Abstract: Flow control devices and methods using the flow control devices are provided. In a general embodiment, a cassette includes a housing having a constrictor, a tube attached to the housing and positioned through the constrictor, and a ball positioned inside the tube. The constrictor can be constructed and arranged to prevent the ball from moving through the tube at the location proximate the constrictor. The ball can prevent fluid flow in one position and be dislodged to allow fluid flow when the cassette is positioned inside a pumping device. As a result, the cassette is designed to prevent free flow of fluid when an enteral feeding tube set is not installed in a pumping device.

Abstract: An irrigation mitigation runoff system that includes an irrigation system having at least one water outlet and a sensor that detects flow of water through a boundary. A controller is operatively coupled to the irrigation system and the sensor. Responsive to the sensor detecting flow of water through the boundary above a pre-defined threshold, the controller signals the irrigation system to pause irrigation.

Abstract: A plurality of wireless transmitters tethered to a plurality of soil moisture probes, each of said probes having first and second elongate conductive materials encapsulated in a non-conductive substrate, coupled to a power source and configured to be placed in the soil to form a capacitor. An irrigation control box is equipped with a receiver and a processor coupled to a plurality of irrigation control valves, each irrigation control valve corresponding to an irrigation zone wherein at least one probe is placed. The processor converts signal data received from the plurality of transmitters into a soil moisture value and (i) opens a control valve corresponding to the zone to which the probe corresponds upon detecting that the soil moisture value in the zone has dropped below a threshold value and (ii) closes the control valve upon detecting that the soil moisture value has raised above a threshold value.

Abstract: A drive control device includes: an input unit of a command; and a control unit setting a period for rising a current in an inductive load to first and third periods in first and second commands, and setting a period for falling the current to second and fourth periods in the first and second commands, respectively. When the first command is changed to the second command, and at least one middle PMW pulse is disposed between a forward PWM pulse corresponding to the first command and an after PWM pulse corresponding to the second command, the control unit sets fifth and sixth periods in the middle PWM pulse corresponding to the first and second periods of the forward PWM pulse to a length between the first and second periods in the forward PWM pulse and the third and fourth periods in the after PWM pulse, respectively.

Abstract: A thermostatic condensing gas water heater, comprising a burner; a first heat exchanger (7), a second heat exchanger (4), a water inlet pipe (10), and a water outlet pipe (9) provided in succession along the flow direction of the burnt flue gas; a controller; and a water flow channel connecting the first heat exchanger (7) and the second heat exchanger (4) in parallel between the water inlet pipe (10) and the water outlet pipe (9), wherein flow control valves (3, 5) capable of adjusting the water flow distribution of the first heat exchanger (7) and the second heat exchanger (4) are provided on the water flow channel and controlled by the controller.

Abstract: An entrained-flow gasifier reactor includes a vessel and a first liner within the vessel. The first liner extends around a reaction zone in the vessel and has an inlet end and an exit end with respect to the reaction zone. The first liner includes a drip lip at the exit end. An isolator is arranged near the drip lip. The isolator is operable to thermally isolate the drip lip from a quench zone downstream from the reaction zone such that molten slag at the drip lip remains molten.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multiphase pumping block device comprising a pump and a bypass circuit. Said bypass circuit is suitable for enabling the flow of a fluid from an area upstream of the pump to an area downstream of the pump by bypassing the pump. The latter comprises at least out non-return valve suitable for blocking the flow of the fluid from the area downstream of the pump to the area upstream of the pump. In addition, the pumping block device is connected to a set of pumping circuits, comprising a main bypass circuit suitable for enabling the flow of a fluid from an area upstream of the connected pumping block to an area downstream of the connected pumping block. Finally, the pumping block device is arranged in order to be disconnected from said set of circuits for maintenance.

Abstract: Provided are a micro valve device and a valve body assembly. The micro valve device comprises at least two control ports (402, 404) and at least two movable members (302), wherein the at least two movable members (302) respectively control each of the at least two control ports (402, 404) to realize that opening and closing of the control ports (402, 404) are independently controlled, so that the at least two control ports (402, 404) can output fluids with the same or different flow rate(s) or pressure(s). The valve body assembly comprises the micro valve device.

Abstract: A combustion gas cooling apparatus includes a cooling duct from which a cooling gas at a temperature lower than the temperature of a combustion gas flows out into a mixing duct to form a mixed gas in which the combustion gas and the cooling gas are mixed. The cooling duct has cooling gas flow inlets into which the cooling gas flows, a plurality of cooling gas outflow apertures through which the cooling gas having flowed into the cooling gas flow inlets flows out into the mixing duct, and distribution passages through which the cooling gas having flowed into the cooling gas flow inlets is distributed to the plurality of cooling gas outflow apertures.

Abstract: A vehicle fuel cooling device includes a return passage and a fuel cooling unit arranged on the return passage. A non-injected surplus fuel of a fuel supplied to a fuel injection valve is returned to a fuel tank through the return passage as a return fuel. When a part of the cooling medium of a vehicle air conditioning system is circulated to the fuel cooling unit, the cooling medium flowing through the fuel cooling unit cools the return fuel through heat exchange. In the vehicle fuel cooling device, when a part of the cooling medium is circulated to the fuel cooling unit to cool the return fuel, an amount of return fuel to be returned to the fuel tank is increased compared to when the return fuel is not cooled.

Abstract: A nozzle adapter assembly is provided for adapting use of nozzles on liquid dispensing pumps with test and measurement equipment such as liquid provers, test measures and liquid proving systems. The adapter can be used with automatic shut-off nozzles through which the liquid may normally be dispensed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cartridge-based detection system to prepare an injected sample to be investigated for determination of a microbial pathogen or another analyte of interest using a detector features a field-safe cartridge. The system features a plurality of reagent chambers located within the cartridge. The system features a rotating cylindrical dial that facilitates a sequential introduction of various fluids contained in each reagent chamber into the dial whereby the fluid washes internally for contact therein. A dial channel is located through the dial. A dual window region of interrogation is centrally located in the dial. The dial is pivoted into position to fluidly connect each mated anterior and posterior reagent chamber via the dial channel. Methods of used are also disclosed.

Abstract: A controlled aperture ball drop includes a ball cartridge that is mounted to a frac head or a high pressure fluid conduit. The ball cartridge houses a ball rail having a bottom end that forms an aperture with an inner periphery of the ball cartridge through which frac balls of a frac ball stack supported by the ball rail are sequentially dropped from the frac ball stack as a size of the aperture is increased by an aperture controller operatively connected to the ball rail.

Abstract: A system may include a water storage tank configured to at least temporarily store an amount of water in an enclosed interior section and a mixing system. The mixing system may include an intake conduit having at least a portion positioned in the interior section to withdraw water from the lower portion of the water storage tank. A pump system may have an intake section and a discharge section, the intake section being coupled to the intake conduit. A discharge conduit may be coupled to the discharge section of the pump system. A discharge fixture may be positioned in the interior section and may include a plurality of discharge holes configured to spray water from the discharge conduit into the water storage tank so as to mix at least a portion of water inside the water storage tank.

Abstract: A piston rod subassembly for use in a blowout preventer operator assembly includes a piston rod having a rod threaded interface and a rod shoulder on an outer diameter of the piston rod. A preload ring has a ring threaded interface for engaging the rod threaded interface to couple the piston rod to the preload ring. A protruding end surface of the piston rod protrudes past an end face of the preload ring when the piston rod is coupled to the preload ring and the rod shoulder engages a ring shoulder of the preload ring. A piston has a pocket for receiving the preload ring. Preload ring fasteners couple the preload ring to the piston to form a piston rod connection between the piston rod and the piston, such that the protruding end surface engages an interior surface of the pocket and a preload is induced in the piston rod connection.

Abstract: A completion system for use in a well includes a first completion section and a second section. The first completion section has a sand control assembly to prevent passage of particulates, a first inductive coupler portion, and a sensor positioned proximate to the sand control assembly that is electrically coupled to the first inductive coupler portion. The second section is deployable after installation of the first completion section. It includes a second inductive coupler portion to communicate with the first inductive coupler portion, to enable communication between the first completion section's sensor and another component coupled to the second section.

Abstract: In the hot-glue application system with a melter and components connected thereto, such as one or more heatable feeder pipes and one or more heatable application valves, the components contain a machine-readable and preferably also machine writable data storage medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve having a balancing function for a fluid distribution system. A valve closing member is movable between a closed position and a fully opened position. An actuation device is provided for changing the position of the valve closing member. A control unit is provided and comprises an electronic memory adapted to receive and store an opening limitation value, said opening limitation value being representative of a selected intermediate position between said closed position and said fully opened position of the valve closing member, wherein the control unit controls the actuation device to limit the movement of the valve closing member to positions from said closed position to said selected intermediate position. The invention also relates to a valve system and to a method of operating a valve.

Abstract: An architecture is presented that provides an oil monitoring device designed primarily to monitor, measure, and display measurement parameters for a containment tank of fresh or waste oil. The monitoring device can be positioned on the containment tank of fresh or waste oil, or can be positioned proximate to the containment tank, as long as the monitoring device remains in communication with the containment tank. The monitoring device comprises a real-time level sensor that is in communication with the containment tank of cooking oil. The level sensor measures usage and collection volumes, as well as filtration status of the containment tank in real-time and displays the information to a user via a display. Furthermore, the monitoring device comprises alarms to alert users of specific oil levels. The monitoring device can either be a stand-alone device or be linked to a computer program to function as a data management system.

Abstract: A liquid transfer pump comprises a bellows-type chamber retractable and extendable by a reciprocating drive. The pump is fed by feed stock inflow controlled by a flexible tubular pinch-type valve, and propelled out of the chamber through an identical pinch-type valve. Quick pneumatic relief valves mounted directly on the pinch-type valves ensure instantaneous opening of the pinch-type valves thereby regulating liquid flow. Synchronous regulation of pump cycles is maintained by computer or microprocessor control.

Abstract: A control device and method for preventing the start and stop of heat source machines from being frequently repeated. The control device determining whether or not basic conditions for decreasing the number of machines are satisfied when the number of currently operating machines is increased by one is determined if a current operational status satisfies basic conditions for increasing the number of machines, and one heat source machine is started if it is determined that the basic conditions for decreasing the number of machines are not satisfied, and determining whether or not the basic conditions for increasing the number of machines are satisfied when the number of currently operating machines is decreased by one are satisfied if a current operational status satisfies the basic conditions for decreasing the number of machines, and one heat source machine is stopped if it is determined that the basic conditions for increasing the number of machines are not satisfied.

Abstract: A method of controlling addition rate of an odor control chemical to a wastewater line by adding odor control chemical to the wastewater. The method includes measuring a level of dissolved sulfides in the wastewater line using a sulfide probe placed in said wastewater line, transferring data on the level of dissolved sulfides to a computing unit, determining a required odor control chemical addition rate in said computing unit based on said level of dissolved sulfides, and adding the odor control chemical at said required addition rate. The method allows for accurate on-line control of the level of H2S in the wastewater line.

Abstract: A gripping apparatus for use in gripping a pipe, for holding forces, or restraining relative movement. The pipe defines an inside radius. The gripping apparatus has an outer surface where the outer surface defines a transition surface or a curve. In certain embodiments the transition surface or curve has a radius less than or equal to the inside radius of the pipe.

Abstract: An irrigation system includes at least one environmental sensor, such as a solar radiation sensor that is installed on an irrigation site, and a soil moisture sensor that is also installed on the irrigation site. Programming allows an estimated ET value to be calculated based at least in part on the output signal of the environmental sensor. A pre-programmed watering schedule is automatically modified based on the estimated ET value to thereby conserve water while maintaining the health of plants on the irrigation site. The system automatically inhibits irrigation when an output signal of the soil moisture sensor indicates an amount of moisture in the soil is above a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: There is provided a hydrodynamic retarder including a bladed rotor and a bladed stator jointly forming a working chamber to be filled with working medium and discharged therefrom, a working medium container receiving working medium, and a control pressure application system pressurizing the working medium with a control pressure medium to displace the working medium from the working medium container into the working chamber to set a desired braking torque. A centrifugal separator separating the working medium from the control pressure medium, the centrifugal separator is connected in a flow-conductive manner to an outlet of the working medium container for the control pressure medium to be pressurized with the control pressure medium, the centrifugal separator is driven by the pressure of the control pressure medium, and the working medium container is assembled from at least two shells, where the first and/or the second shell encloses the centrifugal separator.

Abstract: Provided is a fuel system that can reduce the amount of fuel in a second tank before the amount of fuel in a first tank. A fuel system includes: a first tank and a second tank that respectively store fuel; a fuel supply pump that supplies at least the fuel in the first tank out of the first and second tanks to a fuel consuming section; a transfer pump that transfers the fuel in the second tank into the first tank; and a fuel passage having an inlet in communication with an inner portion of the first tank, and an outlet in communication with an inner portion of the second tank. The fuel in the first tank overflows into the second tank through the fuel passage.

Abstract: A process and system for determining injection rate of treatment chemicals to eliminate or reduce downstream noxious gas emissions in a wastewater collection system. The process and system provides for treatment chemical injection at a pumping station or directly on a force main wherein dosage is calculated based on current and historical data relative to the pumping station.

Abstract: A blowout preventer control system comprising: a blowout preventer comprising one or more casing shear rams and one or more blind shear rams; a casing shear ram close chamber; a blind shear ram close chamber; a first SPM valve; a second SPM valve; a first solenoid valve; a microprocessor; and a hydraulic fluid source.

Abstract: A valve includes a generally cylindrical housing including first and second end portions that are offset from each other along a longitudinal axis of the generally cylindrical housing. First and second inlet ports are arranged on one of said first or second end portions, and at least one outlet port is arranged on one of said first or second end portions. A disk is disposed in the generally cylindrical housing and is configured to independently control both mixing and flow rate of fluid flowing into at least one of the first and second inlet ports.

Abstract: A system and method to detect the loss or disruption of one or more phases of a three phase alternating current (AC) power source used in the operation of a valve actuator. The loss of one or more phases of a three phase AC power source may cause a peak in AC power output. While a peak in AC power output may not affect an operation of electronic circuitry, all three phases are often required to safely operate other hardware components, such as an AC motor that is associated with the valve actuator. Therefore, in response to detecting the loss or disruption of at least one phase of a three phase AC power source, this disclosure presents a system and method to inhibit damaging operations such as operating an AC motor associated with a valve actuator, and continuing to operate communications and diagnostic circuitry to report the condition.

Abstract: An aseptic fluid connector having a first connector including a first fluid passageway for receiving a fluid therein; a first port in fluid communication with the first fluid passageway for passage of the fluid therethrough; and a first deflecting member. The first deflecting member includes a first engaging portion radially spaced relative to the first port, and a first valve movable between a closed position and an open position with movement of the first engaging portion between a non-deflected position and a deflected position, respectively. In the non-deflected position, the first valve is located in the closed position forming a fluid-tight seal between the first valve and first port and preventing the passage of fluid therethrough, and in the deflected position, the first valve is located in the open position allowing the aseptic passage of fluid through the first port.

Abstract: A method to detect cycling of components that result from use of a tight shut-off mode on a valve assembly. Embodiments of the method use operating data from the valve assembly. This operating data includes data that reflects a position for the closure member relative to the seat. This position often corresponds with a measured position of one or more components (e.g., the valve stem) on the valve assembly. In one embodiment, the method includes steps for comparing the measured position to a boundary criteria that defines one or more boundary values proximate, and often equal to, the threshold levels of the tight shut-off mode. The method can also includes steps for identifying patterns in the data that indicate that the closure member is cycling from its closed position to a second position due to tight shut-off mode.

Abstract: A method and a device for open-loop or closed-loop control of a process uses an actuator, a position sensor, a process valve, a process sensor, and a tuning stage. n positions of the process valve are approached, and the associated actual position values are detected. The respective actual process values are detected for each corresponding actual position value to thus obtain value pairs of actual position values and actual process values. Correction values are calculated based on the identified value pairs, and position set values corrected with the correction values are determined to compensate for nonlinearities of the process, such that a linear overall behavior is achieved.

Abstract: The smaller volumes of water currently required to flush toilets and urinals may be insufficient to clear the fixtures and the drainage lines to which they are connected of waste and other undesirable materials, which can build up over a period of flushes or non-use. A flush valve control device programmed or otherwise configured to provide a selectable, periodic heavier flush volume of water after a predetermined number of low volume flushes and/or after a predetermined period of inactivity of the toilet or urinal can provide for sufficient drainage line carry-out of waste and prevent undesirable buildup of minerals, etc. on the inside surfaces of the fixtures and drainage pipes.

Abstract: An integrated circuit compensates for parasitic capacitance in a capacitive measuring apparatus wherein a capacitance measurement is done by repeatedly transferring charge from a capacitor to be measured to a reference capacitor.

Abstract: A mass flow controller (MFC) has a standard envelope with an enclosure and a corresponding base. A pressure transducer is communicatively coupled to a process gas in a proportional inlet valve without being physically coupled to the base. The space formerly occupied by the pressure transducer is available for additional component integration, or reduction of the standard envelope size. A second pressure transducer is located remotely and shared by multiple MFCs. A relief valve can quickly relieve a P1 pressure of a P1 volume of process gas. A first laminar flow element (LFE) and a second LFE and in series high conductance valve configured in parallel to produce a wide-range MFC that maintains accuracy.

Abstract: A circuit structure of a gas valve controls a first driver and a second driver, which respectively drive a main valve and a safety valve. The circuit structure includes a power switching circuit, a control circuit, a protection circuit, an abnormal voltage detection circuit, a first valve switching circuit, a second valve switching circuit, and a processor which is electrically connected to the aforementioned circuits. The processor receives abnormal signals outputted by the abnormal voltage detection circuit, and outputs signals to control the power switching circuit, the control circuit, the protection circuit, the first valve switching circuit, and the second valve switching circuit to control the first driver and the second driver. The main valve and the safety valve can be opened or closed in this way.

Abstract: An electronic faucet controlled by handle contains: a body, a control assembly, a water pipe set, a solenoid valve, and a magnetic sensing device. The body includes a handle seat and an outlet. The control assembly includes a valve member and a rotary lever rotated toward an opened position and a closed position. The water pipe set includes a cold-water inlet pipe, a hot-water inlet pipe, and a mixing outlet pipe. The solenoid valve is secured on the mixing outlet pipe and is opened to flow the mixing water, and the solenoid valve is closed to stop the mixing water. The magnetic sensing device includes a magnetic element mounted on the rotary lever. In addition, a magnetic sensor is fixed between the handle seat and the valve member adjacent to the magnet element.

Abstract: A pressure-driven valve is disclosed. The valve includes a housing, a fluid flow channel, and a deflectable portion. The housing comprises a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The fluid flow channel extends between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The deflectable portion is disposed within the housing, and defines a portion of the fluid flow channel. The deflectable portion is configured to deflect to increase and decrease a size of the fluid flow channel to regulate fluid flow from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. The deflectable portion is disposed and arranged to deflect as a result of pressure differentials between a reference pressure, a fluid flow channel pressure, and an outlet pressure representative of fluid pressure at the fluid outlet.

Abstract: An infusion pump comprises a tube attachment section configured such that an infusion tube is detachably attachable to the tube attachment section, an access cover configured to close the tube attachment section in an openable manner, and a tube clamp mechanism located within the tube attachment section and configured to clamp and block a portion of the infusion tube. The tube clamp mechanism comprises a base member, a clip clamp member rotatably mounted on the base member, a tube clamp release lever rotatably mounted on the base member, and a tube clamp member rotatably mounted on the base member.

Abstract: The present invention supplies partitioned water treatment systems that possess a plurality of chambers and vertical filtration units, and are operative to control and filter surface runoff water. Such systems are typically placed inline with surface runoff water conveyance system infrastructure, such as pipes, channels, and water storage units.

Abstract: A modular and reversible manifold assembly for a pump calibration gauge. The assembly includes a tubular body having a first end and an opposed second end. A first inlet connection extends substantially perpendicular to the tubular body. A gauge connection on the first end of the tubular body is provided for connection to a pump calibration gauge. A pump connection on the second end of the tubular body is provided for connection to a metering pump. A second inlet connection extends substantially perpendicular to the tubular body opposed to the first inlet connection wherein either the first or second inlet connection is connected to a liquid storage tank or another modular and reversible manifold assembly.

Abstract: A load driving device includes a driving switching element, an interrupting part, a short-circuiting switching element, and a protecting element. The driving switching element drives a load by controlling energization to the load. The interrupting part is disposed on an energizing path to the load. The interrupting part is not melted by a driving current to the load and is melted by an interrupting current larger than the driving current so as to interrupt energization to the load. The short-circuiting switching element is connected in parallel with the load and applies the interrupting current to the interrupting part. The protecting element protects the short-circuiting switching element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for of controlling the flow of a fluid. The fluid comprises a liquid phase and a dissolved gas phase. The fluid passes through a valve, the valve comprising a fluid inlet and a movable body located in a flow path through the valve, the movable body being arranged to move freely relative to the opening of the inlet to vary the flow-through area through which the fluid flows by means of the Bernoulli effect. The dimensions of the valve are such that flow of the fluid past the movable body causes a drop in pressure to below the bubble point of the gas phase in the liquid phase, thereby increasing flow of the fluid through the valve.

Abstract: A new and improved waste oil management system is described herein which includes an automated data management system, allowing users to track usage and collection volumes, and other useful data, to help reduce oil use, lower costs and increase profits. The waste oil management system includes an oil monitoring device or integrated control panel linked to one or more computers, more fully described herein.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a gas distribution apparatus may include: a manifold having a gas inlet to receive a process gas from a fast gas exchange unit and a first gas outlet to provide the process gas to a first gas delivery zone; a plurality of flow restrictors fluidly coupled to one another in parallel and to the gas inlet, wherein each of the plurality of flow restrictors are configured to allow at least a portion of a total flow of a process gas through each of the plurality of flow restrictors; and a plurality of valves each coupled to respective ones of the plurality of flow restrictors, wherein the plurality of valves are configured to be selectively opened to allow the process gas to flow through selective ones of the plurality of flow restrictors to provide a desired percentage of a total flow of the process gas to the outlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling a flow in a micro conduit system, and particularly a micro conduit system comprising one or more capillary-stop valves (6,6?) wherein the stopping ability of the capillary stop valve is overcome with the help of an acoustic wave source.

Abstract: A cooling and reactant removal system includes first and second gate valves. An outlet of the first gate valve is arranged in fluid communication with the process volume of the processing chamber. A filter is arranged in fluid communication with an inlet of the first gate valve. An inlet of the second gate valve is arranged in fluid communication with the process volume of the processing chamber. A gas amplifier has a first inlet, a second inlet, an outlet and at least one Coanda surface. Compressed gas received at the first inlet of the gas amplifier is directed across the Coanda surface. The second inlet of the gas amplifier is in fluid communication with the outlet of the second gate valve. The outlet of the gas amplifier is in fluid communication with a scrubbed exhaust system.

Abstract: An air pipe head having a housing bounding a venting channel and a chamber. The venting channel has an end port opening downwards into the chamber. A float member is arranged in the chamber and guided for guided movement between an uppermost position closing off the end port and a lowermost position spaced below the end port. The chamber communicates with surroundings of the air pipe head via at least one side port. A downwardly facing surface portion of the float member in its lowermost position is shielded in substantially all lateral directions and an upper surface portion of the float member in its lowermost position is left exposed through said side port.

Abstract: A method for reducing performance variation of an electromagnetically-activated actuator having an electrical coil and an armature includes providing actuator activation signals to the electromagnetically-activated actuator. The signals include current driven through the electrical coil in a first direction. The method detects unacceptable response variations in the armature to equivalent actuator activation signals. And, subsequent to detection of unacceptable response variations in the armature, current is driven through the electrical coil in a direction opposite that of the first direction following actuator activation signals.