Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate in part to water flow sensors, and also to such water flow sensors in combination with a system used to selectively shut off the flow of water through a water supply pipe to a building, such as in the event of a broken water pipe. Such systems included in the combination can also optionally discontinue electrical power to a water heater to minimize the risk of water heater elements burning out in the event a water heater is at the risk of being drained of water, such as due to a broken water pipe.

Abstract: A pressure management apparatus (10) includes a housing (30) defining a fluid communication passage between first and second fluid ports (46, 48). A poppet (40) is disposed in the housing and is movable between first and second positions. The first position prevents fluid communication between the first and second ports and the second position permits fluid communication between the first and second ports. The poppet includes a structure (75) translatable along an axis relative to the housing. At least a portion of the structure includes a permanent magnet (72). A member (78) is fixed with respect to the housing and is associated with the structure. At least a portion of the member is of ferrous material such that the magnet is attracted to the member so that at least a portion of the poppet frictionally engages the member to create a dashpot damping of resonance of the poppet in the second position.

Abstract: A pressure activated two-way slit valve assembly is designed to be used in combination with, but not limited to, a high flow rate catheter to prevent accidental ingestion of air or loss of blood if the closure cap comes off during non-use of the catheter. In addition, the potential for occlusion of the catheter due to blood clots in the catheter and catheter related infection is substantially reduced. The pressure activated two-way slit valve assembly includes a first end, a second end, a wall defining a dumbbell shaped channel, and a flexible, thin disk having a slit and positioned within the pressure activated two-way slit valve assembly to reside within the dumbbell shaped channel. The slit and the dumbbell shaped channel are sized to enable the slit to deform in response to a predetermined pressure differential across the slit to allow fluid to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A relief valve assembly (27) for use with first (15) and second (21) conduits, one communicating high pressure. The assembly comprises a housing (29,33) defining first (45) and second (47) ports, and a poppet seat (49). A poppet member (43) and the housing define a spring chamber (55), and a spring (39) is disposed to bias the poppet member toward the seat. The poppet member defines a shuttle cavity (51), a shuttle passage (53) communicating from the cavity to the spring chamber, and the poppet defining a seat (57), and a fluid passage (61P) communicating with the first port, and a seat (59), and a second fluid passage (63) communicating with the second port. A shuttle valve assembly (71,73,75) is provided, whereby the fluid pressure in whichever of the ports is at lower pressure is communicated to the spring chamber and adds to the force of the biasing spring.

Abstract: A valve for use with a cap for a spill resistant cup, the cap including a spout to dispense the liquid and a valve mount extending from the spout to engage with the valve. The valve includes a generally cylindrical valve tower extending from a valve base to sealingly engage the valve mount and having an interior bore for the passage of liquid and a valve face sloping across an upper end of the valve tower bore from a higher first point on a first side of the valve tower and to a lower second point on a diametrically opposite second side of the valve tower. A valve mechanism is located in the valve face for controlling a flow of the liquid through the valve mechanism dependent upon a pressure differential across the valve face. The valve mechanism is a valve slit extending through the valve face perpendicular to a mouth opening in the spout and is S-shaped or straight.

Abstract: A bi-directional damper valve is provided for connecting to a hydraulic line, to regulate fluid flow therethrough. The damper valve includes a main valve body having a flow passage formed therethrough, and the flow passage widens at central portion of the valve body to form a central chamber, which has valve seats formed at opposite ends thereof. The main valve body also has two bypass channels formed therein, which branch off the central chamber near the valve seats, and which selectively communicate with the flow passage. The damper valve also includes two poppets, oriented facing in opposite directions in the central chamber. Each of the poppets has a hollow bore formed therethrough, to always allow fluid flow through the damper valve at a first (minimal) rate. The damper valve also includes a spring extending between the poppets, and normally biasing them against the valve seats.

Abstract: A damper valve includes a valve member for covering openings of communicating passages of a valve sleeve. The valve member is elastically deformed by a low flow rate of the hydraulic oil flowing from a second chamber to a first chamber of the valve sleeve and when a flow rate of the hydraulic oil flowing from the second chamber to the first chamber exceeds a predetermined value, the valve member is moved with the spool against urging force of a spring to widely open the openings of the communicating passages.

Abstract: A bidirectional valve comprising a flexible member with an aperture formed therein. The flexible member reacts to differential pressure thereacross by deforming, thereby causing the inside surfaces of the aperture to separate and create a vent path. The bidirectional valve can be tuned to open the aperture in reaction to varied differential pressures thereacross, thereby allowing a fluid to pass through the aperture.

Abstract: A valve for use in a chest drainage device is disclosed, the chest drainage device is adapted to receive liquid and air from a patient's chest cavity via an inlet and to permit air to escape through an outlet for air to leave the chest drain, the inlet and outlet define a flow path and the valve is disposed along the flow path. The valve has a valve element that separates an upstream chamber from a downstream chamber and has a first and second sealing surface that are opposed so that when the first and second sealing surfaces are in contact, air pressure below a predetermined value will be prevented from moving from the downstream location to the upstream location. The valve element allows air to move from the upstream chamber to the downstream chamber at a low pressure differential.

Abstract: An integrated pressure management system manages pressure and detects leaks in a fuel system. The integrated pressure management system also performs a leak diagnostic for the head space in a fuel tank, a canister that collects volatile fuel vapors from the head space, a purge valve, and all associated.

Abstract: A check valve has a valve body and flapper. The flapper has a gasket which is sandwiched between a flapper base and a flapper cover. The flapper base has a flapper base stem which extends through an aperture in the gasket is retained within an aperture in the flapper cover. A central recess is defined in either the forward surface of the flapper base or the forward surface of the flapper cover to allow liquid which leaks between the flapper base and the gasket to migrate to the flapper base stem, and subsequently along the flapper base stem to the external side of the flapper cover. In this way, the flapper is capable of relieving pressure build-up between the gasket and the surface of the flapper base.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method of establishing a threshold for a leak detection test that is performed on a headspace of a fuel system. A fuel vapor pressure management apparatus includes a housing, a pressure operable device, and a sensor. The housing defines an interior chamber. The pressure operable device separates the interior chamber into first and second portions, and includes a poppet that moves along an axis and a seal that is adapted to cooperatively engage the poppet. A first arrangement of the pressure operable device occurs during the leak detection test when the seal is in a first deformed configuration. A sensor detects the first arrangement of the pressure operable device during the leak detection test. And a processor is coupled to the sensor and reduces sensitivity of the fuel vapor pressure management apparatus during the leak detection test.

Abstract: An integrated pressure management system manages pressure and detects leaks in a fuel system. The integrated pressure management system also performs a leak diagnostic for the head space in a fuel tank, a canister that collects volatile fuel vapors from the head space, a purge valve, and all associated.

Abstract: A device for controlling fluid flow between an evaporative emission space of a fuel tank and a fuel vapor collection canister that includes a housing, a valve, a seal, an electric actuator, an electric transducer, and an electrical connector. The housing includes a first port, a second port, and a fluid flow path that extends between the first and second ports. The first port is adapted for receiving fluid flow from the evaporative emission space and is at a first pressure level. The second port is adapted for supplying fluid flow to the fuel vapor collection canister and is at a second pressure level. The valve is movable along an axis with respect to the housing between a first configuration, a second configuration, and an intermediate configuration between the first and second configurations. The first configuration permits substantially unrestricted fluid flow between the first and second ports. The second configuration prevents fluid flow between the first and second ports.

Abstract: An integrated pressure management system manages pressure and detects leaks in a fuel system. The integrated pressure management system also performs a leak diagnostic for the headspace in a fuel tank, a canister that collects volatile fuel vapors from the headspace, a purge valve, and all associated hoses and connections.

Abstract: A fuel vapor pressure management apparatus for a fuel system performs leak detection on a headspace of the fuel system, performs excess negative pressure relief of the headspace, and performs excess positive pressure relief of the headspace. The fuel vapor pressure management apparatus includes a diaphragm that is deformable between a nearly undeformed configuration that is associated with performing leak detection, a first deformed configuration that is associated with performing excess negative pressure relief, and a second deformed configuration that is associated with performing excess positive pressure relief. A first fluid flow through the diaphragm occurs when the diaphragm is in the first deformed configuration. A second fluid flow through the diaphragm occurs when the diaphragm is in the second deformed configuration, and the second fluid flow is opposite to the first fluid flow.

Abstract: An integrated pressure management apparatus, system and method for minimizing resonance of a poppet. A housing defines a fluid communication passage between ports. The housing includes a first portion, which extends along an axis, and has a first surface parallel to the axis. A poppet is movable between a first configuration that prevents fluid communication between the ports, and a second configuration that permits fluid communication between the ports. The poppet includes a second portion. The second portion is translatable along the axis relative to the housing, and includes a tubular stem that has a second surface parallel to the axis. The second portion nests with the first portion so as to define a gap between the first and second surfaces. The first and second portions define a chamber, and the gap restricts fluid flow between the fluid communication passage and the chamber.

Abstract: A method of designing a fuel vapor pressure management apparatus that performs leak detection on a headspace of a fuel system. A pressure operable device separates the housing into first and second portions, and includes a seal and a poppet that cooperatively engages the seal with a contact force. The seal includes a first effective area that is equal to a difference between a first area defined by a major perimeter and a second area defined by a minor perimeter. The poppet moves along an axis and includes a second effective area that is defined by the minor perimeter of the seal. A first pressure level, at which excess negative pressure is relieved, is calculated by dividing the contact force by the first effective area. And a second pressure level, at which excess positive pressure is relieved, is calculated by dividing the activation force by the second effective area.

Abstract: A two-way orifice check valve device for a hydraulic circuit is disclosed. The hydraulic circuit which controls the engagement and release of a friction element, such as a clutch, is simplified to reduce the manufacturing cost, as well as improve functioning during the engagement and release of the friction element.

Abstract: A damper valve includes a valve member for covering openings of communicating passages of a valve sleeve. The valve member is elastically deformed by a low flow rate of the hydraulic oil flowing from a second chamber to a first chamber of the valve sleeve and when a flow rate of the hydraulic oil flowing from the second chamber to the first chamber exceeds a predetermined value, the valve member is moved with the spool against urging force of a spring to widely open the openings of the communicating passages.

Abstract: An integrated pressure management system manages pressure and detects leaks in a fuel system. The integrated pressure management system also performs a leak diagnostic for the headspace in a fuel tank, a canister that collects volatile fuel vapors from the headspace, a purge valve, and all associated hoses and connections.

Abstract: The air breather is formed with a breather body coupled to a transmission body, and a cap coupled to an upper part of the breather body. The breather body defines first and second spaces communicating therebetween by an air channel. The first space is coupled with a first piston which slides to open and close the air channel in response to internal pressure applied to both lateral surfaces thereof. The second space is coupled with a second piston which slides in response to air having passed through the air channel and is further equipped with oil return holes for oil having passed through the air channel from the first space and having been separated to return into the first space, such that the oil and the air are effectively separated to prevent oil leakage.

Abstract: A pilot operated valve has a main poppet that selectively controls bidirectional flow of fluid between two ports in response to pressure in a control chamber on one side of the main poppet. The main poppet has a pilot orifice that is opened and closed by a pilot poppet. A unique mechanism is provided to compensate for variation of a pressure differential on opposite sides of the pilot orifice. This mechanism has a pair of annular end members between which extends a spring formed by a plurality of helices. Multiple passages with check valves extend through the main poppet to communicate the greatest pressure among the two ports to the control chamber and the lowest pressure among the two ports to the side of the pilot orifice that is opposite the control chamber.

Abstract: A bidirectional valve comprising a flexible member with an aperture formed therein. The flexible member reacts to differential pressure thereacross by deforming, thereby causing the inside surfaces of the aperture to separate and create a vent path. The bidirectional valve can be tuned to open the aperture in reaction to varied differential pressures thereacross, thereby allowing a fluid to pass through the aperture.

Abstract: A vent module is adapted to be mounted in a top wall of a fuel tank to vent fuel vapor from the tank to a vapor recovery canister located outside the tank. An outer shell is positioned around the vent module to define a fuel vapor transfer passageway arranged to conduct liquid fuel droplets into a liquid fuel accumulation chamber. A fuel vapor transfer port is formed in the outer shell to admit fuel vapor into the fuel vapor transfer passageway. A fuel vapor inlet port is formed in the vent module to lie below the fuel vapor transfer port. Liquid fuel entrained in fuel vapor is shed as fuel vapor flows laterally from the fuel vapor transfer passageway into the vent module through the fuel vapor inlet port so that “demoisturized” fuel vapor flows into the vent module and liquid fuel droplets fall into the liquid fuel accumulation chamber.

Abstract: A storing device is disclosed having a gas-sealing device and/or a heating device provided for a pipe connecting a storing tank for an easily polymerizable and/or coagulating liquid substance and a liquid sealing implement-protecting device. A method for the control of the pressure in the storing device is also disclosed. This invention contemplates protecting a storing device against deformation and fracture.

Abstract: An hydraulic system that includes a master cylinder, a slave cylinder, a fluid conduit extending between the cylinders, and a pressure relief valve within the conduit between the cylinders. The pressure relief valve includes at least one port that is closed by an elastic member that overlies the port and that opens when fluid pressure acting through the port exceeds a predetermined level to cause the elastic member to open the port.

Abstract: A casing accommodates therein a movable valve adapted to be moved away from a valve seat by a hydraulic oil flowing through an oil-hydraulic circuit from a hydraulic cylinder to an oil-hydraulic pump. In an event of oscillatory hydraulic pressures in the hydraulic cylinder, the hydraulic oil is returned through the oil-hydraulic circuit from the hydraulic cylinder to the oil-hydraulic pump via a second port, a communication path, a minor gap between the movable valve and the valve seat, and a first port. In this process, the communication path allows for a smooth flow of the hydraulic oil from the second port into the movable valve.

Abstract: An integrated pressure management system manages pressure and detects leaks in a fuel system. The integrated pressure management system also performs a leak diagnostic for the headspace in a fuel tank, a canister that collects volatile fuel vapors from the headspace, a purge valve, and all associated hoses and connections.

Abstract: An integrated pressure management system manages pressure and detects leaks in a fuel system. The integrated pressure management system also performs a leak diagnostic for the headspace in a fuel tank, a canister that collects volatile fuel vapors from the headspace, a purge valve, and all associated hoses and connections.

Abstract: A fuel system supplying fuel to an internal combustion engine of a vehicle. The fuel system includes an integrated pressure management system managing pressure and detecting leaks in the fuel system. The integrated pressure management system also performs a leak diagnostic for the headspace in a fuel tank, a canister that collects volatile fuel vapors from the headspace, a purge valve, and all associated hoses and connections.

Abstract: An integrated pressure management system manages pressure and detects leaks in a fuel system. The integrated pressure management system also performs a leak diagnostic for the headspace in a fuel tank, a canister that collects volatile fuel vapors from the headspace, a purge valve, and all associated hoses and connections.

Abstract: A pressure operable device for an integrated pressure management apparatus. The pressure operable device includes a poppet moving between a first configuration permitting fluid communication between first and second ports of the integrated pressure management apparatus, and a second configuration preventing fluid communication between the first and second ports. A spring biases the poppet toward the second configuration, and a diaphragm operably engages the poppet to move the poppet toward the first configuration.

Abstract: An integrated pressure management system manages pressure and detects leaks in a fuel system. The integrated pressure management system also performs a leak diagnostic for the headspace in a fuel tank, a canister that collects volatile fuel vapors from the headspace, a purge valve, and all associated hoses and connections.

Abstract: An integrated pressure management system manages pressure and detects leaks in a fuel system. The integrated pressure management system also performs a leak diagnostic for the head space in a fuel tank, a canister that collects volatile fuel vapors from the head space, a purge valve, and all associated.

Abstract: An integrated pressure management system manages pressure and detects leaks in a fuel system. The integrated pressure management system also performs a leak diagnostic for the headspace in a fuel tank, a canister that collects volatile fuel vapors from the headspace, a purge valve, and all associated hoses and connections.

Abstract: An integrated pressure management system manages pressure and detects leaks in a fuel system. The integrated pressure management system also performs a leak diagnostic for the headspace in a fuel tank, a canister that collects volatile fuel vapors from the headspace, a purge valve, and all associated hoses and connections.

Abstract: A sealing valve arrangement (12) for a container containing a fluid, wherein a supporting element (14) comprising a control channel (15) in the border region of the supporting element (14) and a securing element (16) comprising a passage channel (18) are disposed on top of one another over the fluid storage (13′) of the container. A sealing valve (1) having smaller radial dimensions than these elements (14, 16) and a valve channel (2) for connecting the control channel (15) and the passage channel (18) are provided between the supporting element (14) and the securing element (17), wherein the sealing valve (1) comprises a first sealing surface or edge (5) for sealing the passage channel (18) from the control channel (15) and a second sealing surface or edge (8) for sealing the valve channel (2) from the control channel (15). The sealing valve (1) operates in case of pressure above atmospheric and sub-atmospheric pressure within the fluid storage (13′).

Abstract: A two way pressure relief valve for equalizing pressure between a first region and a second region. The valve has a housing with a lateral aperture in communication with the second region and a first aperture in communication between the first region and the lateral aperture. A piston assembly having an annular rim portion is retained slidably within the housing. Flutes are formed in the piston assembly for allowing fluid communication between the first region and the second region. An annular retaining piece having a second aperture therein is joined within the lateral aperture in the housing at the second region for retaining the piston assembly within the housing. A first biasing means is positioned in the housing between the first aperture and the piston assembly for biasing the piston assembly away from the first aperture. A second biasing means is positioned in the housing between the retaining piece and the piston for biasing the piston assembly away from the second region.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a dual speed air control valve including a first sheet having an aperture therein and a second sheet continuously secured to the first sheet along a periphery of the first and second sheets. Further, a third sheet in continuously secured to the second sheet along a periphery of the third and second sheets. The first sheet defines at least one aperture in fluid communication with the third sheet. The third sheet defines at least one aperture in fluid communication with the first sheet.

Abstract: An improved microvalve device is configured to provide a more robust and durable operation to withstand the demands of various operating environments. The microvalve may comprise a valve seat and a diaphragm, with the diaphragm operated by an external actuator device, such as a bladder, through various mechanisms of actuation, such as direct and indirect mechanisms, that are separate from the microvalve. Through use of the various mechanisms of actuation, the actuator device is configured to apply forces on the diaphragm to suitably move the diaphragm to open and close the microvalve. The valve seat and diaphragm can be configured to provide the microvalve with a plurality of openings configured to permit flow thereinbetween. In addition, the microvalve may be configured to facilitate uni-directional or bi-directional flow.

Abstract: A casing accommodates therein a movable valve adapted to be moved away from a valve seat by a hydraulic oil flowing through an oil-hydraulic circuit from a hydraulic cylinder to an oil-hydraulic pump. In an event of oscillatory hydraulic pressures in the hydraulic cylinder, the hydraulic oil is returned through the oil-hydraulic circuit from the hydraulic cylinder to the oil-hydraulic pump via a second port, a communication path, a minor gap between the movable valve and the valve seat, and a first port. In this process, the communication path allows for a smooth flow of the hydraulic oil from the second port into the movable valve.

Abstract: A bi-stable valve arrangement includes a body having first and second opposing ends and constructed and arranged to define a passage between the body and another element so that the passage extends from the first end to the second end. A seal member associated with the body. A first spring structure biases the seal member in a first direction and a second spring structure biases the seal member in a direction opposite the first direction. The first and second spring structures are constructed and arranged so that the seal member may seal the passage.

Abstract: A pilot operated valve is provided to control a bidirectional flow of fluid between two ports. A main poppet selectively controls flow of fluid between the ports in response to pressure in a control chamber on one side of the main poppet. A pilot passage in the main poppet extends between the second port and the control chamber A first pair of check valves allow fluid to flow only into the pilot passage from the two ports. A second pair of check valves allow fluid to flow only into the control chamber from the two ports.

Abstract: The check valve has rotationally symmetric outer boundaries with a transverse plate separating a first portion which is intended to be within a first air space and a second portion which is intended to be within a second air space. Two internal passageways are formed within the interior of the check valve, each with an opening in the first portion and another opening in the second portion. The first and second portions each include a circular channel with flared walls into which one of the openings is formed. Each circular channel includes an O-ring which serves as a valve to control flow into the respective internal passageway.

Abstract: A self-closing valve assembly for installation in a dispensing opening of a container, a seal cap or the like, includes a first closure element having a domed wall portion of resilient material incorporating a passage-opening, said wall portion being resiliently deformable from a closed position into an open position under the influence of a first differential pressure force resulting from pressures acting on its opposite surfaces, and a second closure element having a domed wall portion for sealing the passage-opening when the first closure element is in its closed position.

Abstract: A bidirectional check valve controls movement of fluid. A valve body has an opening, a further opening and a passage connecting the opening and the further opening. A poppet is disposed within the passage of the valve body, and a spring is coupled to the poppet. A further poppet is disposed within the passage formed in the first mentioned poppet, and a further spring is coupled to the poppet and to the further poppet. When fluid passing through the opening in the valve body exerts a force on the poppet that is greater than the spring force, the further portion of the outer surface of the poppet is directed away from the further portion of the wall of the passage and permits the fluid to flow from the opening in the valve body through a channel and to the further opening in the valve body.

Abstract: An automatic by-pass valving system for an electrical cable system wherein insulating fluid at a pressure above atmospheric pressure is supplied to an electrical power cable, such as a pipe-type or self-contained cable, having a fluid flow channel and having at least one hydraulic stop interrupting the flow of fluid between the channels of adjacent portions of the cable which are at different elevations. The valving system comprises a check valve, which allows fluid flow only in a first direction, from the lower elevation portion to the higher elevation portion, and a flow-limiting valve, which allows fluid flow only in a second direction, from the higher elevation portion to the lower elevation portion, at a reduced rate. Preferably, a relief valve is also provided to allow fluid flow in the second direction at a higher rate if the fluid pressure difference in the second direction is exceeded by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A method of controlling insulating fluid flow between fluid channels in sections of an electrical power cable at different elevations, the channel of one section being isolated from the channel of a next adjacent section by a hydraulic stop, to limit the loss of insulating fluid when a seciton is ruptured and yet permit a limited flow from the point of rupture to protect the cable from contamination. Fluid at a high rate from a lower section to adjacent higher sections around the stop is permitted by a check valve which substantially prevents fluid flow in the opposite direction and a flow-limiting valve permits fluid flow at a low rate from the higher section to the lower section. The fluid pressure difference between the sections may be relieved by a relief valve if the difference exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: Disclosed is a 2-way flow control valve whereby a constant hydraulic fluid volume flow may be adjusted by serial arrangement of a restrictor orifice and a control orifice. In the case of a reverse flow through the flow control valve of the present invention, a check actuating element of the flow control valve may be displaced against the bias of its own check spring in such a way that a bypass channel which bypasses the restrictor orifice can be controlled open.