Abstract: Balanced plug assemblies and pressure regulators having balanced plug assemblies are described herein. A pressure regulator disclosed herein includes a device body defining a fluid passageway between an inlet and an outlet. The device body defines a channel between the fluid passageway and a pressure sense chamber. The pressure regulator includes a seat in the fluid passageway, a stem having a flange, and a plug coupled to the stem. The pressure regulator also includes a stem guide disposed in the channel of the device body. The flange of the stem disposed in a balance chamber of the stem guide and divides the balance chamber into a first balance chamber portion and a second balance chamber portion. The stem guide at least partially forms a balance passage that fluidly couples the pressure sense chamber and the second balance chamber portion.

Abstract: An improved, self-balancing water distribution system uses siphon characteristics to maintain negative pressure within the water system and to enable distribution of water to one or more distribution points, such as drinker lines with drinker nipples, at a controlled pressure, for consumption by poultry. The system includes water conduit connected to and configured to distribute water from a water supply reservoir to the one or more distribution points. The water level of the water supply reservoir is used to control the water pressure within the system. A vacuum apparatus is connected to the water conduit to remove entrapped air within the system to help maintain negative pressure within the conduit and throughout the system.

Abstract: An inhaler comprising a reservoir of an inhalable composition. A housing contains the reservoir and has an outlet end and an opposite end. A composition flow path for the flow of the composition extends from the reservoir along the flow path and out of a composition outlet at the outlet end of the housing. A flexible diaphragm within the housing defines an air flow path from an air inlet to an air outlet at the outlet end of the housing, the diaphragm extending past the air flow inlet towards the opposite end separating the air flow path on one side of the diaphragm from the remainder of the housing on the opposite side of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A pressure regulator includes a housing having an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion, the lower housing portion defining an annular recess and the upper housing portion having a bottom surface, an annular protrusion extending from the bottom surface, a diaphragm disposed between the upper housing portion and the lower housing portion, the diaphragm including an outer lip having a first thickness, a flexible connecting section connected to the outer lip and having a second thickness smaller than the first thickness, and an annular inner section connected to the flexible connecting section, the outer lip having a bottom surface disposed in the annular recess and a top surface, and the protrusion being pressed into the top surface so that the outer lip seals between the upper housing portion and the lower housing portion.

Abstract: An actuator for a fluid regulator includes two or more control springs operatively connected to a diaphragm such that at least two of the control springs bias the diaphragm independently in parallel and have different natural frequencies. A method for retrofitting a prior art actuator to include a second control spring is also disclosed.

Abstract: Valve bodies having integral boost reducing capability are described herein. An example fluid regulator includes a body having a main passageway defining an orifice to fluidly couple an inlet and an outlet where the main passageway defines an inlet volume boundary between the inlet and the orifice and an outlet volume boundary between the orifice and the outlet. A portion of the outlet volume boundary includes an inner wall adjacent the orifice. A valve plug is disposed within the second portion of the passageway such that the inner wall substantially surrounds an outer surface of the valve plug to substantially restrict fluid flow between the inner wall and the outer surface of the valve plug and toward the throat. The valve body having a secondary fluid passage within the outlet volume boundary to increase fluid flow toward the throat of the valve body when a fluid flows across the orifice.

Abstract: A device for controlling fluid delivery includes a hollow body closed by opposed end walls having an inlet and an outlet for a pressurized fluid and defining a first variable-volume chamber, between the inlet and the outlet for containing a first volume of pressurized fluid, an obturating member interacting with the downstream end wall of the hollow body for selectively closing the outlet, a guide member associated with the obturating member guiding it between a first end closing position and a second end opening position of the outlet; and an operating system acting upon the closure member to promote sliding thereof in the hollow body. The obturating member is movable relative to the guide member and is internally hollow to enclose the first chamber, and the guide member has a passage allowing fluid communication between the inlet and the first chamber. An air weapon incorporating the device.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensation apparatus for underwater use by a SCUBA diver, includes a pressurized air source, a buoyancy vest including air chambers and a pressure regulating unit. The pressure regulating unit includes a chamber in communication with the vest air chambers and the pressurized air source. The pressure regulating unit also includes a normally closed air injection valve and a normally closed relief valve. The wall of the pressure regulating unit chamber includes a flexible portion that flexes inwardly when outside water pressure exceeds the pressure in the vest air chambers, which, in turn, opens the air injection valve. The relief valve opens when air pressure in the vest air chambers exceeds outside water pressure. The air injection and relief valves respond faster than the walls of the buoyancy vest air chambers so that the volume of the vest air chambers remain generally constant even as the diver changes depth.

Abstract: A gas engine regulator includes a decompression chamber defined internally of the regulator and having a gas inlet through which liquefied gas fuel enters and a gas outlet through which the gas fuel exits. The gas inlet is provided at one end side of the decompression chamber while the gas outlet is provided at an opposite end side laterally spaced via a space from the one end side. The regulator also includes a partitioning wall disposed to surround the gas outlet and having a gas passage communicating with the gas outlet, the gas passage having a passage inlet disposed upwardly of the gas inlet.

Abstract: A manually operable gas regulator includes a knob, an upper cover, a return spring, a movable block, a pressure adjusting spring, a diaphragm assembly, a body, and a lever pivotably mounted to the body. An upper end of the diaphragm assembly abuts a lower end of the pressure adjusting spring whose upper end abuts a lower end of the movable block. An upper end of the movable block abuts a lower end of the movable block securely engaged with the upper cover and the knob. Rotation of the knob causes upward/downward movement of an axle of the diaphragm assembly to pivot the lever. A plug on an end of the lever is moved to accurately control the flow of gas and to accurately close or open an output end of an inlet passage of the body.

Abstract: A fluid regulating device comprises an actuator with upper and lower housing components. The upper and lower housing components are secured together at mating flanges via a plurality of fasteners. The upper housing component is formed with a vent to contain a relief valve, which exhausts fluid to the atmosphere under overpressure conditions. The upper housing component is constructed such that it does not require a pedestal or fins extending between the vent and the flange, which advantageously provides a completely unobstructed, continuous, ring-shaped flange for receiving and manipulating the fasteners during assembly and/or maintenance of the regulating device.

Abstract: An example internal relief valve disclosed herein includes a relief valve seat coupled to a first end of the relief valve stem and to engage a first side of a sensing apparatus to prevent fluid flow between the first side of the sensing apparatus and a second side of the sensing apparatus when the internal relief valve is in a closed position. A bleed hole within a surface of the sensing apparatus and separate from the opening of the sensing apparatus is dimensioned to provide a controlled flow rate between the first side and the second side of the sensing apparatus when the internal relief valve is in an open position. A seal is disposed along a body of the relief valve stem upstream from the bleed hole and the valve seat to prevent fluid flow between the first side of the sensing apparatus and the second side of the sensing apparatus via the opening of the sensing apparatus when the relief valve is in the open position.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methodology for remotely shutting off gas flow at a consumer location. A gas pressure regulator is configured to respond to communication signals from a central facility via a communications infrastructure to override normal pressure regulation functions such that the gas pressure regulator outlet pressure is reduced to zero.

Abstract: A regulator comprises a regulator valve and an actuator. The actuator is coupled to the regulator valve and comprises a control element for controlling the flow of fluid through the regulator valve. The actuator is additionally equipped with a pressure averaging sense tube to sense the actual pressure at the outlet of the regulator valve. The actual pressure is then supplied to a sensing element such as a diaphragm of the actuator to adjust the position of the control element. The pressure averaging sense tube includes an open sensing end and an elongated slot. The elongated slot advantageously senses and averages the pressure across the length of the sense tube to maximize the accuracy of the pressure signal supplied to the sensing element.

Abstract: A gas regulator includes an actuator, a valve, and a balanced port housing disposed within the valve for flow conditioning to convert turbulent flow within the valve to laminar flow when the fluid reaches the sensing point of a Pitot tube disposed within the outlet of the valve. The balancing port housing includes an opening through a sidewall and disposed between a valve port of the valve and the outlet. The opening may include a partial obstruction, such as baffles or a mesh screen over which the fluid flows to convert the turbulent flow to laminar flow. The regulator may further include balanced trim having a balancing diaphragm in fluid communication with the upstream pressure to apply a force to a valve disc of the valve in the opposite direction of the force applied to the valve disc by the upstream pressure so that the upstream pressure does not affect the regulator's control of the downstream pressure.

Abstract: A gas regulator includes an actuator, a valve, and a cartridge disposed within the valve to advantageously direct, or “boost,” fluid downstream and away from the actuator under normal operating conditions, thereby increasing the operating efficiency of the regulator. The cartridge includes a first portion with a first diameter and a second portion with a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. During normal operation, the first portion receives a valve disc of the actuator within generally tight tolerances such that the valve disc and the cartridge restrict fluid communication between the valve and the actuator. This directs or “boosts” the gas toward the outlet of the valve. Additionally, during a relief operation, the second portion of the cartridge receives the valve disc to allow the free flow of gas to the actuator.

Abstract: Apparatus to configure fluid regulators are described. In one example, a stem guide for use with a fluid regulator is described. The stem guide includes a body having an opening to slidably receive a valve stem and an outer surface having a plurality of circumferential seals that removably couple the body within a bore of a regulator casing and align the body with the regulator casing or a valve.

Abstract: A gas regulator includes an actuator, a regulator valve, and pressure loading device. The pressure loading device provides a pressure load to a surface of a diaphragm of the actuator to act against a downstream pressure being applied to the opposite surface of the diaphragm and being controlled by the regulator. As the downstream pressure varies and the diaphragm displaces to move a control element to regulate the downstream pressure, the pressure loading device maintains a specified load pressure. The regulator may further include a balanced trim applying a balancing force to offset a force of an upstream pressure on the control element.

Abstract: A multiple-input gas adjuster includes a case having a chamber therein, an input channel, an output channel communicated with the chamber, a first input bore and a second input bore communicated with the input channel and the chamber. A pressure adjusting mechanism has a film assembly, a movable shaft to be reciprocated by the film assembly, a swing device pivoted in the case with an end thereof connected to the movable shaft and an opposite end for sealing the second input bore, and a driving device received in the first input bore and connected to the movable shaft for reciprocation to seal the first input bore. High pressure gas may flows into the first and second input bores through the input channel for pressure adjusting operation. With the action of the pressure adjusting mechanism, the present invention provides a well pressure reducing and stabilizing performance.

Abstract: A one-piece gas pressure regulator, comprising a main body having a first threaded port at the bottom thereof for a threaded connection with a high-pressure gas bottle. An admission passage is formed above the first threaded port and extended to a hollow pressure chamber within the main body. The hollow pressure chamber has an escape channel for ejecting the gas via an output control element, wherein the main body includes a second threaded port having a greater diameter and is positioned above the hollow pressure chamber. The second threaded port is adapted to receive a cylindrical body. The inside of the cylindrical body is divided by a partition into an upper and a lower chamber. The partition has a through hole in the middle thereof. The upper chamber is adapted to receive a pressure detector while the lower chamber is used to receive a pressure-adjusting element. The through hole is formed in such a way that a connecting head of a pressure detector is extended into the through hole.

Abstract: A valve device has a pressure chamber, which is connected to a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet and retains liquid, and a pressure regulator decreasing the pressure in the pressure chamber to a predetermined level. The pressure regulator has a pressure receiving member. When the pressure in the pressure chamber becomes lower than the predetermined level, the pressure receiving member is elastically deformed in an inward direction of the pressure chamber. The pressure regulator generates actuation force greater than the pressing force produced by the elastic deformation of the pressure receiving member. The pressure regulator is configured to be opened by the actuation force. When the pressure regulator is open, a fluid supply from the liquid inlet to the pressure chamber is permitted. It is thus possible to minimize the valve device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas regulator which is intended to be mounted on a gas delivery pipe connecting a gas source to a user device. The inventive regulator comprises a pressure regulation mechanism which is controlled by the movement of a mobile element. The invention is characterised in that it comprises a casing housing at least one adjustable prestressed actuator which acts on the aforementioned mobile element and which can be used to take account of the altimetric pressure variation.

Abstract: A pressure regulator that has particular application for an anode input side of a fuel cell system to provide the desired large turn-down ratio. The pressure regulator includes at least two valves positioned in parallel where the first valve is smaller than the second valve. The first valve is opened and closed and the second valve is maintained closed at low flow rates. Once the flow rate is high enough, the first valve is maintained completely open, and the second valve is opened and closed to control the flow at high flow rates.

Abstract: A pressure regulator (10) includes a changeover regulator (12) with plural inlets (16, 18). Inside the regulator, each inlet has a closure member (62) connected to a diaphragm (100) for control of the closure members (62) in response to pressure inside the regulator (12). Biasing members (56) are stabilized in position by either an apertured plate (102), a cup (104) or both. A changeover handle (19) depresses one spring (56) or the other to bias one closure member (62) open to admit gas from the associated inlet (16 or 18).

Abstract: A pressure regulator comprising a housing, a pivoting lever selectively covering a passage between an inlet port and an outlet port of the housing, a diaphragm interconnected to the lever to rotate the lever in reaction to pressure levels in the housing, and a closure member abutting the pivoting lever and covering the passage to prevent fluid flow through the passage. The pressure regulator can have the closure member not being directly connected to the lever, a stabilizer element frictionally abutting a pivot pin as the lever rotates to thereby stabilize movement of the lever, an adjustment member that translates rotational movement of an adjustment cap into compression or decompression of a biasing element without applying a rotational force to the biasing element, and/or the cap including a tab configured to be selectively inserted at least one slot on the housing to prevent rotation of the adjustment cap.

Abstract: A water pressure regulator for a watering system of an animal house is provided with a water inlet member comprising a watering path and a flush path. The watering path is operably engaged by the regulating valve. The inlet member is manually movable relative to the housing, to position the watering path outlet relative to the regulating valve to prevent the regulating valve from engaging the inlet member, thereby placing the regulator in a flush mode. The flush path has a water exit into the regulator spaced from the watering path port, and hence is not engagable by the regulating valve. A flush valve is provided in the flush path, and is moveable between a closed position in which the regulator will operate in a drinking mode and an open position in which the regulator will be in a flush mode. An actuator is provided which is operated by a control system to allow for automatic flushing of the watering line according to a predetermined schedule.

Abstract: A pressure reducing fluid regulator having a housing with a flange including a plurality of ear-shaped protrusions is disclosed. Each of the protrusions includes at least one aperture configured to receive fastener such that the circumferential spacing between first and second fasteners is less than the circumferential spacing between the second fastener and a third fastener. The regulator includes a valve having a valve seat, a valve disc, a valve stem coupled to the valve disc and a valve guide that holds the valve stem. A lever having a first end coupled to the valve stem and a second end coupled to a diaphragm applies a force to the valve stem in a direction that is non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the valve stem to cause the valve stem to frictionally engage the valve guide. The valve stem includes a stop that limits travel of the valve stem and disc toward the valve seat.

Abstract: A device for regulating a flow of gas toward user equipment, which comprises a first regulation stage and a second regulation stage arranged downstream in a direction of flow of the gas to be controlled, further comprising a flow limiter interposed between the first and second regulation stages and adapted to intervene if the second stage malfunctions.

Abstract: A second stage pressure reducer for two-stage scuba regulators, comprising gas supply chamber; an elastic diaphragm; an inlet, connected to the gas supply chamber through an orifice; a tubular element, conveying breathing gas from the orifice to the gas supply chamber; a poppet stem, housed inside the tubular element; a poppet seat, affixed to the poppet stem and causing the orifice to open or close; a poppet spring, causing the poppet stem to slide; centering tabs, protruding from the poppet stem and maintaining the poppet stem in a constant axial position and further allowing the poppet stem to slide axially; a guide system for preventing axial rotation of the poppet stem but not axial sliding; and a demand lever, causing translations of the poppet stem as a consequence of diaphragm movements. The guide system may be a system of grooves, rails or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A pressure regulator comprising a housing, a pivoting lever, a diaphragm and a stabilizer element. The housing has an inlet port and an outlet port. The pivoting lever selectively covers a section of a passage between the inlet port and the outlet port. The diaphragm is interconnected to the pivoting lever to rotate the lever in reaction to pressure levels in the housing. The stabilizer element is movable with the pivoting lever. The stabilizer element frictionally abuts a portion of the housing as the pivoting lever rotates to thereby stabilize movement of the pivoting lever.

Abstract: A diaphragm operated pressure regulating valve for connection between a source of gas under pressure and the point of use comprises an inlet port having an axis, a valve element coaxial with the inlet port and a coaxial ball and cam valve element actuating arrangement controlled by the diaphragm which is transverse to and coaxial with the inlet port.

Abstract: A diaphragm operated pressure regulating valve for connection between a source of gas under pressure and the point of use comprises an inlet port having an axis, a valve element coaxial with the inlet port and a coaxial ball and cam valve element actuating arrangement controlled by the diaphragm which is transverse to and coaxial with the inlet port.

Abstract: A measuring device for gas flows including a gas regulator positioned immediately upstream of a volumetric meter for determining the volume of a gas passing therethrough. The measuring device includes means for modifying the pressure of the gas expansion at the regulator output based on the temperature of the gas.

Abstract: A gas-pressure regulator has a body formed with a gas inlet and a gas outlet defined therein, a diaphragm separating the body from the bonnet, a lifting rod extending downward from the diaphragm, a pair of parallel protrusions projecting upward from the inner bottom of the body, a pair of aligned recesses formed on the tops of the protrusions, a pair of threaded holes defined in the tops of the protrusions near the respective recesses, and a pair of screws formed with heads above the protrusions and shanks screwed into the threaded holes. The gas-pressure regulator also includes a control lever having a first end and a second end, with a pair of pins near one end thereof extending integrally and laterally from opposite sides of the control lever. The pins are placed in the recesses of the protrusions and retained therein by the heads of the screws, and the second end of the control lever is connected to the lifting rod.

Abstract: A gas-pressure regulator has a body formed with a gas inlet and a gas outlet defined therein, a diaphragm separating the body from the bonnet, a lifting rod extending downward from the diaphragm, a pair of parallel protrusions projecting upward from the inner bottom of the body, a pair of aligned recesses formed on the tops of the protrusions, a pair of threaded holes defined in the tops of the protrusions near the respective recesses, and a pair of screws formed with heads above the protrusions and shanks screwed into the threaded holes. The gas-pressure regulator also includes a control lever having a first end and a second end, with a pair of pins near one end thereof extending integrally and laterally from opposite sides of the control lever. The pins are placed in the recesses of the protrusions and retained therein by the heads of the screws, and the second end of the control lever is connected to the lifting rod.

Abstract: The pivotal lever arm of a diaphragm-actuated fluid pressure regulator is provided with a damping spring arrangement for frictionally restraining pivotal displacement of the lever arm in response to turbulent flow of gas through the valve.

Abstract: A convertible two-mode pressure regulator in which a main valve regulates fluid flow between an inlet and an outlet in response to a control pressure produced by a mechanically operated regulator valve, the control pressure depending on the outlet pressure and the force applied by a compression spring to a diaphragm carrying a regulator valve closure element. Compression of the regulator spring is controlled by a mechanical lever assembly and a shaft assembly which is selectively positionable by a selector knob to obtain higher or lower regulator spring force. Adjustable stops provide for individual adjustment of low and high outlet pressures for each of two pressure ranges.

Abstract: A diaphragm-type gas pressure regulator wherein the valve subassembly is constructed as a drop-in unit. The valve subassembly includes a diaphragm lever and a plunger valve. A seat disk is inserted in a cavity at a first end of the plunger valve and the rounded pivot end of the lever is inserted in a groove at the other end of the plunger valve. The plunger valve is then inserted into a valve guide and a lever pin is installed through the guide and the lever, thereby capturing the subassembly. This subassembly is then placed into the regulator body and a mounting plate of the valve guide is screwed down into the regulator body. The lever is lifted up and its actuator end is inserted through an opening at the bottom of the valve stem of the regulator's diaphragm assembly. An orifice member is then threadedly installed into the regulator body inlet, the end of the orifice member having a valve seat which becomes seated in the end of the plunger valve guide.