Abstract: A Two-part, Syringe-based Electrochemical Dispenser. The dispenser consists of a disposable syringe-like fluid storage reservoir and a reusable fluid driver. The driver is located at the proximal end of a conventional syringe; the fluid exit port at the distal end. The driver generates a gas that inflates an elongated bladder situated within the filled syringe. Expansion of the bladder releases liquid at a rate nearly identical to the gas generation rate. The dispenser is held in a vertical position with the distal end pointed downward. Liquid is released drop-wise onto a porous material from which it can evaporate. A battery-driven electrochemical oxygen generator is the gas source. Means to attach the dispenser in its vertical position are provided. Such dispensing devices can be used to release pheromones, repellants, insecticides, fragrances, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid composite, a device for producing the fluid composite, and a system for producing an aerated fluid composite therewith, and more specifically a fluid composite made of a fuel and its oxidant for burning as part of different systems such as fuel burners or combustion chambers and the like. The invention also relates to an emulsion, an apparatus for producing an emulsion, a system for producing an emulsion with the apparatus for producing the emulsion, a method for producing a dynamic preparation with the emulsion, and more specifically to a new type of a stable liquid/liquid emulsion in the field of colloidal chemistry, such as a water/fuel or fuel/fuel emulsion for all spheres of industry.

Abstract: A cutting liquid supply device in a machine tool is configured to remove gas mixed in a cutting liquid supply line to improve the response of discharging a mist of cutting liquid. Cutting liquid is supplied from a pump (42) through a rotary joint (28) to a mist generation device (24) within a rotating spindle (29). The pressure of the cutting liquid is measured by a pressure sensor (47). An air vent device (30) for opening and closing, with respect to atmospheric pressure, piping (3) that supplies the cutting liquid is provided above the rotary joint (28). A detection signal is inputted in the control board (70) from the pressure sensor (47), and when the control board (70) detects, after the pump (42) stops the supply of the cutting liquid to the piping (3), that the pressure of the cutting liquid does not decrease to a level lower than a predetermined threshold value, the control board (70) instructs the air vent device (30) to open the piping (4) to the atmosphere.

Abstract: An air intake module of a water feeding apparatus is provided, which includes a body and a valve, and the body includes a water inlet channel and a water outlet channel. An air intake hole runs through the body outward from a joint between the water inlet channel and the water outlet channel, and the valve is disposed at the joint. With the change of a cross-sectional area of the joint, a phenomenon of a high flow rate and a low pressure occurs to force the valve plate open, and air is sucked in mixed with the water flow. When a back pressure of the water flow is larger than an atmospheric pressure outside, the valve plate is forced to close the air intake hole, so as to avoid leakage of the water flow and prevent the air intake hole from being clogged by impurities.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for an integrated fluid and vapor delivery system design that optimizes vapor delivery. The method and system utilize a purgeable valve assembly which is closely coupled to a vaporizer. The purgeable valve assembly includes a liquid control valve and a purge gas valve which are connected by an outlet to the vaporizer in a manner minimizing the dead volume of the liquid supplied to the vaporizer. The system does not require the liquid precursor to be subjected to vacuum prior to entry into the vaporizer.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a beneficial agent is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including a water collection chamber. A water-transporting membrane is provided to communicate with the water collection chamber. An extraction chamber receives water through the water-transporting membrane, expanding the extraction chamber. A dispensing chamber, containing a beneficial agent, is configured to contract upon expanding the extraction chamber. This causes the dispensing chamber to expel the beneficial agent through a subterranean delivery channel, such as a rigid hollow spike. In certain embodiments, a rate adjustment mechanism may control the rate that water is received through the water-transporting membrane, thereby controlling the rate the beneficial agent is expelled. The water-transporting membrane has features that repel osmagent from passing through to the water collection chamber.

Abstract: In closed cooling water systems of the kind where deionized and usually deaerated cooling water comes into contact with copper or copper alloys, the formation of scales, depositions due to general copper corrosion is eliminated by the addition of H2 to the cooling water system. The product formed in anoxic (O2-free) water may be described as CuOyHx, but this product can be reduced and, thus, avoided if a sufficient amount of hydrogen is supplied. The life of the stator coil copper pipe for cooling water in an electric generator can be extended significantly by this invention, which is applicable also to other fields, such as closed cooling water systems for particle accelerators and nuclear fusion reactors (such as ITER), for example. In addition, the maintenance cost for such water cooling systems in contact with copper metal will be reduced drastically.

Abstract: A liquid recovery apparatus is used in an immersion exposure apparatus and is connected to a liquid immersion member, which is disposed at least partly around an optical path of exposure light that passes through an optical member and a liquid between the optical member and an object. The liquid recovery apparatus comprises: a first passageway, which is connected to a discharge part of the liquid immersion member that separately discharges the liquid and a gas from a recovery passageway of the liquid immersion member wherethrough the liquid recovered via a recovery port of the liquid immersion member flows, into which the liquid discharged via a first discharge port of the discharge part flows; a second passageway, into which the gas discharged via a second discharge port of the discharge part flows; and a first detection apparatus, which is disposed in at least part of the second passageway and detects the amount of the gas discharged via the second discharge port.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for containing oil and gas leaking from an underwater wellhead or other man-made structure. The apparatus includes a conduit having an upper end and a lower end with an opening. The conduit is sized for the lower end to be positioned over a plume leaking from the man-made structure and the upper end to be substantially near or at the water surface. In addition, a containment tank is located in the upper portion of the interior of the conduit. The apparatus also includes a first tube for pumping liquid located within the containment tank out of the interior of the conduit, thereby creating a pressure differential between a pressure within the interior of the conduit and a pressure outside the conduit to induce an upward flow of fluids within the conduit. The interior pressure of the conduit is lower than the pressure outside the conduit. The apparatus also includes a second tube for releasing gas from the interior of the conduit.

Abstract: Using at least one pressure sensor in an emptying pipe or a feed pipe between emptying valves at the outlets from tanks and feed valves for feeding nozzles, to detect the pressure waves that result form opening and closing a feed valve, and then following operation of said valve, detecting the damping or disappearance of the pressure waves, indicating that the transition between the liquid propellant component and the pressurization gas is going past said pressure sensor, and thus that the tank is completely empty. This detection of complete emptying is a step in a method of managing propellant that makes it possible to allocate the remaining propellant to a residual lifetime for the satellite in orbit and/or to re-orbiting or de-orbiting the satellite.

Abstract: A method of servicing a subterranean formation with a servicing fluid, the method comprising providing a first component of the servicing fluid to a first high-pressure pump at a first pressure, providing a second component of the servicing fluid to a second high-pressure pump at a second pressure, increasing the pressure of the first component of the servicing fluid at the first high-pressure pump to a third pressure, wherein the third pressure is greater than the first pressure, increasing the pressure of the second component of the servicing fluid at the second high-pressure pump to a fourth pressure, wherein the fourth pressure is greater than the second pressure, communicating the first component of the servicing fluid to a high-pressure manifold, communicating the second component of the servicing fluid to the high-pressure manifold, communicating the first component of the servicing fluid from a first high-pressure manifold outlet to a wellhead located at a wellbore, communicating the second component

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, it has been discovered that free standing lubricant additive gels can “provide additives to a functional fluid over time, wherein the free standing gel comprises at least two of the following components: a basic component, an acidic component, a polyolefin mixture, and optionally at least one additional additive and wherein these free standing gels have tan delta values of less than 0.330 and cone pen value of less than 75. These free standing gels release at least one desired additive into a functional fluid over time when the gel is contacted with the functional fluid and also can be removed from its forming container while retaining its shape and dimensional integrity, and can be inserted into a delivery device without the need for a containment device.

Abstract: A first fluid is moved using a second fluid. The first fluid may be moved using a ferrofluid attracted by an electromagnetic field. The electromagnetic field may be generated by an electromagnetic source connected to a conduit, and the first fluid may move through the conduit. In an embodiment, the first fluid may absorb heat from a heat source and transfer the heat to a heat sink. For example, the heat source may be a component of a tool located in a wellbore, and the heat sink may be the wellbore. In an embodiment, the electromagnetic source may be one or more three-phase coils.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mitigating slug formation in a multiphase fluid stream that is flowing through a conduit wherein the conduit comprises a first portion and a second portion which is upwardly inclined to the first portion and wherein the multiphase fluid stream comprises a gaseous phase and a liquid phase, the method comprising the steps of: (a) determining the pressure in the conduit upstream of a slugging zone; (b) determining the pressure in the conduit downstream of the slugging zone; (c) determining the actual pressure difference across the slugging zone by subtracting the downstream pressure from step (b) from the upstream pressure from step (a); (d) determining the error between a target pressure difference and the actual pressure difference; (e) producing a signal comprising a first component which is proportional to the error and a second component which is proportional to the rate of change of the error over time; and (f) using the signal produced in step (e) to control the position of an a

Abstract: The invention relates to a wet gas compression system comprising a compact flow conditioner (21), intended to be placed below sea level in close vicinity to a well head or on a dry installation, said flow conditioner (21) being intended to receive a multi-phase flow through a supply pipe (11) from a sub sea well for further transport of such hydrocarbons to a multi-phase receiving plant, and where preferably avoid sand accumulation or remove as much sand as possible from the multi-phase flow, the gas (G) and the liquid (L) being separated in the flow conditioner (21) whereupon the separated gas (G) and liquid (L) are re-assembled and enters a multi-phase meter (46) prior to boosting by means of a compressor (22). In the combined multi-phase pump and compressor unit (22), as an integrated unit, comprises a combined multi-phase pump and compressor unit (22) functioning on the centrifugal principle, used for trans-porting liquid and gas from a flow conditioner (21) to a remote multi-phase receiving plant.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a fluid displacement system are disclosed. The system may include a reservoir containing a fluid in a liquid state and a first chamber hydraulically connected to the reservoir to receive the fluid from the reservoir. The first chamber may be configured to receive solar energy and configured to convert the received solar energy to vaporize the fluid. The system may also include a second chamber hydraulically connected to the first chamber to receive the vaporized fluid from the first chamber. The second chamber may be configured to condense the vaporized fluid, causing depressurization in the second chamber. The system may also include a hydraulic connection between the second chamber and a source of fluid to be displaced. The system may be configured such that the depressurization of the second chamber may cause fluid in the source of fluid to be displaced through the hydraulic connection.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for treating wafers using a supercritical fluid. The wafer treatment apparatus includes a plurality of chambers; a first supply supplying a first fluid in a supercritical state; a second supply supplying a mixture of the first fluid and a second fluid; a plurality of first and second valves; and a controller selecting a first chamber of the plurality of chambers for wafer treatment to control the open/closed state of each of the plurality of first valves so that the first fluid can be supplied only to the first chamber of the plurality of chambers and selecting a second chamber of the plurality of chambers to control the open/closed state of each of the plurality of second valves so that the mixture of the first fluid and a second fluid can be supplied only to the second chamber of the plurality of chambers.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing high purity materials are disclosed. A unit operation processes a material stream, an operational parameter of the unit operation is monitored, and a standby unit is charged with pressurized gas to achieve system pressure. The material stream is diverted to the standby unit in response to the operational parameter of the unit operation registering a threshold value. Flow exiting the standby unit is first vented via an outlet, and then directed toward a point of use after the pressurized gas has been purged. The unit operation may then be serviced and subsequently brought back online. A second unit operation may process a second material stream simultaneously, and the second material stream may be periodically diverted to the standby unit in like manner, thus reducing line pressure variation. The disclosed method may be performed manually or implemented automatically through use of a controller.

Abstract: An apparatus for purging air from a fluid conveying tube includes a housing member comprising an inner bore having an inlet and an outlet (115); and a vented piston member slidably disposed within the inner bore, the vented piston member comprising a filter element and at least one air vent. The filter element is configured to allow air to pass through the vented piston member to the at least one air vent and to prevent fluid from passing through the vented piston member to the at least one air vent. A method of purging accumulated air from a fluid conveying tube includes providing a vented piston member slidably disposed within a housing member; displacing air from the fluid conveying tube through a filter element disposed within the piston member using pressurized fluid; and displacing the piston member with the pressurized fluid; wherein the displacement of the piston member exposes an outlet for the pressurized fluid.

Abstract: Hydrogen filling station, in particular, for refilling vehicle tanks with hydrogen gas, comprising a source reservoir designed to hold liquid hydrogen (LH2), a pipe for withdrawing liquid hydrogen from the source reservoir to at least one user station, an electric cryogenic pump arranged within the withdrawing pipe and an electric power supply connected to the cryogenic pump to supply the same with electricity, characterized in that the electric energy supply comprises at least one fuel cell.

Abstract: Different types of energy storage systems are described, in particular hydro-pneumatic storage systems. In one, energy is stored by compressing gas in a chamber (44,45,54,55) with a liquid piston and released by gas expansion. A spray head or grid at the top of the chamber (44,45,54,55) supplies liquid as a shower through the gas being compressed or expanding in the cylinder (11,12) to maintain an isothermal condition. In another, energy is stored from an array of solar cells connected to an array of supercapacitors forming an auxiliary storage, and a main energy storage device such as a hydro-pneumatic storage system, for supply to an AC or DC network. The efficiency is improved by connecting the solar cells via the array of supercapacitors to the AC or DC network.

Abstract: A bottom plate type distributor which may be provided integrally at a internal bottom of FRP pressure vessels. The distributor is composed of a distribution plate and a bowl-shaped inlet dome. The distribution plate comprises an outlet connected to a water outlet pipe, a reinforcing structure around the outlet, a water distribution slot structure supported by the reinforcing structure, a ring structure around the water distribution slot structure, and first connecting structures on the ring structure for connecting the inlet dome. The inlet dome comprises a bowl-shaped body, a receiving structure provided on the concave surface of the bowl-shaped body for connecting said reinforcing structure, second connecting structures around the bowl-shaped body respectively connecting the first connecting structure, an inlet in the center of the bowl-shaped body which is on the same center line as the outlet; and a process hole.

Abstract: A fuel tank of a spacecraft stores a liquid fuel and a pressurized propellant gas that drives the fuel out of the tank though a fuel extraction arrangement including a reservoir or fuel collection container and a tank outlet. A spiraling or J-shaped or hook-shaped fuel collection channel and plural obliquely sloping fuel flow channels connect the fuel collection container to an outlet pipe of the tank outlet. The channels are configured, dimensioned, oriented and arranged to ensure that fuel will be retained in the outlet pipe without leaking back into the fuel tank, even when the tank is oriented horizontally and has a low tank filling level. These structures produce a capillary pumping effect and use the surface tension to separate the fuel from the propellant gas, and allow the inner space of the collection container to be completely filled with liquid fuel.

Abstract: When a stepping motor is de-energized, a valve shaft is turned in a direction to open a valve body under the resilient forces stored in a fully opening spring through a receptacle and a driven plate. At this time, a drive plate is turned in unison with the driven plate. When the valve body reaches a fully open position, a positioning finger on the drive plate abuts against a stopper pin, thus stopping the turning movement of the drive plate.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for an integrated fluid and vapor delivery system design that optimizes vapor delivery. The method and system utilize a purgeable valve assembly which is closely coupled to a vaporizer. The purgeable valve assembly includes a liquid control valve and a purge gas valve which are connected by an outlet to the vaporizer in a manner minimizing the dead volume of the liquid supplied to the vaporizer. The system does not require the liquid precursor to be subjected to vacuum prior to entry into the vaporizer.

Abstract: A cassette integrated system. The cassette integrated system includes a mixing cassette, a balancing cassette, a middle cassette fluidly connected to the mixing cassette and the balancing cassette and at least one pod. The mixing cassette is fluidly connected to the middle cassette by at least one fluid line and the middle cassette is fluidly connected to the balancing cassette by at least one fluid line. The at least one pod is connected to at least two of the cassettes wherein the pod is located in an area between the cassettes.

Abstract: A fuel tank for a spacecraft stores a liquid fuel and a pressurized propellant gas that drives the fuel out of the tank through a fuel extraction arrangement including a reservoir or collection container and a tank outlet. The collection container bounds a fuel reservoir space that communicates with the interior space of the tank, and fuel flow channels connect the reservoir space to an outlet pipe. A side or area of the collection container opposite the fuel flow channels is provided with one or more grooves. These structures produce a capillary pumping effect and use the surface tension to separate the fuel from the propellant gas.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for treating wafers using a supercritical fluid. The wafer treatment apparatus includes a plurality of chambers; a first supply supplying a first fluid in a supercritical state; a second supply supplying a mixture of the first fluid and a second fluid; a plurality of first and second valves; and a controller selecting a first chamber of the plurality of chambers for wafer treatment to control the open/closed state of each of the plurality of first valves so that the first fluid can be supplied only to the first chamber of the plurality of chambers and selecting a second chamber of the plurality of chambers to control the open/closed state of each of the plurality of second valves so that the mixture of the first fluid and a second fluid can be supplied only to the second chamber of the plurality of chambers.

Abstract: A stream splitting device splits a two-phase inlet stream into two or more outlet streams having nearly identical vapor-to-liquid ratios. The inlet stream is directed into a separator vessel containing an impingement plate to decrease the velocity of the stream and direct it toward the inner walls of the vessel, where it impinges, separating the liquid from the vapor. Inside the vessel, each of two vertical suction channels with side wall apertures is in fluid communication with an outlet pipe. The lower ends of the suction channels are submerged in the liquid phase. Vapor flows though the apertures that are above the liquid surface in the vessel, thereby generating a pressure drop across the walls of the suction channels. Consequently, liquid is lifted up into the suction channels, where it is mixed with the vapor. The two-phase mixture then leaves the vessel and stream splitter through the outlet pipes.

Abstract: A chemical dispensing apparatus adapted to perform a FOX process and further adapted to eliminate contamination particles from a chemical solution being dispensed on a wafer. The chemical dispensing apparatus includes a helium gas container, a first bottle, a second bottle, a first helium supply pipe, a second helium supply pipe, a first regulator, a second regulator, a first air valve, a second air valve, a first chemical supply pipe, a manual valve, a second chemical supply pipe, a filter, a flowmeter, a suck back control valve, a nozzle, a first vent line, a first pressure sensor, a first vent valve, a second pressure sensor, and a second vent valve.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pressure vessel comprising a pressurized chamber; an overflow chute having an inlet open to an upper level of the chamber, a chute passage extending from the upper level to a lower level, and a chute discharge; wherein the chute passage has a bend to defect a flow in the chute passage before the flow exits the discharge.

Abstract: The present invention is a treatment solution supply method for supplying a treatment solution on a substrate by a pump through a supply path, which connects a treatment solution supply source and a discharge nozzle, wherein a storage portion for storing the treatment solution temporarily is disposed in the supply path between the treatment solution supply source and the pump. In the present invention another pump is further disposed in the supply path between the storage portion and the treatment solution supply source for supplying the treatment solution to the storage portion. The present invention comprises the step of maintaining the level height of the treatment solution in the storage portion at a predetermined height by supplying the treatment solution to the storage portion by the said another pump.

Abstract: To reduce the level of oxygen concentration in the waste gases emitted by the stack of such installations, according to the invention, connecting means (15) connect the respective internal spaces of a chamber (13), for discharging an inert gas miscible with oxygen and of lower density than air, such as nitrogen, and of the stack (2); thus, this inert gas is mixed with at least the oxygen flowing through the stack and the mixture obtained is discharged with a velocity at least equal to approximately 7 m/s at the exit of the stack.

Abstract: A valve control circuit is disclosed for operating a modulating valve which can be operated between a completely open and a completely closed position. The modulating valve control circuit includes a microcontroller which receives an input signal from an external temperature controller. The microcontroller monitors and controls the position of the modulating valve by first determining the number of rotations of the bi-directional driving motor required to move the valve from a completely open to a completely closed position. After determining the number of rotations for a complete valve stroke, the microcontroller positions the valve stem in the correct position according to the input setpoint as compared to an input range. The microcontroller positions the valve stem in direct relation to the proportion of the input setpoint signal with respect to the range desired.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting and handling liquid separation in a liquid emulsion disposed in a tank 1 by preventing separated liquid from entering a withdrawal conduit 3 disposed in the lower portion of the tank 1 by a apparatus comprising a pump 9 driven by an electric motor 15 and taking its suction form the lower portion of the tank 1 and discharging adjacent the central portion of the tank 1, a float 5, which sinks in the emulsion and floats on the high density liquid is cooperatively associated with a relay 17 to start the pump motor 15 when accumulated high density liquid raises the float 5 a predetermined amount, a time delay 21 runs the pump 9 a predetermined length of time sufficient to reemulsify the accumulated high density and preventing it from entering the withdrawal conduit 3.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for facilitating the attainment of thermodynamic equilibrium and for measurement of interfacial tension of mixtures. A fixed volume chamber is connected at an upper end face and lower wall portion of the chamber to a first variable volume chamber and at a lower end face and upper wall portion of the chamber to a second variable volume chamber. Conduit valves and a valve controller control the flow of mixtures between the first and second variable volume chambers and the fixed volume chamber to selectively cause more dense component of the mixture to flow through less dense component of the mixture and less dense component of the mixture to flow through more dense component of the mixture, the flow through occurring within the fixed volume chamber.

Abstract: The characteristics of a device for regulating and damping the composition fluctuations of a multiphase flow comprising a tank or surge drum and a sample tube located between a source of effluents and a multiphase pump are optimized by selecting the volume of the tank and the distribution of the apertures of the sample tube so as to define an average level around which the level of the liquid-gas interface is stabilized and so that the volume of the liquid phase corresponding to this average level is at least equal to the volume of liquid necessary to discharge any foreseeable volume of gaseous phase coming from the source of effluents. In case of a large volume of gaseous phase, an unpierced tube is introduced inside the sample tube.

Abstract: In a liquid storage tank 10 for use on a spacecraft, a transfer apparatus 15 (comprising gathering vanes 33, an elongate array of fins 32, and a sponge structure formed from panels 31) functions to transfer liquid from the inner surface of the tank 10 to the vicinity of an outlet line 40. A screen 23 is disposed between the panels 31 and the outlet line 40. When wetted with liquid, the screen 23 prevents gas and/or vapor in the tank 10 from passing to the outlet line 40. A perforated plate 22 disposed between the screen 23 and the outlet line 40 causes liquid to pass from the tank 10 to the outlet line 40 in a regular and generally unbroken flow.

Abstract: In a liquid storage tank 10 for use on a spacecraft, a transfer apparatus 15 (comprising gathering vanes 33, an elongate array of fins 32, and a sponge structure formed from panels 31) functions to transfer liquid from the inner surface of the tank 10 to the vicinity of an outlet line 40. A screen 23 is disposed between the panels 31 and the outlet line 40. When wetted with liquid, the screen 23 prevents gas and/or vapor in the tank 10 from passing to the outlet line 40. A perforated plate 22 disposed between the screen 23 and the outlet line 40 causes liquid to pass from the tank 10 to the outlet line 40 in a regular and generally unbroken flow.

Abstract: A system in which a surface tension device is connected at the outlet of the propellant tanks, said surface tension device having surface tension gas barrier means, the presence of gas bubbles at the inlet of said surface tension device is detected and a detect signal is produced, said detect signal indicating that the propellant tanks are empty. The detect signal then causes the spacecraft thrusters to be fed from an auxiliary propellant tank. The latter can be implemented inside a main propellant tank.

Abstract: Gas is vented from a non-cryogenic liquid storage tank 12 while discharging pressurized liquid from a tube 18 into the tank through a plurality of inclined jets 54, 56 circumferentially spaced about an end of a vent tube 20 positioned within the tube 18. Each jet is directed toward a central axis 72 of the vent tube, such that the end of vent tube receives gas from the vessel passing between individual jetstreams, which in combination form a conical-shaped barrier to liquid droplets which would otherwise also pass to the vent tube and out the tank 12. Gas is thus vented through the central tube while pressurized liquid flows in an axially opposite direction in the annulus between inner vent tube 20 and the outer liquid tube 18. The system of the present invention is particularly well suited for venting gas from a tank being replenished with liquid at a zero or near zero gravity environment.

Abstract: A multiple tank flow system is provided in which a plurality of liquid storage tanks or reservoirs are connected with their outlets in parallel with the piping arranged so that the outlet from each tank shall have the same or similar pressure drop at a specific flow rate. A surface tension retaining device is mounted within each tank at the outlet opening to prevent the pressurization gas within the tank from entering the outlet while liquid is still flowing from one or more of the tanks within the system. The surface tension device can be of any suitable design such as a saucer-shaped arrangement having relatively thick, flat support members forming the structure with suitable screen-type material positioned across the entire outer surface of the support members. The size of the openings within the screen material is arranged to provide an adequate surface tension film to produce a required liquid/gaseous interface to prevent the pressurization gas from entering the tank outlet.

Abstract: A disc brake assembly includes a stationary support member mounted on a vehicle body structure and having at least one support pin fixed thereto, a caliper member slidably supported on the support pin to be movable in an axial direction, and a tubular elastic boot arranged in surrounding relationship with the support pin to enclose a sliding portion on the same. To protect the elastic boot, a cylindrical elastic protector is arranged to contain therein the elastic boot, the elastic protector having one end coupled with a member such as a washer or a cup-shaped member fixed to the outer end of the support pin and the other end pressed into contact with an end face of the support portion of the caliper member.

Abstract: A passive propellant management system for a spacecraft liquid propellant tank (1) comprises several preferably V-shaped channels (2) which communicate liquid propellant from regions within the tank (1) to an outlet port (8), which expels liquid propellant but not pressurant gas. A liquid/bubble chamber assembly (9) couples the channels (2) with the outlet port (8). The channels (2) comprise relatively open portions (11) and relatively closed portions (10). In the relatively open portions (11), liquid is retained in a gap (12) between open ends of the V channels (2) and the inner wall of the tank (1). In the relatively closed portions (10), a screen, mesh or perforated plate (14) covers the open end of the V channels (2), intermediate the V channels (2) and the inner wall of the tank (1). The placement of the relatively open and closed portions (11, 10, respectively) is intentionally preselected based upon mission requirements. Where pressurant gas ullage is expected to be present, e.g.

Abstract: In a liquid-propellant management system for providing substantially gas-free liquid propellant to thrusters of a space vehicle, a storage tank (10) has an opening (11) through which liquid propellant is delivered via a line (13) to the thrusters. A trap (14) is secured within the tank (10) adjacent the opening (11). and an exit port (15) of the trap (14) is aligned with the opening (11) of the tank (10). A liner (16) is secured inside the trap(14) to define a volume between an interior surface portion of the trap (14) and the liner (16), which volume communicates via the exit port (15) and the opening (11) with the line (13). Liquid propellant enters into the trap (14) through an inlet window screen (27), and passes through porous windows (28) in the liner (16) into the volume between the trap (14) and the liner (16). Vanes (19) are secured to the exterior surface of the trap (14) and extend into the interior of the tank (14) and the liner (16).

Abstract: To provide a pressure regulating valve which is self-powered and has no sliding parts, is capable of controlling fluid pressure to a fixed delta pressure above a sensed vapor pressure, and is otherwise suited for utilization in a two phase thermal management system, a valve body is provided having an inlet port and an outlet port, and a first valve member is adapted to move between an open and a closed position to open and close the inlet port. A first pressurized chamber communicates with the inlet port and acts on the first valve member while a second pressurized chamber communicates with the outlet port and selectively communicates with the first pressurized chamber by means of a second valve member adapted to move between an open and a closed position to open and close a passage between the chambers.

Abstract: The distribution apparatus is provided with a receptacle to which at least one supply line and at least one discharge line for a two-phase mixture are connected. A level which separates the liquid phase from the gas phase forms in the receptacle and may vary between a very low level and a very high level. The horizontal dimension of the orifice cross-section of the discharge line, as considered over its vertical extend from the lowest level to the highest level, is either as great as on the lowest level or decreases upwardly from the lowest level. The distribution of the two phases of the mixture in the discharge line is substantially always uniform despite substantial changes in level.

Abstract: A safety valve for compressed liquid gas fuel tanks that has no man-movable parts and is completely automatic during the filling procedure. A movable piston within the valve body is responsive to pressure developing within an expansion chamber. The expansion chamber is connected to a 20% valve associated with the fuel tank and when liquid gas is detected the liquid expands and cools causing a thermal operated valve to transfer. Transferring of the thermal valve closes a port and prevents venting of the expansion chamber. Pressure building up in the expansion chamber causes the piston to automatically move, thereby shutting off the flow of fuel from the supply to the fuel tank.

Abstract: A feed device for a two-phase fluid pump enabling the pump to be supplied with a two-phase fluid having characteristics, especially the volumetric ratio of the gaseous phase to the liquid phase, compatible with the operating characteristics of the pump. The device has a main pipe (10a) and a plurality of auxiliary pipes (10b, . . . 10i) parallel to the main pipe. Each of the pipes can be connected to an upstream supply line of two-phase fluid, and to the downstream pump (6), each of the pipes having an isolation and flow regulating gate (11a, . . . 11i) at its upstream inlet and an isolation and flow regulating gate (12a, . . . 12i) at its downstream outlet, each of the pipes also having means (16a, . . . 16i; 17a; 17i) for introducing a carrier liquid, such as water.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for and a method of treating a plurality of zones of a processing line with a liquid, the liquid comprising a treatment liquid and a carrier liquid, wherein the treatment liquid is introduced into pipes conveying the carrier liquid to each zone as discrete slugs, and wherein the volume of each slug is selectively variable or wherein each slug may be introduced into the pipes at a selectively variable frequency. Preferably the treatment liquid is applied to all zones from a single source, and the slugs, upon discharge at least at one zone, remain substantially concentrated. The invention particularly concerns the lubricating of conveyors as in bottling lines.