Abstract: A circulation system for bodies of water. In one set of embodiments for larger bodies of water, modified horizontal plate designs are provided at the entrance of the draft hose. The plate designs have sections that pivot downwardly as the flotation platform and depending draft hose are rapidly raised in high wave conditions to let the water escape downwardly out of the hose. Adaptations to the floats for the elongated arms of the platform are also made to essentially eliminate the creation of any damaging torques on them from high waves. Another set of embodiments are particularly adapted for smaller systems in municipal water tanks for thorough mixing of the water and treatment to kill undesirable ammonia oxidizing bacteria and prevent or at least inhibit their return.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an internal combustion engine (1), in particular for a vehicle, having at least one exhaust gas recirculation line (13) for externally recirculating exhaust gases from an exhaust gas side of the internal combustion engine (1) to a fresh air side of the internal combustion engine (1). To provide a cost-effective and compact design, a combination valve (14) is situated in the exhaust gas recirculation line (13), said combination valve (14) serving to set the quantity of the exhaust has recirculated from the exhaust gas side to the fresh air side and to block a counterflow from the fresh air side in the direction of the exhaust gas side.

Abstract: An apparatus (10 or 10a) for use in venting a compartment of a vehicle includes valve elements (14 and 16 or 14a and 16a). A biasing spring (130 or 130a) is effective to urge one of the valve elements toward a closed condition. A spring connection (134 or 236) is effective to transmit torque urging the one valve element (16 or 16a) toward a closed condition. Another valve element (14) may overlie the one valve element (16). Alternatively, the valve elements (14a and 16a) may be spaced from each other.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an earthquake or shock responsive swing check valve, shutting off water in an earthquake. The device utilizes a common swing check valve whereby the internal parts are machined and retrofitted to be responsive to shock. The reacting parts are the valve door and a magnet. Thus the valve door is provided with a circular steel plate fastened connectably to the door. The magnet is positioned outside the valve and above the valve door, making a magnetic attraction between valve door and magnet, thereby keeping the valve door in open position. Upon a shock or earthquake, the magnetic attraction between the door and magnet is broken, shutting off the water supply. The device can be reset to open position with a simple screwdriver.

Abstract: An automatic water flow regulator apparatus and a system for controlling and regulating the level of groundwater in an agricultural field. An automatic flow regulator adapted for use in a buried tile line that responds to conditions upstream and downstream along the line in order to regulate flow. A system having a tile line buried in a field for draining water therefrom, a preferably manually operated terminal control stand positioned at the discharge end of the system, and one or more automatic water flow regulators along the line for controlling the flow of water therethrough in conjunction with said terminal control stand.

Abstract: A rotary valve plate adapted for housing within a conduit employs a vibration absorbing bumper pad coupled to the valve plate at a surface thereof adapted to contact an inner surface of the conduit whenever the valve plate is rotated to a closed position. The bumper pad minimizes vibratory noise and improves the durability of the valve plate over extended periods of operation.

Abstract: An ejector for a fuel cell stack is disclosed, wherein the ejector includes an integrated check valve that supports hydrogen recirculation and militates against a backflow of hydrogen flowing through the ejector.

Abstract: A check valve is provided which may be integrated into a scroll compressor that prevents static cohesion sticking forces between a valve disc member and a retainer member of the check valve housing. Such static cohesion sticking forces may be particularly generated due to oil mist generation in such scroll compressors which create a thin lubricant film between the valve disc and the stop plate of the check valve housing, creating suction type static cohesion when dislodgment of the valve disc away from the stop plate is attempted. A relief region is created between the retainer and the valve disc creating a minimal contact surface area that greatly reduces and/or eliminates such static cohesion sticking forces. For example, the valve disc may be dished to have a concave surface that faces the retainer element provided by the stop plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a throttle arrangement for an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine having a throttle valve for throttling a stream of exhaust gas flowing through a pipe and having a restoring spring which prestresses the throttle valve into a closed position. The throttle valve is pivotable about a pivot axis in the pipe between the closed position [and the open position] and the restoring spring is supported on the valve end on a lever fixedly connected to the throttle valve and is supported at the pipe end on a bearing for accommodating a shaft extending coaxially with the pivot axis. The restoring spring is adapted to support the spring forces on the pipe end in an essentially symmetrical manner with respect to a plane of symmetry that extends perpendicular to the pivot axis and is in the area of the support on the valve end.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a pressure relief assembly that may include a main housing having an air passage chamber, and a flapper positioned on or within the air passage chamber. The flapper includes a membrane flap and a stabilizing member extending toward a center of the membrane flap. The stabilizing member prevents the center of said membrane flap from flapping open, but allows outer free edges of the membrane flap to open when air flow at a particular pressure is exerted into said membrane flap from an opening direction.

Abstract: A safety valve assembly comprises a valve body, a flapper mount, flapper and a hinge used to rotate the flapper in an opened or closed position. Torsional pins are mounted adjacent the flapper mount, each having ends which extend into the hinge and terminating adjacent each other at a location along the hinge. Torsional springs are circumferentially mounted around the torsional pins. Tabs extend from the torsional springs and contact an actuation member extending over the top of the flapper. As such, the torque created by the torsional springs is transferred to the actuation member via the tabs, thereby reducing the stress on the torsional springs.

Abstract: An automatically activated backflow prevention device for water closets or toilets is provided having a substantially cylindrical support member terminating in one end in a cam shaped end for mating with a hinged flapper valve having a parabolic shaped or upwardly curving upper surface and correspondingly shaped sealing member disposed therebetween for mating with the cam shaped end of the substantially cylindrical support member. An elastomeric hinge member is provided for connecting the closure member or flapper valve to the substantially cylindrical support member so that when closed the flapper valve or closure member conforms to the confronting cam shaped end of the cylindrical support member with the sealing member disposed therebetween. A backflow water pressure responsive assist member is optionally provided on the lower surface of the closure member to assist in the closure of the closure member in response to backflow water pressure from waste pipes.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and an apparatus for selectively isolating a portion of a wellbore. In one aspect, an apparatus for isolating a zone in a wellbore is provided. The apparatus includes a body having a bore. The apparatus further includes a first flapper member and a second flapper member, each flapper member selectively rotatable between an open position and a closed position. Additionally, the apparatus includes a flapper latch assembly disposed in the bore, the flapper latch assembly movable between an unlocked position and a locked position, wherein the flapper latch assembly is configured to hold the first flapper member in the closed position when the flapper latch assembly is in the locked position. In another aspect, a method for selectively isolating a zone in a wellbore is provided. In yet a further aspect, a flapper latch assembly for use with a flapper valve is provided.

Abstract: An exhaust valve includes a valve body that is fixed for rotation with a shaft supported by at least one bushing. A single spring is used to bias the shaft to hold the valve body in a valve closed position, and to exert an axial load on the shaft to seal the shaft against the bushing to prevent exhaust gas leakage.

Abstract: A flow control valve (11) for a hydraulic line, having an outlet opening (18a) for hydraulic fluid, an inlet opening (18) for hydraulic fluid and a differential pressure regulator (17) for the pressure independent provision of a constant volumetric flow of the hydraulic fluid, and having a setting part (15a) for setting the control behavior of the differential pressure regulator (17), the setting part (15a) having an operating section (27) which is provided so as to be accessible outside the hydraulic line for setting the setting part (15a).

Abstract: A check valve includes a tubular valve seat frame, a valve seat that is fixedly secured to the inside of the valve seat frame and has a communication hole through which a working fluid flows, and a valve body that is on the working fluid outflow side of the valve seat for opening and closing the valve seat. The valve seat frame, the valve seat, and the valve body are put into one unit so that the check valve has a simple structure and a good assembly property, and can be manufactured at low cost. The check valve is included, whereby a small, durable, and high-performance pump can be provided.

Abstract: A low profile backwater valve includes a hollow valve body having an inlet, an outlet, and a bottom. A pivoting valve member is pivotally movable between a normally open position along the bottom of the valve body and a closed position sealing the inlet. The valve member has a hinge end, a remote end, and opposed sides. A float is positioned as an appendage along at least one of the opposed sides of the valve member, such that the float adds buoyancy to the valve member causing the valve member to float into the closed position in the presence of a backflow.

Abstract: The invention provides a unique self actuating oscillating valve and suggests means to control flow.

Abstract: A check valve mechanism for use with a vertical drain pipe comprises a connector portion for supporting the check valve mechanism with respect to the drain pipe, and two flaps, each being an ungula of a cylindrical tube. The flaps are pivotally connected to the connector portion, so as to be displaceable between a closed position in which the flaps are against one another such that peripheral portions of the flaps are collinear at a connection line to obstruct the drain pipe, and an opened position, in which the flaps are away from one another to allow liquids/solids to pass through the check valve mechanism and the flaps.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly comprising an electromechanical device and a self-sealing valve, and in particular, to any inflatable device that includes the assembly. In one embodiment, the assembly comprises a valve housing defining an opening through which fluid can be provided to the inflatable device, a flexible diaphragm assembly that is configured to self-seal the opening with sufficient fluid pressure in the inflatable device and to open under sufficient fluid pressure from a fluid moving device, to provide fluid through the opening to and seal the inflatable device. The assembly further comprises an electromechanical device including an actuating arm, having a first position in which the actuating arm urges open the self-sealing valve and a second position in which the actuating arm does not act upon the self-sealing valve, so as to regulate an amount of fluid within the inflatable device. With this arrangement, a small, low power, low duty cycle electromechanical device can be used.

Abstract: An engine air supply system includes an air source, which is a gas turbine engine in one example. A component, such as an environmental control system component, is interconnected to the air source by a conduit that includes a supply flow direction. A check valve is arranged in the conduit. The check valve includes a valve portion moveable in the supply flow direction from a closed position to an open position. The closed position is arranged at an acute angle relative to the supply flow direction. The check valve includes first and second valve portions that are hemi-elliptical in shape. The first and second valve portions are non-planar and arranged approximately 90 degrees apart when in the closed position. The first and second valve portions move toward one another from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: A container for storing a liquid containing solids such as food products that includes a shut off assembly is provided. The container includes sidewalls and a funnel shaped bottom wall that defines an outlet for the liquid containing solids to be removed from the container. The shut off assembly is positioned at the outlet to open and close the outlet to permit the liquids containing solids to be stored in the container and to be opened to permit the solids to be removed from the container. A shut off assembly is provided at the outlet for providing a source of compressed air through the shut off assembly to effect mixing of the liquid containing solids stored in the container when the shut off assembly is in a closed position so that when the liquid containing solids is removed from the container it is homogenously mixed.

Abstract: A one-way valve allows air to be drawn from a collapsible, flexible, airtight bag using a vacuum source. When the vacuum source is removed, the one-way valve prevents air from re-entering the bag. The valve assembly comprises a valve base attached to a bag wall and having an opening, a cap base coupled to the valve base, a flapper held in place by the valve base and cap base, and a cap connected to the cap base by a living hinge. When the cap is snapped onto the cap base after bag evacuation, the cap maintains the flapper in a position so that the opening in the valve base stays closed, preventing the admission of ambient air into the evacuated bag.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of moving a shiftable valve member into a closed position, the shiftable valve member mounted in a valve housing having a bore and being moveable between at least one open and at least one closed position relative to the bore, includes at least one elastically deformable member that extends at least partially around the circumference of the bore and is disposed at least partially in a cavity in the valve housing. Each elastically deformable member is elongated, has first and second ends and is connected to the shiftable valve member at one location and to the valve housing at least one other location. Each elastically deformable member is torsionally loaded to provide biasing, closing force to the shiftable valve member to assist in moving the shiftable valve member into a closed position and retaining it in the closed position.

Abstract: A fuel check valve that includes: a pipe having a fuel outflow port; a valve element attached in an openable and closable manner to the fuel outflow port of the pipe, the valve element being normally urged by a spring in a closing direction; a support shaft disposed on one of the pipe and the valve element while a basal end portion thereof is fixed and a tip end portion thereof is made free, the support shaft functioning as a swing fulcrum for the valve element; and a bearing portion disposed on another one of the pipe and the valve element to swingably support the support shaft, the bearing portion including: a receiving hole into which the tip end portion of the support shaft is inserted; and an engaging groove with which a basal portion side of the support shaft is engaged.

Abstract: A regulator unit for regulating a flap opening of a flap arranged in a mass flow line includes: an analyzer unit which is designed for providing an analysis signal on the basis of a predefined desired pressure difference and a difference between pressures upstream and downstream from the flap; a regulator which is designed for determining a trigger signal from the analysis signal according to a regulating characteristic; and a control element-regulating unit which is designed for regulating the flap opening of the flap in the mass flow line in response to the trigger signal.

Abstract: The protection system protects a fire hydrant. The protection system includes a nozzle, a protection device, and a bracket assembly. The nozzle defines a bore, is in fluid communication with an interior of the fire hydrant, and is adaptable to receive a fire hose. The protection device is carried by the bore of the nozzle for prohibiting access into the interior of the fire hydrant from the exterior. The protection device includes a first position for preventing access into the fire hydrant from the exterior, and a second position wherein water can flow from inside the fire hydrant externally via the nozzle. The bracket assembly is coupled to the protection device for rotating the protection device and carried by the nozzle, wherein the bracket assembly has sufficient rotational travel for enabling the protection device to move from the first position to the second position, depending on the water pressure.

Abstract: A damper assembly, comprising an adjustable locking means for releasable retention of an element pivotally in one of a plurality of predetermined lock positions for adjusting air flow through an opening.

Abstract: The present invention is a side-mounted position indicator for use with a flapper check valve. The indicator is located outside the valve body and attaches to an internal, cylindrically-shaped roller that allows limited rotation about one axis. This roller has a tripper rod that extends from one side of the roller and has a round, non-marring plastic ball on its opposite end. The ball is held in contact with the valve flapper using a mechanical spring. A separate flush port is provided to allow for periodic internal cleaning without substantial disassembly.

Abstract: A pressure relief check valve system includes a valve body, a flapper, a magnet, an electromagnet, and a pressure sensor circuit. The flapper is rotationally mounted on the valve body and is movable between a closed position and an open position. The magnet is coupled to the flapper, and the electromagnet is coupled to the valve body. The pressure sensor circuit is adapted to sense one or more fluid pressures and is operable, based on the one or more sensed fluid pressures, to selectively supply or interrupt the electrical current to the electromagnet. The electromagnet is coupled to receive the electrical current and, upon receipt of the electrical current, either magnetically attracts or does not magnetically attract the magnet, to thereby hold the flapper in the closed position or allow flapper rotation to the open position, respectively.

Abstract: System and method for cementing through a safety valve. A system includes a flow passage, closure mechanism, opening prong repeatedly displaceable to thereby repeatedly operate the closure mechanism open and closed, and a latching device initially maintaining the opening prong positioned isolating the closure mechanism from the flow passage, and releasing the latching device permits the opening prong to open and close the closure mechanism while it is exposed to the flow passage. A method includes the steps of: latching an opening prong so that a closure mechanism is open and is isolated from a flow passage; releasing the opening prong so that the closure mechanism is closed and is exposed to the flow passage; and displacing the opening prong to a position in which the closure mechanism is open and is exposed to the flow passage.

Abstract: An automatically activated backflow prevention device for water closets or toilets is provided having a substantially cylindrical support member terminating in one end in a cam shaped end for mating with a hinged flapper valve having a parabolic shaped or upwardly curving upper surface and correspondingly shaped sealing member disposed therebetween for mating with the cam shaped end of the substantially cylindrical support member. An elastomeric hinge member is provided for connecting the closure member or flapper valve to the substantially cylindrical support member so that when closed the flapper valve or closure member conforms to the confronting cam shaped end of the cylindrical support member with the sealing member disposed therebetween. A backflow water pressure responsive assist member is optionally provided on the lower surface of the closure member to assist in the closure of the closure member in response to backflow water pressure from waste pipes.

Abstract: An application for a living-hinge air vent valve connectable to a sewer conduit includes a base and a cover sealed to the base forming a cavity between the cover and the base. A fluid inlet shaft depends from a roof of the base and is connected to external air passages passing through a side of the base and through vents in a side of the cover. A living-hinge flapper is situated above the fluid inlet shaft and within the cavity. The living-hinge flapper allows air to flow from the fluid inlet shaft into the cavity and prevents sewerage gasses from flowing from the cavity out through the fluid inlet shaft. One or more connecting shafts in the base fluidly connect the cavity with a sewer system.

Abstract: A check valve includes a valve body, a flapper, and a seat region. The valve body has an upstream side, a downstream side, and a first valve flow channel that extends between the upstream and downstream sides. The flapper is rotationally mounted on the valve body, and is movable between a closed position and an open position. When in the closed position, the flapper at least substantially closes the first valve flow channel. When in the open position, the flapper at least substantially opens the first valve flow channel. The seat region is formed in the valve body, and is configured to seat the flapper and make contact therewith when the flapper is in the closed position. The seat region comprises an elastomer material.

Abstract: A check valve is provided that includes a valve housing that has a side wall and a flow path therethrough, the side wall defining the flow path. The flow path includes an inlet, an outlet, and a centerline extending between the inlet and the outlet. At least one control member is positioned in the flow path and movable between a first position, wherein fluid flow through the valve housing is substantially prohibited and a second position wherein fluid flow is permitted. The side wall includes a stop configured to limit movement of the at least one control member at a pre-determined stop angle relative to the flow path centerline.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for retaining a hinge shaft of a check valve with a bushing. The check valve includes a valve body defining a flow passage therethrough; a hinge shaft; a bushing coupling the hinge shaft to the valve body; a pin secured to the valve body and engaging the bushing; and a closure element pivotally mounted on the hinge shaft for opening and closing the flow passage.

Abstract: A check valve includes a valve body defining a flow passage therethrough; a hinge shaft mounted on the valve body; a closure element pivotally mounted on the hinge shaft for opening and closing the flow passage; and a pin secured to the valve body and received by the hinge shaft.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for retaining a hinge shaft of a check valve with a bushing. The check valve includes a valve body defining a flow passage therethrough; a hinge shaft; a bushing coupled to the valve body and welded to the hinge shaft; and a closure element pivotally mounted on the hinge shaft for opening and closing the flow passage.

Abstract: A flapper valve for push-in snap-lock attachment to a spud to be welded to a fuel tank and attached to a flexible filler tube hose. The flapper has an annular flexible seal overmolded thereon, preferably of elastomeric material. The flapper has a pair of trunnions, one of which has an extension or spindle with a resilient member received thereover with one end of the resilient member slidably anchored to a post on the flapper to form a flapper subassembly. The opposite end of the resilient member is deflected to fit in a slot or groove in the body when the trunnions are snapped into a slot formed by at least one deflectable portion formed integrally on the exterior of the tubular valve body for pivoting the flapper. Deflector vanes are provided on the upstream side of the flapper to protect the seal from the end of a siphon hose.

Abstract: A water guide of a dishwasher checks the flow of water draining from the dishwasher. The water guide includes a drain passage having one end communicating with an outer atmosphere and another end communicating with a sump for receiving washing water, at least part of the drain passage being routed via a point higher than a water level in the sump, and a valve assembly, disposed above the drain passage, for selectively introducing external air into the drain passage.

Abstract: A valve is provided. The valve may include a housing defining a cavity. A first end of the housing may define an opening configured to be closed by a flapper door. The valve may further include a hinge formed integrally with the housing. The hinge may extend from an upper portion of the housing and be configured to receive the flapper door. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the hinge extends beyond the opening. The hinge may provide a pivot point for the flapper door that is at or above the opening of the housing.

Abstract: A passive valve assembly for an exhaust system is mounted within an exhaust tube. The exhaust tube has a bore that defines an exhaust flow path having a cross-sectional area. One end of the exhaust tube is to be connected to a first exhaust component and a second end of the exhaust tube is to be connected to a second exhaust component such that the exhaust tube forms a sole exhaust path between the first and the second exhaust components. The passive valve assembly includes a vane that is mounted within the bore, and which is moveable between an open position and a closed position. A resilient member biases the vane toward the closed position. When the vane is in the closed position, the vane covers 80% to 97% of the cross-sectional area.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a gas-generating apparatus and various pressure regulators or pressure-regulating valves. Hydrogen is generated within the gas-generating apparatus and is transported to a fuel cell. The transportation of a first fuel component to a second fuel component to generate of hydrogen occurs automatically depending on the pressure of a reaction chamber within the gas-generating apparatus. The pressure regulators and flow orifices are provided to regulate the hydrogen pressure and to minimize the fluctuation in pressure of the hydrogen received by the fuel cell. Connecting valves to connect the gas-generating apparatus to the fuel cell are also provided.

Abstract: A rainwater collection and diverging system includes a housing that has a bottom wall and a perimeter wall. A door is positioned in the bottom wall. A hinge hingedly couples the door to the bottom wall and a biasing member is attached to the door and biases the door in a closed position. Fluid in the housing may flow outwardly through the bottom wall when a biasing action of the biasing member is overcome and the door is moved to an open position. An outlet is fluidly coupled to the housing. A downspout has a bottom end extending into the housing. A conduit is fluidly coupled to and extends between a free end of the outlet and a fluid receptacle. Water flowing down the downspout is directed into the conduit until a force of the water flowing down the downspout overcomes the biasing action and opens the door.

Abstract: The present invention provides a check valve for use in a vacuum sewage pipe. The check valve includes a body having a sewage inlet and a sewage outlet to be coupled to the vacuum sewage pipe, a flap valve element disposed in the body and rotatably supported by a shaft, and a closing mechanism. The closing mechanism can keep the flap valve element in a closed state so as to allow the flap valve element to function as a gate valve. The closing mechanism can also limit an opening degree of the flap valve element so as to allow the flap valve element to function as a check valve.

Abstract: A check valve is provided that includes a valve body, a stop mechanism, and a flapper. The valve body includes a flowpath extending therethrough and a pair of stop supports extending axially therefrom. The valve body includes an engineered composite. The stop mechanism is integrally formed with the valve body and extends between the pair of stop supports. The stop mechanism includes the engineered composite. The flapper rotationally is coupled to the valve body and configured to be selectively moveable between an open and closed position in response to a pressure differential thereacross. The flapper includes the engineered composite.

Abstract: A filter bypass valve is disposed in parallel with an aircraft cabin air filtration system air filter. During normal operation, air is filtered through the air filter at an air flow that meets air flow requirements of the system. The bypass valve is designed to remain closed during normal use, and to open if the differential pressure across the air filter reaches a predetermined opening differential pressure to allow airflow to be partially or fully diverted around the air filter.

Abstract: A fluid flow regulator useful with swimming pool suction cleaners includes a flow passage conduit for connection between a suction pump and the pool cleaner. A flow bypass conduit is connected to the flow passage conduit for injecting an ambient fluid into a bypass flow passage. A valve operates within the bypass flow passage with a spring carried entirely within the bypass passage for urging the valve toward a seated position. An adjustment knob acts on the spring for modifying a biasing force on the valve urging the valve toward the seated position in opposition to a pressure from a fluid flow within the flow passage urging the valve to the open position.

Abstract: A pressure relief door system for use in a duct for relieving positive or negative pressure within the duct includes a frame to be mounted in the duct; a gasket in the frame; a hinged door mounted on the frame and sealing against the gasket; and an adjustable pressure relief mechanism normally holding the hinged door against the gasket and permitting the hinged door to open in response to a positive or negative pressure change. The frame and door can be mounted such that the door opens either outwardly from the duct in response to excess positive pressure or inwardly into the duct in response to excess negative pressure. The adjustable pressure relief mechanism may be magnetic.

Abstract: A flange valve to deter entry of rodents and pests, insertable on existing devices, comprising a unidirectional swinging door attached on an inner wall of a frame, the door and the inner wall of the frame having a clearance between them of a dimension not allowing entry of rodents and pests. The design of the frame is catered to the desire of the user and may be a laterally protruding ring having a central circular opening and openings along the edges for the insertion of bolts or screws; a laterally protruding ring on one peripheral edge of an open cylindrical body; a cap having a flat top with a central circular opening and openings for the insertion of bolts and screws; a conduit; or a wax free toilet bowl gasket, a toilet flange or a wax ring used in the installation of toilet bowls.