Abstract: A fluid flow sensor is provided for use in a remote location from a fluid delivery system, such as a lubricant or grease delivery system for lubricating parts. The fluid flow sensor includes a body defining a lubricant conveying passageway having a seat, and a poppet configured to engage the seat. The poppet is biased against the seat by a spring, but is moveable off the seat when fluid is moved through the passageway. The poppet includes a rod that extends upstream from the poppet through an aperture in the passageway, and a piston is positioned abuttingly against the end of the rod and biased against the rod by a spring so that the piston will move with the poppet as the poppet is moved off the seat in a first direction. A proximity switch is positioned perpendicularly to the first direction adjacent the piston.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a fluid relief device for relieving pressure of a fluid stored in a container or tank, or fluid used in a piece of equipment. In one aspect such a device has a body member with a primary channel therethrough in communication with a container of a contained fluid under pressure. When the pressure of the contained fluid under pressure exceeds a predetermined level, the pressure of the contained fluid moves a cover which is sealingly in place to close off the primary channel. During normal conditions the force of the contained fluid is insufficient to move the cover and leakage of the contained fluid past the cover is inhibited by the provision of a barrier fluid supplied into a barrier fluid chamber to oppose the contained fluid, the barrier fluid at a pressure greater than the normal pressure of the contained fluid.

Abstract: A valve for permitting fluid flow in a first desired direction and preventing fluid flow in a reverse direction. The valve includes a valve body having a rigid wall defining inlet and outlet openings at opposite ends thereof and a main flow passageway between the inlet and outlet openings. Secured to the rigid wall, so as to receive fluid entering the passageway through the inlet opening, is a tubular valve member of elastomeric material having upstream and downstream ends in fluid communication with one another. The tubular valve member is normally open to fluid flow but is yieldingly collapsible in response to downstream pressure increases to prevent fluid from passing therethrough. A ring is secured about the tubular valve member and is dimensioned to prevent the passage of the downstream end through the inlet opening in the event of a downstream pressure increase. The drain control valve may be employed in conjunction with a novel manifold for irrigation purposes.

Abstract: Liquid flow through a conduit in a branch of a hydronic system provided with a balancing valve and, in series therewith, a metering valve to obtain a desired rate of flow in the branch is regulated by positioning immediately adjacent an accelerated-flow zone in the metering valve in the conduit a pitot having an upstream side directed upstream against a direction of flow through the conduit and a downstream side directed downstream in the flow direction. The metering valve is settable in a plurality of predetermined positions each corresponding to a respective flow cross section through the conduit. A differential pressure meter is connected to both sides of the pitot, the one of the predetermined valve positions is selected that gives a near full-range reading on the meter, and the metering valve is set in this selected one position.

Abstract: A backflow prevention device with a failure indicator designed to determine the functional state of integral backflow prevention device(s) or check valve(s). Check valve(s) are assembled in combination with failure indicator(s) and valve(s) or flow regulation device(s), and is designed to allow a working fluid to flow in the desired direction of fluid flow and prevent backflow. A built in test or procedure enables the functional condition of backflow prevention device(s) or check valve(s) to be determined readily, easily, and reliably.

Abstract: A gas regulator with a double pressure adjusting function has a valve body closed with a lower valve lid with two round gas chambers formed in the valve body and the valve lid, each gas chamber having a gas pressure adjuster to adjust pressure of incoming gas. A pressure controller is combined in a gas exit hole of the valve body to block immediately the gas exit hole in case of abnormal gas pressure flowing through the gas exit hole, and a gauge is provided near a gas intake of the valve body to check pressure of gas flowing in the first gas chamber.

Abstract: An electro-magnetically actuated twin-valve system wherein the respective valves are series-connected within a single housing and in a single generally axial line of fluid flow from an upstream or inlet end to a downstream or outlet end, and wherein an annular electrical winding is operative to concurrently operate both valves for a like change of state in each valve. A generally toroidal configuration of magnetic-core elements is provided by generally cylindrical housing structure which includes annular end-closure elements and wherein the core path is completed by magnetic armature and pole-face features. The annular winding is magnetically coupled to the armatures and is contained within the generally toroidal configuration of magnetic-core elements. Separate springs axially preload the armatures in their valve-closed direction of engagement with annular valve-seat formations along the path of flow.

Abstract: A monitoring system comprising at least, a first and a second indicator unit each associated with at least one fluid distribution line and each including at least two series of indicators, each series being associated with at least one pick-up of the magnitude of a fluid which circulates in a distribution line and comprising at least two indicator lights for the thresholds of the magnitude, wherein the thresholds may be adjusted by a programming unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for managing water consumption and preventing damage to a fluid supply system in a house or structure is disclosed. The water management system includes a water management device coupled between provided fluid flow, pressure, and temperature sensors, and a shut-off valve and a drain valve. The device includes flow control means for opening the shut-off valve when flow is detected at any flow sensor and closing the shut-off valve when flow is undetected. The device also includes flow timers which have a selected operational period for each flow sensor and which close the shut-off valve if the operational period of a flow sensor is exceeded. The device also includes temperature timers for closing the shut-off valve and opening the drain valve when a temperature at or below a minimum temperature is detected by the temperature sensor for a selected maximum temperature detection time period.

Abstract: A modular valve field convertible between a wet and dry configuration including a valve body and a passage within the valve body for allowing fluid to flow therethrough. A valve seat and clapper are positioned within the valve body. The clapper is allowed to pivot between a first position wherein the clapper is sealingly engaged with the valve seat and a second position wherein the clapper is spaced from the valve seat to allow fluid to flow through the valve. The operator controls the position of the clapper with respect to the valve seat. An operator securely retains the clapper in the first position in a first mode of operation and allows the clapper to freely move between the first and second positions in a second mode of operation. A controller governs the position of the clapper with respect to the valve seat when the operator is in the second mode of operation.

Abstract: A manually operable pressure relief valve for swimming pool filter systems and the like, including a valve housing, a valve stem movable axially in the housing to open and close the valve, and a top cover that serves as an operating handle. The valve housing and the valve stem have components that cooperate to provide an axial movement from closed to fully open with only a quarter turn of the stem, and to prevent inadvertent removal of the stem from the housing. The stem must be moved deliberately through a sequence of required rotational and axial displacements to remove it. The top cover must also be manipulated in a prescribed manner to effect removal of the stem from the housing.

Abstract: An inline control valve (10-10F) having a fixed diverter member or plug (34-34F) positioned centrally of the flow passage (30-30F) and a sleeve (40-40F) mounted for movement between open and closed position relating to the plug (34-34F). One embodiment (FIGS. 2-4) includes a solenoid (72) for moving the sleeve (40) to an open position. A radially expandable metal seat ring (50) shown carried by the sleeve (40) in FIG. 4 seals against the plug (34) by radial expansion of the seat ring (50) relative to the sleeve (40). Another embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 includes a separate source of pressurized fluid (72A) for movement of the sleeve (40A) to an open position. The inline control valve (10F) is utilized in the embodiment of FIGS. 11-14 in combination with an indicator member (47F) to indicate an excessive fluid pressure.

Abstract: A fluid supply system including a casing having at least one duct extending through it for the passage of fluid and a recess in the casing around the duct or ducts, a cover covering the recess and held against a bearing surface on the casing surrounding the recess, the cover carrying a continuation of the or each duct, and a vent in either the casing or the cover communicating the recess with the environment outside the casing, is provided with a leak tell-tale device for indicating passage of fluid along a path, such as the vent, which, in the event of a leakage of fluid from a duct into the recess, would be followed by the leaked fluid.

Abstract: A valve and sensor arrangement includes a valve which has a valve member. A sensor such as a sensor for detecting a flow of water through the valve is provided within the valve member and is preferably aligned with a turning axis of the valve member. The sensor is preferably a flow sensor which is rotated by flow through the valve and the sensor arrangement may be provided in a valve of general utility.

Abstract: A backflow prevention device with a failure indicator designed to determine the functional state of integral backflow prevention device(s) or check valve(s). Check valve(s) are assembled in combination with pressure gauge(s) or failure indicator(s) and valve(s) or flow regulation device(s) between an inlet area and outlet area, and is designed to allow a working fluid to flow in the desired direction of fluid flow and prevent backflow. A built in test or procedure enables the functional condition of backflow prevention device(s) or check valve(s) to be determined readily, easily, and reliably.

Abstract: The invention provides a pressure noise suppression system which includes a fluid input circuit 22 for receiving pressure pulses carried by a first fluid which is displaceable; a fluid vessel 10 having a non-linear tube 28 containing a second fluid; a signal generator 18 for transmitting pressure pulses carried by the first fluid for displacing the second fluid; a fluid output circuit 36 having a displaceable third fluid; and a pressure sensor 38 for sensing pressure impulses which pass through the second fluid.

Abstract: An integral gas regulator and flowmeter unit. The unit has a housing body with a high pressure gas inlet, a low pressure gas outlet, and a receptacle. A passage communicates gas to a valve seat in the receptacle. A differential pressure piston having seals at each end is slidably received within the receptacle and is spring biased away from the valve seat. A first end of the piston cooperates with the valve seat for controlling gas flow into the receptacle. A bore within the piston communicates gas from the first end to a second end of the piston. A floating inner flow tube mounted on the second end of the piston receives gas from the bore. A ball is slidably received within the inner flow tube. An outer flow tube overlies the inner flow tube. Both tubes are arranged for being positioned in a normally vertical position and may be marked with graduations for indicating the ball position.

Abstract: A fluid flow controller and meter including a metering tube with a bore formed axially therein having a slit-like orifice axially disposed and intersecting the bore along the length thereof. Flow through the meter is controlled by a valve member which moves in the passage of the metering tube and across the slit-like orifice. In a preferred embodiment, the slit-like orifice is in fluid communication with a site tube which contains a flow sensitive element which is responsive to the flow induced. The slit-like orifice achieves a linear flow response to changes in the relative position of the valve member.

Abstract: A fluid flow control damper having one or more blades for sensing pressures to determine velocity pressure in the flow stream. The airfoil damper blade has fluid intake openings in a portion of the blade which extends into the fluid stream upstream of the damper and it has inlet openings in a portion of the blade which extends into the stream downstream of the damper. Pressurized fluid from each side of the damper is conducted through separate chambers in the blade and through outlets on the blade axis to instrumentation which reads the pressures and computes the pressure differential between the pressures at each side of the damper. The pressure inlet openings are disposed in elongated channels along the side edges of the blade to protect the inlets from spurious pressure fluctuations which would adversely affect the accuracy of the pressure sensings.

Abstract: A protective circuit (40) for pressure and return connections of a hydraulic system. The protective circuit includes a four-way, two-position on/off valve (65) having a first (66), second (68), and third (70) port. In its "off" position, valve (65) connects ports (68, 70) and blocks port (66). In its "on" position, ports (66, 70) are connected and port (68) blocked. A pilot valve (46) is provided including a valve plunger (56) and piston (58), which defines a valve chamber (52) and pilot chamber (54). Valve chamber (52) is connected to pressure and return, while pilot chamber (54) is connected to port (70) of valve (65). A first one-way check valve (96) and second one-way check valve (78) are also provided.

Abstract: A tire pressure indicator which includes a valve stem over-pressure indicator and a valve stem cap under-pressure indicator. The valve stem includes an air porting scheme that releases over-inflation air for escape through a whistling reed configuration. The valve stem cap includes a top translucent panel for coaction with a diaphragm spring contained therebelow. Normal tire pressure distends the diaphragm spring to an upward convex attitude in contact with the underside of the translucent panel to project a visual indicator.

Abstract: A check valve assembly is provided for a liquid storage vessel, such as a tank. The system includes a housing for mounting to the tank. A fluid outlet and an air inlet are provided in the housing. An inlet check valve and an outlet check valve are provided on the housing for selectively venting the tank. An air filter is mounted over the air inlet to remove airborne contaminants. The check valve assembly may include a pressure gauge, a nitrogen source inlet, and an emergency relief valve.

Abstract: A device for monitoring for fluid leakage in a double stem seal valve (24). The valve housing (25), stem (28), primary stem seal (30), and secondary stem seal (34) define a chamber (36) bounded therebetween. A pressure gauge (44) having a pointer (48) for registering and retaining a maximum pressure reading is mounted on the valve (24) and via a port (38) is in fluid communication with the chamber (36). Fluid leakage into the chamber (36) sufficient to increase the chamber pressure can be registered and retained by the pointer (48), indicating the failure of the primary stem seal (30) and the occurrence of a leak.

Abstract: A suction control valve is disclosed which includes a primary suction device access and an ancillary suction device access. The valve includes an actuator which is linearly movable between a first position in which the primary access is closed against suction pressure therethrough, to a second position in which the primary access is open to suction pressure therethrough. The valve also includes a rotatable valve core which can be rotated by the actuator to a third position to disable its linear movement and to open the ancillary access port. When the actuator is in the first position, atmospheric air can pass through the valve and into the suction pressure source in such a manner that a "hissing" auditory signal is generated, indicative of the presence of suction pressure within the valve. When the actuator is in the second or third positions, the "hissing" is prevented.

Abstract: A suction control valve is disclosed which includes a primary suction device access and an ancillary suction device access. The valve includes an actuator which is movable between a first position in which the primary access is closed against suction pressure therethrough, to a second position in which the primary access is open to suction pressure therethrough, or alternatively, to a third position in which the primary access port remains closed to suction pressure therethrough and the actuator becomes locked against movement into the second position. When the actuator is in the first position, atmospheric air can pass through the valve and into the suction pressure source in such a manner that a "hissing" auditory signal is generated, indicative of the presence of suction pressure within the valve. When the actuator is in the second or third positions, the "hissing" is prevented.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the condition of a pressure relief safety valve, which has a magnetic ball shiftable from a home position by fluid under pressure when the relief valve opens, and an adjacent sensor responsive to shifting of the ball to provide a signal representing an open valve.

Abstract: A non-intrusive method for timing the full operational motion of a valve plug (26) in an electrically actuated, pneumatically operated valve (10). An actuation signal is sent to the valve actuator (54). A coil of wire (68) around the valve actuator solenoid (56), an accelerometer (70) on the solenoid slug (64), or a connection to a permanent pressure sensor (72), non-intrusively senses arrival of the actuation signal at the valve. The time measuring equipment (12) begins timing when the actuation signal is sensed. A laser valve motion sensor (74) then non-intrusively senses when the valve plug reaches a limit of motion. The time measuring equipment ends timing when the valve plug reaches a limit of motion. The time measuring equipment then records the elapsed time from the sensing of the arrival of actuation signal to the final limit of motion of the valve plug.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for detecting blockage in a spray gun of a liquid spray system wherein a first transducer is positioned to detect the pressure of paint or sealer in a supply line at an upstream position and a second transducer is positioned immediately adjacent and upstream a spray orifice of a spray gun to detect a second pressure of the liquid wherein a pressure drop of the liquid is calculated and a blockage signal is generated when the pressure drop is less than a predetermined amount. Preferably, the line and the spray gun are sized so that pressure drop is at least 10 psi and preferably approximately 350 psi in the absence of any blockage.

Abstract: Liquid flow through a conduit in a branch of a hydronic system provided with a balancing valve and, in series therewith, a metering valve to obtain a desired rate of flow in the branch is regulated by positioning immediately adjacent the metering valve in the conduit a pitot having an upstream side directed upstream against a direction of flow through the conduit and a downstream side directed downstream in the flow direction. The metering valve is settable in a plurality of predetermined positions each corresponding to a respective flow cross section through the conduit. A differential pressure meter is connected to both sides of the pitot, the one of the predetermined valve positions is selected that gives a near full-range reading on the meter, and the metering valve is set in this selected one position.

Abstract: An integral burst sensing disk assembly wherein a disk forms an integral part of the burst sensing circuit. The improvement of the instant invention comprises using a rupture disk to form a complete circuit between a wire connected to the burst membrane portion of the disk, through the disk to another wire connected to the outer surface of the disk. When the disk bursts to relieve an over-pressure situation, the circuit is broken and a signal sent to indicate that the disk has burst.

Abstract: A pressure regulating unit for providing controlled pressure for use in displacing syrups in a carbonated beverage dispensing system, the unit including a block made of a single piece of metal and having mounting structure integrally provided thereon and a high-pressure gas flow passage provided therein and having a high pressure inlet, the unit also including pressure regulators that are supported on the block and have gas inlets communicating with the high-pressure gas flow passage.

Abstract: The pressure medium drive is provided for opening and closing the contacts (e.sub.1, e.sub.2) of an electric circuit-breaker. It contains a pressure medium reservoir (r), a drive piston (t) which slides in a drive cylinder (c) and acts on a mechanism (j) for displacing a movable contact (e.sub.1) of the circuit-breaker, and a reversing valve (s) for the selective connection of the pressure medium reservoir (r) to the drive cylinder (c) or of the drive cylinder (c) to an outlet volume for the pressure medium.This pressure medium drive is of simple, inexpensive construction and can open the contacts of the circuit-breaker considerably faster than it can close them.This is due to an interposed valve (v) which is disposed between the pressure medium reservoir (r) and the reversing valve (s) and has a flow cross section determined by the closing time of the contacts (e.sub.1, e.sub.2), and to the much larger flow cross section of the reversing valve (s).

Abstract: In a fluidic flowmeter for measuring the flowrate higher than the preset flowrate by use of a fluidic element and for measuring the flowrate lower than the present flowrate by use of a flow sensor inserted into the nozzle portion, the present invention relates to the fluidic flowmeter that has an abnormality judging circuit for judging an abnormality and issuing a warning signal and also zero point and gain correcting circuits when operating the flowrate on the basis for the signal being output from the flow sensor in the case that the flowrate signal higher than the preset flowrate is to be input only from the flow sensor side and in the case that the flowrate signal higher than the preset flowrate is to be input only from the flow sensor side and in the event that the flowrate signal lower than the preset flowrate is to be input only from the fluidic element side.

Abstract: A modular valve field convertible between a wet and dry configuration including a valve body and a passage within the valve body for allowing fluid to flow therethrough. A valve seat and clapper are positioned within the valve body. The clapper is allowed to pivot between a first position wherein the clapper is sealingly engaged with the valve seat and a second position wherein the clapper is spaced from the valve seat to allow fluid to flow through the valve. The operator controls the position of the clapper with respect to the valve seat. An operator securely retains the clapper in the first position in a first mode of operation and allows the clapper to freely move between the first and second positions in a second mode of operation. A controller governs the position of the clapper with respect to the valve seat when the operator is in the second mode of operation.

Abstract: A highly reliable pilot valve apparatus controls the direction of the operation of an actuator by pivoting a lever (15) back and forth and to the right and left. A valve body (1) has a directional control spool (27) which shifts between a first position wherein it ensures that a pair of outlet ports (3.sub.3, 3.sub.4) communicate with a pair of main outlet ports (38, 39) in a forward direction and a second position wherein it ensures that the pair of outlet ports communicate with the pair of main outlet ports in a rearward direction. The directional control spool (27) is changed over between the first and second positions by an oil from another pair of outlet ports (3.sub.1, 3.sub.2). Alternatively, the valve body (1) can contain a pressure detecting directional control valve (61) such that in a first position a pressure sensing port (60) is connected to the inlet port (52) and in a second position the pressure sensing port (60) is disconnected from the inlet port ( 52).

Abstract: A coupler assembly for a pressure pump includes a vertical stand and a sheave mounted rotatably on the stand. The sheave includes a main shaft which is hollowed partially adjacent to one end of the same to define a recess and which has a through hole formed in an external surface to communicate the recess and an exterior of the main shaft. An enclosed casing is fixed in the recess and has a circular plate that is disposed opposite to a bottom of the recess. The circular plate has a pressure gauge communicated with an interior of the enclosed casing, a plurality of coupling members and a release valve to release pressure from within the enclosed casing to an exterior of the enclosed casing.

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

Abstract: A supply circuit for a hydraulic fluid system has at least one pressure generation device, at least one connecting valve, a main line and a safety deactivation unit. The supply circuit permits a hydraulic fluid to be fed in such a way that, in all operating states, occurrence of pressure surges in the system is prevented. The connecting valve is designed as a slide valve with three control edges for regulating filling, operation and testing functions. A plate valve, in fluid communication with the slide control valve, is designed as an outflow amplifier and fulfills the safety related tasks.

Abstract: A safety valve includes a tube and a valve device. The valve device is substantially a cylindrical member with an end thereof coupled to an outlet of a gas container by a mounting device. The other end of the valve device has a threading portion for engaging with a first end of the tube whose second end communicates with a burner. The valve device has an inner gas passage which tapers to form a neck adjacent to the threading portion thereof. A stem hole is formed in the threading portion and communicates with the neck. Also formed in the threading portion are two slits which also communicate with the neck. A valve stem has a stem portion received in the stem hole and a valve head in the inner gas passage. When leakage occurs downstream of the valve device, the valve stem is moved toward the neck, and thus blocks the slits, thereby preventing from escapement of subsequent gas remained in the inner gas passage and in the gas container.

Abstract: A supply valve and an arrangement for supplying, testing and draining a fire suppression water sprinkler system includes a supply valve which has a valve member with at least first, second and third ports. The selective rotation of the valve member varies communication between the inlet of the valve and one or more outlets for the valve. A sensor for detecting a flow of water through the supply valve is provided within valve member and has a member which is generally aligned with a turning axis of the valve member. The flow sensor arrangement may be provided in a valve of general utility.

Abstract: A fuel pressure regulator with a flexible diaphragm defining in part first and second chambers in a housing and moving a ball valve in the first chamber to open and closed positions to regulate pressure of fuel discharged from the first chamber through an outlet having a seat on which the ball is received when the valve is closed. A cage carried by the diaphragm cooperates with a carrier member or disc fixed to the ball to provide a lost motion coupling between the diaphragm and the ball valve. This coupling permits movement within predetermined limits of the diaphragm generally axially, radially and pivotally relative to the ball while it remains on its seat and upon further generally axial movement of the diaphragm opens and partially closes the ball valve to regulate and maintain substantially constant the pressure of fuel discharged from the chamber over substantially the full range of the rate at which the fuel is discharged.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and analyzing the performance of a recirculation control system are disclosed. According to the invention, the pressure of the liquid passing through the control system is measured directly by pressure and differential pressure transducers at the main inlet, main outlet, and, within the regulation means of the control system. Where the means for regulating the flow of liquid to the recirculation outlet comprises a piston within a piston chamber, the pressure of the liquid within the regulating means is measured in the piston chamber. The pressure data is analyzed to determine valve performance.

Abstract: A brake hose coupling for coupling to a glad hand body. The glad hand body has a primary port and a pair of primary flanges bordering and angularly spaced about the primary port. The brake hose coupling has a coupling body with a complementary port and a pair of complementary flanges adapted to rotate coaxially into engagement with the primary flanges of the glad hand body The complementary flanges border and are angularly spaced about the complementary port. The brake hose coupling also has a lock with a latching member mounted to reciprocate on the coupling body adjacent and transversely to one of the complementary flanges, between a release and an engage position. In the release position the latching member has clearance to allow passage of a corresponding one of the primary flanges. In the engage position the latching member blocks passage of the corresponding one of the primary flanges. Thus the latching member is operable to lock the coupling body on the glad hand body.

Abstract: A seismic activated gas valve includes a valve body defining a vertically oriented interior chamber having a input port formed in the upper portion thereof and an output port formed in the lower portion thereof. A magnetical ball retainer is supported in the uppermost portion of the valve body and supports a steel closure ball by magnetic attraction under normal conditions. An annular steel washer and a spaced apart magnetic washer captivate a sealing O-ring to form a valve seat between the input port and output ports of the valve body. Under conditions of substantial seismic activity, the steel closure ball is separated from the magnetic ball retainer and falls downwardly through the vertical chamber and comes to rest against the valve seat in a sealing attachment. The magnetic washer beneath the sealing O-ring attracts the steel ball and resists subsequent reopening of the valve due to vibrations imparted to the closure ball.

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

Abstract: The invention concerns a simple, inexpensive and small detector, particularly for use in the medical pumps, for detecting over-pressure in a pipe (1) and setting off an alarm when an over-pressure is detected. The detector for detecting over-pressure in the pipe (1) along which a fluid (3) flows may comprise a T junction (5) for deriving a fraction of the flowing fluid (3) from the pipe (1); at least one tube (7) wherein there is fitted at least one obturating member (9); and an assembly for detecting the displacement of the obturating member (9) in the tube (7) and for generating a signal in response to detecting displacement of the obturating member (9).

Abstract: The fluid control device of the present invention combines a flow sensing unit in series with a control valve. The flow sensing unit is of the displacement piston type and the flow rate is electronically sensed. A single action poppet valve assembly facilitates the use of a self contained power supply for use in remote locations. A microprocessor monitors parameters including pressure, flow rate, temperature and flow volume, and is enabled to activate the control valve to the open or shut positions based upon any combination of the monitored parameters.

Abstract: A detection system is provided for sensing a malfunction of a valve having an outlet connected to an end of a first pipe through which pressurized fluid may be flowed in a downstream direction away from the valve. The system includes a bypass pipe connected at its opposite ends to the first pipe and operative to bypass a portion of the fluid flow therethrough around a predetermined section thereof. A housing is interiorly divided by a flexible diaphragm into first and second opposite chambers which are respectively communicated with the first pipe section and the bypass pipe, the diaphragm being spring-biased toward the second chamber. The diaphragm housing cooperates with check valves and orifices connected in the two pipes to create and maintain a negative pressure in the first pipe section in response to closure of the valve during pressurized flow through the first pipe. A pressure switch senses the negative pressure and transmits a signal indicative thereof to a computer.

Abstract: A transducer assembly for measuring the pressure difference between first and second pressures comprises a differential pressure transducer and a valve coupled to the differential pressure transducer. The differential pressure transducer has a first pressure region and a second pressure region and generates an electrical signal in response to a pressure differential between the first and second pressure regions. The valve is arranged to connect the first and second pressure regions when the pressure differential exceeds a first value. One embodiment of the valve comprises a chamber and a poppet. The chamber has a first port, a second port, and a wall. The cross sectional flow area of the chamber is larger than the cross sectional flow area of the first or second port.

Abstract: A monitor for measuring the pressure in the cuff on a tracheal tube is clipped onto a coupling at the end of an inflation indicator balloon that communicates with the cuff. The monitor has a silicon strain gauge pressure sensor and a spring that urges the sensor resiliently against one side of the balloon, the other side of the balloon resting on a base plate. The monitor has a numeric display connected to the sensor on which a representation of pressure in the indicator balloon and hence in the cuff is displayed.