Abstract: An optimized activation prevention assembly for a gas delivery system is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pneumatically operated valve assembly. The apparatus also includes a toggle switch mechanically attached to the pneumatically operated valve assembly, the toggle switch includes a toggle arm, the toggle arm being positioned in one of an activation zone and a deactivation zone, wherein when the toggle arm is positioned in the activation zone, the pneumatically operated valve is activated, and wherein when the toggle arm is positioned in the deactivation zone, the pneumatically operated valve is deactivated. The apparatus further includes an activation prevention mechanism attached to the toggle switch, wherein when the activation prevention mechanism being configured for preventing the toggle arm from being repositioned from the deactivation zone to the activation zone without at least bypassing a lockout function of the optimized activation prevention mechanism.

Abstract: The latching gas ON/OFF assembly includes a housing with a female threaded bore for receiving a male threaded neck of a gas tank cylinder having a tank valve with a pin. A bonnet is slidably connected to the housing and slides between a forward OFF position and rearward ON position. A pin depressor connected to the bonnet with a transverse latch button for locking the bonnet in the ON position and for releasing the bonnet from the ON position. When the bonnet is slid to the rearward ON position it causes the pin depressor to contact the pin of the tank valve to permit gas to flow therefrom. The latching button is spring-biased toward a locked position where a plate on the free end thereof removably resides in a complementary seat in the housing.

Abstract: A valve assembly is provided in combination with a valve lockout device. The valve assembly includes a valve body, a valve handle, and first and second ports connected with corresponding first and second conduits. The valve lockout device includes a frame member secured to the valve, a shroud member assembled with the frame member, and a locking mechanism secured to the frame member. The frame member and shroud member define an enclosure enclosing the valve. At least one of the frame member and shroud member at least partially defines a first opening positioned to receive the first conduit therethrough, and a second opening positioned to receive the second conduit therethrough. The locking mechanism is operable between a locked condition in which the shroud member is secured to the frame member, and an unlocked condition in which the shroud member is removable from the frame member to access the valve.

Abstract: A manifold for accommodating at least one fluid is constructed of a plurality of modules that can be interconnected and configured to create a customized manifold. Couplers interconnecting a flow cavity of each module can be selected to determine fluid flow characteristics between module flow cavities. Each module has one or more valve ports. Valves or other flow accommodating apparatus are attached to the manifold via adapters. A first end of each adapter is sized and configured to engage a valve port, and a second end engages the attached apparatus.

Abstract: A single lever control for manually manipulating a hydraulic valve spool of a directional control valve, which comprises an elongate shaft encased within an outer casing and having first and second ends each being fixedly attached to an end cap and a pivot block, respectively. The outer casing comprising a cylindrical cup for housing a biasing element whereupon an applied upward force on the cylindrical cup causes the outer casing to move upwardly to the extent of lifting a latching member pivotally connected to the pivot block and releasing a locking mechanism. The mounting assembly comprising an adapter plate integrally connected to a vertical support member and having a large aperture for receiving a moveable stem associated with the hydraulic valve spool, an arrangement of which allows a valve-actuating stem associated with the pivot block to movably interact with the moveable stem as the single lever control is selectively manipulated.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve assembly for an excavator including a hydraulic valve movable along a longitudinal axis to control a flow of fluid, a flange coupled to the hydraulic valve, the flange including a receptor, and a locking mechanism movable between a locked orientation and an unlocked orientation. In the locked orientation, the locking mechanism cooperates with the receptor to inhibit movement of the hydraulic valve along the longitudinal axis and in the unlocked orientation the hydraulic valve is free to move along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic valve device having a fluid port arrangement (10) and having a movable control device (16) for at least partially controlling individual ports (P), (R), (LS), (P?A), (P?B) of the port arrangement (10), wherein to selectively hold the control device (16) fixed, a latching device (22) is provided, which latching device (22) has at least one latching part (26) which is guided in a guide part (24) and which, actuable by a control part (30) of the control device (16), can be placed into a latching position of a locking part (28).

Abstract: A locking device for water valves having an actuation mechanism that couples to the water valve nut to secure the water valve. The actuation mechanism is contained within a container to limit access. The actuation mechanism is activated by a member that can be positioned in engagement with the actuation mechanism or out of engagement with the actuation mechanism. When position out of engagement with the actuation mechanism, the member can be secured to inhibit unauthorized access to the water valve nut.

Abstract: A lock device includes a first bracket 34 fixed to a screw element 33 and formed with a lock hole 34b; a second bracket 35 which has a fitting portion 35a fitted to the turn-type control lever 30 of an operation pattern selecting valve 16 and which is formed with a lock hole 35f; and a lock 36. The screw element 33 is screwed into a threaded hole 32 formed in an end plate 29 of the operation pattern selecting valve 16 to secure the first bracket 34 to the end plate 29. The fitting portion 35a of the second bracket 35 is fitted to the turn-type control lever 30 to connect the second bracket 35 to the turn-type control lever 30. The lock 36 is insertably attached to the respective lock holes 34b and 35f of the first bracket 34 and second bracket 35 for locking the turn-type control lever 30. With such a structure, the lock device can be manufactured relatively easily without the necessity of processing the operation pattern selecting valve.

Abstract: A locking assembly is provided to simply and effectively prevent any unintentional adjustment of the adjustable valve mechanism in a fluid flow control device, without compromising the function of the device. The locking assembly generally includes at least one gripping arm for frictionally engaging at least a portion of the adjustable valve mechanism, and an actuating mechanism for controlling the deployment and release of the gripping arm. The locking assembly prevents unintentional adjustments that can adversely affect the pressure settings of the fluid flow control device. In particular, the locking assembly prevents unintentional adjustment, such as may be caused by the presence of a strong external magnetic field. The locking assembly can be easily disengaged, such as through the application or removal of an external mechanical force, to allow a clinician to adjust the pressure settings of the fluid flow control device as necessary.

Abstract: A safety device for closure elements (1) on pressure-medium-containing tanks, in particular on hydropneumatic devices such as hydraulic accumulators, wherein a screw connection is provided as a closure device on a filling or checking port, which screw connection has a closure screw (1) which is in threaded engagement on the port (3) and which blocks the port (3) when the screw connection is tightened and opens the port (3) when a now path is released, is characterized in that a means (25) is provided which limits the free movement path of the closure element (1) which is moved out of a closed position as a result of occurring overpressure.

Abstract: A fluid displacement device, particularly for use of the device to pressurize balloon catheters, or the like. The device includes a plunger which is displaceable through a housing, and an actuating mechanism which engages the plunger. The actuating mechanism includes a nut member that is biased into engagement with a threaded portion of the plunger. The device has a press-to-release feature wherein the plunger is instantly releaseable by simply depressing a toggle lever of the nut member to overcome a restorative spring force. Subsequently, the plunger can be translated using macro movements (i.e., by pushing or pulling the plunger).

Abstract: A fluid pump assembly for a fuel cell system is disclosed, the fluid pump assembly including a mounting structure having a receiving element formed thereon and a fluid pump having at least one locking element formed thereon, wherein the mounting structure is a lower end unit of the fuel cell system, and wherein the receiving element captures the locking elements of the fluid pump to militate against lateral, axial, and rotational movement of the fluid pump.

Abstract: An optimized activation prevention assembly for a gas delivery system is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pneumatically operated valve assembly. The apparatus also includes a toggle switch mechanically attached to the pneumatically operated valve assembly, the toggle switch includes a toggle arm, the toggle arm being positioned in one of an activation zone and a deactivation zone, wherein when the toggle arm is positioned in the activation zone, the pneumatically operated valve is activated, and wherein when the toggle arm is positioned in the deactivation zone, the pneumatically operated valve is deactivated. The apparatus further includes an activation prevention mechanism attached to the toggle switch, wherein when the activation prevention mechanism being configured for preventing the toggle arm from being repositioned from the deactivation zone to the activation zone without at least bypassing a lockout function of the optimized activation prevention mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which prevents the removal of a companion fitting when the valve is open. Thus, for example there is disclosed a load line apparatus comprising a housing, a valve, a cam lever, or more likely a pair of cam levers, and a locking device. The housing has an interior bore, the interior bore defining a flow-through passage. The valve has a surface shaped to close the flow-through passage when the valve is closed. The cam lever is pivotally attached to the housing, and the locking device is movable by the cam lever. The cam lever is operable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking device forms a stop to prevent the valve being opened. In the unlocked position, the locking device is retracted from the locked position. The cam lever is operable from the unlocked position into the locked position only when the valve is closed. The load line apparatus disclosed prevents the valve from being opened unless the cam lever is the unlocked position.

Abstract: A cover for a fluid connection that has a first positioning element and an opening. The cover includes a first portion that is positioned to cover a portion of the opening and a second portion that includes a second positioning element. The second portion is movable with respect to the first portion between a first position, in which the first positioning element and the second positioning element are engaged, and a second position, in which the first positioning element and the second positioning element are disengaged.

Abstract: A pneumatic valve with lockout for controlling the flow of a fluid includes a housing, a fluid flow passage extending through the housing between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and a valve movable along an axis to open and close the flow passage. A pneumatic actuator is operable to move the valve to open and close the flow passage. A manual lockout device is actuable to selectively enable and disable the valve. The device includes a locking member movable to prevent actuation of the lockout device when the valve is disabled. A fitting on the housing to convey a pressurized gas to the pneumatic actuator is mounted to swivel about the housing for connection to an air source on any radial within 360°. The valve is compact, simple to connect in a system and safe.

Abstract: A first aspect of the invention relates to a hydraulic pump unit (1) for feeding a hydraulic cab-tilting mechanism, comprising a casing (3) having at least two connecting ports (4,5) for the hydraulic cab-tilting mechanism, provided with a reservoir (6) for hydraulic fluid (7) and a hydraulic pump (8) which is connected to the reservoir and which can deliver hydraulic fluid to the connecting ports under working pressure required to operate the cab-tilting mechanism, a hydraulic circuit (9), fitted in the casing and connected to the connecting ports, the pump and the reservoir, and a hydraulic control valve (10) fitted in the hydraulic circuit, the hydraulic circuit further being provided with a mechanically-operable shut-off means (11), which, in the closed state, prevents the flow of hydraulic fluid under working pressure to the cab-tilting mechanism, which flow leads to operation of the cab-tilting mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention is an enclosure device for attachment to a fluid withdrawal valve on a chemical storage tank to prevent unauthorized access. The enclosure device comprises a first and second housing pivotally attached with a hinge to pivot between an open and closed position. In addition, the first and second housing define a cavity for receiving the fluid withdrawal valve. In the closed position, a fastener locks the enclosure device to prevent unauthorized access.

Abstract: A system for managing liquid supply suitable for a process equipment with a liquid tank is disclosed. The system includes a host, a data-reading tool, a system controller and a tank-locking device. The host stores a built-in liquid database. The data-reading tool used for reading data related to the liquid tank is electrically connected to the host. The host receives the data related to the liquid tank from the data-reading tool, and the received data mapped with the liquid database. The system controller drives the tank-locking device according to the signal from the host to whether or not allow replacement of the liquid tank.

Abstract: A locking assembly is provided to simply and effectively prevent any unintentional adjustment of the adjustable valve mechanism in a fluid flow control device, without compromising the function of the device. The locking assembly generally includes at least one gripping arm for frictionally engaging at least a portion of the adjustable valve mechanism, and an actuating mechanism for controlling the deployment and release of the gripping arm. The locking assembly prevents unintentional adjustments that can adversely affect the pressure settings of the fluid flow control device. In particular, the locking assembly prevents unintentional adjustment, such as may be caused by the presence of a strong external magnetic field. The locking assembly can be easily disengaged, such as through the application or removal of an external mechanical force, to allow a clinician to adjust the pressure settings of the fluid flow control device as necessary.

Abstract: A tubing connecting device for a fluid carrying tube having a flat portion with an aperture therethrough includes a coupling body having a first port and a second port that are in fluid communication, a planar surface on the coupling body, surrounding the first port and configured to engage the flat portion of the tube with the first port in fluid communication with the aperture. A strap is affixed at both ends to the coupling body and is configured to engage the tube and hold the coupling body in place on the flat.

Abstract: A protective sleeve for use in connection with valve stems for gas bottles is provided, the protective sleeve being comprised of an elongated body of such length as to extend along at least a portion of the length of the valve stem. A projection extends from an interior surface of the protective sleeve and is adapted to physically engage with an orifice in an opposing surface of the valve stem in locking engagement whereby the protective sleeve is prevented from being easily removed from the valve stem upon being placed thereover due to engagement of the projection with the orifice. At least one tear strip is provided within at least a portion of at least one side surface of the protective sleeve, whereby at least a portion of the side surface of the protective sleeve may be removed by tearing the tear strip so as to permit disengagement and removal of the protective sleeve from the valve stem.

Abstract: A shunt valve assembly includes an electromechanical brake mechanism that locks a position of a pressure setting mechanism within a shunt valve assembly. The electromechanical brake can maintain the position of the pressure setting mechanism in the presence of a relatively strong magnetic field to maintain a set pressure differential within the shunt valve assembly. In certain cases, the shunt valve requires repositioning of the pressure setting mechanism within the shunt valve assembly to adjust a fluid flow rate through the shunt valve assembly. A clinician can activate an external controller to transmit a signal to the shunt valve assembly through magnetically coupled antennas between the controller and the shunt valve. The shunt valve assembly utilizes the signal to activate the braking mechanism and unlock the pressure setting mechanism. The clinician then operates the controller to non-invasively reposition the pressure setting mechanism and adjust the pressure at which the shunt valve opens.

Abstract: A mechanically operated proportional flow control valve (8) which a valve spool (9) is described, which is moveable between two end limits limiting a regulating range. A device (20, 22) is described for selectively limiting the regulating range of the valve (8). This device can be used to block “locked-in” positions (F1, RH1) of the spool (9) at the end limits of the regulating range. The device includes a locking bar 20 which has locking formations (28, 29) which engage a pin (22) on a lever (11) connected with the spool (9).

Abstract: A solenoid valve includes a main valve unit including a spool for switching a channel, and a solenoid operating unit for driving the spool, the main valve unit includes manual buttons capable of manually switching the spool, and a safety member movably disposed, and this safety member can be moved between a locking position for locking the manual buttons in an inoperative state by locking the safety member in the manual buttons and an unlocking position for unlocking the lock by disengaging the safety member from the manual buttons.

Abstract: A closure assembly for a camshaft phaser. A plug or a cap is provided with either a radially-sealing gasket seal or a face-sealing gasket seal, the seal being formed by insertion of the plug into a bore, or by installation of a cap over a neck formed in a cover plate. The closure is provided with a plurality of spaced-apart locking elements, and the plate is provided with a plurality of spaced-apart, radially extending second locking elements in the form of fingers surrounding a central opening. During assembly, the closure is mated to the plate with the first locking elements interspersed with the second locking elements. The closure is rotated to bring the locking elements into locking engagement with each other, preventing counter-rotation of the closure. No threads or torque specifications are required.

Abstract: A valve opening/closing handle lock mechanism provided in a valve having a manually operated valve opening/closing handle (1) is capable of maintaining the security of the valve by preventing the valve from being opened or closed by accident or with malicious intent after completion of a proper opening/closing operation of the valve by means of the handle (1). The handle lock mechanism comprises a locking cap (4) mounted on the handle (1). The locking cap (4) functions to prevent the handle (1) from being operated, extends from the handle (1) to a handle mount portion (3) of the valve so as to cover the corresponding portion of the valve with the locking cap (4), and is provided with: an opening (5) through which an end portion of the handle (1) passes outward; or, a longitudinal groove through which the end portion of the opening/closing handle (1) slidably passes outward.

Abstract: This invention relates to a security system aimed at closing and locking a cover of an opening of a tank trailer to avoid any tampering of its content and to prove that the content of the tank has not been tampered. The security system comprises a locking member movable between a lock position to prevent the opening of the cover, and an unlock position to allow the opening of the cover. The invention also comprises an actuating device mounted to the tank trailer operatively connected to the locking member for moving it between the lock and the unlock positions. A sealing mechanism engages the actuating device when the locking member is in the lock position to prevent any movement of the locking member. The sealing mechanism comprises a breakable indicator which is broken upon disengagement from the actuating device, thereby indicating that the openable cover has been tampered with.

Abstract: Lock bars for blowout preventers and blowout preventers having, in certain aspects, a body with a top, a bottom, and a bore therethrough, at least one bonnet releasably secured to the body, a first lock bar recess defined by a first portion in the body and a second portion in the bonnet, at least one lock bar removably disposed in the lock bar recess for releasably connecting the at least one bonnet to the body, the at least one lock bar having a body with a first end and a second tapered end and/or with an end opening in an end of the at least one lock bar.

Abstract: An apparatus for containing and delivering hazardous gases at sub-atmospheric pressure from a pressurized container is provided which includes a valve body in sealed communication with an outlet orifice of the pressurized container. The outlet orifice of the pressurized container is open to an interior chamber of the pressurized container. A fluid discharge path is located in the valve body, between the outlet orifice of the pressurized container and an outlet orifice of the valve body. A pressure regulator having a pressure sensing means capable of responding to sub-atomospheric pressure, is integral to the valve body, in-line in the fluid discharge path with the pressure regulator pre-set to a pressure below atmospheric pressure to allow the gas to be delivered through the regulator from the interior chamber only when the pressure regulator senses a downstream pressure at or below the pre-set pressure.

Abstract: A pneumatic tool lock integral to the structure of a pneumatic tool and adapted to replace the existing male nipple component of the pneumatic tool is provided. The pneumatic tool lock includes an outer housing adapted to provide access to inner components of the pneumatic tool lock, the outer housing having a first end for securely mating with the pneumatic tool and a second end for coupling with a fluid source. An inner passageway within the outer housing provides a means for fluid to flow through from the fluid source to the pneumatic tool. A key operated lock mounted on the outer housing is displaceable between a first open position and a second closed position. A needle valve attached to the key operated lock disengageably mates with a channel extending between the inner passageway and the outer housing so as to block and un-block fluid flow into the inner passageway.

Abstract: A locking device of an air-operated normally-closed valve for a gas cylinder includes a housing; a piston assembly provided in the housing; a tapered axial member having an annular outer tapered surface and positioned coaxially with the piston assembly axis; a lock nut which is screw-engaged with the housing and coaxial with the tapered axial member; an annular inner tapered surface formed on an inner peripheral surface of the lock nut to correspond to the annular outer tapered surface; an intermediate cylinder member positioned between the annular outer and inner tapered surfaces; and a lock piece inserted into a radial through hole and contacting the annular outer and inner tapered surfaces. The lock nut can press the lock piece against the annular outer tapered surface via the annular inner tapered surface to lock the piston assembly by adjusting the lock nut with respect to the housing.

Abstract: A lockout device to secure access to a pipeline valve through a utility valve box having an inwardly directed ring is described. The lockout device includes a tube with a shackle, a plate with an opening, and a lock. As installed, the tube fits within an interior space of the utility valve box. The lock locks the plate and tube together. The width of the plate is greater than the inner diameter of the ring.

Abstract: A lockout valve is provided having a valve body with an inlet conduit, a central chamber and an outlet conduit, to form a continuous passageway. The lockout valve also includes a slide mechanism slidingly disposed in valve slide channel to operatively control fluid flow through the passageway between an open position, an intermediate position and a closed position. The slide mechanism includes a plurality of flow apertures to restrict flow through the passageway. The front side of the slide mechanism includes a detent slot and the back side of the slide mechanism includes a longitudinally extending override slot having an upper portion positioned opposite the detent slot to form a continuous opening, and a lower portion that does not form a continuous opening. The valve further includes a detent mechanism for overriding the intermediate position of the slide mechanism including a detent override lever with a finger member extending from an edge of the detent override lever.

Abstract: A fluid control valve includes an adjustable soft start capability and pressure indicator device. The fluid control valve isolates an input port and connects an outlet port to an exhaust port when the fluid control valve is in its closed position. A system is provided for locking the fluid control valve in the closed position. The indicator device is used to provide an indication of the pressure within the outlet port to ensure safe operation.

Abstract: A tool lock, especially useful in preventing theft or unauthorized use of a tool. The tool lock has a housing in which a lock cylinder assembly and locking balls are disposed. The tool lock housing has an opening at one end in which a portion of a tool, such as a pneumatic fitting on a pneumatic tool, may be inserted and secured by the engagement of the locking balls. The tool lock housing may further include a shackle portion which can be used in conjunction with a cable, either integral or separate, padlock, or chain to secure the tool lock to another object.

Abstract: An air manifold apparatus for supplying pressurized air to a plurality of air lines having an enclosure with an air inlet for receiving pressurized air from a pressurized air source and a plurality of air outlets for providing pressurized air to a plurality of air lines. The inlet and the outlets are each connectable to an air hose connector for communicating pressurized air between the enclosure and the air lines. A plurality of U-shaped bars are connected to the ends of the enclosure and extend outwardly away from the enclosure to protect the air hose connectors from damage and to act as a handle and a stand for the air manifold apparatus.

Abstract: A handle (2) as actuating device for valves (1) is proposed, comprising a fastening head (10) for fastening to a spindle (7) of the valve (1) and an actuating arm (11) for rotatably actuating the spindle, the spindle (7) being arranged in a valve housing (5) so as to be rotatable about the axis of rotation of a sealing part, the actuating arm (11) being arranged to be movable perpendicularly to the axis of the spindle (7) from a closed position into an open position of the valve (1). The actuating arm (11) has means (14) for preventing the actuation of the handle (2), the fastening head (10) has a fastening means (21) for fastening the handle (2) to the valve spindle (7), and the handle (2) has a sealing plate (15) for sealing the fastening means (21).

Abstract: A fire hydrant securing arrangement utilizes a magnetic detent to couple an outer body to a center post so that when a wrench with a permanent magnet is mated with the outer body, the magnetic detent connects the outer body to the center post. The center post has an end with a polygonal recess which complements the shape of the hydrant operating nut. The recess is within an insert that has a polygonal periphery engaged by a polygonal inner wall of the center post. The insert is interchangeable with other inserts having recesses of different sizes and configurations so that the securing arrangement is readily acceptable to fire hydrants having different operating nuts of different sizes.

Abstract: A valve lock to lock gate valves having a truss.

Abstract: A valve lock to lock gate valves having a truss.

Abstract: A lockable exterior water faucet assembly including a spigot with a neck portion extending from a fluid supply line and communicating with a second substantially hollowed body portion. An exteriorly threaded and annular extending outlet is located proximate a forward face of the hollowed body portion of the spigot. A cylinder with an extending seal plug is insertably engaging through a rearward face of the hollowed body portion and so that the seal plug engages an interior and fluid communicating location of the spigot outlet in a first closed position. A key engages a key slot defined within an exposed rearwardly directed end of the cylinder. The key is actuated a selected rotational distance to actuate the cylinder and to cause the seal plug to unseat from the spigot outlet in a second opening position.

Abstract: A locking device of an air-operated normally-closed valve for a gas cylinder includes a housing; a piston assembly provided in the housing; a tapered axial member having an annular outer tapered surface and positioned coaxially with the piston assembly axis; a lock nut which is screw-engaged with the housing and coaxial with the tapered axial member; an annular inner tapered surface formed on an inner peripheral surface of the lock nut to correspond to the annular outer tapered surface; an intermediate cylinder member positioned between the annular outer and inner tapered surfaces; and a lock piece inserted into a radial through hole and contacting the annular outer and inner tapered surfaces. The lock nut can press the lock piece against the annular outer tapered surface via the annular inner tapered surface to lock the piston assembly by adjusting the lock nut with respect to the housing.

Abstract: In a fluid flow control valve having a valve body and a rotatable operating member projecting from the body, a lock mechanism having a driving member adapted for attachment to and rotating the operating member, which driving member has an outwardly-directed groove formed therearound. A turning member is mounted coaxially on the driving member and has an arcuate inwardly-directed groove axially aligned with and opposed to the groove of the driving member. A plurality of balls is located each partly in the two opposed grooves thereby to permit relative rotation between the driving member and the turning member but which prevent relative axial movement. A key mechanism is secured to the turning member and has a detent engageable with the driving member to prevent relative rotation between the driving member and the turning member, the detent being operable by use of a key inserted into the key mechanism.

Abstract: A linear spring-loaded actuator (10) for a valve (12) comprises a housing (14) and an actuating spindle (16) slidably supported in the housing (14). A cap (22) is associated with the housing (14). Spring means (36), arranged in the housing (14), bear on the cap (22) and the actuating spindle (16), so as to exert a spring force on the actuating spindle (16). A thread (26) on the housing (14) cooperates with a thread (24′, 24″) on the cap (22) for screwing the cap (22) on the housing (14) so as to preload the spring means (36) in the housing (14). At least one lock means (40) is associated with one of the threads (24′, 24″) and is capable of deforming this thread (24, 24″) so as to lock it in any position on the cooperating thread (26).

Abstract: A gas isolation box including an enclosure; a number of gas sticks contained within the enclosure, each gas stick including a process gas section comprising a first process gas inlet valve for gating the flow of a process gas into the gas stick; a purge gas section including a purge valve for gating the flow of a purge gas into the gas stick; and an evacuation section including a first evacuation valve for gating the exiting of a process gas or a purge gas from the gas stick, a bleed valve which in a closed position allows process gas to bleed through the bleed valve and in an open position allows purge gas to freely flow through the bleed valve, and a vacuum generator module which pulls a vacuum to evacuate a purge gas or any remaining process gas in the gas stick or the tool through the first evacuation valve and the bleed valve and out from the gas stick to an exhaust stream.

Abstract: A novel, one-way nut fastener including a nut body with a side wall that is internally threaded and lobes that extend from the side wall of the nut body. Each lobe has a flat portion that extends substantially radially away from the side wall and a curved portion that extends from the flat portion to the flat portion of an adjacent lobe. A special tool uses the leverage that is gained from the flat portions of the lobes to tighten the cap threads onto the threads of a stem portion. Since the leverage gained from the lobes, which is used to tighten the nut fastener, cannot be used to loosen the fastener, it is much more difficult to remove the nut fastener.

Abstract: A pressure regulating device for use with a breathing assistance apparatus which conveys gases to a patient requiring breathing assistance. The device includes a valve member disposed within a valve housing which when gases flowing through the regulator reach a predetermined level at least a portion of the gases are permitted to flow through a vent aperture externally, similar to known pressure relief valves. The present invention includes an adjustment mechanism engaged with the valve member and for adjusting the predetermined level, and a locking mechanism for permanently preventing access to the adjustment mechanism once the predetermined level has been factory set.

Abstract: An accommodation portion (53) is formed at a position where it faces a check valve member (42) through a chamber inlet (41a) of a check valve chamber (41). An opening means (51) is attached in the accommodation portion (53). This opening means (51) switches over between a valve opening position (Y) and a valve-opening cancellation position (X). A lock means (55) is attached between a peripheral wall of the accommodation portion (53) and the opening means (51). The lock means (55) changes over between a lock position (L) where it limits an advancement of the opening means (51) from the valve-opening cancellation position (X) and a lock cancellation position (M) where it allows the advancement. A valve-opening actuation means (60) is provided with a lock cancellation means (61). A magnetic force is made to occur between the lock cancellation means (61) and the lock means (55). The magnetic force changes over the lock means (55) to the lock cancellation position (M).