Abstract: The present invention has been developed primarily for a flow diverting valve used in controlling the pressure and flow rate, and measuring the flow rate, of a breathable gas supplied to the airways of a patient by a breathable gas supply apparatus during, for example, nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and ventilatory assistance treatments such as non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV).

Abstract: A differential pressure based flow rate measurement device is provided which is coupled to surfaces of a blade 30 within a damper assembly 10, such as that provided within a variable air volume (VAV) box or within a liquid valve assembly. A blade 30 which includes a leading surface 32 opposite a trailing surface 34 is fitted with a sensing structure 50. The sensing structure 50 includes portions 52, 54 which extend away from the leading surface 32. Sensing holes 56 pass into a hollow interior of the sensing structure 50 and pass on to a pressure sensor 60. A similar sensing structure 50 is also provided extending from the trailing surface 34 which also has sensing holes 56 located therein. The sensing holes 56 coupled to the trailing surface 34 also lead to the pressure sensor 60 so that a differential pressure between the sensing holes 56 on either sides of the blade 30 can be measured.

Abstract: A control system for digitally monitoring and/or controlling pressure to a pneumatic load such as a stop/suckback valve. Pressure is sensed in the pneumatic fluid input lines to the pneumatic load, and a closed loop control is used to maintain the pressure at a predetermined level. In an alternative embodiment, the control system is used to ensure equal dispensing in multi-point dispense apparatus. Thus, pressure is sensed downstream of each valve in fluid communication with a respective nozzle. Any pressure differential detected is corrected by appropriate valve adjustment.

Abstract: A valve control apparatus for generating an anticipatory output response for controlling a fluid flow in a fluid flow line includes a valve provided inside the fluid flow line, at least one sensor for providing at least one input signal, the at least one input signal responsive to properties of the fluid flow in advance of the valve, and a letdown back-pressure controller receiving the at least one input signal and providing a tunable output signal for selectively opening and closing the valve to vary flow in the flow line responsive to the at least one input signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a feedback control system using at least one operating personnel for controlling a system or a function in a system. The control results from sequential manual interruption by the operator of the fluid flow at the discharge end of a flowing system within a preset time period. As the liquid flow is interrupted, changes in flow characteristics, such as those affecting flow or pressure, for example, are instantly caused within the system. A transducer connected to the system senses these changes in flow characteristic and subsequently transduces them into electrical impulse signals that correspond directly to the sequential interruptions occurring at the discharge end of the system. An electronic circuit counts these electrical impulses, and causes relay switches to change state, causing electromechanical functions in the system to occur.

Abstract: An improved oil and gas well servicing apparatus for blending and delivering a slurry of fracturing fluid and particulate matter at constant flow rate and pressure to a downhole pump is disclosed. Multiple blending tubs are mounted on a trailer or skid and are manifolded together in a slurry discharge manifold. The slurry discharge manifold combines the slurry discharged by the blending tubs and incorporates pipe sections of equal length to connect the blending tubs to the manifold. It is believed that the slurry discharge manifold and equal length piping provide balanced pressure drop between the individual blending tubs and creates a constant outlet pressure from the slurry discharge manifold. A fluid intake manifold may also be included to distribute fracturing fluid to the blending tubs. Hose connectors on each of the manifolds are provided on both sides of the apparatus for convenient operation from either side.

Abstract: A device for regulating the outlet pressure of a fluid from a valve body, includes a pressure-sensing chamber having a wall formed by a resilient self-restoring diaphragm which is responsive to pressure in the chamber. A valve element connected to the diaphragm controls flow into the chamber. Increased pressure in the chamber decreases the flow into the chamber and decreasing pressure increases flow whereby fluid flow out from the chamber is maintained at a desired pressure. The outlet pressure is adjusted by deflecting the diaphragm in a direction to open the valve while permitting a section of the diaphragm connected to the valve member to remain responsive to the pressure in the chamber.

Abstract: A method of controlling pressure in a chamber, wherein the pressure in a chamber in which measurement such as laser measurement is conducted is maintained at a set pressure with respect to fluctuations in external atmospheric pressure, characterized by comprising: detecting the external atmospheric pressure, obtaining a long-term flat pressure value with respect to short time fluctuations of the detected external atmospheric pressure, creating a set pressure in the chamber by adding a predetermined pressure to the obtained pressure value, and detecting the pressure in the chamber while introducing external air so that the pressure in the chamber reaches the set pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for supplying uninterrupted gas by using an automatic switching gas supply system are provided. In the apparatus, a main gas supply source and at least one back-up gas supply source are provided which are connected by a plurality of conduits to a process tool. The conduits further include pressure regulators such that a gas pressure from the main gas supply source is always regulated at about 0.5 Kg/cm2˜1 Kg/cm2 higher than a gas pressure from the back-up gas supply source. The apparatus operates by pneumatic means so that no electric power is required. The apparatus further operates automatically by switching from the main gas supply source to the back-up gas supply source when the pressure drop in the main gas supply source exceeds the pressure differential that is preset in the system, e.g., between about 0.5 Kg/cm2 and about 1 Kg/cm2. Any other suitable range of pressure differential may also be used depending on the type of gases transported and the conduits used.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for controlling the level of an ammonium fluoride-containing acid solution in an acid vessel. First, a tube provided with at least one hole in the sidewall is used as a high level sensing tube for the acid solution in the acid vessel. Then, an inert gas is blown into the high level sensing tube. The pressure of the inert gas is measured such that the acid solution is charged when the pressure is a first value and the acid solution is drained when the pressure is a second value larger than the first value. By means of the process of the present invention, when the bottom of the high level sensing tube is jammed with ammonium fluoride crystals and the acid solution level has not reached a level submerging the at least one hole, the inert gas can flow out via the at least one hole and the pressure measured is the first value.

Abstract: A miniature flow controller housing a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, with the inlet pressure exceeding the outlet pressure. The outlet has orifices defined in a crystalline silicon membrane, along crystal planes of the silicon so that the geometry of the orifices is precisely known. The inlet and outlet are throttled by poppets which can seal the orifices on command of a device controller. The poppets are driven by shape retentive membranes which have two states, an open state and a closed state with a state change caused by application of small amounts of current to a resistive element in contact with the membrane. Rapid actuation of the poppets causes operation of the valve in a pulse mode. Where the fluid is a gas, pressure and temperature transducers measure conditions inside of the housing for application of gas law principles. By recording instantaneous pressure and temperature in the chamber, as the poppets are actuated, mass flow through the outlet orifices of the chamber is computed.

Abstract: A valve assembly for actuation of a user and a method for actuation of the valve assembly, wherein a supply throttle device and a drain throttle device may be actuated independent of each other, is disclosed. In the case of single-action users, the drain throttle device is actuated such that the open cross-section of the drain throttle is maximum upon attaining the desired volumetric flow of hydraulic oil, so that the energy losses in the drain conduit are reduced to minimum.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is directed to a fuel flow control system for use with a fuel distribution system having a plurality of zones each including a servovalve. The fuel flow control system includes a fluidic multiplexer having a plurality of pressure ports and a plurality of servoflow ports. The fluidic multiplexer sequentially receives pressure from each zone and sequentially provides servo fluid to each servovalve. A pressure sensor is fluidly coupled to the pressure ports and generates a pressure signal for each zone. A controller receives the pressure signal and generates a control signal. A driver receives the control signal and increases or decreases flow through the servoflow ports in response to the control signal.

Abstract: A self-adjusting venturi/mixer is disclosed. An inlet port body and outlet port body having a converging region and diverging region, respectively, are longitudinally slidably disposed with respect to each other, forming an annular injection gap that widens when the ports are moved apart and narrows when the ports are moved together. The movement is accomplished by virtue of varying fluid pressure at the inlet port, which exerts frictional pull on the outlet port, pulling the inlet port body away from the outlet port body. In other embodiments, a flexible member is positioned peripherially around the annular gap so that as the gap widens, the flexible member deforms to partially close the gap. This keeps the bubble size small where a gas is being injected into a liquid, and also limits a maximum flow of additive material at excessive flow rates.

Abstract: A convertible two-mode pressure regulator in which a main valve regulates fluid flow between an inlet and an outlet in response to a control pressure produced by a mechanically operated regulator valve, the control pressure depending on the outlet pressure and the force applied by a compression spring to a diaphragm carrying a regulator valve closure element. Compression of the regulator spring is controlled by a mechanical lever assembly and a shaft assembly which is selectively positionable by a selector knob to obtain higher or lower regulator spring force. Adjustable stops provide for individual adjustment of low and high outlet pressures for each of two pressure ranges.

Abstract: A valve for regulating the rate of flow and/or the pressure of oil flowing to a transmission or another consumer in the power train of a motor vehicle has a piston which defines with the valve housing a chamber for one or more springs and for oil being admitted through a first inlet by way of a first conduit containing a first throttle. A second inlet admits pressurized oil from a pump, and such oil can be admitted into the consumer by way of a first outlet and a second conduit containing a second throttle and supplying oil to the first conduit. A second outlet can deliver oil from the second inlet to the sump in response to shifting of the piston. A hydraulic seal is established between the piston and the housing intermediate the chamber and the second outlet to prevent leakage of oil from the chamber into the second outlet. Oil leaking from the chamber could adversely influence the characteristics of oil flowing into the consumer.

Abstract: A valve body is formed in two half sections which are secured together to define a water passage and to confine therebetween a thin gate valve blade for movement between a lower open position and an upper closed position. An actuator includes a flexible bellows sealed to the valve body above the passage and a top plate connected by a rod to the valve blade. The valve body and the bellows define an expandable fluid chamber connected by a bottom port or line to a drain line. The valve body is installed within a water supply line or a sewage drain line extending under a floor. In the event sewage water backs up within the drain line, air within the fluid chamber is compressed to expand the bellows upwardly for closing the valve. When the sewage water flows from the drain line, the air pressure reduces, and the bellows collapses and automatically returns the valve blade to its open position.

Abstract: An integral gas burner manifold and pressure regulator with an inlet fitting received through one wall of the manifold and threadedly engaging in the manifold a regulator body received through a second oppositely disposed wall of the manifold. The body has a valve seat and downstream ports for supplying the interior of the manifold. Portions of the body extending exteriorly of the manifold, retain and seal a housing shell having a pressure responsive diaphragm exposed to the pressure of the ports. A poppet is disposed on the valve seat and is connected to the diaphragm by a rod; and, the poppet is moved by the rod in response to changes in pressure acting on the diaphragm. The diaphragm is preloaded by an adjustable spring.

Abstract: A mass flow controller having a shut off valve in a flow path body as an integral part. The mass flow controller minimize a dead space between the shut off valve and a mass flow control valve to reduce the amount of entrapped gas therein, thereby avoiding occurrence of overshoot in the initiation of the next mass flow control operation. In another aspect, a bypass passage is provided in the flow path body. The bypass passage bypasses a sensor flow path, a bypass flow path and a mass flow control valve which increase a flow resistance, and therefore, a large amount of purge gas can be passed through the bypass passage in a short time. In still another aspect, a sealing surface of a valve seat is made into coplanar with the top surface of the flow path body, thereby making the sealing surface and the top surface of the body possible to be simultaneously subjected to lapping finish.

Abstract: A set point of a pressure output of a pressure regulator (12) is adjustable without having to overcome a biasing force to selectively adjust the set point of the pressure output. The regulator includes a housing (14) having a chamber (18) and a pressure output port (24) in fluid communication with the chamber (18). A piston (38) having an interior cavity (42) is slidably disposed within the chamber (18) of the housing (14). A biasing member (88) extends between the piston (38) and the housing (14), such that a biasing force is applied to the piston (38) which increases as the piston (38) is moved in a direction away from the pressure output port (24) of the housing (14). The piston (38) has a first flow port (54) which extends through a wall of the piston (38). An operating member (56) has a second flow port (60) which is positionable within the interior cavity (42) of the piston (38) at selected distances from the ends (20, 22) of the housing (14).

Abstract: A diagnostic device and method for an intelligent pressure regulator which maintains a fluid in a process at a predetermined pressure. The regulator includes an electronic controller which enhances regulator performance and provides self-diagnostics and communications capabilities. The electronic controller includes a pressure sensor which provides a signal indicating the pressure of the fluid being controlled, an adjusting pressure for adjusting the position of a throttling element; and a PID controller which receives the signal indicating the pressure of the fluid being controlled and applies the adjusting pressure to the actuator in response to the signal.

Abstract: A packless swivel joint capable of rotation without the necessity for a mechanical drive includes a hollow tubular member provided with helical corrugations of tight pitch and a corrugation pitch to corrugation with ratio of between two to one to three to one which unwinds to the application of only internal pressure. A limit stop may be provided to limit the amount of unwinding. Annular-shaped bellows of a circular cross section can be utilized to absorb lengthening of the swivel joint in applications where lengthening is to be prevented. In one preferred embodiment, the helical corrugation is preferably continuous.

Abstract: A paperless recorder for recording pressure and alarm condition data from a fire controller for a fire pump control system. The fire pump is connected a pipe network which has a pressure sensor for sensing pipe pressure. The recorder is connected to the pressure sensor and checks for pressure changes. When a pressure change is detected, it is stored in an electronic memory. Pressure readings are also periodically stored in the electronic memory. The recorder may also monitor alarm voltages and alarm contacts which may also be stored in the electronic memory. The stored data may be transmitted to a computer via modem or port connection for further analysis.

Abstract: A fuel equalizing method and system for equalizing the amount of fuel in a plurality of fuel tanks connected to a motor, such as the diesel engine of a truck, is described. The system includes an equalization valve having a first common passage with two fuel inlets connected to two fuel tanks and a fuel outlet connected to the motor. A valve actuator member is mounted in the first common passage for longitudinal sliding movement in response to unequal fuel pressure in the two fuel inlets sensed by two fuel pressure sensing elements, which may be spherical balls, connected to the actuator member. A second common passage is provided in the equalization valve with a return fuel inlet connected to the excess fuel outlet of the motor, and two return fuel outlets connected to the two fuel tanks.

Abstract: A process for automatically controlling a hydraulic servovalve with a hydraulic slide valve displaced by a rotary actuator. The process includes a first loop for automatically controlling the delivery as a function of the measurement of the angular position of the rotary actuator and a second automatic control loop with variable control as a function of the pressure measurement. The first automatic control loop is a proportional action loop whose increase is constant for the absolute values of the pressure deviation which are less than at least a threshold value and then varies in an increasing manner for absolute values of the pressure deviation which are greater than the same threshold.

Abstract: A method of introducing gas into a substrate processing chamber. The method of introducing gas into a substrate processing chamber comprises the steps of filling a gas metering area with the gas to a first predetermined pressure, closing the area to maintain the area at the first predetermined pressure and opening the area to the substrate processing chamber. When the area is opened to the substrate processing chamber, the gas inside the area will expand into the chamber to provide the chamber with a second predetermined pressure.

Abstract: The Pressure Protection Manager comprises an apparatus and method for determining and documenting overpressure protection due to causes of overpressure associated with equipment and pressure relief devices used in industries such as, for example, process plants having process fluids. The apparatus is used in association with a computer system having a memory device, a processing device, and a program in communication with the processing device and memory device program, the processing device performing tasks required by the program and the computer system further having input and output devices, the memory device comprises: a relational database structure, the relational database structure comprising an equipment database, a pressure relief devices database, a linker database communicating with the pressure relief devices database and the equipment database, and a causes of overpressure database communicating with the equipment database.

Abstract: A fluid pulsator includes a housing containing a fluid reservoir, an inlet port, an outlet port, and a valve assembly biassed to an open position by a predetermined biassing force, the valve assembly includes a surface exposed to the inlet pressure to close the valve assembly when subjected to an inlet pressure greater than the biassing force. An inlet control passageway into the reservoir is dimensioned to produce a flow rate smaller than that in an outlet control passageway from the reservoir.

Abstract: An adjustable damper for controlling air flow from one area to another includes a rectangular frame forming an opening with a number of movable vanes positioned to selectively close off or open up the opening. Positioned between each pair of vanes in the frame is a stationary pitot-static sensing vane. Each pitot-static sensing vane can also be shaped as an air foil and includes an upstream chamber connected to a ram air input aperture and a downstream chamber connected to a downstream static aperture. Each of the chambers is connected to one portion of a pressure sensing instrument, such as, for example, a diaphragm type differential pressure sensor, in order to sense air flow velocity across the damper.

Abstract: A control system is provided for monitoring and regulating fluid pressure at a remote and/or potentially hazardous location along the length of a fluid flow conduit, without requiring a pressure sensor device at the remote site. The control system comprises a controller responsive to fluid pressure and flow rate readings taken at a convenient and/or safe location along the length of the flow conduit, to derive fluid pressure at the remote site. The controller provides a display of the derived pressure and/or operates a control valve at the safe site to regulate the pressure at the remote site.

Abstract: A control arrangement (10) for a shut-off valve actuable by vacuum and intended for use in vacuum waste water systems, comprising a first valve (14) which is actuated by static pressure of collected waste water, and including a chamber (56) which can be put under vacuum via the first valve, whereby a second valve (20), charged by a spring (71), is abruptly opened when the pressure in the chamber drops below a preset level, so that vacuum reaches the shut-off valve and opens it, and, in case static pressure is reduced, the first valve closes and the chamber is gradually ventilated until the pressure in this chamber reaches a preset level at which the second valve and in turn the shut-off valve abruptly close.

Abstract: A downhole valve 10 opens or closes a bypass (12,13) in response to the pressure of the fluid in the valve. The valve housing body 14 is adapted for fluid communication with a tubular within a well bore. The valve bypass may be repeatedly cycled from open to closed position by selectively raising and lowering the fluid pressure. A replaceable flow restriction 18 in the valve is sized to produce a desired flow-induced pressure drop across the valve to cycle the valve with fluid flow. Differential sealing areas (11c and 15,16) are provided to cycle the valve by varying the static fluid pressure in the valve. According to the method, a flowing fluid pressure drop induced by fluid flow through the valve is used to change the state of the valve, and a subsequent change in hydrostatic fluid pressure or fluid pressure is used to return the valve to its original state.

Abstract: A flow control weir valve and method of operating the valve is disclosed. The valve has an inlet, an outlet, a bypass inlet, a pivoting cover and a mechanism for controlling the cover in order to provide a relief flow through the valve. The cover is continuously forced to a first, closed position by one or more resilient springs or other flexible force producing mechanisms. When fluid flows within the valve, the closing force generated by the springs may be overcome by the low pressure generated within the valve, which thus allows the ambient environment to force the cover at least partially open once the fluid flow rate passes a threshold value. A step in the body of the valve can be used to interrupt the fluid flow and create a Venturi effect for further assisting the cover to open. The cover is sufficiently responsive to allow a relief flow through the bypass inlet that satisfies rapid and wide-ranging pressure variations created within a cleaning system to which the valve may be attached.

Abstract: An accumulating chamber has its fluid pressure regulated between the pressure of a given source pressure value and a discharge pressure value. Electronic control of the accumulating chamber pressure is accomplished by a regulator having a transfer volume and first, second, and third solenoid valves. The transfer volume is connected to the accumulating chamber by the first solenoid valve. The second solenoid valve connects the transfer volume to a pressure source at the given source pressure value. A third solenoid valve connects the transfer volume to open air. A pressure sensor measures the pressure in the accumulating chamber and is connected to an electronic control system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for venting the seal air pressure within an isolated system so as to obtain a relatively small, in the range of 4 to 8 inches water gauge more or less, pressure differential across the isolation dampers. This small pressure differential is desired so as to reduce the load against which the dampers must operate thereby permitting a more economical design of such dampers.

Abstract: A pilot signal control assembly (10) controls the pilot signal of a valve (18) which is connected to regulator, typically a booster regulator (12). The valve (18) receives air from an air supply (14) and, pursuant to an error signal (E(t)) , defined as the command signal (C(t)) less a modified feedback signal (F(t)) , modifies its output, the pilot pressure signal. The booster regulator (12) receives the pilot pressure signal and modifies its output (P.sub.o (t)) accordingly. A feedback loop (24) transforms the output pressure (P.sub.o (t)) into a voltage signal. The voltage signal is multiplied by a proportional factor (A) based on the size of the booster regulator (12). In a signal subloop (30) of the feedback loop (24), the first derivative is taken of the voltage signal. The multiplied signal and the first derivative are added to create the feedback signal (F(t)) which is eventually subtracted from the command signal (C(t)) to create the error signal (E(t)).

Abstract: A fuel delivery system which includes a source of pressurized fuel (18-22), at least one fuel injector (14) in fluid communication with the source (18-22), a pressure regulator (34) for delivering the pressurized fuel to the fuel injector (14), a pressure sensor (40) for providing an indication of pressure at the fuel injector (14), a controller (42) responsive to the pressure sensor (40) for providing a pressure release signal, and a pressure release system (44) responsive to the pressure relief signal for diverting a portion of the pressurized fuel from the fuel injector (14).

Abstract: An exhaust reduction system for reducing gas emissions in pipeline controlling devices which operate control valves, which system adjusts and reduces the pressure of a control stream of gas from a conventional line pressure regulator to the control valves. In a preferred embodiment the exhaust reduction system operates in cooperation with the conventional line pressure regulator which reduces the pressure of the gas from the pipeline to a selected system pressure and includes a system high pressure regulator, a system low pressure regulator and in some cases, a selector relay, for further reducing the pressure of the incoming gas and channeling the gas at reduced pressure to at least one controller.

Abstract: A valve assembly controls a pressure sent from a valve to create a pilot signal used to control a mechanical booster regulator. An independent feedback line extends from both the output of the valve and the output of the mechanical booster regulator wherein the outputs are scaled after a transducer in each feedback line converts the information received from the pressures into voltages. The difference in the voltage is integrated and added to the input command signal which dictates the parameters of the mechanical booster regulator operation. The voltage feedback from the pilot pressure is then subtracted from the modified command signal. The feedback signals approach a negligible correction as the mechanical booster regulator approaches the designed output pressure because the integration is eliminated and the pressures cancel each other as the system approaches a static condition.

Abstract: A fluid supply pressure control apparatus for use in conjunction with a pressure control valve (10) of a fluid supply system is disclosed which includes: first sensor means (26, 28) for sensing the pressure of the fluid at a first point (12, 14) in the system, and first control means (16) for controlling the pressure control valve (10) to adjust the pressure of the fluid at the first point in the system in accordance with a difference between the pressure sensor by the first sensor means and a predetermined pressure valve. The apparatus further includes second control means (24) for controlling the predetermined pressure value to reduce fluctuations in the fluid pressure at a second point in the system.The aim of this apparatus is to maintain the lowest possible pressure in the supply pipes commensurate with maintaining a reasonable pressure in outlying and elevated areas and with meeting the demand for water.

Abstract: Adjacent an axially displaceable engine poppet valve (12) is a fluid pathway (36). Within the fluid pathway (36) is a snubbing valve (14) including a snubber (48) movable between first and second locations within the pathway (36) and a snubbing passage (54). When the poppet valve (12) is open, the snubber (48) is at its first location and there is fluid in the fluid pathway (36) between the snubber (48) and poppet valve (12). During a first portion of displacement of the poppet valve (12) as it closes, the snubber (48) is displaced to its second location. During the second portion of displacement of the poppet valve (12) as it closes, fluid in the fluid pathway (36) is snubbed through the snubbing passage (54), thereby increasing the pressure in the fluid in the pathway (36), thereby providing a resistive force against movement of the poppet valve (12), thereby slowing the poppet valve (12) to an acceptable impact seating velocity.

Abstract: A fluid flow control damper having one or more blades for sensing pressures to determine velocity pressure in the flow stream. The airfoil damper blade has fluid intake openings in a portion of the blade which extends into the fluid stream upstream of the damper and it has inlet openings in a portion of the blade which extends into the stream downstream of the damper. Pressurized fluid from each side of the damper is conducted through separate chambers in the blade and through outlets on the blade axis to instrumentation which reads the pressures and computes the pressure differential between the pressures at each side of the damper. The pressure inlet openings are disposed in elongated channels along the side edges of the blade to protect the inlets from spurious pressure fluctuations which would adversely affect the accuracy of the pressure sensings.

Abstract: A fluid pressure control system comprising a first chamber, the pressure in which is to be controlled, a second chamber and a valve means for controlling communication between the first and second chambers. A controller is arranged such that, if the pressure in the first chamber differs from a required pressure, the controller i) operates the valve means to close off communication between the first and second chambers, ii) varies the pressure in the second chamber, iii) opens communication between the first and second chambers to deliver a discrete pressure step to the first chamber, and, iv) repeats i) to iii) until the pressure in the first chamber reaches a required level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying and delivering fluids at a constant pressure includes means for measuring fluid pressure, means for measuring fluid flow and means for actuating fluid valves to control fluid pressure and flow through the valves. A programming means is also included so that fluid pressure and flow measurements are processed and the fluid valves are actuated according to a preprogrammed scheme.

Abstract: An electrically controlled modulating pressure regulator in which a main valve regulates fluid flow between an inlet and an outlet in response to a control pressure produced by a servo valve which is responsive to the outlet pressure and the force applied by a regulator spring to a diaphragm carrying the servo valve closure element. Deformation of the regulator spring can be varied by an electrical actuator in the form of a wire segment of a shape memory alloy through which electric current can be passed to vary its temperature and length.

Abstract: A fluid pressure relief system and method for a pressure vessel or tank (10) having a normal vent (16) with a first pilot operated safety valve (18) and an emergency vent (62) having a second pilot operated safety valve (25). A vapor recovery line (20) is connected to relief valve (18) and collected at a vapor storage container (21). A manway (22) on the pressure vessel (10) shown in FIG. 2 defines the emergency vent (62) and a main valve member (66) has a counterweight (74) thereon to urge main valve member (66) to a seated closed position on nozzle (60). The first pilot operated safety valve (18) for the normal vent (16) is shown in FIG. 7 and has a T-shaped body (142) with a main relief valve member (172) at one end of the body (142) mounted for movement in a generally horizontal direction and controlled by a diaphragm (176) at an opposite end of the body (142).

Abstract: A system and method for reducing pressure in a container pressurized with a fluid provided to the container from a pressurizing fluid source communicate the pressurizing fluid with a receptacle between two valves, close a first one of the valves so that a portion of the pressurizing fluid is contained in the receptacle, and open a second one of the valves so that at least part of the portion of the pressurizing fluid is released from the receptacle.

Abstract: A pressure release apparatus for relieving pressure that may occur within a pipeline due to water hammers or the like. This apparatus is secured to the pipeline directly in line with the pressure wave and consists of a spool piece having an opening therethrough which is selectively biased in the closed position. When pressure within the pipeline is sufficient to overcome this bias, the opening is unblocked thereby permitting such pressure to be released to the atmosphere. A blast shield surrounds this opening so that the sudden release of such pressure will not cause damage to surrounding people or property.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-whistling duckbill check valve for use in a fluid flow path for permitting relatively free flow of fluid in the path in a first direction from a first to a second end of the valve and for preventing fluid flow in the path in a second opposite direction. The check valve includes first and second lips extending in converging relationship to each other from a base portion of the valve. A vibration dampening rib is located on each of the lips wherein the ribs are configured to have a natural frequency substantially equal to the lips. The ribs vibrate out of phase with the lips such that the vibration of the lips is dampened.

Abstract: A system for reclaiming water which has been previously used for such purposes as washing vehicles includes both a diatomaceous earth filter for removing particulates and a carbon filter for removing organic contaminants. Reclaimed water which is in the system and not immediately required for use is continuously recycled by a pump so as to increase the removal of contaminants. A second pump moves the cleaned water into a pressure tank for use in washing. A substantial portion of the system is disposed below ground level with a lockable cover above.