Abstract: In a pneumatic pressure-reducer, the control rod for the control valve is supported and guided by two spring washers whose radial stiffness is at least around 200 times greater than the axial stiffness. Each washer comprises internal and external annular regions connected by at least three inclined arms, separated by openings. Preferably, a restriction is formed between a region of the pressure-reducer situated downstream from the valve and a comparison chamber, the pressure of which acts on a comparison capsule connected to the rod.

Abstract: A shower apparatus reduces the effects of water hammer within a portion of a flow route connecting a shower head to a supply, when a flow adjusting mechanism proximal the shower head is operated. The shower apparatus adjusts pressure of a supply fluid dependant upon the degree of throttling of the flow route and the flow adjusting mechanism controls the amount of flow of the supply fluid dependant upon a degree of opening thereof to the discharge end of a shower head. The structure providing the pressure adjustment and the flow adjusting mechanism are each disposed successively from upstream of the flow route, between a shower side flow route provided in a water plug and the shower head or a discharge end of the shower head.

Abstract: The transient response of a tied diaphragm gas pressure regulator is improved by reducing breakaway friction of a regulator valve with respect to its cooperating valve seat. This is preferably achieved by reducing the lateral load of the valve against the valve seat while the regulator is in a functional mode. In a disclosed embodiment an asymmetrical compression spring applies a force asymmetrically with respect to the axis of the valve. A tool permits adjusting the asymmetry of this force for counterbalancing existing lateral forces on the valve. As a result, overshoot of the gas pressure of the regulator with respect to a set outlet pressure at the onset of flow through the regulator can be substantially reduced or eliminated. The time necessary for providing a stable outlet pressure with the regulator after the onset of flow can also be significantly reduced.

Abstract: To effectively prevent a hydraulically operated change-over valve for a hydraulic brake system from fluttering, according to the present invention, an air cushion which attenuates pressure pulsations is incorporated in the inlet chamber of the valve. This air cushion is provided in a simple manner by a preassembled unit comprising a metal bowl, a diaphragm, and a metal annular disc which is calked at its periphery with the edge of the metal bowl so that the diaphragm is clamped in a sealed manner.

Abstract: A fluid control assembly that includes fluid valving, fluid regulation, automatic safety shut-off valving and manual shut-off valving in one assembly, a novel fluid control unit that integrates the above functions in one unit, and a novel ignitor and a novel seal and diaphragm for use in the assembly.

Abstract: A pressure reducing valve assembly (10) includes an elongated tubular body (12), a pressure reducing valve (16) for reducing the fluid pressure discharged from the valve assembly, a pressure relief valve (18) for permitting fluid to discharge from the valve assembly when the device to which the valve assembly is coupled experiences an over-pressure condition, and a reset valve (20) for resetting the pressure reducing valve when the fluid pressure on the high pressure side of the valve assembly is reduced below a pre-selected reset level. The pressure reducing valve, pressure relief valve, and reset valve are all positioned within the tubular body and coaxially aligned along the longitudinal axis (14) of the body. The reset valve is positioned within the confines of the pressure reducing valve, and the pressure relief valve utilizes the same compression spring (90) as the pressure reducing valve.

Abstract: A device for limiting the prestress of a control spring (17) which is particularly well-suited for pressure control valves and similar equipment, the control spring (17) being located in a spring housing (15) and supported on a spring plate (18) which can be adjusted by means of a rotating adjustable spindle (19) that is provided with a thread for prestressing the control spring (17), includes an end stop (22), which, by means of its own adjusting device which can be operated from outside the spring housing (15), can be adjusted and locked at any desired location between two end positions. When the spring plate (18) is moved in the direction which increases the prestress of the control spring (17), the spring plate (18) makes contact with the locking end stop (22), as a result of which the prestress of the control spring (17) is restricted to the preselected value.

Abstract: A valve body is formed in two half sections which are secured together to define a drain line passage and to confine therebetween a thin gate valve blade for movement between a lower open position and an upper closed position. An actuator includes a flexible bellows sealed to the valve body above the passage and a top plate connected by a rod to the valve blade. The valve body and the bellows define an expandable fluid chamber connected by a bottom port or line to the drain line. The valve body is installed within a sewage drain line extending under a floor. In the event sewage water backs up within the drain line, air within the fluid chamber is compressed to expand the bellows upwardly for closing the valve. When the sewage water flows from the drain line, the air pressure reduces, and the bellows collapses downwardly due to the weight of the top plate and automatically returns the valve blade downwardly to its open position.

Abstract: A gas regulator is of a modular construction, having a base providing coupling to a gas supply system and a body in which the pressure regulation elements are located. The base and body form a plug and socket type connection, the body being removable from the base, for repair or replacement without the base being disconnected from the gas supply. Inlet and outlet ports in the base align with corresponding inlet and outlet chambers in the body to provide a gas flow path through the regulator with the base and body connected.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a fluid product by injecting steam from a steam inlet and fluid product from a product inlet into a mixing chamber. The mixing chamber includes an outlet for the treated product, a steam injection opening with a first valve member disposed therein and a product injection opening with a second valve member disposed therein. The position of the first and second valve members determines the width of a substantially annular discharge orifice around each valve member. The discharge orifices face one another. The apparatus additionally includes pressure sensitive displacement means which permits movement of the second valve member in response to the pressure in the product inlet. The invention additionally relates to a method for treating a fluid product utilizing the apparatus as described above.

Abstract: An ice preventing device for use with an outside gas pressure regulator that has a pressure vent and a downwardly opening vent tube. The device includes a skirt connected to and surrounding the vent tube. The upper end of the skirt has an opening that communicates with the passage in the vent tube. The skirt also has an enlarged, flared-out lower end with an opening substantially greater than the area of the opening at the upper end. Located within the skirt is a baffle positioned in a generally horizontal plane. The baffle is positioned below the vent tube opening of the pressure regulator to prevent rain or freezing rain from splashing back upwardly into the passage.

Abstract: A second stage scuba pressure regulator having a valve seat and a floating piston that is free to travel axially within adjustable limits in relationship to the valve seat. Upon pressurization, the piston is pneumatically actuated to make contact with a valve seat set to a pre-adjusted contact interference. Upon depressurization, the piston is free to retract away from the valve seat to a position of no or minimal contact which will prevent long term deformation of the contacting surfaces.

Abstract: A gas mixing pressure regulator for a closed circuit breathing apparatus comprises a first inlet to provide pressurized air to the breathing apparatus, a pressure responsive demand valve for opening and closing a first inlet, a second inlet for supplying carbon dioxide-free exhaled air from the breathing apparatus, and a mixing chamber for mixing the pressurized air and exhaled air for supplying breathable air to the breathing apparatus. The demand valve is isolated from the mixing chamber by a check valve injector nozzle to prevent contamination thereof and is responsive to pressure demands from the breathing apparatus to ensure reliability, stability and long life.

Abstract: A pressure regulator for supplying water to an associated watering system for poultry or the like includes a top works structure and a bottom works structure which are formed of few parts, which are easy to manufacture and assemble together. The top works structure includes a cover seated within a cover and a reference spring assembly which includes a reference spring and a diaphragm membrane. The reference spring assembly can be adjusted to vary the outlet pressure of the regulator. The bottom works structure includes a body having an inlet through which water flows into the regulator from a supply and an outlet through which water flows out from the regulator to the associated watering system. A structure is provided for substantially isolating said diaphragm from water pressure in said regulator during flushing of the regulator and the associated watering system and during conditions of higher-demand for water.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved two-stage pressure regulators for various compressed gases, and more particularly to pressure regulators used for gaseous fuels such as compressed or liquified natural gas. The pressure regulator of the present invention is a robust, compact, high flow, low droop, low pressure drop and low creep regulator which is suitable for both OEM and aftermarket use. It can be used by itself, or with an optional third stage to provide a three stage regulator such as the atmospheric (or zero pressure differential) types commonly used to regulate the fuel pressure for gaseous carburetion systems. It is particularly useful in mono-, bi-, and dual fuel engine applications.

Abstract: A gaseous fuel pressure regulator includes a moveable diaphragm that subdivides the regulator housing into a pressurized gas chamber and a reference pressure control chamber. A coil spring in the control chamber exerts a control force on the diaphragm in opposition to the gaseous fuel pressure that is to be regulated. The diaphragm is connected to a lever that carries a poppet valve element associated with a gaseous fuel inlet port supplying unregulated pressurized gaseous fuel to the gas chamber. An arcuate baffle structure partially surrounds the inlet port, such that gaseous fuel flow is directed from the inlet port toward the gas chamber central axis, instead of flowing directly from the inlet port to a nearby outlet port.

Abstract: A fluid flow regulator having a spring clip frictionally engaging the pivoting regulator lever to stabilize flow fluctuations. Alternatively, a disk wedge with opposite leg portions frictionally engages the moving regulator diaphragm.

Abstract: A fluid pressure regulator having various features that contribute to a low cost regulator that is easy to assemble from components that require less machining than existing regulator designs of comparable performance.

Abstract: A vehicular brake booster using fluid pressurized by a hydraulic power steering system hydraulic pump. Fluid pressure is controlled by using a pressure regulator in the pump output and by electronically switching fixed orifices in a boost developing valve controlling fluid flow within the power steering system. Additional control is effected by electronically opening and closing apply and relief valves controlling fluid flow respectively to and from a brake power booster for differing periods.

Abstract: A valve body is formed in two half sections which are secured together to define a drain line passage and to confine therebetween a thin gate valve blade for movement between a lower open position and an upper closed position. A cylindrical bellows is sealed to the valve body above the passage and is covered by circular top plate which is connected by a rod to the valve blade. The bellows defines an expandable fluid chamber connected by a bottom port to the drain line passage. The valve body is connected within a sewage drain line extending under a floor. In the event sewage water backs up within the drain line, air within the bellows is compressed to expand the bellows upwardly for closing the valve. When the sewage water drains from the drain line, the air pressure reduces, and the bellows collapses due to the weight of the top cover plate and automatically returns the valve blade downwardly to its open position.

Abstract: In a fluid pressure regulator, the combination comprising a body forming a cavity and a cap on the body extending over the cavity, the cap and body carrying interengaging threads allowing rotary make-up of the cap on the body; a diaphragm in the cavity and seated on a ledge formed by the body, thereby to form a seal; a pressure transmitting element in the cavity to transmit cap pressure to said seal, the body having flow porting and there being a poppet in the body and movable to control fluid flow via the porting; a spring in the cap and structure in the cavity and axially movable to transmit spring pressure to the diaphragm, the poppet carried for axial movement with the structure, and blocking means to block relative rotary movement between the pressure transmitting element and at least one of the body and the structure.

Abstract: The invention provides a dual lumen vascular access catheter having a compact connection structure free of flexible tubing and including valves providing a visual indication of the status of the valves and hence of the catheter. The catheter includes a flexible main body defining first and second lumens and extending longitudinally between proximal and distal ends, and a relatively rigid compact connection structure is coupled directly to the main body at the proximal end of the main body. The connection structure includes a housing defining the first and second channels which extend from the first and second lumens in communication with these lumens for providing flow between the lumens and external equipment. First and second valves in the housing are positioned in the respective first and second channels in fixed relationship one with the other.

Abstract: A fuel injection control mechanism for use in a fuel system is adapted to be connected between a fuel injection pump and a fuel injector. The mechanism includes a main passage, a chamber, a primary valve connecting the main passage to the chamber, a piston disposed within the chamber, a spring biasing the piston toward the primary valve and an adjustment compartment. A wall separates the chamber from the adjustment compartment, and a removable cap encloses the adjustment compartment. Apparatus is provided for adjusting the biasing force of the spring and travel limits of the piston. Adjustment can be accomplished to vary fluid characteristics in the fuel delivered to the injector without the need to disassemble the mechanism or disconnect the mechanism from the fuel system.

Abstract: A pressure reducing valve includes a first screw member on which a nut for adjusting the spring force of a pressure regulating spring travels, and a second screw member screwed into the first screw member and provided with a stopper for limiting the travel range of the nut at the tip. The second screw member can be displaced with respect to the first screw member along its length, so that the limiting range of the stopper against the travelling nut is adjustable.

Abstract: A stabilizer for fluid pressure regulators enhancing regulator stability without affecting the regulator capacity. A stabilizer cartridge with a flexible flapper element has three flapper apertures symmetrically located around the flapper outer perimeter. Each aperture is centered within a window of the stabilizer. Means are provided to mount the stabilizer in proper location and orientation of the apertures within the regulator lower casing throat to sense downstream pressure without affecting regulator capacity.

Abstract: A gas regulator has a pressure control diaphragm biased by a spring. The force of the spring upon the diaphragm, and thus the operating pressure for the regulator, is controlled by a linear travel bushing bearing against the spring. The bushing is preferably threaded upon a shaft, the rotation of which allows travel of the bushing. The top end of the shaft is recessed within a bore in the regulator housing to deter tampering. The shaft may be locked in position by use of a recessed setscrew, while the access bore may be provided with a cover.

Abstract: The invention provides a dual lumen vascular access catheter having a main body defining first and second lumens and a connection structure which includes coupling means attaching the structure to the main body. First and second channels extend from the respective first and second lumens for attaching the catheter to equipment, and first and second rotary valves are positioned in the respective first and second channels. The valves include operators rotatable in generally the same plane to operate the valves and to provide a ready visual indication of the positions of the valves.

Abstract: A high pressure fluid valve including a valve body (16), a valving member (18), a first handle (20), a yoke (15), and a second handle (128). The yoke (15) is sized and shaped to fit over the valve body (16) and has a throughhole (116) sized, shaped, and positioned to be brought into register with an end of a passageway (26) in the valve body (16). The second handle (128) is manually manipulatable from the exterior of the valve body (16), is operably connected to the yoke (15) such that movement of the second handle (128) in one direction causes the throughhole (116) in the yoke (15) to be brought into register with the end of the passageway (26) in the valve body (16), and is sufficiently spaced from the first handle (20) to permit easy manual manipulation of both the first handle (20) and the second handle (128).

Abstract: An improved fluid system and method of monitoring fluid volume in a supply cylinder is provided. A pressure regulator is disposed immediately downstream from a shutoff valve associated with the supply cylinder. A meter or gage is then positioned downstream of the regulator to monitor outlet or downstream pressure. The fluid volume in the supply cylinder upstream of the regulator is then determined by means of a modified gage. A data processor and pressure transducer may also be associated with the system to monitor other parameters or provide further information related to system performance.

Abstract: A filter device comprises a central tube, a housing enclosing the central tube and defining an internal chamber therewith, and a filter body within the internal chamber. The central tube includes a plug between the inlet and outlet which directs the fluid to flow from the inlet through the filter body and out through the outlet. The housing and filter body are mounted for sliding movement axially of the central tube from a normal filtering position wherein the housing inlet communicates with the upstream side of the filter body, to a back-flushing position wherein the inlet communicates with the downstream side of at least a portion of the filter body. The housing may also include a valve member moved therewith under differential pressure between the housing inlet and outlet to regulate the pressure at the outlet.

Abstract: A fluid pressure regulator having a flow path from inlet port to outlet port. Reduction of particulates which might be generated by the regulator itself are minimized by the absence of springs, freely moving parts, and rubbing contacts in the flow path, and by minimizing the cavity volume.

Abstract: A pressure regulating valve with a push pull adjusting knob includes a valve body housing a valve member defining an annular seat adapted for engagement with a knife edge seat on a valve sleeve insert. The valve member is opened and closed by a flexible diaphragm operating mechanism, the diaphragm being exposed on one side to outlet valve pressure and on its opposite side to the atmosphere and a valve control spring. A valve stem rotatably mounted in a valve bonnet adjusts a valve nut for varying the compression of the spring, and thereby the spring force on the diaphragm. A push-pull adjusting knob slidably and rotatably engages the valve stem. The knob is locked against the bonnet in one axial position and is released from the bonnet in the opposite axial position for rotating the valve stem. A detent between the valve stem and adjusting knob provides resistance to the adjusting knob movement, and knob movement is limited by a cap threadably engaged with the end of the adjusting screw.

Abstract: A reservoir loading valve accomplishing a pressure protection of the reservoir circuit comprises a pre-control valve subject to the pressure of the control circuit and which controls depending on this pressure a switching valve the piston of which in turn controls the connection between a pump and a working hydraulic and the reservoir circuit. The reservoir circuit is supplied with pressure fluid through a blind bore and a transverse bore in the piston of the switching valve, while a flow control orifice is provided in the blind bore and controls the size of the flow of volume flowing to the reservoir circuit. When the reservoir is loaded and the working hydraulic circuit is connected, the piston of the switching valve will be displaced by the high pressure delivered by the pump into a position in which the connection between the pump and the reservoir circuit is completely interrupted.

Abstract: A pressure operated regulator valve has a regulator spring that is held in place by a spring holder. The spring holder may be inserted into a spring housing and once inserted is locked in place. Adjustment of the valve spring may be made but the spring cannot be removed.

Abstract: Devices for and methods of pressurizing or depressurizing a particular pressurizable container or housing in a substantially linear, fixed manner independent of the pressurized volume of the container are disclosed herein. These devices are especially suitable in an arrangement for taking blood pressure in which a cuff wrapped around a body part of a patient is pressurized or alternatively depressurized to detect the patient's systolic and diastolic pressures. The device acts on the cuff so that the latter is pressurized or depressurized in a substantially linear, fixed manner independent of the pressurized volume of the cuff, that is, independent of the size of the cuff.

Abstract: A diaphragm type gas pressure reducing regulator and adapter in combination in which the adapter serves to isolate the diaphragm from the valve seat in the regulator in response to a spontaneous ignition. The adapter comprises a plunger which intercouples the valve and the diaphragm assembly during normal operation of the regulator and isolates the diaphragm assembly from the valve in response to a spontaneous ignition within the regulator body upstream of the diaphragm assembly.

Abstract: A fluid pressure regulator is described including a movable regulator member and means biassing same to its fully-open position, the regulator member being exposed to the outlet pressure for moving same in the opposite direction and including a pressure-sensor surface portion which, when the regulator member is in its fully-open position, engages an inner face of the housing such as to reduce the effective area of the pressure-sensor surface. The regulator member is thus retained in its fully-open position by the biassing means until the actual outlet pressure exceeds the regulated value by a preselected pressure differential, at which time the regulator member is moved by the outlet pressure away from its fully-open position, thereby making effective its complete pressure-sensor surface to thereafter regulate the outlet pressure.

Abstract: A spool valve and seal having zero leakage includes a spool valve member having a hollow interior translatable within a bore in a valve body with inlet pressure connected through ports to the hollow interior of the spool valve member. A series of radial orifices axially displaced from the inlet ports communicate the interior with the exterior surface of said spool valve member, the outlets of said orifices terminating in chamfered edges. A seal is positioned adjacent the spool valve member in an annular groove formed in the surface of the bore within which the spool member is translated, the seal being positioned to prevent leakage between the inlet pressure passages and an outlet chamber in said valve body.

Abstract: A vacuum modulating chamber of a vacuum control valve is communicated with a diaphragm chamber of a EGR valve for controlling an amount of exhaust gas to be recirculated into combustion chambers of an engine, so that a modulated negative pressure is applied thereto. The chamber is provided with a diaphragm deflected responding to the negative pressure in the chamber. The vacuum control valve is further provided with a cam member and a spring which urges the diaphragm in one direction so as to change a value at which the pressure in the vacuum modulating chamber is controlled. A push rod is movably held by a cam follower and another spring is provided for urging the push rod in the above direction. The spring force of the other spring is applied to the diaphragm, when a rotational angle of the cam member exceeds a predetermined angle, so that the negative pressure is changed rapidly.

Abstract: A nine position air pressure regulator includes a main regulator body member having an unregulated first pressure cavity, a regulated second pressure cavity and a valve seat between the cavities. A diaphragm is in sealing relationship to the second cavity, and the first end of a pressure regulation spring presses against the diaphragm to tend to force it into the second cavity. The spring operates inside of a cylinder, and a yoke is located at the second end of the spring away from the diaphragm. A rotor ring is rotatably mounted with respect to the main body member and threadably mounts a plurality of pairs of cap screw stops. The stops of each pair of screw stops are spaced 180.degree. apart from each other around the rotor and are adjusted to terminate at the same distance from the rotor bottom. By rotating the rotor ring, any desired pair of screw stops can be vertically aligned under the outer ends of the yoke.

Abstract: A pressure reducer for hydraulic brake systems comprises a stepped piston carrying a sealing ring in a circumferential groove thereof. The sealing section of the sealing ring begins at the groove wall adjacent the outlet chamber and joins a transitional section of smaller diameter adjacent the inlet chamber. The sealing ring fills the groove essentially completely at least in the sealing section. Preferably the sealing ring abuts the bottom of the groove over its entire axial length. This results in a defined position for the sealing section without excessive friction and wear occurring during operation.

Abstract: A sprinkler system control valve has a "wet" valve which is maintained seated against a mains water inlet by water pressure applied to a piston of larger effective area than the wet valve. The sprinkler system downstream of the wet valve is charged with air at a relatively low pressure, this air pressure also being supplied to an actuator chamber so as to maintain a deadweight in a lifted position. Upon operation of a sprinkler head the air pressure in the system drops rapidly, causing the deadweight to descend, operating a trip valve through a self-locking cam. Once operated, the trip valve vents the pressure on the piston to an exhaust port allowing the wet valve to open, and at the same time cutting off the actuator chamber from the sprinkler system by the entry of a sealing O-ring into an internal bore in the wet valve housing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a manually operated control valve wherein a pressure regulating valve and exhaust valve are contained in the same housing with intercommunicating passages, both valves having actuating plungers which are operated by a single manual operating means, such as a lever. The invention includes apparatus for testing vehicle pneumatic braking systems wherein the manually operated control valve is used in conjunction with a pressure gauge to test the system by controlling the supply and exhaust of air to and from the vehicle braking system and observing accompanying variations in pressure.

Abstract: A pressure regulator particularly adaptable for use in aerosol cans, in which a chamber is provided having inlet and outlet ports, and a dimensionally changeable, hollow pressure reactive element located within the chamber is dimensionally controlled, to close and open the inlet port, by variations of pressure in the chamber.

Abstract: A vent cover for gas pressure regulators exposed to adverse weather conditions wherein the vent cover is mounted upon the vented neck of a gas regulator and is rotatably adjustable relative to the neck such that a vent opening defined in the cover may always be oriented downwardly regardless of the horizontal orientation of the regulator neck during installation. The downward orientation of the vent cover opening removes the possiblity of the regulator venting being rendered inoperable due to adverse weather conditions, such as icing.

Abstract: A gas dispensing assembly suitable for dispensing oxygen from a vessel pressurized to 1800 pounds per square inch, the assembly including a manually operable eccentric member to turn supply of oxygen from said vessel on and off, a demand valve supplied with gas at the pressure inside of the vessel when the supply is turned on, a spring biased resilient diaphragm regulator operable to control the opening and closing of the demand valve to regulate the pressure in a regulator chamber to a desired pressure, an orifice through which the gas passes from the regulator chamber to an outlet valve which is opened by a demand for gas to supply the gas from the orifice to the interior of a face mask; the assembly being capable of supplying oxygen to the face mask for a period exceeding 15 minutes at a flow rate exceeding 6 liters per minute with very little variation of that flow rate with variations of pressure of the supply of oxygen.