Abstract: An apparatus and method provide a barrier in the cooling airflow of a component of a computing device that, when the barrier is extended, impedes the airflow, thereby diverting excess cooling airflow from the component to a different component with a different flow path. In response to increased pressure from the airflow, the barrier retracts to permit a greater airflow. Embodiments respond to an increase or decrease in airflow without requiring additional control input and include barriers that deform or pivot in response to increased pressure to permit greater airflow.

Abstract: To sample cooling water from a discharge pipe under vacuum, with a simple structure and without using a large-scale device. Provided is a sampling system for sampling cooling water flowing through a discharge pipe extending from a condenser to a sea. The sampling system includes: a bypass pipe branched off from the discharge pipe and joining the discharge pipe; two shutoff valves provided in the bypass pipe; a sampling pipe branched off from the bypass pipe between the two shutoff valves; a vent pipe branched off from the bypass pipe between the two shutoff valves; a sampling valve provided in the sampling pipe; and a vent valve provided in the vent pipe.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method are provided for preventing the accumulation of particulate matter such as combustion soot on sensors positioned in exhaust gas conduits of internal combustion engines. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a device for deflecting soot deposits from sensor surfaces. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes a device employing a surface acoustic wave generator for dislodging soot accumulation or measuring soot accumulations to trigger burn-off events. In an embodiment, an injector injects pressurized bursts of gas toward a sensor surface to dislodge particulate matter. In an embodiment, charged electrodes attract charged particles of soot from the exhaust gas flow to form deposits that are then subject to burn-off events.

Abstract: The refillable drinking vessel comprises a bottle, a bottle fitting structure, a base plate, and a fluid control structure. The base plate forms a fluidic connection between the bottle fitting structure and a pressurized fluid source. The bottle fitting structure forms a fluidic connection between the bottle and the base plate. The fluid control structure automatically controls the flow of fluid from the pressurized fluid source through the base plate and the bottle fitting structure into the bottle. The fluid control structure senses when the bottle is near the base plate. The fluid control structure measures and controls the amount of fluid contained in the bottle.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a dispensing nozzle for dispensing a fluid into a tank of a motor vehicle. The dispensing nozzle comprises the following features: the dispensing nozzle comprises a channel (30) for passing through the fluid, wherein a main valve (5) is arranged in the channel (30), said main valve being movable between a closed position and an open position for controlling a fluid flow, the dispensing nozzle comprises a first maximum volumetric flow rate and a second maximum volumetric flow rate, wherein the second maximum volumetric flow rate is greater than the first, According to the invention it is provided that the dispensing nozzle comprises an adjustable flow limiter (22) which is arranged downstream of the main valve (5) and which is configured to limit the fluid flow selectively to the first or second maximum volumetric flow rate.

Abstract: An air intake grille through which air in a passenger compartment of a vehicle V is taken in includes a frame body, a plurality of first grille forming portions and second grille forming portions arranged in a lattice shape inside the frame body, and a flow rate adjusting plate disposed inside the frame body so as to be perpendicular to the first grille forming portions and the second grille forming portions. The flow rate adjusting plate has a flow rate adjusting window having an opening area smaller than an opening portion inside the opening portion formed by the first grille forming portion and the second grille forming portion.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for regulating fuel flow in a fuel tank. In one example, a method may comprise fueling a fuel tank by receiving a nozzle into a filler tube which extends into a fuel tank to fuel the fuel tank, and directing fuel through the tube against vanes in a baffle which forms a compartment within the tank. Additionally, the method may comprise enabling the vanes to open so that pressure within the compartment remains below a level which would otherwise cause shut off the nozzle during the fueling.

Abstract: Well systems comprise communicating devices for use in subterranean formations. An example well system comprises a mud valve system having a stator and a rotor to modulate drilling mud flow to provide increased pulse amplitude signals up-hole for improved and faster signaling from down-hole tools while also providing for better detection capability up-hole. The improved signaling technique permits for deeper well applications.

Abstract: A damper regulator for controlling the opening/closing characteristics of an HVAC damper has a swing arm coupled to the shaft on which the damper pivots. The swing arm has an arm carriage mounted to translate on the swing arm as the swing arm pivots, and a biasing spring connects the arm carriage to the damper regulator's housing, or to another suitable anchor. The translation of the arm carriage effectively adapts the characteristics of the biasing spring so that the damper need not be subjected to ever-increasing pressure to achieve greater airflow, or so that other damper opening characteristics can be achieved.

Abstract: A technique facilitates evaluation of a fluid, such as a fluid produced from a well. The technique utilizes a modular and mobile system for testing flows of fluid which may comprise mixtures of constituents, and for sampling fluids thereof. The multiphase sampling method includes flowing a multiphase fluid comprising an oil phase and a water phase through a first conduit, the oil phase and water phase at least partially separating in the first conduit, mixing together the oil phase and water phase to form a mixed bulk liquid phase by flowing the multiphase fluid through a flow mixer toward a second conduit downstream the flow mixer, sampling a portion of the mixed bulk liquid phase at location at or within the second conduit, wherein the sampled portion of the mixed bulk liquid phase has a water-to-liquid ratio (WLR) representative of the pre-mixed oil phase and water phase.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided sensing particulate matter by a particulate matter sensor positioned downstream of a diesel particulate filter in an exhaust system. In one example, a method may include increasing an inlet opening of the particulate matter sensor when an exhaust flow rate falls below a threshold to allow more particulates to enter the particulate matter sensor and further includes decreasing the inlet opening when the exhaust flow rate rises above the threshold to reduce the particulates entering the sensor. By adjusting the amount of particulates entering the sensor based on the exhaust rate, and further including a plurality of flow redirectors inside the sensor, the rate of deposition of the sensor and hence the sensitivity of the sensor to the exhaust flow rate may be maintained at a desired level, and independent of the exhaust flow rate.

Abstract: A flow amount measuring apparatus comprising: a rotating device, configured to rotate while material flows through the rotating device; a rotating bar, connected to the rotating device, configured to rotate corresponding to rotating of the rotating device; a feature acquiring device, configured to detect at least one feature of the rotating bar; and a computing unit, configured to compute a number for full rotations for the rotating bar based on the feature of the rotating bar, and configured to compute a flow amount for the material flows through the rotating device based on the number for full rotations.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided sensing particulate matter by a particulate matter sensor positioned downstream of a diesel particulate filter in an exhaust system. In one example, a method may include increasing an inlet opening of the particulate matter sensor when an exhaust flow rate falls below a threshold to allow more particulates to enter the particulate matter sensor and further includes decreasing the inlet opening when the exhaust flow rate rises above the threshold to reduce the particulates entering the sensor. By adjusting the amount of particulates entering the sensor based on the exhaust rate, the rate of deposition of the sensor and hence the sensitivity of the senor to the exhaust flow rate may be maintained at a desired level, and independent of the exhaust flow rate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for generating fluid pulses in a fluid column, such as within a well. Various described example fluid pulse generators each have a valve structure including a plurality of rollers rotatable around axes that are oriented perpendicular or otherwise angled with respect to the flow direction, the rollers being arranged to collectively at least partially obstruct the cross-sectional area of the fluid conduit. The rotational positions of the rollers may be varied to change the degree of obstruction in the conduit, thereby to generate pressure pulses in the fluid column detectable at a location remote from the fluid pulse generator; these pressure pulses can be used to encode a signal received at the fluid pulse generator.

Abstract: A gas distribution system is provided for use in an enclosed volume. This system includes a distribution duct and a first inflatable duct portion in fluid communication with the distribution duct. A passageway is provided defining an opening which extends through the passageway wherein the opening is in fluid communication with the first inflatable duct portion and wherein a cross-sectional area of the opening is less than a cross-sectional area of the first inflatable duct portion. Additionally, an inflatable enclosure is provided which is in fluid communication with the opening of the passageway wherein the inflatable enclosure is configured to form a volume within and separated from the enclosed volume.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing assembly, including a valve, a housing, a user interface, and a fitting to couple to a fluid source. The valve may include a first sensor detecting proper placement of the fluid container based on a magnetic material positioned at the bottom of the fluid container, a plunger having a plunger shaft coupled thereto, the plunger selectively placing the valve in fluid communication with the fluid container, and a solenoid coupled to the plunger shaft and moving the plunger shaft to transition the plunger between an open position and a closed position. The user interface may be coupled to the valve to enable selection of at least a fluid container size and a dispensing mode.

Abstract: A fluid regulating device includes a valve body having an inlet, an outlet, a valve port, and a control element shiftable within the valve body. A control assembly includes an actuator coupled to the control element and includes a diaphragm disposed adjacent a diaphragm chamber. A sense tube has a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion, the first end positioned to communicate with the diaphragm chamber, the second end disposed adjacent the outlet, and the intermediate portion disposed adjacent an intermediate portion of the outlet. The sense tube includes a shoulder and a flared portion, with the flared portion disposed adjacent the second end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanical fuse to seal pipes upon unintended rupture. When a pressure difference between a first pressure and a second pressure in a pipe is below a pressure threshold, a first spring retains a flap in a first position allowing gaseous fuel to flow from a first portion to a second portion and when the pressure difference between the first pressure and the second pressure is not below the pressure threshold the flap moves to a second position preventing the gaseous fuel from flowing from the first portion to the second portion.

Abstract: A water flow control system for regulating water traveling through an existing water supply line preferably includes a housing connected to an existing water line. A user interface may be coupled thereto and remotely attached. A mechanism may automatically prevent water from flowing through the housing upon detection of a triggering event. A controller may be situated within the housing along with motion sensors. A rotatable fan may be situated within the housing along with a plurality of tracks, triggers, and resilient spring members anchored to the triggers and tracks respectively. The rotation speed of the fan may be commensurate with the real-time water flow rate of the water flowing through the housing. A control logic algorithm operates to close a restrictor valve if the water flow rate exceeds limits set by the user interface. A manually-actuated lever may also be attached to open or close the restrictor valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanical fuse to seal pipes upon unintended rupture. When a pressure difference between a first pressure and a second pressure in a pipe is below a pressure threshold, a first spring retains a flap in a first position allowing gaseous fuel to flow from a first portion to a second portion and when the pressure difference between the first pressure and the second pressure is not below the pressure threshold the flap moves to a second position preventing the gaseous fuel from flowing from the first portion to the second portion.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device (1) comprising at least one valve, the or each valve being controlled by an electrically-operate e actuator (32), a control means (27) for controlling the actuators and a communication means (28) to provide signals for the control means (27), wherein the device (1) includes an electrical power generation means (5) to generate electricity from the flow of fluid in the control device to operate the actuators (32), the control means (27) and the communication means (28). The device does not require an external electricity supply as it generates its entire electricity requirement locally. The device (1) may also receive instructions wirelessly to control the at least one valve.

Abstract: A vent valve apparatus (10) for use with a system for supplying breathable gas pressurised above atmospheric pressure to a human or animal. The apparatus (10) includes a gas washout vent (15), a vent valve (18) adapted to progressively restrict the flow area of the washout vent (15), and a pressure sensitive vent valve control means (20,22,23). The control means is adapted to progressively cause the vent valve (18) to restrict the flow area of the gas washout vent (15) in response to increases in the pressure of the gas supply, thereby substantially regulating the volumetric flow of gas and/or CO2 gas through the washout vent (15) over a range of gas supply pressures.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for modulating a flow of fluid in a duct using a rotating member that rotates in the duct. A sensing unit senses the rotation speed of the rotating member and generates a rotation signal as a function of the sensed rotation speed. A control unit receives the rotation signal from the sensing unit and generates a control signal to modify the rotation speed of the rotating member. The apparatus can be self-powering by generating an electric current in response to rotation of the blade.

Abstract: A vent valve apparatus for use with a system for supplying breathable gas pressurized above atmospheric pressure to a human or animal includes a gas washout vent, a vent valve adapted to progressively restrict the flow area of the washout vent, and a pressure sensitive vent valve controller. The controller is adapted to progressively cause the vent valve to restrict the flow area of the gas washout vent in response to increases in the pressure of the gas supply. Thereby, the vent valve substantially regulates the flow of gas through the washout vent over a range of gas supply pressures.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for modulating a flow of fluid in a duct using a rotating member that rotates in the duct. A sensing unit senses the rotation speed of the rotating member and generates a rotation signal as a function of the sensed rotation speed. A control unit receives the rotation signal from the sensing unit and generates a control signal to modify the rotation speed of the rotating member. The apparatus can be self-powering by generating an electric current in response to rotation of the blade.

Abstract: A vent valve apparatus for use with a system for supplying breathable gas pressurized above atmospheric pressure to a human or animal includes a gas washout vent, a vent valve adapted to progressively restrict the flow area of the washout vent, and a pressure sensitive vent valve controller. The controller is adapted to progressively cause the vent valve to restrict the flow area of the gas washout vent in response to increases in the pressure of the gas supply. Thereby, the vent valve substantially regulates the flow of gas through the washout vent over a range of gas supply pressures.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method to redirect airflow and enhance heat transfer using an oscillating baffle. This apparatus and method allows for the improved efficiency of a heat transfer tunnel, while reducing the size of the tunnel. Several embodiments of the oscillating baffle have a first degree of freedom and a second degree of freedom which allows it to oscillate under the power of the airflow. The method employs the oscillating baffle to redirect and mix the airflow in order to enhance heat transfer in a heat transfer tunnel. The oscillating baffle is used for cooling, for heating, for enhancing the mixing of a multi-component air flow or redirecting an air flow. Other applications could include use in dusty environments to provide high speed gas streams sweeping a wall to prevent the build-up of dust.

Abstract: A device is described, for the adjustment of the flow rate of a liquid which circulates within thermal convectors or heat exchangers making up part of heating, conditioning or ventilation plants, or apparatus for the thermal treatment of products. The device comprises a body within which a movable shutter is provided, the position of which allows for adjusting the quantity of liquid flowing between at least an inlet duct and an outlet duct, the positioning of the shutter being obtained by way of a suitable actuator.The device comprises a control circuit and an instant flow rate and/or quantity meter of the liquid flowing in one of said ducts, for the automatic and continuous adjustment of the flow, by way of the appropriate positioning of the shutter.

Abstract: A pressure regulator for an industrial process system is connected between the industrial process equipment and pollution control equipment and exhibits a pressure inversely related to pressure changes in the pollution control equipment so as to maintain the exit pressure at the process equipment constant.

Abstract: An electrically actuated valve for control of a pressurized fluid, particularly a sanitary valve, comprises a rotor (15) arranged in a housing (1) between an inlet passageway (6) and an outlet passageway (7). The rotor (15) is rotatable under the action of the pressurized fluid and transports portions of the fluid from the inlet passageway (6) to the outlet passageway (7). There is an operational connection between the rotor (15) and an element (19) rotatably arranged in a chamber (21) filled with an electro-viscous liquid (22). The electro-viscous liquid (22) is arranged between two electrodes (23, 24) to which as high voltage (25) can be applied. In one embodiment of the invention the rotor (15) also forms the closure element of the valve, which is braked to a various extent by the rotatable element (19) arranged in the electro-viscous liquid. In a further embodiment rotation of the rotor will supplied to a closure member via the rotatable element, which will then be an element of a clutch, and gear means.

Abstract: This invention relates to an automatic flowrate regulator for ventilation and air-conditioning installations, wherein it comprises a rigid flap articulated in the body and which is subjected, on the one hand, to elastic means, on the other hand, to the pressure of the air stream, this antagonistic action ensuring control of said flap which at any moment leaves free a section adapted to ensure balancing of the installation.

Abstract: A volume flow controller for air conditioning and ventilation apparatus which has a pivotable flap in a flow duct whose pivot shaft has a lever arm and which is articulated to a spring. To provide a mechanically self-actuating volume flow controller, in which the spring is matched to the control process by a simple adjustment, the spring is a leaf spring whose one end is connected with a lever and whose other end is so fastened on a cam disk that upon adjustment of the cam disk about a rotation point, the leaf spring is entrained by the cam disk and rolls on the curve thereof. A device is provided for fixing the cam disk.

Abstract: A passive aspirator based on the Venturi effect has a pivotable flap in the inlet portion of a first air passage. The flap reduces the air flow through the passage when high pressure is present. A spring biases the flap toward an open position. Increasing air flow overcomes the spring force and tends to close the flap. This variable-volume flow allows use of a large enough passage to aspirate sufficient air at low flow rates but does not produce excess waste air at high flow rates.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating or controlling the outflow from a rain tank, a rain overflow, etc. contains a slide which, by a drive mechanism, can close the outlet line from the tank. The position of the slide is controlled by a control mechanism. The control mechanism is operated by the hydraulic oil of a hydraulic circuit having a hydraulic pump. The latter is driven by a turbine wheel, which is housed in a turbulence restrictor located downstream of the slide and which is rotated by the flow of the outflowing water.

Abstract: A flow rate limiting device (40) for a fuel dispensing nozzle (10) having an inlet (12) through which fuel is supplied to said nozzle (10) from a supply hose (14) and an outlet (20) from which fuel is discharged, as into a tank of a vehicle. The device (40) includes a flow restrictor (42) which is mounted in the fuel dispensing nozzle in its internal flow passage (16) the flow restricter (42) is automatically operated to reduce the flow rate, when the flow rate of fuel through said nozzle (10) reaches a preselected threshold rate such as the rate established by governmental regulations. After the flow rate of the fuel in the internal flow passage (16) is reduced below the preselected threshold rate, the flow restriction is attentuated such that the flow in the passage (16) can increase and approach the threshold rate.

Abstract: A material regulating valve which controls the flow of an additive material into a primary material as a function of the volume, flow rate, and viscosity of the primary material. The device is comprised of a two sectioned body with a primary flow path and an additive flow path through the body such that the additive flow path intersects the primary flow path at one portion in the body. Located between the primary flow path and the additive flow path is a additive flow regulating component. The device also included a flow indicator which provides a visual confirmation when material is flowing through the primary path and a manual control component which provides a manual over ride of the normally self controlling flow regulating component.

Abstract: An automatic shut-off safety valve comprising a movable poppet held in a stable position by magnets and a movable weight. On the occurrence of an abnormal condition, such as a seismic event, the movable weight is displaced and gravity carries the poppet downward until it engages a valve seat, closing off fluid flow. Magnets may also be used to hold the poppet in its closed position. Modifications include using the fluid flow itself to assist in displacing the poppet from its stable position.

Abstract: The passage of ore through a pass is controlled by means of a rotatably mounted arcuate door which is orientated so that a convex face of the door faces oncoming material flow. When the rate of material flow is so high that the door is forced open, fins on a concave face of the door react with the material flow and a force is generated which rotates the door to a blocking position at which the rate of material flow is substantially reduced.

Abstract: An improved acoustic signal generator has rotor and stator elements, each having a plurality of radially-extending lobes and intervening ports relatively positioned and configured to establish fluid dynamic forces that bias the generator into an open position, thereby imparting a "stable open" characteristic to the generator. The rotor is located downstream of the stator, and rotor lobes are outwardly tapered in the downstream direction and have underlap relative to the upstream stator lobes. The invention is especially suited for use in oil industry MWD operations to communicate downhole measurement data to a well surface during drilling. In one embodiment, undercuts on the rotor lobes impart a flutter action which clears debris.

Abstract: The invention concerns a flow regulator, intended for gaseous substances, in particular for air in air-conditioning and ventilation installations, for maintaining the volumetric flow of the gaseous substance at desired magnitude with sufficient accuracy when the differential pressure acting across the flow regulator varies within desired limits. The flow regulator comprises an envelope and a regulating member disposed in the flow passage confined by the envelope. The flow regulator is provided with limiter members for limiting the differential pressure range of the flow regulator, said limiter members being disposed to restrict the movement of the regulating member. The limiters are adjustable and/or self-adjusting. The flow regulator has a scale for setting the limiter members.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a flow regulator for gaseous substances, particularly a flow regulator intended for air in air-conditioning and ventilation installations, for maintaining the volumetric flow of the gaseous substance at desired magnitude with sufficient accuracy when the differential pressure acting across the flow regulator varies within given limits. The flow regulator comprises an envelope and a regulating member turnably disposed in the flow passage confined by the envelope. The torque produced by the flow of gaseous substance on the regulating member and on the other hand a countertorque dependent on the position of the regulating member cause the regulating member turning in the flow passage to assume a position of equilibrium such that the requisite pressure drop is obtained for maintaining the volumetric flow rate at predetermined magnitude. The regulating member is substantially slightly curved at least in the flow surface facing the incoming flow of the gaseous substance.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a flow regulator for gaseous substances, particularly a flow regulator intended for air in air-conditioning and ventilation installations, for maintaining the volumetric flow of the gaseous substance at desired magnitude with sufficient accuracy when the differential pressure acting across the flow regulator varies within given limits. The flow regulator comprises an envelope and a regulating member turnably disposed in the flow passage confined by the envelope (11). The torque produced by the flow of gaseous substance on the regulating member and on the other hand a counter-torque dependent on the position of the regulating member cause the regulating member turning in the flow passage to assume a position of equilibrium such that the requisite pressure drop is obtained for maintaining the volumetric flow rate at predetermined magnitude.

Abstract: A volume flow or pressure regulating device is described which is especially suitable for air conditioning or air heating systems. The device transmits a torque moment function onto the flap control shaft in response to the flap angle. The device includes primarily a shaft (2) which is rotatably supported and extends through a conduit (3) in which the flap is mounted on the shaft which cooperates with a curved cam disk (10). One end of a tension cable (9) is secured to a circumferential point of the cam disk and the other end of the tension cable (9) is secured to the free end of a bending spring 6, the opposite end of which is secured to a fixed point. An adjustable tensioning member (7) defines, in accordance with its position relative to the length of the bending spring (6) the effective or bendable length of the bending spring (6).

Abstract: Hot water supply temperature is set by a temperature setting device in response to an instantaneous flow rate signal from a water flow rate sensor arranged in a water supply pipe and a feeding water temperature signal from a feeding water temperature sensor which are compared with a predetermined hot water supply temperature and calculated in a control unit. A proportional valve and other devices in a gas supply pipe are controlled in response to the result of the comparison and calculation to define a required volume of gas for ignition and heating. At the same time, a fan damper is controlled by a damper control device so as to adjust the volume of combustion air. A signal representing discharging hot water temperature from a discharging hot water temperature sensor arranged in a hot water feeding pipe is fed back to the control unit and calculated therein, and a valve in the hot water supply pipe is adjusted in response to the result of calculation to attain the desired hot water supply temperature.

Abstract: An automatic storm choke valve having two vertically spaced-apart valve members movable longitudinally within a valve housing to open and close the valve. A pair of vanes pivotally affixed to an upper valve member at its lower end are kept in a preset oblique position by a pair of compression springs, mounted within the upper valve member, allowing a predetermined amount of fluid to pass through the valve. The vanes cause the valve members to rotate responsive to an upward fluid flow within the housing. A pressure equilization chamber affixed below the lower valve member is provided with a compression spring, which in its expanded position tends to keep the valve open.

Abstract: The invention concerns a volume flow regulator for ventilation systems with a conduit section (1) in which a regulating part (3) is pivotably mounted about an axle (2) which bisects the conduit cross section, whereby the regulating part (3) has a basically even surface on its leading side and a length which corresponds to the conduit height.In order to reduce the noises produced by the volume flow regulator itself, the regulating part (3) has a semicircular section in a plane vertical to its pivot axle (2), whereby the section radius corresponds to one half the conduit height. In a rectangular conduit section the regulating part (3) is a semicylinder whose curved contour fits against a conduit wall with a slight amount of play in all regulating positions. The regulating part can be balanced in various ways. In addition, a diffuser (24, 27) can be connected in after it which also functions as a sound absorber.

Abstract: A valve includes a piezoelectric bar mounted as a cantilevered beam. The free end of the bar is mounted for movement toward and away from a valve seat surrounding a control opening. The beam is initially flexed when in the closed position so as to maintain a fluid-tight seal with the seat. Application of an electrical signal causes the bar to flex further, thereby causing the deflectable beam portion to move away from the valve seat and permitting fluid to flow through the control opening. The beam valve may be designed to provide a substantially constant flow independent of changes in the pressure differential thereacross, and to exert a minimum closing force against a seat to provide a substantially fluidtight seal therewith in the absence of a command signal applied to the bar.

Abstract: A fluid flow regulator wherein a shaft which extends transversely of the passage in a tubular housing carries a flap having two mutually inclined sections. A spring biases the flap to a fully open position and the flap is moved from such open position toward a fully closed position by the fluid which flows through the passage in a direction from the one toward the other axial end of the housing. A flow restricting device is installed in the housing so that it defines one or more channels for the flow of fluid against one or more selected portions of or against the entire flap, depending upon whether the flap extends across the entire passage or across a central portion of the passage. The flow restricting device enhances the sensitivity of the flap so that the latter can change its position in response to each variation of the pressure of fluid which is caused to flow through the housing at a relatively low pressure.

Abstract: A modulating flow control valve assembly having a bypass extending from the face of the valve through the valve and the means by which the valve is mounted within the valve body. As the valve moves within the valve body in response to fluid demands, the amount of bypass fluid is varied accordingly by controlling the amount of fluid permitted to pass through the bypass.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses a method and apparatus for assisting in the operation of air control dampers. An air deflector is positioned downstream from a rotatable damper in an air conduit. The deflector is positioned to direct air moving over one side of the damper against the damper during opening to assist in the opening movement and thereby reduce the amount of weight which would otherwise be required. The same deflector is positioned so that upon closing of the damper air will be deflected against the opposite side of the damper blade to augment the torque forces tending to close the damper while also reducing the pressure drop from one side of the damper to the other. In another embodiment of the invention a sail blade is provided upstream from the control damper to assist in closing the damper at low flow conditions.