Abstract: A valve has an integral flow switch with a passageway provided through the valve member such as a butterfly disk to an inlet of the flow switch. An outlet of the flow switch communicates with the outlet of the valve.

Abstract: A system for regulating pressure in a sealed chemical storage tank. The system includes a vent passage connected to the tank, through which gas may pass into and out of the tank. The vent passage includes a first enclosed region having a first volume and a second enclosed region having a second volume. A volume of liquid, which is less than each of the first and second volumes, is associated with the vent passage to selectively constrain the passage of gas through the vent passage. Increased pressure in the tank moves the liquid into the second enclosed region. The second enclosed region is constructed to accommodate the volume of liquid to allow gas to pass. Vacuum in the tank moves the liquid into the first enclosed region. The first enclosed region is constructed to accommodate the volume of liquid to allow gas to pass.

Abstract: Valve for testing and draining sprinkler systems comprises a half-body with an inlet channel and a half-body with an outlet channel which define a housing chamber which houses the valve shutter and is in continuous fluid communication with the inlet channel. The ball shutter has a through channel with end openings having a different diameter as well as a third opening of a joining channel the axis of which is at right angle to the through channel and the joining channel opens out into the latter. Within the outlet channel the shutter is supported by an annular gasket whereas at the inlet side the shutter is supported by a springing insert which has apertures and causes turbulences in the flowing flow.

Abstract: A valve and valve arrangement for a fire suppression system includes a valve having an inlet and an outlet provided on opposite ends of the valve housing with a pressure relief valve in communication with the interior of the housing. A gap in a seat for the valve member provides communication with the inlet of the valve. In another embodiment, a valve has a disk provided in a passageway through the valve member to restrict the flow through the valve to a predetermined rate which is less than the fully opened flow rate through the valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides multi-layer microfluidic systems, by providing additional substrate layers, e.g., third, fourth, fifth and more substrate layers, mated with the typically described first and second layers. Microfabricated elements, e.g., grooves, wells and the like, are manufactured into the surfaces between the various substrate layers. These microfabricated elements define the various microfluidic aspects or structures of the overall device, e.g., channels, chambers and the like. In preferred aspects, a separate microscale channel network is provided between each of the substrate layers.

Abstract: An oil nozzle structure for pneumatic tools is provided and mainly characterized in that an oil nozzle is directly mounted into a receiving space provided at an outer end of a handle portion of a pneumatic tool, and that a clear inspection window and a through oil port are provided on a wall of the handle portion of the pneumatic tool corresponding to the receiving space, such that oil may be directly supplied into the receiving space via the oil port and penetrate into the oil nozzle before being sent into the pneumatic tool by supplied air to lubricate internal components of the tool, and that oil level in the receiving space may be conveniently observed via the clear inspection window to timely replenish the receiving space with oil.

Abstract: A casing 61 is formed with a guide bore 69 having an open upper end for guiding an operating rod 21. An opening-closing indicator 77 is mounted on an upper end of the operating rod 21 and positioned within the guide bore 69 when a fluid channel is closed with the operating rod 21 in a lowered position. The casing 61 has a transparent convex lens 81 bulging upward from a top surface thereof and closing the open upper end of the guide bore 69. The indicator 77 is positioned as projected upward from the top surface of the casing 61 so as to be visible through the transparent lens 81 when the fluid channel is opened with the operating rod 21 moved to a raised position.

Abstract: The invention comprises a diverter device which has an expandable perimeter for removably mounting same to a storm drain and comprises a passageway therethrough for the directing the controlled flow of air and/or fluids from the storm drain during a back-flow incident.

Abstract: A sight glass filter and check valve apparatus for use in a fluid line. The apparatus includes a housing, first and second couplers connected to the housing, a sight glass assembly, a filter assembly, and a check valve assembly. The housing includes a pair of coordinated apertures. Each of the couplers includes a first end and a second end with the first ends threadedly received by the housing and the second ends connected to the fluid line. The sight glass assembly is disposed within the housing in alignment with the apertures. The filter assembly is disposed between the housing and the first coupler. The check valve assembly is disposed between the housing and the second coupler.

Abstract: A flapper-type gas valve automatically closable by accelerations characteristic of earthquakes. The arm is held up in the "valve open" position by a magnet attracting a soft ferromagnetic armature. The armature can be displaced to release the flapper to close the valve, either by seismic accelerations or manually by novel magnetic means--the latter for testing or for non-seismic emergencies. The latter employ movable permanent magnets or electromagnets. Additional magnets are provided to hold the valve closed. Indicating means on the flapper shaft can be viewed through a window to see the valve status--open or closed. The electromagnetic modification provides remote status indication via a magnetically-actuated switch.

Abstract: A gas line valve incorporated into the gas supply line which will automatically close when a gas line and associated building structure or ground surface is subjected to violent movement caused by an earthquake of a magnitude that could rupture or damage the gas line. The valve of this invention is manually resettable when the gas line and all utilities or appliances have been tested for gas line breakage or rupture after violent movements caused by the earthquake have ceased. The resettable earthquake valve includes a ball valve which is stored and retained in an open position with violent movements moving the ball valve to a closed position on a valve seat in the gas flow path.

Abstract: A flow meter, such as is used in warm water heating systems, has a measuring element (2) with a flow-responsive element and a display element (3) with a transparent inspection glass or tube (10) with a bore in which an an end of an indicator rod (6) moves. The indicator rod is part of, or is coupled to, the flow-responsive element and it has a pointer (8) near the end inside the inspection tube. The inspection tube preferably has no markings: instead, around the inspection tube is a scale support (16) with scale markings calibrated to the positions of the pointer (8) to show the amount of flow. The scale support is essentially sleeves-shaped, with a lateral cutout (18) which permits the user to view the pointer inside the inspection tube. The scale markings may be on cut surfaces (20) adjoining the lateral cutout.

Abstract: A manifold box adapted to contain manifolds for valves controlling the flow of potentially hazardous liquids. This is a rotationally cast sealed plastic box enclosing the valves to contain any leaks from the valves and allow any leaking liquid to drain from the box through a drain tube at the bottom of the box to prevent the liquid from leaking onto surfaces below or adjacent to the valves. Attachment engaging "tee-nuts" are cast in place within the walls of the box and fittings for tubing connections are spin welded to the walls of the box. The box has a front access opening sealingly closed by a hinged plastic cover panel. In one embodiment the box is rectangular and is designed with two adjacent sloping walls which permit drainage of liquid from the box into a drain tube regardless of whether the box is mounted vertically or horizontally. In another embodiment the box is square and has one sloping wall containing a drain connected to a drain pipe.

Abstract: A vent valve is provided wherein a pallet/diaphragm type valve is cooperatively and coactively associated with a pressure responsive liquid seal. The assembly eliminates low level fugitive vapor emissions escaping from the diaphragm/seat region up to a predeterminable liquid seal set pressure which preferably is less than or equal to the set pressure for diaphragm opening. A liquid reservoir with a sealed chamber is provided for the liquid seal subassembly. Fugitive emissions from a tank or the like that is associated with the vent valve enter the sealed chamber and are there contained until the pressure therein is sufficient to displace the sealing liquid to an extent sufficient to open the sealed chamber. The valve assembly can be used as a pressure vent, as a vacuum vent, and as a combination pressure and vacuum vent. Optional features, such as a constant liquid level controller, a sight glass, a signaling device, or the like can be provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve cover system in which the valve cover has a distinctive shape of a regular octagon and indicia identifying its function and relationship to the system it controls. In addition, the invention relates to a valve cover system which has a set of extensions on a valve cover socket so that the valve cover can follow ground movement and remain relatively level with the ground. Other improvements include a locking mechanism that inhibits removal of the valve cover thereby discouraging vandalism and a low friction telescopic extension to allow movement of the valve cover without damaging the conduit between the valve and the valve cover.

Abstract: A system for indicating a position of a piston inside a cylinder of a control valve. The indicator of the present invention has an enclosed shaft which prevents the use of the shaft to tamper with the piston. The position of the shaft inside a shaft housing is indicated using a pair of magnets a first magnet is connected to a first end of the shaft and a second magnet is slidably mounted to an outside of the shaft housing. As the shaft moves the first magnet inside the housing, the second magnet moves outside the housing. The second magnet and shaft housing are enclosed in a transparent housing to prevent damage. The shaft housing has a threaded connector for connecting the shaft housing to a valve housing over the piston to prevent leakage through the shaft housing. A groove in a second end of the shaft receives teeth from a toothed retaining ring affix the shaft to the piston.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a base (10), a handle (18) and a spindle (14) connected to the handle (18) at one end and adapted at the opposite end for opening and closing the valve. The spindle (14) extends from the base (10) to the handle (18) and is adapted such that rotation thereof results in opening and closing of the valve respectively. The base (10) is provided with two or more first indication means (R,B,G) and the handle is provided with two or more second indication means (20,21,22;RR,BB,GG). At least one of the indication means on either or both of the base (10) and handle (18) is independently positionable on the base (10) or handle (18) relative to the other indication means and is alignable with a corresponding indication means on the handle or base respectively such that two or more respective predetermined degrees of rotation of the handle can be recorded.

Abstract: A filter arrangement for filtering fluid comprises a housing and a valve arrangement. The housing includes an inlet, an outlet, and a draining aperture. The valve arrangement is constructed and arranged to move between a closed position and an open position without the use of threads. The closed position prevents evacuation of fluid from the housing through the draining aperture, and the open position permits evacuation of fluid from the housing through the draining aperture. One valve arrangement may include a pair of ports and a pair of air vents. The valve is actuated by aligning the ports and air vents on a sliding sealing surface. An indicator arrangement including a float and a clear window is provided to give the user a visual indication of the level of water within the filter. Methods for using the constructions herein are provided.

Abstract: An insulating jacket, that is removable and reusable, for insulating a hot or cold fluid distribution system is described. The jacket is made of a plurality of sections which mate and seal together to effectively seal the pipe section and/or fitting from the surrounding ambient atmosphere. Each of the jacket sections can be made of a clear thermoplastic material and the entire assembly is designed to employ the trapped air, between the inside wall of the jacket and the system element, as the insulator. Plural jackets are used to form plural radially spaced trapped air gaps.

Abstract: An access plug is provided for use in oil pans, transmissions and other fluid containers of equipment and the like. The access plug is weight imbalanced along the longitudinal axis to prevent inadvertent rotational movement of the access plug as may occur from vibrational forces when the plug is not properly tightened. By designing the plug with such an imbalance, the plug will terminate its rotation as the weighted half reaches the lowermost point during removal rotation and will so remain, preventing complete removal and rapid fluid loss.

Abstract: A sprinkler drain and test valve for testing sprinkler systems including a housing, an inlet and outlet disposed on either end of the housing, a ball disposed within the housing between the inlet and the outlet having three channels extending therethrough that provide communication between the inlet and outlet. A pressure relief valve is carried within one of the channels for opening the flow through the valve when a pressure from fluid flow exceeds a pre-determined pressure when the valve is in the first position and for blocking fluid flow when the valve is in a hydrostatic test angular position.

Abstract: A valve (1) has a valve housing (2) traversed by a through-flow channel (3), a valve seat (5) in the through-flow channel (3), and a closure member (13) movable relative to the valve seat (5), wherein the membrane (28) is attached on the outside to the valve housing (2) and on the inside to the closure member (13), whereby a seal (24) is provided on the side of the membrane (28) facing away from the through-flow channel (3) between closure member (13) and valve housing (2), which encloses a support hollow space (29) together with the membrane (28) filled with a non-compressible deformable support medium, wherein the closure member (13) has a shape such that, on the side of the membrane (28) facing away from the through-flow channel (3), the volume of the support hollow space (29) remains essentially constant during movement of the closure member (13).

Abstract: A damper device for use with an air duct provides a paddle positioned within the air duct and an axle extending to one side of the paddle, through the duct wall and insulation to a position for manual adjustment of the position of the paddle within the duct. A bushing holds the axle in place, the bushing being tightened against the wall of the duct by a hand nut. The hand nut provides a brightly colored flag that is extendable when the damper device is in place. An O-ring is used to cause a frictional relationship between the paddle axle and the bushing so that the paddle is fixed into place once adjusted. A contour step on the bushing face allows engagement between the paddle and the bushing so as to hold the bushing from rotating while the hand nut is threaded into place on the bushing.

Abstract: To provide high purity gases to manufacturing tools, a gas isolation box is employed which is formed of stainless steel and includes vertical slots for receiving gas stick carrier cards. Gas sticks include required valves, gauges, and regulators rigidly mounted on stainless steel carrier cards, leak tested and labeled. The carrier cards with the rigidly mounted, leak tested gas sticks are slid into the vertical slots of the gas isolation box. Only two connections are then required to complete to gas lines, reducing the potential for flexing of high purity gas lines during installation.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide an apparatus capable of detecting an air tube-detached state when said air tube has been detached from an air-actuated valve in order that the same air-actuated valve is caused to assume a closed state. The present invention relates to an air tube connection state detecting apparatus 10 for detecting whether the fore end of an air tube 56 for supplying compressed air to an air-actuated valve 16 for a gas container 12 is connected to said air-actuated valve 16 or not. The air tube connection state detecting apparatus comprises a to-be-contacted member 82, provided at a predetermined position separate from said air-actuated valve 16, to which the fore end of said air tube 56 is to be connected; and a detection means 86 for detecting that the fore end of said air tube 56 is connected to said to-be-connected member 82.

Abstract: The height of the valve with a flow meter shall be as small as possible, enabling it to be mounted in restricted spaces. In order to achieve this, all adjusting and display movements are not executed axial but on the contrary polar. The rotating spindle of the valve is designed as rotary slide valve and the display marker or the graduation of the display unit of the flow rate meter is present on a rotating bush. The total height of the valve with a flow meter is accordingly low and unchangeable.

Abstract: A reclamation apparatus for capturing leaking hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic system having a higher pressure system end and a lower pressure system end and for delivering the captured fluid back into the system includes an inner fluid line, for carrying hydraulic fluid between two points in the hydraulic system, having a higher pressure first line end and a lower pressure second line end, a reinforcing sleeve containing the inner fluid line and having an inside diameter larger than the inner fluid line outside diameter, an outer fluid line containing the inner fluid line and the reinforcing sleeve and having a first line end, a second line end and an inside diameter larger than the reinforcing sleeve outside diameter so that a containment space is provided between the reinforcing sleeve and the outer fluid line, a line coupling structure connected to the inner and outer fluid line first ends, a manifold structure connected to the inner and outer fluid line second ends and including a manifold body connected t

Abstract: An insulated water storage tank preferably constructed from a rigid or hard plastic is disclosed which, in conjunction with associated piping and a series of valves, is directly connected to a dwelling's regular water supply line. The storage tank is filled with the regular the water supply line by opening an access or fill valve and closing a supply or intake valve. When the tank is filled the fill valve is also closed and waters travels normally through the supply line bypassing the storage tank. In the event of an interruption of the regular water supply, for whatever reason, a shut-off valve, which is normally opened, is closed preventing water flow from the main water supply and the supply valve is opened to allow the water stored in the tank to enter into the water supply line, thus providing an auxiliary supply of water.

Abstract: A brake bleeding tool allows one person to bleed the hydraulic lines leading to a vehicle wheel cylinder. A check valve allows hydraulic fluid and air to pass out of the wheel cylinder when the brake pedal is depressed and prevents back flow when the brake pedal is released. In one embodiment, a hose connects the check valve to the wheel cylinder and, in another embodiment, a rigid connector connects the check valve to the wheel cylinder. The hose or the rigid connector includes a permanent air trap preventing air bubbles from moving by gravity back into the wheel cylinder when brake fluid flow stops. The air trap is transparent so the air bubbles can be seen. The air trap is such that pumping hydraulic fluid through it purges air in the air trap.

Abstract: A container for storing in particular water-endangering liquids has an inner wall and an outer wall spaced therefrom. In the lower area of the container is connected a pipeline forming a lower outlet and which is formed by an inner pipe and an outer pipe surrounding it. At the inner pipe end remote from the container is positioned a shutoff fitting and the outer pipe issues into a protective casing tightly surrounding the shutoff fitting. The gaps between the two walls and between the two pipes, as well as the inner space of the protective casing are monitored for a possible leak. So that when liquid is removed its unintentional escape in the case of damage can be reliably avoided, from the shutoff fitting a further extending pipeline extends outwards in sealed manner through the protective casing.

Abstract: This patent describes an insulating jacket that is removable and reusable, for insulating a hot or cold fluid distribution system. The jacket is made of a plurality of sections which mate and seal together to effectively seal the valve off from the surrounding ambient atmosphere. Each of the jacket sections can be made of a clear thermoplastic material and the entire assembly is designed to employ the trapped air, between the inside wall of the jacket and the system element, as the insulator.

Abstract: A safety vent for a railroad tank car has a housing mounted about an opening on the top of the car. The housing body defines a cavity which contains a surge protector and a rupture disk. The rupture disk is designed to open at a known pressure and allow controlled venting of the pressure in the car. A securement cap threaded into the cavity centers the rupture disk in a seat formed in the surge protector. Removal of the securement cap provides quick, easy access to the rupture disk and surge protector for inspection and replacement without removing the housing body.

Abstract: Disclosed is an indicator system for use with inflating devices that use a cylinder of compressed gas. The indicator system is comprised of a cylinder adapter which receives and supports a cylinder and, concurrently, is received by an inflating device. The cylinder adapter includes an indication means that signals whether the attached cylinder is full or has been discharged by way of the indication means being responsive to the high pressure release from the cylinder during a discharge. The indication means incorporates the use of the color green to signify that the cylinder is full and the color red to signify that the cylinder has been discharged. The indicator system is designed to have a one-time use after which it is disposed of.

Abstract: A low actuation pressure, unidirectional flow valve comprising a housing including a fluid flow passage extending therethrough which defines first and second sections. Disposed within the housing between the first and second sections is a valve member. The valve member comprises an annular ring portion having a disc portion disposed therewithin. Extending between the ring and disc portions are at least two spirally shaped connecting arm portions. The ring, disc and connecting arm portions define at least two side openings. The valve member is movable between a closed position wherein the disc portion covers and seals the first section of the flow passage, and an open position wherein the disc portion is separated from the first section and fluid flows from the first section to the second section via the side openings.

Abstract: In a device for monitoring the valve stroke of a valve that is pneumatically or hydraulically driven and comprises a valve body that is actuated by means of a pressure spindle (16), in particular, a diaphragm valve, a control spindle (20) is effectively connected to the pressure spindle (16). A control element (38) is arranged on the control spindle (20) in order to actuate a measuring element that serves as a signal transmitter for the valve position. The control element (38) has a control surface (40) that is inclined relative to the actuating axis (z) of the control spindle (20), and a displacement transducer (36) that measures the respective distance from the control surface (40) which corresponds to the valve position is arranged on the valve.This device makes it possible to monitor continuously the valve stroke over the entire range of movement of the valve.

Abstract: A sewer lateral cleanout apparatus provides visual indication of an impending sewer backup, for installation on the cleanout riser of a sewer lateral, and includes a housing portion adapted for attachment to the cleanout riser; and a vertically movable piston portion slidably engaged within the housing. The piston includes a float member, a wall member, and a cap member, such that when sewage is not backed up into the cleanout riser, the wall is contained within the housing, and when sewage backs up into the cleanout riser, the float urges the piston to move vertically within the housing to reveal the wall, thereby alerting the user of a backup.

Abstract: Device for monitoring the valve lift of a pneumatically or hydraulically driven valve, the valve body of which is actuated by a pressure spindle (16), specificelly a diaphragm valve where a drive spindle (20) and pressure spindle (16) are effectively connected. Two trip cams (38, 40) separated by the distance (a) are mounted on the drive spindle (20) to activate two limit switches (34,35) that act as position indicators for the two valve positions, whereby one trip cam (38, 40) is assigned to one limit switch (34, 35). The automatic positioning of the trip cams (38, 40) during the initial actuation of the valve is accomplished by a crossbar (36) that acts as a driver and is located between trip cams (38, 40). The trip cams (38,40) are mounted on drive spindle (20) by moveable clamps.

Abstract: An oil level regulator is provided for controlling the oil level in the crankcase of one or more refrigeration compressors or the like. The regulator has a closed chamber for containing the oil. An inlet valve assembly extends into the chamber and includes a float-controlled valve for introducing liquid into the chamber as necessary to maintain the oil level in the chamber and compressor crankcases. The inlet valve assembly includes a vertically telescoping piston for adjusting the float valve and the oil level regulator in the regulator chamber. The piston is moveable from outside the chamber in response to rotation of a concentric stem having a bore through which oil flows into the chamber. The float valve includes a lever bracket which extends horizontally across the chamber to contact a top of a float ball. The lever bracket pivots to cause side-to-side motion of a valve needle against a valve seat to control oil flow into the chamber.

Abstract: A fluid control valve system such as a water valve is disclosed. The fluid valve includes a body including a central cavity of which the upper portion is opened, a fluid inlet and an outlet communicating with the central cavity, a cap acting as a grip for closing the central cavity of the valve body and for performing relative movement with respect to the central cavity, and an opening and closing unit which is provided in the central cavity so as to be mediated and pressed or rotated by the movement of the cap, and of which one side is contacted or contacted/separated from the inlet. Compared with the conventional fluid valve, the elements are reduced in numbers and simplified in view of designing and manufacturing thereof. Thus, the production cost is reduced. Also, in case of forming a cap which is connected with the valve body of a transparent material, the interior of the valve can be easily seen and the cleanness of the valve inside and the checking of the wear or breakage can be easily recognized.

Abstract: A liquid injector has a tubular body surrounding and shielding a glass tube. The body and tube are sealed at opposing ends by a valve coupler and an end fill cap, each with there own O-ring seals. There are three openings through the body to allow for viewing of the contents of the tube, and to allow for light to pass into the tube. The injector is connected at the valve coupler through a hose and an on-off valve to the low side of an air conditioning system. It is connected through the end fill cap to a refrigerant charging system. The valve is shut off and the end fill cap is removed. The body is held upright and the liquid to be injected is poured into the glass tube. The fill end cap is replaced and the valve turned on. The charging system propels the liquid into the air conditioning system. The tube can be viewed through the openings to determined that a sufficient quantity of the liquid has been propelled from the injector.

Abstract: An advertisement display device which is removably secured to a toilet flush valve cap. The device is comprised of a clear plastic valve cap cover which receives advertisements therein and is then placed over the valve cap. The device may be secured onto the valve cap by means of one or more set screws, and is held in position by means of the toilet water inlet pipe.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for implementing a gate drive valve assembly used to isolate interfacing chambers. The method includes: (a) providing a drive assembly having at least one surface for attaching to a chamber, the drive assembly being mounted to the chamber such that a shaft contained within the drive assembly translates from the drive assembly through the at least one surface and along a bore in the chamber; and (b) attaching a gate plate to an end of the shaft when the shaft is at least partly within the chamber after translating along the bore.

Abstract: A self-regulating flow control valve that combines a variable area flow meter and a flow control valve. In one embodiment, a tapered frusto-conical float is installed in a concentric cylinder. This cylinder has an inlet port below the float and an outlet port above the float. Both the inlet and outlet ports are in fluid communication with the cylinder. During normal flows, the float raises and reaches an equilibrium position. The upper portion of the cylinder has a flow tube installed within the tube. The lower portion of this tube acts as a valve seat for the float. The flow tube is set at a particular level of flow. As the flow changes, the float level changes. As the float approaches the flow tube, the flow rate stabilizes at the desired set point due to valving action. The set point can be changed by adjusting the position of the valve flow tube. The flow rate may be read off a scale that can be affixed to the valve body, or by means of graduations formed on the flow tube.

Abstract: A combined measuring and injecting flow cell has a single housing defining a pair of chambers connected by a small passage. The first or sensing chamber has an inlet valve and at least one monitoring member extending therein. The second or injection chamber has an outlet valve and at least one injector extending therein. Preferably at least one wall of the cell is transparent to allow visually monitoring the conditions within.

Abstract: In a pneumatically or hydraulically actuated valve, in particular, a diaphragm valve, that comprises a valve body that can be actuated via a coupling rod (14), the coupling rod (14) is held in the corresponding position for adjusting a minimum flow cross section via an adjustable limit stop. The coupling rod (14) passes through the housing cover (12) of a valve housing (10) and serves as an indicator for the valve position.The coupling rod (14) is guided in a sliding fashion inside a sleeve (16), with said sleeve (16) engaging with a threaded bushing (20) that is connected with the housing cover (12) in a fixed manner via an external thread (18), and with said sleeve being able to be displaced in its axial direction (z) by means of a screw-turning motion. A limit stop part (22) that can be brought into contact with the face side (26) of the sleeve (16) situated opposite the valve body is fixed on the free end of the coupling rod (14).

Abstract: A method for qualifying a chemical distribution system and components used therein to ensure that the quantity of contaminants extracted from the system by the chemical is below a predetermined specification level. A volume of the chemical is continuously circulated through the system. The concentrations of extracted contaminants in the chemical are periodically measured, and the contaminant extraction rate determined as a function of the measurements. The system is qualified for production when the extraction rate has decreased to the specification level.

Abstract: A piston-type dosing valve is set forth that provides a hermetically sealed chamber behind the diaphragm which separates the aseptic portion of the valve from the mechanical portion of the valve. An external vacuum source is connected to an opening in the chamber thereby maintaining a constant negative pressure within the chamber. Any breach in the diaphragm will be detected by a pressure sensor located within the sealed chamber. In one embodiment, visual inspection for the presence of liquid product in the sealed chamber can be accomplished through a window in the dosing valve housing located adjacent to the diaphragm and sealed chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus is shown which prevents the intrusion of liquids into a gas chromatograph wherein a ball-check valve comprised of a flotation chamber and a spherical floatable valve element is positioned between and in fluid communication with an inlet and outlet port. While gasses are permitted to flow past the valve and into the gas chromatograph, liquids are retained within the flotation chamber by the floatable valve element. When the liquid level rises to a certain level within the chamber, the valve is closed by the pressure of the liquid forcing the floatable valve element into a closed and sealed position. The ball-check valve is also surrounded by a transparent member which allows the user to view the liquid level within the valve at all times.

Abstract: A faucet or shower head includes a transparent zone on the casing thereof through which the color and quality of the water may be visually checked. A temperature display chip is mounted within the transparent zone and is covered with a transparent protective covering. The temperature display chip detects and displays the temperature of the water passing through the faucet or shower head. If the water temperature exceeds a predetermined value, a temperature controlled integrated circuit (IC) is activated to automatically give an audio alarm. This alarm helps prevent users from being scalded with excessively hot water.

Abstract: A remotely monitored tamper bar apparatus for monitoring two shut-off valve handles of a water supply backflow preventer includes an elongate U-shaped member having a base and two side legs. The base and two side legs form a channel for receiving the handles and to prevent movement of the handles. A switch is operatively associated with the U-shaped member. The switch has a first position which maintains the handles within the channel and a second position which allows the U-shaped member to be removed from the handles such that movement of the handles is permitted. The switch provides a signal for remotely monitoring whether the switch is in the first position or the second position.