Abstract: A method of pumping fluid including the steps of providing an electrokinetic pump comprising a pair of double-layer capacitive electrodes having a capacitance of at least 10?2 Farads/cm2 and being connectable to a power source, a porous dielectric material disposed between the electrodes and a reservoir containing pump fluid; connecting the electrodes to a power source; and moving pump fluid out of the reservoir substantially without the occurrence of Faradaic processes in the pump. The invention also includes an electrokinetic pump system having a pair of double-layer capacitive electrodes having a capacitance of at least 10?2 Farads/cm2; a porous dielectric material disposed between the electrodes; a reservoir containing pump fluid; and a power source connected to the electrodes; the electrodes, dielectric material and power source being adapted to move the pump fluid out of the reservoir substantially without the occurrence of Faradaic processes in the pump.

Abstract: A method of preventing inadvertent inflation of an implantable prosthetic includes biasing a valve assembly such that an outlet is substantially closed and using inadvertent pressure increases from the inlet to supplement the biasing of the valve assembly. It may further include the step of preventing fluid flow through the outlet by selectively varying fluid pressure within a bypass passageway having a first end which is in fluid communication with an inlet and a second end which is in fluid communication with a chamber. And, may also additionally include the step of displacing a flexible abutting wall disposed between the chamber and the valve assembly so that the abutting wall is caused to contact the valve assembly and urge the valve assembly into a closed position when the fluid pressure within the chamber exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: The gas monitoring system may include a gas line, an oxygen sensor, a filter, a pump, a indicator, and a controller. The gas line is configured to convey gas from a space configured to receive inert gas to a location remote from the space. The oxygen sensor is fluidly coupled to the gas line at the location. The oxygen sensor is configured to determine a partial pressure of oxygen present in the gas. The filter is fluidly coupled to the gas line between the space and the location. The filter is configured to remove combustible contaminants from the gas before it reaches the oxygen sensor. The controller is electrically coupled to the oxygen sensor and to the indicator. The controller is configured to activate the indicator when the partial pressure of oxygen exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a device or an element belonging to a piece of equipment that is made from steel or a steel alloy, which may come into contact with pressurised oxygen during the use thereof. The inventive method consists in producing a coating by thermally spraying a spray material that is selected from among nickel and the alloys of copper and nickel on at least part of the surface of the element or device, such as to obtain at least one coating layer on said surface, having a thickness of less than or equal to 5 mm.

Abstract: A device for regulating a pressure and/or a volume flow of a fluid, including a cavitation chamber having a ram device, to generate a ram pressure region, and having at least one outlet orifice for a discharge of the fluid from the cavitation chamber, at least one cavitation region being able to be generated in the cavitation chamber, and the outlet orifice being situated so that the fluid flows between the cavitation region and the ram pressure region to the outlet orifice. Also described is a method for regulating a pressure and/or a volume flow.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to indicate a position of a valve are described. An example apparatus includes a first pressure sensor to detect an inlet pressure of a valve, a second pressure sensor to detect an outlet pressure of the valve, and a controller operatively coupled to the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor to determine a position of the valve corresponding to one of a plurality of predetermined operational states of the valve.

Abstract: A Safety Instrumented System for use with a process control system receives pressure of process fluid in the process piping. A valve positioner positions a valve which controls flow of process fluid through the process piping. The valve positioner is caused to perform a partial stroke of the valve or otherwise introduce a perturbation into the process. A resulting change in sensed pressure due to the perturbation is used to diagnose operation of the process.

Abstract: A diaphragm valve for use in an irrigation system is disclosed that is adapted to reduce the water hammer effect, reduce debris in a flow path through a valve seat, improve bleed operation and/or reduce manufacturing and materials costs.

Abstract: A flow regulator device for an analytical circuit, characterised by comprising: a fluid restriction (R) of defined characteristics related to the field of application of the analytical circuit, a direct-pressure regulator (2) positioned upstream of said restriction (R), a back pressure regulator (4) positioned downstream of said restriction (R).

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: Systems and methods for flow verification and validation of mass flow controllers are disclosed. A mass flow controller may be commanded to a specified flow and flow measurement commenced. During an interval, gas is accumulated in a first volume and measurements taken within this volume. The various measurements taken during the interval may then be used to calculate the flow rate. The flow rate, in turn, may be used to determine the accuracy of the mass flow controller relative to a setpoint.

Abstract: Systems and methods for flow verification and validation of mass flow controllers are disclosed. A mass flow controller may be commanded to a specified flow and flow measurement commenced. Gas is accumulated in a first volume and while measurements are taken within this volume. Gas may then flow into a second volume while measurements are taken. The various measurements taken during the two intervals may then be used to calculate the flow rate. The flow rate, in turn, may be used to determine the accuracy of the mass flow controller relative to a setpoint. Additionally, these systems and methods may utilize only one volume to perform flow verification by flowing gas into this volume, taking measurements, and calculating the flow rate based only upon this set of measurements.

Abstract: A method for testing a fluid supply system includes periodically preventing a fluid flow through the fluid supply system, and measuring a system pressure of the fluid flow subsequent to the step of preventing the fluid flow.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus, system, and method for water-conserving irrigation utilizing check-valve equipped devices. By implementing a filtering device, for example a screen, adapted to connect to a connector of an irrigation outlet nozzle of said irrigation system, and employing a valve within the screen designed to prevent a flow of fluid out of the connector when a fluid pressure into said valve is less than a threshold pressure, every outlet to an irrigation system may be sealed to preserve water and prevent overirrigation caused by low head drainage.

Abstract: Disclosed are a fluid control system and a method of controlling operating pressures within a fluid system. The fluid control system may include a choke assembly and a linear motor. The choke assembly may have a housing having an inlet passage, an axial bore, and a chamber, wherein a portion of the axial bore forms an outlet passage, and a choke member adapted for movement in the housing to control the flow of a fluid from the inlet passage to the outlet passage. The linear motor may control a position of the choke member in the housing.

Abstract: A fire protection system comprises a supply pipe having a first fluid pressurized to a first pressure and a network of pipes having a plurality of sprinklers. The network of pipes have a second fluid being pressurized to a second pressure at approximately 5.5 times the first pressure. The system further comprises a dry pipe valve including a body defining a passage extending along a longitudinal axis between an inlet coupled to the supply pipe and an outlet coupled to the network of pipes. The inlet has an inlet diameter of approximately WD inches and a seat disposed in the body has a seating surface with a diameter AD approximately less than two times WD inches. The dry pipe valve further includes a clapper pivotable about an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis between a first position occluding the passage when the ratio of the second pressure to the first pressure is at least 5.5 and a second position permitting fluid flow through the passage when the ratio is less than 5.5.

Abstract: A system for regulating a level of fluid in a vessel is provided that is capable of detecting a pressure of the fluid, and increasing and/or decreasing a flow of fluid to the vessel in relation to the detected pressure. The system can contain a fluid level regulator adapted to pass a fluid therethrough and having a pressure detector, as well as an inlet hose connecting the regulator to a fluid supply and an outlet hose connecting the regulator to the vessel. The system provides a non-intrusive and convenient means of fluid level regulation and maintenance for a variety of different vessel types, including decorative fountains and bird baths, pools and ponds, and water heating and storage tanks, among others.

Abstract: A use condition of gas equipment is monitored. An abnormality determination unit 26 determines whether or not a use flow volume obtained by detecting a flow velocity obtained by measuring a signal transfer time in a medium using a flow velocity detection unit 17 and converting the detected flow velocity into a flow volume using a flow volume calculation unit 25. When the shutoff unit 27 shuts off a fluid path 1 when it is determined that there is abnormality, a return signal is output from a return unit 28 to a shutoff unit 27 in order to use the gas again by opening the fluid path. Simultaneously, when a return time-counting unit 29 starts the time-counting operation, and then, a predetermined time period has been elapsed, the flow volume calculation unit 25 determines whether or not a predetermined flow volume of greater flows in order to identify whether or not all of the gas plugs of the gas equipment connected to the downstream of the gas shutoff apparatus 27 are closed.

Abstract: A fluid flow control system that includes a fluid inlet to receive a flow of process fluid and a plurality of fluid outlets. The plurality of fluid outlets include a first fluid outlet and at least one second fluid outlet. The first fluid outlet provides a first predetermined portion of the flow of process fluid, and the at least one second fluid outlet provides the remaining portion of the flow of process fluid. In one embodiment, the control system includes a pressure transducer, first and second multipliers, and first and second flow controllers. The first multiplier multiplies a pressure signal received from the pressure transducer by a first setpoint to control a first flow controller that provides the first predetermined portion of the flow of process fluid. The second multiplier multiplies the pressure signal by a second setpoint to control a second flow controller that provides the remaining portion.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for vapor phase fluid delivery to a desired end use are provided, wherein the conditions of the system are monitored to determine when the water concentration or supply vessel surface temperature exceeds a specified value or when the low vapor pressure fluid pressure falls below a specified value for the purpose of removing a first supply vessel from service by discontinuing vapor flow from the first supply vessel and initiating vapor flow from a second supply vessel.

Abstract: Check valve assemblies and related methods are described. A valve assembly comprises a housing having at least a first inlet passage and an outlet passage. A flow channel is disposed within the housing, with at least a portion thereof extending inward from the first inlet passage. A first check member is disposed within the first inlet passage and is movable along the flow channel between a closed position in which the first check member is disposed against a first valve seat and an open position in which the first check member is spaced from the first valve seat. In varying examples, movement of the first check member from the closed position to the open position is unopposed. Optionally, the housing can include at least a second inlet passage wherein a second check member is disposed. In an example, the second check member is continuously biased toward a closed position.

Abstract: Loss reduction apparatus for a fluid transfer system includes a fluid device. The fluid device defines a first fluid path along which a greater part of a fluid flows in a first condition, and a second fluid path along which a greater part of the fluid flows in a second condition. The apparatus is arranged so that when a leak occurs at a location in the system, the leak causes a relative reduction in fluid pressure at the location, which moves the device from the first condition to the second condition.

Abstract: A pressure reducing valve for coupling to a pressurized water supply line includes a valve body with an inlet for coupling to the pressurized water supply line, an outlet, a passage extending between the inlet and the outlet, and a valve seat in the passage at or adjacent the inlet. A valve stem extends into the passage, which has a sealing member. An automatic pressure reducing system is provided for urging the sealing member toward the valve seat for throttling the valve to thereby reduce the pressure at the outlet. The valve also includes a manual system that is decoupled from the automatic pressure reducing system for manually urging the sealing member toward the valve seat for closing the valve.

Abstract: A valve (10) comprises a housing (12) with a valve element (14) which normally fluidicly couples a low pressure operating device, such as a transducer (30) and tubing (34) to be coupled to a patient (36) along a first flow path (42) including a flexible control wall (58) which normally interrupts a second flow path (72) between a high pressure generating source such as an injector syringe (32) and the tubing (34), but which flexes, in response to high pressure excursions from the syringe (32) to allow the second flow path (72) to open as it flexes into the first flow path (42) to thereby restrict same thus providing protection to the transducer (30) during the high pressure excursion from the syringe (32).

Abstract: Performance of mass flow controller may be vulnerable to pressure transients in a flow path to which the controller is coupled for the purpose of controlling the fluid flow. A system and method are provided for reducing or eliminate performance degradations, instabilities, and/or inaccuracies of a mass flow controller caused by changes in the pressure environment. In particular, a method and system are provided for compensating for pressure transients in the pressure environment of a flow path and mass flow controller.

Abstract: The invention is a self-contained process shutdown device that detects abnormal pressures and initiates shutdown by removing the pneumatic or hydraulic pressure needed for a given process or flow to continue. The process' pressure is detected by means of a switch-gauge (a pressure gauge with high and low alarm electrical contacts) which has a pressure sensing port connected to the monitored pressure. The contacts from the switch-gauge are connected to an electronic logic circuit that sends one or more shutdown pulses to trip a pulse driven solenoid and initiate the shutdown. This device provides indicator lamps to show statuses and alarms as well as switch or pushbuttons to activate the “Reset” and “Test” functions. The electrical power is supplied by a power module that is constituted of battery cells connected in such way that it provides a dual voltage output to feed the electronic logic separate from the pulse driven solenoid driver circuit.

Abstract: A method is provided of obtaining a sample concentration of a solution in a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device includes a channel having a reservoir and a collection port. The channel is filled with a solution having particles therein. A reservoir drop is deposited over the reservoir of the channel such that the solution of the channel flows towards the collection port in response to evaporation of the solution at the collection port. The particles at the collection port are collected to obtain the sample concentration.

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

Abstract: A control system for a bypass duct includes a pneumatic damper control assembly, a sensor and a pneumatic switch. The damper control assembly includes a damper vane mountable in the bypass duct for movement between relative open and closed positions to regulate airflow through the bypass duct. The position of the damper vane is controllable via pressure applied through a damper control line. The sensor is mountable to the supply duct to transmit a pneumatic supply duct signal via a supply line based on at least one of air pressure or air velocity in the supply duct. Finally, the pneumatic switch opens or closes the connection between the damper control line and the supply line based on the difference between (1) the pneumatic supply duct signal via the supply line, and (2) the combination of the pneumatic pressure from the damper assembly and a switch biasing pressure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a rest room control system including one or more sensors configured to monitor or control a function associated with the rest room. The system also includes a controller operably coupled to the one or more sensors, and configured to receive data therefrom associated with the function, and communicate a status condition associated with the function in response thereto.

Abstract: A flow measuring valve device (1) for fluid, the flow measuring valve (1) comprising a first restriction (48) and a second restriction (76) connected in series with the first restriction (48), the flow rates of said restrictions (48, 76) being unequally dependent on the viscosity of the fluid, and a method for determining the viscosity of the fluid by means of the device.

Abstract: A device for metering and controlling fluid flow includes a variable orifice and is configured to use a pressure sensor. The device includes a fluid flow conduit having at least one planar inner wall that extends along a portion of the fluid flow conduit length, and an element having a linear edge configured to mate with the at least one planar inner wall of the fluid flow conduit. The element is movable in a direction transverse to an axis of the conduit between an open position wherein fluid flows through the conduit and a closed position wherein the element substantially shuts off fluid flow in the conduit.

Abstract: A valve assembly for an air pressure system includes an inlet valve, a first control valve, and a second control valve. The inlet valve includes an inlet port, an outlet port and a control port. The inlet valve inlet port communicates with the inlet valve outlet port when the inlet valve control port is above a threshold pressure. The first control valve includes an inlet port, an outlet port, an exhaust port, and a control member. The first control valve inlet port communicates with the inlet valve outlet port. The first control valve outlet port communicates with one of the first control valve inlet port and the first control valve exhaust port as a function of a position of the first control valve control member. The second control valve includes an inlet port, an outlet port, an exhaust port, and a control member. The second control valve inlet port communicates with the inlet valve outlet port.

Abstract: An air-driven microfluid control device and its method are disclosed. The control device contains an air source, a first inlet, a second inlet, a narrow sector, and an outlet. The air source is connected two the two inlets to produce an airflow. The first inlet connects to the narrow sector, which then connects to the outlet. The air flows through the first inlet and the narrow sector and exits via the outlet. A fluid tunnel connects to the narrows sideways. The second inlet connects to the fluid tunnel so that the air entering the second inlet flows into the fluid tunnel. Through the interaction between the two inlets, pushing and pulling forces can be produced to control the fluid inside the fluid tunnel.

Abstract: A manifold system is provided herein. The manifold is operative to automatically switch between an In-Use supply of compressed gas to a Reserve supply of compressed gas. The manifold system is constructed so that after it has been installed, it may be converted for use in other applications such as between compressed gas cylinders and portable bulk liquefied gas. The system may include low wattage electric heater which are mechanically held in direct contact with the valve seat body housing of the primary regulators. The direct contact of the heaters with the valve seat is operative to prevent the primary regulator valve seat from freezing up. The manifold system may include transducers at a plurality of points in the system. A processor is operative to control one or more solenoids to switch supplies of compressed gas and to trigger alarms responsive to the outputs of the transducers.

Abstract: A pump assembly includes a high-pressure pump that flows pressurized working fluid in a fuel injection system of a diesel engine. The assembly includes a pilot-operated inlet throttle valve that receives a flow of low-pressure fluid from a feed pump and controls the volume of fluid flowed to the high-pressure pump in response to an electronic control module for the diesel engine. The operation of the inlet throttle valve is independent of fluctuations in output pressure from the feed pump.

Abstract: The gas monitoring system may include a gas line, an oxygen sensor, a filter, a pump, a indicator, and a controller. The gas line is configured to convey gas from a space configured to receive inert gas to a location remote from the space. The oxygen sensor is fluidly coupled to the gas line at the location. The oxygen sensor is configured to determine a partial pressure of oxygen present in the gas. The filter is fluidly coupled to the gas line between the space and the location. The filter is configured to remove combustible contaminants from the gas before it reaches the oxygen sensor. The controller is electrically coupled to the oxygen sensor and to the indicator. The controller is configured to activate the indicator when the partial pressure of oxygen exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: An apparatus for containing and delivering hazardous gases at sub-atmospheric pressure from a pressurized container is provided which includes a valve body in sealed communication with an outlet orifice of the pressurized container. The outlet orifice of the pressurized container is open to an interior chamber of the pressurized container. A fluid discharge path is located in the valve body, between the outlet orifice of the pressurized container and an outlet orifice of the valve body. A pressure regulator having a pressure sensing means capable of responding to sub-atomospheric pressure, is integral to the valve body, in-line in the fluid discharge path with the pressure regulator pre-set to a pressure below atmospheric pressure to allow the gas to be delivered through the regulator from the interior chamber only when the pressure regulator senses a downstream pressure at or below the pre-set pressure.

Abstract: A valve mechanism to control fluid flow between a fluid pumping device and a system that includes an inlet from the fluid pumping device, a first valve, a second valve, a first outlet fluidly connected to the system, and a second outlet. The first valve prevents backflow of fluid when the fluid pumping device discontinues pumping fluid to the system. The second valve checks fluid flow through the valve to the first outlet when fluid pressure at the inlet is less than a first predetermined pressure. The second valve permits fluid flow from the pump through the valve to the system only when fluid pressure at the inlet is greater than the first predetermined pressure. The second valve prevents fluid pressure in the system from substantially exceeding a second predetermined pressure when the pumping device is not pumping fluid to the system.

Abstract: A valve apparatus that includes surge relief includes a valve housing having an inlet port, an outlet port, and a poppet seat between the inlet port and the outlet port. The valve also includes a first moveable poppet piece having a closed position against the poppet seat that closes the valve. At least one surge discharge port passes through the first moveable poppet piece. The valve also includes a second moveable poppet piece compressionally biased in a position to seal the fluid discharge port or ports in the first moveable poppet piece. The second moveable poppet piece is responsive to a surge pressure when the valve is closed to unseal the surge discharge port or ports temporarily to relieve the surge pressure.

Abstract: A manifold system is provided herein. The manifold is operative to automatically switch between an In-Use supply of compressed gas to a Reserve supply of compressed gas. The manifold system is constructed so that after it has been installed, it may be converted for use in other applications such as between compressed gas cylinders and portable bulk liquefied gas. The system may include low wattage electric heaters which are mechanically held in direct contact with the valve seat body housing of the primary regulators. The direct contact of the heaters with the valve seat is operative to prevent the primary regulator valve seat from freezing up. The manifold system may include transducers at a plurality of points in the system. A processor is operative to control one or more solenoids to switch supplies of compressed gas and to trigger alarms responsive to the outputs of the transducers.

Abstract: A gas supply system arranged for dispensing of gas at a predetermined flow rate. The system employs a gas dispensing flow circuitry arranged for dispensing gas at selectively variable gas flow conductance conditions, to maintain the flow rate of the dispensed gas at a predetermined, e.g., constant, value in the operation of the system. The gas dispensing flow circuitry may include an array of dispensed gas flow passages, each of a differing conductance, or alternatively a variable conductance gas flow passage equipped with a variable conductance assembly for modulating the gas flow conductance of the passage, in response to sensed pressure of the gas or other system parameter. The system permits the flow rate of a dispensed gas to be maintained at a consistent desired level, despite the progressive decline in source gas pressure as the gas source vessel is depleted in use.

Abstract: A vacuum drainage system operable to remove waste from a source. The system includes an accumulator in fluid communication with the source and a substantially vertical riser having a first portion in fluid communication with the accumulator and a second portion downstream of the first portion and in fluid communication with a vacuum source. A first valve is disposed between the first portion and the second portion. The first valve is selectively operable to provide fluid communication between the first portion and the vacuum source. An air inlet is disposed a distance downstream of the first valve and is selectively operable to provide fluid communication between the outside atmosphere and the second portion.

Abstract: A method of designing a fuel vapor pressure management apparatus that performs leak detection on a headspace of a fuel system. A pressure operable device separates the housing into first and second portions, and includes a seal and a poppet that cooperatively engages the seal with a contact force. The seal includes a first effective area that is equal to a difference between a first area defined by a major perimeter and a second area defined by a minor perimeter. The poppet moves along an axis and includes a second effective area that is defined by the minor perimeter of the seal. A first pressure level, at which excess negative pressure is relieved, is calculated by dividing the contact force by the first effective area. And a second pressure level, at which excess positive pressure is relieved, is calculated by dividing the activation force by the second effective area.

Abstract: A flow-through pressure regulator includes a retainer that secures a diaphragm relative to a seat, and includes an intermediate portion, an end portion and a base portion. The intermediate portion extends along a longitudinal axis and is fixed with respect to the seat. The end portion extends from the intermediate portion and includes a concave surface facing the seat. The regulator includes multiple flow diffusers such that the end portion includes at least one aperture having a flow axis that is oblique to the longitudinal axis so as to reduce noise due to fluid flow and/or the seat forms a passage having an increasing cross-sectional area from an inlet to an outlet.

Abstract: A fluid flow control system that includes a fluid inlet to receive a flow of process fluid and a plurality of fluid outlets. The plurality of fluid outlets include a first fluid outlet and at least one second fluid outlet. The first fluid outlet provides a first predetermined portion of the flow of process fluid, and the at least one second fluid outlet provides the remaining portion of the flow of process fluid. In one embodiment, the control system includes a pressure transducer, first and second multipliers, and first and second flow controllers. The first multiplier multiplies a pressure signal received from the pressure transducer by a first setpoint to control a first flow controller that provides the first predetermined portion of the flow of process fluid. The second multiplier multiplies the pressure signal by a second setpoint to control a second flow controller that provides the remaining portion.

Abstract: A gas-circulating processing apparatus which comprises a processing chamber, a gas feeding piping, a gas supply piping, a first exhaust mechanism discharging a gas from the processing chamber, a second exhaust mechanism discharging a portion of a gas discharged from the first exhaust mechanism, a back pressure adjusting mechanism interposed between the first exhaust mechanism and the second exhaust mechanism to adjust a back pressure of the first exhaust mechanism, and a gas circulating piping which is configured to combine another portion of the gas that has been discharged from the first exhaust mechanism with a processing gas supplied from the gas supply piping, wherein the gas feeding piping has a larger inner diameter than that of the gas supply, or the processing gas is introduced into the first exhaust mechanism, or a first heater is provided to heat at least part of the circulating route.

Abstract: A mass flow controller includes a thermal mass flow sensor in combination with a pressure sensor to provide a mass flow controller that is relatively insensitive to fluctuations in input pressure. The pressure sensor and thermal sensor respectively provide signals to an electronic controller indicating the measured inlet flow rate and the pressure within the dead volume. The electronic controller employs the measured pressure to compensate the measured inlet flow rate and to thereby produce a compensated measure of the outlet flow rate, which may be used to operate a mass flow controller control valve.

Abstract: A pressure regulating system having a tamper-proof safety feature. A pair of seats are mounted to an annular pipe. A first bleed pipe, with a fixed restriction, extends from an inlet conduit to a first chamber. The first chamber is separated from a second chamber by a second diaphragm. A second bleed pipe extends from the second chamber to an outlet pipe. A bleed off mechanism is sealed within the outlet conduit and includes a compressible bellows. When compressed, which occurs when a predetermined pressure level is attained in the outlet conduit, a third seat is moved out of sealing relation with the outlet conduit and the first chamber. This creates an imbalance of the pressures in the chambers that leads to the pair of seats being moved to seal off apertures in the inlet conduit, thereby inhibiting flow into the outlet conduit.

Abstract: A particle beam deposition apparatus includes a particle source for generating a plurality of particles in suspended form, an expansion chamber, and a deposition chamber connected to the expansion chamber by an aerodynamic focusing stage, and containing a substrate. The aerodynamic focusing stage may be comprised of a plurality of aerodynamic focusing elements, or lenses. Particles, including nanoparticles, may be deposited on the substrate by generating an aerosol cloud of particles, accelerating the particles into the expansion chamber, creating a collimated beam out of the particles by passing them through the aerodynamic focusing lenses and into a deposition chamber, and impacting the particles into the substrate.