Abstract: In a method for operating a tank device of a motor vehicle, with the tank device having a tank and a tank ventilation device with at least one switching valve, an excitation current can be applied to the switching valve, and the switching valve opens only when the excitation current exceeds an excitation current threshold over a certain period of time. Provision is hereby made to apply an excitation current which is greater than the excitation current threshold, at least temporarily, in a first mode of operation to the switching valve for heating purposes, also when ventilation of the tank is not governed by a control unit of the tank device.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a fan field replaceable unit (FRU). The fan FRU includes a fan FRU chassis defining an airflow pathway through the fan FRU. A fan within the fan FRU chassis causes air to flow along the airflow pathway. The fan FRU further includes an edge connector located at a front face of the fan FRU out of the way of the airflow pathway. Accordingly, the edge connector does not block airflow through the fan FRU thus maximizing the efficiency of the fan FRU and the cooling of the electronic device.

Abstract: A method of using a kit to clean an injection combustion engine while the engine is running comprising removing a vacuum hose attached to the engine, inserting a tube attached to a compartment containing a liquid cleaning chemical inside the hose, introducing the chemical into the engine's fuel system in a controlled fashion, removing the tube from the hose after the recommended amount of chemical is in the engine's fuel system and reattaching the hose.

Abstract: A valve for an inflatable device includes a first region configured to seal to a fluid impermeable wall of a bladder of the inflatable device, a cap including a rim, and a seal. The base includes a second region that defines an orifice for exhausting fluid from an interior of the inflatable device, the second region configured to provide a sealing surface. Further, the rim can include a generally circular peripheral region including at least one rib located about an underside of the peripheral region and a cavity defined in part by at least one wall located radially inward of the rib. The seal can include a first end region secured to the cap within the cavity between the at least one wall and the at least one rib and a second end region configured to freely move with the at least one first end region secured to the cap.

Abstract: A system and method for safely enabling the delivery of at least one gas line to at least one point of use in a facility by using a vacuum system and a gas delivery system wherein the gas delivery system is housed within the vacuum system is disclosed herein. An interior volume of a conduit containing therein at least one gas line is maintained at reduced pressure as one end of the gas line connects to a gas source and another end of the gas line connects to a point of use. By using a conduit to enclose the individual gas lines and using a single feed line for each gas, the embodiments disclosed herein reduce the number of individual gas lines that need to be run through a facility.

Abstract: A reductant storage and dosing system which uses at least one canister containing a supply of reductant to supply, via a delivery line, an exhaust gas after-treatment system having an injector is disclosed. A controller may be used to meter the flow of the reductant through the delivery line to the injector, while a status indicator indicates a status of the connection—i.e., connected or disconnected. In an embodiment, the status indicator provides a visual signal or indication, such as an LED or series of LEDs, an audible signal, such as a beep, click or buzz, or both. Iternatively, the status indicator may be an analog or digital gauge.

Abstract: Disclosed in certain embodiments are pressure release devices or filtering devices for adsorbed gas containers in order to increase the safety and efficiencies of adsorbed gas systems. In certain embodiments, the systems contain metal organic framework.

Abstract: The present document describes filler apparatus, washing and maintenance support station and methods of using the same. The support station is for supporting a filler container, a volumetric container and/or a sliding plate of the filler apparatus. The washing and maintenance support station comprises a support main frame; a filler container corresponding mating connector on the support main frame for releasably connecting with a filler container mating connector; a volumetric container mount receiving section on the main frame below the filler container corresponding mating connector for releasably mounting a volumetric container mount; and a sliding plate receiving support on the main frame below the volumetric container mount receiving section for releasably supporting a sliding plate substantially flat section.

Abstract: A vertical clamping device is provided that supports a flow cell component in a vertical configuration in which the flow cell is on an opposite side of the vertical support from the electronic interface. The clamp includes a vertical setting to receive the flow cell component and provides an electronic interface on a vertical surface of the vertical setting. A block supports the fluidics interface and can move in a horizontal direction bringing the fluidics interface into contact with the flow cell component.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage tank by absorption into a hydrogen storage material, the tank having a longitudinal axis and including an enclosure and an inner structure provided within the enclosure. The inner structure includes a plurality of stages and a heat exchange system within the inner structure, each stage including a plurality of compartments distributed into a plurality of rows directed along the longitudinal direction, each compartment having a semi-cylindrical shape, and each compartment containing a hydrogen storage material, wherein the material has been introduced through the opening.

Abstract: Provided are a supply apparatus and a supply method for supplying fluid carbon dioxide that are energy-saving and efficient. The supply apparatus for supplying fluid carbon dioxide includes: a circulation system including a purifying unit that removes impurities and contaminants from the carbon dioxide, a storage unit that includes a condenser for changing gaseous carbon dioxide passed through the purifying unit into liquid carbon dioxide, a supply unit that includes a first pump for supplying the liquid carbon dioxide in the storage unit to a use point, and a return line through which excess carbon dioxide supplied from the supply unit but not used at the use point is returned to the storage unit; and a carbon dioxide introduction unit that introduces carbon dioxide, as a starting material or recovered gas, to the circulation system.

Abstract: A digitally controlled current to pressure converter (CPC) and method of controlling same is provided. The method of controlling includes the step of periodically imparting symmetrically-opposed movement of a control valve of the CPC to loosen and flush accumulated silt therefrom. More particularly, the method may include the step of periodically introducing a small-amplitude symmetrically-opposed impulse to a controller that actuates a hydraulic control shaft of a three-way rotary valve. Also provided is a method of preventing malfunction due to faulty input or feedback signals received by the CPC, and a method of detecting the health status of multiple CPCs when used in a redundant configuration.

Abstract: A new and useful in-line internal plumbing line sanitizers for appliances apparatus that sanitizes the internal plumbing lines of appliances such as refrigerators with integrated ice makers and drinking water dispensers, is easily adaptable, can be made in different sizes for use with various appliances, and can house a variety of sanitizing agents. The apparatus can also be used by an ordinary consumer, increases the safety and efficiency of internal plumbing line sanitation procedures, and eliminates the need for expensive replacement of internal appliance plumbing lines. This device is believed to be useful in the domestic and commercial settings. A device according to the invention is also believed to be favorable for use by appliance service technicians, as well as lay people who want to sanitize an appliance periodically.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting drips from a spout on a beverage dispenser has a table top base that is held in place by the weight of a beverage dispenser. The table top base supports a drip catch reservoir, and drips hit a back plate with guides before washing into the drip catch reservoir. The drip catch reservoir has an outlet allowing drainage into a disposal tank without moving the apparatus.

Abstract: A flow distribution system for a multi-phase fluid stream includes an inlet for receiving a multi-phase fluid stream from an inlet pipe, a plurality of outlets each for delivering a portion of the multi-phase fluid stream to a respective outlet pipe, and a hollow housing forming an inner chamber in fluid communication with the inlet and the plurality of outlets, where the housing has a central longitudinal axis. The inner chamber includes a first chamber portion adjacent to the inlet and a second chamber portion adjacent to the plurality of outlets, and the first chamber portion has a cross-sectional area that is less than the cross-sectional area of the second chamber portion. A non-planar flow diverter is positioned within the chamber.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for removing water that has accumulated on a swimming pool cover in the form of a directed stream or spray from a typical pool cover pump through a water ejection spout. The water ejection spout has a connector adapted to couple to an outflow connector of the pool cover pump, tubing extending from the connector, and a nozzle coupled to the tubing for expelling the pumped water. The water ejection spout is configured to discharge the pumped water in a directed stream or spray upwardly and outwardly from the pool cover pump. The tubing and nozzle may be configured to additionally discharge the pumped water in a directed stream or spray away from the pool pump, or another in a directed stream or spray over the pool pump. One form is configured to inhibit rotation and/or tipping of the pump/spout assembly.

Abstract: A mass flow controller includes at least one conduit having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the conduit defining a flow path along which the fluid flows. The mass flow controller also includes a modified inlet block having an inlet aperture, an inlet channel, and a reservoir fluidly coupled to the inlet channel and the conduit that enhances flow through the controller and improves rate-of-decay measurements. The mass flow controller includes at least one flow sensor that generates a flow sensor signal that is proportional to the mass flow rate of the fluid through the conduit. The mass flow controller includes a control sub-system coupled to a flow sensor and a valve assembly to control flow through the conduit.

Abstract: A manifold is provided. The manifold includes a first body having an outer curved surface; a second body having an inner curved surface corresponding to the outer curved surface of the first body; and a groove formed in one or both of the outer and inner curved surfaces, wherein the first body is dimensioned to fit within the second body so that the outer curved surface contacts the inner curved surface and the groove forms a fluid passage located in between the first and second bodies, the fluid passage having an inlet and an outlet. A method for assembling a manifold may also be provided.

Abstract: A dialysis service box for centralized control and plumbing arrangement of a dialysis machine is disclosed. The dialysis service box includes a plumbing arrangement with a warm water inlet and a cold water inlet in fluid flow communication with a temperature mixing component. The thermostatic mixing component mixes the cold water and the warm water to produce mixed water maintained at a predetermined temperature between the temperature of the cold water and the temperature of the warm water. The dialysis service box can be universally installed to operate, control and adjust any dialysis machine that requires supply connection, waste connection, backflow preventer, thermostatic mixing component, a trap primer, or any combination of the foregoing.

Abstract: A hydraulic device includes a hydraulic pump, valve stack, interface tube, and upper and lower seals. The valve stack has a pressure balanced connecting with an interface tube receiving bore. The interface tube conveys a hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic pump to the valve stack and has an axial bore open at a first end and closed at a second end with an outlet proximal to the second end. The upper seal seals the interface tube in the interface tube receiving bore and is disposed annularly about the interface tube between the outlet and the second end. The lower seal seals the interface tube in the interface tube receiving bore and is disposed annularly about the interface tube proximal to the outlet and between the outlet and the first end. The upper seal and the lower seal balance a pressure of the hydraulic fluid from the outlet.

Abstract: An articulating conduit linkage system for maintaining a fluid connection between a fluid source and displaceable conduit that has been buried in a subsiding permeable body. A fluid source can supply a working fluid through a source outlet. A displaceable conduit can receive the working fluid through a conduit inlet, and be buried at a depth within a subsiding permeable body that is contained within a permeability control infrastructure. A plurality of articulating conduit segments can include, an outer conduit segment coupled to the source outlet, an inner conduit segment coupled to the conduit inlet, and at least one middle conduit segment coupled to the outer and inner segments. In the event of a subsidence, the plurality of articulating conduit segments are configured so the outer and inner conduit segments extend the conduit linkage system while maintaining a working fluid connection between the source outlet and the conduit inlet.

Abstract: A manifold system for routing pressurized fluid from a fluid source is disclosed. The manifold system includes a manifold assembly. The manifold assembly includes a frame, an intake section coupled to the frame, and an articulating arm coupled to the intake section. The intake section is configured to route pressurized fluid to the articulating arm. The articulating arm is configured to route pressurized fluid away from the intake section.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a locking mechanism on a fuel cap for refueling a vehicle are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises venting a fuel tank into a vapor absorbent canister in response to a request to refuel and unlocking the fuel cap in response to a predetermined temperature change in said canister.

Abstract: A filter base cap for sealing and protecting a filter base once a filter has been removed for storage, shipping and transporting of a mechanical system is provided. The filter base cap attaches to the filter base of the system to prevent leakage of residual fluid within the system, such as an engine or other device, after the system has been tested. The filter base cap will provide fluid circulation in the event the mechanical system is started prior to replacing filter base cap with a filter that would otherwise provide fluid flow to the mechanical system.

Abstract: An air purging method includes: (a) detecting a low fluid level in a blood circuit indicating a high amount of air in the blood circuit; (b) stopping a blood pump; (c) closing a venous patient line; (d) opening a blood circuit air vent valve and a drain valve; and (e) running the blood pump to meter air through the air vent valve and the drain valve to a drain.

Abstract: Please replace the Abstract of the present application with the following: A selectably engaged rotary union includes a stator body, and a rotor configured to rotate relative to the stator body, the stator body surrounding a portion of the rotor and configured to transfer a fluidic medium between the stator body and the rotor. The selectably engaged rotary union further includes a plurality of sealing elements affixed to the stator body and disposed between the stator body and the rotor, a gap being present between the plurality of sealing elements and the rotor, where the plurality of sealing elements are configured to selectably close the gap so as to produce a temporary seal between the stator body and the rotor enabling a transfer of the fluidic medium.

Abstract: To provide a method for producing a catalyst flow element (100) by means of which robustly constructed catalyst flow elements (100) usable in a broad field of operation are producible, it is proposed that the following method steps be performed in the method: providing a main body (102) including a plurality of flow channels (104); introducing slots (116) into partition walls (110) of the main body (102), which separate the flow channels (104) from one another such that at least two adjacent flow channels (104) are connected together fluidically within the main body (102) in a common end region (130) of the at least two adjacent flow channels (104); and arranging channel closures (118) in the common end region (130) for fluid-tight closure of the common end region (130) while maintaining the fluidic connection between the at least two adjacent flow channels (104) in the common end region (130).

Abstract: A method for producing a throttle point, particularly in a channel of a valve piece of a fuel injector is disclosed. The following are performed: first, the outlet channel is created by machining. Then, the throttle point is stamped by a stamping die inserted into a guide hole. The pre-stamped throttle point is electrical-discharge machined in such a way that said throttle point has an electrical-discharge machined inlet area and comprises a stamped outlet area, which lies before a continuous cross-section expansion of the outlet channel as viewed in the flow direction.

Abstract: A system includes a high-pressure liquid supply system including a valve to relieve pressure upon a state change, at least one nozzle in fluid connection with the valve, and at least one filter element, the nozzle at least one being adapted to spray the filter element with high-pressure liquid upon actuation of the valve upon a state change. The high-pressure liquid supply system may, for example, be a high-pressure coolant system for use with a machine tool, and the at least one nozzle may, for example, be adapted to spray the at least one filter element to remove metal particles therefrom.

Abstract: A riser system for transporting slurry from the seabed to the sea surface. The riser system comprises a first and second riser, a slurry pump system (17) to transport slurry up one of the risers, and a waste water pump system (107) to return waste water down one of the risers. The slurry pump system and the waste water pump system are selectively connectable to each of the risers to allow each riser to be either a slurry riser (1) or a waste water riser (2). With this arrangement, if a slurry riser develops a leak partway along its length the waste water riser can be converted into a slurry riser such that operation can continue.

Abstract: A fluid transport system and related methods is disclosed. The fluid transport system includes an elongated conduit having at least one fluid-transporting pathway. At least one heat tracing structure is bonded to a surface of the elongated conduit. A thermal conductor is removably positioned within the at least one heat tracing structure, wherein a quantity of thermal energy is transferred from the thermal conductor to the at least one fluid-transporting pathway. A bundle jacket is positioned about the exterior of the elongated conduit and the at least one heat tracing structure.

Abstract: A universal faucet extender having an attachment member and a trough member to detachably attach to faucet spigots or aerators of various designs. The universal faucet extender extends the flow of water within arms' reach to allow children and other individuals who would have difficulty to reach and access the flowing water. The attachment member comprises at least two receiving openings, a first receiving opening on a rear end of the attachment member and a second receiving opening on a top surface of the attachment member, both of which are adapted to interchangeably receive a circumference of a faucet spigot.

Abstract: A multi-end connector adaptor comprising a main pipe run having a main pipe run connector flange located at the inlet end of the main pipe run; and outlet ends of first and second transverse auxiliary pipe runs having a ball valve type end connector flange comprising a flow bore through the respective flange and an annular landing recessed in the respective flange around the flow bore to receive a seat ring for sealing against a flow control element of a ball valve. Multiport severe service ball valve assemblies, systems comprising the multi-end connector adaptors and methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: Water-based fire protection systems are provided that enable water conservation during testing and maintenance and manage water use by the system. Water reclamation aspects allow for cost savings in operation, testing, and maintenance of the system and reduce environmental impact. For example, the present systems and operating methods afford water collection aspects, water conservation through reuse, sustainability, and a reduction in energy necessary for testing. The water collection and reuse features can be part of a water conservation system that is integrated with a fire protection system during installation or can be coupled to a preexisting fire protection system.

Abstract: Jetting devices and methods for dispensing a fluid material from a fluid supply. A jetting device includes a fluid module configured to be coupled with the fluid supply and to dispense the fluid material. The fluid module includes a valve seat and a valve element configured to move relative to the valve seat over a stroke length, and a valve stop configured to position the valve element relative to the valve seat for determining the stroke length. The jetting device further includes a drive module configured to actuate the fluid module and includes a drive pin configured to move the valve element toward the valve seat. The drive pin is configured to be rotated to cause rotation of the valve stop for adjustment of the stroke length. The drive pin may be rotated by a rotation device comprising a motor.

Abstract: A device for emitting bubbles in a vehicle wash facility includes a plenum supported with respect to ground. The plenum includes an air inlet with a first area and an air outlet with a second area. The plenum air outlet is in communication with at least one foaming chamber. The foaming chamber includes a generally planar media element disposed therein. The foaming chamber includes a spray jet located therein, which is in communication with a source of chemical. The spray jet configured to emit a chemical onto the generally planar media element. The device also includes a plurality of nozzle portions in communication with the foaming chamber for emitting bubbles therefrom.

Abstract: An airbag assembly may include an airbag and an inflator in fluid communication with the airbag. The inflator may have a first chamber containing a first gas source and a second chamber containing a second gas source. A filter module may be positioned to filter and redirect gas flows from the first and second gas sources. The filter module may be constructed by securing a baffle within an interior cavity of a filter medium having a generally tubular shape, prior to installation of the filter module the inflator. The baffle may be supported directly by the material of the filter module, by a bracket, or by a support structure formed of wire thicker than that of the filter medium. The baffle may maintain isolation between the first and second chambers, or may help gas from the first gas source initiate gas provision from the second gas source.

Abstract: A fluid regulating device includes a regulator valve having an inlet, an outlet, and a valve port disposed between the inlet and the outlet. An actuator is coupled to the regulator valve and includes a valve disc that displaces along a longitudinal axis to open and close the fluid regulating device. The valve disc includes a sealing surface disposed adjacent to an outer radial end of the valve disc, and the sealing surface is adapted to sealingly engage the valve port in the closed position. The valve disc also includes an intermediate surface disposed inward of the sealing surface, and a groove is formed in the intermediate surface. The groove extends along a groove axis extending along the intermediate surface normal to the longitudinal axis, and the groove axis is at least partially curved when viewed along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for exercising an emergency shutoff valve of a steam turbine and methods for operating the same are disclosed herein. A cover of the valve exerciser mounts on top of an emergency shutoff valve body and through a stroker bolt threadingly engaged with the shutoff valve lever arm, the valve stem is moved within a passageway of the cover a small amount so that the aperture between the steam inlet and outlet is not blocked, thereby permitting normal operation of the steam valve while the valve stem is exercised.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for visually indicating the presence of a fire hydrant and the range of gallons per minute water flow associated with the hydrant by using a single-piece fire hydrant cover.

Abstract: A drip chamber for an infusion tube, including: a first end arranged to receive a drip tube; a second end including an exit port; at least one wall connecting the first and second ends; a space enclosed by the first and second ends and the at least one wall; and at least one lens integral to the at least one wall or directly fixed to the at least one wall.

Abstract: Fluid flow control devices comprise a cylindrical body extending along a longitudinal axis and having a sidewall. The cylindrical body has a first channel extending longitudinally along the sidewall and a second channel extending longitudinally along the sidewall. At least a portion of one of the at least one first channel and the at least one second channel extends longitudinally at an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal axis to form a pattern of channels for improving the flow characteristics of a fluid through the channels.

Abstract: A valve system is provided that includes an electromechanical solenoid, a gas valve including a magnetic flapper, a power source in electrical communication with the electromechanical solenoid, and a controller. The controller is configured to control the power source to supply an intermediate voltage that causes the electromechanical solenoid to move to a neutral position between a default position and a fully-actuated position. In so doing, the magnetic flapper is maintained in a neutral position between two gas ports and a flow of gas between the ports can be used to clean foreign particles from the magnetic flapper. The controller can also provide a varying voltage to the electromechanical solenoid while in the neutral position to cause vibration of the magnetic flapper and further assist in removing foreign particles. A closed loop system including a feedback circuit can be used for adjusting the voltage applied to the solenoid based on pressure sensed.

Abstract: A protective bracket for a compressed natural gas pressure regulator mounted in an engine compartment of a motor vehicle is disclosed. The compressed natural gas pressure regulator is disposed between a natural gas pressurized tank and an intake system for an internal combustion engine within the engine compartment, and the protective bracket comprises a main body disposed essentially about the entire external volume of the compressed natural gas pressure regulator.

Abstract: Embodiments of a piping stick and methods of manufacturing and using a piping stick are disclosed herein. The piping stick can define a scalable volume including a plurality of piping sections and a plurality of control sections. The non-connected in his of the piping sections of the piping stick can be capped. The piping stick can be assembled by assembling the plurality of control sections and the plurality of piping sections, pressurizing, the piping stick at a first time, and determining the integrity of the piping stick by evaluating the pressure in the piping stick at a second time.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a canister connection apparatus designed to efficiently and easily connect a pressurized canister to an external system.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for visually indicating the presence of a fire hydrant and the range of gallons per minute water flow associated with the hydrant.

Abstract: A vial adapter for side engagement of a vial cap includes a needleless connector having a housing and defining one or more fluid pathways therein; an elongated piercing spike operatively coupled to the needleless connector, the elongated piercing spike having a longitudinal axis and one or more channels for fluid connectivity with the one or more fluid pathways; at least one housing arm coupled to the housing and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis; and a coupling member configured to orthogonally receive a vial cap with respect to the longitudinal axis, the coupling member having a planar surface, an aperture of the planar surface longitudinally aligned with the elongated piercing spike, and at least one support arm extending from the planar surface operatively coupled with the at least one housing arm to allow relative longitudinal movement between the coupling member and the elongated piercing spike.

Abstract: A retractable sample scoop is shown that is mountable to a pipeline for taking samples from the pipeline. A retractable mounting mechanism mounts to the pipeline wall. A tubular is extendable into the opening of pipeline and retractable from the pipeline. A first seal creates sealing around the tubular portion with respect to said pipeline while permitting insertion, retraction and rotation of said first tubular portion with respect to said pipeline. A second seal comprises a tubular without threads to pipe connector with threads.

Abstract: An assembly for aseptic connecting of a beverage ingredient container to a beverage dispensing apparatus, having a collapsible sheath of pliable material connecting the container to the dispenser at a distance away from the container. The sheath passes through a conduit of the apparatus to provide an aseptic passageway for fluid from the container to the beverage apparatus. A protective cover houses the collapsible sheath when in a collapsed configuration, and the sheath is brought to a second configuration of an extended length to provide an inner passageway of the fluid to a distal end of the sheath positioned a distance away from the container.