Abstract: A flare seal drum having an amine liquid seal. The flare seal drum includes: a baffle separating the flare seal drum into a first section and a second section; a waste gas inlet receiving waste gas into the first section and being combined with amine in the first section; a gas collecting pipe located in the first section; a packing pipe receiving waste gas from the gas collecting pipe; a packing filling the packing pipe, the waste gas passing through the packing; an amine spray nozzle located above the packing pipe and supplying amine to the packing in the packing pipe; and an amine pump that removes amine and waste gas from the second section through an amine line.

Abstract: A fuel transfer station may provide for the refilling of fuel canisters providing fuel to combustion powered equipment. The fuel transfer station may include a base, a frame coupled to the base, a first connection port and a second connection port provided in the base, and fluid flow lines connecting the first connection port and the second connection port. A supply tank may be supported by the frame and detachably connected to the first connection port. A fuel canister to be refilled may be detachably connected to the second connection port. Fuel contained in the supply tank may be selectively supplied to the fuel canister through the fluid flow lines in response to a pressure gradient drawing the fuel into the fuel canister.

Abstract: A chiller includes an evaporator, a compressor including a prime mover, a first pressure sensor that detects a first pressure in the evaporator, a second pressure sensor that detects a second pressure in a condenser, and a controller. The controller determines a predicted energy level of the compressor based on the first pressure and the second pressure, the predicted energy level associated with liquid droplet flow into the compressor, compares the predicted energy level to an operating energy level, and modifies the at least one of the input power and the input current to the prime mover based on the comparison satisfying a modification condition.

Abstract: Flexible multilayer laminates may have an improved integrated, one-way pressure-release valve for use in a sealed container for packing gas-producing products. The pressure-release valve is partly disconnected from the rest of the laminate, forming an inflatable outlet tube with at least one large outlet opening and lifting off from the laminate under increased pressure in the pack. The one-way pressure-release valve allows for pressure-release at low minimum opening pressure in a reliable and reproducible way.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for pulsed electric discharge in a liquid, said device comprising at least one pair of electrodes which are configured to be immersed in said liquid and to generate an electric arc in said liquid when a predetermined voltage is applied between said electrodes, at least one heating unit which is configured to heat said liquid for a heating time, at least one discharge unit which is configured to apply a discharge voltage between the electrodes of the at least one pair of electrodes, and at least one control unit which is configured to control the at least one heating unit so that said heating unit heats the liquid for the heating time and to control, at the end of said heating time, the at least one discharge unit so that said at least one discharge unit applies the predetermined voltage between the electrodes of the at least one pair of electrodes and thus generates an electric discharge in the liquid.

Abstract: A closure mechanism and a method for plugging a flow control device of a well is provided. The closure mechanism includes a switch having a hollow interior and a U-shaped portion. The closure mechanism also includes a metal insert located within a portion of the hollow interior of the switch. The mechanism further includes a heating device positioned within the well. In the method, the heating device is activated in the well and melts at least a portion of the metal insert. The melted portion of the metal insert collects and re-solidifies within the U-shaped portion of the switch, thereby closing the switch and plugging the flow control device against flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a low-cost, thermally reversible valve for paper-fluidic diagnostic devices. In particular, this invention demonstrates a tunable valve mechanism fabricated by wax-ink printing and localized heating via thin-film resistors to sequentially release liquids through a cellulose or nitrocellulose membrane. The wax-ink valve can obstruct fluid flow for a sustained time and are thermally actuated to release a controlled amount of liquid past the valve. This integrated paper-fluidic diagnostic assay device requires minimal user involvement, can be easily manufactured and tuned to meet various fluid delivery timing and incubation needs.

Abstract: A container for transporting flowable filling material includes a tank with a gas connection to which a protective gas line can be connected. A sensor device including an adapter element and a telemetry module is connected to the gas connection of the tank by the adapter device. The adapter element has a gas connection piece and a medium channel. A protective gas line can be connected to the gas connection piece of the adapter when the adapter is connected to the gas connection of the tank so that a protective gas can be guided through the gas connection piece and the medium channel of the adapter and into an interior of the tank. The telemetry module has a sensor that senses data relating to a state parameter of the container and/or filling material and a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting the data.

Abstract: The present invention provides an actuator comprising an actuator body, a piston relatively moveable within the actuator body, and a rod attached to the piston and extending out of the actuator body, the actuator body comprising a port for conveying actuator fluid, wherein the actuator also has a damping control portion provided with damping control fluid containing magnetic particles, wherein the piston or the rod is adjacent the damping control fluid, and a first electrical coil associated with the damping control portion, such that an electrical current supplied to the first electrical coil induces a magnetic field and causes the effective viscosity of the damping control fluid to increase, thus increasing the damping effect of the damping control fluid on the piston or rod. The invention also provides an aircraft assembly, such as a landing gear assembly, an aircraft and a method of operating an actuator.

Abstract: An ER fluid valve includes a housing and a plurality of parallel flow passages through the housing each defined by spaced electrodes at least one of which is controllable independently of other flow passages electrodes. A controller is configured to selectively establish electrical fields for all of the independently controllable electrodes to close all of the flow passages to ER fluid flowing through the housing. By removing the fields from all of the independently controllable electrodes, all the flow passages are open to the ER fluid flowing through the housing. By establishing fields for select independently controllable electrodes to close their associated flow passages and by leaving other flow passages open, restricted flow of the ER fluid through the housing is accomplished to vary the flow rate through the housing.

Abstract: A ferrofluid chamber has a housing that is adapted to be coupled to a component that generates a magnetic field. The housing may be disposed around the component so as to insulate a noise-producing region of the component. The magnetic field may be of sufficient strength to stimulate anatomical tissue. In addition, a ferrofluid may be disposed within the housing for cooling the component.

Abstract: A valve device for a packaging configured to hold a product releasing a gas. The valve device comprises, in an embodiment, a first inner film provided with a first opening and a second outer film covering the first opening. Between the first inner and the second outer film a first chamber is provided. The first opening provides a gas communication between the first chamber and the interior of the packaging. The first and second films define a channel being in fluid communication with the first chamber. Further, the valve device comprises a second chamber, and the channel connects the first and second chamber. The second chamber comprises a second opening being in fluid communication with the exterior of the packaging. At least one of the first and second chambers comprises a liquid and at least one spacer.

Abstract: The invention concerns a glazing panel comprising first (5) and second (5) glass sheets linked together via at least one spacer (8) which holds them a certain distance apart from one another and, between said glass sheets (5), an inner space (4) comprising at least one first cavity (41), in which there is a vacuum of less than 100 mbar and which is closed by a peripheral seal disposed at the periphery of the glass sheets, around said inner space (4), the seal (1) being a metal seal rigidly connected respectively to the first and second glass sheets. According to the invention, the metal seal (1) further comprises at least one hollow metal tube (11) of which a first end (111) communicates with the inner space (4) and a second end (112) communicates with the outside of the panel, the second end (112) comprising means for blocking the tube. According to the invention, the tube comprises at least one gas trap (113) rigidly connected to the inside of the tube (11).

Abstract: A multi-layer one-way valve (100) includes: a first layer (10) having at least one first opening (12) formed therein; a second layer (20) having at least one second opening (22) formed therein; and, a third layer (30). The first and second layers are joined together such that at least one first channel (14) is defined therebetween, and the second and third layers are joined together such that at least one second channel (24) is defined therebetween. Additionally, an amount of flow-able liquid is deposited in the first channel between the first and second openings. Suitably, the valve selectively opens to permit gas flow through the first and second channels in response to a pressure differential, the rate of gas flow through the valve is exponentially proportional to the pressure differential.

Abstract: A system for reducing dioxygen (O2) present in vapors from oil storage tanks. The system may include an inlet that receives vapors from the tanks; a heating device coupled with the inlet that heats vapors to a first temperature to form heated vapor; and a vessel coupled receiving heated vapor and containing at least one catalyst to reduce dioxygen from the heated vapor. The catalyst may include palladium, and the vessel may include zinc oxide to remove sulfur from the heated vapor. A compressor may be used to compress the vapors. A controller may be provided to monitor O2 concentration in heated vapor, and the controller directs flow of heated vapor to a gas pipeline if the O2 concentration is below a predetermined level; or if the O2 concentration is unacceptably high, the controller directs flow of vapor to be re-circulated within the system to further reduce O2 concentration therein.

Abstract: A microfluidic processing device includes a substrate defining a microfluidic network. The substrate is in thermal communication with a plurality of N independently controllable components and a plurality of input output contacts for connecting the substrate to an external controller. Each component has at least two terminals. Each terminal is in electrical communication with at least one contact. The number of contacts required to independently control the N components is substantially less than the total number of terminals. Upon actuation, the components typically heat a portion of the microfluidic network and/or sense a temperature thereof.

Abstract: A fluidic centripetal apparatus for testing components of a biological material in a fluid is presented. A bottom-fillable chamber is coupled to an entry channel for receiving the fluid, the chamber inlet being provided at an outer side of the bottom-fillable chamber. A container is wholly provided in a retention chamber and contains a liquid diluent, until it releases it upon application of an external force, restoring the fluidic connection between the liquid diluent and the fluid in the retention chamber. The retention chamber can have a flow decoupling receptacle for receiving the fluid, located at the outer side of the retention chamber and interrupting a fluidic connection between the entry and exit of the retention chamber. A test apparatus and a testing method using a fluidic centripetal device for testing components of a biological material in a fluid are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of an adaptive three parameter isolator assembly are provided, as are embodiments of a spacecraft isolation system including a plurality of isolator assemblies. In one embodiment, the isolator assembly includes a three parameter isolator having opposing hydraulic chambers configured to be filled with a Magneto-Rheological (MR) damping fluid. An MR valve external to the three parameter isolator is fluidly coupled between the opposing hydraulic chambers. The MR valve is configured to generate a magnetic field through which the MR damping fluid passes as the fluid flows between the opposing hydraulic chambers. A control device is operably coupled to the MR valve and is configured to control the strength of the magnetic field to adjust the viscosity of the MR damping fluid during operation of the three parameter isolator.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present invention are directed to a liquid valve assembly that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The liquid valve assembly can include a housing and a liquid valve. The housing can define an inner chamber and an opening adapted to allow fluid to flow between the inner chamber and a passageway. The liquid valve can be disposed in the inner chamber. The liquid valve can include a yield stress fluid. The yield stress fluid can prevent fluid from flowing between the inner chamber and the passageway.

Abstract: A multi-layer one-way valve (100) includes: a first layer (10) having at least one first opening (12) formed therein; a second layer (20) having at least one second opening (22) formed therein; and, a third layer (30). The first and second layers are joined together such that at least one first channel (14) is defined therebetween, and the second and third layers are joined together such that at least one second channel (24) is defined therebetween. Additionally, an amount of flow-able liquid is deposited in the first channel between the first and second openings. Suitably, the valve selectively opens to permit gas flow through the first and second channels in response to a pressure differential, the rate of gas flow through the valve is exponentially proportional to the pressure differential.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling flow in a fluid flow path can include a chamber containing an expandable material, the expandable material being configured to expand out of the chamber into a portion of the fluid flow path so as to at least partially block the fluid flow path. The apparatus also can include at least one structure providing flow communication between the chamber and the fluid flow path. The at least one structure can be configured to pass the expandable material from the chamber to the portion of the fluid flow path during expansion so as to control a rate at which the expandable material expands into the portion of the fluid flow path.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a mini-scale microfluidic valve including a valve housing disposed at a fluid dispensing orifice of a mini-scale microfluidic system dispensing nozzle. The valve housing comprises a base member having a base member orifice that aligns with the fluid dispensing orifice to provide a fluid dispensing pathway through which a system-fluid is dispensed from the system dispensing nozzle to an external ambient environment. The housing additionally comprises an open valve channel exposed to the external ambient environment and intersecting the fluid dispensing pathway. The valve further includes a liquid-film movably disposed within the open valve channel such that the liquid-film is exposed to the external ambient environment. The liquid-film comprises a substantially non-volatile, immiscible liquid, and a valve control subsystem structured and operable to control movement of the liquid-film within the open valve channel to selectively cover and uncover the base member orifice.

Abstract: A method for sealing a drain by pouring a chemical sealant comprising ethylene oxide/propylene oxide block co-polymer into the drain trap in a sufficient quantity to displace any existing fluid in the drain with the sealant and allowing the sealant to remain in the drain trap. The sealant will not evaporate (significantly if at all), and will provide a seal, for a period of at least twelve months. The sealant may be removed and the drain opened by flushing with water.

Abstract: A fluid conduit arrangement includes a reservoir containing a pressurized gas therein. An outer rigid conduit in communication with the reservoir contains a first working fluid under pressure from the pressurized gas within a dosed system defined by the reservoir and the outer rigid conduit. An inner flexible conduit is provided for conducting a second working fluid therethrough upon application of a supply pressure. The inner flexible conduit is disposed within the outer rigid conduit, and is subjected to the pressurized first working fluid in surrounding relationship therewith. Relative differences between the pressurized first working fluid and the second working fluid enable the inner flexible conduit to either expand and permit free flow of the second working fluid therethrough, or collapse and evacuate flow of the second working fluid therefrom.

Abstract: A valve system for a container or vat, such as a food cooking vat. The valve system includes a valve body and stem having a valve head with a sealing member. The valve body has an outlet configured to be in fluid communication with the vat, and the sealing member is in fluid communication with the outlet and the chamber and is selectively operable between a discharge position, allowing the vat's contents to drain from the chamber, and a closed position, allowing the contents to remain in the chamber. The sealing member preferably is comprised of polymer and has an O-type sealing ring interposed between a first portion and a second portion, where the diameter of the second portion is smaller than the diameter of the first portion. Embodiments may also include a snap-fit connection of the sealing member to the valve head.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for reducing the oxygen content drawn from the atmosphere that enters the insulating fluid-containing expansion vessel of high-voltage systems. The apparatus is provided with inner and outer tanks that include a liquid that provides a diffusion barrier for capturing oxygen from the atmosphere. The tanks are in communication with the atmosphere on one side of the barrier and in communication with the expansion vessel on the other side of the barrier. Further provided is a moisture-capturing dehumidifier upstream of the diffusion barrier to dry the gas passing into the expansion vessel. The apparatus limits degradation of the insulation system caused by moisture and oxygen, thereby increasing the life span of the high-voltage system.

Abstract: In a nonreturn valve having a tubular body, which can be installed in a vertical section of an exhaust line, a valve seat, formed within the tubular body, for at least one float, and at least one circumferential groove, which is open in the downstream direction, the intention is to make available a solution by means of which it is possible to provide a nonreturn valve that is simple, advantageous in terms of production engineering and has a particularly high performance, and to do so in a way which is simple in terms of design and is economical. This is achieved by virtue of the fact that the circumferential rim of the at least one float projects radially over the radially inner circumferential wall section and has an axial lip facing upstream, which extends into the circumferential groove in the axial direction when the at least one float is resting on the valve seat.

Abstract: A normally open valve unit to close a channel, a microfluidic device equipped with the same, and a method of driving the valve unit are provided. The valve unit includes a valve substance including a phase transition material, a valve substance chamber which communicates with the channel and in which the valve substance is disposed, and a fusion structure formed in a section of the channel in which, wherein when the valve substance contained in the valve substance chamber is fused by applied energy and flows into the section of the channel in which the fusion structure is formed, and the valve substance is heated to melt the fusion structure and conduct fused bonding of the channel, thereby closing the channel.

Abstract: A valve system for attachment to a food cooking vat. The valve system includes a valve body and stem, with the stem including a valve head having a sealing member connected thereto. The valve body has an outlet configured to be in fluid communication with the food cooking vat, and the sealing member is in fluid communication with the outlet and the chamber and is selectively operable between a discharge position, for allowing the food to drain from the chamber, and a closed position, for allowing the food to remain in the chamber. The sealing member preferably includes polymer and has a first portion of generally frusto-conical shape and a second portion of generally frusto-conical shape generally co-axial with the first portion.

Abstract: A blow molding machine having the valves integrated into the valve block is disclosed. The valve pistons form annular rings stacked vertically along the stretch rod axis. The valve pistons activate by moving up/down along the stretch rod axis. The valve seat for each vertically stacked valve is formed radially around the stretch rod.

Abstract: A switch valve having a long span of life is provided. The switch valve 70 of the present invention has a low-melting-point metal 76 having a surface on which a blocking member contacts, with the low-melting-point metal 76 melted, thereby a closed state appears in which an inner space of the switch valve 70 is split up into an inner space and an outer space of the blocking member 72. When the inner space and the outer space of the blocking member 72 are connected in the inner space of the switch valve 70, outside devices are blocked from each other in the closed state. The outside devices are connected to each other in an opened state in which the lower end of the blocking member 72 is spaced away from the low-melting-point metal 76.

Abstract: A system, including a closed chamber (20) having a gas inlet (22) and a gas outlet (24) is shown and described. An inert gas supply under positive pressure is connected to the gas inlet, and a bubbler is connected to the gas outlet. The bubbler includes a compartment that is partially filled with liquid so as to define a head space, an inlet operatively connected to the gas outlet, a vent, and a vacuum line in fluid communication with the head space so that the head space has a negative pressure.

Abstract: A blow molding machine having the valves integrated into the valve block (100) is disclosed. The valve pistons (110) form annular rings stacked vertically along the stretch rod (104) axis. The valve pistons activate by moving up/down along the stretch rod axis. The valve seat for each vertically stacked valve is formed radially around the stretch rod.

Abstract: A turbocharger is disclosed that includes a compressor, a turbine connected to the compressor by a mechanical shaft, and a fluidic drain valve in flow communication with an air bleed port of the compressor and an exhaust plenum to drain water accumulated inside the turbocharger such that water accumulated in the exhaust plenum is drained during shutdown when no air from the bleed port flows through the fluidic drain valve.

Abstract: Provided is a microvalve having a magnetic wax plug which includes a micro fluidic structure having an inlet portion and an outlet portion, a magnetic wax plug provided at a predetermined section where the inlet portion and the outlet portion meet, existing in a solid state, melted at a temperature higher than a predetermined temperature, and reversibly moving along a magnetic field, so as to control flux of a fluid through the micro fluidic structure, a heating portion provided corresponding to the section and heating the magnetic wax plug to be melted, and a magnetic field application portion selectively applying a magnetic field to a position where the melted magnetic wax plug arrives.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a valve and a micro fluid pump having the same. The valve is mounted in a micro fluid pump having a capillary tube, to which a gas supply unit and a fluid transfer pipe are connected, for controlling the introduction and the discharge of fluid. The valve includes a discharge pipe filled with liquid such that the discharge pipe has a predetermined resistance pressure and constructed in a structure in which one end of the discharge pipe is connected to the capillary tube such that the discharge pipe communicates with the interior of the capillary tube, and the other end of the discharge pipe is open, thereby allowing gas out of the capillary tube through the discharge pipe when a gas pressure in the capillary tube exceeds the resistance pressure of the discharge pipe.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the management of cryogenic agents within analytical systems using freeze thaw valving having an expansion chamber that limits the flow of the cryogenic agent. The expansion chamber is fitted with an expansion nozzle through which a cryogen flows and a porous frit that allows the cryogen to be exhausted. The porous frit initially allows a rapid flow of cryogen into the expansion chamber. This rapid flow lowers the temperature of the expansion chamber causing fluid contents within a freeze thaw segment to freeze. As the cryogen expands into the expansion chamber and turns into a solid, the porous frit is occluded causing the rapid flow to be restricted. The restriction of the cryogen flow by the occlusion of the porous frit allows the freeze thaw valve to use significantly less cryogen. Sublimation of the cryogen trapped within the porous frit provides sufficient cooling to maintain the valve in its closed position.

Abstract: A phase transition type valve is provided. The valve includes a phase transition material filled and hardened in a section of a channel and a tube expanding region which has a larger cross-sectional area than the channel formed at both ends of the section in which the phase transition material is hardened.

Abstract: Aspects include a valve comprising a flowing liquid, operable to control a flow of gas through a port. Certain aspects include reaction chambers operable to react gases, and in some aspects gases are substantially contained within an envelope comprised of a flowing liquid. Certain embodiments control gas entrance into a chamber with a valve comprised of a flowing liquid controlling gas flow through a port. Various gas scrubbing systems are described, including systems comprising reaction chambers operable to react gases that yield substantial amounts of solid reaction products. Methods for controlling gas flow are disclosed. Systems and methods include sequential steps of wet-scrubbing, reacting and further wet-scrubbing a gas stream.

Abstract: The liquid seal according to the present invention consists of a U-tube (1, 2) having one arm (1) connected to the pipe (8) collecting all the gas vented from across the plant and other arm (2) connected to a liquid holder (5). A pipe (6) provided at the top of the liquid holder (5) is connected to the gas pipe (9) leading to the flare while there is a pipe (4) at the bottom of the said liquid holder fitted with a non-return valve (10) connecting to the bottom of U-tube (1, 2). There is provided a drain pipe (3) at the bottom U-tube (1, 2) to drain out the liquid if needed.

Abstract: Provided is a microvalve having a magnetic wax plug which includes a micro fluidic structure having an inlet portion and an outlet portion, a magnetic wax plug provided at a predetermined section where the inlet portion and the outlet portion meet, existing in a solid state, melted at a temperature higher than a predetermined temperature, and reversibly moving along a magnetic field, so as to control flux of a fluid through the micro fluidic structure, a heating portion provided corresponding to the section and heating the magnetic wax plug to be melted, and a magnetic field application portion selectively applying a magnetic field to a position where the melted magnetic wax plug arrives.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing control system comprising a plurality of hybrid fluid dispensing units and hybrid keypads are capable of both wired and wireless communication with a billing computer.

Abstract: Provided are a valve unit and a microfluidic device including the valve unit. The valve unit includes: a valve substance container containing a valve substance, the valve substance including a phase change material that is solid at ambient temperature and melts by absorbing energy; a valve connection path connecting the valve substance container to a channel forming a fluid passage; and a pair of drain chambers formed along the channel at both sides of the valve connection path.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus for circulating a carrier fluid having two or more chambers or sections, an apparatus for amplifying a nucleic acid using the same, and a chip containing the same. The apparatus for circulating a carrier fluid includes two or more chambers maintained at different temperatures, each chamber having an inlet valve containing a pneumatic air pressure port for controlling inflow of the carrier fluid to the chamber (inlet pneumatic air pressure port), and an outlet valve containing a pneumatic air pressure for controlling outflow of the carrier fluid from the chamber (outlet pneumatic air pressure port), wherein the chambers are sequentially connected such that the outlet valve of one chamber is connected to the inlet valve of an adjacent chamber in a direction the fluid flows.

Abstract: A freeze-thaw valve and a method of micro-machining the freeze-thaw valve is provided and includes a valve housing, wherein the valve housing defines a housing cavity and includes a housing inlet, a housing vent, a capillary tubing inlet and a capillary tubing outlet. A valve body is provided, at least a portion of which is lithographically constructed, wherein the valve body includes a refrigerant inlet, a refrigerant outlet and an expansion chamber. The expansion chamber is disposed to communicate the refrigerant inlet with the refrigerant outlet and includes a restriction region having a flow restriction. Additionally, the valve body is disposed within the housing cavity to form an insulating channel between the valve housing and the valve body.

Abstract: The movement and mixing of microdroplets through microchannels is described employing silicon-based microscale devices, comprising microdroplet transport channels, reaction regions, electrophoresis modules, and radiation detectors. The discrete droplets are differentially heated and propelled through etched channels. Electronic components are fabricated on the same substrate material, allowing sensors and controlling circuitry to be incorporated in the same device.

Abstract: Apparatus for effecting bubble CPAP. The apparatus includes a hollow vessel holding a liquid, a cap, and a positionable tube assembly. The positionable tube assembly comprises a guide tube and a positionable tube. The positionable tube is arranged to have a gas introduced through it and is located within the guide tube. The positionable tube is arranged to be slid to various discrete longitudinal positions with respect to the guide tube and to be held in any one of those discrete positions against accidental displacement so that the lower free end of the positionable tube is held at a desired position below the surface of the liquid.

Abstract: A pressure and vacuum vent utilizing a column of liquid to open and close the vent at predetermined pressure and vacuum levels. A column of liquid is constrained in connection with internal and external passages coupled between a pair of expansion chambers. The external passage is sized to hold a level of liquid corresponding to a predetermined positive pressure level at which the valve will open, while the internal passage is sized to hold a level of liquid corresponding to a predetermined negative pressure level at which the valve will open. At either the predetermined positive or negative pressure level, the valve opens when sufficient liquid has exited either the external or internal passage to permit the flow of a restrained gas past the liquid column.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a magnetorheological fluid control valve. The magnetorheological fluid control valve comprises an electromagnetic coil having a first end and a second end. A first arm is magnetically coupled to the first end of the electromagnetic coil. A second arm is magnetically coupled to the second end of the electromagnetic coil. The second arm has a passage. A ferromagnetic rod having a diameter less than that of the passage is disposed in the passage and magnetically coupled to the first and second arms. A first manifold is coupled to the second arm at one end of the passage. A second manifold is coupled between the second arm and the first arm at an end of the passage opposite the first manifold. A magnetorheological fluid is disposed in the passage.

Abstract: A compact, inexpensive pipe freezer with defrost cycle for forming a frozen ice plug in a section of pipe to be repaired, and, after the repair operation has been completed, defrosting the pipe freezer's evaporator and freeze heads so that the pipe freezer can be removed from the frozen pipe without damaging the pipe freezer.