Abstract: Systems and methods for operating systems are provided. For example, a system comprises a heat source for providing a flow of a hot fluid and a fuel flowpath for a flow of a fuel. The fuel flowpath includes a fuel accumulator and a heat exchanger for heat transfer between the hot fluid and fuel. The heat exchanger includes a hot fluid inlet for receipt of the hot fluid at an inlet temperature and a fuel inlet for receipt of the fuel at an inlet temperature. The hot fluid inlet temperature is greater than the fuel inlet temperature such that the fuel is heated through heat transfer with the hot fluid in the heat exchanger. The fuel accumulator accumulates at least a portion of the heated fuel. An exemplary system is selectively operated to heat and circulate the fuel through the fuel flowpath for consumption and/or accumulation in the fuel accumulator.

Abstract: A flushometer system having an integrated control stop and three ports. The piston or flush control device is accessible through an actuation opening. The flushometer system may be utilized in a behind-the-wall installation with a face plate exterior for user interaction. The interior of the flushometer may be accessed through the actuation opening behind the face plate.

Abstract: The present invention is a flow-rate adjustable valve for adjusting a flow rate of liquid flowing through a flow path. The flow-rate adjustable valve includes: a main valve body; a back pressure chamber; an inlet hole; an outlet hole; a pilot valve body for opening and closing an end of the outlet hole on a side of the back pressure chamber; an elongated member holding the pilot valve body; and a lifter rotatable and also movable in the axial direction of the elongated member by the rotation of the rotatable member. The lifter and the elongated member are integrally movable in the axial direction. The elongated member is connected to the lifter under a condition in which the elongated member is biased to the lifter in a one-way direction of the axial direction by a biasing-connecting member.

Abstract: The improved gearbox mechanism of the present invention includes a plurality of cam-actuated gear block assemblies, which transfer power from a power shaft to a secondary or output gear element. Each gear block assembly includes a gear block having a surface that periodically interfaces with a secondary or output gear element. In a preferred embodiment the interface surface comprises a plurality of projections or teeth which correspond to complementary projections or gear teeth on the output gear element. Each gear block assembly further includes a plurality of linkage assemblies, which connect or link the gear block to a cam assembly, which in turn is connected to a power source. The cam assembly includes about its circumference a unique pathway or groove for each linkage assembly of a particular gear block assembly so that the movement of the gear block may be controlled in two dimensions in accordance with a certain design parameter.

Abstract: The improved motorized gearbox mechanism of the present invention includes a plurality of cam-actuated gear block assemblies, which transfer power from an integral rotor and stator assembly contained in a cam/rotor assembly, to a secondary or output gear element. Each gear block assembly includes a gear block having a surface that periodically interfaces with a secondary or output gear element. When energized, the stator assembly interacts with the rotor assembly inducing the cam/rotor assembly to rotate about its central axis, thereby driving the output gear element via the plurality of cam-actuated gear block assemblies. The motorized gearbox mechanism may be powered electrically, hydraulically, pneumatically or by steam, or any conventional power source that can be adapted to use an integral stator/rotor assembly configured in the cam assembly body to generate rotative power in the cam/rotor assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods of monitoring health of rotating engine components are provided. The systems and methods may receive a measurement from a speed sensor, detect the measurement from the speed sensor indicates a vibration of an engine, determine the vibration of the engine persisted for a predetermined duration, and signal the vibration of the engine is detected.

Abstract: A medical valve transitions between an open mode that permits fluid flow, and a closed mode that prevents fluid flow. To that end, the medical valve has a housing with an inlet and an outlet, a rigid member movably mounted within the housing, and a resilient member with a sealing portion. The housing also has at least one relief zone that is in fluid communication with the outlet when the valve is in the closed mode. The rigid member may have a proximal end, a distal end, and a flow channel. The relief zone may be radially outward from the sealing portion. The sealing portion may seal the valve and prevent fluid from passing through the valve when in the closed mode.

Abstract: A gland member within a medical valve is configured to have a substantially consistent or enlarging internal volume as the valve transitions from a closed mode to an open mode. The valve has a housing forming an interior containing a flow path, and a stationary post member within the interior. The post member has a lumen that is a part of the flow path. The lumen has an opening to the interior of the housing. The valve further includes a gland member circumscribing the post member to produce a variable volume region formed at least in part between the gland member itself and the post member. The variable volume region is a part of the flow path, while the gland member occludes the post lumen opening when in the closed mode. The variable volume region has an open volume that is no less than its closed volume.

Abstract: A medical valve transitions between an open mode that permits fluid flow, and a closed mode that prevents fluid flow. To that end, the medical valve has a housing with an inlet and an outlet, a rigid member movably mounted within the housing, and a resilient member with a sealing portion. The housing also has at least one relief zone that is in fluid communication with the outlet when the valve is in the closed mode. The rigid member may have a proximal end, a distal end, and a flow channel. The relief zone may be radially outward from the sealing portion. The sealing portion may seal the valve and prevent fluid from passing through the valve when in the closed mode.

Abstract: A medical valve has an open mode that permits fluid flow, and a closed mode that prevents fluid flow. To that end, the medical valve has a housing having an inlet and an outlet, and a resilient member within the housing. The resilient member has a body portion with a free state when undeformed by external mechanical forces and a deformed state when the valve is in the closed mode. The body portion is formed to return toward the free state as the valve transitions from the closed mode to the open mode and defining at least part of a fluid path through the valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for performing an assay on chemical, biochemical, or biological fluids. The apparatus includes an assay chamber for fluid reactions and a centrifugal force activated-valve for controlling fluid movement through the assay chamber. An active surface can be positioned in the assay chamber to react with fluids passed through the assay chamber. The active surface may contain biomolecular probes. The biomolecular probes can be DNA, DNA fragments, RNA, RNA fragments, reagents, protein, protein fragments, lipids, and lipid fragments. The apparatus is particularly useful when multiple reactions, dilutions, or washing steps are required to determine a final answer. The centrifugal force activated-valve provides positive control over fluid in the assay chamber and allows for repeated use of the same chamber for multiple reaction steps. The apparatus can be disposed of after an assay to eliminate potential contamination from reuse of the same apparatus.

Abstract: A governor spring bracket assembly that attaches to an exterior surface of a shaft-mounted governor valve assembly for an automatic transmission is disclosed. The present governor spring bracket assembly functions to counterbalance the effect of centrifugal force on the governor valve weights, which is generated by rotation of the governor with the transmission output shaft. The present governor spring bracket assembly aligns and supports a calibrated compression spring in functional engagement with the primary governor valve weight to return it to its closed position in relation to the governor output circuit at low output shaft speeds thereby preventing excessive governor output pressure, 2nd gear starts, and improper shift timing.

Abstract: An overspeed safety device for a pneumatic rotation motor having a stator (10) with an air inlet passage (16), a rotor (12), and a speed governor for determining a maximum speed level, and comprising a speed responsive actuator (34) connected to the rotor (12) and a valve (33) shiftable by the actuator (34) from a normally open position to a closed position so as to block or substantially restrict the air flow through the inlet passage (16) at the attainment of motor speed levels exceeding a predetermined maximum level should the speed governor malfunction, wherein the actuator (34) comprises a spring biassed contact element (48) connected to the rotor (12) and responsive to centrifugal action, and the valve (33) comprises a disc-shaped valve element (36) pivotally supported in the inlet passage (16) and maintained in its open position by one magnet (42) and in its closed position by another magnet (43).

Abstract: A speed control unit for a pneumatic rotation motor having a stator (10) with an air inlet passage (14), a rotor (11) journalled in the stator (10). The speed control unit includes a speed governor (26) operated by two or more fly-weight members (28), and an overspeed safety device (27). The rotor (11) is formed with a coaxial blind bore (22) in which is secured a mounting structure (23) for supporting the fly-weight members (28), the valve element (29) and the bias spring (35) of the speed governor (26) inside the rotor (11). The overspeed safety device (27) includes a flow restricting element (39) displaceably guided in the air inlet passage (14) and locked in an inactive rest position by a trip element (43), and a speed responsive actuator (45) that is co-rotative with the rotor (11).

Abstract: An electrical actuator for actuating a valve or other device includes an electrical motor rotating a rotary member and centrifugal body. The centrifugal body is mounted to the rotary member and is biased to normally assume an inner position with respect to the rotary axis of the rotary member, and to move to an outer position by centrifugal force when the rotary member rotates. An actuator pin is normally biased to a non-actuating position but is movable to an actuating position, to actuate a valve or other device, when the centrifugal body is moved to its outer position by centrifugal force upon the rotation of the rotary member by the electric motor.

Abstract: An improved torque control mechanism for a rotary vane, air motor tool includes acceleration and speed responsive slidable elements positioned in grooves that lie in a plane transverse to the spin axis of the motor and which form an angle with the radii extending from the spin axis. The elements cooperate with a cam plate which operates a fluid supply valve to close off air supply to the tool whenever torque of the tool causes the speed of the motor to decrease below a threshold level. A bypass valve and passage is manually operable to initiate operation of the air motor. An auxiliary low volume, low pressure valve and passage permits an operator to provide minor adjustments of the orientation of the output shaft of the tool. For reverse operation, the speed and acceleration control is eliminated by operation of a reverse operation control mechanism.

Abstract: In a pneumatically powered portable tool there is provided a speed governor and an overspeed safety device the purpose of which are to ensure a predetermined maximum speed by controlling the air inlet flow to the motor. A cup-shaped shell insert (28) is detachably mounted in the housing (10) to form with the latter an air supply passage (58) and to support the valve means (51,53) of the overspeed safety device. The top surface of the shell insert (28) is exposed through an aperture (57) in the housing (10) and carries the maximum speed marking of the tool.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a combined speed sensor and control valve for a rotary fluid motor such as a rotary vane air motor. Weights are pivotally attached to the opposite sides of the rotating output shaft of the air motor and are spring biased into engagement with an annular valve disc member positioned over the air inlet. Upon excessive speed of the shaft, the weights swing from engagement with the valve disc member and release the member. Air flow and air pressure within the air inlet passage cause the disc member to translate axially along the rotary shaft and close the air inlet. The air motor must be disassembled and the overspeed control reset prior to continued operation of the air motor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a speed controlled fluid pressure regulator that is adapted to provide a fluid pressure control signal for use in a variety of control functions in response to changes in rotational speed of an object such as a rotating component of an internal combustion engine. The regulator is controlled by a speed biasing mechanism that utilizes a counterbalancing arrangement between a biasing means and a component that is moved by a centrifugal weight assembly in response to changes in the rotational speed of the object being monitored to position a valve of the regulator with a high degree of sensitivity which in turn enables the regulator to provide the output fluid pressure control signal from a fluid pressure source in a highly effective manner.

Abstract: A timing and control mechanism for a centrifuge comprising a piston to which is attached a cam having cam surfaces which interact with flexible tubing to control the rate of flow through the tubing. The velocity of the piston in the centrifugal force field is determined by the resistance to flow of fluid which the piston displaces. The movement of the cam is therefore a measure of the speed and duration of the centrifugal force.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing a turbine from exceeding a predetermined value of a monitored physical magnitude, the apparatus including an over-center toggle lever (3) pivotally mounted on a pivot point (6) on a stationary frame (7), the lever being capable of occupying a tripped position or a released position. In the cocked position, one arm (4) of the lever (3) presses against a stop (8) provided with a unit (20) which controls steam admission units to the turbine, the lever (3) moves away from the stop, steam is cut off, while the end (14) of the other arm (5) is pivotally mounted on the end of a connecting rod (10) which is pivotally mounted at its other end on a pin (11) which is integral with a piston (12) which a spring (16) pushes away. A mass (2) strikes the lever (3) which moves to the tripped position if the monitored magnitude exceeds the predetermined value.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a means for evacuating the odors associated with toilet use away from the environment of the bathroom and into the sewer. Vent means are provided around the periphery directly below the toilet seat, and impelling means are provided to channel the air traversing through these vents into the sewer outlet remote from the bathroom interior.

Abstract: A pneumatic hand tool comprises a housing having a compressed-gas inlet and provided with a pneumatically powered motor which carries on one side a tool holder such as a chuck and on the other side a governor. A speed-control valve is operated by the governor and can close a first air passage between the inlet and the motor to maintain the motor speed below a predetermined limit. Another passage is provided which bypasses the governor-controlled speed-control valve and a valve is provided in this bypass conduit which is openable in order to allow the hand tool to operate at a speed substantially above the governor-established speed.

Abstract: A roof ventilator comprising a pipe provided with an opening therein, a shutter means adapted to be raised above or lowered over said opening, a supporting arm associated with a rotating shaft which is rotatably disposed within said pipe, a fan means housed in said pipe below said shutter means and attached to said shaft, means for rotating said shaft and the fan associated therewith, said shutter means being supported on said supporting arm by two pairs of foldable arms, each pair of arms being pivotally connected to each other and to the terminating top end portion of said supporting arm at one end and to the shutter means at the other end so that a unitary upward movement of said pairs of foldable arms and said shutter means is achieved by the rotation of the fan means disposed therebelow.

Abstract: A rotational speed responsive type fluid pressure signal control valve comprises a plurality of fly weights rotated by a drive shaft, a sleeve operated by the fly weights, fluid passages provided in the valve and valve bodies actuated by the sleeve so as to open and close the fluid passages, thereby getting a fluid pressure signal from the fluid passages.