Abstract: A cartridge heater is accommodated in a heater bore in a shaft connected to a valve element, and a heating portion provided at an end portion of the cartridge heater is located at a joint portion of the shaft and the valve element. At the joint portion, a heat receiving groove and a pressurizing portion communicating with the heater bore are provided at a position between a surface of the valve element and that of the shaft located so as to oppose and to contact each other. The heat receiving groove includes an arcuate groove portion of the same radius as that of the heating portion of the cartridge heater, and the heating portion is pressed by the pressurizing portion to enter into plane-to-plane contact with an inner circumferential surface of the arcuate groove portion of the heat receiving groove, upon fastening the valve element and the shaft to each other with a bolt, with the heating portion located between the heat receiving groove and the pressurizing portion.

Abstract: A system for providing LPG fuel to a fuel consuming unit, the system comprising: a storage tank configured to contain the LPG fuel; a heater configured to transfer heat to at least a portion of the LPG fuel; an accumulator configured to receive a portion of the LPG fuel; wherein the accumulator can apply pressure to the LPG fuel within the accumulator and the pressure being greater than the vapor pressure of the LPG fuel within the accumulator.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a valve assembly wherein a heating modality such as an induction heater is cooperatively engaged to a prescribed location on a valve housing or body of a valve to effectively maintain the temperature of the valve above the saturation temperature of the related system pressure. Maintaining this temperature differential effectively avoids the accumulation of condensate within the interior of the valve body and/or on other internal structural features thereof.

Abstract: For a heatable medium pipe having at least one pipe connector and heating element, wherein the heating element has a few wires, in particular one or two wires, wherein the wire(s) extend continuously along the medium pipe and along the at least one pipe connector. In a method for producing a heatable medium pipe, comprising the medium pipe, at least one pipe connector, a transition area between the medium pipe and the pipe connector, and at least one heating element, wherein the heating element has a few wires, in particular one or two wires, the medium pipe is pre-assembled with the at least one pipe connector, the wire or the few wires of the heating element are pre-assembled as a double-laid, one or two-part element or as an element connected to form a continuous part, the wire(s) are fastened on the outside of the pipe connector, transition area and medium pipe, and the ends of the wire(s) are guided into a feed-in connector for connecting to a current source or voltage source.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for feeding a liquid additive from a receptacle into a fuel line or into an exhaust line of an internal-combustion engine of a motor vehicle by way of a blockable feed line leading into at least one of the above-mentioned line and by way of a pump which at least temporarily generates a feed pressure in the feed line. The receptacle can be filled with additive from a larger storage tank also accommodated in the motor vehicle by way of a connection line that can be blocked. The feed line branches off the connection line between the receptacle and the storage tank. The pump is installed in the receptacle or between the receptacle and the branching-off of the feed line into the connection line. The connection line can be shut-off in the storage tank or between the storage tank and the branching-off of the feed line.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for droplet manipulation includes a substrate, a plurality of electrically addressable thin-film electrodes disposed on the substrate, at least one of the plurality of electrodes comprising a heating element in the form of a patterned electrode. A hydrophilic region is disposed in or above a portion of the heating element. The hydrophilic region may be permanent or electronically actuable. The thin-film electrodes have multi-function capabilities including, for instance, heating, temperature sensing, and/or sample actuation.

Abstract: A heater built-in valve usable even under a high-temperature condition beyond 200° C. is provided. Piston driving means 7 has an upper compressed-air introducing chamber 24 for moving a piston 6 downward, and a lower compressed-air introducing chamber 25 for moving the piston 6 upward. Piston sealing means 8 has an upper bellows 29 that seals the upper compressed-air introducing chamber 24, and a lower bellows 30 that seals the lower compressed air introducing chamber 25.

Abstract: A back pressure valve for a fuel cell stack assembly is disclosed, wherein the valve includes a solenoid disposed thereon, an energization of the solenoid causing a generation of heat in a valve flap to facilitate a melting of ice that has formed in the valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heating device for a device for transporting a fluid containing a hydrocarbon. The heating device comprises a rigid structure extending between two lateral walls, forming a space between the lateral walls. A flexible membrane comprising heating means extends into the space in order to define, in said space, an inner cavity and an outer cavity. Pumping means designed to supply a fluid to the inner cavity, remove said fluid therefrom, or keep said fluid therein, in order to bring the membrane into contact with the transport device so at to heat same.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical heating system for at least one section of a fluid transport pipe, the pipe comprising a casing in which the fluid to be transported flows, the heating system comprising electric wires arranged around the casing and intended to be powered, via connection elements, by an electrical power supply comprising several phases, system in which the electric wires are arranged in at least one set of several groups each comprising several electric wires, each of the groups in said set being intended to be supplied by a distinct phase, the electrical heating system comprising connecting units to perform an electrical connection and linking together the electric wires of each of said groups.

Abstract: A representatively pumpless water heater system has an instantaneous water heater coupled in series with a storage water heater by piping circuitry incorporating a fixed (and selectively fixed) bypass useable to route pressurized incoming cold water sequentially through the instantaneous and storage type heaters. The fixed bypass can also route pressurized incoming cold water to mix with the heated water exiting the instantaneous heater for delivery to the storage heater.

Abstract: A connector for a heatable fluid line, includes a housing, a pipe connection structured and arranged for connection to a pipe, a connection geometry structured and arranged for connection to a connecting element, a through-channel extending through the pipe connection to the connection geometry, a heater outlet channel being arranged at an angle ??0° relative to the through-channel, and a ramp element having a guide surface arranged in the through-channel, and oriented to point toward the heater outlet channel.

Abstract: A fluid line includes a pipe, a connector having a pipe connection arranged at one end of the pipe, and a through-channel through the connector, wherein the pipe connection surrounds a portion of the through-channel, and a heater structured and arranged within the pipe and the connector to heat at least a portion of the pipe and at least a portion of the connector. A flow cross section of the through-channel section at least on a part of its length is no more than 60% of a flow cross section of the pipe.

Abstract: Temperature-controlled pressure regulators are described. An example temperature-controlled pressure regulator described herein includes a regulator body having an inlet fluidly coupled to an outlet via a first passageway. A heat block is disposed within the regulator body and receives at least a portion of the first passageway. The heat block is to provide heat to the process fluid as the process fluid flows through the heat block via the first passageway, which separates the process fluid from the heat block.

Abstract: Chip body 130 in which a through hole or concave is formed, intermediate film 140, on one surface of which adhesive layer 150? is formed and lower film 170, on one surface of which transfer function layer 160 is formed, are prepared. Intermediate film 140 and lower film 170 are bonded together such that transfer function layer 160 is embedded in adhesive layer 150? to form a laminated body. The laminated body and chip body 130 are bonded together by thermocompression to manufacture micro-chip 100.

Abstract: Bottomed first regions 23a? and 23b?, and second regions 24a? and 24b? are formed by joining film 14 to undersurface 21 of chip body 12 of a micro-channel chip. Third regions 25a? and 25b? are formed between first regions 23a? and 23b?, and second regions 24a? and 24b? so as to be located on carbon inks 16a and 16b. The width of third regions 25a? and 25b? is formed so as to be greater than the width of carbon inks 16a and 16b.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for feeding a liquid additive from a receptacle into a fuel pipe or into an exhaust line of an internal-combustion engine of a motor vehicle. The receptacle is fillable with additive from a larger storage tank that is also accommodated in the motor vehicle by way of a connection line that can be blocked by a shut-off element. A pump is installed in the receptacle or in the connection line. A heating device for heating at least a partial volume of the additive is present in the receptacle. A blockable return line branches off into the receptacle from the connection line between the pump and the shut-off element.

Abstract: A valve for a fluid passage in a vehicle fuel cell system. A housing includes an inflow passage connected to an upstream side of the fluid passage and an outflow passage connected to a downstream side of the fluid passage. A valve body is disposed in the housing and includes an intermediate fluid passage configured to provide fluid communication between the inflow passage and the outflow passage. A heating element is configured to apply heat directly to the valve body.

Abstract: A pressure reducing valve for gas is provided in which a valve mechanism having opening in a central part a valve hole that communicates with a low pressure passage and a low pressure chamber and including a valve body that is capable of being seated on a valve seat facing a valve chamber communicating with a high pressure passage is housed within a body such that the valve body is connected to a pressure receiving member operating in response to pressure of the low pressure passage and the low pressure chamber, wherein the body (16) is formed by joining a plurality of body members (18, 19) having different strengths, the entirety of the high pressure passage (30, 64) being formed, among the plurality of body members (18, 19), within the body member (18) that has a high strength, and at least part of the low pressure passage (85, 86, 94, 119) and the low pressure chamber (83, 84, 116) being formed, among the plurality of body members (18, 19), within the body member (19) that has a low strength.

Abstract: A heater assembly used in connection with a diesel emissions fluid tank in a vehicle, the heater assembly including a first heater connectable to an alternating current power supply; a second heater connectable to a direct current power supply within the vehicle; wherein the first heater is adapted to operate at a higher power than the second heater; wherein the first heater is closer to the tank than the second heater; a temperature sensor in sensing communication with the tank and adapted to provide a tank temperature; a control circuit connected to the second heater and the vehicle power supply, wherein the temperature sensor communicates the tank temperature to the control circuit, wherein the control circuit selectively activates the second heater to obtain a desired tank temperature.

Abstract: An exhaust after-treatment system having a main tank configured to retain and supply a reductant is disclosed. The exhaust after-treatment system includes a main heat source disposed in the main tank and configured to thaw the reductant. The exhaust after-treatment system also includes a secondary tank configured to retain a supply of reductant and a pump configured to pass reductant from the secondary tank to the main tank. The exhaust after-treatment system further includes a secondary heat source configured to thaw the reductant within the secondary tank.

Abstract: A MEMS integrated circuit comprising one or more microfluidic diaphragm valves and control circuitry for the valves. Each valve comprises: an inlet port; an outlet port; a weir positioned between the inlet and outlet ports, the weir having a sealing surface; a diaphragm membrane for sealing engagement with the sealing surface; and a thermal bend actuator for moving the diaphragm membrane between a closed position in which the membrane is sealingly engaged with the sealing surface and an open position in which the membrane is disengaged from the sealing surface. The control circuitry is configured to control actuation of the actuator so as to control opening and closing of the valve.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for droplet manipulation includes a substrate, a plurality of electrically addressable thin-film electrodes disposed on the substrate, at least one of the plurality of electrodes comprising a heating element in the form of a patterned electrode. A hydrophilic region is disposed in or above a portion of the heating element. The hydrophilic region may be permanent or electronically actuable. The thin-film electrodes have multi-function capabilities including, for instance, heating, temperature sensing, and/or sample actuation.

Abstract: A heated fuel delivery system for vegetable oil or other fuels of temperature dependent viscosity, which may be used as fuel for a diesel engine. The system includes one or more heated fuel lines and/or a heated fuel tank to heat the fuel and reduce its viscosity for more efficient use. Recovered engine heat from the engine coolant system is transferred to heat the fuel.

Abstract: A reductant delivery unit (10) is provided for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) after-treatment for vehicles. The unit includes a solenoid fluid injector (10) constructed and arranged to be associated with an exhaust gas flow path (14) upstream of a SCR catalytic converter (17). The fluid injector has a fluid inlet (13) and a fluid outlet (15) with the fluid inlet being constructed and arranged to receive a source of urea solution and the fluid outlet being constructed and arranged to communicate directly with the exhaust flow path so as to control injection of urea solution into the exhaust gas flow path. An interface (24) is constructed and arranged to couple the fluid injector to the gas flow path. The interface defines a thermal barrier constructed and arranged to decoupled a body of the injector from exposure to heat in the exhaust gas flow path.

Abstract: A compressed hydrogen tank system that includes a heatable hydrogen pressure regulator. Hydrogen is removed from the compressed tank through a suitable pipe where the pressure drop of the hydrogen is controlled by the pressure regulator. The high pressure side of the regulator is typically at a relatively low temperature as the hydrogen is being removed from the tank, and the low pressure side of the regulator is typically at a relatively high temperature as the hydrogen is removed from the tank. A heat source is provided to heat the pipe on the high pressure side of the regulator to prevent the hydrogen from becoming cold as the hydrogen is being removed from the tank, thus preventing the temperature of the hydrogen within the tank from decreasing.

Abstract: An electromagnetic system includes a channel and at least one chamber comprising a first end and a second end. The channel traverses at least a portion of a longitudinal length of the at least one chamber, whereby the channel enters the chamber at the first end and exits the chamber at the second end. The channel includes an internal cavity for allowing materials to flow therein and be exposed to electromagnetic energy.

Abstract: A mechanically-actuated microfluidic valve. The valve comprises an inlet port; an outlet port; a thermal bend actuator; and a valve closure member cooperating with the actuator. Actuation of the thermal bend actuator causes movement of the closure member, thereby regulating a flow of fluid from the inlet port to the outlet port.

Abstract: A level sensor includes a base unit with a cavity. A first axial end of the cavity is adapted to hydraulically communicate with a fluid reservoir. A second axial end of the cavity is adapted to hydraulically couple to a fluid reservoir. A heating element is disposed in a wall of the cavity. A first electrode and a second electrode are disposed at the base unit such that an electric capacitance formed between the first electrode and the second electrode is representative of the level in the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A smooth-bore plastic tubing with helical support bead is resistant to collapse and incorporates plural electrical conductors outside of the tubing bore and insulated from ambient, and from one another. The conductors may have a desired relatively high thermal conductivity to tidal air flow within the tubing, while also having a comparatively high thermal resistance to ambient. A method for making the tubing includes extruding a molten thermoplastic ribbon with an elevated plateau portion defining plural conductor-receiving grooves. The plastic ribbon is wrapped to form a tube and plural conductors are embedded in the grooves of the plateau portion. A molten thermoplastic bead is then applied atop the plateau portion providing a smooth-bore unitary flexible tubing structure with both inside and outside surfaces which are substantially free of crevices or recesses which could retain soil or bacteria.

Abstract: Provided are a valve unit and a reaction apparatus having the valve unit. The valve unit includes a phase transition material, which melts and expands upon an application of the electromagnetic waves to the valve filler, and the valve filler is directed into the channel through the connection passage and closes the channel. The valve unit also includes heat generation particles, which are dispersed in the phase transition material and generate heat upon an application of electromagnetic wave energy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling the flow rate of clustering fluid using a pressure type flow rate control device in which the flow rate Q of gas passing through an orifice is computed as K=KP1 (where K is a constant) with the gas being in a state where the ratio P2/P1 between the gas pressure P1 on the upstream side of the orifice and the gas pressure P2 on the downstream side of the orifice is held at a value not higher than the critical pressure ratio of the gas wherein the association of molecules is dissociated either by heating the pressure type flow rate control device to the temperature higher than 40° C., or by applying the diluting gas to the clustering fluid to make it lower than a partial pressure so the clustering fluid is permitted to pass through the orifice in a monomolecular state.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for control of an integrated thin-film device with a plurality of microfluidic channels. In one embodiment, a microfluidic device is provided that includes a microfluidic chip having a plurality of microfluidic channels and a plurality of multiplexed resistive thermal detectors (RTDs). Each of the RTDs is associated with one of the microfluidic channels. The RTDs are connected to a power supply through individual electrodes and pairs of common electrodes. Adjacent RTDs may be driven with alternating polarities, and the current in the common electrodes may be minimized using a virtual ground circuit. The compact microfluidic device is capable of fast heating and highly precise thermal control. The compact microfluidic device is also capable using the RTDs to sense temperature without their heating capability.

Abstract: A microfluidic pinch valve. The valve comprises a microfluidic channel defined in a compliant body; a valve sleeve defined by a section of the microfluidic channel, the valve sleeve having a membrane wall defining part of an outer surface of the body; a compression member for pinching the membrane wall against an opposed wall of the valve sleeve; and a thermal bend actuator for moving the compression member between a closed position in which the membrane wall is sealingly pinched against the opposed wall, and an open position in which the membrane wall is disengaged from the opposed wall.

Abstract: A microfluidic system.

Abstract: A device for creating a microfluidic channel structure includes two plates forming a chamber between the two plates. The chamber has at least one inlet for feeding a fluid into the chamber and at least one outlet for discharging the fluid out of the chamber. A cooling element is associated with at least one of the two plates for converting fluid disposed in the chamber into a solid. A plurality of heating elements is associated with at least a first of the two plates and distributed so as to provide, by a heating up of some of the heating elements so as to convert areas of the solid that are in a vicinity of the heating elements to the fluid, a channel structure leading from the at least one inlet through the chamber to the at least one outlet. The channel structure is configured to convey fluid flow.

Abstract: A heater unit having a main body constructed in the form of a housing and covers the entire flow path forming sections of the valve and joints, and a heater built in the main body is mounted on the valve. The heater includes a direct heating section and a radiant heating section. The direct heating section heats at least a part of the flow path forming sections of the valve through direct contact heating. The radiant heating section heats the inside of the main body of the heater unit by radiant heat.

Abstract: A heated hose includes an inner hose (109 covered by a braided support web (20) that fixes heating conductors (30) against the inner hose (10); and further including a protective jacket (40) covering.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrically heatable media line (1), comprising a fluid line (2) and at least one fluid connector (4) connected to a line end (2a). The fluid line (2) and the fluid connector (4) respectively have electric heating means (6, 10), wherein the fluid line (2) and/or the fluid connector (4) including electric connections (16) of the heating means (6, 10) are/is enclosed by a plastic molding compound.

Abstract: A valve of cleanable design capable of maintaining unfavourable conditions for microbial activity on the downstream side and/or outlet of the valve, said valve comprising: A smooth and contoured body (5) with an integral upstream connector (1), downstream connector and defined fluid flow path; a flexible sealing membrane (9) being: (i) selectively moveable into contact with the valve body to close the valve; (ii) selectively moveable out of contact with the valve body to open the valve; (iii) selectively operable to a range of positions to vary the flow rate of fluid through said valve; a defined internal shape that allows the fluid to drain out of the valve body; an elongated heater (7) secured into the valve body in a location so as not to be contact with the fluid or disrupt the internal smooth and contoured body, the heater being operative to heat the valve body to a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A microfluidic assembly comprising a replaceable microfluidic circuit and a thermal unit, the microfluidic circuit adapted to contact the thermal unit by contact between one or more membranes in the microfluidic circuit and the at least one temperature controlling element in the thermal unit to achieve temperature control of a substance or substances inside one or more fluidic compartments in the microfluidic circuit. A related method to control temperature and/or physical state of a substance in the fluidic compartments and related testing systems are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve for opening and closing a channel (3) of a microfluidic system, respectively. According to the invention, the valve comprises an actuation medium (2) that undergoes a volume change with changing temperature; and a heater arrangement (5) for generating a temperature gradient in the actuation medium (2) with respect to the actuation medium's (2) distance relative to the channel (3); wherein due to an expansion or a contraction of the actuation medium (2) the channel (3) is closed or opened, respectively. When the heater arrangement (5) is activated in such a way that a higher temperature is generated in the actuation medium (2) which is nearer to the channel (3) and a lower temperature is generated in the actuation medium (2) which is further away from the channel (3) the valve can be closed and vice versa. Accordingly, such a valve for a microfluidic system is provided which can be reliably actuated during a long time of use.

Abstract: A valve comprises a valve body having a fluid inlet and fluid outlet, a valve seat located in the valve body between the fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a valve member movable towards and away from the valve seat for controlling the flow of fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet, and a PTC heater in thermal contact with the valve seat for heating the valve seat. The heater is integrated in the valve in a manner where the valve seat is used as an electrical conductor to facilitate operation and assembly of the valve, and a unique valve construction is provided for enabling self-draining to avoid accumulation of water or other liquid in the valve that might negatively impact performance of the valve.

Abstract: A heater built-in valve usable even under a high-temperature condition beyond 200° C. is provided. Piston driving means 7 has an upper compressed-air introducing chamber 24 for moving a piston 6 downward, and a lower compressed-air introducing chamber 25 for moving the piston 6 upward. Piston sealing means 8 has an upper bellows 29 that seals the upper compressed-air introducing chamber 24, and a lower bellows 30 that seals the lower compressed air introducing chamber 25.

Abstract: A microfluidic device having a glass, glass-ceramic, or ceramic structure, said structure including one or more passages defined therein with at least one first passage accessible through at least one first port wherein the first passage contains at least one solid object disposed therein said solid object including a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion differeing from the glass, glass-ceramic, or ceramic of said structure, said solid object resting in said first passage substantially without compressive stress from an inside surface of said passage at room temperature.

Abstract: The well head valve insulator provides insulation to a gas or oil well head. The insulator is formed with a two-piece outer shell that has a height and diameter custom-fitted to the well head, which is filled with foam insulation, preferably polyurethane foam that is molded to the configuration of the particular well head. The insulator includes heating element supports for supporting a hose or heating coil that is used to periodically heat the valve through the flow of warm fluid. The two halves of the insulator can be opened and reclosed around the well head in order to provide access for routine maintenance. Optionally, the insulator may be furnished with a temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature of the well head, or with a thermostatic control for regulating heat delivered by the heating coil.

Abstract: An actuator having a linearly movable push rod for use in automotive engineering, which may be for operating a switching element of a valve, in particular a container control valve of a commercial vehicle, having a housing having an expandable material working element and an electrical heater for heating the expandable material working element. Furthermore, a device is provided for the controlled operation of a switching element of a valve, in particular a container control valve of a commercial vehicle, which includes an actuator of the aforementioned kind.

Abstract: Each of lines A, B is provided on each of opposite sides thereof with a tape heater 11, and a space for positioning a tape heater holding clip 13 therein is provided in each of locations between adjacent fluid control devices. The tape heaters 11 are held from opposite sides thereof to the line by the clip 13. The lines A, B provided with the heaters are each mounted on a line support member 10 removably attached to a base member 1. The line support member 10 has a heater insertion bore 14 formed therein and extending longitudinally thereof. A sheath heater 12 is inserted into the bore 14.

Abstract: A compressed gas storage tank that has particular application for storing hydrogen for a fuel cell system. The compressed gas tank includes a cylindrical adapter and valve through which the hydrogen is removed from the tank. A low cost generator is positioned in the tank and has a rotating element positioned in a channel extending through the adapter. As hydrogen is removed from the tank, the mass flow of the hydrogen causes the rotating element to rotate which causes the generator to generate electricity. One or more resistive heating element are positioned in the adapter, preferably proximate to tank seals, that receive an electrical current from the generator that heats the resistive heating element and the adapter to increase the temperature of the adapter and the hydrogen being removed from the tank.

Abstract: A fluid flow within a transportation pipeline is heated with low voltage, high current electrical energy induced into a conductive closed loop structure by one or more transformers. The closed loop structure is preferably a fluid transportation pipeline constructed of electrically conductive sections of pipeline. The amount of current induced is sufficient in relation to the inherent resistivity of the conductive sections to cause the generation of heat within the pipeline sections. By conductive and convective heat transfer, the heat induced into the pipeline structure is transferred to a fluid flow within the pipeline. The current is preferably an alternating current of frequency which causes a majority of the current to travel at or near the outer surfaces of the pipeline sections which increases the effective resistivity of the sections and heat generation therein.