Abstract: A piston accumulator has an accumulator housing and a separating piston (8) guided for longitudinal motion in the accumulator housing. The separating piston separates a liquid side (4) from a gas side (10) in the accumulator housing. Liquid unintentionally transitions from the liquid side (4) to the gas side (10) despite a piston seal on the separating piston (8). By a return device (28), the transitioned liquid is at least partially returned from the gas side (10) of the accumulator housing to the liquid side (4) of the accumulator housing.

Abstract: An active drain liquid trap configured for use with a fuel tank system and constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure includes a trap body, a float and a pilot. The trap body defines a first inlet, a second inlet and an outlet. The first inlet is fluidly connected to a fuel pump. The second inlet is fluidly connected to a vapor line. The float is rotatably mounted about a float pivot. The pilot moves between an open and closed position. Rotation of the float causes the pilot to be urged into an open position and fluid to be drained from the trap body through the outlet.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor comprises a housing configured to couple the adaptor with a vial, an access channel, a regulator channel, and a regulator assembly. The access channel is configured to facilitate withdrawal of fluid from the vial when the adaptor is coupled to the vial. The regulator channel is configured to facilitate a flow of a regulating fluid from the regulator assembly to compensate for changes in volume of a medical fluid in the vial. The regulator assembly can include a valve configured to transition between a closed configuration and an opened configuration.

Abstract: An assembly for indicating and communicating a priming charge to a fluid pump to establish self-sustained operation of the fluid pump is disclosed. The priming assembly includes an enlarged inlet associated with a fluid priming chamber and an outlet that is in fluid communication with the working fluid passage associated with the pump. The priming assembly includes one or more of a cap or valve assembly associated with isolating the pump chamber from atmosphere and preferably includes indicia associated with use and/or operation of the priming assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a sulfur trap comprising an inlet, a first chamber, a divider, a second chamber, an outlet, and a float assembly. The float assembly may have many different configurations, but generally comprises a float and plug, is configured to float within liquid sulfur, and is operatively coupled to a seal seat in the divider for sealing and unsealing the first chamber from the second chamber. Generally, only liquid sulfur is allowed to pass from the first chamber into the second chamber. However, the sulfur trap may be configured to allow for pressure relief, such that during an overpressure event the plug and seal seat disengage and allow the liquid-gas mixture to flow into the second chamber to prevent damage within the system. In some embodiments a filter and/or the flow of liquid sulfur is directed to collect debris from the liquid sulfur.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the status of a steam trap include a device for sensing a process condition of the steam trap and a device for processing the sensed condition. The apparatus can include a processor positioned on a steam trap. The connection of the monitoring device to the steam trap can be to the trap itself or to an adjacent pipe or other apparatus.

Abstract: A passive water drain for removal of water from a fuel cell system is disclosed, the drain including a main body having a cavity formed therein, an interior element, and a hydrophilic porous media. The passive water drain is adapted to simplify the anode reactant recycler, eliminate the need for bypass valve systems used to remove water from the cathode exhaust, and eliminate the need for condensate draining systems used for compressed air entering the cathode.

Abstract: Apparatus and systems serve to collapse steam in effluent released from steam sterilizers and sterilizer systems. These systems include tanks or containers configured for receiving and holding fluids, for example, water, and include a fluid outlet and a port that receives the released effluent. A conduit extending into the tank from the effluent receiving port provides a path for the steam to the fluid in the tank, to collapse the steam.

Abstract: A proactive electronic steam trap device, system, and method of removing condensate from a steam plant is disclosed. The device ensures a controlled drainage of condensate to maintain condensate level within a control band. The basic invention comprises and utilizes a steam trap chamber, a condensate level sensing system, a condensate level control system, and a condensate discharge system. Alternate embodiments include an air purge system, a flashing utility which permits reuse of high temperature steam, and an electronic temperature/pressure sensing device that will constantly monitor temperature and pressure variables in the individual condensate lines to verify the integrity of the individual condensate lines that are going into a single manifold of a steam trap.

Abstract: A condensate removal device for removal of condensate from a fluid system. The device includes a body adapted for connection to the fluid system, the body having an inflow opening and an outflow opening. A trap between the inflow opening and the outflow opening restricts flow of fluid to permit the passage of liquid condensate but to inhibit the passage of gas. The trap includes a fixed passageway extending through the trap constructed for continuous fluid communication between the inflow opening and the outflow opening through the trap. A variable passageway extends through the trap, the variable passageway being constructed to selectively permit fluid communication between the inflow opening and outflow opening through the variable passageway in correspondence with the amount of liquid condensate in the fluid system. The device may include a labyrinth path to trap steam and pass condensate and be constructed to promote heat transfer and condensation of steam within the trap.

Abstract: An automatic float-activated drain valve for a liquid reservoir used in the accumulation of condensable materials and other contaminants from pneumatic systems and the like. The float is connected by a flexible tether to a lever arm which opens a pilot valve when the reservoir fills with water and the float moves to the top of the reservoir. The pilot valve permits air pressure to flow to an actuator which opens the drain valve. The pilot valve is in communication with a check valve which releases air pressure into the interior of the reservoir to rapidly expel water through the drain valve when the pilot valve is opened.

Abstract: A device for separating gas entrained in a flow of liquid. The device comprises a main housing having a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet. A separation chamber is disposed within the housing between the inlet and the outlet, the gas entrained in the flow of liquid being separated from the flow of liquid when the flow of liquid passes from the inlet to the outlet within the separation chamber. A vent passage extends from the separation chamber. A main valve within the housing controls the flow of liquid between the inlet and the outlet. A detector including a dual orifice arrangement disposed in the vent passage detects the presence of a gas in the vent passage. A pilot valve is coupled to the detector and to the main valve for controlling the main valve as a function of the presence of gas in the vent passage. A first control passage is disposed within the housing for coupling the pilot valve to the dual orifice arrangement.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a gas/liquid separation flow rate regulator, which effectively carries out gas/liquid separation by preventing an uncontrolled flow of sewage and facilitates control of liquid flow. To accomplish this objective, the outer shell of the gas/liquid separation flow rate regulator is cylindrical in shape with its inner periphery providing a cylindrical surface. An edge inclining unidirectly from one end to the other is formed at the upper edge of a partition plate for dividing the cylindrical shell into two chambers, and the lower end of this inclined edge is butted to the cylindrical surface of the cylindrical member so as to form an overflow weir. A return port is centrally located on the cylindrical member and is disposed on the opposite side surface of the cylindrical member facing the overflow weir.

Abstract: Apparatus is described having a steam inlet coupled to a steam trap set to discharge condensate at a first predetermined temperature to a condensate return line. A diverter valve is coupled in line to the steam trap to cause the condensate to be discharged at a second predetermined temperature out of an overheat condensate drain port and to close the discharge to the condensate return line.

Abstract: An air eliminator for liquid handling systems comprises a cylindrical container having a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet which are separated from one another by a cylindrical porous barrier positioned to subdivide the interior of the container into first and second chambers. The cylindrical barrier comprises a porous membrane which permits liquid to flow from the first chamber to the second chamber while preventing the passage therethrough of any gases which are entrained in incoming liquid supplied to the first chamber. Any such entrained gases accumulate in an air space located in the first chamber and are vented from the first chamber at atmospheric pressure. Liquid passing through the membrane, free of entrained gases, accumulates in the second chamber within the cylindrical barrier, and then passes to the liquid outlet via a modulating valve in the second chamber.

Abstract: A condensate separating and discharging device including a pressure reducing valve, a separator section and a steam trap section provided below the separator section. The steam trap section includes a condensate discharging valve having a float, a dome-like float cover for covering the float and at least one small hole formed through the float cover. The invention is directed to an improvement whereby the small hole formed in the cover is located at a position on a circle having a center identical with that of the float cover and having a radius obtained by multiplying the outer diameter of the float cover by an empirical coefficient having a value between 0.2 and 0.36.

Abstract: An automatic intravenous flow regulator for regulating the infusion rate of a parenteral solution flowing from an intravenous fluid container to a patient. When the level of parenteral solution in the container is above a threshold level, the infusion takes place at a first flow rate. When the level of fluid in the container drops below the threshold level, fluid flow continues but at a second flow rate less than the first flow rate. The flow rate is controlled principally from outside the IV container; while in a second embodiment, the flow rate is controlled from within the IV container. Other embodiments are disclosed including one in which the initial flow rate may be adjusted; one in which the fluid is filtered prior to delivery to the patient; one in which the initial flow rate is maintained at a constant value with time, secondary flow rate remains fixed, and complete filtration of the intravenous solution being infused is provided.

Abstract: An annular fluid seal element for use in an air drier or condenser has a section which provides lips which, when assembled to an aperture in a member, lie to either side of the aperture, one shorter lip acting as a compression seal between the latter member and another and the other longer lip sealingly covering a plurality of passages on the member but permitting fluid flow via the passages in the event of pressure build-up inside them.

Abstract: A flow regulator is disclosed for controlling the intravenous infusion of parenteral solution or the like to a patient. The solution flows through passageways in a housing, including a fixed volume portion. Fluid control means upstream and downstream of the fixed volume portion alternately open and close inlet and outlet passageways to periodically fill and empty the fixed volume portion, which is vented to allow displacement air to enter or exit. Hydrophobic filter means are provided in the vent path to permit venting but to prevent the escape of liquid. Hydrophilic filter means are provided downstream of the fixed volume portion to prevent gas or air from passing to the patient. The alternate opening and closing of the fluid control means in the inlet and outlet passageways permits a maximum fixed volume of liquid to be dispensed to the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for administering parenteral liquids from a parenteral fluid container which provides a sufficient quantity of parenteral liquid to be administered at a slower than normal rate so as to afford a keep-vein-open (KVO) means. The apparatus utilizes a first orifice to afford a faster flow rate than a second orifice spaced away from the first orifice. The preferred means for regulating different flow rates of fluid through the two orifices are the dimensions of the orifices and filters having different mesh sizes. When the parenteral liquid is maintained in the reservoir in contact with the first orifice with the faster flow rate, liquid will pass through both orifices at a predetermined regular rate. When liquid no longer contacts the first orifice, as when the fluid container is depleted of liquid, the second orifice then comes into effect to afford a slower rate of liquid until a new container can be supplied.

Abstract: A headlamp cleaning device comprising an elongated horn-like member having an open entrance at one end thereof, a flexible tube anchored within the cage member at a point spaced from the open entrance, the tube including a freely movable portion extending toward the entrance; and means for supplying a high velocity mixture of air and liquid to the tube whereby the tube directs a stream of the mixture toward the headlamp while simultaneously moving in an irregular path within the confines of the open entrance to continuously change the direction of the stream and clean a large area of the headlamp.