Abstract: A drip chamber is described that is used in medical infusion therapy, wherein the drip chamber utilizes valving to control flow of one or more fluids to a patient. The drip chamber includes a body forming a chamber, wherein fluid may enter via two or more flow ports, and an output port, where fluid may exit the chamber. A float controls fluid flow through one or more flow ports into the chamber such that the flow exiting the chamber may be limited to a single fluid or a combination of the fluids entering the chamber. The float is configured to be retained within the chamber, and the float moves within the chamber based on a level of fluid within the chamber. The control characteristics of the float are determinable by attributing specific buoyancy and dimensions to the float.

Abstract: A ball float vent valve includes a valve body having an inlet port, an outlet port and an axial passageway there-between. The passageway may be defined by a cylindrical inlet chamber, a cylindrical outlet chamber and a tapered seat connecting the inlet chamber and outlet chamber. The outlet chamber may include an annular retaining groove proximate the outlet port. A spherical float may be positioned in the outlet chamber. The float may be dimensioned to seal the passageway when seated on the tapered seat. A retainer positioned in the retaining groove may include an outer crescent region having a plurality of apertures, a center region dimensioned to retain the float in the outlet chamber, and a linking region connecting the outer region to the center region.

Abstract: A valve can include a rib for improving flow, which can include improving a flow rating of the valve and improving the structural integrity of the valve. A valve can include a valve body, one or more inlets for allowing flow into the body, one or more outlets for allowing flow out of the body, one or more flow paths, and one or more ribs for routing fluid in a flow path. A valve can include an orifice fluidically between an inlet and an outlet and one or more ribs disposed upstream and/or downstream of the orifice. A valve can include one or more ribs in an inlet flow path, an outlet flow path or another flow path and a rib can be coupled between two or more portions of a valve.

Abstract: A supplemental oxygen delivery system is described in which Aerosol is delivered into a housing 10, 20, which sits in the circuit from the supplemental oxygen supply and optional humidifier. The supplemental oxygen passes through this chamber 10, 20 in which the aerosol is located, and collects the aerosol transporting it to a patient via a nasal cannula 3 or a face mask 4. An aerosol generator 9 is mounted to the housing 10, 20 and delivers aerosol into an oxygen stream 13 flowing between an inlet 14 and an outlet 15 of the housing 10. The housing 10 also has a removable plug 16 in the base 17 thereof for draining any liquid that accumulates in the housing 10. There is no disruption of oxygen delivery to patients using nasal cannulas who currently have to use a separate face-mask when receiving nebulized medication.

Abstract: Toilet arrangement, which includes a gravity toilet bowl (1) provided with a water trap (11) and an outlet (12). The arrangement further includes a water valve (5), a flush water tank (4), and a flush valve (6) arranged between the flush water tank (4) and the toilet bowl (1), and an activating means (8) for activating a flushing sequence. In order to allow for the use of a standard gravity toilet bowl in connection with a vacuum sewage system, the toilet arrangement comprises an adapter (13) which is arranged between the gravity toilet bowl (1) and a discharge valve (2) connected to a vacuum sewer piping (3). A control mechanism (7) is connected to the vacuum sewer piping (3), the discharge valve (2), the water valve (5) and the flush valve (6), whereby the control mechanism (7) is arranged to be activated by means of the activating means (8).

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a flow is disclosed. The system includes an inlet channel (100, 310) and an outlet channel (200, 320). The inlet channel has an inlet port at a first end configured to be connected to a patient, and a second end with an at least part-annularly shaped aperture (314). The outlet channel has an outlet port at a first end, and an aperture (313) at a second end. The system further comprises a flow channel arranged concentrically outside the at least part-annularly shaped aperture. The flow channel is in fluid connection with the outlet channel. The at least part-annularly shaped aperture of the inlet channel and the aperture of the outlet channel are separated by a seating means (312). The at least part-annularly shaped aperture of the inlet channel and the flow channel are separated by the seating means.

Abstract: A fluid-disposing system for a galley sink includes: a galley sink for a galley cabin monument, a self-regulating valve, a control unit, a sensor, and a signal connection between the sensor and the control unit. The valve input is connected to a fluid line, connected to a drainage opening of the galley sink. The valve is arranged underneath the drainage opening, such that fluid from the galley sink can flow through the associated drainage opening into the fluid line. The valve output is designed to be couplable with a source of negative pressure. The valve is designed to automatically open at a predetermined amount M1 of fluid in the fluid line, such that fluid can flow out of the fluid line, and to automatically close at a predetermined amount M2 of fluid in the fluid line, such that the predetermined amount M2 of fluid remains in the fluid line.

Abstract: A filter element is provided that has a generally cylindrical configuration and that defines a longitudinal axis and a radial direction. The filter element comprises a center tube that defines a central reservoir and that includes annular filter media surrounding the center tube and the central reservoir, an open end joined to the center tube disposed along the longitudinal axis, the open end including an opening allowing fluid to flow from the central reservoir to the outside of the filter element, and a closed end joined to the center tube opposite the open end disposed along the longitudinal axis, the closed end including an end cap comprising a body that defines an attachment pocket and an air pocket that surrounds the attachment pocket.

Abstract: An optical system includes one or several passive optical detectors sensitive to ambient (room) light for controlling, for example, the operation of automatic faucets or automatic bathroom flushers. The passive optical sensors provide signals to flow controllers, including control electronics and flow valves and require only very small amounts of electrical power for sensing users of bathroom facilities, and thus enable battery operation for many years. To control the operation of automatic faucets or automatic bathroom flushers based on ambient light, the controller executes novel algorithms.

Abstract: A water delivery system includes a water input port, a control circuit, and a valve device. The water input port is constructed to be coupled to a water conduit receiving water from a remotely located water source. The valve device includes an actuator located near and connected to the water input port; wherein the valve device is constructed to receive control signals from the controller for providing water to a water delivery unit. The controller may be battery operated. The actuator may be a latching actuator, a non-latching actuator, or an isolated latching actuator. The controller may include a microcontroller coupled and to a sensor. The system may include a communication interface constructed and arranged to provide data to the microcontroller. The control circuit may include a power consumption controller. The control circuit includes a voltage regulator.

Abstract: A bathroom flusher includes a flusher body, a valve assembly, an electronic control system, and a flusher cover. The flusher body includes an inlet and an outlet, and is designed to accommodate the valve assembly that controls water flow between the inlet and the outlet. The valve assembly includes a valve member movable with respect to a valve seat providing a sealing action based on applied pressure on the valve assembly. The bathroom flusher also includes an external cover designed for enclosing an electronic control module comprising a battery, a sensor, and an actuator for controlling operation of the flush valve, wherein the external cover includes at least two cover parts separately removable, and wherein the external cover is attachable with respect to the valve body in a manner also allowing removable attachment of the control module.

Abstract: An automatic bathroom flusher includes a flusher body, a valve assembly, an electronic control system, and a flusher cover. The flusher body includes an inlet and an outlet, and is designed to accommodate the valve assembly that controls water flow between the inlet and the outlet. The valve assembly includes a valve member movable with respect to a valve seat providing a sealing action. The bathroom flusher may include a user sensor, and one or more photovoltaic cells for supplying electrical power to the electronic control system. The bathroom flusher enables two or multiple flush volumes in automatic or manual modes, depending on a user action. The bathroom flusher may include a user interface including a button and visible LEDs.

Abstract: A tool includes a chamber, a network, a sensor, a tool controller, and a pressure controller. The network carries messages to and from devices on the network. A header portion of a message indicates a sender of the message and at least one intended recipient of the message. The sensor measures a pressure within the chamber. The sensor, tool controller, and pressure controller are on the network. The pressure controller controls the pressure within the chamber in response to measurements provided by the sensor and in response to a set point provided by the tool controller. The pressure controller processes header portions of all messages carried on the network to determine the intended recipients of each message and processes at least part of data portions of both messages intended for the pressure controller and at least some messages not intended for the pressure controller.

Abstract: A pipeline (12) for the transportation of a process fluid comprises an autonomous shut-off valve system comprises a shut-off valve (1) including a fluid powered valve actuator (2) moveable between a closed and an open position by means of pressure generated by the process fluid, a pressure tapping (3) in the pipeline upstream of the shut-off valve, a fluid connection to the pressure tapping arranged to deliver process fluid to power opening of the said shut-off valve, at least one pressure sensor (16) arranged in a hydraulic line extending from the pressure tapping, at least one control valve (8A, 8B, 8C) operable to permit or prevent flow of pressurised fluid to the shut-off valve actuator; and a controller (15) arranged to open and close the control valve. The control valve is commanded to open and close when pressure thresholds are reached, the pressure thresholds being detected by the pressure sensor and the control valve being commanded to close by the controller.

Abstract: An auto-drain unit for a compressed gas supply system, comprising: a first, main chamber including a liquid collection reservoir; a second, reference chamber; a discharge valve actuatable to discharge collected liquid from the liquid collection reservoir; a trigger mechanism for actuating the discharge valve; a diaphragm at least in part defining the liquid collection reservoir and the reference chamber, the diaphragm being configured to be movable under the weight of liquid collected in the liquid collection reservoir and operate the trigger mechanism when the weight of collected liquid exceeds a predetermined threshold; and a fluid conduit fluidly connecting the reference chamber to a location in the main chamber above the maximum possible liquid level therein.

Abstract: A condensate removal device for capturing, measuring and removing condensate from a fluid system having air or gas under pressure. The device purges only condensate on demand without loss of relative pressure inherent within the system. A differential pressure sensor senses the low and high level of condensate in a condensate collection reservoir activating a diaphragm type discharge valve venting condensate from the reservoir. Once condensate levels fall below a pre-determined level within the reservoir the valve is closed awaiting accumulation of additional condensate before cycling again.

Abstract: A gas-liquid separator system having a control system for controlling and maintaining a "normal" liquid level in the separator vessel. The system is capable of operating without the need for external power (e.g. electric, etc.) or the need for process gas to operate the valves. Also, the system is "fail safe" since the control valves for both the gas and liquid from the vessel will be in an open position if the control system fails. The system has control valve units on both the liquid and the gas outlets of the vessel. Each control valve unit is basically similar in constructon and has a valve element moveable between an open and a closed position by changes in differential pressure across a diaphram. The valve units are connected to the vessel and to each other to sense and response to any changes in the differential pressure between the top and the bottom of the vessel to open or close the respective valves to maintain or to reattain the normal level in the vessel.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a deaeration device for oil supply installations for oil-fired boilers and similar plant equipment. The deaeration device includes a deaeration valve and a float which is made to float even in severely foaming oil by partially supporting its weight on a spring element. This ensures that the float will close the deaeration valve and prevent oil leakage.

Abstract: In a device for dispensing liquids from a first into a second container via a conveying conduit including a flow counter and shut-off means, flow measuring errors due to the presence of gas in the liquid are prevented by controlling the effective free cross-section of the shut-off means so that flow is permitted only if the pressure upstream of the flow counter is between two positive pressure values.

Abstract: A process for heating fluids to a relatively high temperature, such as sterilization temperature, in which the fluid, such as a liquid, is heated by direct contact with steam while it is in the form of a very thin, free-falling film or a continuous falling stream so that heating of the fluid is accomplished without the fluid coming into contact with any surface and particularly metal surfaces which are hotter than the fluid product being heated and with minimum agitation and turbulence of the fluid product. This procedure enables maximum and uniform heat penetration in a minimum time interval with the film or stream being maintained as thin as possible and unbroken by introducing steam at a relatively low velocity in a large volume vessel.

Abstract: An intravenous apparatus for administering liquids to a patient, including an elongated supply tube having a first end which is adapted to be connected to a reservoir of liquid. A flow-regulating device is attached to the remote end of the supply tube. A control tube having a length approximately the same as the supply tube is adapted to hang alongside the supply tube. Within the flow-regulating device is a flexible member such as a tube, bladder or diaphragm--with liquid that is being furnished by the supply tube passing interiorly of said flexible member, and there being some means for externally pressurizing said flexible member. A preferred means for pressurizing the flexible member is a column of liquid maintained in the control tube, with the control liquid having the same specific gravity as that of the supply liquid. A check valve is provided so that liquid may temporarily pass out of the supply tube and into the control tube, until a desired height of liquid has been achieved in the control tube.

Abstract: The specification discloses drain valve apparatus for automatically draining condensed moisture from tubing, such as tubing connected to a respirator or nebulizer, without admitting ambient air to the tubing. One embodiment of drain valve apparatus comprises a casing of transparent plastic material having a chamber from which condensed moisture flows to atmosphere. A diaphragm valve, of the bulb-type, is biased to seated position to prevent admittance of ambient air to the tubing and opens only responsively to a certain weight of accumulated moisture active thereon to allow moisture to enter the chamber. In a second embodiment, a diaphragm valve is activated to seated position by a second bulb-type diaphragm connected thereto and subject to the pressure in the tubing. Also, a check valve prevents back flow of ambient air to the tubing under negative pressure conditions in the tubing.

Abstract: A process for heating fluids to a relatively high temperature, such as sterilization temperature, in which the fluid, such as a liquid, is heated by direct contact with steam while it is in the form of a very thin, free-falling film or a continuous falling stream so that heating of the fluid is accomplished without the fluid coming into contact with any surface and particularly metal surfaces which are hotter than the fluid product being heated and with minimum agitation and turbulence of the fluid product. This procedure enables maximum and uniform heat penetration in a minimum time interval with the film or stream being maintained as thin as possible and unbroken by introducing steam at a relatively low velocity in a large volume vessel.