Abstract: A valve control device, which is designed as a valve control head and/or as a valve position regulator head, for controlling a valve drive and/or a fitting. The valve control device includes a control unit for interacting with a functional unit, which is designed as an actuator unit, sensor unit, signal unit and/or communication unit, wherein the control unit has a device driver for interacting with the functional unit, wherein the device driver provides a software interface, which can be addressed by an application program which can be run on the control unit and/or a remote procedure call, in order to effect an interaction with the functional unit.

Abstract: A method of controlling line pressure of a hydraulic circuit of a transmission, may include turning on electric current by a controller to apply the electric current to an electric oil pump and determining line pressure depending on the electric current applied; and turning off the electric current by the controller so that the electric current being applied to the electric oil pump is cut off when the determined line pressure is greater than a predetermined reference upper limit value, estimating line pressure dropping down with a passage of time and determining the estimated line pressure, wherein when the estimated line pressure becomes lower than a predetermined reference lower limit value, the turning on the electric current is repeated.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and controlling a flow of fluid in an environment and a method of using the system to control the flow of fluid in the environment. The system comprises a main valve positioned at an entry point of the environment. The main valve permits fluid to be discharged into the environment upon receipt of an authorized request to a controller from one or more authorizing signaling devices. The controller communicates with the authorizing devices and processes signals from the authorizing signaling device to control the flow of fluid in the environment. The system may also comprise one or more monitoring signaling devices positioned in the environment intermediate the main valve and an authorizing signaling device.

Abstract: A valve controller for electrically actuating at least one valve drive, with a control circuit, which is designed to influence an electric energy flow between an electric source and the valve drive and which includes a bus interface for communication with a superordinate control arrangement (2) as well as a sensor means, which is designed to determine physical variable of the energy flow changeable by electrically actuating the valve drive as well as for providing a sensor signal dependent upon the determined physical variable to the control circuit wherein the control circuit is designed to determine a status value for the valve drive based on the sensor signal and at least one characteristic value of a physical variable from the group: energy flow duration, energy flow voltage, energy flow current, fluid pressure and is designed to provide the status value to the bus interface.

Abstract: A first on-off valve (2) and a second on-off valve (3) each are a two-port valve. A first passage block (5) is provided with a first on-off valve-corresponding inflow passage (11) and a first on-off valve-corresponding outflow passage (12). A second passage block (6) is provided with a second on-off valve-corresponding inflow passage (14) and a second on-off valve-corresponding outflow passage (15). The second on-off valve-corresponding outflow passage (15) is in communication with an upstream side portion of the first on-off valve-corresponding outflow passage (12) via a communicating passage (13) formed in the first passage block (5). An orifice (20) is provided between the second on-off valve-corresponding outflow passage (15) and the communicating passage (13).

Abstract: An air handler unit (AHU) in communication with a building automation system (BAS) or through direct programming of one or more smart valves within the AHU operates to meter an amount of water that flows through a coil in the AHU. In one embodiment, the BAS transmits a temperature setpoint signal to the smart valve and allows the smart valve to control its valve position without additional input from the BAS. In another embodiment, the AHU includes a master smart valve and a second valve. The BAS provides the temperature setpoint signal to the master smart valve, which in turn provides another temperature setpoint signal to the second valve. The second valve may take the form of a slave smart valve or a slave non-smart valve.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of operating a gas burner (2, 3) of a gas cooking appliance (1). The gas burner (2, 3) comprises a safety valve (7) for closing and opening gas supply to the gas burner (2, 3) and a step valve (8) for setting a gas flow rate to the gas burner (2, 3). Shut-off of the gas burner (2, 3) comprises closing the safety valve (7) while leaving the step valve (8) open at least for a predetermined period of time from complete closure of the safety valve (7).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for providing an aerosol from an aerosolizable material, the device comprising an aerosolization unit (300) through which pressure pulses of a carrier gas (60) are passed; a reservoir (100) comprising the aerosolizable material and which provides the aerosolizable material to the aerosolization unit (300) where the aerosolizable material is entrained by the carrier gas (60); a material providing valve (210) located between the reservoir (100) and the aerosolization unit (300) which opens in direction of the aerosolization unit (300) and which is opened and closed by a pressure difference between the reservoir (100) and the aerosolization unit (300) and which provides, in an open state, the aerosolizable material to the aerosolization unit (300).

Abstract: The present invention provides miniaturized instruments for conducting chemical reactions where control of the reaction temperature is desired or required. Specifically, this invention provides chips and optical systems for performing and monitoring temperature-dependent chemical reactions. The apparatus and methods embodied in the present invention are particularly useful for high-throughput and low-cost amplification of nucleic acids.

Abstract: A pressure control device controls a flow rate of gas supplied to a pressure control target to maintain an inside of the pressure control target at set pressure. The pressure control device includes a controller that is configured to: subtract, at a predetermined ratio, a signal related to the supply of gas from a set pressure signal indicating the set pressure, when gas is being supplied into the pressure control target in order to bring the inside of the pressure control target to the set pressure; compare a detected pressure signal indicating pressure within the pressure control target with the set pressure signal subjected to the subtraction; and control, on the basis of a comparison result obtained by the controller, a flow rate control valve which controls a flow rate of gas supplied to the pressure control target.

Abstract: An exemplary system for an interactive water supply management system for use in residential and commercial properties and a method of installation and use are provided. In the preferred embodiment is a system comprising a water consumption sensor capable of being externally mounted to a water meter, circuitry for the collection of water consumption data, a communication system allowing two way communication with a user and a water main valve shutoff. Remote vibration sensors on water pipes or acceleration sensors on manually articulated water valves provide feedback to the system to allow automatic identification of water consumed by each faucet or appliance. The communication system includes a means of two way communication through the manipulation of the water flow rate by the water shut off valve or by a user.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses a servo-valve that controls a fluid discharged from a discharge port of a nozzle by displacing the nozzle and drives an actuator. The servo-valve includes a receiver that includes an inflow surface provided with a first inflow port and a second inflow port into which the fluid discharged from the discharge port flows. The nozzle includes a force generation portion that includes an end surface provided with the discharge port and an outer circumferential surface formed in the periphery of the end surface. When the nozzle is displaced from a neutral position toward the first inflow port, the fluid inside the second inflow port is blown out toward the nozzle. The force generation portion collides with the fluid blown out from the second inflow port and causes an assisting force in a direction matching a nozzle displacement direction toward the first inflow port. The nozzle easily moves by the assisting force generated in the force generation portion and thus a response speed is improved.

Abstract: A machine, specifically a pump, a compressor, an agitator or a hoist, includes at least one motor and one machine protection circuit that includes a measurement device having at least one sensor for monitoring at least one parameter of the machine and includes an analysis device for analysing the parameters measured by the sensor and for activating a machine protection relay for switching off the machine. A switch cabinet positioned away from the machine is provided, and the machine protection circuit is spatially separated by the measurement device being arranged in the machine, and by the analysis device and the machine protection relay being arranged in the switch cabinet.

Abstract: A gas pressure within a treatment chamber 2 can be more accurately regulated to a predicted target pressure whereby there can be provided a pressure control apparatus which can easily and speedily regulate the gas pressure for various combination of the treatment chamber 2, a sanction chamber 3 and a valve 4. A required inflow rate (Qi) at which it is necessary for gas to flow into the treatment chamber 2 in order to reach a preset target pressure (Psp) within the treatment chamber is calculated on the basis of the expression of Qi=Qo+(P/?t)V and the thus calculated required inflow rate (Qi) is flown into the treatment chamber 2 to control the pressure within the treatment chamber 2 to the required pressure (Psp).

Abstract: A water detection and shut-off system is disclosed. The water detection system may be battery powered and include a water detector, a satellite water detector, and a water shut-off mechanism. The detectors and shut-off mechanism may be communicatively coupled via one or more communication links to a client component such as a smartphone app. Upon detecting the presence of unwanted water, the shut-off mechanism may operate an electric motor to close a water shut-off valve to prevent flooding or water damage.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable storage media for controlling and monitoring an electro-mechanical flushing mechanism in a pressurized water distribution system. A first pressure reading of water in a supply channel is taken, the supply channel being in fluid communication with a distribution line of the water distribution system and terminated by a flushing valve. The flushing valve is then actuated causing the valve to change state. A second pressure reading is taken of the water in the supply channel and a difference between the first and second pressure readings is computed. The computed difference is compared to a minimum pressure differential value, and, upon determining that the difference is not greater than the minimum pressure differential value, a central control system of the water distribution system is alerted that a valve failure has occurred.

Abstract: A system for controlling a plurality of actuators is disclosed. The system includes at least one device for operating the plurality of actuators, at least one processor in communication with the device, and a memory coupled the processor. The memory stores data comprising program code that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the system to receive as input a profile number indicating a specific test being performed by the system and a profile row indicating a load exerted by the plurality of actuators. The system is further caused to select a predetermined gain output based on the profile number and the profile row from a gain array. The gain array is a matrix containing a plurality of gain values, and the predetermined gain output is selected based on the profile number and the profile row. The system is further caused to determine a control value.

Abstract: In an example, a method of supplying fuel to a fuel tank of a vehicle includes supplying, via a fuel line, fuel to a fuel tank of a vehicle at an initial rate of fuel flow. The act of supplying the fuel causes an electrostatic charge to accumulate on a surface of the fuel in the fuel tank. The method also includes determining a level of ionization of an air medium in the fuel tank, and determining an increased rate of fuel flow based on a difference between the determined level of ionization and a baseline level of ionization. The electrostatic charge accumulated on the surface of the fuel dissipates at an increased rate when the determined level of ionization of the air medium is higher than the baseline level of ionization. The method further includes supplying the fuel to the fuel tank at the increased rate of fuel flow.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body, having an inlet duct, an outlet duct and an intermediate portion. An electrovalve is located proximal to the intermediate portion. A measurement device is directly connected to the valve body. The measurement device includes a sensor for taking a measurement for determining a physical characteristic of the fluid that can flow in the valve assembly. The electrovalve includes a first electronic circuit for conducting an electric control signal from a control unit to the electrovalve. The measurement device includes a second electronic circuit for conducting the electric signals exchanged between the control unit and the sensor. The first electronic circuit and the second electronic circuit are implemented on a single header or printed circuit board. The electrovalve and the measurement device are mechanically connected directly to the single header or printed circuit board.

Abstract: An ink jet recording apparatus includes a recording head that ejects ink, an ink tank including an ink storage chamber and an air storage chamber. The ink storage chamber stores ink. The air storage chamber supplies air to the ink storage chamber along with supply of ink from the ink storage chamber to the recording head. An ink supply path communicates with the air storage chamber without passing the ink storage chamber. A valve switches between an open state in which the ink storage chamber communicates with the ink supply path and with the air storage chamber, and a close state in which the communication between the ink storage chamber and the ink supply path is blocked and the communication between the ink storage chamber and the air storage chamber is blocked.

Abstract: A device for measuring a fluid pressure and for verifying the fluid pressure that has been measured comprises a sensor element having a fluid chamber and an element that adjoins said fluid chamber and can be deformed under fluid pressure, a resistance bridge being arranged on the deformable element side that faces away from said fluid chamber, for the purpose of generating a transverse bridge voltage dependent on said fluid pressure. The device also comprises a voltage divider which is connected in parallel to said resistance bridge for generating a differential voltage.

Abstract: A system for controlling a gas supply unit supplying gas to a tank includes a pressure acquisition unit configured to acquire the pressure in the tank; and a controller configured to perform first filling for supplying the gas to the tank and to perform second filling, based on a flow rate determined based on a change in the pressure in the tank for a predetermined period of time during the first filling, by controlling the gas supply unit. The controller is configured to cause the gas supply unit to perform the first filling at a first flow rate in a case where the pressure in the tank prior to the first filling is a first pressure and perform the first filling at a second flow rate exceeding the first flow rate in a case where the pressure is a second pressure exceeding the first pressure.

Abstract: A measuring system for measuring at least one measured variable of a flowing fluid, comprises a fluid supply line, a transducer apparatus, which has a tube and at least one other tube and is adapted to deliver at least one measurement signal corresponding to the at least one measured variable, a fluid return line, and a fluid withdrawal line. To open a first flow path, which leads from the lumen of the fluid supply line to the lumen of the tube, further to the lumen of the tube and further to the lumen of the fluid return line, equally as well not to the lumen of the fluid withdrawal line, and thereafter to allow fluid to flow along the flow path for the maintaining the temperature and/or for cleaning of parts of the measuring system and/or for conditioning fluid.

Abstract: A medical fluid microflow assembly having an assembly fluid inlet and an assembly fluid outlet, and a mandrel having a curved exterior surface, the mandrel being positioned within an cavity of a housing so that the exterior surface of the mandrel is substantially parallel to an interior surface of the cavity, and at least one protrusion positioned helically around and extending from the interior surface of the cavity, each protrusion abutting the exterior surface of the mandrel to form a sealed fluid channel which has a channel inlet positioned proximate to the assembly fluid inlet and a channel outlet positioned proximate to the assembly fluid outlet, the exterior surface of the mandrel and the interior surface of the cavity having a minimal or neutral triboelectric value with respect to a fluid.

Abstract: A leak detector assembly for use with a backflow prevention device includes a housing defining a passageway for receiving a fluid. A flap assembly couples to the housing for generating a low flow error signal indicating minimal fluid passing through the passageway and a fully actuated error signal indicating significant fluid passing through the passageway. The flap assembly includes a flap mounted in the passageway such that significant flow of the fluid moves the flap to generate the fully actuated error signal. The flap assembly also includes a sensing element on the flap to determine a presence of the fluid without movement of the flap to generate the low flow error signal based on a low flow of the fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to energy saving in vacuum systems by means of a method and a controller enabling to consider the fluctuation in system-pressure of a system by determining a maximum system-pressure S2H and a minimum system-pressure S2h for each working cycle WC based on a determined target system-pressure pn? and a pre-set system-pressure p0? for the current working cycle WCn (n=1, 2, 3, . . . ). The method is especially adapted to fluctuations in system-pressure level of a vacuum system comprising a vacuum gripper tool.

Abstract: A compressed air supply installation for operation of an air spring installation of a vehicle includes an air feed with an air compressor configured to supply a compressed air feed with compressed air, a pneumatic main line with an air dryer and a compressed air connection for supplying the pneumatic installation with compressed air, a purge line branching from the pneumatic main line to the compressed air feed and comprising a purge valve connected in the purge line and a purge connection for releasing air to the environment, wherein the purge valve is part of a controllable valve assembly. The controllable valve assembly with the purge valve can be pneumatically loaded with a control pressure derived from the air compressor.

Abstract: Provided is a method for multi-supplying gas, the method comprising: installing a control valve and an flow meter on each of a plurality of branch lines branched from a main supply line, in which one or more gases are supplied, and supplying the gas; and providing the gas by adjusting flow of the gas by a controller connected to each of the control valve and the flow meter, wherein the controller has a first control manner, which controls each of the control valves based on a rate of flow measured by the flow meter to required portion flow for each branch line, and the first control manner adjusts an open rate of the control valve if the rate of the measured flow to the required portion flow is not within a predetermined range, and a unit of adjusting the control valve increases or decreases according to a difference between the measured flow and the required portion flow.

Abstract: In order to make it possible to diagnose an operation state of a fluidic device despite reducing the size of the fluidic device, a relay is configured to include a first port connected with the fluidic device and a second port connected with a user information processor, and receive fluid-related data from the fluidic device via the first port and transmit the data to the user information processor via the second port, or receive the data from the user information processor via the second port and transmit the data to the fluidic device via the first port. In addition, the relay includes a third port that is connected with a diagnostic apparatus adapted to diagnose the operation state of the fluidic device, receive diagnostic data from the fluidic device via the first port, and transmit the diagnostic data to the diagnostic apparatus via the third port.

Abstract: An telemetry module includes a valve assembly having a gate defining gate valve flow ports and a valve seat defining valve seat flow ports. A first solenoid assembly is arranged on a first side of the valve assembly and includes a first valve train engageable with the gate and a first push solenoid operatively coupled to the first valve train to move the gate in a first direction. A second solenoid assembly is arranged on a second side of the valve assembly and includes a second valve train engageable with the gate and a second push solenoid operatively coupled to the second valve train to move the gate in a second direction opposite the first direction. Moving the gate in the first direction with the first solenoid increases flow through the gate and alternately moving the gate in the second direction with the second solenoid decreases flow through the gate.

Abstract: Provided is a gas filling method capable of accurately determining the initial pressure in a tank while minimizing increase in temperature and pressure regardless of the capacity of the tank. The gas filling method for connecting a supply source to a tank via a piping, and filling the tank with the gas, the method includes: an initial-filling initiation step of opening a flow control valve provided in the piping to start initial filling; a pressure-variation acquisition step of obtaining a pressure variation per unit time at a predetermined detection point downstream of the flow control valve in the piping; an initial-pressure detection step of obtaining a pressure at the detection point at a time specified using the pressure variation, and considering that pressure as the initial pressure in the tank; and a main-filling initiation step of starting main filling using the initial pressure.

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve includes a valve casing, which has a valve hole, a spool valve in the valve hole, first and second output ports each communicating with the valve hole, first and second pressure introduction holes, which respectively communicate with the first and second output ports, first and second pressure sensors, which is respectively fitted in the first and second pressure introduction holes, sealing members, which are arranged between the respective pressure sensors and the pressure introduction holes, first and second substrates, on which the corresponding first and second pressure sensors are mounted, and a housing, which accommodates the first and second substrates, has the first and second pressure introduction holes, and is attached to the valve casing. The first and second substrates are arranged to be opposed to each other in a state of being upright in a direction perpendicular to the movement direction of the spool valve.

Abstract: A curve fitting circuit, an analog predistorter, and a radio frequency signal transmitter are disclosed. Each segmentation processing circuit in the curve fitting circuit generates a to-be-processed signal according to a intercepted part of a received signal, and generates q output signals according to the to-be-processed signal. Parts intercepted by different segmentation processing circuits are not exactly the same. Each first adder circuit in the curve fitting circuit receives one signal in the q output signals of each segmentation processing circuit, and obtains one output signal of the curve fitting circuit according to a sum of received n signals.

Abstract: An online method for reconfiguring pressure and position sensors in a hydraulic system is disclosed. In one step, a sensor drift condition, a recalibration request, or an unisolated fault condition is detected. In another step, a system pressure sensor or another sensor, such as a load-sense pressure sensor, is verified as a trusted master reference sensor. Another step includes measuring and recording a first pressure reading at the master reference sensor and first voltage readings associated with first, second, third, and fourth pressure slave sensors at a first pump pressure set point. Another step includes, repeating the previous step at a second pump pressure set point. A new gain and offset for each of the first, second, third, and fourth pressure sensors can be calculated based on a comparison of the recoded first and second pressure readings and the recorded first and second voltage readings.

Abstract: Provided are a computer program product, system, and method for resource allocation in accordance with one embodiment of the present description, in which a resource allocation such as a buffer credit allocation for a port in a storage area network is initialized as a function of a measurement of a length of a communication link for the port of the storage area network. In one embodiment, the length measurement is a function of a minimum command response time of a command issued over the communication link. Other aspects of resource allocation in accordance with the present description are described.

Abstract: An electronic bypass system can include receiving a request to bypass a plant interlock system. A review of the request can be facilitated by a computer and, based on input from at least one reviewer, results in the request being approved or not approved. The facilitating can include: notifying the at least one reviewer of the request, storing the request and a status of the request in a database that includes bypass statuses of a plurality of plant interlock systems, and prompting the at least one reviewer to respond based on not receiving input from the at least one reviewer within a specified review time period. Based on the result of the review, the status of the request can be updated in the database to approved or not approved. A report that includes the status of the request can be generated.

Abstract: An example embodiment of a filter for a butterfly valve includes an inlet side having an axial inlet port and the first diameter Din, a closed outer side having a second diameter D2, and a filter body disposed between the inlet side and the outer side. The filter body has a filter diameter Dfilter larger than both Din and D2, and includes a cylindrical wall retaining a pleated filter media. A plurality of perforations is formed through a main bore wall to serve as at least one exit for the filter.

Abstract: The invention relates to the preparation of samples on mass spectrometric sample supports with dispensing of liquids, and particularly to devices and methods to clean the dispenser. During dispensing of hundreds of samples, solved material may crystallize over time as deposit at the capillary tip of the dispenser, which impedes the vertical detachment of the drop in the medium and long run. Therefore, frequently cleaning the capillary tip is essential for a robust operation of the preparation device. The invention proposes to automatically clean the dispenser tip by creating a drop of washing fluid, such as pure solvent, fully enclosing the dispenser tip. The washing fluid is fed through a channel outside the central dispenser capillary to a location slightly above the capillary tip. The size of the hanging drop of washing fluid is photometrically regulated and monitored to prevent it from falling off prematurely.

Abstract: A rolling-element bearing for an electromagnetic solenoid includes a hollow cylindrical cage with a plurality of spherical pockets formed around a first circumference and a second circumference of the cage. The pockets around the first circumference are offset from the pockets around the second circumference. Spherical rolling elements are provided in the spherical pockets and are captured for free rotation in the first pockets and second pockets.

Abstract: A valve integrity manager is coupled with a servo or stepper motor to direct micro stroke testing of emergency shutdown valves. During testing, the system orders a closure of 20-25% of an emergency shutdown valve, providing data that either confirms the operability of the valve or a deficiency, while minimizing any effect on process variables.

Abstract: A method for deep sea mining includes generating an upward flow of valuable matter in a riser line from the bottom of a body of water to a matter processing platform; processing the matter at the processing platform; generating a return flow in a return pipe of a mixture of seawater and a non-valuable part of the matter from the processing platform towards the bottom of the body of water; and controlling the pressure in the return pipe for avoiding collapse of the return pipe and/or cavitation of the return pipe, in particular for avoiding collapse of or cavitation in an upper part of the return pipe.

Abstract: An example method includes identifying an operating state at which a velocity of a hydraulic actuator configured to operate a movable member of a robot is less than a threshold velocity and an actuator force is less than a threshold force, determining a valve command that corresponds to the operating state, such that the valve command is provided to a valve configured to control flow to and from the hydraulic actuator, and the valve includes a spool movable within a body of the valve, and the valve command causes the spool to move within the body of the valve to a position that induces the operating state, and determining a null bias signal based on the valve command.

Abstract: Bioreactor system and method for cloning the physiological state of microorganisms comprises in preferred embodiment of a mother-reactor and one or more daughter-reactors with sensors, stirrers, fluid and gas flow channels, scales, pumps, controllers, computer, software, valves and accessory devices. The bioreactors are inter-connected with culture transfer hose. To achieve the method, the mother-reactor is filled with necessary volume, inoculated, stabilised in continuous cultivation, the microbial culture's volume is increased in variable volume cultivation while maintaining constant physiology, microbial culture is transferred from the mother-reactor into the daughter-reactors while maintaining constant physiology, experiment in the daughter reactor follows. After the experiment daughter-reactors are sterilized and rinsed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pneumatic emergency shutdown system for a liquefied gas supply arrangement in which liquefied gas is supplied between a first tank and a second tank. The pneumatic emergency shutdown system comprises a pneumatic emergency shutdown circuit comprising pressure medium and provided in connection with the first tank and a pneumatic emergency shutdown link provided to the pneumatic emergency shutdown circuit, said a pneumatic emergency shutdown link connecting the pneumatic emergency shutdown circuit to a pneumatic controlling system of the second tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid flow regulator device, comprising a valve member and a valve seat arranged to be movable with respect to each other such that a fluid flow surface area defined by the valve member and the valve seat can be changed. Furthermore, sensor means are provided for measuring a capacitance related to at least a measure of the fluid flow surface area. According to the invention, the sensor means are arranged such that the capacitance measured is inversely proportional to the distance between the valve member and the valve seat. In an embodiment, a reference capacitance relating to fluid flow conditions is measured.

Abstract: A method for operating a pneumatically driven system for handling workpieces, comprising a plurality of pneumatic units that can be pneumatically operated or are used for pneumatic control, which have connections to pressure hoses and/or which are in fluid communication with each other by the use of pressure hoses, and comprising at least one control unit for driving at least one of the pneumatic units by the use of electrical signals and/or for receiving and evaluating electrical signals from at least one of the pneumatic units. The electrical signals are here transmitted between the control unit and at least one pneumatic unit via the pressure hoses, wherein an electric voltage is applied between at least two different pressure hoses that connect the control unit and the respective pneumatic unit.

Abstract: In a positioner, a driving signal IM is set to IMMIN (the minimum), a valve opening position A after the valve has then settled is stored, the driving signal IM is set to IMMAX (the maximum), a valve opening position B after the valve has then settled is stored, and the valve opening positions up until the opening of the valve arrives at the valve opening position B from the valve opening position A are stored together with the elapsed times as time series position information J1, where, based on this stored time series position information J1, the time for the opening of the valve to traverse between two prescribed valve opening positions that are established in the interval between the valve opening position A and the valve opening position B is calculated as a first response time Tup.

Abstract: A retarder control valve assembly and system for controlling speed of rail cars, utilizes cartridge valves carried in a manifold body including piping and pilot control apparatus, but no wearing surfaces, dynamic seals, or moving parts. The cartridge valves are replaceable without replumbing, and include all moving valve elements and dynamic seals. The valves each include a piston controlled poppet carried on a spool movable within a cartridge body to open and close the valve and supported to withstand high side loads. The pressure sensing and feedback to the retarder system controller is at the manifold, in a pressure spike attenuating circuit having a phase modulating capability to mimic retarder pressure remotely.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a control apparatus for delivery of a process gas includes an inlet conduit; a valve operably coupled to the inlet conduit and alterable between an open condition and a closed condition, the valve having a first conductance and being downstream of the inlet conduit; a characterized restrictor operably coupled to the valve, the characterized restrictor having a second conductance and being downstream of the valve; and an outlet conduit operably coupled to the characterized restrictor and being downstream of the characterized restrictor; wherein a ratio of the first conductance to the second conductance is 10:1 or higher.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a fluid leak detection and shutdown for a fluid distribution system having a total system flow rate. The apparatus includes a solenoid shutoff valve having a normally open state and an activated closed state with a flow capacity matched to the total fluid distribution system flow rate. The apparatus also has a primary fluid flow line and a smaller capacity secondary fluid flow line. The apparatus includes a flow sensor in fluid communication with the secondary fluid flow line, wherein the flow sensor has a perceptible output and a flow rate capacity less than the solenoid shutoff flow capacity. Operationally, the flow sensor receives a portion of the solenoid shutoff valve flow capacity in priority over the primary fluid flow line, allowing the flow sensor to detect minimal flow rates and using the perceptible output to activate the solenoid shutoff valve into the closed state.