Abstract: A compact, on-airway, respiratory gas analyzer for performing pulmonary function tests incorporates an IR spectroscopy light guide having a curved, rather than linear, sample chamber that lies transverse to a direction of respiratory gas flow. Cooperating with the sample chamber is an impact plate that functions to steer respiratory and test gases impinging on the impact plate into the curved sample chamber. A source of IR energy is at one end of the sample chamber and an electro-optical sensor responsive to IR energy is disposed at an opposite end of the chamber. The respiratory gas analyzer also includes gas flow paths and valving for carrying out lung capacity and lung diffusion tests.

Abstract: A board-level assembly that is useful to expand functions of a valve positioner on a valve assembly. The board-level assembly can incorporate a main circuit board and a peripheral “smart” circuit board. The main circuit board may be configured to communicate with the smart circuit board, find a storage memory on the second circuit board, retrieve data from the storage memory, and use the data to configure functions on the first circuit board. In one implementation, the smart circuit board can release and engage the main circuit board. This configuration can allow different configurations of the smart circuit board to swap into the board-level assembly, each of the different configurations providing data the main circuit board can exploit to change the functions of the valve positioner.

Abstract: The pressure-type flow controller includes a main body provided with a fluid passage, a control valve for pressure control fixed in a horizontal position to the main body, an on/off valve fixed in a vertical position to the main body on the downstream side of the control valve for pressure control, an orifice provided in the fluid passage on the upstream side of the on/off valve, and a pressure sensor fixed to the main body for detecting the internal pressure of the fluid passage between the control valve for pressure control and the orifice. The fluid passage includes a first passage portion in a horizontal position connected to the control valve for pressure control, a second passage portion in a vertical position connecting the first passage portion to the orifice, and a third passage portion in a horizontal position connecting the second passage portion to the pressure sensor.

Abstract: Throughput of the processing can be improved. A gas supply system includes a plurality of element devices which constitute the gas supply system and a base 212 on which the plurality of element devices are disposed. Some of the element devices are disposed on a surface 212a of the base 212, and the others are disposed on a surface 212b of the base 212, which is opposite to the surface 212a of the base 212. The plurality of element devices may be implemented by, for example, a flow rate controller FD and a secondary valve FV2. The secondary valve FV2 is disposed on the surface 212b, which is opposite to the surface 212a of the base 212 where the flow rate controller FD is disposed.

Abstract: A device is provided for testing a sample via a gas stream, including: an opening; structure for generating a device gas stream along at least one flow path passing through the opening; at least one pressure sensor, each pressure sensor being arranged to measure a pressure of the gas stream along at least one flow path; and a mass flowmeter arranged to measure a parameter representative of the mass flow of the gas stream along the flow path. The device is arranged to quantify the presence of a gas of interest within a gas being analyzed and/or to determine the size of a leak hole from a measurement of the parameter representative of the mass flow. A method is also provided that is implemented by such a device. The method can be used to test the integrity of food packaging, and for detecting leaks or problems related to sealing containers.

Abstract: A valve operating device includes a mounting for attachment to a vehicle and an elongate arm, the free end of which is only moveable across the underlying ground. The joints of the arm pivot around vertical axes and the arm is locked into a desired orientation by a brake at each joint. A valve turning machine is at the free end of the arm. The brakes are engaged and released by a control on the valve turning machine.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include several embodiments of a mass flow controller and methods for configuring a mass flow controller. For example, in one embodiment, the method includes automatically displaying a current configuration parameter, such as, but not limited to, a MacID and/or baud rate, in response to receiving power, from an external device, at a communication interface, such as, but not limited to, a near-field communication interface and/or a universal serial bus communication interface of the mass flow controller. The method adjusts the configuration parameter based on user input and stores the configuration parameter in memory while being powered by the external device.

Abstract: A method comprises transporting a first stream of a carrier gas to a delivery device that contains a liquid precursor compound. The method further comprises transporting a second stream of the carrier gas to a point downstream of the delivery device. The first stream after emanating from the delivery device and the second stream are combined to form a third stream, such that the dew point of the vapor of the liquid precursor compound in the third stream is lower than the temperature of the plumbing that transports the vapor to a CVD reactor or a plurality of CVD reactors. The flow direction of the first stream, the flow direction of the second stream and the flow direction of the third stream are unidirectional and are not opposed to each other.

Abstract: Detection of fluid conditions in a section of tube of an administration set. A light source is positioned adjacent to the tube to transmit an infrared light through the tube and any fluid therein. A light sensor senses the infrared light transmitted through the tube and generates an output signal. A frequency of the output signal is a function of an intensity of the light transmitted through the tube. A processor receives and determines the frequency of the output signal, and compares the determined frequency to threshold frequency values to determine whether fluid is in the tube. The processor also monitors the generated output signal to determine if the frequency of the output signal changes over a predetermined period of time, and determines whether fluid is flowing in the tube as a function of the determined change in frequency.

Abstract: A device that includes a flow controller system that comprises one or more sensors, a flow measurement sensor that comprises one or more sensors. The flow measurement sensor is configured to generate a signal based on determine the difference between the flow as measured by the flow controller system and the flow measurement system in real time.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of stabilizing a valve positioner when testing a solenoid valve are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a solenoid valve and a valve positioner fluidly and communicatively coupled to the solenoid valve. The valve positioner is to be set in a pressure control state prior to conducting a test of the solenoid valve. The valve positioner is to detect a pressure change across the solenoid valve caused by the solenoid valve transitioning from a first state to a second state and transition the valve positioner from the pressure control state to a saturated state upon detecting the pressure change. The full supply pressure is to stabilize the valve positioner to conduct the test of the solenoid valve. The valve positioner is to maintain the saturated state until the pressure across the solenoid valve returns to the predetermined initial value.

Abstract: A system and method for sampling air at multiple locations in a controlled environment. The system and method includes automatic adjustment of mass flow rates and duration of vacuum connections (either via time elapsed or indirectly by volume) based on rates set by an operator. Additionally, the system and method enables users to monitor and control aspects of the system via network-connected devices. Additionally, the system enable a vacuum pump to be disconnected from power in response to a physical emergency button, a software-based emergency stop button available on network connected devices, and an automatic power disconnection in response to an abnormal mass flow reading that could potentially impact the vacuum pump.

Abstract: An automatic balancing valve is described, wherein a pressure regulator device is provided and comprises a sleeve sliding axially between a position opening at least one passage port for the fluid towards the outlet channel and a position closing the passage port/s depending on the pressure difference detected between two different chambers separated by an elastic membrane.

Abstract: A gas supply control method uses a pressure control flowmeter and first and second valves provided upstream and downstream, respectively, of the pressure control flowmeter in a gas supply line. The pressure control flowmeter includes a control valve and an orifice. The gas supply control method includes maintaining a pressure P1 of a first gas supply pipe between the orifice and the control valve and a pressure P2 of a second gas supply pipe between the orifice and the second valve so as to satisfy P1>2×P2. The supply of gas is controlled by controlling the opening and closing of the second valve with the first valve being open and the control valve being controlled. A volume V1 of the first gas supply pipe and a volume V2 of the second gas supply pipe have a relationship of V1/V2?9.

Abstract: A valve control apparatus controls a valve for adjusting a pressure of a reaction gas supplied to a fuel cell. The valve control apparatus includes: an estimation portion that estimates a valve effective cross-sectional area of the valve; and an opening adjustment portion that adjusts opening degree of the valve with control amount corrected based on the valve effective cross-sectional area estimated by the estimation portion.

Abstract: A fluid monitoring and control system includes a central hub having a central processor, a user interface and an input/output port. A plurality of control devices communicate with the central hub. Each control device includes a fluid pipe section including a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A fluid valve is coupled in series within the fluid pipe section and an electric motor is mechanically connected to the fluid valve. A temperature sensor, pressure sensor and flow rate sensor are coupled to the fluid pipe section monitoring a temperature, pressure and flow rate of the fluid flow within the fluid pipe section. A control device processor is controllably connected to the electric motor, temperature sensor, pressure sensor and flow sensor. A control device input/output port is coupled to the control device processor, the control device input/output port in communication with the input/output port of the central hub.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic cylinder, for example for use in a hydraulic tool, comprising at least one piston/cylinder combination composed of a cylinder body and a piston accommodated in said cylinder body and provided with a piston rod that projects from said cylinder body, wherein the cylinder body and the piston body define a first cylinder chamber while the cylinder body, the piston body and the piston rod define a second cylinder chamber, and wherein during operation the piston performs alternating forward and return operational cycles under the influence of a fluidum under pressure that is conducted to the first and the second cylinder chamber through a first and a second line, respectively, and a control valve which regulates the supply of a fluid under pressure through the first or the second line to the piston/cylinder combination.

Abstract: An aircraft gas transport system including a high pressure gas supply line having a supply valve, and an equilibrium gas line joined at junctions with the high pressure gas supply line upstream and downstream from the supply valve, and in flow communication with the high pressure gas supply line, the equilibrium gas line having an equilibrium valve and a flow restrictor, the equilibrium valve having an exit orifice and the flow restrictor being offset from the exit orifice of the equilibrium valve.

Abstract: A system and method for storing energy from an electrical grid utilizes a system heat pump at a premises for transferring energy from the grid to a thermal storage reservoir and a premises heat pump that can use the stored energy to provide, for example, heat to the premises. The system heat pump and premises heat pump desirably operate independently of one another so that energy can be transferred to the thermal storage reservoir regardless of whether energy is being withdrawn by the premises heat pump. Plural energy storage systems utilizing respective system and premises heat pumps and thermal storage reservoirs can form a part of the utility customer system with the system heat pumps being operable to shape the load on the electrical grid. A system heat pump can be operated to minimize a customer's bill, or the utility's cost and alternatively to achieve other purposes, depending upon the mode of operation of the system.

Abstract: Disclosed are automated methods and systems for certifying the volatility of butane-enriched gasoline downstream of a butane blending operation. Such automated methods and systems provide significant advantages to comply with volatility requirements imposed by EPA or state regulations.

Abstract: An electrically controlled valve (10) includes a shaft (36), a piezoelectric motor (34) affixed to an end of the shaft (36), a controller (54), a follower (42), a valve member (40), and a valve seat (28). The piezoelectric motor (34) drives the shaft with a first direction and a second opposite direction. The controller (54) provides power to the piezoelectric motor (34) to move the shaft with a first speed and a second speed, the first speed being faster that the second speed. The follower (42) receives the shaft (36), and slides relative to the shaft in response to the shaft moving with the first speed, and grips and moves with the shaft in response to the moving with the second speed and includes a valve member (40). The valve member (40) moves with the follower (42). The valve member (40) is configured to be moved by the follower (42) against the valve seat (28) to restrict fluid flow and to be moved by the follower (42) away from the valve seat to increase the fluid flow.

Abstract: An fluid control valve and actuator assembly includes a valve configured to control a flow of liquid, and a valve actuator configured to control opening and closing of the valve, and further configured to provide both a maximum flow rate and a minimum flow rate of the liquid through the valve. In a particular embodiment, the valve actuator has a communications module configured to facilitate communication with the valve actuator over a network, and further configured to allow both remote monitoring of the flow through the valve, and remote control of the valve actuator.

Abstract: Methods for forming a conformal dopant monolayer on a substrate are provided. In one embodiment, a method for forming a semi-conductor device on a substrate includes forming a charged layer on a silicon containing surface disposed on a substrate, wherein the charged layer has a first charge, and forming a dopant monolayer on the charged layer, wherein dopants formed in the dopant monolayer include at least one of a group III or group V atoms.

Abstract: Provided is a robot device including an image input unit for inputting an image of surroundings, a target object detection unit for detecting an object from the input image, an object position detection unit for detecting a position of the object, an environment information acquisition unit for acquiring surrounding environment information of the position of the object, an optimum posture acquisition unit for acquiring an optimum posture corresponding to the surrounding environment information for the object, an object posture detection unit for detecting a current posture of the object from the input image, an object posture comparison unit for comparing the current posture of the object to the optimum posture of the object, and an object posture correction unit for correcting the posture of the object when the object posture comparison unit determines that there is a predetermined difference or more between the current posture and the optimum posture.

Abstract: An automatic water shut-off and notification system for interfacing with a water valve and an existing security system having a security system control panel and at least one water sensor connected wired or wirelessly on a zone of the security system control panel, the automatic water shut-off and notification system comprising a control module, the control module comprising: a trig input terminal configured for connection with an output terminal of the security system control panel; a valve control terminal and a valve power terminal configured for connection with the water valve; and a processor connected to the trig input terminal and the valve control and valve power terminals, the processor configured to act on a detection signal received at the trig input terminal indicating water detection by the at least one water sensor to activate the water valve.

Abstract: A device that includes a flow controller system that comprises one or more sensors, a flow measurement sensor that comprises one or more sensors. The flow measurement sensor is configured to generate a signal based on determine the difference between the flow as measured by the flow controller system and the flow measurement system in real time.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the mass of a fluid remaining in a tank as the fluid periodically or continuously leaves the tank includes a housing comprising an inlet adapted to be attached to an outlet of the tank and to receive fluid from the tank. A flow meter measures a plurality of flow rate measurements of the fluid as it leaves the tank. At least one processor is configured to determine a mass of the fluid that has left the tank during at least one measurement period, determine a mass of the fluid remaining in the tank based at least partially on an initial mass of the fluid in the tank and the determined mass of the fluid that has left the tank, and generate, based on the mass of the fluid remaining, an indication.

Abstract: There is described a method for continuous online monitoring of a pulsating pump. A first step involves monitoring discharge pressure patterns caused by each stroke of the pulsating pump. A second step involves using a computer processing unit to analyze each pressure spike in the discharge pressure patterns and arrive at derived calculations for stroke length, stroke frequency and flow rate. A width of the base of the pressure spike is indicative of pump stroke frequency and an area of the pressure spike being indicative of fluid pumped per stroke. The pump's stroke length and the pump flow rate is fluid pumped per stroke multiplied by stroke frequency.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to systems and methods for analyzing target materials of a suspension include a tube and a float. The float may include expandable portions. The system traps a target analyte between the expandable float and the tube and/or to create a seal between the expandable float and the tube to inhibit fluid from flowing past the expandable float in the tube. The expandable portions may radially expand when exposed to an expanding fluid, such that the expanding fluid is not a naturally-occurring constituent of the suspension; or, the expandable portions may radially expand when a force is exerted upon the expandable portion. A tube may include expandable portions that expand towards the float.

Abstract: It is possible to realize flow rate control regardless of the scale on a load side or a piping system and to achieve energy saving. In a host control device (20) of a heat source system, a bypass valve opening command value is determined by an opening command value determination unit (22) such that a header differential pressure matches a target differential pressure value, and a target opening value according to the header differential pressure or the behavior of the bypass valve opening is set by a target opening value setting unit (24). A heating medium flow rate set value is determined by a heating medium flow rate setting unit (23) using the target opening value set by the target opening value setting unit (24) and the opening command value determined by the opening command value determination unit (22).

Abstract: Methods and systems for blending multiple batches of mixed hydrocarbons into fuel streams downstream of the refinery are provided that do not compromise the octane value of the fuel and do not cause the volatility of the fuel to exceed volatilities imposed by government regulation.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods comprising a dynamic pressure regulator and a force balance needle that regulate pressure changes due to flow or composition changes in a pressurized flow system, such as, for example, a CO2-based chromatography system.

Abstract: A fluid flow valve includes a movable valve piston positioned in a valve body, the valve piston configured to flow a fluid therethrough. A metering window is interactive with the movable valve piston to meter flow through the movable valve piston. A flow meter is positioned at the valve piston to measure a flow rate of fluid through the valve piston. A valve controller is operable connected to the flow meter and the movable valve piston to control position of the valve piston based on flow rate measured at the flow meter.

Abstract: An operating device pressure Po into a regulator valve and a degree of opening X from the regulator valve are sampled. A speed of change vPo (k) of the Po (k) is calculated from the current Po (k) and the previous Po (k ?1). A speed of change vX (k) of the X (k) is calculated from the current X (k) and the previous X (k ?1). If both vPo (k) and vX (k) are small, then a weighting value w1 (k) is set to 1 (and set to 0 otherwise), where a fault check indicator Fq (i) for each degree-of-opening category i during a fault check evaluation time interval is calculated from the vPo (k) and vX (k) when w1 (k) is 1 and from a linear approximation formula F1 that indicates the steady-state input/output relationships in the regulator valve when operating properly.

Abstract: A medical pump or the like provides a flow sensor element that may be integrated into the IV tubing assembly. The flow sensor element fits within the medical pump which may provide for capacitive plates sensing changes in the electrical environment within the flow sensor element to deduce flow. For example, the flow sensor element may promote free space liquid drops that cause a periodic change in capacitance across the flow sensor element or the flow sensor element may hold a physical turbine or the like whose movement changes the capacitance across the capacitive plates.

Abstract: Methods of measuring gas flow rates in a gas supply system for supplying gas to a plasma processing chamber are provided. In a differential flow method, a flow controller is operated at different set flow rates, and upstream orifice pressures are measured for the set flow rates at ambient conditions. The measured orifice pressures are referenced to a secondary flow verification method that generates corresponding actual gas flow rates for the different set flow rates. The upstream orifice pressures can be used as a differential comparison for subsequent orifice pressure measurements taken at any temperature condition of the chamber. In an absolute flow method, some parameters of a selected gas and orifice are predetermined, and other parameters of the gas are measured while the gas is being flowed from a flow controller at a set flow rate through an orifice. In this method, any flow controller set point can be flowed at any time and at any chamber condition, such as during plasma processing operations.

Abstract: A process and system for ventilation of welding smoke including an air passage configured to receive smoke from a welding environment, wherein said air passage has an inlet and an outlet and said inlet is positioned adjacent to said welding environment. The system also includes a filter coupled to the air passage, wherein the filter includes filter media that exhibits a burst strength of up to 20? w.g., an initial resistance in the range of 0.3? w.g. to 1.5? w.g., an air flow in the range of 1,000 cubic feet per minute to 2,500 cubic feet per minute and a removal efficiency of greater than 50% for particles having a diameter of 0.3 ?m to 10.0 ?m.

Abstract: An aircraft bleed system includes a low pressure supply port for delivering a first fluid at a first pressure. Also included is a high pressure supply port for delivering a second fluid at a second pressure, the second pressure greater than the first pressure. Further included is a feedback circuit in operable communication with the high pressure supply port for receiving the second fluid. The feedback circuit includes a first branch configured to route the second fluid to a high pressure control piston for manipulating the high pressure control piston between a high pressure closed position and a high pressure open position. The feedback circuit also includes a second branch configured to route the second fluid to a low pressure control piston moveably disposed within the high pressure control piston for manipulating the low pressure control piston between a low pressure closed position and a low pressure open position.

Abstract: A proximity switch assembly and method for activating a proximity switch is provided. The assembly includes a proximity sensor generating a signal, and a contact surface proximate to the proximity sensor and having a differential elevation change feature. The proximity switch also includes control circuitry processing the signal to detect a differential increase in the activation signal indicative of a hard press on the contact surface. The control circuitry detects activation of the switch based on the differential increase exceeding a differential threshold. Activation can further be determined based on a stable signal.

Abstract: A method of and a multiple zone pressure controller system for controlling the pressure of a gas or vapor flowing to at least two zones of a process tool such as a vacuum deposition chamber. The system comprises: at least two channels configured and arranged so as to provide the flow of the gas or vapor to corresponding zones of the process tool, each channel including a pressure controller configured and arranged to control the pressure of gas or vapor in each channel, a leakby orifice or nozzle configured to provide a leak rate of gas or vapor from the channel; and a controller configured and arrange to determine the true flow information to each zone of the process tool so that the true leak rate in the chamber can be determined.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a chemical injection management system. The chemical injection management system may include an interface configured to couple the chemical injection management system to a mineral extraction system. In addition, the chemical injection management system may include an ultrasonic flow meter.

Abstract: A modular hydraulic control valve assembly for use in a pilot-operated hydraulic control system comprises, in one embodiment, a control valve including a valve body defining a main flow passage from an inlet on a high pressure side of the control valve to an outlet on a low pressure side of the control valve, a valve member arranged in the flow passage and separating the high pressure side from the low pressure side, a control chamber comprising means for hydraulic actuation of the valve member by applying a control pressure to the control chamber so as to position the valve member between an open position and a closed position thereby adjusting a main flow through the main flow passage in response to the control pressure, a feed port for feeding fluid to the control chamber to increase the control pressure therein, a bleed port for bleeding fluid from the control chamber to decrease the control pressure therein, and a valve bonnet closing the control chamber.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a flow of a fluid using a multi-mode control algorithm is described. The method includes disengaging and engaging a feedback control loop that controls a valve of the mass flow controller based upon a rate of pressure change of the fluid. The method also includes calculating a valve position of the valve based on pressure measurements when the feedback control loop has been disengaged and characterization data that characterizes the mass flow controller, and determining, when the feedback control loop is first re-engaged, a difference between a measured flow rate and a flow set point. An adjustment to the characterization data is applied based upon the difference to improve an accuracy of the calculation of the valve position when the feedback control loop is disengaged again.

Abstract: A powder feed rate sensor includes a surface or diaphragm configured to detect powder feed rate.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to a water management system. One aspect of a version of the invention comprises a manifold with separate lines running to separate appliances and fixtures. Each individual line detects leaks, alerts that a leak has occurred, shuts down only the leaking line, and provides a visual cue to alert that the line is leaking. In one embodiment of a version of the invention, the water management system comprises a hot water heater water management system that detects leaks, sounds an alarm, shuts down the water heater power, and drains the water heater. In a preferred embodiment, once the water heater is repaired and refilled, the power is automatically restored.

Abstract: Information in a data store may be efficiently accessed to perform boundary reading processing. In one example, register readings of one or more register channels that are linked to one or more interval channels may be retrieved from the data store to determine whether or not a boundary reading of a time span is missing. If a boundary reading is missing, but a proximate register reading exists, the boundary reading may be estimated from the proximate register reading and at least one interval reading.

Abstract: A flow valve assembly includes a valve operable between an open position and a closed position and a controller operatively coupled to the valve to operate the valve between the open position and the closed position. A mechanically or electrically operated assembly is provided to determine an amount of fluid flow through the valve when the valve is in the open position. A mechanically or electrically operated mechanism moves the valve from the open position to the closed position when the amount of fluid flow exceeds a predetermined value. A method of operating the valve is also provided.

Abstract: An air bleed valve having a housing with hydraulic fluid therein and a first acoustic wave sensor mounted within the housing so as to be covered in the hydraulic fluid and a second acoustic wave sensor mounted within the housing so that it can detect when air is present in the housing sufficient to be vented outside upon the opening of an air vent valve and where both the first acoustic wave sensor and the second acoustic wave sensor and the air vent valve are electrically connected to a air bleed controller. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second acoustic wave sensors are of the type known as a shear horizontal surface acoustic sensor.

Abstract: A system including a fluid injection system configured to removably couple to a mineral extraction system, wherein the fluid injection system includes a fluid injection system controller, a flow meter system coupled to the fluid injection system controller, wherein the flow meter system is configured to measure a fluid flow of a fluid through the fluid injection system, an adjustable valve configured to control the fluid flow through the fluid injection system, and a non-return valve configured to block reverse flow of the fluid through the fluid injection system, wherein the fluid injection system controller, the flow meter system, the adjustable valve, and the non-return valve are coupled to a common housing.

Abstract: The present invention is one that prevents standard gas from remaining in a standard gas line to prevent a concentration of standard gas from being reduced due to adsorption, modification, or the like, and has: a diluent gas line provided with a diluent gas flow rate controlling mechanism; a standard gas line provided with a standard gas flow rate controlling mechanism; an output gas line joined by the diluent gas line and standard gas line and outputs the standard gas having a predetermined concentration; an exhaust gas line connected to an upstream side of the standard gas flow rate controlling mechanism in the standard gas line and provided with an on/off valve and a flow rate control part; and a control part that, depending on a flow rate of the standard gas flowing through the standard gas line or the type of the standard gas, switches on/off the on/off valve.