Abstract: In combination with a plurality of gas burning appliances and a gas source therefor, a gas distribution system having a main feed line connected at one end thereof to the gas source, a manifold feed means having a single inlet connected to another end of said main feed line and having a plurality of outlets, and a plurality of individual flexible feed lines each connected at one end thereof to each of the plurality of outlets of the manifold feed means, and connected at another end thereof to each inlet of the plurality of gas burning appliances. The individual feed lines are connected with at least one of the said burning appliances or the manifold means with a shutoff, quick disconnect coupling, which may have a fusible safety cutoff means including an element which responds to excessive heat to effect closing of a valve in said quick disconnect coupling to thereby block propagation of a flame wave through the coupling.

Abstract: Flow-reducing devices particularly useful as drip emitters comprise a housing having a closure cap snap-fitted thereto and enclosing a flow-retarding member formed with a plurality of recesses on opposite faces each recess bridged by a pair of holes to provide a serial path for the flow of the water through the holes from one face to the opposite face. Also described is the use of a regulator including a valve member sensing the fluid pressure at the inlet of the device to produce a substantially uniform output of water despite variations in the line pressure at the inlet.

Abstract: A vacuum-operated, pressure-responsive valve is adapted for connection to the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine for monitoring supplemental airflow to the engine, the improvement of the present device providing precise adjustment of the supplemental airflow/intake manifold pressure relationship. An air cylinder, a pressure-responsive piston/valve mounted therein, a threadably mounted axially extending stem and valve-biasing spring, and a resiliently deflectable plate are assembled and cofunction to provide precision click stop adjustment of the supplemental airflow/engine vacuum relationship.

Abstract: An inner tube assembly for a pneumatic tire is disclosed. The assembly includes a pair of inner tube systems, one of which surrounds the other and intercommunicates therewith via a valve unit that is adapted to allow a pneumatic fluid to flow unidirectionally from the inner one of such tube systems to the outer one of said tube systems and effect an equilibrium of pressure. The valve unit, however, is adapted to close when the outer one of such tube systems is punctured and undergoes a pressure drop relative to the inner one of such tube systems, thereby to pneumatically isolate the interiors of such tube systems from one another.

Abstract: A ram valve is connected in the supply line through which water flows at a high mass flow rate. A branch line branches off upstream of the valve and includes a check valve and a pressure vessel upstream of the check valve. The ram valve is constructed to have an elongated valve housing and a movable valve body therein, slidable axially in the direction of flow, and shaped to provide for smooth fluid flow therethrough when open and forming a smoothly continuous decreasing flow cross-sectional area. The valve body is held open by an adjustable force, such as a spring or a magnet. When the force is exceeded, the valve body closes suddenly, causing a pressure pulse to be transmitted through the then open check valve into the branch pressure vessel to build up pressure therein. A closed supply pressure vessel having an air cushion is included in the inlet supply line to the valve.

Abstract: An air-hydraulic blind-riveting tool has a chuck which is normally urged into a ready position by a spring and which is drawn into a retracted position by a fluid-operated piston connected via a hydraulic link to an air piston subdividing an air chamber of the tool into a front and a rear compartment. The front compartment is vented to the outside and the rear compartment is connectable via a trigger-operated valve to a source of compressed air. Thus when this rear compartment is pressurized the air piston is displaced forward and the working piston connected to the chuck is retracted. A valve is provided between the rear compartment and the atmosphere which comprises a valve disk displaceable by pressure in the rear compartment against a valve seat to prevent air from leaving the rear compartment but normally urged by a relatively stiff spring away from this valve seat.

Abstract: A valve fitting insertable in a gas service pipe coupling for operably effecting gas flow interruption in response to either an encountered excess flow or in the event of a piping disconnect from the coupling. A tubular, stepped diameter valve body is sized for receipt within a pipe coupling to define an annular flow passage internally forming an annular seat at an intermediate location within the passage. A more or less T-shaped poppet having a scalloped faced hex head is spring biased in opposition to the gas flow and cooperates with the body seat to interrupt flow in response to an increasing flow pressure being exerted against the head. A pullout plate encircling the poppet shank is biased toward seating the poppet against the body seat for separately arresting gas flow there-past but is prevented from doing so when a pipe section is positioned in place within the coupling.

Abstract: A pressure reducing valve for use with compressed gas containers requiring fixed volumetric flow at regulated exhaust pressure regardless of pressure variation inside said container changing from initially high pressure value to eventually low final pressure value, consists of a spring loaded metering valve directly responsive to pressure load with a valving element comprising a needle inside control orifice for control of small quantity flow as regulated by relatively long conical stem travel, and a main valve of pin configuration inside valve nozzle exhaust port at one end subjected to pressurized gas for maintaining valve bubble tight shut, and at the other end protruding said exhaust port for valve actuation externally by pin depression for initiation of flow which terminates automatically when such depression is removed rendering valve closed and bubble tight by the pressure action over pin end exposed to compressed gas pressure, including a safety valve with self-locking tapers in valve seats and a pres

Abstract: A constant flow gas regulator apparatus adapted to be mounted inside of a vessel containing gas under high pressure which comprises an elongated regulator body having at least one flat surface, a conduit through said body with one end thereof terminating in an opening in the flat surface and an elongated, radiused, resilient spring reed having one end thereof operably secured to the flat surface with a portion of the reed extending over the opening in the flat surface in spaced relation thereto, whereby a substantially constant gas flow is maintained as the gas pressure in the vessel fluctuates or decreases. The regulator apparatus is particularly useful for metering oxygen from a portable container.

Abstract: A safety valve has a valve body defining a valve chamber having a longitudinal axis with flow passages at opposite ends of the axis, transverse walls at opposite ends of the valve chamber separating the valve chamber from the flow passages, valve ports through the transverse walls coaxial with the valve chamber, at least one of the valve ports being defined by a frusto-conical valve seat facing the valve chamber and by a cylindrical inner surface between the valve seat and the side of the one valve port opposite the valve chamber, an annular groove formed in the cylindrical surface of the one valve port, a convolute coil spring having a large end coil seated in the annular groove and a small end axially removed from the large end in the direction of the valve chamber and located within the confines of the valve seat, a ball valve of small diameter than the valve chamber disposed in the chamber and movable toward and away from the seat, and a leak passage for bypassing a restricted flow of fluid around the val

Abstract: In a refrigeration system comprising a compressor, expansion means, an evaporator and a condenser, the improvement comprising a normally open, spring-loaded valve positioned so that when the compressor is not operating a passage is provided between the compression chamber and the inlet to the compression chamber, and when the compressor is operating the passage is closed.

Abstract: A fluid flow control valve comprising a substantially cylinder-shaped body for insertion in a tube or pipe, said body having an annular recess therearound for the reception of a resilient O-ring to effect a seal between said body and the inner surface of said tube or pipe, one end of said body having a rectangular recess thereacross and a reed athwart said rectangular recess, said body having an orifice therethrough, one end of which opens into said rectangular recess, said reed having an opening therethrough to pass a threaded member, said member having a head thereon for engaging said reed and holding it firmly against said body.

Abstract: A cylindrical cap having a closed end except for a single small opening is internally threaded and arranged to receive a resilient washer and resilient disc overlying the washer. The disc has a small single opening. A coupling tube is threaded into the cap to hold the disc against the annular washer so that a small area is defined within the annular shoulder defined by the washer. The coupling tube includes a stem at its other end for connection to a lateral water line in an irrigation system. The arrangement is such that when water pressure is below a predetermined operating pressure, the water can pass through the opening in the disc and out the small opening in the end cap to purge the line.

Abstract: A velocity flow control valve employed in a branch line between a main flow line and pressure responsive pilot valves in a safety system for closing a valve across the main flow line. The flow control valve has interfitting male and female body portions with the male body portion having a spring loaded ball urged upstream to an unseated position and is seated upon a pressure differential to block flow to the pilot valves from the main flow line upon a downstream drop in pressure. A ball bleed valve is positioned on the female body portion upstream of the spring loaded ball and may be opened to reduce fluid pressure between the spring loaded ball and the main flow line when desired.

Abstract: An improved constant volume flow device wherein the device includes a body defining a flow passage with an inlet portion and an outlet portion. The body is adapted to conduct a flow of fluid through the passage wherein such flow has a varying pressure at the inlet portion. A restricting member in the flow passage for axial movement therealong to regulate the fluid flow through the passage is also provided. The improvement includes the provision of means for varying the value of the constant volume of fluid flow of the device. Further, a progressively decreasing portion may be formed between the inlet and outlet portions and this shape, as affected by the varying value means, may be given by formulas.

Abstract: A valve body has a large threaded inlet portion adapted to be screwed into an irrigation coupling, and also has a large inlet, a tapered portion leading from the inlet to a smaller outlet portion with an O-ring seal in a groove in the tapered portion and a cup at the end of the outlet portion to turbulate the water. A valve closure member has a tapered head and a stem, slidable in the body, and a spring urges the head away from the O-ring seal. A nut on the stem limits movement of the valve closure member by the spring.

Abstract: A flow regulator for air ducting comprises a flap which can be rotated about a shaft against the action of a spring, by the air current, to regulate air flow therepast. The flap has two portions which are disposed at an obtuse angle to each other about a bend line, one of the portions, in an open condition of the regulator, being directed downstream of the shaft generally parallel to the ducting axis, and is obliquely oriented in the closed condition and the other portion, in a closed condition of the regulator, is disposed in a plane lying at right angles to the ducting axis, and is obliquely oriented in the open condition. The obtuse angle of the flap portions is preferably of the order of 145.degree. to 155.degree..

Abstract: To prevent rapid collapse of a hydraulic lift mechanism in event of the failure of the hydraulic mechanism (e.g. as by rupture of a pressurized hydraulic line) a rate of flow responsive check valve is provided, either in a separate backup cylinder or at the inlet-outlet port of the lift cylinder, to close off the return flow path of the hydraulic line in the event of sudden depressurization of the hydraulic feed line or other pressure failure in the hydraulic liquid. In normal operation, the check valve does not oppose the return flow since the rate of such flow is insufficient to activate the valve.

Abstract: An air induction valve adapted to introduce controlled amounts of additional air to the combustion chamber of an automotive engine when engine vacuum is low, which includes a hollow cylindrical casing having a chamber in communication with the intake manifold of the engine and with ambient air. A pair of perforated partition plates are disposed in parallel spaced apart relationship in the casing, with value means being provided between the partition plates, the valve means being vertically moveable between the plates in response to engine vacuum. Compression springs are provided between the valve means and the partition plates, with the valve means being normally biased open. When the automotive engine is operating under conditions resulting in high engine vacuum, the valve means is displaced to prevent the flow of ambient air through the air induction valve.

Abstract: A ball check valve construction provides for safely controlling flow of compressed fluid under a normal operating pressure through a conduit line to a pressure actuated device. The valve construction includes a valve body formed with a ball check chamber in which is contained a ball normally biased by a spring element into an open position. The valve body is constructed with inlet and outlet pots having respective conduit elements connected thereto. Sudden pressure increase through the valve body resulting from an end of a conduit element becoming accidentally disconnected compresses the ball against the spring into contact with a sealing ring surrounding the spring, thereby to instantly interrupt flow of compressed air and prevent whipping or lashing about of the disconnected end.

Abstract: A drip irrigation valve comprising an outer member having a passage, an inner member receivable in the passage, a groove in one of the members, and a seal carried by the other of the members. Water can be admitted through an inlet to the passage on one side of the seal to provide a fluid force on the inner member. The seal cooperates with the groove to define a restricted flow path. A spring urges the inner member in a direction to oppose the fluid force on the inner member. The groove is tapered or otherwise has regions of different cross sectional areas so that the flow rate through the restricted flow path can be established by the relative axial positions of the inner and outer members.

Abstract: An automatic expansion valve for controlling refrigerant flow from a condenser to an evaporator in which the valve includes an apertured deflectable disc which defines the refrigerant expanson orifice with other structure within the valve, and with the flow passage arrangement in the valve body being such as to subject the upstream face of the disc to the pressure of the liquid refrigerant, and the downstream face of the disc to the pressure of the expanded vaporous refrigerant so that the disc deflects in accordance with the differential pressure on the opposite faces and accordingly effects changes in the effective opening of the expansion orifice.

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

Abstract: A carbonated beverage dispenser includes a valve body defining a carbonated liquid inlet, a syrup inlet, a bore and an elongated syrup stem disposed within the bore. A nozzle is provided having an outlet and the syrup stem terminates in a syrup outlet adjacent the nozzle outlet. Also provided is a diffuser assembly including a stem member, a collar member and a diffuser member. The stem member surrounds the syrup stem and includes a stem portion and an enlarged head portion, the outer surface of the head surface and the valve body bore defining a liquid chamber communicating with the carbonated liquid inlet. A first portion of the collar member adjacent the head of the stem member cooperates with the stem member to define a plurality of liquid passages communicating with the liquid chamber, and a second portion of the collar member defines an inner surface spaced apart from the stem portion.

Abstract: A flow regulator is shown with the inlet aligned with the outlet and with external adjustment of the flow rate accomplished by movement of either the inlet or outlet fitting relative to the main body. A plunger and specially shaped stem regulate flow by engagement of the stem with an outlet hole, the shape of the stem being determined for a particular flow rate and correlated with the area of the outlet hole and the load per inch deflection characteristic of the spring, which biases the plunger toward the inlet, to give a constant rate of flow regardless of wide changes in supply pressure across the regulator. A compression gland, comprising an O-ring, washers and nut, affords locking means for the adjustable outlet.

Abstract: A movable diaphragm liquid flow control valve in which a retaining member is disposed in the housing upstream of the diaphragm so that when a back-flow occurs the diaphragm is prevented from blowing back along the pipework, within which the valve is disposed, and is guided to prevent it from tilting.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive regulating valve formed of a spring mounted within a conduit in which fluid flow is to be regulated. The fluid flow is regulated by the pressure responsive expansion and contraction of the axially deformable spring whose successive convolutions alternately increase and decrease the free-flow volume of the space surrounding the spring as the spring responds to alternate increases and decreases of pressure exerted thereon.

Abstract: A fluid flow regulating device for use in fluid handling systems which is capable of maintaining substantially constant flow rates over a wide range of variations in system pressure. The device includes a housing having disposed therein a conduit whose lateral wall includes one or more apertures of a predetermined configuration. A piston is disposed within the conduit and is axially displaceable, in response to pressure differentials, throughout the portion of the conduit wherein the apertures are located. A spring mechanism having a specified non-linear coefficient of stiffness is employed to yieldably resist downstream displacement of the piston. The piston and aperture together form a variable area flow passageway through which substantially all the fluid must pass. A pneumatic, thermometric mechanism may also be employed to displace the piston within the conduit in response to changes in temperature and independent of pressure variations.

Abstract: Engine performance is improved and nitrogen compound emission is reduced by introducing supplemental air to the intake manifold of an internal combustion engine which is fitted with a PCV valve. The supplemental air inlet device is connected so that it introduces air into the line between the PCV valve and the intake manifold. That line connects to the manifold immediately downstream from the carburetor at a special adaptor. The supplemental air inlet valve is specially constructed to utilize frictional forces arising out of air flow past the valve head, Venturi effect as the head nears closure, and finally pressure sealing at complete closure of the valve, in an efficient but low-cost design. The supplemental air valve is operated at a temperature, and supplemental air is introduced in a way, that results in condensation on its inner walls of oil vapors drawn through the PCV valve so that the condensed oil entraps particles of foreign matter that find their way through the supplemental air valve.

Abstract: An adjustable air volume regulator adapted for maintaining a constant volume flow of air therethrough regardless of variations in pressure of the air being supplied to the regulator and being adjustable for accurately maintaining a constant flow of air over a wide range of flow rates. The regulator includes a housing defining a passageway for the flow of air therethrough, valve means movable within the housing for adjustably restricting the flow of air therethrough, reciprocable linkage means cooperating with the valve means for controlling movement thereof, a spring mounted exteriorly of the housing and being connected to the linkage means for exerting an opening bias on the valve means in opposition to a closing bias imparted thereon by the pressure of the air in the housing, and means cooperating with the spring means for varying the biasing effect imparted thereby by varying the effective length of the spring for thereby adjusting the regulator to maintain a different substantially constant flow rate.

Abstract: An air volume regulator adapted for use in an air distribution system for maintaining a constant flow of air therethrough regardless of variations in pressure of the air being supplied to the regulator is provided with adjustment means to permit adjusting the regulator for maintaining constant flow at a variety of different flow rates. The regulator includes a housing defining a passageway for the flow of air therethrough, valve means movable within the housing for adjustably restricting the flow of air therethrough, and a coil compression spring cooperating with the valve means for exerting an opening bias thereon in opposition to a closing bias imparted on the valve means by the pressure of the air in the housing. Adjustment means is provided cooperating with the coil spring for immobilizing a selected number of the turns of the coil spring so as to vary the biasing characteristics of the spring and thereby adjust the regulator for maintaining a different flow rate.