Abstract: A fluid control module that may be connected in-line within a chemically corrosive or ultra pure fluid flow circuit that delivers fluids in either a liquid or gaseous state. The fluid control module of the present invention may be utilized to control the flow, pressure or volume of fluid flowing through the fluid flow circuit and is capable of automatically adjusting or “calibrating” the module to compensate for changes in atmospheric pressure or drift in the pressure sensors of the fluid control module. The fluid control module also includes a rapid or macro adjustment of the control valve to reach the desired flow rate at a quicker pace.

Abstract: A control system for digitally monitoring and/or controlling pressure to a pneumatic load such as a stop/suckback valve. Pressure is sensed in the pneumatic fluid input lines to the pneumatic load, and a closed loop control is used to maintain the pressure at a predetermined level. In an alternative embodiment, the control system is used to ensure equal dispensing in multi-point dispense apparatus. Thus, pressure is sensed downstream of each valve in fluid communication with a respective nozzle. Any pressure differential detected is corrected by appropriate valve adjustment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for controlling demand of a fluid. The method includes measuring a fluid supply pressure in a supply pipe, determining that the fluid supply pressure is lower than a predetermined threshold supply pressure, and directing a control signal from the fluid information unit to the,one or more demand control units to reduce demand for the fluid. In addition, a method and apparatus are described for measuring density of a fluid flowing through a demand pipe. The method includes determining that fluid flow through the demand pipe is stable, measuring fluid flow rate through the demand pipe, preventing the fluid from flowing into the demand pipe for a sample period of time, measuring a drop in fluid pressure in the demand pipe during the sample period, and determining the density from the measured pressure drop. Also, a utility meter for metering a fluid flowing through a supply pipe and a demand pipe having an audible indicator to provide an audible signal to a user is described.

Abstract: A control system for digitally monitoring and/or controlling pressure to a pneumatic load such as a stop/suckback valve. Pressure is sensed in the pneumatic fluid input lines to the pneumatic load, and a closed loop control is used to maintain the pressure at a predetermined level. In an alternative embodiment, the control system is used to ensure equal dispensing in multi-point dispense apparatus. Thus, pressure is sensed downstream of each valve in fluid communication with a respective nozzle. Any pressure differential detected is corrected by appropriate valve adjustment.

Abstract: A system for transferring a hazardous fluid product from a transport tank (10) of a roadway vehicle (12) to a fixed storage tank (14). A flexible transfer hose assembly (30) has end couplings (34, 36) which are detachably connected between the transport tank (10) and storage tank (14). A gas operated product supply valve (44) is opened by pressurized gas to permit flow of the hazardous product, such as propane, from tank (10). A gas control valve (46) controls the flow of pressurized gas to gas operated product supply valve (44). Upon a separation or rupture of flexible hose (31) or couplings (34, 36), the fluid pressure of the hazardous product in hose (31) is sensed at fluid sensing chamber (94) in gas control valve (46). A reduction in sensed fluid pressure to a predetermined maximum pressure results in movement of piston (82) to the position shown in FIG.

Abstract: A gas flow control valve which enables mass flow to be measured using a flow straightener in a valve entry duct, a tube for lengthening the entry duct into the valve, a valve element exit port with suitably radiused edges and a flow stabilizer in the valve exit duct. Upstream and downstream pressure taps are positioned immediately upstream of the flow straightener and downstream of the flow stabilizer respectively. This enables the flow rate to be controlled not by the formulas traditionally used for valve dimensioning, but by formulas derived from more accurate formulas used for calculating mass flow with standard members of a fixed restriction type.

Abstract: A device and method of measuring and controlling the flow rate of a fluid determine analog process variables which are dependent on a volumetric flow of the fluid, and the values thus obtained are converted into digital values, the latter being corrected by an offset value which is dependent on a change of the operating parameters of analog components of the measuring system occurring in the course of operation of the system. To obtain the offset value, an analog process variable is determined during interruptions in operation, when the volumetric flow is zero, and converted into a digital value. This digital value is memorized and used as the offset value when operations are resumed. The digital corrected measured values are supplied to a digital signal processor and the flow rate control is carried out digitally. Preferably, at least one parameter memory is provided for the digital control.

Abstract: A water supply shut off valve system is used with a fluid storage tank, such as a hot water heater, to automatically shut off a fluid supply to the storage tank as a result of a pressure drop in the storage tank caused, for example, by a leak or rupture. A fluid supply shut off valve system comprises a shut off valve, such as a normally closed diaphragm valve, coupled to a supply inlet, for controlling the supply of fluid through the supply line to the storage tank. The shut off valve system further comprises a fluid monitoring device (FMD) fluidly coupled to the supply line and to the shut off valve, for monitoring the tank pressure and causing the shut off valve to remain closed when the tank pressure drops to ambient pressure. The FMD generally includes a body portion having a passageway and an actuation mechanism disposed in the passageway for opening and closing a fluid path through the FMD.

Abstract: A differential pressure detector for providing an output pressure modulated as a function of the pressure drop between the pressures upstream and downstream of a fuel metering device, comprising first and second input chambers for connection to said upstream and downstream pressures respectively, a modulated pressure output chamber, a sleeve which is linearly movable in response to changes in the difference between the pressures in the first and second input chambers, and a fixed slide valve which is partly received in the sleeve and which has a bore opening into the output chamber and at least one side port for communicating the first input chamber with the output chamber via the slide valve bore, the aperture of the side port being varied by linear movement of the sleeve to control the communication between the first input chamber and the output chamber. The detector has reduced reaction forces and is particularly suitable for use in a fuel flow regulating system.

Abstract: An exhaust reduction system for reducing gas emissions in pipeline controlling devices which operate control valves, which system adjusts and reduces the pressure of a control stream of gas from a conventional line pressure regulator to the control valves. In a preferred embodiment the exhaust reduction system operates in cooperation with the conventional line pressure regulator which reduces the pressure of the gas from the pipeline to a selected system pressure and includes a system high pressure regulator, a system low pressure regulator and in some cases, a selector relay, for further reducing the pressure of the incoming gas and channeling the gas at reduced pressure to at least one controller.

Abstract: A pressure regulator for lower pressure distribution of gases from a higher pressure source of gas including a gas inlet and a gas outlet defining a gas path therebetween, a regulating element disposed downstream of the gas inlet remote from the gas path, including a resiliently displaceable device responsive to gas pressure and connected to a valve at the gas inlet to thereby regulate the gas pressure at the gas outlet, and to gas distribution systems employing the same.

Abstract: A fluid supply pressure control apparatus for use in conjunction with a pressure control valve (10) of a fluid supply system is disclosed which includes: first sensor means (26, 28) for sensing the pressure of the fluid at a first point (12, 14) in the system, and first control means (16) for controlling the pressure control valve (10) to adjust the pressure of the fluid at the first point in the system in accordance with a difference between the pressure sensor by the first sensor means and a predetermined pressure valve. The apparatus further includes second control means (24) for controlling the predetermined pressure value to reduce fluctuations in the fluid pressure at a second point in the system.The aim of this apparatus is to maintain the lowest possible pressure in the supply pipes commensurate with maintaining a reasonable pressure in outlying and elevated areas and with meeting the demand for water.

Abstract: A control system for supplying a gas flow to a gas consumption apparatus, comprising a gas supply pipe which can be connected to the apparatus and which has an electrically controlled gas control valve, and an electronic control unit. The control unit comprises a mathematical module, model-related to the control valve, for adjusting the valve position, and the gas control valve has in-built sensors for gas variables and valve position, the control system adjusting the control valve in linear proportion to a desired gas-flow signal to be supplied to the control unit. The mathematical module comprises a flow submodule, a mechanical submodule and a valve-position submodule, and the flow submodule receives, at its inputs, the desired gas-flow signal and gas variables originating from the valve sensors and supplies, at its output, a signal relating to the through-flow area of the valve, to the mechanical submodule.

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: A nozzle damper assembly (10) for installation in a duct (12) operative for measuring and controlling the flow of a gaseous medium through the duct (12). The subject nozzle damper assembly (10) includes enclosure means (24) cooperatively associated with the duct (12), shaft means (26) suitably supported from the sidewalls (32, 34, 36, 38) of the enclosure means (24), damper blade means (16,18) rotatable mounted on the shaft means (26) for movement within the enclosure means (24), damper blade operating means (28) operative for purposes of effecting the movement of the damper blade means (16,18) within the enclosure means (24), and flow measurement means (20,22) supported at a first location and at a second location relative to in lieu thereof the damper blade means (16,18) and operative to measure the flow of the gaseous medium through the nozzle damper assembly (10) such that control may be exercised over the flow of the gaseous medium through the duct (12) based on such measurements.

Abstract: Control apparatus and method for controlling the flow of fluid across a valve includes a differential pressure measurement across the valve and a flow meter for measuring the flow, and the information from the differential pressure and from the flow meter is compared to predetermined parameters, and in response to the comparison, the valve is modulated to provide the desired flow.

Abstract: A substantially constant flow regulating valve includes a piston dividing a bore into two chambers. The piston is spring biased toward the top chamber of the bore. Fluid from the inlet enters the top chamber through a reference pressure passage and exerts a downward force on the piston. Fluid from the inlet also passes through a low torque inlet flow throttle and into the bottom chamber of the bore where it exerts an upward force on the piston in concert with the spring force. The piston includes an end which variably interacts with an orifice in the lower chamber to maintain a constant pressure differential between the top and bottom chambers. A coil-type piping system, a diversifying campus-type piping system and a pressure source piping system all include the above described flow regulating valve. None of these systems require balancing valves or differential pressure valves when the flow regulating valve is employed.

Abstract: For the controlled ventilation of a room a duct portion (8) with a quantity control and measurement means is provided in the ventilating duct. The duct portion (8) surrounds a tubular hollow body (25) in the form of a flow body, which has two pressure measuring chambers (29, 30) arranged successively in the flow direction. They are provided with rows of openings (27, 28), which produce a connection to the flow cross-sections with different flow speeds. The quantity is measured by means of a differential pressure measuring device (20), which is connected by means of ducts (32, 33) to the pressure measuring chambers (29, 30). The apparatus has low flow losses and a low flow noise. As a result of its favorable flow guidance the apparatus can be positioned directly adjacent to branches of the ventilation duct.

Abstract: Adjustment of a gas regulator valve having a spring biased diaphragm controlled pilot valve is automatically effected by supplying augmenting pressure to the spring side of the diaphragm via an electrically adjustable regulator valve under the control of a local microprocessor. Historical pressure drop data as a function of day of the week, time of day, and ambient temperature is stored in the microprocessor. A temperature sensor provides the microprocessor with a signal indicative of ambient temperature, and this is correlated with the stored historical data to determine the adjustment for the main regulator valve.

Abstract: In a pneumatic variable air volume controller, a linear relationship is achieved between the actual air velocity in a duct carrying conditioned air to a defined area and a pneumatic pressure signal representing the temperature in that area; and this linear relationship is used to vary the volume of air flowing in the duct. This is achieved by comparing a pneumatic pressure control signal which is a linear representation of the velocity pressure in the duct to a pneumatic pressure control signal which varies as the square of a thermostat pneumatic pressure signal which itself varies in a linear manner with respect to the temperature in the controlled area.

Abstract: A safety valve of the type having a valve body which is closed in response to an excess flow of fluid comprises a pilot piston which causes a sudden increase of the pressure in a cavity around the lower end of the valve stem if the pressure difference across the valve reaches a preset value, thereby controlling the valve such that is closes at a well defined setting point.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring gas flow volume in a system (of the kind in which the amount of gas flowing in a duct can vary in response to the variation of area of a variable area orifice in a duct and/or in response to changes in the total pressure of the gas upstream of the orifice) references the total pressure upstream of the orifice to the static pressure downstream of the orifice to produce a first signal representative of the differential pressure between the total pressure upstream of the orifice and the static pressure downstream of the orifice. The method and apparatus produce a second signal corresponding to the area of the opening in the orifice. The first and second signals are supplied to a gas flow volume database which is correlated to the sensors and to the orifice in the duct. The gas flow volume occurring in the duct at the first and second signals is read out from the database.

Abstract: A system for guarding against the leakage of fluid from a hydraulic system, particularly an aircraft braking system, which employs a flow control valve under the control of an electronic processor. The electronic processor integrates with respect to time a function of the input signal to the flow control valve and the pressure of the output of fluid, compares the value of the integrated function with a predetermined value, and effects closure of the control valve if the comparison indicates a substantial fluid loss.

Abstract: A system for maintaining back-pressure in chemical laboratory testing apparatus includes a modified flow control valve governed by a special control system which includes an input/output controller. That controller includes a microprocessor and memory into which a program developed specifically for the modified valve has been placed. A pre-pressure valve is also used upstream of the instrument in which the pressure is to be maintained for effecting quicker control of the pressure. The input/output controller, in conjunction with the servo-amplifier, integrates out the error between the desired set-point pressure and actual pressure thereby enabling maintenance of pressure within one pound.

Abstract: A rapid response water heating and delivery system having a flow restrictor which creates a pressure differential within the water inlet point to the heating system which is sensed by a pressure differential switch for activating the heating elements of the system. At a predetermined flow rate, the flow restrictor yields a threshold pressure differential which causes the pressure differential switch to activate the heating elements of the system. The pressure differential switch can be adjusted to actuate the heating elements at different desired levels of water flow through the system.

Abstract: A fluid flow regulator including a servo valve assembly and a throttle valve assembly. The servo valve assembly includes a pair of double acting actuators, biased in one direction by an adjustable spring, contoured ports and piping passageways to the ports and to other chambers of the assembly. The actuators are effectively connected together and function to oppose each other. The chambers formed between the two actuators and the respective cylinder chambers formed on the exterior ends of each actuator are used for pressure sensing purposes. Each individual actuator may be comprised of up to three piston lands with adequate separation between to form chambers for fluid transfer purposes. Any leakage or servo flow entering these chambers would be communicated by passageways to appropriate interface ports on the regulator. Due to its sensitivity, the servo valve assembly effects a desired action by variably restricting the flow or pressure in a passageway controlled by the throttle valve assembly.

Abstract: A fuel flow control assembly comprises a metering piston which can slide within a casing and defines with that casing an upstream chamber at a pressures P.sub.1 and downstream pressure P.sub.2. Relative movement of the piston and the casing varies the effective opening of a metering orifice and providing that the pressure drop P.sub.1 -P.sub.2 is kept constant the orifice has linear characteristics.The assembly also includes a pressure drop monitor and a slide control valve which uses as its casing an internal bore of the flow control piston. With a view to rendering the assembly more compact the pressure drop monitor is also disposed within the bore of the flow control piston.

Abstract: A system for marginally adjusting the fuel flow to a burner to maintain the proper oxygen content in the exhaust from the burner is disclosed. The burner is of the type where both the fuel and air flow rates are adjusted in a substantially fixed ratio in response to load changes on the system with the fuel being adjusted by a fuel control valve mounted in a fuel supply line. A self-operating pressure regulating valve having an actuator responsive to the differential pressure across the fuel control valve is mounted in the fuel line upstream of the fuel control valve. A set point adjustment mechanism is mounted on the regulating valve actuator to adjust the set point of the regulating valve in response to an oxygen controller which senses the oxygen content in the stack gases. The set point adjustment mechanism has a cam assembly which continously adjusts the set point of the regulator actuator by varying the compression on a spring loaded diaphragm therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of and a device for automatically releasing all or a predetermined number of sprinker heads comprised in a fire protection circuit when one of the heads (11) has been released by a local fire or a rise in temperature in the immediate vicinity of this particular head. The invention is based upon a flow detector arranged in the trunk pipe for the fire extinguishing fluid which when said fluid begins to flow through the trunk pipe, i.e. when at least one sprinkler head has opened, closes an electric ignition circuct (17-21, 25-27) which connects pyrotechnical activators arranged at the respective sprinkler heads with an electric ignition function controller (12), whereby the blocking devices at the outlets of the other sprinkler heads are blown away.

Abstract: Valve apparatus including a regulating valve controlling fluid flow through a duct and positionable to produce a regulated downstream pressure from a normally relatively higher upstream pressure. A pilot valve enables a relatively reduced fluid pressure to be used on and in connection with a regulating valve operator. The pilot valve responds to inlet pressure and enables sequential operating steps according to which, in part, the regulating valve moves to a fully open position upon inlet or upstream pressure dropping to a predetermined low value and moves to a fully closed position upon inlet or upstream pressure dropping below the predetermined low value.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the amount of fuel supplied by a fluid supply device wherein a throttle element is inserted in a supply line to a supply device having an apportioning cross-section wherein a constant pressure differential is maintained by means of a pressure comparison device in which the comparison results in an adjustment of the throttle element and whereby the cross-section or the position of the throttle element provides a measurement of the amount of fluid flowing through the supply line which can be transformed into a desirable and useful control value.

Abstract: A fluid flow control system for controlling the flow of fluid through a valve is disclosed. The control system controls the flow of fluid through the valve by varying the position of the valve. The control system performs this function in such a manner that the change in position of the valve at all times remains sufficiently bounded so as to ensure that the actual flow of fluid through the valve is substantially equal to the flow predicted by the static flow equation for the valve.

Abstract: An area type flow rate measuring device comprising an upstream valve and a downstream valve which are disposed in a channel for a fluid, a feedback control mechanism for keeping the pressure difference across the upstream valve constant, the rate of flow of the fluid being measured on the basis of the area of opening of the upstream valve, a pipeline which bypasses the upstream valve, and a mechanism disposed in the bypass pipeline for amplifying the pressure difference by utilizing the flow of the fluid, the arrangement being such that the pressure produced in the mechanism is utilized to drive a valve opening mechanism.

Abstract: A normally open shutdown system for a high pressure gas well is disclosed which comprises a pressure-operated motor valve, a pressure sensor, and a pressure regulator, all on a conduit installed in the high pressure line leading from the gas well.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a surging flow in a closed conduit is characterized by a moveable flow restrictor element disposed within the closed conduit and responsive to a control signal to restrict the fluid flow therewithin to a damped flow rate. The control signal is generated by a controller element which responds to first and second signals input thereto. The first signal is representative of the instantaneous fluid flow rate within the closed conduit. The second signal is functionally related to the first signal and representative of the damped flow rate within the conduit.

Abstract: A pipeline shutoff control actuated by movement of a pressure responsive element connected to the pipeline and having a predetermined restraining force applied thereto, said restraining force adapted to release said element in response to a predetermined rate of pressure drop in said pipeline whereby to actuate said control.

Abstract: The system includes a way valve of the type provided with a housing, fluid inflow and consumer ports in the housing, and at least one valve member movable in the valve housing for establishing connections between ports. A positioning arrangement receives an electrical input signal and positions the valve member in dependence thereon. A desired-value selector generates a desired-value signal indicative of the desired volumetric flow rate for the flow of fluid into the fluid inflow port and out one of the consumer ports. Transducers sense the position of the valve member and the pressures at the inflow and consumer ports and generate corresponding electrical feedback signals.

Abstract: A concentrating vortex shaker for the simultaneous shaking and concentration of a multiplicity of liquid samples comprises a heat-conductive block having a plurality of openings for receiving laboratory vessels containing sample liquids and removably mounted on a base provided with an adjustable eccentric drive for displacing the block in a gyrating motion. An airtight cover is removably mounted on the block and forms a chamber above the samples which can be controllably evacuated. The samples can be heated or cooled by a temperature-controlled liquid which is fed through a channel formed in the block or heated by an adjustable electrical heater provided in the block mounting or cooled by a cooling plate, upon which the block mounts.

Abstract: A control system for use in central heating and air-conditioning installations to control the volumetric flow rate of conditioned air through a supply duct to an enclosed space to be serviced. The system is adapted to maintain a desired ambiant temperature in the enclosed space by regulating the circulation of conditioned air in accordance with the demand generated by prevailing conditions. An adjustable restrictor valve defining an orifice is located in the supply duct and sensors are provided to continuously measure the orifice diameter and the pressure drop across the orifice. Electronic circuitry is provided to generate a flow rate voltage signal representative of the product of the orifice diameter and the pressure drop across the orifice and to compare the flow rate voltage level with a fixed or temperature controlled reference voltage to obtain either an "increase" or "decrease" control voltage signal.

Abstract: An automatic control valve is provided for a fluid system where the valve can be adjusted to an equilibrium position based upon a selected flow rate through the valve, and further can automatically close the valve when an excessive flow rate occurs.

Abstract: A regulator including a control piston contained within a housing and forming therewith opposed pressure chambers, the valve and housing having ported passages controlled by the piston for variable flow therethrough between a source of fluid and a fluid system, and other ported passages supplying fluid to the pressure chambers so as to effect movement of the piston to compensate for change in pressure or flow rate in the fluid system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling a fluid pressure actuated valve are provided whereby the valve inlet pressure and valve outlet pressure are applied to control and limit the valve outlet pressure and to substantially reduce the fluid pressure applied to the valve actuating means when the valve inlet pressure is below a preselected safe value.

Abstract: A pressure controlled hydrant valve coupler characterized in that the main pilot operated pressure control valve and the excess flow servo valve are embodied in the coupler housing. The coupler herein is further characterized in that the pilot operated pressure control valve has associated therewith a fast closing valve and a surge control valve.

Abstract: In a fluid system a valve is provided with a valve closing system and this system is operated by differential switch means which detect abnormal flow conditions through the valve. The valve is tapped preferably at two locations and each location is connected to a differential pressure switch which in turn operate the valve closing system.

Abstract: A plurality of individually actuatable, value weighted digital bistable valve elements in parallel interconnect a fluid source to a fluid receiver. A linear relationship is preferably maintained between the resultant fluid flow rate from the source to the receiver and the product of a flow rate determinative fluid parameter times the sum of the weighted values of the digital valve elements in the open state. The fluid parameter is sensed, the states of the digital valve elements are controlled, and a flow rate representative signal is derived from the states of the valve elements and the fluid parameter. If the fluid is liquid, the parameter is the square root of the pressure difference across the valve elements, in the absence of cavitating venturis, and is the square root of the difference between the upstream pressure and the vapor pressure of the liquid in the presence of cavitating venturis. If the fluid is gas, the parameter is the source pressure divided by the square root of the source temperature.