Abstract: A pressure piloted release valve (80) is disposed within an adaptive braking system (10) having shuttle valves (34, 44, 54, 64). The release valve (80) provides for a quick release of fluid pressure buildup within the adaptive braking system (10) so that an associated shuttle valve (34, 44, 54, 64) will return to a normal braking position and cease restricting fluid flow with an associated wheel brake (30, 40, 50, 60). The release valve (80) includes a differential area release valve (100) received with a valve body (83) having a stepped bore (90). The valve body (83) includes a frustoconical-shaped body chamber (120) with a radial passage (124) such that displacement of the release valve (100) results in a second end (105) of the release valve (100) engaging sealingly a sloped end wall (102) of the body chamber (120) to prevent fluid flow through a longitudinal through passage (101) of the release valve (100) to a receptacle chamber (85) via the radial passage (124).

Abstract: A closed refrigeration system is provided with a mass flow limiting device located upstream of the suction inlet of a compressor. The device limits the mass flow supplied to the compressor during pulldown and startup to prevent overloading the motor or engine driving the compressor but has minimal influence on the refrigeration system under equilibrium conditions since it is designed for the specific system parameters.

Abstract: A fluid control valve comprises a slidable, tubular poppet member that is biased toward and sealingly engages dual concentric annular valve seats, which valve seats define an annular opening through which the fluid medium flows when the valve is open. When the system pressure reaches a threshold pressure the poppet member is axially displaced from the valve seats such that an annular orifice is opened between the inside edge of the poppet and the inside valve seat and another orifice is formed between the outside edge of the poppet and the outside valve seat through which orifices the fluid medium flows into a central, axially extending relief path partially defined by the inside of the poppet. The dual orifices allow the valve to open with a stroke that is about one-half that of that required in a valve with only one orifice and similar operating range.

Abstract: A fuel check valve assembly for use in a fuel tank has a valve seat which is movable upwardly together with a float valve upon increase of a pressure within the fuel tank. Upon further increase of the pressure within the fuel tank, the valve seat is separated from the float valve and solely moves upwards to open the aperture of the valve seat for venting fuel vapor in the fuel tank.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for cleaning exposed surfaces on a nozzle and air cap assembly of an automatic paint spray gun. Solvent is delivered to a nozzle for cleaning the exposed surfaces. The nozzle is supported by a piston which is moved by the solvent flow to advance the nozzle to a cleaning position in front of the spray gun. Solvent cannot flow to the solvent nozzle until the piston moves the solvent nozzle to the cleaning position. A spring retracts the piston and the nozzle when solvent flow ceases. During cleaning, an air curtain protects the spray gun from the solvent and paint spray.

Abstract: A hydraulic fuse monitors the quantity of hydraulic fluid passing through the fuse, and then blocks such flow when a selected quantity of fluid has passed through the fuse which includes: a body structure containing cavity structure; a primary piston in the cavity structure and movable endwise to control fluid flow through a first port; a sleeve, and a slider in the cavity structure, and in the path of fluid flow toward the primary piston; the sleeve and slider being coaxially relatively axially movable, and there being a regulator spring acting to urge the sleeve in one axial direction; and fluid flow control slots formed by the sleeve and slider to control flow both to the piston for controllably displacing same, and to the first port, and characterized in that as the forward flow rate through the fuse reaches a threshold, the piston begins its movement toward the port, and as the flow rate increases above the threshold, relative axial movement between the sleeve and slider acts to maintain nearly constant

Abstract: A pressure relief valve has a hollow valve body with one or more vent ports in the side wall and a small pilot opening in a first end. A lightweight sleeve, closed at one end, telescopes over the first end of the valve body to close the vent ports. A pressure actuatable element is positioned on the outer surface of the valve body end so as to block the pilot opening therein until the pressure in the valve body exceeds a predetermined value. When the pressure actuatable element unblocks the pilot opening, the interior of the closed end of the sleeve is exposed to the pressure in the valve body, causing the lightweight sleeve to move relative to the valve body to open the vent ports. Suitable pressure actuated elements include a rolling ball or a spring biased closure plate.

Abstract: A paint discharge control device includes a housing having a paint supply port and a paint discharge port defined therein, a paint passage through which the paint supply and discharge ports communicate with each other, a diaphragm disposed in the paint passage and actuatable by air under pressure for controlling the rate of a paint flow through said paint passage, a piston slidably disposed in the housing and having a hole defined therein as part of the paint passage, and a needle valve supported in the housing and having a portion disposed in the hole in the piston. The paint passage includes a paint discharge control passageway defined between the hole and the needle valve portion. The cross-sectional area of the paint discharge control passageway can be varied in response to sliding movement of the piston in the housing.

Abstract: A pressure-relief valve device employs a connector welded to the base of mining equipment equipment such as an hydraulic prop, so as to communicate with the pressure fluid in a working chamber thereof. A housing is screwed into the connector and the connector has an outflow passage leading to the surroundings. A valve composed of a fixed valve seating and a movable closure member opens and closes communication between the working chamber and the outflow passage. A spring holds the valve closure member on the seating. The valve closure member is slidably guided on part of a tappet subjected to spring force. The tappet has a piston exposed to the pressure fluid which opposes the spring force. If excess pressure occurs the tappet moves against the spring force and lifts the closure member off the seating. Once the pressure drops the tappet moves back under the action of the spring but the closure member can move more slowly to gently re-establish the valve action.

Abstract: A valve for an automotive brake master cylinder piston is disposed at the end of forward stroke of the brake master cylinder piston in a passage defined along the axis of the master cylinder piston and communicating mutually an oil reservoir and an oil outlet, and is adapted to close and open the passage when abutting upon the departing from a side wall surface of the end of forward stoke of the master cylinder piston in accordance with a forward stroke motion and a return stroke motion of the master cylinder piston.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve comprises a poppet member that is biased toward and sealingly engages a slidable tubular valve seat having unrestrained axial rotation and a central relief flow passage. When the system pressure reaches a threshold pressure the valve seat and poppet are both axially displaced such that at the moment that the poppet is unseated from the valve seat, the valve seat is in motion. The motion of the valve seat when the poppet is unseating or reseating allows the valve seat to comply with any eccentricities of the poppet to achieve uniform seat stresses and low leakage rates as well as acceptable flow rates and low hysteresis.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device, comprises a displaceable valve member disposed within a chamber and including an inlet valve element on one side facing an inlet valve opening and movable to open and closed positions with respect thereto, an outlet valve element on the opposite side facing an outlet valve opening and movable to open and closed positions with respect thereto, a substantially rigid connection between the two valve elements, and a passageway extending through the rigid connection and the two valve elements. The outlet valve opening and the outlet valve element are larger than the inlet valve opening and inlet valve element, respectively, such that the fluid flow control device permits fluid flow only in the direction of the inlet to the outlet, and produces a reduction in pressure between the inlet and outlet having a constant ratio depending on the ratio of the areas of the inlet and outlet diaphragms.

Abstract: A mud valve assembly is disclosed having a valve member with a first sealing surface and a piston member with a second sealing surface which seals against the first sealing surface such that the piston and the first sealing surface move downward in response to pressure from above which exceeds a predetermined pressure level and the valve member and the second sealing surface move upward in response to pressure from below the valve assembly. The valve member with the second sealing surface can be retrieved from the bore of the drill pipe and reinstalled into the bore of the drill pipe without removing the mud valve assembly from the drill pipe.

Abstract: The disclosed valve may be configured for use as a pressure relief valve, pressure regulator valve or pressure reducing valve. A pair of opposed valve members defines a radial flow path therebetween which extends from the outer radial peripheries of each valve member to an axial bore formed in one of the valve members. The other valve member comprises a substantially pressure balanced piston, the axial movements of which control flow through the valve. A pilot valve for relieving pressure above the piston has its inlet positioned within a cavity formed on the upper surface of the piston.

Abstract: A pressure regulator has a first and a second chamber which are separated by a movable piston varying the size of the chambers and which are in fluid contact with one another through a channel extending in the movable piston. The piston has a greater pressure surface area in the first chamber than in the second chamber. A high-pressure chamber beneath the bottom of the second chamber, has an aperture disposed in the bottom of the second chamber. A valve seat is disposed in the second chamber and cooperates with the movable piston to form a throttle between the high-pressure chamber and the second chamber. A high-pressure piston disposed in the high-pressure chamber projects into the second chamber through the first aperture and is displaceable in its longitudinal direction therethrough. A second aperture is provided at the end of the high-pressure piston which faces the second chamber. Also, a channel in the high-pressure piston extends from the second aperture throughout the entire high-pressure piston.

Abstract: A hydraulic device includes a piston slidable within a cylinder. Fluid under pressure is admitted to one end of the cylinder through an inlet which contains a restrictor. The piston is formed with an orifice and is biased by a first spring towards the one end of the cylinder. A thrust rod is engageable by the piston to transmit the movement of the piston to an external mechanism. When the piston is moved by rising fluid pressure the orifice is closed by the end of the thrust rod so that a higher value of fluid pressure is required to effect the initial movement of the piston than is required to allow the return movement of the piston.

Abstract: A multi-component toothpaste pump dispenser utilizes a delivery tube extending below the reservoir of striping paste and into the reservoir of main paste. The delivery tube has holes at the juncture of the top of the tube and the top wall of the pump chamber to allow passage of the striping component while the main component flows axially through the tube. A valve closes all of the openings when the pump chamber reforms to incrementally advance a piston type follower.

Abstract: An improved compact pilot-assisted pressure relief valve is disclosed. The invention includes a vent piston or the like hydraulically dividing the valve body bore into a hydraulic fluid chamber and a spring chamber which is vented to atmosphere, such that backpressure is eliminated entirely for both faster reaction to pressure impulses and improved accuracy in pre-load setting of the valve assembly.

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: The unitary poppet valve assembly (50) comprises an annular retainer (52) having an open end (54) and an opposite end (55) with a small diameter opening (56) therein. The annular retainer (52) has a plurality of fingers (58) extending laterally therefrom for engagement with the body (12) of a proportioning valve assembly (10). A poppet (70) comprises a poppet head (72) extending radially outwardly from a longitudinal shaft (74), and an oppositely disposed abutment (76). The shaft (74) extends slidably through the small diameter opening (56) in the annual retainer (52), the abutment (76) engaging the retainer (52) adjacent the opening (56). A spring (60) is disposed between a corner or shoulder (57) of the annular retainer (52) and a shoulder (77) defined between the poppet head (72) and poppet shaft (74). The poppet (70) includes a central through opening (78) extending through the abutment (76) and to the head (72), wherein the opening (78) communicates with a lateral through opening (80) of the shaft (74).

Abstract: An implantable valve for controlling the passage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a ventricle of the brain to a suitable drainage location in the body includes a movable diaphragm responsive to pressure differentials between the ventricle and the drainage location. When the pressure differential is below a minimum threshold level, the valve is closed and CSF flow is prevented. When the pressure differential increases beyond the minimum threshold, the valve operates in a constant pressure mode to maintain a first predetermined CSF pressure differential across the valve. When the differential pressure increases beyond an intermediate threshold level, the valve operates in a flow control mode to maintain a desired CSF flow rate through the valve. When the pressure differential increases beyond a maximum threshold level, the valve operates in a constant pressure mode to maintain a second predetermined CSF pressure differential across the valve.

Abstract: An automatic recirculation valve is disclosed which utilizes three valve elements to accomplish particularly smooth and nondisruptive switching of fluid flow between main fluid flow and recirculation fluid flow. A unique back pressure control valve provides close control over changes in fluid pressure relative to fluid flow rate and functions to suppress erosion and cavitation of the bypass valve.

Abstract: A mud valve assembly with a valve means with a first sealing surface and a piston means with a second sealing surface which seals against the first sealing surface such that the piston and the first seal surface move downward in response to pressure from above which exceeds a predetermined pressure level and the valve means and the second sealing surface move upwards in response to pressure from below the valve assembly; and the valve means with the second sealing surface can be retrieved from the bore of the drill pipe and reinstalled into the bore of the drill pipe without removing the mud valve assembly from the drill pipe.

Abstract: An implantable valve for controlling the passage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a ventricle of the brain to a suitable drainage location in the body includes a movable diaphragm responsive to pressure differentials between the ventricle and the drainage location. When the pressure differential is below a minimum threshold level, the valve is closed and CSF flow is prevented. When the pressure differential increases beyond the minimum threshold, the valve operates in a constant pressure mode to maintain a first predetermined CSF pressure differential across the valve. When the differential pressure increases beyond an intermediate threshold level, the valve operates in a constant flow mode to maintain a desired constant CSF flow rate through the valve. When the pressure differential increases beyond a maximum threshold level, the valve operates in a constant pressure mode to maintain a second predetermined CSF pressure differential across the valve.

Abstract: An implantable valve for allowing the passage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a ventricle of the brain to a suitable drainage location in the body includes a movable diaphragm, one side of which is in pressure communication with the drainage location of the body and the other side of which is in pressure communication with the ventricular spaces of the brain. A valve assembly, actuable by displacement of the diaphragm in response to a pressure differential applied thereto, regulates passage of CSF from the ventricular spaces to the drainage location. When differential pressure is relatively small, the valve is actuated to a constant pressure mode in which a predetermined differential pressure across the valve is maintained. In response to a sudden increase in differentail pressure, the valve mechanism is actuated to a constant flow mode in which a desired relatively constant rate of fluid flow is maintained.

Abstract: An intercranial pressure regulator valve adapted particularly for the treatment of hydrocephalus and the draining of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a ventricle in the brain to another location in the patient's body includes a movable, flexible diaphragm having first and second surfaces of substantial area which are contacted by the fluid which is being drained and the fluid in the area to which the CSF is to be drained, respectively. A valve seat on the diaphragm is movable therewith and the valve seat includes a passage for the flow of the fluid which is being drained through the diaphragm. A ball closure valve is positioned on the cephalad side of the diaphragm. When the pressure differential on both surfaces of the diaphragm is low, the valve seat flexes into engagement with the ball closure valve to close the passage.

Abstract: An implantable valve for controlling the passage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a ventricle of the brain to a suitable drainage location in the body includes a movable diaphragm, one side of which is in the pressure communication with the drainage location of the body, and the other side of which is in pressure communication with the ventricular spaces of the brain. A valve assembly, actuable by displacement of the diaphragm in response to applied pressure differentials, regulates passage of CSF from the ventricular spaces to the drainage location. When the pressure differential falls below a minimum threshold level, the valve is closed to prevent fluid flow. When the pressure differential increases beyond the threshold, the valve operates in a constant pressure mode to maintain a first predetermined pressure differential across the valve.

Abstract: In an hydraulic anti-skid braking system of the pump and de-boost type operation of the pump is initiated by an operating piston co-operating with the plunger of the pump. There is a danger that fluid trapped in a chamber between adjacent ends of the piston and the plunger by a one-way valve of the pump may cause the pump to operate accidentally. This is prevented by adapting the one-way valve to act as a pressure relief valve and establish a return path from the chamber to a reservoir when the plunger has moved relatively away from the piston through a predetermined distance insufficient for the plunger to co-operate with a drive mechanism.

Abstract: A relief valve for relieving pressure in a system and sealing the same from incoming rain or other moisture or foreign material after relief of pressure. The valve has a spring biased piston which operates internally of the valve to relieve pressure, then reseal in an air-tight manner.

Abstract: An implantable valve for controlling the passage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a ventricle of the brain to a suitable drainage location in the body includes a movable diaphragm, one side of which is in pressure communication with the drainage location of the body and the other side of which is in pressure communication with the ventricular spaces of the brain. The diaphragm includes a flexible valve seat which moves relative to a valve closure means and a fluid flow control means in response to applied pressure differentials, thus regulating passage of CSF from the ventricular spaces to the drainage location. When the pressure differential is relatively small, the valve operates in a constant pressure mode to maintain a predetermined pressure differential across the valve. In response to a sudden increase in differential pressure, the valve operates in a constant flow mode to maintain a desired relatively constant CSF flow rate through the valve.

Abstract: An implantable valve for controlling the passage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a ventricle of the brain to a suitable drainage location in the body includes a movable diaphragm which positions a valve seat in response to the pressure differential between the inlet and outlet of the valve. The valve seat defines a fluid orifice. An improved valve stem, preferably of one-piece construction, and provided with a series of cooperating diverging and converging frusto-conical portions, extends through the orifice to provide four stages or conditions of fluid flow and pressure control in response to relative movement between the valve seat and stem. In a first stage or condition of operation of the valve, wherein the fluid pressure differential falls below a threshold level, fluid flow is prevented. In a second stage, sufficient fluid flow is permitted to maintain a first substantially constant predetermined differential pressure.

Abstract: A reverse flow check check valve for use in a pumping well to prevent backflow when the pump is shut down in which the valve has pump through capabilities for killing the well. The valve includes a housing having a bore with a valve closure element in the bore. A flow tube telescopically moves in the housing upwardly for opening and downwardly for actuating the closing of the member. The flow tube is biased downwardly, preferably by weight, for closing the valve and is responsive to a pressure drop for holding the valve element open. The housing has a port initially closed, but may be opened for pumping through the valve.

Abstract: A modulator valve has a modulator member which is slidably mounted in a cylinder and through which an air flow passage extends. A valve member is slidably mounted in the air flow passage and is operable to open and close the through passage. By providing a resilient actuator for displacing the modulator member in a first direction and a stop for arresting the movement of the flow control valve while permitting movement of the modulator valve it is possible to provide for modulated opening and closing of the control valve by balancing the pressure applied by the resilient actuator against the air pressure applied to the modulator member downstream of the through passage.

Abstract: An air bleeder is disclosed for a fluid system such as a braking liquid pressure control valve which operates to reduce a braking liquid pressure supplied to a rear wheel cylinder at a given proportion to a braking liquid pressure supplied to a front wheel cylinder as a braking liquid pressure is supplied from a master cylinder. An air bleeder is disposed for use with such a fluid system, in particular, with a fluid system in which a plunger is slidably received in a bore formed in a housing in which a plate is fitted to serve as a stop member and an end of the plunger is maintained in abutment against the plate when it is inoperative. A space which is defined between the periphery of the plunger in the region of its end and the internal surface of the bore and which communicates with a fluid passage extending through the plunger and the plate is sealed against an exterior by a seal member.

Abstract: A hydraulic fuse monitors the quantity of hydraulic fluid passing through the fuse, and then blocks such flow when a selected quantity of fluid has passed through the fuse.

Abstract: A pressure regulating system valve comprises a valve having a valve body with a control chamber and a regulated pressure chamber with a first diaphragm separating the two chambers, the first diaphragm being connected to a second diaphragm for movement therewith, and a valve member which co-acts with a valve seat to form a valving means between a pressure supply and the regulated pressure chamber. Movement of the diaphragms causes actuation of the valve seat to control pressure admitted from the pressure supply into the regulated pressure regulating chamber.

Abstract: An implantable valve for allowing the passage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a ventricle of the brain to a suitable drainage location in the body includes a movable diaphragm, one side of which is in pressure communication with the drainage location of the body and the other side of which is in pressure communication with the ventricular spaces of the brain. A valve assembly, actuable by displacement of the diaphragm in response to applied pressure differentials, regulates passage of CSF from the ventricular spaces to the drainage location. When the pressure differential is relatively small, the valve operates in a constant pressure mode to maintain a predetermined pressure differential across the valve. In response to a sudden increase in differential pressure, the valve mechanism operates in a constant flow mode to maintain a desired relatively constant CSF flow rate through the valve.

Abstract: A valving apparatus for use in controlling the fluid pressure in a subterranean well conduit and in the annulus surrounding the conduit is disclosed. The valving apparatus is of the shuttle type and is shiftable between a closed position and an open position allowing flow within the tubing by the application of fluid pressure in the tubing above the valve. Pressure equalization below the valve is provided when the valve is in the closed position thus permitting the apparatus to be used with well tools in which annulus and tubing pressure must be equalized. A plug selectively inserted within the valve apparatus prevents the flow of fluids through the conduit in one direction and permits the build up of said fluid pressure. An annular fluid bypass does permit flow around the plug when the valve is shifted to the open position. An annular elastomeric sealing mass cooperates with a relatively movable annular ridge to provide sealing action for the valving apparatus.

Abstract: A valve for controlling the flow of water to a filter of a swimming pool has a tubular member with a main inlet opening at one end connectable to a suction hose, an outlet opening at its other end connectable to a suction source, an auxiliary opening intermediate its ends and a communication opening also intermediate its ends. A sleeve is located about the tubular member to be slidable therealong and is positioned on one side of the communication opening. A flexible bellows is secured at one end to the sleeve and at its other to the tubular member on the other side of the communication opening to define a varible volume chamber in communication with the interior of the tubular member via the communication opening. A closure is located in the auxiliary opening and is fast with the sleeve to be slidable therewith. A spring urges the sleeve into a position in which the auxiliary opening is substantially closed.

Abstract: A valve is formed with a valve chamber and with an entrance port, a first exit port and a relief exit port each of which communicates with the chamber. A valve member is movably mounted within the chamber, and a pair of valve seats is mounted within the chamber for cooperation with the valve member, one of the seats being movable. The valve member and movable seat are biased in such a manner that the valve is normally seated with respect to both seats. When fluid in the entrance port exceeds a certain crack pressure, the movable seat moves away from the valve member and the fluid flows out the relief exit port. To stop flow out the relief exit port without creating a pressure surge, the valve member, actuated by a control, seats against the movable seat and at the same time moves away from the other seat so that the fluid continues to circulate through the first-named exit port.

Abstract: A surgically-implantable shunt valve for venting cerebrospinal fluid in the treatment of hydrocephalus and for shunting other body fluids, the valve having a flexible diaphragm mounted within a non-metallic housing, a plate mounted on the flexible diaphragm, the plate having a circular aperture and the diaphragm having an opening aligned with the aperture, the diaphragm being generally coplanar with the plate, the diaphragm and plate dividing the housing into inlet and outlet chambers that communicate through the aperture, the inlet and outlet chambers being generally free of blind cavities so as to inhibit collection of debris, the valve having a valve element (such as a spherical ball) residing on the inlet side of the aperture, the valve element being biased against the circular periphery of the aperture to keep it closed until the cerebrospinal fluid pressure in the inlet chamber exceeds a preselected popping pressure, and the valve having a screw for making external adjustments to the popping pressure.

Abstract: A dispensing pump of the pressure accumulating type includes an assembly of a pump body and a separate piston member, the body including a closure cap for securing the assembly in fluid tight communication with the opening of a container of flowable product to be dispensed, a plunger/accumulator forming a variable volume pump chamber together with the piston and being reciprocable relative thereto, and a plunger head surrounding the plunger. The plunger has a vent seal for opening and closing a vent chamber defined around the piston. The closure cap is of a hard and durable material, while the separate piston is softer and more compliant which gives its lip seal good definition which avoids pump chamber leakage as it precisely conforms to the inner diameter of the plunger and to any irregularities thereof.

Abstract: An anti-backflow valve for installation in a blower discharge line of a therapy tub aeration system has an air inlet, an air outlet, and an auxiliary outlet in its housing. A spring-loaded check valve member within the housing precludes fluid flow outwardly through the air inlet. Also within the housing is a combined pressure relief and float valve mechanism which opens the outlet passage in response to a pressure in the housing greater than a predetermined relief pressure or the presence of water in the housing above a predetermined level. An initial backflow of water in the discharge line closes the check valve member, the float and relief mechanism limiting the air pressure building caused by a continued backflow and permitting water to enter the housing through the air inlet when the housing is vented. After reaching the predetermined level in the housing, the entering water is discharged through the auxiliary outlet passage.

Abstract: A precise pressure regulator includes a housing defining a bore having pressure and relief zones, a pressure port communicating with the pressure zone, a relief port communicating with the relief zone, and a control port. A follower is slidable and a spool is rotatable in the bore. The spool defines a first passage for communicating the pressure zone with the control port and a second passage for communicating the control port with the relief zone. A spring biases the follower in one direction tending to block the first passage. Pressure in the pressure zone biases the follower in the opposite direction tending to block the second passage. A step motor rotates the spool in discrete steps to precisely control its position, which position determines the level at which pressure is regulated.

Abstract: An apparatus for metering fluids at high pressures of about 20,000 to 60,000 psi is disclosed. The apparatus includes first and second plates which are positioned adjacent each other to form a valve chamber. The plates are made of materials which have substantially equal elastic properties. One plate has a planar surface area, and the other a recessed surface area defined by periphery and central lips. When the two plates are positioned in adjacent contacting relationship, a valve chamber is formed between the planar surface area and the recessed surface area. Fluid is introduced into the chamber and exits therefrom when a deformation occurs at positions where they no longer form a valve seat. This permits the metering of fluids at high pressures and at slow variable rates. Fluid then exits from the chamber until an applied external force becomes large enough to bring the valve seats back into contact.

Abstract: An expansion valve has a refrigerant inlet passage, a refrigerant outlet passage, a valve chest to which both the passages open, a diaphragm chamber communicating with a heat-sensitive bulb through a tube of small diameter, and a valve body actuated in response to the operation of a diaphragm, the valve body being disposed facing a valve seat in the valve chest to regulate a passage defined between the valve seat and the valve body, to thereby control the flow rate of a refrigerant. The valve seat is adapted to be axially movable along the inner wall of the valve chest. In addition, means are provided for moving the valve seat in accordance with a change in pressure in the refrigerant circuit.

Abstract: A fluid coupler for making a leakage-free connection between first and second fluid-containing members. One half of the coupler comprises a plate having a conical opening in one surface across which an elastic sealing membrane is stretched by a clamping ring, the elastic sealing membrane having a slit at its center which is kept closed by the stretching action of the clamping ring. The other half of the fluid coupler comprises a hemispherical member having an axial aperture and a valve which is positioned within the aperture. When the two coupling halves are brought together, the hemispherical member presses against the elastic sealing membrane thereby opening the slit and expelling any air present in the coupling region.

Abstract: A device for temporarily sealing a pipe; for example production tubing of an oil well comprises a body (8) defining a cylindrical chamber (8') and a piston (15) arranged to move in the chamber (8'). The chamber (8') has an outlet (14) at one end thereof, an inlet (12) axially spaced from the outlet (14), the chamber (8') providing a passageway from the inlet (12) to the outlet (14) for fluid flow through the chamber (8'). This piston (15) is movable from a first position to a second position. The piston (15) is resiliently biased towards its first position by means of a spring (21) and, on reaching the second position, is locked in that position. The piston (15) has mounted thereon, a collet (16) which seals the passageway, and which is movable relative to the piston (15), when the latter is locked in its second position, so as to open the passageway.

Abstract: A circulating valve is provided for connection into the tubing string of a well for establishing selective flow of fluid between the tubing string and the well casing. The circulating valve incorporates a valve body which is adapted for connection into the tubing string of the well, which body defines a flow passage in registry with the flow passage of the tubing string. A valve seat is provided on the valve body and an outlet opening is defined downstream of the valve seat which is of sufficiently restricted dimension to permit opening of the valve at a particular injection pressure and to permit maintenance of the valve open condition by means of a pressure lower than the valve opening injection pressure.

Abstract: A liquid pump is provided and particularly a downhole pump for use in an oil well bore for pumping oil or in a gas well to remove condensate. The downhole pump includes a plurality of pump and transfer modules, each of which includes an elongate housing with end couplings and with two internal passages extending therethrough. The pump module further has a bladder extending between the end couplings around the internal passages with the couplings having passages connecting one of the internal passages to space on one side of the bladder. When fluid, preferably gas, under pressure is supplied to that passage, the bladder forces liquid therein upwardly into the next module. At the same time, fluid under pressure is exhausted through one of the passages from the space on the opposite side of the bladder of the next pump module, aiding it to receive liquid from the pump module therebelow.