Abstract: A pneumatically operated gas valve mounted on a vessel containing pressurized gas. The gas valve includes a piston positioned in a cylinder with one closed end so that the piston seats against a gas outlet to close the gas valve. A control reservoir is formed in the cylinder between the piston and the closed end of the cylinder. Upon filling vessel, some of the pressurized gas enters the control reservoir to provide a control pressure behind the piston. Actuating the control mechanism vents the control reservoir, resulting in the gas valve opening rapidly to release the pressurized gas in the vessel through an exhaust port of the gas valve.

Abstract: A method and a system for saving liquid and thermal energy, where a centrally located source of liquid is connected via separate feeding conduits to a plurality of liquid tap units. Each feeding conduit (FC1) is connected to a dampening chamber (D1) via a passage (OP1) containing an inlet (INi) to a liquid valve (VI) adapted to open when liquid reaches the inlet, so that liquid will flow from the feeding conduit to the associated liquid tap unit (LT1). Each feeding conduit is also connected to an evacuation pump (EP) via an evacuation valve (EV), which pump empties the feeding conduit after supply of the respective tap unit.

Abstract: A system for blending polymers and other chemicals in an aqueous liquid is provided. Static mixers and tubes, preferably in one or more tube bundles, provide a volume sufficient to allow a residence time in the system to hydrate a polymer. Static mixers may be integrated with a tube bundle. The system may be mounted on a portable base such as a trailer. The concentration of polymer and chemicals in water may be controlled by a controller. A variable speed electric pump may be utilized to precisely control the amount of polymers or other chemicals added to the aqueous liquid.

Abstract: A vaporizer arrangement for a breathing apparatus serves the double purpose of vaporizer and pressurized supply of vapor-containing gas for direct delivery to a patient. The vaporizer arrangement has at least a first gas inlet channel for conveying a flow of a carrier gas into a vaporization chamber, a vaporizer for vaporizing a liquid into the carrier gas in the vaporization chamber, and a gas outlet channel for conveying a flow of vapor-containing carrier gas out of the vaporization chamber and toward the patient. The vaporizer arrangement further has a gas flow regulator that maintains the carrier gas within the vaporization chamber at an overpressure, and that controls the flow of vapor-containing carrier gas out of the vaporization chamber in a variable manner.

Abstract: A faucet column and/or free-standing sanitary fitting with the faucet column includes a floor-side column end and a faucet-carrying column end, with at least one water conduit disposed within the faucet column, extending from the floor-side column end up to the faucet-carrying column end. The faucet column includes a supporting profile which extends from the floor-side column end up to the faucet-carrying column end, at least one cavity which encompasses the water conduit and extends from the floor-side column end up to the faucet-carrying column end and is provided by the supporting profile, and an enveloping element which surrounds the supporting profile.

Abstract: Provided is a passive containment spray system including: a spray coolant storage unit that communicates with a containment accommodating a reactor vessel and maintains equilibrium of pressure between the spray coolant storage unit and the containment; a spray pipe that is installed within the containment in such a manner that when an accident occurs, a coolant supplied from the spray coolant storage unit is sprayed into the containment through the spray pipe due to an increase in pressure within the containment; and a connection pipe one end of which is inserted into the spray coolant storage unit in such a manner as to provide a flow path along which the coolant flows and the other end of which is connected to the spray pipe in such a manner that the coolant is passively supplied to the spray pipe through the connection pipe therein.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated gas valve mounted on a vessel containing pressurized gas. The gas valve includes a piston positioned in a cylinder with one closed end so that the piston seats against a gas outlet to close the gas valve. A control reservoir is formed in the cylinder between the piston and the closed end of the cylinder. Upon filling vessel, some of the pressurized gas enters the control reservoir to provide a control pressure behind the piston. Actuating the control mechanism vents the control reservoir, resulting in the gas valve opening rapidly to release the pressurized gas in the vessel through an exhaust port of the gas valve.

Abstract: A transmission arrangement includes a hydrostatic transmission in which a hydrostatic unit functioning as a pump is hydraulically connected to a hydrostatic unit functioning as a motor in order to transfer drive power. The arrangement is configured with structure for damping hydraulic pressure fluctuations. The structure is assigned to a hydraulic line connecting at least one of the hydrostatic units.

Abstract: A method and apparatus, for supplying high-pressure mixed gas of a low-vapor-pressure first gas as an active gas and a high-vapor-pressure second gas, are arranged to reduce an amount of the first gas discarded. The mixed gas in a high-pressure state is supplied from a mixing container to a use point. Upon reduction of pressure in the mixing container to a setpoint as a result of supply to the use point, a predetermined amount of the first gas is charged into a replenishment container connected to the mixing container by a replenishment line having a replenishment valve, and which is evacuated. As the second gas is charged into the replenishment container charged with the first gas, the replenishment valve is opened such that the first gas in the replenishment container is forced out by the second gas, thereby charging the mixing container with the mixed gas in the high-pressure condition.

Abstract: A rocket engine feed system, includes a feed circuit including a device for varying a gas volume in the feed circuit to suppress the POGO effect. A method of suppressing the POGO effect varies at least one hydraulic resonant frequency by varying a rate at which gas is injected into the feed circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water hammer recognizing and energy saving water hammer prevention system and a method for controlling the same that is configured wherein in case of the selective on/off operations of a plurality of pumps in a pipe system in accordance with the change of the use environment, the pressure variation and level variation of an air chamber caused by water hammer are compared with reference values and set values, and they are divided into a normal mode and a safe mode, thereby controlling the air intake and exhaust of the air chamber and preventing energy consumption from unnecessarily occurring.

Abstract: A fluid flow stabilizing method and a pump having a stabilized fluid flow passage where a process fluid contains suspended solid particles and is subject to pressure oscillations. The method comprises positioning an expandable membrane along the lower transverse surface, inflating the membrane with a compressible fluid, and alternatingly expanding and contracting the membrane to dampen the pressure oscillations and inhibit settling of the solid particles at the lower transverse surface. The pump comprises a stabilizer comprising a compressible fluid in an expandable membrane elongated along the lower transverse surface of a manifold in fluid communication with the fluid end. Another method comprises reciprocating a plunger in the pump to pass a slurry through the manifold, and alternatingly expanding and contracting a stabilizer in the manifold.

Abstract: Method and device for discharging a fixed amount of liquid which enables to dispense a liquid material with a higher accuracy. The device includes: a decompression valve for reducing the pressure of a compressed gas supplied; a discharging valve for controlling the flow rate of the gas decompressed at the decompression valve; a liquid storing container for discharging liquid from a nozzle by the gas supplied via the discharging valve; and a buffer tank between the decompression valve and the discharging valve that has a volume greater than the volume of the liquid storage container. The invention suppresses the pressure reduction that occurs in the flow path for supplying the compressed gas to the liquid storage container during the operation of the decompression valve by making the flow resistance between the buffer tank and the storage container greater than that between the buffer tank and the decompression valve.

Abstract: The present invention discloses apparatuses, systems, and methods for controlling liquid impact pressure in liquid impact systems. The liquid impact systems include at least one gas and a liquid, the gas having a density (PG) and a polytropic index (?) and the liquid having a density (PL). The methods include the step of calculating a liquid impact load of the liquid on the object by determining a parameter ? for the system, wherein ? is defined as (PG/PL) (??1)/?. The systems are also configured to utilize the parameter ?. The parameter ? may be adjusted to increase or reduce the liquid impact load on the system. Automatic, computer-implemented systems and methods may be used or implemented. These methods and systems may be useful in applications such as LNG shipping and loading/off-loading, fuel tank operation, manufacturing processes, vehicles dynamics, and combustion processes, among others.

Abstract: A method and apparatus protecting a water distribution system from main breaks caused by sudden pressure spikes in the distribution system. A surge suppressor apparatus may include a surge suppressor tank. The surge suppressor tank may be a hollow, cylindrical container adapted to retain liquid. The surge suppressor apparatus may also include a tee pipe integrally formed to the suppressor tank. The tee pipe is sized so that it connects to an underground supply pipe. End caps may be integrally formed to the suppressor tank. The end caps create an airtight seal in the surge suppressor tank.

Abstract: A pressure stabilizer for mediating changes in pressure within a pipeline is provided. The pressure stabilizer incorporates a plurality of perforations about a central pipeline and a circumferential enclosure about the perforations. This structure allows excess fluid to flow from the central pipeline into the space provided between the central pipeline and the circumferential enclosure. As the pressure increases within the overflow space, the medium applies a pressure to an elastomeric membrane, which in turn transfers the pressure to a plurality of dampening materials. The elastomeric membrane can be filled with a porous material providing a smoother transition within the pressure dampening process. The elastomeric membrane and respective dampening materials can be placed within the circumferential enclosure assembled about the central pipeline or utilized with a pressure-stabilizing chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid storage device relates to the field of semiconductor manufacturing technology comprising: a liquid storage tank, a liquid intake tube, a liquid discharge tube and a gas discharge tube; the liquid intake tube, the liquid discharge tube and the gas discharge tube are all connected with the liquid storage tank; the liquid storage device also comprises a gas compensating tube connected with the liquid storage tank; the gas compensating tube comprises a differential pressure mechanism and a gas storage tank; one end of the differential pressure mechanism is connected with the liquid storage tank, and the other end is connected with the gas storage tank; the differential pressure mechanism is used for controlling the connection or disconnection between the liquid storage tank and the gas storage tank according to the pressure difference therebetween.

Abstract: A system and a method are provided for attenuating pressure surges of liquids, e.g., of a biologically vulnerable liquid, flowing inside a liquid conduit and for cleaning, in particular sterilizing, the liquid conduit. In particular, the liquid is permitted to swerve, in the event that pressure surges occur, into a gas-filled space communicating with the liquid conduit.

Abstract: A pressure stabilizer for mediating changes in pressure within a pipeline is provided. The pressure stabilizer incorporates a plurality of perforations about a central pipeline and a circumferential enclosure about the perforations. This structure allows excess fluid to flow from the central pipeline into the space provided between the central pipeline and the circumferential enclosure. As the pressure increases within the overflow space, the medium applies a pressure to an elastomeric membrane, which in turn transfers the pressure to a plurality of dampening materials. The elastomeric membrane can be filled with a porous material providing a smoother transition within the pressure dampening process. The elastomeric membrane and respective dampening materials can be placed within the circumferential enclosure assembled about the central pipeline or utilized with a pressure-stabilizing chamber.

Abstract: A hydraulic pressure damping device mainly comprises a valve body of which a joint port is provided with a control valve of which one end is provided with a first joint to valve a switch of the valve body between a water inlet and a water outlet. A second joint at the other end of control valve is conjoint with a hydraulic pressure damper to damp the hydraulic pressure. Thus, it is easy to assemble and replace the hydraulic pressure damping device, and materials and installation space may be saved.

Abstract: A pulsation attenuator for a fluidic system with a fluidic pump. The pulsation attenuator includes a fluidic channel, a first fluidic device adapted to attenuate pulsations, and a second fluidic device adapted to attenuate pulsations. Preferably, the first fluidic device includes a first fluidic resistor and a first fluidic capacitor, and the second fluidic device includes a second fluidic resistor and a second fluidic capacitor. Preferably, the first fluidic resistor and second fluidic resistor are resistive channels. Preferably, the first fluidic capacitor and second fluidic capacitor include a membrane that expands and accumulates fluid and then contracts and reintroduces the accumulated fluid into the fluidic channel.

Abstract: An air vent apparatus for a water tube, comprising: an air separator pipe installed to have an axial direction along a vertical direction, and connected to a portion, where an air reservoir tends to occur, of the water tube for passage of water; and air vent means for venting air accumulating in the air separator pipe.

Abstract: A pressure stabilizer for mediating changes in pressure within a pipeline is provided. The pressure stabilizer incorporates a plurality of perforations about a central pipeline and a circumferential enclosure about the perforations. This structure allows excess fluid to flow from the central pipeline into the space provided between the central pipeline and the circumferential enclosure. As the pressure increases within the overflow space, the medium applies a pressure to an elastomeric membrane, which in turn transfers the pressure to a plurality of dampening materials. The elastomeric membrane can be filled with a porous material providing a smoother transition within the pressure dampening process. The elastomeric membrane and respective dampening materials can be placed within the circumferential enclosure assembled about the central pipeline or utilized with a pressure-stabilizing chamber.

Abstract: A pulsation attenuator for a fluidic system with a fluidic pump. The pulsation attenuator includes a fluidic channel, a first fluidic device adapted to attenuate pulsations with a shallow rolloff slope, and a second fluidic device adapted to attenuate pulsations with a shallow rolloff slope. The first fluidic device and the second fluidic device are connected to the fluidic channel such that they cooperatively attenuate pulsations with a steep rolloff slope. Preferably, the first fluidic device includes a first fluidic resistor and a first fluidic capacitor, and the second fluidic device includes a second fluidic resistor and a second fluidic capacitor. Preferably, the pulsation attenuator is arranged, similar a second-order low-pass filter, in the following order: (1) first fluidic resistor, (2) first fluidic capacitor, (3) second fluidic resistor, and (4) second fluidic capacitor.

Abstract: A system for exhausting gas from a source constituting a machine or process which operates on a cyclical basis and generates exhaust gas at a relatively high volume of gas in a short period, at one or more points in its operational cycle. The system includes a first fan or blower which operates continuously and handles a flow volume which is at least equal to the average flow from the source but is lower than the high flow volume produced by the machine or process at intermittent times during its operational cycle. The exhaust from the source in excess of the average is fed into an accumulator at such times as the machine or process is emitting volumes higher than the volume of the constantly operated blower. The constantly operated blower continuously exhausts the accumulator. The energy demands and cost of the exhaust system are therefore substantially lower than a system which would be designed to continuously exhaust the process at the high volume required intermittently.

Abstract: A water hammer arrestor and drain trap primer valve includes a hollow pipe having a closed end, a discharging end, an inlet, an outlet port connected to said discharging end and attachable to plumbing tubing, an inlet port connected to said inlet and attachable to plumbing tubing, an insert plug within said pipe positioned at said discharging end and at said inlet, said insert plug substantially tubular with opposing flats, and having a longitudinal cylindrical bore and a latitudinal threaded through bore, a port bolt within a portion of said insert plug and a portion of said inlet port, said port bolt substantially tubular and having a longitudinal cylindrical bore and a latitudinal through bore distributor aligned with the insert plug longitudinal cylindrical bore, and a check piston within said pipe and slidingly engageable with said insert plug and said outlet port wherein said check piston engages slidably responsive to water pressure changes at said inlet port.

Abstract: An accumulator comprises a housing connected to a hydraulic system, an elastomeric bladder separating a gas compartment from a fluid compartment, and an anti-extrusion device. A method for operating an accumulator comprises connecting the accumulator to a hydraulic system, injecting an inert gas into a gas compartment to a precharge pressure, moving an anti-extrusion device to prevent a bladder from extruding into the hydraulic system, running the accumulator and the hydraulic system downhole, moving the anti-extrusion device to allow fluid communication between the hydraulic system and a fluid compartment, generating pressure fluctuations within the hydraulic system, and expanding or contracting the bladder in response to the pressure fluctuations without moving the anti-extrusion device.

Abstract: A device for conditioning of fluid to minimize pulses from a pump source. A pump drives fluid from a vented fluid reservoir through a system including a combination of an attenuation tank and one or more orifice. Fluid is pumped into a plenum chamber that supplies fluid in a pulse free flow stream. A pressurized head over the fluid in the plenum chamber allows fluid delivery at a selected pressure. A volume sensor monitors the fluid level within the plenum tank and activates the pump if fluid level falls below a specified level.

Abstract: A method of damping surges in a liquid system includes providing in the system, a surge vessel in which there is trapped air or other gas, the surge vessel being positioned so that in the event of a surge in the system (10), the volume of trapped air or other gas within the surge vessel changes to damp the surge, the method including maintaining generally constant the mass of the trapped air or other gas in the surge vessel is maintained generally constant, irrespective of the liquid level within the surge vessel.

Abstract: A fluid shock absorber assembly having a shut-off valve, a water hammer arrester device and a water inlet. The assembly is comprised of a low profile adaptor structure constructed and arranged to permit the assembly to be mounted in a housing enclosure for aligning and joining water lines to form washing machine and icemaker connection structures. The housing enclosure which mounts to a building structure is designed to further allow the fluid shock absorber assembly components to be installed, maintained and replaced therein.

Abstract: A device for conditioning of fluid to minimize pulses from a pump source. A pump drives fluid from a vented fluid reservoir through a system including a combination of an attenuation tank and one or more orifice. Fluid is pumped into a plenum chamber that supplies fluid in a pulse free flow stream. A pressurized head over the fluid in the plenum chamber allows fluid delivery at a selected pressure. A volume sensor monitors the fluid level within the plenum tank and activates the pump if fluid level falls below a specified level.

Abstract: An in-line type fluid hammer prevention device capable of maintaining pressure energy conversion efficiency of elastic cushion for a long time by improving fluid sealing tightness against an elastic cushion by elastic cylindrical diaphragm, wherein an inlet cylindrical connecting body (1) and an outlet connecting body (3) are connected at an intermediate position of fluid channel (R) of a piping system in series, and both ends of a sleeve (5) is positioned between center through-holes (1C, 3C), and a cylindrical diaphragm (7) is placed around the outer periphery side of small holes (5E) provided on the wall of the sleeve (5), and inward lip portions (7A, 7B) at the both ends of the cylindrical diaphragm (7) are pressed and supported by the protrusive flanges (5C, 5D) and the recessed seats (1D, 3D), and an elastic cushion (8) is placed outside the cylindrical diaphragm (7) around the outer periphery side of the small holes (5E) of the sleeve (5).

Abstract: A method of damping surges in a liquid system includes providing in the system, a surge vessel in which there is trapped air or other gas, the surge vessel being positioned so that in the event of a surge in the system (10), the volume of trapped air or other gas within the surge vessel changes to damp the surge, the method including maintaining generally constant the mass of the trapped air or other gas in the surge vessel is maintained generally constant, irrespective of the liquid level within the surge vessel.

Abstract: A method and a valve apparatus for counteracting harmful pressure pulses caused by rapid retardation of a liquid in a hydraulic system comprising a pump for the supply of liquid to a conduit stretch containing a non-liquid-filled volume. The valve apparatus comprises a main valve having an inlet connected to a reservoir for pressurised gas, a first valve chamber connected in use to said volume, and a regulating unit for controlling the supply of pressurised gas to the first chamber.

Abstract: A device for discharging liquid such as raw materials and fuels capable of discharging liquid stably even under such conditions that the environment of a discharge space varies drastically and suddenly by adjusting discharge conditions to optimum ones according to fluctuation of surrounding environment is provided by controlling fluctuation in pressure in the buffer vessel 2 according to fluctuation in pressure in the mixing/reaction vessel 3 with installation of buffer vessel 2 and control means 10 between liquid discharge means 4 for mixing/reaction vessel 3 for discharged liquid, and the storage tank 1 for liquid to be discharged, and also by installing release means capable of releasing pressure in vessel 2 to surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: An improved float and valve assembly for a liquid-gas accumulator including a buoyant float having a density selected in accordance with the working pressure, a float which can be lengthened or shortened, and friction and drag is reduced by optimizing the bore to rod length, honing coacting parts, providing a crown engaging the spring, and providing grooves in the exterior of the valve stem.

Abstract: A float for a liquid level detection apparatus including a tube extendable through liquid in a tank. The float is a buoyant body slidably mounted about the tube and having a diameter passable through an aperture in the tank. The float is preferably formed of two separate bodies joined by spacers positioned to allow the body to pivot from a first position substantially axially in line with the tube for insertion and removal of the float with respect to the tank to a second position substantially perpendicular to the tube in operative floating engagement with the liquid surface in the tank. The spacers, in one embodiment, are in the form of pins arranged in pairs along opposite side edges of the two bodies and spaced apart along the length of the two bodies such that the innermost pins of the two pairs of pins define an aperture for mounting the bodies transversely about the tube in the second, floating position.

Abstract: Device 7 for introducing air into a hydraulic system comprising a hydro-pneumatic reservoir 3 mounted on a pipe 1. The air introduction device 7 is mounted in such fashion as to introduce air into an area of the system containing water in which the pressure P.sub.s is either below or slightly above atmospheric pressure. The device is active when a lack of air is to be made good in the hydro-pneumatic reservoir 3.

Abstract: An inlet portion of a valve, comprising a tube element having at least one connecting piece which forms the connection of a connecting tube which in turn is connected to a water supply net. The connecting piece is provided with a tube part being coaxially arranged to the connecting tube, which tube part extends partly into the tube channel of the connecting tube. The tube part has such dimensions that a slit space is maintained between the tube part and the channel wall of the connecting tube.

Abstract: A marine tank (such as a toilet system holding tank, or bilge tank) pump out system includes a positive displacement pump connectable at the inlet to a marine tank to be pumped out and connectable at the outlet to a discharge tank or area. A pulsation dampener is connected between the pump outlet and the discharge tank or area, preferably directly to the pump so that a pump check valve is within the pulsation dampener. The pulsation dampener has an open chamber extending upwardly from the pump outlet into which pumped fluent material may flow, and has no moving parts (such as a diaphragm). Typically two different outlets from the dampener are provided for versatility and connecting up to discharge tanks or areas, one of the outlets filled with a plug. The dampener may comprise either a substantially L-shaped or C-shaped (when viewed from the dampener inlet) casing, which nests with the pump motor.

Abstract: Process for damping pressure pulsations and apparatus for performing the process. The process of this invention serves for the damping of pressure pulsations in a fluid, particularly a fiber suspension, flowing in a closed system wherein the pressure pulsations to be damped are measured at a measuring site and compensated at a correction site, with a throttle position being located between the measuring and the correction sites, with the damping of the imparted pressure impulses occurring at the correction site, which pressure impulses are opposite to the measured pressure pulsations, with the time periods thereof being about the same as those of the measured pressure pulsations. Several apparatuses for performing the process are also set forth.

Abstract: An air regulation system for a hydropneumatic reservoir of a hydraulic conduit includes a chamber, a water filling device for the chamber, a water emptying device for the chamber, an automatic air introduction device for introduction of air in the chamber during emptying, an automatic injection device for injecting air from the chamber to the reservoir during filling, and a control device connected to at least one excess sensor for sensing the overpassing of a threshold level of water contained in the reservoir and also connected to a chamber filling and emptying assembly. If the sensor indicates an insufficient air volume in the reservoir, the control device initiates chamber filling/emptying cycles until the sensor indicates that the air volume in the reservoir is sufficient.

Abstract: A resilient seal for a liquid-gas accumulator of the type having a housing with a top gas port and a bottom liquid port. A valve assembly including a spring-loaded normally open poppet valve surrounded by a sleeve is positioned in the liquid port, and a device for controlling the opening and closing of the valve in response to the level of liquid in the housing is also provided within the housing. The resilient seal is positioned on top of the popper valve and comprises a first resilient seal member and a second resilient seal member. The first resilient seal member is positioned to seat on the first end of the sleeve outside of the valve seat as the valve closes thereby providing a secondary seal.

Abstract: A surge suppresser which has a collapsible flexible wall that accumulates the aspiration fluid of an interocular surgical system. The surge suppresser has an inlet port and an outlet port that are connected to an aspiration line downstream from a surgical tip. The aspiration line is connected to a vacuum device which draws fluid from the tip. When an occlusion in the aspiration line occurs, the decrease in pressure caused by the vacuum device will cause the flexible wall to collapse and close the inlet and outlet ports of the surge suppresser. When the occlusion breaks, the inlet port initially opens and the outlet port remains closed so that the flexible wall is expanded by the flow of fluid from the surgical tip. The closed outlet port prevents a surge of fluid from the eye. Additionally, the ports are arranged in a parallel relationship to reduce the momentum of the fluid into the suppresser and further limit the surge of fluid from the eye.

Abstract: An equalizing reservoir configuration for fluid circuits with volume and/or pressure fluctuations, especially for cooling circuits in nuclear power stations, includes an equalizing reservoir communicating with a fluid circuit through a fluid line connected to a base of the equalizing reservoir, so that a lower fluid chamber and an upper gas buffer chamber form in the equalizing reservoir. An upper end of an equalizing riser opens into the gas buffer chamber and runs out into a U-tube containing a water/air seal and being disposed beneath the equalizing reservoir. This provides a slim construction for narrow spaces and an increase in the air volume of the equalizing reservoir.

Abstract: A pressure stabilizing apparatus is given which is capable of storing and supplying the volume of hydraulic fluid needed for rapid advances as well as accepting displaced hydraulic fluid required for rapid retractions in a barfeed apparatus. This pressure stabilizing apparatus or surge-accumulator device demonstrates the advantage of eliminating excessive force, which could damage the headstock, cause increased vibration and noise, and also prevents loss of contact with the bar end, all of which limit the speed of the spindle, and reduce productivity.

Abstract: Slug flow is substantially prevented in cylindrical pipes and other conduits by placing a generally flat plate partition extending within the pipe and dividing the pipe into a gas flow space and a liquid flow space. The position of the partition and the cross-sectional flow areas of the gas flow space and the liquid flow space are determined by predetermining that the pressure losses of gas flow and liquid flow should be substantially equal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for protecting a water distribution system from water surge damage which otherwise might result if one of its valves is suddenly opened or closed. The outlet of the shut-off valve and the inlet of the hydrant valve of one outlet of the system are excavated, and a specially designed tap including an airtight reservoir is inserted between and connected to them. When the tap is installed, the reservoir is preferably oriented to extend perpendicularly upward, so it normally will be at least partially filled with air in use. Preferably, no further joints separate the shut-off valve and the hydrant valve. Finally, the shut-off valve, the hydrant valve, and the tap are preferably buried to a depth beneath the frost line, if the hydrant is exposed to a climate where the ground is subject to freezing. A water distribution system having the previously described elements at each outlet is also disclosed.

Abstract: A liquid-gas accumulator having a housing with a top gas port and a bottom liquid port. A spring-loaded, normally open valve is positioned in the liquid port and a buoyant float is rigidly connected to the valve element for controlling the opening and closing of the valve in response to the liquid level in the housing. A resilient seal may be provided between the float and the valve element positioned to seat around the valve as the valve closes thereby providing a secondary seal.

Abstract: An expandable float assembly is insertable through the lower valve bore in an accumulator or a hole in a tank. The assembly includes a sleeve member and a plurality of floatable arm members. The floatable arm members may be folded to a position substantially parallel to the sleeve members for insertion of the expandable float assembly into the accumulator or tank. After insertion of the expandable float assembly into the accumulator or tank the floatable arm members are deployed to a position substantially perpendicular to the sleeve member.