Abstract: A device and method for varying the pressure in a fluid circuit through altering the geometry and volume of the fluid circuit to equalize the pressure differential across components in the circuit such as valves to facilitate the operation of the valve or other components within the fluid circuit. An expandable/retractable mechanism may be in communication with a pressure vessel in the fluid circuit, and may be operable to vary the interior geometry, and consequently the volume, of the vessel to cause a pressure increase or decrease in the vessel, thereby equalizing pressure across a valve on the vessel and facilitating operation of the valve.

Abstract: A pressure tank system for a motor vehicle has a fuel tank (4) operated in a differential pressure range between a low pressure and a high pressure. To ensure a simple construction and can be produced cost-effective construction, the low pressure is between ambient pressure minus 50 hectopascals ambient pressure and plus 50 hectopascals.

Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for forming emulsions. The system may include an instrument and a microfluidic chip received by the instrument. The instrument may apply pressure to prospective emulsion phases held by the chip, to drive formation and collection of emulsions in the chip. In some embodiments, the instrument may stop applying pressure to the chip when a change in pressure meeting a predefined condition is detected by the instrument. The change may indicate that an endpoint of droplet generation has been reached.

Abstract: A microvalve device is disclosed for controlling fluid flow in a fluid circuit. The microvalve device comprises a body having a bore formed therein. A pilot-operated main valve spool supported by the body is movably disposed in the bore for opening and closing ports formed in the body. A pilot microvalve is operable for controlling movement of the pilot-operated main valve. The pilot microvalve may include a movable valve element that controls the cross-sectional area of two variable orifices in series. When the pilot microvalve is at rest, one orifice is closed and the other is open. Upon actuating the pilot microvalve, the closed orifice may begin to open and the open orifice may begin to close. Pressure between the orifices is used as a command pressure, which is utilized to position the pressure control valve to control load pressure. A method of operating a microvalve device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a pumping system and a discharge vacuum relief valve for use in a hydraulic system including a safety vacuum release system pump to circulate water in a swimming pool and/or a spa. The hydraulic system includes one or more check valves located on a discharge side of the safety vacuum release system pump. The discharge vacuum relief valve is capable of venting a vacuum at the discharge side of the safety vacuum release system pump during a vacuum event at a suction side of the safety vacuum release system pump.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling fluid flow within a microchannel includes a fluid circuit comprising a fluid outlet well and one or more fluid inlet wells, all in communication with a microchannel. A negative pressure differential is applied to the outlet well and fluid flow from an inlet well into the microchannel is controlled by opening or closing the inlet well to atmospheric pressure. To stop fluid flow from the inlet well, a negative pressure differential may be applied to the inlet well to equalize pressure between the inlet and outlet wells. By sequentially opening and closing different inlet wells to atmosphere, controlled amounts of different reagents can be serially introduced into the microchannel.

Abstract: An apparatus to measure the transient response of a mass flow controller (MFC). The size of a variable orifice, upstream of the MFC, is controlled such that the pressure between the orifice and the MFC is held constant during the entire time that the MFC is going through its transient response. The known relationship between the size of the orifice and the flow through it allows a determination of the transient response of the MFC.

Abstract: A refrigerator comprises a vacuum source and a food storage compartment including a drawer unit having a storage space. The food storage compartment is operable between a substantially air-tight retracted position and an open extended position. A vacuum source is in communication with the storage space of the drawer unit and is operable to reduce air pressure inside the drawer unit during an evacuation event. A sealing unit includes a base connected to the drawer unit. A sealing bracket is hingedly-connected to the base and operable between a raised position and a lowered position, the sealing bracket adapted to abut the base when in the lowered position. A heat sealing bar is disposed on one of the base and the sealing bracket. A control system is operable to activate the vacuum source and initiate the evacuation event when the drawer unit is in the air-tight retracted position.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of making laminated devices (especially microchannel devices) in which plates are assembled and welded together. Unlike conventional microchannel devices, the inventive laminated devices can be made without brazing or diffusion bonding; thus providing significant advantages for manufacturing. Features such as expansion joints and external welded supports are also described. Laminated devices and methods of conducting unit operations in laminated devices are also described.

Abstract: Hydraulic pulses are produced each time that a pulse valve interrupts the flow of a pressurized fluid through a conduit. The pulse valve includes an elongate housing having an inlet configured to couple to the conduit to receive the pressurized fluid, and an outlet configured to couple to one or more tools. In the housing, a valve assembly includes a poppet reciprocating between open and closed positions, and a poppet seat, in which the poppet closes to at least partially block the flow of pressurized fluid through the valve. A pilot within the poppet moves between disparate positions to modify fluid paths within the valve. When the valve is open, a relatively lower pressure is produced by a Venturi effect as the fluid flows through a throat in the poppet seat, to provide a differential pressure used to move the pilot and poppet. An optional bypass reduces the pulse amplitude.

Abstract: An apparatus for analysis of a sample and in particular of a biological sample. The apparatus contains a microfluidic chip with dies, adapted to be selectively activated or deactivated by presence of target molecules in the biological sample. The apparatus further contains a light source to emit light for illumination of the microfluidic chip and an optical filter to allow passage of the light from the dies once activated or deactivated by the presence of the target molecules. A method for pressurizing a microfluidic chip is also disclosed, where a chamber is provided, the chamber is connected with the microfluidic chip and pressure is applied to the chamber.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is generally directed to a reclosable one-way valve. Particularly, the valve comprises two sheets of thermoplastic material sealed together in a face-to-face relationship to define a channel there between. At least one of the two sheets comprises a natural curl tendency such that the valve is movable between an open, uncoiled position and a closed, coiled position.

Abstract: Certain embodiments described herein are directed to chromatography systems that include a microfluidic device and that implement one or more methods to direct sample to a desired fluid flow path. The methods can be used to backflush a sample to a desired fluid flow path to select certain analytes within a sample.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for adjusting a pressure in a microreactor system. An example microreactor system may include a reaction chamber, wherein the reaction chamber is effective to receive at least one reactant, and carry out a reaction on the reactant to produce a product. An example method may comprise controlling a first electroosmotic pump to drive a first fluid toward the reaction chamber with a first force. In some examples. the method may further comprise controlling a second electroosmotic pump to drive a second fluid toward the reaction chamber with a second force. In some examples, the method may further comprise carrying out the reaction on the reactants in the reaction chamber to produce the product. The first and the second forces may be effective to generate a pressure inside the reaction chamber, where the pressure is greater than one atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for gassing, wherein a gas mixture of a gassing agent and of a cryogenic liquid is vaporized in that the mixture, which is pressurized in a storage container, is guided through a pressure reducing valve, so that the mixture is vaporized completely and the steam is supplied for gassing goods. According to a first aspect of the instant invention, the temperature of the mixture is maintained in the storage container such that it forms an overcritical fluid. Through this, a distillation of the gassing agent is avoided. According to a second aspect of the instant invention, the vaporized mixture is diffused by adding compressed air and the ratio between mixture and the compressed air is adjusted by means of replaceable screens and/or adjustable pressure reducing valves. Through this, the ratio between the mixture and the compressed air can be varied freely.

Abstract: A pipeline for conveyance of a multiphase fluid is provided. The pipeline comprises a containment element and a tubular element. The containment element defines a cavity and an inlet in fluid communication with the cavity. The tubular element passes through the containment element and with a portion thereof disposed within the cavity to be in fluid communication with the inlet of the containment element. A gasification system for gasification a solid powder and a method for conveyance of a multiphase fluid are also presented.

Abstract: A method for delivering a fluid using a centrifugal pump (11). Machines (1, 6) and/or apparatus (3, 8), which influence the pressure and/or the temperature of the fluid, are disposed upstream of the centrifugal pump (11). At the inlet to the centrifugal pump (11), the fluid is regulated to achieve a specific entry state. According to the invention, the entry state of the fluid is regulated by using the machines (1, 6) or apparatus (3, 8) such that, in the centrifugal pump (11), the fluid only takes on states in which the compressibility factor of the fluid has already reached or exceeded the minimum thereof.

Abstract: A fuel system for an aircraft includes a fuel collector downstream of a boost pump and upstream of an engine fuel pump.

Abstract: A method and system for boosting pipeline gas pressure in a low-pressure gas pipeline in which a supplemental gas supply pipe in fluid communication with a supplemental pipeline gas supply is provided to an interior of a gas pipeline containing a pressurized pipeline gas, where the pressure of the supplemental pipeline gas supply is greater than the pressure of the pressurized pipeline gas. The gas pressure differential between the pressurized pipeline gas and the supplemental pipeline gas supply pressure is measured. When the pressure differential reaches a certain predetermined set value, supplemental pipeline gas is provided from the supplemental pipeline gas supply through the supplemental gas supply pipe into a pipeline space between the gas pipeline and the supplemental gas supply pipe. The flow of supplemental pipeline gas is halted upon achievement of a second predetermined set differential pressure.

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a fluid circuit to operate at least one implement for performing work, the fluid circuit having at least a first operating mode and a second operating mode. The first operating mode is configured to operate within a first predetermined flow rate range within a first predetermined fluid pressure level range. The second operating mode is configured to operate within a second predetermined flow rate range and within a second predetermined fluid pressure level range. In response to the fluid circuit operating within the second operating mode, a maximum pressure value of the second predetermined fluid pressure level range is greater than a maximum pressure value of the first predetermined fluid pressure level range, and a maximum value of the second predetermined flow level range is less than a maximum value of the first predetermined flow level range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for switching a particulate material flow in the construction of models in layers, wherein particulate materials are fed to a subsequent method step from a container having an opening in the direction of a workpiece platform. The particles in the container are exposed to a vacuum and to overpressure.

Abstract: A substrate of a lab-on-a-chip system has two adjacent recesses, one serving as a flow channel and the other one being filled with an elastomer compound. In a first state, the elastomer compound and the substrate delimit the flow channel in a section. In a second state, the elastomer compound takes up the space in the recess in the substrate along a cross-section of the flow channel, thereby completely closing the flow channel. The substrate and the elastomer compound may be produced by injection molding techniques.

Abstract: A dialysis machine method includes in an embodiment applying a pneumatic closing pressure to a first valve chamber and arranging a compliance chamber to flex and absorb energy from the pneumatic closing pressure so as to tend to prevent the pneumatic closing pressure from opening an existing closure of a second valve chamber.

Abstract: A method and a fuel tank system for adjusting a pressure in a fuel tank are described. Evaporated fuel tank escapes from the fuel tank under overpressure with respect to the ambient and is transferred to a temporary storage for at least one substance of the evaporated fuel. A venting means, through which the evaporated fuel escapes, is controlled by at least one parameter different from a pressure or at least one information provided in form of data. The pressure in the fuel tank can thereby be more variably adjusted.

Abstract: A method for controlling flow and concentration of a liquid precursor includes: supplying a carrier gas to a first auto-pressure regulator and outputting therefrom the carrier gas at a first pressure to a precursor reservoir; outputting the mixture of the vaporized precursor and the carrier gas from the precursor reservoir; and supplying the mixture to a second auto-pressure regulator and outputting therefrom the mixture at a second pressure to a reactor via an orifice.

Abstract: A method for controlling a flow of air includes establishing a level of vacuum in a booster device by generating the flow of air from the booster device using a pump. The method also includes determining whether the level of vacuum in the booster device has reached a predetermined value. The method additionally includes terminating the flow of air from the booster device when the level of vacuum in the booster device has reached the predetermined value. A system for controlling a flow of air according to the method may be incorporated into a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine that is adapted to drive the pump.

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: There is provided by the present invention a novel micro passage chip having such a structure that a fluid can be transferred without using a physical or mechanical squeezing means that is applied from above the substrate of the micro passage chip.

Abstract: A system for and method of delivering pulses of a desired mass of gas to a tool is described.

Abstract: A solution sending system includes a flow path; a pump including a space that also serves as part of the flow path; a flow volume detection unit that detects a flow volume per unit time in the flow path; a control unit that controls the pump in accordance with a detected value of the flow volume detection unit and a set value; and a flow path resistance changing unit that changes a flow path resistance in the flow path. The flow path resistance changing unit changes the flow path resistance in the flow path in accordance with the detected value and the set value.

Abstract: The invention is a method of venting the degradation products of an ascorbic acid containing composition. This prevents a build-up of carbon dioxide and may prolong the life of the packaging. The packaging includes an impermeable container and a semi-permeable top, which allows carbon dioxide to vent over time. When the composition includes water, the surface area of semi-permeable material contacting the composition is reduced to lessen water vapor loss.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for a working machine includes at least one work function and a control valve unit for controlling hydraulic fluid to and from the work function, and a recovery unit connected to a return port of the control valve unit for recovering energy from the work function. The system further includes an arrangement for limiting the pressure of the hydraulic fluid at the return port, which pressure limiting arrangement has a pilot-operated valve adapted to set a maximum allowable pressure at the return port of the control valve unit. The pressure is variable by controlling the pilot-operated valve by a control unit.

Abstract: An array of valves are arranged in n columns and m lines and which are each designed to control a fluid flow in an associated flow channel in a lab-on-a-chip system. The array includes at least two valves, every column having not more than one valve and every line having from zero to n valves. A device is used for actuating the valves. The valves are pressure-actuated. To produce the device, the flow channels are arranged in accordance with the arrangement of the valves.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed wherein the flow resistance of a droplet disposed on a nanostructured or microstructured surface is controlled. A closed-cell feature is used in a way such that, when the pressure of at least a first fluid within one or more of the cells of said surface is decreased to or below a desired level, a droplet disposed on that surface is caused to at least partially penetrate the surface. In another illustrative embodiment, the pressure within one or more of the cells is increased to or above a desired level in a way such that the droplet of liquid is returned at least partially to its original, unpenetrated position. In yet another embodiment, a closed-cell structure feature pattern is used to prevent penetration of the nanostructured or microstructured surface, even when the pressure of the fluid disposed on the surface is relatively high.

Abstract: A method and system for preventing gas pressure in a pressure vessel from dropping below a minimum allowable pressure. Pressure readings from a pressure sensor downstream of a pressure regulator are monitored by a processor as they vary within a steady fluctuation band under normal regulated pressure conditions. When the pressure regulator reaches a fully open position in low vessel pressure conditions, the processor detects a drop in the pressure reading to a value below the recent fluctuation band, and recognizes that the pressure is dropping below the regulation pressure value. The processor can use this information to shut off flow of gas from the vessel, thus preventing the vessel from dropping below its minimum allowable pressure, regardless of the actual magnitude of the pressure reading from the sensor—which can vary through a wide range due to tolerances.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing temperature and pressure of fuel in a fuel tank stored at or near its vapor pressure. In response to fuel feed pressure, a variable ratio of liquid fuel to fuel vapor is extracted from the fuel tank in order to regulate temperature and pressure of the fuel for the purpose of keeping the pressure lower in anticipation of refilling or to assist a vaporizer of the fuel system which is incompletely vaporizing the fuel.

Abstract: Apparatus for introducing air (3) into a hydropneumatic reservoir (1) connected to pipework (2) comprising a sensor (6) of the pressure in the reservoir, a valve (9) controlled by a signal from the sensor and opening into the open air on one side, a tube (8) connected at one end to the valve and at the opposite end to the pipework (2), a first check valve (11) arranged in the tube to prevent liquid from travelling towards the open air, and a second check valve (5) arranged in the pipework between the reservoir (1) and the tube (8), the second check valve (5) being in the closed state when the pressure in the pipework (2) on the side nearest the tube (8) is less than the pressure in the reservoir (1).

Abstract: The present Invention relates to a method of controlling pressures in vertical escape routes for the purpose of securing vertical escape routes, characterised in that the amounts of supplied and discharged air depend on the temperature value in the vertical escape route 1 and the external temperature, which are transmitted from the temperature sensor 4 located in the vertical escape route 1 and from external temperature sensor 5 into the central control unit 6, which activates, based on the computed difference of temperatures, the reversible upper fan 7 and the reversible lower fan 8, as well as the upper pressure-regulating governor 9 and the pressure-regulating governor 10.

Abstract: A fluidic device which produces fluid pulses having a selected pulse repetition frequency, pulse duration, pulse peak pressure and pulse peak flow rate includes first, second and third fluid flow controlling channels or lumens which converge in a junction, defining a “Y” configuration having a base leg and right and left diverging arms. The first leg portion has a fluid input and terminates downstream at the Y junction of the base and the two diverging arms. The first leg has converging walls which reduce the cross sectional area of the flow to thereby increase the fluid velocity to make a fluid jet. The second or right leg, begins at the Y junction and terminates distally in an enclosed, fluid-tight container having a selected blind volume. The third, or left leg, begins at the Y junction and terminates distally in a fluid outlet passage having a selected cross-sectional area.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a fluid process control system having a control loop for controlling the flow of a material through a path in the fluid process control system. The control loop a control valve, a valve controller, and a fluid control line. The control valve is disposed in the path and is movable between an open position and a closed position. The valve controller is for controlling movement of the control valve. And, the fluid control line couples the valve controller to the control valve. The method detects a first pressure in the control loop with a first pressure sensor. Then, a second pressure can be detected at a location that is external to the control loop with a second pressure sensor. Finally, the method can include determining a characteristic of the control loop based on the first pressure.

Abstract: Methods, systems and controllers for detecting a surge event based on pattern of evolution of a discharge pressure of a compressor, and for relocating a surge margin relative to a surge parameter value recorded at the beginning of the surge event are provided. A controller has an interface configured to receive values of the discharge pressure from a compressor, and to output signals and alarms, a surge event detection unit connected to the interface and configured to detect a surge event in the compressor based on evolutions of the discharge pressure, a rate of the discharge pressure and a rate change of the rate, and a surge margin relocation unit connected to the surge event detection unit and the interface, and configured to relocate a surge margin relative to a surge parameter value recorded at a beginning of the surge event.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling fluid flow within a microchannel includes a fluid circuit comprising a fluid outlet well and one or more fluid inlet wells, all in communication with a microchannel. A negative pressure differential is applied to the outlet well and fluid flow from an inlet well into the microchannel is controlled by opening or closing the inlet well to atmospheric pressure. To stop fluid flow from the inlet well, a negative pressure differential may be applied to the inlet well to equalize pressure between the inlet and outlet wells. By sequentially opening and closing different inlet wells to atmosphere, controlled amounts of different reagents can be serially introduced into the microchannel.

Abstract: A second valve is opened to combine an injection-pressure generating pressure with a maintaining pressure into an injection pressure. After the injection pressure is applied to a capillary to cause discharge of an object therefrom, an output pressure of a regulator is set to the injection pressure. Then, a first valve is opened to reapply the injection pressure to the capillary. The second valve is opened to combine a maintaining-pressure generating pressure with the injection pressure into the maintaining pressure. After the maintaining pressure is applied to the capillary to terminate the discharge of the object, the output pressure of the regulator is set to the maintaining pressure. Then, the first valve is opened to reapply the maintaining pressure to the capillary.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for physical vapor deposition of films on a substrate is provided. The apparatus comprises a series of connected sputtering chambers through which a substrate passes to undergo sequential deposition processes. The chambers have passages through which the substrates move, and through which process gases may leak. Target gas flows to each chamber are established by operating each chamber while adjacent chambers are idle, measuring the extent of gas communication between the chambers, and reducing the flows by an amount based on the extent of gas leakage.

Abstract: Water distribution systems and methods for continuously supplying drinking water to one or more shipping containers holding livestock throughout the duration of a shipment.

Abstract: A venting assembly for a closed container having a lid and a container portion with a neck and a rim. The assembly comprises a venting unit having a substantially rigid ring having a lid-interfacing surface; and a resilient annular valve member having a one-way valve disposed at the inner wall of the neck. The assembly further comprises at least one air passageway leading from the ambient atmosphere to the one-way valve member; and a fixing mechanism adapted to prevent planar movement between the venting unit and the container.

Abstract: A fluid operated actuator (100) is provided. The fluid operated actuator (100) includes a cylinder body (101) and a piston (102) movable within the cylinder body (101). The piston (102) defines a first chamber (105) and a second chamber (106). The fluid operated actuator (100) can include a fluid inlet (107) formed in the first chamber (105). A bleed port (110) can be formed to provide fluid communication between the first chamber (105) and the second chamber (106).

Abstract: To provide a fluid control apparatus capable of reducing the space, while reducing the cost. A fluid control apparatus 1 has a fluid controlling unit 2 and a fluid introducing unit 3. The fluid introducing unit 3 is divided into three parts: a first and a second inlet-side shutoff/open parts 5, 6 disposed on the inlet side, each made up of 2×N/2 on-off valves 23, and a fluid controlling unit-side shutoff/open part 7 made up of 4×M on-off valves 23, disposed between the first and second inlet-side shutoff/open parts 5, 6 and the fluid controlling unit 2.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for controlling gas flow via a gas shut-off valve assembly. In at least one embodiment, the assembly is configured to drive its shut-off valve from an open position to a closed position, in response to detecting a valve closure condition. The assembly in one or more embodiments operates as an intelligent node in an AMR network, and it interprets a received closure command as a closure condition. Additionally, or alternatively, the assembly detects abnormal operating conditions as the closure condition. Advantageously, the assembly performs initial closure verification, based on detecting movement of the valve into the closed position, and performs subsequent closure verification, based on monitoring downstream gas pressure. In the same or other embodiments, the assembly provides enhanced stand-alone reliability and safety by incorporating one or more valve clearing/cleaning routines into its operations.

Abstract: A liquid supplying apparatus includes: a first flow channel configured to be switchable between a state of communication with a liquid supply object and a state of noncommunication with the liquid supply object; a first pressure applying device which applies pressure to liquid in the first flow channel; a first pressure absorbing device which absorbs a pressure fluctuation of the liquid in the first flow channel; a first measuring device which measures a pressure increase value in the first flow channel when the first pressure applying device is operated under a standard operating condition in which pressure in the first flow channel varies relatively moderately in proportion to a liquid feed amount to the first flow channel in the state of noncommunication where the liquid supply object and the first flow channel are not communicated with each other; a comparing device which compares the pressure increase value measured by the first measuring device with a predetermined pressure increase target value; and a