Abstract: A system and method for regulating the pressure within a volume between a pressure regulator and an injector that injects hydrogen gas into the anode side of a fuel cell stack. The method includes delaying a copy of the a pulsed signal that controls the opening and closing of the injector a predetermined period of time and provides a bias signal from a look-up table that is determined by a desired average mass flow of the hydrogen gas flow to the fuel cell stack and the pressure at an upstream location of the hydrogen gas flow from the pressure regulator. The method selects the bias signal as a pressure regulator control signal that controls the pressure regulator when the delayed pulse injector signal is high and selects an arbitrary value at or near zero as the pressure regulator control signal when a delayed pulse injector is low.

Abstract: A pump system that includes a pump, an injector and a regulator with a calculation unit. The regulator controls the pump to pump a liquid through a hose to the injector which opens and closes in response to an injector control signal, the time for an opening and closing cycle being called injector cycle and designated Ts, and the injector's open period being designated ?. The injector has a pressure sensor to measure the pressure of the liquid in the injector and to deliver to the calculation unit a pressure sensor signal representing the pressure amplitude in the injector. The calculation unit calculates the hose's rigidity B as a function of measured pressured amplitudes A in the injector, the injector cycle Ts and the injector's open period ?, and the regulator determines the basis of B the control signal to the pump.

Abstract: [Problem] The present invention provides a gas supply method by which a gas in a gas container can be effectively utilized. [Means for Solving the Problem] On the basis of: the maximum flow rate (a first preset flow rate (Q1)) and the minimum flow rate (a second preset flow rate (Q2)) at the place where the gas is used; a first preset pressure (P1) at which the gas can be supplied at a first preset flow rate (Q1); a second preset pressure (P2) at which the gas can be supplied at a second preset flow rate (Q2); a third preset pressure (P3) which is higher than the first preset pressure (P1); residual pressures (PA, PB) in gas containers (SA, SB); a supplied gas flow rate (Q); and the relationship between the residual pressures (PA, PB) and suppliable gas flow rates (QPA and QPB, respectively), the residual pressures (PA, PB) and the supplied gas flow rate (Q) are monitored and the gas supply is switched between the first gas container (SA) and the second gas container (SB).

Abstract: A valve system enables use of a standard single line faucet with a water treatment system, protects water treatment systems and other fluid flow devices from unnecessary fluid pressure, and regulates or prevents fluid flow to a dispenser or outlet in response to a particular event, such as a leak. The valve system includes a housing having ports for: (1) receiving a supply fluid, (2) supplying the fluid to a device, such as a water treatment system, (3) receiving the fluid from the device and (4) supplying fluid to a dispenser. The valve system also includes an automatic shutoff device within the housing that prevents water from flowing into the housing and the water treatment system when the dispensing outlet is closed and that allows water to flow through the housing and into the water treatment system when the outlet is open. The valve system may also include a second actuator connected to the automatic shutoff that is capable of moving the automatic shutoff to a partially or fully closed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic flow controller which transforms a slow reduction in pressure of fluid flow over time to a measurable fluid flow. Once a threshold pressure differential is reached, a flow passage through the flow controller opens rapidly to a relatively large opening, thereby generating a volume of fluid at high flux flowing through the passage, particularly to permit the measurement of the volume of fluid in a conventional flow meter. The device of the present invention integrates this low flux and transforms it to a measurable fluid flux, so that the fluid can be measured by the fluid meter within its optimum error range. This is accomplished while maintaining a pressure drop in the flow meter which is within the permitted standards. Thus, the invention provides relatively sharp shifts between substantially high flux flow and no flow, in a pulse-like manner.

Abstract: Disclosed is a differential pressure valve comprising: a valve body, the valve body having at least one flow inlet and one flow outlet: at least one shutter, the shutter being movable between an open position and a closed position under a differential pressure across the valve; at least one flow passage from the flow inlet to the flow outlet; at least one biasing member configured to bias the shutter towards a closed position so as to block the flow passage through the flow inlet. The biasing member is a non-linear biasing member.

Abstract: A rotary union including a housing, a piston, and a shaft is provided. The piston has a first fluid passage therethrough and is configured to slide axially between a first position and a second position. The shaft has a second fluid passage therethrough and is configured to rotate. A first port is arranged in the housing and is in fluid communication with a cavity formed between the housing and the piston. The first port is configured to deliver a pressurized fluid into the cavity to actuate the piston from the first position to the second position. A chamber is formed in the housing and surrounds an interface between the first and second fluid passages. A second port arranged in the housing is in fluid communication with the chamber. The second port is configured to apply a vacuum to the chamber to evacuate fluid leaked into the chamber from the interface.

Abstract: A water supply control system for use with a fire hydrant comprises a four-way valve assembly having a first inlet port for coupling to a nozzle of the fire hydrant via a fire hose, the four-way valve assembly operable to selectively open and close the inlet and outlet ports according to an operating mode of the four-way valve assembly, a stable and sturdy platform substantially supporting the weight of the four-way valve assembly, a flexible tether strap secured to the platform at a first end and having a fastener at a second end for releasably coupling to the fire hydrant, a status indicator mounted on the four-way valve assembly operable to provide a visual indication of the operation mode of the four-way valve assembly, and a scene light mounted on the four-way assembly operable to provide high-intensity illumination.

Abstract: A flow control screen having a flow path between the interior of a base pipe and a filter medium. A valve assembly, including a valve plug, a ball retainer and a piston body with a collet assembly is disposed within the flow path in an opening of a housing disposed about the base pipe. The collet assembly is radially outwardly constrained by a radially reduced section of the opening in a first position preventing entry of the valve plug therein and radially outwardly unconstrained by the radially reduced section in a second position. Reverse flow is initially prevented as internal differential pressure seats the valve plug on a seat of the opening and causes the piston body to shift to the second position upon reaching a predetermined threshold. Thereafter, external differential pressure causes the valve plug to enter the piston body and contact the ball retainer, thereby allowing reverse flow.

Abstract: In at least some implementations, a fluid level sensor for sensing the level of a fluid within a tank includes a fluid tube through which fluid flows under pressure, a pressure pulse inducer, a fluid level responsive member and a pressure sensor. The pressure pulse inducer is disposed within the fluid tube so that at least some of the fluid flowing through the fluid tube engages the pressure pulse inducer. The fluid level responsive member is operably associated with the pressure pulse inducer to provide a force on the pressure pulse inducer that varies as a function of the fluid level in the tank. And the pressure sensor at senses the pressure of the fluid flowing through the tube, where the pressure pulse inducer induces changes in the pressure of the fluid as a function of the fluid level and the changes in pressure are sensed by the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A pressure regulator valve replacement assembly for maintaining a flow of transmission fluid to various fluid circuits within a Honda automatic transmission during low torque operation of a torque converter is disclosed. To accomplish this, the pressure regulator valve replacement assembly includes a valve piston subassembly having control diameters, and a valve chamber containing a check ball.

Abstract: An eductor for mixing two liquids wherein the eductor includes a closed or non-air gap back flow prevention member. The vacuum profile of the eductor is altered by changing an opening in a passage portion to controllably divert water flow around the venturi tube or diverting the water without the opening. This affords the changing of the vacuum profile without redesigning the entire eductor.

Abstract: A valving system includes, a plurality of flow control valves, a plurality of chemical injection devices, and a control line in selective operable communication with at least one of the plurality of flow control valves and at least one of the plurality of chemical injection devices.

Abstract: A method for detecting a leak in a closed-volume liquid system comprises circulating a fluid through a closed-loop with a pump having a reservoir and that is driven by an electric motor. The method also comprises sensing a pressure in the closed-loop, sensing current draw by the motor and sensing fluid level in the reservoir. The method further comprises determining a presence of a leak of fluid from the closed-loop based upon two of the sensed signals using a first leak detection logic, and determining the presence of a leak of fluid from the closed-loop based upon at least one of the sensed signals using a second leak detection logic.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit and method includes a valve subsystem between a high pressure source, a medium pressure source, a low pressure return, and an actuator. The valve subsystem is configured and controllable to drive the actuator using the high pressure hydraulic fluid or the medium pressure hydraulic fluid and also to direct low pressure hydraulic fluid exiting the actuator to the low pressure return. A controller is responsive to high pressure criteria and medium pressure criteria associated with the actuator and is configured to operate the valve subsystem to present high pressure hydraulic fluid to the actuator in response to high pressure criteria and to present medium pressure hydraulic fluid to the actuator in response to medium pressure criteria.

Abstract: The invention relates to a throttling valve comprising a fluid inlet (29) and a fluid outlet (27). The throttling valve is arranged to control a flux of a fluid stream flowing via a flow path from the fluid inlet (29) to the fluid outlet (27). The flow path comprises a plurality of openings (330) which, in use, create a pressure reduction over the throttling valve and thereby a cooling effect of the fluid. The openings (330) widen in a downstream direction.

Abstract: A pressure reducer having a high-pressure inlet, a low-pressure outlet and a valve having a valve seat and a valve plunger, which interacts therewith and can be displaced in a direction of displacement. When displaced away from the valve seat, the valve plunger opens a first path between the high-pressure inlet and the low-pressure outlet. The pressure reducer furthermore includes a second path, which connects the high-pressure inlet and the low-pressure outlet, a first control valve, which is arranged in the course of the second path, and a first effective area of the valve plunger, which is arranged in the course of the second path and is aligned in such a way that a first control pressure acting thereon results in a first force on the valve plunger in the direction of displacement.

Abstract: A method of limiting jerk in a hydraulic system of a machine includes defining a maximum pressure rate. An output pressure of a hydraulic fluid is continuously measured over time from a work port of a hydraulic valve to determine an output pressure rate. The measured output pressure rate is compared to the maximum pressure rate. A requested flow rate is adjusted when the measured output pressure rate is greater than the maximum pressure rate to decrease the pressure differential generated in response to changing the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid through the valve, which thereby limits a change in acceleration or deceleration of the hydraulic system to limit felt jerk in the machine.

Abstract: A conduit protection system, comprising: a conduit for carrying a fluid; a sealed vessel surrounding the conduit along a protected zone of the conduit; and a valve moveable between a first position for obstructing fluid flow through the protected zone of the conduit and a second position for enabling fluid flow through the protected zone of the conduit, wherein the valve is biased to the first position, and wherein the valve is fluidically coupled to the sealed vessel such that a positive pressure within the sealed vessel is operable to move the valve to the second position against the bias. Also, a method for protecting a fluid carrying conduit.

Abstract: An assembly (10) for reducing pressure of slurry exiting an outlet pipe (15) of a supercritical reactor (116), the assembly (10) including a sealed collection vessel (12) and an orifice assembly (14) forming an inlet of the collection vessel (12), wherein the orifice assembly (14) comprises a plurality of orifices (17 to 20) for parallel connection with the reactor outlet pipe (15) such that flow from the outlet pipe (15) can be directed to any one of the orifices (17 to 20).

Abstract: The fluidic system with an unclogging feature of the preferred embodiment includes a flow channel, a sheath pump to pump sheath fluid from a sheath container into an interrogation zone, and a waste pump to pump waste fluid from the interrogation zone into a waste container. The sheath pump and/or the waste pump draw sample fluid from a sample container into the interrogation zone. The fluidic system also includes a controller to adjust the flow rate of the sample fluid from the sample container into the interrogation zone. The pump and controller cooperate to propagate a pulsation through the flow channel from the pump if the flow channel is clogged. The fluidic system is preferably incorporated into a flow cytometer with a flow cell that includes the interrogation zone.

Abstract: Embodiments of a fluid flow regulating device and methods of using the same are described. Certain embodiments manages fluid flow between one or more input ports and output ports at least partly in response to fluid pressure changes and/or by a mechanism driven by fluid flow, optionally without using electrical power.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for monitoring a fuel vapor recovery system including a fuel tank isolation valve coupled between a fuel tank and a canister. During selected conditions, the valve is modulated and pressure pulsations in the fuel vapor recovery system are monitored. Valve degradation is identified based on correlations between the valve modulation and the resultant pressure pulsations.

Abstract: A gas regulator includes a housing and a pressure regulator positioned within the housing along a first axis for controlling the pressure of gas received from a pressurized source. A flow meter controls the flow rate of the gas received from the pressure regulator. The flow meter is positioned relative to the housing along a second axis, transverse to the first axis. An outlet nozzle member has a nozzle stem and is positioned along the first axis. The outlet nozzle member receives the gas from the flow meter and delivers the gas through the nozzle stem.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus utilize a rate of drop in pressure upstream of a gas flow controller (GFC) to accurately measure a rate of flow through the GFC. Measurement of the gas flow through the many gas flow controllers in production use today is enabled, without requiring any special or sophisticated pressure regulators or other special components. Various provisions ensure that none of the changes in pressure that occur during or after the measurement perturb the constant flow of gas through the GFC under test. A pressure regulator is coupled to a gas source. The GFC is positioned downstream of the pressure regulator. A pressure transducer is measuring pressure in a volume between the pressure regulator and the GFC, wherein means are provided for increasing the pressure in the volume.

Abstract: A flow limiter for limiting a volumetric flow through a liquid line, comprising a carrier having a passage and a flat spring attached to the carrier. The flat spring has a spring tongue and the passage has an opening, wherein the spring tongue is above the opening such that the spring tongue increasingly lies against the carrier as differential pressure rises, thereby reducing the opening and continuously reducing the passage within a defined pressure range. A body is arranged upstream of the spring tongue, or the spring tongue is oriented in the flow direction so that the spring tongue offers a direct contact surface to a substantially reduced flow cross-section. Thus the spring tongue is deflected, or rested against the carrier, to a lesser extent at low differential pressure values so that at a low differential pressure, a constant volumetric flow rate and an expanded operating range having a constant volumetric flow rate is achieved.

Abstract: A multi-stage pressure regulator in which pressure is first reduced by a set ratio in one or more stages followed by an adjustable pressure output stage. The system of the present invention provides for distribution of the Joules-Thomson (JT) cooling effect between multiple stages. The present invention thereby provides a system to control pressure reduction and thus prevent condensation (and associated distortion of a vapor composition sample) of a gas due to J-T cooling effect.

Abstract: A bi-directional pressurized system with devices for and configured to mitigate issues associated with leak and creep phenomena at various stages throughout the system, including valves and controls to distribute a leaked amount of fluid prior to delivery to a pressure-sensitive destination and a pressure relief valve to bring an initial pressure within an acceptable range for distribution to reach a target pressure. A startup method for mitigating leakage of the system during a rest phase, including selectively reducing the initial pressure upstream of a pressure-sensitive destination.

Abstract: A flush valve for a waste water system comprises a valve including a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a main valve element adapted for movement to allow fluid flow between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet based on a pressure differential across a portion of the main valve element. The valve also includes a vent system comprising a control chamber in flow communication with the fluid inlet of the valve and a vent outlet in flow communication with the fluid outlet of the valve, and a solenoid for venting fluid venting fluid from the control chamber to the fluid outlet. A pressure sensor, such as an electronic pressure transducer, senses the fluid pressure of fluid within the vent system. When a predetermined pressure threshold is reached or exceeded, the solenoid can be energized to release fluid from the control chamber.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling fuel pressure in a fuel delivery system. The system includes a fuel pump and an inlet control valve. The inlet control valve is operated to a closed state by an electrical signal applied to the inlet control valve. The electrical signal includes a pull-in portion of the electrical signal that is applied to the inlet control valve having a pull-in time interval that is varied based on the fuel pressure. By varying the pull-in time interval to control fuel pressure, electrical energy consumed and acoustic noise generated by the fuel delivery system are reduced.

Abstract: A well tool can comprise a fluid input, a fluid output and a fluidic oscillator which produces oscillations in a fluid which flows from the input to the output. The fluidic oscillator can include a vortex chamber with inlets, whereby fluid enters the vortex chamber alternately via the inlets, the inlets being configured so that the fluid enters the vortex chamber in different directions via the respective inlets, and a fluid switch which directs the fluid alternately toward different flow paths in response to pressure differentials between feedback fluid paths. The feedback fluid paths may be connected to the vortex chamber. The flow paths may cross each other between the fluid switch and the outlet.

Abstract: An independent metering valve (IMV) assembly is disclosed that includes a metering stem including an inlet. The IMV assembly also includes a hydro-mechanical control valve in communication with a fluid source and the inlet. The control valve also including a spool with a closed end and an open end. The control valve includes a biasing member that biases the control valve or spool towards an open position thereby establishing communication between the fluid source and the inlet. The control valve also including a load signal line providing communication between an outlet of the control valve upstream of the inlet and the closed end of the spool. Wherein high pressure in the load signal line allowing the control valve to move towards a closed position thereby overcoming bias of the biasing member and reducing flow to the inlet during a high pressure condition.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, it is contemplated that a valve includes a passage. A first sealing element is biased to restrict flow of a fluid in a first direction through the passage when an upstream volumetric flow rate of the fluid in the first direction is less than a first predetermined threshold. A second sealing element is biased to unrestrict flow of the fluid to a baseline unrestricted flow rate in a second direction through the passage when an upstream volumetric flow rate of the fluid in the second direction is less than a second predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for controlling depressurization of a vial containing a gas sample. The disclosed systems and methods are employed during sampling and/or analysis of the gas sample. One exemplary method for controlling depressurization of a vial containing a gas sample includes establishing fluid communication between a sample loop of a head space sampling device and the head space of the vial. A sample gas pressure is established within the head space of the vial. The sample loop is connected in fluid communication with a lower pressure environment through a ventilation pathway. A ventilation valve within the ventilation pathway is used to vent gas from the vial through the sample loop to the lower pressure environment at a predetermined rate. Devices and systems for depressurizing a vial containing a gas sample at a predetermined rate are also disclosed.

Abstract: A lock chamber for a substrate processing system is provided which includes at least a first conduit adapted to provide an inner portion of the lock chamber in fluid communication with atmospheric pressure or overpressure. Additionally, the lock chamber includes at least a first control valve for controlling a flow rate of the fluid communication of the inner portion of the chamber with the atmospheric pressure or the overpressure, wherein the control valve is adapted to continuously control the flow rate. Furthermore, an according method, a computer program and a computer readable medium adapted for performing the method is provided.

Abstract: A subsea system comprises a wellbore within a reservoir, equipment downstream of the wellbore, and a barrier connected to the equipment. The equipment is rated for a maximum pressure that is less than a maximum reservoir pressure and equal to or greater than the maximum reservoir pressure less external hydrostatic pressure experienced by the equipment. The barrier is rated for a maximum pressure that is equal to or greater than the maximum reservoir pressure.

Abstract: A drain valve includes a valve body that defines an inlet seat and a first outlet seat downstream of the inlet seat. A first member has a first position in sealing engagement with the first outlet seat and a second position separated from the first outlet seat. A second member has a first location in sealing engagement with the inlet seat. A sensor downstream of the inlet seat generates a signal reflective of a pressure downstream of the inlet seat. A method for operating a drain valve includes moving a first element in a valve body to allow fluid flow through the valve body, moving a second element in the valve body to allow fluid flow through the valve body, and sensing a pressure in the valve body.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling a load sensing hydraulic system, having a bypass valve (F), which is controlled by a pump pressure (P) and which when the hydraulic system is in operation diverts a pump flow of hydraulic fluid to a tank (E). The bypass valve (F) is pre-stressed towards a closed position and is put on load by the pump pressure (P) towards an open position against the action of the pre-stress. When the hydraulic system operates in a idling operation a first pre-stress element (I) limits the pre-stress to a first pressure and upon activation of the hydraulic system, a pressure regulator (10) increases the pre-stress to a second, substantially higher pressure by applying a hydraulic, constant second pre-stress force, that is added to the first pre-stress force and is substantially greater than this.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for regulating a pressure in a hydraulic system for operating at least one actuator in a subsea installation, having a fluid supply line (102) connected to a source of pressurized fluid (101) at a remote location delivering fluid at a constant pressure to the subsea installation, comprising first and second control valves (103, 105) controlled by an electronic control unit (107), and at least one pressure sensor (106) and an accumulator (104) arranged between the first and second control valve (103, 105), where the pressure in the fluid supply line (102?) to the actuator is regulated by regulating the pressure in the accumulator (104) by adding fluid from the source of pressurized fluid (101) through the first control valve (103) if the pressure is too low or releasing pressure through the second control valve (105) to a fluid return line (120) if the pressure is too high and thereby establishing the desired pressure for operating the actuator.

Abstract: A method of preventing a mass flow controller from participating in crosstalk in an array of mass flow controllers is described. The method includes sensing and providing a signal indicative of a fluid pressure inside of a mass flow controller with a pressure sensor contained within the mass flow controller, determining a response of a control valve to a rapid pressure perturbation at the inlet of the mass flow controller using the signal indicative of the fluid pressure to avoid overcompensation for the rapid pressure perturbation, and adjusting a control valve contained within the mass flow controller downstream of the pressure sensor, based on the determined response, so that the mass flow controller avoids overcompensating for the rapid pressure perturbation. The pressure sensor is positioned such that the pressure sensor is sensitive to rapid pressure perturbations at the inlet of the mass flow controller.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling fluid pressure downstream a main valve includes associating a variable orifice with the main valve such that the variable orifice opens as the main valve is opened and closes as the main valve is closed. A fluid stream taken from a fluid inlet of the main valve is passed to an inlet of the variable orifice. A fixed orifice is in fluid communication with an outlet of the variable orifice. A pressure differential between the inlet and outlet of a fixed orifice is detected by a control pilot device, which hydraulically opens or closes the main valve in response to the detected fixed orifice pressure differential between low pressure and high pressure set points.

Abstract: A system for hydraulically managing fluid pressure between selected set points includes a pilot control system operably coupled to a main valve. The pilot control system includes at least one fluid conduit, a variable orifice assembly, and a control pilot valve apparatus. Fluid is passed through a fixed orifice and into a first chamber of the control pilot valve apparatus. Fluid is passed through the variable orifice of the variable orifice assembly and into a second chamber of the control pilot valve apparatus. The main valve is hydraulically opened or closed in response to a pressure differential between the first and second chambers of the control pilot valve apparatus so as to manage fluid pressure downstream of the main valve between the selected upper and lower set points.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanical fuse to seal pipes upon unintended rupture. When a pressure difference between a first pressure and a second pressure in a pipe is below a pressure threshold, a first spring retains a flap in a first position allowing gaseous fuel to flow from a first portion to a second portion and when the pressure difference between the first pressure and the second pressure is not below the pressure threshold the flap moves to a second position preventing the gaseous fuel from flowing from the first portion to the second portion.

Abstract: In a method and a device for actively suppressing pressure oscillations or pressure pulses in a hydraulic system of a cold or warm roll train or a strip treatment installation, the following method steps are carried out: a) detection of a pressure signal by means of a pressure sensor by permanent measurement of a pressure in the hydraulic system; b) determination of an alternating component of the pressure signal; c) determination of at least one temporally changing actuating variable in real time with the aid of a regulator, taking at least one setpoint value and the alternating component into consideration; d) loading of at least one actuator with the actuating variable, the actuator changing a volume which corresponds to the actuating variable and is connected to the hydraulic system, as a result of which the pressure oscillations in the hydraulic system are suppressed.

Abstract: A device for regulating the gas supply in a gas storage system of a biogas system, wherein the gas storage system has gas stores connected in series in a cascade-like manner with an intermediate chamber between a gas store membrane and a protective cover. The device comprises gas supply mechanisms, intermediate chamber pressure measuring mechanisms and at least one regulating mechanism, each gas store is assigned at least one gas supply mechanism, each gas store is assigned at least one intermediate chamber pressure measuring mechanism with which the gas pressure in the intermediate chamber of the respective gas store can be measured, and the measured values of the intermediate chamber pressure measuring mechanisms are transmitted to at least one regulating mechanism, and the regulating mechanism is designed to regulate the gas pressure in the intermediate chambers of the gas stores by controlling the gas supply mechanisms assigned to gas stores.

Abstract: A method of supplying and controlling the flow of a process gas to a process chamber. The method includes initiating a known flow rate of a process gas to a process chamber, dividing the known flow rate of the process gas into a first flow of the process gas at a first flow rate and a second flow of the process gas at a second flow rate, measuring a first pressure associated with the first flow of the process gas, measuring a second pressure associated with the second flow of the process gas, and controlling the first flow rate and the second flow rate according to a target flow condition by adjusting a first conductance of the first flow of the process gas and a second conductance of the second flow of the process gas and monitoring the first pressure and the second pressure.

Abstract: A method is provided for fluid flow containment in an open liquid environment at least partially defined by a surface. The method includes the step of positioning a microfluidic device over the surface. The microfluidic device defines a chamber having a height. A flow of fluid is applied in the chamber. The pressure of the flow of fluid is monitored and the height of the chamber is determined from the measured pressure of the flow of fluid.

Abstract: A method is provided for pumping fluid through a channel of a microfluidic device. The channel has an input port and an output port. The channel is filled with fluid and a pressure gradient is generated between the fluid at the input port and the fluid at the output port. As a result, fluid flows through the channel towards the output port.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and system for optimizing thermal performance of a computer system. An identification of a set of processor cores associated with the computer system is made and a thermal index is requested for each of the set of processor cores to form a set of thermal indexes. Proximity information and conductive property information associated with the set of processors is loaded and software is mapped to execute on an optimal processor core form the set of processor cores based the set of thermal indexes, proximity information, and conductive property information.

Abstract: A pressure gauge may be coupled to a supply line which carries liquid from a bottle to either one or more mixing vessels and/or one or more reactors in a combinatorial processing tool. A control device may monitor the pressure measured by the pressure gauge, and the control device may be configured to change the pressure supplied to the bottle based on a comparison of the measured pressure to a pre-determined pressure value. The control device may adjust the pressure provided to the bottle using a pressure regulator coupled to the pressure source. By changing the pressure provided to the bottle, the control device may maintain a relatively constant flow rate of fluids from the liquid source into one or more mixing vessels and/or the one or more reactors.