Abstract: A valve includes a housing enclosing a pressure chamber. At least one media opening is closeable via a valve element activated by a wire-shaped SMA element connected at its ends to a printed circuit board and at its middle to the valve element. The wire-shaped SMA element extends in a plane parallel to a direction of movement of the valve element.

Abstract: An overfill-prevention valve system includes a testing mechanism, operable by a user from the inlet end of the drop tube, which can be used to verify proper valve function without actually filling the storage tank. The testing mechanism allows the user to actuate the valve manually using a test probe, such as by elevating a float to simulate a full storage tank. The testing mechanism may be located upstream of the valve to facilitate the testing operation without interfering with the valve body. The mechanism may further provide non-contact functionality, such as with magnetic actuators on either side of the drop tube wall, to eliminate a potential test mechanism leak points. The test probe used to actuate the test mechanism may be shaped to define a desired rotational position at the test location within the drop tube, ensuring proper rotational alignment of the magnetic actuators.

Abstract: A water purifier includes a water outlet discharging purified water therethrough, a first temperature sensor to sense temperature of the purified water, an induction heating module provided with a working coil forming magnetic field according to a current flow, and a hot water tank heated by the magnetic field and receiving the purified water to deliver to the water outlet, and a controller to control the current to flow on the working coil while the purified water is transferred to the water outlet through the hot water tank in response to a water discharge request, wherein the controller controls the current value flowing on the working coil, such that purified water lower than the target temperature is discharged until a predetermined time point from when the water discharge request is applied, and purified water higher than the target temperature is discharged after the predetermined time point.

Abstract: Implementations described herein provide for thermal substrate processing apparatus including two thermal process chambers, each defining a process volume, and a substrate support disposed within each process volume. One or more remote plasma sources may be in fluid communication with the process volumes and the remote plasma sources may be configured to deliver a plasma to the process volumes. Various arrangements of remote plasma sources and chambers are described.

Abstract: An injection controller that is applied to an exhaust purification system including an injector that is located in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine and injects to supply a reducing agent in a liquid state to a NOx purification catalyst purifying NOx in an exhaust gas, and a pump that pressurizes and pumps the reducing agent to the injector through a reducing-agent passage. The injection controller includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire a variation quantity of a rotational speed of the pump caused in response to an injection of the injector or a correlation value that is a value correlative to the variation quantity, as a rotational variation parameter, and a determination unit configured to determine whether an air mixing exists in the reducing-agent passage based on the rotational variation parameter.

Abstract: A method for actuating at least one solenoid valve includes detecting a valve actuation signal, energizing the at least one solenoid valve with a specific constant control current for a specific actuation time which follows the detection of the valve actuation signal, and increasing the control current to a full actuation current for a full actuation time which follows the actuation time. The specific constant control current and the actuation time are dimensioned in such a way that at least two different types of solenoid valves can be at least partially opened by the control current during the actuation time.

Abstract: A marine distribution vessel includes a barge that fuel tanks and lubricant tanks, and a distribution station disposed on the barge and connected with the fuel tanks and the lubricant tanks. The distribution station includes a fuel pump and a fuel line that connects the fuel tanks with the fuel pump, a lubricant pump and lubricant lines that connect the lubricant tanks with the lubricant pump, a fuel flow meter disposed in the fuel line, an automated fuel valve disposed in the fuel line, a lubricant flow meter disposed in the lubricant lines, automated lubricant valves disposed in the lubricant lines, and a computerized controller electrically connected with the fuel flow meter, the lubricant flow meter, the automated fuel valve, the automated lubricant valves, the fuel pump, and the lubricant pump.

Abstract: In a method for compressing a gas that is to be separated in a low-temperature CO2 separation unit using at least one partial condensation step and/or at least one distillation step, the gas that is to be separated has a variable composition and/or variable flow rate, the gas that is to be separated is compressed in a compressor to produce a compressed gas and the inlet pressure of the gas that is to be separated, entering the compressor, is modified according to the CO2 content and/or the flow rate of the gas that is to be separated so as to reduce the variations in volumetric flow rate of the gas that is to be separated entering the compressor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to communicatively couple on/off valves to controllers in a process control system are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first interface to receive a command signal from a termination module to be communicatively coupled to a controller in a process control system. The command signal is directed to an on/off valve in the process control system. The first interface transmits a feedback signal to the termination module in response to the command signal. The example apparatus also includes a second interface to receive position information from proximity sensors in a switch box monitoring a state of the on/off valve. The feedback signal is based on the position information. The example apparatus further includes a communication processor to be communicatively coupled to the first and the second interfaces to process the command signal and the feedback signal.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method for processing a surface with a vertical microfluidic probe head. The method includes positioning the microfluidic probe head so as for the edge surface to face a surface to be processed. Next, the method dispenses processing liquid via each orifice of the first one of the sets of n orifices, so as for the dispensed processing liquid to process the surface; and aspirates liquid via each orifice of the second one of the sets of n orifices.

Abstract: A combustible gas supply unit is for supplying compressed combustible gas to a dispenser. The combustible gas supply unit includes a high pressure gas facility for handling compressed combustible gas, a base plate having the high pressure gas facility installed thereon and a barrier supported by the base plate to surround at least a part of an outer periphery of the high pressure gas facility. A barrier is shaped to surround at least a part of an outer periphery of the high pressure gas facility and includes a part to be supported by a base plate having the high pressure gas facility installed thereon.

Abstract: A method for priming a renal therapy machine is disclosed. The method includes communicating a source of a physiologically compatible solution with a blood circuit and moving the physiologically compatible solution from the source to the blood circuit. The method also includes moving the physiologically compatible solution through the blood circuit to prime the blood circuit. The method further includes moving the physiologically compatible solution from the blood circuit though porous fibers of a blood filter, causing air to be purged from the blood circuit and into a dialysis fluid circuit portion of the blood filter.

Abstract: Provided is a high-pressure gas supplying apparatus that may minimize impact to be exerted on a valve seat in a regulator and may reuse condensate water or gas produced from leaking gas that is gradually discharged to the outside. That is, it is possible to collect and reuse moisture (condensate water) or gas produced by the Joule-Thomson effect from leaking gas that is gradually discharged to the outside by the leaking gas discharge unit.

Abstract: Analysis of smart meter and/or similar data based on frequency content is disclosed. In various embodiments, for each of a plurality of resource consumption nodes a time series data including for each of a series of observation times a corresponding resource consumption data associated with that observation time is received. At least a portion of the time series data, for each of at least a subset of the plurality of resource consumption nodes, is transformed into a frequency domain. A feature set based at least in part on the resource consumption data as transformed into the frequency domain is used to detect that resource consumption data associated with a particular resource consumption node is anomalous.

Abstract: A plenum of distributing a flow of air from an air source includes ports extending from a face element of a body. The ports are configured to direct the flow of air out of the plenum, and the ports are arranged on the face element in a first row having first length, a second row having a second length, and a third row having a third length. The first row is positioned proximate to the top element, the third row is positioned proximate to the bottom element, and the second row is positioned between the first row and the third row. In addition, the second length is greater than the first length and the third length, and a shape of the face element is configured to accommodate the first length of the first row, the second length of the second row, and the third length of the third row.

Abstract: Apparatuses for controlling gas flow are important components for delivering process gases for semiconductor fabrication. In one embodiment, a method of achieving improved transient response in apparatuses for controlling gas flow is disclosed. Specifically, by providing a command to the apparatus to deliver a predetermined mass flow rate at a future turn on time, the apparatus is able to pre-pressurize a P1 volume so that the response time of the apparatus is no longer dependent on the speed of the apparatus's control valves and the limitations of the control loop.

Abstract: A faucet includes a spout, a spray hose, a support arm, and a sprayer. The spray hose is partially contained within the spout and extends from the spout. The support arm is coupled to the spout and extends from the spout. The sprayer includes a docking assembly and a spray head. The docking assembly is removably coupled to the support arm. The spray head assembly is rotatably coupled to the spray hose and rotatably coupled to the docking assembly. The docking assembly is configured to facilitate rotation of the spray head assembly relative to the docking assembly.

Abstract: A method for evaluating a capacity value of a capacitive sensor electrode includes an evaluation process, which includes performing a charging process of a sensor electrode, and evaluating a parameter, which depends on the capacity value of the sensor electrode. A first charging pulse duration tL,1 for the charging process includes a first coupling duration tK,1 and a first decoupling duration tE,1 with tL,1=tK,1+tE,1, of a first coupling and decoupling cycle. A second charging pulse duration tL,2, includes a second coupling duration tK,2 and a second decoupling duration tE,2 with tL,2=tK,2+tE,2, of a second coupling and decoupling cycle immediately following the first coupling and decoupling cycle. These differ from each other by a first pulse duration difference ?tL,1.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method of using a mixture of two or more nonionic surfactants for enhanced oil recovery and for an emulsion that includes carbon dioxide, a diluent and a mixture of two or more nonionic surfactants, where each nonionic surfactant is prepared with a double metal cyanide catalyst.

Abstract: A nitric oxide delivery device including a valve assembly, a control module and a gas delivery mechanism is described. An exemplary gas delivery device includes a valve assembly with a valve and circuit including a memory, a processor and a transceiver in communication with the memory. The memory may include gas data such as gas identification, gas expiration and gas concentration. The transceiver on the circuit of the valve assembly may send wireless optical line-of-sight signals to communicate the gas data to a control module. Exemplary gas delivery mechanisms include a ventilator and a breathing circuit. Methods of administering gases containing nitric oxide are also described.

Abstract: A pneumatic trip system for a turbine includes a valve member; a valve stem connected to the valve member; and an actuator assembly connected to the valve stem. The actuator assembly includes a cylinder; a piston connected to the valve stem, the piston dividing the cylinder into a first chamber and a second chamber; a biasing element disposed in the second chamber of the cylinder; and a pneumatic circuit in communication with the second chamber of the cylinder. The pneumatic circuit is configured to pressurize the second chamber of the cylinder to actuate the piston to move the valve stem and the valve member to an exercised position between the open position and the closed position while the first chamber is pressurized.

Abstract: A coin bin. The coin bin has a body defining a chamber to receive coins, the body further defining a receiving area to releasably receive part of a steering handle and being formed of a structurally strong plastic; a lid to close the chamber, the lid being lockable and removable when unlocked; and a plurality of wheels affixed to the body to support the body. The coin bin is suitable for positioning inside an automatic teller machine (ATM).

Abstract: The present invention presents both a method and system for controlling a stormwater management facility to operate in any one of a plurality of operational modes, each of which has differing environmental benefits resulting from its treatment of the stormwater that passes through the facility. A preferred embodiment of this system includes: an actuated control valve, a depth sensor, a valve controller that has internet connectivity and sensor interfaces and a user input means, controller software configured to control the operation of the control valve to operate in one of its plurality of operating modes, and private-cloud-based, internet-accessible, engine software that is configured to utilize weather forecasts to calculate a temporally-varying, targeted depth for the stormwater in the facility that maximizes the volume of stormwater treated in the SWM facility.

Abstract: A method for reducing the pressure of fluid within subsea equipment. The method includes the steps of: (a) providing a pipe, (b) laying the pipe on the sea floor, (c) providing a connector, (d) connecting the pipe to the subsea equipment via the connector, and (e) extracting fluid from the subsea equipment through the connector and into the pipe. Apparatus for reducing the pressure of fluid within subsea equipment by extracting fluid from the subsea equipment.

Abstract: Device for recovering thermal energy from a flow of wastewater from a basin includes a plate heat exchanger traversed by two separate fluid flows and a bypass conduit providing a hydraulic connection. A first inlet of the heat exchanger is placed in a fluid communication with the wastewater outflow opening of the basin to provide a first flow passing through the heat exchanger between the first inlet and a first outlet of the heat exchanger connected to the sewer. A second inlet of the heat exchanger is placed in a fluid communication with a clean water conduit under a water supply network pressure to provide a second flow passing through the heat exchanger without mixing with the first flow, and between the second inlet and a second outlet of the heat exchanger. The bypass conduit provides a bypass between the first inlet of the heat exchanger and the sewer.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a method for controlling a sliding door arrangement of a motor vehicle, wherein the sliding door arrangement comprises a sliding door, a drive arrangement for motorized displacement of the sliding door, a control arrangement and a sensor arrangement with at least one sensor element, in particular implemented as a proximity sensor, where-in during operator event monitoring by means of the control arrangement the sensor signals of the sensor arrangement are monitored as to whether a predetermined operator event exists. It is proposed that the sensor arrangement is disposed at least partly in or on the sliding door and that opening the sliding door at least from a closed end position and/or closing the sliding door at least from an open end position is/are carried out by means of the drive arrangement depending on the result of the operator event monitoring.

Abstract: A main valve assembly and a method of forming the same which can contain sensors therein that are in contact with water below the main valve and provide water characteristic signals above ground to a water characteristic monitoring device at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A downhole flow control device includes a body to be secured within a wall of a tubular, wherein the body defines a flow path therethrough, with a nozzle mounted within the flow path. A dissipation structure is positioned on a first side of the nozzle, such that fluid flowing through the body in a first direction will exit the nozzle and impinge on the dissipation structure prior to exit from the flow control device.

Abstract: A capsulation satellite module for transferring a payload by an earth-launch vehicle to an outer space. The capsulation satellite module comprises a casing defining a hermetically sealed inner cavity therewithin. The casing includes a continuous sidewall and first and second cover assemblies mounted to axially opposite sides of the sidewall so as to delimit the hermetically sealed inner cavity within the casing. The first cover assembly defines a first gas chamber therein extending over the inner cavity of the casing. The second cover assembly defines a second gas chamber therein extending over the inner cavity of the casing. Each of the first gas chamber and the second gas chamber are fluidly connected to the sealed inner cavity and to each other through the sealed inner cavity to maintain predetermined pressure and temperature within the cavity.

Abstract: A system and method are able to generate and dissipate heat internally to a certain submarine equipment by applying electric power, aiming to aid in the remediation and treatment of hydrate, which was formed in its inside, aiming its effective spreading. The said system is specially suitable to be used in submarine equipments involved in the fluids flowing linked to Oil and Gas Industry, and includes a cavity filled with a fluid suitable for heat transfer, in which a penetrator is installed thereon interlinking an encapsulated resistance to a compensated hose filled with dielectric oil housing inner electrical wires. The said hose has an electrical connector suitable for operating with ROV in its end.

Abstract: A portable detection apparatus includes a fluid inlet to acquire a stream of fluid, a fluid outlet and a fluid flowpath therebetween. A pump circulates the fluid through the fluid flowpath. A gamma spectrometer and a mercury analyzer engage the fluid flowpath to analyze and detect radiation emitted by the fluid. A filter trap is in the fluid flowpath downstream from the gamma spectrometer and the mercury analyzer. The filter trap includes a valve assembly and at least a first and second filter for collecting gaseous constituents from the fluid. Each filter is removably connected to the first valve assembly. The valve assembly has a first configuration, in which the first filter is fluidly connected to the fluid flowpath and the second filter is fluidly isolated from the fluid flowpath, and a second configuration, in which the second filter is fluidly connected to the fluid flowpath and the first filter is fluidly isolated from the fluid flowpath.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a substrate processing apparatus includes a tank that stores a treatment liquid; a liquid level pipe connected to the tank such that the treatment liquid stored in the tank flows therein, and configured such that the liquid level of the treatment liquid therein moves according to increase and decrease of the treatment liquid in the tank; a liquid level sensor that detects the liquid level in the liquid level pipe; an air supply pipe for supplying a gas to a piping space above the liquid level in the liquid level pipe; and a controller that determines whether there is erroneous detection of the liquid level sensor based on a detection result obtained by the liquid level sensor in response to the movement of the liquid level in the liquid level pipe caused by supply of the gas to the piping space from the air supply pipe.

Abstract: Examples are disclosed that relate to providing haptic feedback. One example provides a haptic feedback system comprising a wearable device configured to be worn by a user, the wearable device including a fluidic channel, a fluid disposed within the fluidic channel, the fluid including an adjustable viscosity, a circuit configured to vary a field within the fluidic channel, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive a first input, and in response to receiving the first input, apply a first field within the channel via the circuit to set the adjustable viscosity of the fluid to a first viscosity, and receive a second input, and in response to receiving the second input, apply a second field within the channel via the circuit to set the adjustable viscosity of the fluid to a second viscosity.

Abstract: A ballast water treatment device includes a ballast water treatment line, a pump for drawing and pressure feeding treatment target water, a filter, a ballast tank for storing filtered water, and an outboard discharger, and the pump, the filter, the ballast tank, and the outboard discharger are provided on the ballast water treatment line. Treatment target water drawn for a predetermined period from start of drawing treatment target water is not caused to pass through the filter but is discharged outboard by the outboard discharger, and discharging outboard by the outboard discharger is stopped at elapse of the predetermined period and treated water having been filtrated by the filter is poured into the ballast tank.

Abstract: An HVAC actuator that includes a motor to assist in driving an HVAC component between a first end stop and a second end stop, a return spring configured to provide a bias force toward the second end stop, and a controller operatively coupled to the motor. The controller may store a predetermined zero position that corresponds to the position of the HVAC component that results when the HVAC component is allowed to come to rest against the second end stop under the influence of the bias force of the return spring while the motor is interrupted from controlling the position and speed of the HVAC component. The controller may be configured to remove drive power to the motor before the HVAC component 14 reaches the predetermined zero position, allowing the return spring to gently park the HVAC component on the send end stop.

Abstract: A feeding pouch assembly includes a pouch defining a fluid chamber with an outlet port extending from the pouch. The outlet port is in fluid communication with the fluid chamber. A valve is positioned at the outlet port and is biased to a natural sealing position wherein flow from the fluid chamber to the outlet port is prevented. The valve moves to a non-sealing position, wherein fluid is free to flow from the fluid chamber to the outlet, upon connection of the outlet port to a feeding tube. The valve automatically moves to the sealing position upon disconnection of the feeding tube from the outlet port.

Abstract: An eductor for a water treatment system, including an eductor body having an inlet end and an opposite outlet end, the body defining an interior with a nozzle chamber and a flared conical portion. A jet nozzle is provided that is dimensioned for location in the nozzle chamber, defining an internal passage in fluid communication with the interior. A duckbill valve located in the jet nozzle includes a base from which project a pair of inherently biased, complementary flaps, free ends of the flaps oriented to open towards the outlet end. A mesh cap has a porous exterior wall defining a cavity in fluid communication with the interior, the cap having an open end engageable in the inlet end of the eductor body so that upon attachment of the mesh cap to the inlet end, the duckbill valve is held in position in the internal passage of the jet nozzle.

Abstract: A fluid governing system including a fluid inlet and fluid inlet port coupleable to an upstream pipe segment; a fluid outlet and a fluid outlet port coupleable to a downstream pipe segment; a flow unit; a metering inlet path in flow communication with the fluid inlet; a metering outlet path in flow communication with the fluid outlet, the metering inlet path is in flow communication with the metering outlet path through the flow unit which is articulable between the metering inlet path and the metering outlet path; a pressure responsive sealing diaphragm for selective sealing a metering inlet port; an inlet chamber disposed at a face of the sealing diaphragm, the inlet chamber in flow communication with the fluid inlet; a control chamber disposed at an opposite face of the sealing diaphragm; and a control fluid duct extending between the inlet chamber and the control chamber.

Abstract: A device for generating bubbles, comprising a porous material having at least one hydrophilic surface (1), arranged such that a liquid (7) in which the bubbles (6) are intended to be formed may contact the hydrophilic surface (1) and at least one hydrophobic surface (2), arranged such that a gas (5) used to generate the bubbles (6) may flow past the hydrophobic surface (2) before it flows past the hydrophilic surface (1). The device may be used for creating fine bubbles in numerous applications, such as wastewater treatment, plant cultivation, aquafarming, aeration systems, bioreactors, fermeters, oil extraction or fuel cells.

Abstract: Compressed gas dispensing methods using cascade dispensing from a first plurality of storage vessels and a second plurality of storage vessels. A compressor is used to provide very high pressure compressed gas for the second plurality of pressure storage vessels. Various methods are described for different sources of the compressed gas. The methods are particularly suitable for dispensing hydrogen into storage vessels in vehicles.

Abstract: A micromechanical device having a first cavity, which has a MEMS element, and having a second cavity. The second cavity is connected to the first cavity with a connection channel, the connection channel having a seal by which the first cavity and the second cavity are hermetically sealed from each other, the seal being able to be opened electrically.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, computer program product, and computing system for detecting the availability of status-related data within an FRU. The status-related data is written to persistent memory within the FRU.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve comprises: a spool; and a valve body defining a valve chamber for receiving the spool, wherein the spool is adapted to linearly reciprocate within the valve chamber in an axial direction, the valve chamber at least comprises a pressure chamber and a first working chamber, between which a first valve body shoulder is provided on the valve body, and the spool has a first spool shoulder adapted to contact with or axially disengage from the first valve body shoulder in order to hydraulically isolate the pressure chamber from the first working chamber or communicate the pressure chamber with the first working chamber.

Abstract: A chemical injector for use with a pool system can include an assembly having a disposable chemical container (214) and a pump (106,216). The disposable chemical container can fluidly seal a chemical in an inner volume of the disposable chemical container. The pump can be coupled to the disposable chemical container for injecting the chemical into the fluid flow of the pool system.

Abstract: A rupture disk includes a body including an internal wall extending from a first end of the body to a second end of the body. The internal wall defines an opening extending through the body. In some embodiments, the body further includes an internal flange formed on the internal wall, and the internal flange has a stepped surface. A rupture membrane is positioned within the body, and secured, for example, by cold welding. The rupture membrane may be secured to the stepped surface. The rupture membrane is positioned within the body such that the rupture membrane does not extend beyond the first end of the body. A process system including the rupture disk is also provided. A method of maintaining a process system that includes the rupture disk is also provided.

Abstract: A ball joint connector is provided for linking a showerhead to a water supply pipe. The connector has an internal venturi that draws air into the connector to aerate water being provided to the showerhead. A flow control member is disposed in a fluid pathway connected to the venturi, preventing spraying or leaking out of the air inlet, while reducing noise associated with the air induction.

Abstract: A cooling system for a utility vehicle comprises a first fluid circuit including a first fluid such as hydraulic oil and a second fluid circuit including a second fluid such as a coolant or lubricant. A heat exchanger couples the first and second fluid circuits enabling transfer of heat from one of the first and second fluids to the other. A fluid cooler in the first fluid circuit has a fan arranged to direct an airflow towards it, which fan is a hydraulically driven device connected in the first fluid circuit and driven by flow of the first fluid.

Abstract: A method of making at least a portion of at least one microfluidic actuator having a flexible diaphragm portion and an opposite surface portion, the diaphragm and opposite surface each having opposed faces, at least one of the faces comprising surface-activated PDMS, and the opposed faces being arranged such that when the opposed faces contact each other, they form a fluidic seal, including performing repeated make-and-break-contact protocol on the contacting opposed faces until the tendency for permanent bonds to form between the contacting faces has been neutralized, thereby enabling the diaphragm portion to perform actuated movements to engage and disengage with the opposite surface portion, without the diaphragm sticking to the opposite surface portion.

Abstract: An active microfluidic droplet generation device includes a droplet generation junction joining at least one continuous phase channel for carrying a ferrofluid, and a dispersed phase channel for carrying a dispersed phase (e.g., aqueous) flow. A miniature electropermanent magnet (EPM) upstream from the junction generates a magnetic field to modulate a flow rate of a ferrofluid in the continuous phase channel so that dispersed phase droplets are generated with volumes actively controlled on-demand and under continuous flow.

Abstract: A ballast water treatment device attached to a vessel provided with: a line (1) through which drawn treatment target water flows; and a ballast tank (5) connected to a downstream side of the line (1). The ballast water treatment device is provided with: a filter (3) which is disposed in the line (1) and which filters the treatment target water; and a controller (7). The controller (7) causes the treatment target water to be discharged outboard from an upstream side of the filter (3) in an early stage of drawing of the treatment target water, until water quality is stabilized, and, when the water quality of treatment target water has stabilized, causes the filter (3) to filter the treatment target water. Thus, ballast water filtering can be efficiently performed.