Abstract: A pneumatic valve and regulator, and more particularly to a pneumatic valve and regulator used in a compressed gas powered gun system which is designed to project a fragile liquid-containing spherical unit which bursts upon impact with the intended target. The regulator possesses a pressure balancing device, a temperature compensating device, and relief valve features. The temperature compensator of the temperature compensating device is made of a synthetic compound material which expands and contracts at a rate that equals but is inverse to the rate of change caused by changes in the modulus of elasticity of a helical compression spring caused by a temperature differential. The valve possesses a seal made of pressure-activated material, the outer diameter of the seal is mechanically captured, the inner diameter of the seal is not constrained from moving into the cavity.

Abstract: A throttle device for the directionally-dependent influencing of the flow velocity of the fluid in hydraulic actuator systems, in particular of friction clutches in motor vehicles, with a throttle located between a master cylinder and a slave cylinder in the hydraulic system. The throttle is formed by a base body with at least one through hole, which through hole can be at least partly closed by a rubber-elastomer disc. The rubber-elastomeric disc is located on the side of the base body facing the slave cylinder, which disc radially overlaps a through hole, which through hole can be at least partly closed.

Abstract: A system for measuring and controlling the mass flow of a gas of variable characteristics within a pipe by a metering valve, wherein a Coriolis mass flow meter mounted in the pipe is connected to the valve processor unit to calculate a correction factor for the flow rate calculated by the valve and represented by the ratio of the values originating from the Coriolis meter to those originating from the valve, this factor being updated periodically when the operating conditions do not introduce an error into the Coriolis meter. A multi-valve system for different flow rates is also described comprising a single Coriolis meter.

Abstract: A pressure-based mass flow controller suitable for accurately monitoring and controlling the flow of many types of precursors characterized by vapor pressures ranging from approximately 2 torr or lower to at least 760 torr or higher at delivery temperatures of up to at least 250 degrees C. or higher for flow rates ranging from molecular to sonic. A flow restrictive element is installed in the precursor flow path, and the pressures of the fluid upstream and downstream of the flow restrictive element are measured. The ratio of the upstream and downstream fluid pressures is computed and compared to a value stored in the memory of a CPU associated with the controller to determine whether the flow is choked or non-choked. The mass flow of the precursor fluid is then computed by the CPU in accordance with a linear function of the upstream pressure, for choked flow, and in accordance with a nonlinear function of both the upstream and downstream pressures, for non-choked flow.

Abstract: A fluid control solenoid valve includes a fluid passage having a valve seat therein. The solenoid valve further includes a bellows having a valve element and a retractable bellows portion continuous with the valve element. The valve element opens the fluid passage when lifted from the valve seat, and closes the fluid passage when seated onto the valve seat. A first spring urges the valve element in a valve lifting direction away from the valve seat, while a second spring urges the valve element in a valve seating direction toward the valve seat. An electromagnetic actuator is further provided for moving the valve element in the valve lifting direction, when energized. The first spring is interposed between an adjusting screw and the valve element. The adjusting screw is arranged to be extended at a high temperature so as to increase a biasing force of the first spring urging the valve element in the valve lifting direction.

Abstract: A pressure type flow rate control apparatus (1) for controlling flow rate of a fluid maintains an upstream side pressure P1 of an orifice at more than about twice a downstream side pressure P2. In addition to an orifice-forming member (5) the apparatus includes a control valve (2) provided at the upstream side of the orifice, a pressure detector (3) provided between the control valve and the orifice, and an operation control device (6) for calculating a flow rate Qc from the detected pressure P1 of the pressure detector as Qc=KP1 (K being a constant) and issuing a difference as a control signal Qy between a flow rate command signal Qs and the calculated flow rate Qc to a drive unit of the control valve. The orifice upstream side pressure P1 is adjusted by opening and closing the control valve, thereby controlling the orifice downstream side flow rate.

Abstract: According to the present invention, water regulation assemblies disposed in the water supply path of conventional fixtures are modified to include a pressure relief assembly which permits release of water under elevated pressures. A normal shut-off seal included in the water regulation assembly may be modified to release water in response to elevated pressure even when the seal is placed in a shut-off position. In particular, mating components included in the seal assembly are modified to separate at the elevated pressure. The seal may also be by-passed by a pressure relief water path which opens in response to elevated pressures. These features permit relief of elevated pressure in water supply lines which might otherwise produce a burst event within the water supply lines. In sliding plate type faucets where a seal is created by pressing of two plates together, pressure relief according to the present invention is obtained by permitting separation of the plates under elevated pressure.

Abstract: According to the present invention, water regulation assemblies disposed in the water supply path of conventional fixtures are modified to include a pressure relief assembly which permits release of water under elevated pressures. A shut-off seal of a fixture is by-passed by a pressure relief water path which opens in response to elevated pressures. This permits relief of elevated pressure in water supply lines which might otherwise produce a burst event within the water supply lines. The path includes a stopper having a compressed channel that opens to release water at the elevated pressure.

Abstract: A pneumatic valve and regulator, and more particularly to a pneumatic valve and regulator used in a compressed gas powered gun system which is designed to project a fragile liquid-containing spherical unit which bursts upon impact with the intended target. The regulator possesses a pressure balancing device, a temperature compensating device, and relief valve features. The temperature compensator of the temperature compensating device is made of a synthetic compound material which expands and contracts at a rate that equals but is inverse to the rate of change caused by changes in the modulus of elasticity of a helical compression spring caused by a temperature differential. The valve possesses a seal made of pressure-activated material, the outer diameter of the seal is mechanically captured, the inner diameter of the seal is not constrained from moving into the cavity.

Abstract: A pressure relief tire valve for inflating a tire wheel assembly has a tire inflation valve body having a chamber therein with openings through the top and bottom ends thereof and having a relief opening formed in the tire valve body. An inflation valve having a spring loaded central core to allow to pass inward is located in the tire valve body adjacent the tire inflation valve body top end for inflating the tire therethrough. An overpressure valve is located in the tire valve body for releasing air from the tire when the air pressure in the tire exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: A pneumatic control device for needle valves in injection molding systems. The control device has a control piston, a needle valve, a control cylinder and a cylindrical receptacle in which the control cylinder is positioned. The needle valve is adjustably secured to the piston. The control cylinder has channels for supplying and removal of pressure gas from two cylindrical chambers separated by the control piston. The control cylinder is firmly positioned against the surface of the recess in which it is situated. A plurality of seals positioned between the contact surfaces define two chambers separated from one another. A pressure gas channel is connected to each of the chambers for supply and removal of pressurized gas into and out of the chambers which control the movement of the control piston and thus the needle valve.

Abstract: A thermally actuated vapor vent valve in a fuel pump module allows hot vapor to escape from the fuel pump module when the module is at a temperature significantly above normal operating temperatures. The vent valve is carried by a retainer in the fuel pump module and, at normal operating temperatures, the vent valve is closed on a valve seat of the vapor outlet to prevent vapor flow through the vapor outlet. The valve and the retainer are formed of materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion such that when the fuel pump module becomes heated to a temperature sufficiently above normal operating temperatures the retainer expands and disengages the valve from the valve seat. This allows the hot vapor within the fuel pump module to flow out of the module and thereby prevents the fuel pump from overheating or reaching temperatures which can damage the electric motor that drives the fuel pump.

Abstract: A circular body, having a throughgoing orifice, an externally threaded periphery, and a pair of stepped recesses, defines a valve seat for a reciprocating piston. A retaining ring is made fast in one of the recesses, and a seal which contracts upon cooling to the ambient, after having been exposed to elevated temperatures, is set in the other recess. The seal is formed of a composite of plastic in which are dispersed carbon fibers to render the seal resistant to creep. A housing having a pair of chambers formed therein has the orificed body and piston interposed between the chambers for valvingly controlling inter-chamber communication.

Abstract: A fluid coupler connectable with a fitting of a variety which extends from an externally-threaded forward coupling end to a rearward port end. The coupler includes a body having an internal fluid passageway and valve stem. A distal end of the valve stem has a forward surface defining a seating portion, and a rearward surface engageable with a poppet valve of the fitting. A valve sleeve is received coaxially over the valve stem to define a fluid flow path therebetween. A rearward second end of the valve sleeve defines an outer periphery and an inner periphery configured to be received within the seating portion of the valve stem, and has a rearward confrontation surface with a seal member rotatably received within a mounting groove thereof. The valve sleeve is biased in a rearward first position wherein the second end thereof is received within the seating portion of the valve stem closing the fluid flow path, and is movable to a forward second position opening the fluid flow path.

Abstract: An intake apparatus of an engine(13) wherein an intake section(12) into which air flows from air cleaner is provided within an intake manifold(11), and a partition wall(16) defining a short intake passage(17) and a long intake passage(18) separately is installed concentrically with a circular intake manifold casing(15) with respect to the intake section(12), between the intake manifold casing(15) and the intake section(12). An intake control valve(20) is switchably arranged between an upper end(16a) of the partition wall(16) and a bent portion(14a) of the intake manifold(11). At least two unit shafts are spaced apart from and connected with each other to form a shaft(23) to which the intake control valve(20) is fixed. A driving mechanism(31) for driving the intake control valve(20) comprises an actuator(32) energized by a solenoid valve(41), a rod(33) connected to the actuator(32) and a lever(35) rotatably connected at its one end to the rod(33) by means of a pin and secured at its other end to the shaft(23).

Abstract: A cold fluid protection circuit is provided for controlling the rate of fluid flow in a hydraulic system in response to the temperature of the oil in a reservoir. The subject invention includes a temperature sensor operative to sense the temperature of the fluid in the reservoir and deliver an electrical signal representative thereof to a controller. The controller processes the sensed temperature with respect to the rate of flow in the hydraulic system that is returning to the reservoir from an actuator through a fluid conditioning mechanism and proportionally reduces the rate of flow therethrough by controllably reducing the displacement of a directional valve mechanism in response to the sensed temperature.

Abstract: A dual signal head sensor, which is a fluid pressure differential sensitive control valve, has a diaphragm responsive to changes in fluid pressure on opposite sides thereof and a ported sleeve having a spool valve axially movable in response to diaphragm motion. The head sensor monitors a fluid pressure differential and provides fluidic control signals in response to sensed variations in the pressure differential. A pair of chambers separated by the diaphragm receive variously pressurized fluids and thereby impress across the diaphragm the pressure differential being monitored. The head sensor has a ported sleeve with a high pressure inlet, a low pressure return, two control connections or dual signal outputs, and a movable spool having 4 lands.

Abstract: Apparatus for sterilizing a transfer conduit having(a) a source of steam connected to the transfer conduit,(b) a condensate conduit for draining steam condensate from the transfer conduit,(c) a valve in the condensate conduit having a valve body with an upstream portion and a downstream portion, the portions are separated by a rapidly opening flow control means, such as a diaphragm,(d) a temperature sensor in the upstream portion of the valve body, and(e) a temperature controller connected to the temperature sensor adapted to read the temperature in the upstream portion of the valve body and to open the valve when the temperature drops below a fixed set point and to close the valve when the temperature is above the fixed set point.A steam condensate drain control system and a steam condensate valve are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A fuel pressure regulator for an internal combustion engine fuel delivery system that includes a flexible diaphragm carried within a housing to define first and second chambers on opposed sides of the diaphragm. The first of the housing chambers includes an inlet for connection to a source of fuel under pressure, an outlet for connection to the fuel rail and fuel injectors or other fuel delivery mechanism at the engine, and a valve associated with the inlet and movable responsive to the diaphragm between open and closed positions to control flow of fuel through the first chamber to the engine. A bimetallic element is disposed within the housing coupled to the valve and responsive to temperature of fuel in the housing for positioning the valve in the open position when temperature of fuel in the first chamber reaches a preselected level.

Abstract: Problems such as slow frequency response and low reliability when operating with contaminated fluids of variable viscosity are alleviated in a low pressure hydraulic system (10) which utilizes a single stage, electro-hydraulic, clevis-type pressure control valve (40). The valve (40)includes a control piston (106) referenced to a control pressure within a control pressure cavity (60) to provide a feedback of control pressure which converts the valve (40) from an integral to a proportional control device, thereby enhancing stability of the hydraulic system (10). Compensation for changes in fluid viscosity, as a result of changes in fluid temperature, is provided by fabricating a bifurcated portion (98) and/or a metering bridge portion (62) of the valve (10) from materials having dissimilar coefficients of thermal expansion.

Abstract: A method and a metering valve for metering a fluid by incrementally adjusting a position of a flow control element that directly varies a flow area of a flow port opening in a valve housing. The flow control element is adjustably mounted with respect to the valve housing. The metering valve maintains an approximately constant percentage variation of a mass flow rate of a fluid with respect to the current total flow rate flowing through the flow port opening, for each incremental adjustment of the flow control element position, throughout the metering range of the metering valve yielding an exponentially varying mass flow rate as a result of linearly varying the flow control element position.

Abstract: A solenoid operated hydraulic valve for supplying a regulated hydraulic pressure to a load in dependence upon an electrical demand signal applied to the valve. The valve is operable to sense the temperature of the hydraulic fluid flowing through the valve and to determine the current applied to the valve solenoid in dependence upon both the demand signal from a sensor and the sensed temperature such that the regulated pressure supplied to the load is dependent only on the demand signal and is substantially independent of the temperature of the hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A valve apparatus for prevention of a shocking torque in a clutch mechanism includes a housing having a chamber, the housing including an inlet port for being connected with the master cylinder and an outlet port for being connected with the release cylinder. A valve member is slidably disposed in the chamber to partition the chamber into a first chamber and a second member. The valve member includes a restricted passage connected to the first chamber and the second chamber when the valve member is closed. A first elastic member biases the valve member toward a closed position and a second elastic member biases the valve member in the counter direction of the biassing direction of the first elastic member. A wall member is disposed between the outlet port and the valve member for directing fluid flowing from the outlet port to the valve member.

Abstract: A safety valve for releasing excessive fluid pressure from a pressure vessel including a valve body having an inlet and an outlet, a seat bushing connected into the inlet defining an inlet flow passage, a valve seat on the inward end of the seat bushing, a valve disc having a seat thereon movably mounted in the valve body for opening and closing the valve, a spring coupled with the valve disc for biasing the valve disc toward a closed position. The valve disc includes a convex end portion to reduce turbulence during flow into the valve to permit improved seating of the valve disc and an external annular recess defining an annular lip on the valve disc including a seat having a frustoconical seat surface, the lip being flexible to improve the disc seat contact with the seat around the valve inlet to increase the seat tightness of the valve.

Abstract: A micro-actuator includes force elements and compensation elements arranged on a bending element such that a change in the environmental temperature does not cause any flexing of the bending element.

Abstract: A system including the method employed, for controlling the flow of a pressurized gas through a variable orifice flow control valve in a pressurized gas conduit system, such as a ventilator, in response to either a desired flow rate/volume input signal, a desired pressure signal or both. With respect to the flow rate input signal, the system generates a flow signal indicative of the actual flow rate of gas through the flow control valve by measuring the pressure drop across the valve and using the actual orifice area based on a control valve position signal given to the valve. This flow signal is compared to the flow rate input signal to give a correction signal which is used to form a volume flow reference signal. With respect to the desired pressure signal, a signal indicative of the effective pressure at a set location in the system is compared to the desired pressure signal and processed to give a pressure flow reference signal.

Abstract: An electrically operated thermally responsive valve having a bimetal operator arm heated by an electrical resistance heater for deflection to move a resilient poppet between an open and closed position on a valve seat for controlling flow to the valve outlet port. The base or active portion of the bimetal arm is formed of a first bimetal material with linear deflection properties up to 700.degree. F. for valve operation. The outboard end or compensator portion of the bimetal arm is formed of a second bimetal material having linear deflection properties up to 300.degree. F. for ambient compensation, but very low deflection properties at valve heater temperatures in the range 300.degree. F.-700.degree. F. for minimizing overcompensation from heating of the outboard portion due to heat transfer from the active portion.

Abstract: A structural frame assembly for use in a gas turbine engine includes an annular inner hub, an annular outer casing and a plurality of circumferentially-spaced and radially extending hollow struts connected to the inner hub and outer casing. Hot gases are extracted from the engine primary flowpath, using a scoop attached to each strut, and are directed through the struts to the inner hub interior for the purpose of reducing a bulk temperature differential between the outer casing and the inner hub and for providing a uniform temperature distribution within the inner hub. A first portion of the hot gases entering the inner hub flows continuously through passages extending through the inner hub forward wall and scrubs an exterior of the forward wall, using an annular shield attached to the inner hub, before re-entering the engine flowpath.

Abstract: A liquid flow controller for metering a flow of liquid has an inlet to receive the liquid. The inlet feeds the liquid to a high resistance liquid flow path across which a pressure drop arises. A pressure sensor measures the liquid flow induced pressure drop and generates pressure drop signal which is fed to an electronic circuit. A temperature sensor is connected to the high resistance liquid flow path and generates a temperature signal which is also fed to the electronic circuit. The circuit energizes a viscosity-normalized liquid flow signal, which is compared to a set point signal to generate an error signal. A valve connected downstream of the high resistance liquid flow path to control the flow of liquid is driven by the error signal and thereby controls the flow of liquid.

Abstract: An improved valve of the class referred to as capacity fuse valves which closes in response to passage of a total fluid flow volume through the valve to the valve outlet. The incoming fluid entering the valve inlet is split into a main flow that passes through a variable main flow metering port to the valve outlet and a control flow that passes through a variable control flow metering orifice and is utilized to close the valve upon passage of a predetermined main flow volume (main flow valve closure volume) through the valve. The areas of the main flow metering port and the control flow metering orifice are varied in response to the fluid inflow rate into the valve inlet and/or fluid temperature in such a way as to maintain a substantially fixed ratio between the main flow rate and the control flow rate, and thereby a substantially constant main flow valve closure volume, over a range of fluid inflow rates and/or temperatures.

Abstract: A hydraulic pipeline valve operating system (10) includes a tank (12) which holds a quantity of unpressurized hydraulic fluid. A pump (14) provides that fluid under pressure to a valve actuator (11). The valve actuator has an actuator cylinder (40) having a piston (42) which is operatively connected to the pipeline valve (28). The fluid under pressure moves the piston (42) of the cylinder (40) to compress a spring (35) to open the valve (28). When the piston (42) of the cylinder (40) ceases movement, continued pumping moves a piston (53), of a smaller diameter than the piston (42), which also acts against the spring (35). An indicator rod (60) gives a visual indication of the position of the piston (53) and when it is at approximately its midstroke location, pumping of the fluid is terminated and the actuator (11) is set. Should ambient temperature conditions change, the piston (53) moves to accommodate such changes thereby leaving the piston (42) unaffected.

Abstract: A valve comprising a valve body (1) provided with two openings (2, 3) each fitted with a flange (4, 5) for connection to pipework, and a moving valve member (6) for closing one of the two openings (3), said opening including a valve seat (26) whose profile corresponds to that of the valve member, said valve member (6) including means (14, 8, 9, 24) for displacing it towards its seat, the valve being characterized by the fact that said valve member (6) or its seat (26) is made of a shape memory alloy treated in such a manner that the shape memory effect is reversible, said piece (6, 26) made of shape memory alloy including channels (27, 31) enabling it to be fed with fluids for changing its state, thereby causing the said piece (6, 26) made of shape memory alloy to expand or contract as appropriate.

Abstract: In a sterilizing container with a perforated zone which can be covered over in relation to the interior of the container by a filter designed so that it can be displaced and covered over, in order to improve the protection of the filter, on the one hand, and the sealing-off of a bypass under different operating conditions, on the other hand, it is proposed that force elements be used for displacing a covering disc of the filter and the filter itself which change the displacement forces acting on the covering disc and on the filter, respectively, as a function of the temperature.

Abstract: A pressure regulator or pressure element with a valve, whose valve closing body 10 separates an admission pressure chamber 2 from a back pressure chamber 3, has a diaphragm 12 that is under spring pressure in the opening direction of the valve closing body 10. The diaphragm 12 separates the back pressure chamber from a reference pressure chamber 4 which is filled with a gas that is under such pressure that its ability to expand compensates the temperature dependence of the compressive force of the spring in order to compensate the pressing force of the compression spring 13, which changes with changing temperature.

Abstract: A pressure regulating flow control apparatus comprises a flow metering valve (10) for controllably discharging a fluid from a spring-biased throttling spool (30) thereof to a fluidic device at a regulated pressure and a pressure modulting valve (100) operatively associated with the throttling spool (30) of the flow metering valve (10) for modulating the fluid pressue in subchamber (18) of the metering valve (10) to alter the position of the throttling spool to adjust the regulated pressure in response to fluid temperature over a relatively large temperature range so as to compensate for the variation of fluid viscosity with fluid temperature.

Abstract: A high turndown mass flow control system for the regulation of gas flow to a variable pressure system such as a gas turbine engine. The herein described system controls the flow of gas into a load system where the gas delivery pressure at the load varies directly as a function of the mass flow. The system employs flow control and mass flow measurement subsystems, controlling the mass flow to maintain a mass reference value called for by an outside master control. Flow control apparatus includes a throttling control valve while the flow measurement subsystem includes a flow restriction element, .delta.P, pressure and temperature transducers while using a flow calculation algorithm to calculate the actual gas mass flow passing through the system. The high turndown mass flow control characteristic of the invention acquired by an unique placement and usage of the gas restriction element allows the reading of .delta.P parameters with conventional instrumentation.

Abstract: A ball valve adapted to be used in applications where the temperature of the liquid medium is subjected to various swings in temperature. The valve includes a valve body which is retained between a pair of end connectors to create a valve chamber therebetween. A flow control member having a passage therethrough is rotationally supported within the valve chamber. A valve stem extends into the valve body and is operatively connected to the flow control member. O-rings are affixed in annular fashion to a neck portion of each end connector for creating a fluid-tight seal between the valve body and the end connectors. Flanged packing seals extend around the valve stem within the valve body and are spring biased to provide axial support to the valve stem while creating a fluid-tight seal between the valve body and the stem. A handle member is connected to the valve stem for rotating the flow control member within the valve chamber.

Abstract: A temperature compensator for use on a gas pressure regulator which inflates an infatable aircraft slide. The temperature compensator is cooperative with a movable valve upon actuation, to control the flow of pressurized fluid past a discharge orifice. The temperature compensator has a plurality of nested tubes that have alternate ones of a different linear coefficient of thermal expansion to provide an expansion and contraction of the overall length of the tubes to effect an adjustment of the movable valve and its corresponding control of the opening of the discharge orifice.

Abstract: System and method for controlling process fluid flow to maintain a set delivery pressure at varying demand, including a fluid-loaded, self-operated main regulator and a method for providing the loading pressure therefor. The system also includes a flow restrictor for metering the loading fluid flow, a back-pressure regulator for controlling the loading fluid pressure, and a temperature-actuated regulator for venting loading fluid when the process fluid temperature varies from a selected range.

Abstract: An intelligent mass flow controller for controlling the mass flow of gas to a semiconductor processing chamber. A sensing circuit measures a difference in temperature across a sensing tube and translates this difference to adjust a valve for controlling the mass flow. A microcontroller which includes a CPU, signal processing and software routines continually monitors the various parameters and provide "on the fly" corrections, as well as providing diagnostics and record retention.

Abstract: The present invention is a thermally compensated noise control device for a solenoid-actuated valve. The device includes a thermally expanding ring which varies the amount of clearance between a damper assembly and a passageway in which the damper assembly is disposed to control fluid flow past the damper assembly.

Abstract: This invention relates to a screw stopper including an anti-freeze device used for water pipe valve and fitted to the lower end portion of an open/close movable valve of said water pipe valve comprises: a small perforation penetrated centrally on the lower portion of the said screw stopper; a water-through recess formed on a countersink portion of the said screw stopper; a small movable member including a small valve for opening and closing an aperture of the said small perforation, and said small movable member partially defining an water-through passage; a pair of springs for holding said small movable member, at least of which is made of shape-memory alloy; an outer cylinder for holding said pair of springs screwed and fitted to the said screw stopper; and a packing for sealing up water by a valve seat.

Abstract: For freeze protection of a water line, a T fitting in the line is provided with a removable threaded bushing having a plug with radially projecting balls which engage J-shaped slots in the bushing to provide a bayonet joint. The plug is released when freezing conditions threaten by retraction of the balls in response to movement of a cam inside the plug by a thermal actuator also inside the plug.A check valve in the T fitting is closed automatically when the threaded bushing is removed.Modified versions include a plug having dual actuators in series, a plug combined with a flanged bushing for use in freeze protection of a compressor head, a plug combined with a valve to provide a snap-action drain valve with a more easily replaceable actuator assembly, and a plug using a water-filled glass vial as an actuator. A building protection system and a locomotive coolant system both use freeze protection devices in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: A temperature compensated fluid metering valve has a body including a ported sleeve in which a metering element is slidable, the thermal coefficient of expansion of the sleeve and metering element being identical and different from that of the body. The sleeve is secured at one of its ends to the body and a device for detecting the position of the metering element is secured to the body at the other end of the sleeve. The dimensions of the body and the coefficients of expansion are selected so a change in temperature results in an apparent position error signal from the device, this signal repositioning the metering element to compensate for changes in specific gravity of the metered fluid as a result of the temperature change.

Abstract: A fluid pressure control valve and a fluid control system (such as for beverage dispensing) with such a valve has a beverage passage 3, pressure fluctuations in which are detected by a diaphragm 17 to displace a sensing member 15 axially against spring loading 23. Spring 23 reacts on thrust member 22 which is adjustable axially through a cam mechanism 25/26 to vary the biasing force of spring 23. A valve member 20 spring loaded at 21 relative to thrust member 15 normally closes an exhaust port 19 to an air or other gas passage 5 through which gas passes under pressure to be injected into the beverage from passage 3. An increase in beverage pressure in passage 3 displaces sensing member 15 to increase the spring biasing 21 on the closure member 20 and reduce the proportion of air which can escape to atmosphere from passage 5 through exhaust port 19 to provide an increase in air flow into the beverage.

Abstract: An improved method for controllably positioning the plunger of a solenoid apparatus at a target position between its two extreme positions. The plunger is spring biased to a retracted position, and an electrical coil is intermittently pulsed to drive the plunger against the spring bias toward an extended position, such that the plunger oscillates about the target position. A precise, stable control of the plunger's oscillating motion about the target position is achieved by continuously measuring the plunger's actual position, in real time, based on a series of measurements of electrical current conducted through the electrical coil when it is being pulsed.

Abstract: A solenoid valve comprising: a stator; a coil responsive to current into thereto, and magnetically connected to the stator. The coil characterized such that its resistance changes with temperature to increase or decrease, as the case may be to vary the amount of flux generated. A valve seat positioned about one end of the stator defining a valve seating surface positioned at a predetermined distance for the one end and a flat armature movable relative to the valve seat and when seated thereon is spaced from the one end. The armature fabricated of a bi-metallic, thermally responsive element for causing a portion of such armature to move closer to or farther from the stator to vary the distance between such portion on the one end as a function of temperature to compensate for the changes in magnetic flux.

Abstract: Line valve apparatus for shower anti-scald and other uses comprising a housing (10) valving member (14) and a coil spring pilot valve (20) formed of a shape memory effect alloy and arranged for a first closed loop fluid blocking configuration to prevent, and second open spiral loop configuration(s) to enable, coil expanding valving member movement under the combined force of line back pressure and the coil expanding forces per se as a rising fluid temperature puts the alloy through a martensitic to austentitic transformation.

Abstract: An hydraulic unloading valve for unloading hydraulic fluid from a circuit pressurized by a diesel engine powered pump under cold climate conditions to assist starting of the engine. The valve has an inlet through which fluid enters the valve, an outlet through which fluid may leave the valve, an outlet valve seat, a valve member movable towards and away from the valve seat and carrying a valve surface for closing off the seat valve, a first orifice sensitive to viscosity which in response to the flow of fluid through the inlet generates a first pressure drop arranged to tend to move the valve member away from the valve seat, and second orifice which is not sensitive to viscosity and which in response to said flow generates a second pressure drop arranged to tend to move the valve towards the valve seat to bring the valve seat and surface into contact to close-off through the valve outlet when the second pressure drop is greater than the first pressure drop.

Abstract: A temperature-compensated fluid flow control valve for a valve system of an automatic transmission having a displaceable valve spool which is acted upon by pressure in a valve chamber against the force of a spring and on which an additional force proportional to temperature counteracts the pressure loading, the additional force being produced by the back pressure at an outflow orifice of variable cross-section which is reduced in size as the temperature rises.