubes in a second configuration.

Abstract: A flow channel structure includes a member including a flow channel. The flow channel includes a first part, second parts, and connections. The first part extends in a first direction. The connections connect the first part and the second parts. The connections include a first bend and a second bend. The first bend arcuately extends with a first curvature and a central angle of greater than 90 degrees. The first bend has a first end connected to the second parts, and a second end. The second bend arcuately extends with a second curvature. The second bend has a third end connected to the second end. A tangent to the first end extends in a same direction as the second parts extend. A tangent to the second end is equal to a tangent to the third end.

Abstract: A cooling system includes an expansion valve configured to exert a first pressure drop on refrigerant circulated through the cooling system. The cooling system also includes a plurality of capillary expansion tubes fluidly coupled in parallel to an output of the expansion valve and configured to exert a second pressure drop on the refrigerant circulated through the cooling system. The cooling system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the expansion valve, wherein the controller is configured to control magnitude of the first pressure drop by instructing the expansion valve to adjust the valve position based at least in part on refrigerant mass flow expected to be supplied to the expansion valve to facilitate substantially uniformly distributing the refrigerant mass flow between each of the plurality capillary expansion tubes.

Abstract: Control device for hydraulic variable displacement pumps operated in an open hydraulic circuit and adjustable in their displacement volume by means of a servo control device. The control device comprises a control piston with two control edges to which pressure can be applied by means of pressurized pressure fluid from a variable displacement pump, the control piston being mounted in a housing so that it shifts longitudinally. The housing of the control piston comprises an inlet for the connection of a high pressure line of a variable displacement pump, an outlet which can be connected to a tank and a servo connection which can be linked to a servo cylinder, whereby a link between the inlet and the servo connection can be made via a first control edge. It is possible to create a link between the servo connection and the outlet via a second control edge.

Abstract: A microvalve assembly (30) is integrated into a printed circuit board (PCB) substrate (31). An aperture (32) in the PCB substrate includes a closure member (33) extending into the aperture. A flexible fluid pipe (38) is disposed between the closure member and a closure edge (37) of the aperture. A displacement member (34) is coupled to the PCB and is configured for thermal actuation to displace the closure member so as to vary the cross-sectional profile of the flexible fluid pipe. The closure member may be a cantilever section of the PCB substrate. Displacement of the closure member to vary the cross-sectional profile of the flexible fluid pipe can occur entirely within the plane of the PCB substrate and movement of the displacement member to displace the closure member can also occur entirely within the plane of the PCB substrate, providing a very low profile of microvalve particularly suited for integration into a fuel cell stack (1).

Abstract: A state-based control system for an air handling unit (AHU) includes a finite state machine configured to transition between a high cooling load state and a low cooling load state. In the high cooling load state, the system maintains the temperature of a supply airstream provided by the AHU at a fixed setpoint and controls the temperature of a building zone by modulating the speed of a supply air fan. In the low cooling load state, the system operates the supply air fan at a fixed speed and controls the zone temperature by modulating an amount of cooling applied to the supply airstream by one or more cooling stages. A feed-forward module manages disturbances caused by adding or shedding cooling stages by applying a feed-forward gain to the supply air fan setpoint.

Abstract: A laundry treating appliance having a cabinet, a static wash tub fixed in position relative to the cabinet, a wash basket mounted within the wash tub for rotation about a vertical axis and having at least one drain hole, a drive motor within the cabinet for rotating the wash basket, a catch basin fixed to the wash tub and spaced from the drive motor, a recirculation pump, and a closure between the drive motor and the catch basin.

Abstract: The present invention regards a manifold for use in a flow system, comprising a longitudinal main pipe section (1) with one inlet (13) connectable to a feed pipe (9) and at least two outlets (14) arranged in a row along the main pipe section (1), where a center axis (15) of the main pipe section (1) during normal use extends in a mainly horizontal direction. The outlets (14) are arranged in a lower half of the main pipe section (1) and connected to outlet pipe sections (22) arranged with a center axis (21) extending with an downward angle from the main pipe section (1). The invention also regards a method for distributing a mixed flow into several pipes and a method for cooling a multiphase fluid.

Abstract: A valve for use between a first fluid side and a second fluid side is disclosed herein. The valve comprises a pair of subassemblies, each one slidable between a closed position and an open position. Each subassembly comprises a first component comprising a first component main body, a first component first end and a first component second end opposite the first component first end. A first component first extension is formed on each first component first end, the first component first extension comprising a diameter that is less than the diameter of the first component main body. Hydraulic pressure causes one subassembly to slide to its closed position, and causes it to engage the second subassembly, sliding the second subassembly to its open position.

Abstract: A high pressure control valve system with a valve body with an inlet and an outlet, whereby the outlet is shaped by at least one radially oriented opening in the valve body, an essentially discoidally shaped valve seat arranged on the valve body between inlet and outlet and features a valve body bore that connects inlet and outlet, a sealing element that is appropriately arranged on an actuating element in order to close the valve bore, and an actuating device suitably shaped to move the actuating element in such a way as to cause the opening and closing of the valve, characterized in that the valve seat on the exit site features a revolving extension, extending from a foot print axially in direction of the opening.

Abstract: The subject invention described herein is directed to an improved fluid powered system for dispensing a selectively variable proportion of additives into a primary fluid supply line such as is commonly encountered in the firefight industry where it is desirable to proportion foam concentrates into a water line. The subject invention features a water driven motor that is integral to a variable displacement additive pump. A proportioning adjustment allows the solution % to be adjusted. Once set, the additive percent varies in direct proportion to the water flow rate in order to maintain a nearly constant solution percentage over a broad flow range.

Abstract: A system and method determine when fluid is not flowing properly from a secondary infusion source during a secondary infusion. The system includes an upstream pressure sensor and a processor programmed to receive signals from the sensor and analyze the signals to determine if secondary fluid flow is proper. The processor samples the output signals from the upstream pressure sensor and analyzes the sampled signals to determine if a pressure rise in the infusion line has occurred when the secondary infusion is initiated. If a pressure rise, indicating that fluid from the secondary container has begun flowing into the infusion line, has not been detected, the processor is programmed to provide a signal indicating that attention should be given to the infusion set up.

Abstract: Multilevel microfluidic devices include a control line that can simultaneously actuate valves for both sample and reagent lines. Microfluidic devices are configured to contain a first reagent in a first chamber and a second reagent in a second chamber, where either or both of the first and second reagents are contained at a desired or selected pressure. Operation of a microfluidic device includes transmitting second reagent from the second chamber to the first chamber, for mixing or contact with the first reagent. Microfluidic device features such as channels, valves, chambers, can be at least partially contained, embedded, or formed by or within one or more layers or levels of an elastomeric block.

Abstract: Multilevel microfluidic devices include a control line that can simultaneously actuate valves for both sample and reagent lines. Microfluidic devices are configured to contain a first reagent in a first chamber and a second reagent in a second chamber, where either or both of the first and second reagents are contained at a desired or selected pressure. Operation of a microfluidic device includes transmitting second reagent from the second chamber to the first chamber, for mixing or contact with the first reagent. Microfluidic device features such as channels, valves, chambers, can be at least partially contained, embedded, or formed by or within one or more layers or levels of an elastomeric block.

Abstract: A device for passive pressure relief and for reducing the volume flow for an electromechanically driven medical gas delivery means (50) in a medical device for respirating a patient (60) with a pressure relief unit (1) with a first and second gas port (2, 3), with a relief valve (4), with a pressure relief outlet (8) with an equalization space (9) and with a nonreturn valve (11) and a valve disk (5), which is arranged in the relief valve (4) and is maintained in a position relative to a valve seat (7) via a bellows (60). The surfaces (51, 52) facing the first and second gas ports (2, 3) have different areas, so that the relief valve (4) opens as soon as an operating pressure (23) at the first gas port (2) exceeds a prevailing (stored) pressure level (24) in the equalization space (9).

Abstract: A flow divider assembly includes a dividing valve and a balancing valve. The dividing valve includes a dividing cavity configured to receive a flow of fuel and a piston device arranged within the dividing cavity and selectively positioned to divide the flow of fuel in the dividing cavity into the first dividing valve port and the second dividing valve port. The balancing valve is fluidly coupled to the dividing valve and configured to receive the first portion and the second portion of the flow. The balancing valve includes a balancing cavity and a balancing device arranged within the balancing cavity and selectively positioned to direct the first portion of the flow into the first balancing cavity port at a third pressure and the second portion of the flow into the second balancing cavity port at a fourth pressure such that the first pressure is approximately equal to the second pressure.

Abstract: An assembly includes a reservoir for holding a fluid, and a scavenge passage connected to the reservoir at a reservoir inlet. The scavenge passage returns the fluid from a delivery location to the reservoir. A bleed passage is connected in fluid communication between the reservoir and the scavenge passage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the passage of a multiple-phase fluid through a pipeline are provided. The apparatus can generally include a first tubular passage that defines an inlet and an outlet, and a valve that is fluidly positioned between the inlet and the outlet and configured to control the flow of fluid through the first tubular passage. A second tubular passage extends from a first position upstream of the valve to a second position downstream of the valve so that the second tubular passage is configured to receive fluid from the first tubular passage upstream of the valve and deliver the fluid to the first tubular passage downstream of the valve.

Abstract: A channel switching system includes two microvalves i.e. a first valve (stopper valve) and a second valve (water retaining valve). The first valve is openable and closable, and the second valve is operable to block fluid flow by a surface tension force. Changing the first valve from an open state to a close state enables to switch the system from a condition that the fluid flows through the channel where the first valve is mounted by blocking the flow at the second valve by the surface tension force to a condition that the fluid flows through the channel where the second valve is mounted by releasing the system from the condition that the flow is blocked at the second valve by the surface tension force.

Abstract: An assembly includes a reservoir for holding a fluid, and a scavenge passage connected to the reservoir at a reservoir inlet. The scavenge passage returns the fluid from a delivery location to the reservoir. A bleed passage is connected in fluid communication between the reservoir and the scavenge passage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device, designed to regulate the flow of a medium in a heating or cooling system, and it relates to a regulating valve (51) with a fastened mounted veil (14), which cooperates with a rotatable cone (11), which is machined and profiled, the complete valve obtaining a function, which implies, that its Kv-value can be changed within the same valve dimension, and that the flow characteristic is maintained irrespective of the changed Kv-value. The Kv-value of the valve can be changed or adjusted also subsequent to the mounting of the valve in an installation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for distributing two liquids that cannot be mixed with each other for mass transfer and heat exchange columns, comprising at least one distributor channel or a distributor channel arrangement, the distributor channel being fed one or more liquids in different phases via at least one inflow from a collecting device arranged above said distributor channel, and said distributor channel having overflow and/or outflow openings for the distribution of the liquids. The device according to the invention is distinguished by the fact that the distributor channel has at least one internal means for the phase separation of the liquid and that separate outflow and/or overflow openings are provided for each of the phases to be separated, the cross section and/or elevation of which openings are arranged in dependence on the physical properties of the liquids in such a way that a homogeneous distribution of the liquids on the basis of predetermined phase components is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for mixing samples in-line in a microfluidic system, comprising methods of and means for introducing a first fluid sample into a flow-tube at a first end at a first velocity via a first conduit; methods of and means for introducing a second fluid sample into the flow-tube at the first end at a second velocity, the second velocity different from the first velocity, via a second conduit, wherein the first fluid sample and the second fluid sample converge in the flow tube to form an interface; whereby the first fluid sample and the second fluid sample mix at the interface within the flow-tube, wherein fluid flow at the first end of the flow-tube is laminar and fluid flow at a second end of the flow-tube is laminar, and wherein the flow-tube has a constant diameter between the first end and the second end of the flow-tube.

Abstract: An emergency oxygen supply system, particularly in an aircraft, has an oxygen supply conduit with a conduit junction. This conduit junction is formed by a valve, which forms a flow path from an oxygen inlet to two oxygen outlets, wherein the valve is designed in a manner such that one of the oxygen outlets may be selectively closed.

Abstract: This invention provides a three-in-one water-supply pipe with accessories for quality-distinguished distribution of domestic water. This pipe contains three pipes arranged in a triangular combination to supply drinkable water, service water and recycled water at the same time. The diameter and thickness of the pipe walls of the three pipes depend on required water-supply volume and pressure. The accessories, including triangle shaped straight pipe, straight joint, 90-175 degree bending joint, tee joint and pipe clip are all made of contamination-free material, which can be assembled into a multi-pipe delivering system for separate supply of different domestic water to users. This three-in-one pipe system reduces manufacturing costs and provides good heat insulation to save energy. It is also easy for installation and maintenance.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage system and method having a main hydrogen storage site that contains a sufficient amount of hydrogen for a fuel cell employing a polymer membrane to generate power in accordance with a predetermined electrical power requirement. A main storage site is provided to store and supply hydrogen to meet the electrical power requirement for the fuel cell. An auxiliary hydrogen storage site contains a sufficient amount of hydrogen to allow the fuel cell to operate on a scheduled basis that is required to maintain the polymer membrane hydrated. A manifold connects the main and auxiliary hydrogen storage sites and has an outlet to deliver hydrogen to the fuel cell. The manifold allows the auxiliary hydrogen storage site to be renewed independently of the main storage site and has a flow control network to allow the fuel cell to draw hydrogen from the auxiliary hydrogen storage site for maintenance purposes without utilization of the hydrogen from the main hydrogen storage site.

Abstract: A valve, system and method for the delivery of gases or liquids is shown where the delivery persons can fill the system without having to enter the building and the system can continue to deliver gas to the user. There is no interruption of service while the system is being filled.

Abstract: A fluid intake pressure regulating system of this invention maintains the pressure of fluid entering a pump below a preselected level for avoiding undesirably high fluid discharge pressure exiting the pump.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to regulate and/or calibrate a mixing valve, in particular in a cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine, with which a volume flow can be separated into two partial flows as a function of controlled quantity, whereby the separating ratio of the mixing valve is determined by comparing a target quantity with an actual measured quantity. It is planned that a correction value that is computed during operation is taken into consideration in calculating the separating ratio or mixing ratio (MR). In addition, the invention relates to a corresponding regulating device to regulate and/or calibrate a mixing valve. In this case, it is planned that a correction value that is computed during operation can be taken into consideration in calculating the separating ratio.

Abstract: A rotary feed-through, which contains a hollow shaft, which is supported in a first housing part so that it can rotate, with a first sealing surface and a sealing bushing, which is arranged rotationally fixed within a second housing part and which is coaxial with the hollow shaft, with a second sealing surface for contact to the first sealing surface. In order to also enable lower leakage losses, in addition to less wear, with the supply of cooling lubricants and compressed air, the second housing part contains a first lateral supply channel, which can be attached to a coolant supply line or a compressed air supply line, for the supply of cooling lubricant or compressed air via at least one radial opening of the sealing bushing and a second supply channel, which is charged during the supply of cooling lubricant, for the supply of cooling lubricant to a pressure piston, which closes the rear end of the sealing bushing, to increase the contact pressure of the sealing surfaces.

Abstract: A water supply failure protection valve is connected to hot and cold water supplies. The failure protection valve is responsive to the loss of cold water supply pressure to shut off all water flow. The failure protection valve is responsive to the loss of hot water supply pressure to permit cold water flow through both a cold water flow path and a hot water flow path so as to ensure a substantial flow of water to a downstream fixture. The supply failure protection valve may be integrated with a thermal mixing valve to provide water at a preselected temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid dispensing system for precisely controlling the mixing of a first fluid (i.e., a diluent such as water) with a second fluid (i.e., a concentrate) at a mixing point within the fluid dispensing system. A valve is positioned in the dispensing system along the line of supply of the second fluid upstream of the mixing point, such valve being simultaneously actuated through application of positive and/or negative pressure to allow the second fluid to flow through the valve. The application of positive and/or negative pressure is generated from the first fluid to be dispensed by the system and mixed with the second, such that the termination of flow of the first fluid immediately terminates flow of the second fluid to ensure proper mixing of the two fluids in the final solution, thus preventing inadvertent leakage of the second fluid or collection of the second fluid within the flow system which may become subject to spoilage or contamination.

Abstract: A gas distribution system in an airplane has improved reliability of operation with a first supply line (7) and a second supply line (9) for pressurized gas connected to a pressurized gas source (2) via a branching site (6) with a second shut-off valve (10). The pressure in the supply lines (7, 9) is determined with a pressure-measuring means (24). An evaluating device (24) for the measured pressure signal is provided for sending a closing signal to the shut-off valve (8, 10) of the supply line (7, 9) in which a pressure drop of consequence occurs.

Abstract: Microfluidic flow control devices are provided. In one embodiment, a regulating device includes overlapping channel segments separated by a deformable membrane in fluid communication with one another. Pressure differentials between the channel segments deform the membrane towards the channel with the lower pressure, thereby restricting flow.

Abstract: A pressure control valve automatically controllable of a set value of a pressure circuit by pilot operation without using an electrical signal, is provided. A pressure control valve include a valve body (30) opposing to a seat surface of a relief port (A) connected to a pressure circuit (46) and a spring (32) biasing the valve body (30) onto the seat surface, for flowing out a part of the fluid within the pressure circuit (46) to hold the fluid pressure in the pressure circuit (46) at a predetermined set pressure when the fluid pressure in the pressure circuit (46) is higher than or equal to the set pressure. A pilot piston (40) is arranged movably in expansion and contraction direction of the spring (32) at an end portion of the spring (32) remote from the valve body (30), the pilot piston (40) moves in a direction for compressing the spring (32) when a predetermined pressure of a pilot fluid is input.

Abstract: In the reaction process, at least two educts A, B are divided by a system, assigned to each of them, of slit-like microchannels 1a, 1b into spatially separate fluid lamellae, which then emerge into a common mixing and reaction space 4. The fluid lamellae here have a thickness <1,000 &mgr;m, preferably <100 &mgr;m, at a width thickness ratio of at least 10. It is essential here that educts A, B can emerge as thin fluid lamellae 6a, 6b into the mixing/reaction space 4, each fluid lamella 6a of an educt A being led into the mixing/reaction space 4 in the immediate vicinity of a fluid lamella 6b of another educt B. The adjacent fluid lamellae 6a, 6b then subsequently mix by diffusion and/or turbulence. As a result, the mixing operation is accelerated substantially compared with conventional reactors. In the case of rapid chemical reactions, the formation of undesirable by-products or secondary products is largely prevented in this manner.

Abstract: A compact liquid discharge regulator is provided at low cost by arranging a channel spirally formed in the surf ace of a passage forming member. The surface of the passage forming member is brought into close contact with the inner surface of a housing part, and the channel functions as a liquid passage. In this construction, the sectional form and length of the channel can be formed at high precision in accordance with the design. Therefore, a desired pipe loss is obtainable only by designing in advance the sectional form and length of the channel so as to correspond to the pipe loss. Particularly, with injection molding, mass production of a passage forming member of identical pipe loss can be effected merely by preparing a mold corresponding to the pipe loss, thus leading to a considerable reduction in the manufacturing cost of the discharge regulator.

Abstract: A three-way valve is configured as a solenoid operated diverter when the solenoid is used in parallel with a poppet valve. When the diverter is in a first mode, hydraulic fluid entering a first port exits the valve through a system outlet port while hydraulic fluid entering a second port exits through a second port. The solenoid valve is positioned to close the second port when energized in order to shift the system to a second mode. When the solenoid valve is energized to close the second port so that all of the fluid entering the second port opens the poppet valve and exits through the system outlet. By utilizing a poppet valve in parallel with a solenoid valve rather than a valve spool, the three-way diverter is able to operate at higher pressures and higher fluid flow because Bernoulli effects which cause closing of valve spools used in prior art three-way valves do not adversely affect the poppet valve.

Abstract: A dual tank storage system for fuel having gaseous and liquid phases where one tank is a main storage tank and the other is an expansion tank. The system has a valve assembly on the exterior of the system for permitting fuel to flow from the main storage tank to the expansion tank in order to relieve pressure in the main storage tank. The valve assembly permits only the main storage tank to be filled. The fact that fuel can flow from the main storage compartment to the expansion compartment to relieve pressure from the main storage compartment allows the main storage tank to be filled to 100% capacity. The valve assembly includes a valve chamber and a valve plunger movable in the chamber between a normal operating position and a tank filling position. A coil spring biases the plunger towards the normal operating position. A filling port for fuel leads to the valve chamber which opens into a port of the storage tank. Fuel is drawn only from the expansion tank.

Abstract: A fluid circulation system in accordance with the invention includes a first fluid utilizing device (12) requiring a minimum fluid flow having an input (14) for receiving the minimum flow and an output (16) for discharging fluid received from the input; a second fluid utilizing device (24) having an input (26) for receiving fluid and an output (31) for outputting fluid; and a valve (80) having a first input (32) for receiving the fluid flow flowing from the output of the second device, a first output (36) for supplying the minimum fluid flow to the first device, a second input (34) for receiving the fluid flow flowing from the output of the first device and a second output (38) for supplying the fluid flow to the second device wherein any deficiency in fluid flow below the first fluid flow flowing from the first input to the first output is supplied with additional fluid flow (102) from the second input to the first output with any remaining fluid flow (104) from the second input flowing from the second outpu

Abstract: A filtering apparatus is provided wherein the filter can be backwashed by an explosive-like surge of backwashing fluid. The backwashing assembly includes a quick-opening backwash valve which is not actuated by a linearly-acting valve stem disposed on the outlet side of the valve. In a typical embodiment, the inlet valve to the filtering apparatus is a rotating butterfly valve and the backwash valve is physically attached to the inlet valve, such that, when the inlet valve is open, the backwash valve is fully-closed and when the inlet valve is moved towards its fully-closed position, the backwash valve is fully-opened. The invention uses a two-step method of initially applying biasing pressure on the inlet valve/backwash valve combination and to thereafter provide additional pressure to dislodge the backwash valve from the valve seat--whereupon the backwash valve quickly opens and an explosive-like surge of backwashing fluid effectively backwashes the filtering media.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating wash water is disclosed. The apparatus includes a settling tank in which sludge is separated from the wash water, a circulation tank for temporary storage of the clean wash water from the settling tank, and from which the clean wash water can be recycled for washing further chips, and a hydrocyclone for separating water from the sludge for recycle to the settling tank. Methods for treating wash water utilizing such apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a conduit that is at least partially encased within a containment housing. The containment housing provides structure for containment of fluids from a leaking or totally failed conduit and for automatically shutting off the flow of fluid through the leaking conduit. More particularly, the apparatus comprises at least one conduit that is at least partially received within a containment housing. A valve is attached to the conduit so that it is in fluid flow relationship with the conduit. The valve is biased toward a closed position, but is held in the open position by a release located within the containment chamber, defined as the space between the exterior of the conduit and the interior of the containment housing. When a predetermined fluid leaks from the conduit into the containment chamber the block expands and thereby operatively engages the release so that the valve moves to the closed position blocking the flow of fluid through the conduit.

Abstract: A hot water tempering system tempers the output of a hot water storage tank by mixing that output with a cold water flow in a defined ratio to produce a flow of water at a steady intermediate temperature. The system comprises a bypass line connectable between an inlet line and an outlet line of the storage tank, and a proportional flow controller for controlling the relative water flow rates through the tank and through the bypass line. The flow controller may be positioned on the inlet line and the bypass line, or on the outlet line and the bypass line. The tempering system allows the temperature of water in the storage tank to be maintained near the boiling point for killing organisms, but at the same time ensures that water leaves the system at a temperature sufficiently low to be safe for human use.

Abstract: A protective circuit (40) for pressure and return connections of a hydraulic system. The protective circuit includes a four-way, two-position on/off valve (65) having a first (66), second (68), and third (70) port. In its "off" position, valve (65) connects ports (68, 70) and blocks port (66). In its "on" position, ports (66, 70) are connected and port (68) blocked. A pilot valve (46) is provided including a valve plunger (56) and piston (58), which defines a valve chamber (52) and pilot chamber (54). Valve chamber (52) is connected to pressure and return, while pilot chamber (54) is connected to port (70) of valve (65). A first one-way check valve (96) and second one-way check valve (78) are also provided.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing system utilizes a microprocessor based electronic control and a positive displacement gear pump to accurately meter predetermined batches of liquid pumped from a supply tank. The gear pump is driven by a reversible motor through a gear reducer, and is operative to pump a predetermined fixed volume of liquid for each revolution or fraction of revolution of the pump drive shaft. A passive magnetic sensor is positioned adjacent the toothed periphery of a target wheel, which is mounted on the motor shaft, and generates a signal representative of the amount of rotation of the pump drive shaft. The electronic control is responsive to this signal for calculating the total volume of liquid dispaced by the pump. The electronic control includes a keyboard which enables a user to preprogram the precise amount of liquid to be dispensed.

Abstract: A fluid flow sensitive valve mechanism is positioned in a valve chamber between first and second inlet-outlet ports and controls the opening and closing of a third inlet-outlet port in response to the flow of fluid to and from the valve chamber through two or more of the ports. The valve mechanism includes a valve member and a valve positioning device. The inpingement of fluid flow acts on various surfaces of the valve mechanism so that (1) when fluid flows from the first port into the valve chamber the valve mechanism is move to close the third port and to keep the third port closed so long as there is thereafter no fluid flowing from the second or third port into the valve chambr, and (2) when fluid flows through the first port from the valve chamber, whether from the second port or the third port or both, the valve mechanism is moved to open the third port.

Abstract: The present invention comprises improvements in the design of a control valve for a reverse osmosis water purifier system that prevents the unstable oscillations and waste water leakage exhibited by control valves of the prior art. To eliminate the unstable oscillations caused in prior art valves by back pressure in the pure water delivery line of the purifier system, the present invention incorporates the improvement of an additional hydraulic passage from the squeeze water outlet of the control valve to the back of the control valve's pilot valve diaphragm. The back pressure maintained on the pilot diaphragm by the squeeze water acts as a dampening force preventing the closure of the pilot valve, and hence the adjacent squeeze valve, as a result of back pressure built up in the pure water delivery line during dispensing.