Abstract: A fluid-collecting receptacle includes a fluid-impervious base sheet having an upstanding perimeter lip, a sloping floor, and a fluid outlet in the floor. A porous support member is disposed atop the upper surface of the base sheet and a porous, flexible mat is disposed atop the porous support member. Openings in the mat and the porous support member permit fluid to be discharged onto the sloping floor where removal through the fluid outlet can be accomplished by means of a suction device. The device can be equipped with suction cups to prevent slippage or a rigidified foam core to strengthen the device and prevent slippage. In an alternative embodiment, the porous support member and the mat are replaced by a hinged sheet formed of a plurality of small basins each having a drain opening.

Abstract: A new variable burner orifice furnace manifold for reducing the amount of heating fuel used without reducing the heating ability of the furnace. The inventive device includes a manifold pipe with a plurality of spaced apart gas exit openings between its open supply end and its closed end. The gas exit openings are inserted into the burner assembly of a furnace and the supply end is attached to an external heating fuel supply. A valve permitting selective opening and closing is included on the manifold pipe. The valve is positioned on the manifold pipe so that no more than half the total number of gas exit openings are positioned between the valve and the manifold pipe closed end. When the valve is closed, gas flow through the gas exit openings between the valve and the closed end is shut off while gas flow through the gas exit openings between the valve and the open supply end is unaffected.

Abstract: A method and device for transporting of a multi-phase fluid flow in a pipe, wherein the flow is subdivided in a plurality of passages into a number of individual flows so as to reduce the difference in the flow speed between individual phases of a multi-phase fluid.

Abstract: A control system for an athletic field coordinates drainage by gravity or vacuum-enhanced and irrigation by monitoring water level with respect to a subsurface membrane, wherein a flow network resides on the membrane and is covered by a fill layer, which in turn supports the field surface thereabove. The flow network includes couplings located at the intersections of some of the pipe rows and conduit rows. The water permeability of the conduit rows allows the flow network to be used for draining, irrigating or heating the field. The heating of the fill layer and the surface thereabove minimizes energy costs and eliminates installation and maintenance costs that would otherwise be necessitated by separate heating and draining systems.

Abstract: A composite material having improved thermal and mechanical properties is provided by a thermoplastic multilayer composite consisting at least of(I) a layer of a polyvinylidene fluoride moulding composition,(II) a layer directly adjacent to the layer I, comprising a moulding composition based on a mixture of(a) from 40 to 90% by weight of a polyamide, and(b) from 10 to 60% by weight of a polyglutarimide,(III) a layer directly adjacent to the layer II comprising a suitable coupling agent, and(IV) a layer directly adjacent to the layer III, comprising a polyolefin moulding composition, with adjacent layers being firmly bonded to one another. By means of the invention it is possible to obtain composite materials having the desired improved property profile.

Abstract: A waste water recovery system includes a ground cover made of non-woven geotextiles covered with a fluid impervious barrier layer. A drainage waffle is placed on top of the barrier layer and is covered by a non-skid work surface having a plurality of holes permitting flow of fluid through them. At least the barrier layer and the ground cover are coupled to a surrounding frame through the use of a continuous clip. A pumping system is provided to pump waste liquids from the device to a holding tank.

Abstract: An automatic pool cleaner including a body, an elongated member connected to the body, the elongated member having two fluid flow paths, a valve mounted for alternately directing the flow of fluid between the fluid flow paths, the upper ends of the two fluid flow paths being connected together by an arcuate passage in a first plane substantially co-planar with the elongated member, and the arcuate passage connected to at least one arcuate outlet passage in a second plane at an angle to the first plane.

Abstract: A system for injecting chemicals, e.g., odorants, from a chemical supply into a gas pipeline includes three primary components, a pump for injecting the odorant, a metering device, and a programmable controller. The controller is preferably powered by a solar panel to facilitate use of the system in remote areas for long periods of time. A removable data carrier, such as a memory module, is connected to the controller to collect odorant system event data. The data carrier is removable from the controller and the data therein may be downloaded into an auxiliary audit computer for generation of summary audit reports. The system precisely monitors how much odorant is used per pump stroke and insures that the odorant injection rate remains constant irrespective of environmental or equipment variations which might otherwise cause inaccuracies in the measurement of odorant usage data and/or the fluctuation of the odorant injection rate.

Abstract: A fluid distribution device which can direct the flow of a fluid from a common source to a plurality of outlet ports wherein a distribution plate is sandwiched between members which serve as inlet and outlet ports. In a preferred manner, there is a flow restrictor in the distribution plate which is provided by passages extending through the plate. The members are symmetrical in configuration with one of the members providing as inlet port and both members providing outlet ports. This results in cost reduction. The fluid distribution device is particularly suitable for use with pneumatic control systems.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a valve having a function of preventing liquid from stagnating in a branch pipe connected to a main pipe and or in the valve provided for the branch pipe when the valve is closed. The valve is characterized in that a diversion member which can divert the flow of liquid is inserted in a liquid passageway in the valve case connected to an end portion of the branch pipe in such a manner that the end portion of the diversion member extends into the main pipe.

Abstract: The conduits (1-4) of length L have a linear section S.sub.1 and contain a volumetric flow rate of nitrogen Q such that, to obtain a molar concentration of impurities upon out-gassing less than C.sub.max, Q/S.sub.1 is not less than 9.5.times.10.sup.-9 L/C.sub.max. The conduits are of stainless steel with a low carbon content, not electropolished and/or chemically treated. The joints (6, 7, 9, 11) between the conduits and/or the active members (5) are maintained externally in a neutral protective atmosphere confined in a sealed casing (8, 9 . . . ) Application particularly to electronic industries.

Abstract: A composite weir construction for evenly dividing liquid flows in conduits or containers having a liquid-gas interface under the influence of gravity or accelleration is presented. In particular, this device is for flows wherein clogging of narrow weirs is a problem, and where weir elevation differences are also a problem. When these weirs are placed in the flow, new weirs are gradually formed which is are composites made from the clogging agent and the original weirs. These new composite weirs are very accurate in flow division over a wide range of flows in spite of substantial vertical misalignment of the original weirs.

Abstract: An air distribution system employs an inner proportioning pipe inside an outer proportioning pipe. Airflow into the proportioning pipes is adjusted by controlling the position of the outer proportioning pipe with respect to the walls of a duct. Proportioning of airflow between the inner and outer proportioning pipes is adjusted by controlling a transverse or an axial relationship of the inner and outer proportioning pipes. Air flowing in the inner proportioning pipe is added to and mixed with air flowing in the outer proportioning pipe in an air balancing chamber. The mixing is performed by rotating vanes. Mixed air from the air balancing chamber is passed through a plurality of discharge openings. The proportioning and mixing provides a predetermined relationship between the airflows at the discharge openings.

Abstract: A static, centrifugal two-phase distributor (20) is constructed to distribute two-phase refrigerant equally on a mass basis to conduits (37) of evaporator circuits. The distributor (20) has an upper section (21) defining a swirl chamber (23) with a tangentially arranged inlet (28) and a lower section (25) in which are arranged curved guide vanes (39) on a hub (38) to divide equally to apertures (36) in an end wall (35) of the distributor (20) the liquid and vapor refrigerant phases separated centrifugally in the second chamber (23). The apertures (36) are connected to conduits (37) of the evaporator circuits.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for controlling the pressure of gas in a plurality of dunnage bags. The apparatus employs an enclosure which houses a pressure regulator valve, linear air reset controller, pressure gauge, pneumatically activated electrical switch, and three-position valve for permitting quick filling of the dunnage bags from a high pressure inlet line. A low pressure line emerges from the enclosure and communicates with the bags. When the bags are at proper inflation, the electrical switch causes a green light to be illuminated. When the bags are inadequately inflated, the electrical switch causes a red light to be illuminated.

Abstract: A piping branch structure includes a branch pipe distributing an inflowing fluid to pipes in at least three directions, and one of the pipes face a direction of flow of the fluid, wherein a fluid inlet of one of the pipes protrudes into the branch pipe. By protruding a fluid inlet of a pipe which faces a direction of flow of the fluid into the branch pipe, the protruding pipe act as obstacles, thus no vortex is generated and the non-vortex flow state can be maintain. In case of piping of recirculating system of a reactor, an inner pipe, whose structure is integral with that of a riser pipe, is provided so that the inner pipe extends toward a master tube side in a cross branch pipe. The inner pipe is provided holes and a flow-regulating plate. The quantity of cooling water circulating through the core of the reactor and the flow state of the cooling water in the pressure vessel are stabilized and balanced.

Abstract: A method of fabricating frozen fine liver pieces for an artificial liver which comprises cutting a liver removed from a human being or an animal, from which blood is removed into fine pieces of square shape and freezing the liver pieces with helium gas. A freezing apparatus for an artificial liver which has gas phase pressurizing means for pressurizing liquid helium coupled to a chamber for storing the liquid helium, a helium gas conduit dipped in the liquid helium passed through the chamber to be closed and contained, in which the liver fine pieces are telescopically received and an exhaust conduit provided with a control valve coupled to the freezing chamber.

Abstract: A system for affecting the flow of a fluid medium relative to an object including a first plurality of surface deviations disposed on the surface of the object in contact with the fluid medium. The deviations are arranged into at least one predetermined pattern which includes a plurality of radially extending deviation sets. A second plurality of surface deviations are disposed on at least one of the first plurality of surface deviations. The second plurality of surface deviations are arranged in a second predetermined pattern which includes a plurality of radially extending deviation sets. The deviations may be indentations or projections from the surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dynamic containment device, outside and in the vicinity of an orifice of an opening cavity for example an opening of a valve. A device according to the invention comprises a hub for collecting by aspiration, comprising a plurality of unitary elements, the overall profile of which corresponds substantially to the contour of the border of the orifice of the said cavity, as well as a plurality of flexible conduits communicating, on the one hand, with each unitary element and, on the other hand, with an aspiration conduit. The invention is applied, in particular, to the partial decontamination of primary circuits of a nuclear power station.

Abstract: A hazardous liquid, such as a flammable liquid or an explosive liquid, is stored in a module including a liquid storage tank mounted within a leak-tight prefabricated, reinforced, concrete vessel. The module is supported on a foundation. A fire retardant fills the space between the storage tank and the vessel, and conduits, pumps, etc. are connected to the tank to provide the liquids to, and remove the liquids from, the storage tank.

Abstract: A two-stage gas distribution nozzle for a muffle furnace includes an inner pipe with spaced apertures for feeding gas at spaced intervals to an outer pipe enclosing the inner pipe. The outer pipe includes spaced apertures facing in a direction such that the jets of gas from the inner pipe impinge on a wall of the outer pipe opposite the outer pipe apertures. The gas in the outer pipe is at lower pressure than the gas in the inner pipe and is more uniformly distributed along the length of the outer pipe to provide more uniform flow to the ambient atmosphere in the muffle.

Abstract: A system for controlling the amount of torque applied by a hand-held power tool to fasteners during an assembly of parts. In the preferred embodiment, a torque control circuit is operated by air to deliver a selected volume of air under selected pressure to the tool and to stop the delivery of air when the desired torque has been applied to the fastener. The system can operate one or more torque control circuits. Visual color coded signals can be used to indicate the active circuit and the tools intended to be used with that circuit.

Abstract: Cold water introduced with a low flow rate into a duct filled with hot water normally circulates in the bottom thereof and accumulates at its end. It is discharged only at the end of the distributor where its pressure is highest. The immiscible hot water is located elsewhere and high thermal stresses appear on the distributor at the interface between two layers. This problem is solved by providing the distributing tubes (2) or the actual duct (1) with cuts (6 and 9) in particular favoring the upstream flow.

Abstract: The station is intended for regulating the flow of a gas to a working circuit and for this purpose is connected to at least one reservoir of compressed or liquefied gas and to a reservoir of scavenging gas and comprises a certain number of accessories for control, regulation and monitoring. The station is designed in the form of a compact unit block comprising, on its surface, standard connections in which all the accessories are screwed or welded sealingly and which are connected to one another in a logical and appropriate way by means of conduits made through the block by machining.

Abstract: A system for affecting the flow of a fluid medium relative to an object including a plurality of surface deviations disposed on the surface of the object. The deviations are grouped into at least one set and the sets are arranged into at least one predetermined pattern. The deviations cover only a portion of the object's surface.

Abstract: Flow-induced pressure pulsations in a piping system transporting natural gas or other gaseous medium are suppressed by disturbing the shear layer in the open end of a sidebranch line. Inserts are located in the sidebranch line to effect the shear layer disturbance.

Abstract: A tray-like support for the mounting of a group of pneumatic or other control components such as valves so that they may operate different loads, comprises a mounting plate to carry the components. The mounting plate is connected with an elongated manifold for the compressed air or other driving fluid. The manifold has releasable means for connecting it with a driving fluid source and with ducts leading via the mounting plate to the components. The outlet ports of the components are joined with loads. The mounting plate is a laminated structure with internal ducts. The manifold is integral and is in communication with the source of driving fluid on one, while on the other side it is connected with ducts in the plate. The manifold has ducts therein leading from the mounting plate to loads and provided with rapid venting valves. On the side of the plate facing away from the components there is an electronic circuit board with a control system for the components.

Abstract: A floating roof liquid storage tank, having a tank shell which is supported on a fixed base, and a floating roof supported by the liquid stored in the tank. Included in the base or roof is a displacement device to substantially displace the stored liquid when the floating roof is in its lowest position. In this way the volume of the heel of liquid unable to be removed from the tank is reduced. The displacement device can take the form of a container which protrudes downwardly from the roof, or a layer of ballast on the base of the tank. The ballast layer can be a liquid heavier than the stored liquid which can be retained in a dam if desired.

Abstract: An assembly for perfecting the distribution of fluids in multiple conduits intended for the distribution of a main circuit in multiple secondary tubular circuits, it comprises multiple modules 4, 10, 5 linked together by double male bayonet connections. The modules all have the same female orifices, occupied by male bayonets 7h all identical and of the same dimension extended at their other end by connections 7 for tube 12. Male bayonet plugs 3, with their bayonets 3h and taps 6 bearing identical male bayonets 6h may also occupy any of the female bayonets of the distribution module.The invention is used for the distribution of water and in particular in the building industry for use with sanitary and heating water.

Abstract: The liquid distributor employs a distribution channel having a flow cross-section which is reduced in steps by parallel walls with slot-like exit orifices between consecutively adjacent walls. The exit orifices are arranged so that parallel component flows may be expelled from the channel while the velocity of the remaining flow remains constant. Deflectors may also be provided downstream of the exit orifices to deflect the component flows downwardly.

Abstract: A receptacle 10 for collecting fluid, especially suitable for use on the floor of an operating room for collecting irrigating fluid during a surgical procedure, for example, during arthroscopic surgery on a joint, such as the knee. The receptacle is thin and generally flat, with a gridwork of small basins 12 that form a collecting surface 14 with drains 24 through which the fluid flows to channels 16 formed between the receptacle and floor and thence to a common discharge port 20, which suitably may be connected to a suction device, such as an aspirator.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling gaseous streams comprising modular flow block means, including a plurality of gas flow paths extending through said modular flow block means so as to provide a plurality of port members on respective surfaces of said modular flow block means, a plurality of valve passages extending into said modular flow block means so as to intercept said gas flow paths at predetermined locations throughout said modular flow block means, each of said plurality of valve passages including an entrance aperture on a respective surface of said modular flow block means, a plurality of valve flange members, each of said valve flange members being adapted to mount a high vacuum valve on said modular flow block means at one of said entrance apertures without the need to apply rotational force to said valve flange members, so as to removably, hermetically seal said high vacuum valve onto said modular flow block means, and each of said plurality of port members including port member mounting means whereby condui

Abstract: A distribution fitting primarily useful in connection with drip or seep irrigation can be constructed so as to utilize a series of ports defined by circular holes located immediately adjacent to one another around a spherical wall, each of the ports being constructed so to serve as a compression fitting.

Abstract: A fluid proportioner is disclosed that will divert a volume of fluid to two or more containers in relatively equal amounts without the necessity of measuring or weighing the fluid to accomplish division. The proportioner consists of tubular member ending in a closure. Two additional smaller tubular members extend into the larger tubular member. These two smaller members have ends interior of the first tubular member that are cut on an angle.

Abstract: A receptacle 10 for collecting fluid, especially suitable for use on the floor of an operating room for collecting irrigating fluid during a surgical procedure, for example, during arthroscopic surgery on a joint, such as the knee. The receptacle is thin and generally flat, with a gridwork of small basins 12 that form a collecting surface 14 with drains 24 through which the fluid flows to channels 16 formed between the receptacle and floor and then to a common discharge port 20, which suitably may be connected to a suction device, such as an aspirator.

Abstract: A pan-type liquid distribution assembly or fractionator which regulates the liquid flow through distribution tubes and, at the same time, provides for clearing away of unwanted fouling material which, in the past, has served to detract from the operation by plugging or partially plugging the liquid pour-points. Adjustment of the flow through, and/or, the unfouling of, the liquid pour-tubes can be performed from a point external of the fractionator, so as not to interfere with the ongoing operation of the fractionation column. A further feature is the ability to adjust liquid flow through each individual tube to alter the distribution pattern of the liquid across the top of a packed fractionation bed.

Abstract: A control method and apparatus incorporate a network model simulating hydraulic phenomena within a water distribution network whereby the pressures and flow rates within the water distribution network are controlled by an optimizing unit for inputting the current total demand as a model input and computing manipulated variables or control amounts for optimizing the pressures and flow rates in accordance with a network algorithm and a correction computing unit for computing the necessary control amount correction values for correcting the deviations from the estimated pressures and flow rates in accordance with a sensitivity matrix indicating the effects of variations in the control amounts on the pressures and flow rates.

Abstract: A fluid manifold includes at least two releasably interconnected modules, a valve assembly being mountable on each module. A fluid supply channel in each module is in fluid communication with the valve assembly thereon and with fluid supply channels in adjacent modules. A seal assembly provided between adjacent modules prevents leakage of fluid from the supply channels. Each module has two recesses at one end and two outwardly projecting and integral arms at the other end which are received in the recesses on an adjacent module. The arms and recesses have cooperating detents which retain the modules in the interconnected relationship, and screws extend into grooves provided on the arms to maintain the modules locked together.

Abstract: A distributor for distributing a fluid from a main pipe to a plurality of branch pipes is disclosed which comprises a cylindrical inlet pipe portion for the introduction of fluid supplied through a main pipe, a branching portion one end of which concentrically communicates with said inlet pipe portion, a cover portion located at the other end of said branching portion, and a plurality of branch pipes which extend through said cover portion for carrying a distributed fluid, the diameter of said branching portion being larger than that of said inlet pipe portion, said plurality of branch pipes being arranged at equally spaced positions on a circle which is concentric with said branching portion, and each of said branch pipes extending into said branching portion.

Abstract: A pneumatic control assembly comprising a plurality of control valve printed circuit board pneumatic connectors disposed in a card cage in communication with a like number of control logic manifolds fixed to the card cage. The control logic manifolds are programmed to provide the actual control functions to the associated apparatus thereby permitting the conrol valve printed circuit board pneumatic connectors to be identical.

Abstract: A device for preventing the observing objective lens window of an endoscope from collecting moisture by directing a small flow of air over the front surface of the observing objective lens window to form a layer of air which has the same temperature as the ambient atmosphere thereby stabilizing the temperature of the window. A control valve is provided which shuts off the flow of air in the event that the pressure within the body cavity in which the endoscope is inserted becomes too high due to the flow of air. A first embodiment of the control valve includes a cylinder and piston arrangement in which at a first position of the piston air is allowed to flow through the tube to the endoscope end. At a second position of the piston, air is vented directly to the atmosphere. In a second embodiment, a lateral hole is provided in the piston with the area of the hole and hence flow of air controlled by a screw the position of which determines the area of the lateral aperture.

Abstract: A jetter apparatus for washing the vacuum-operated teat cup assemblies of a milking machine includes a housing which supports four teat cup attachment assemblies and which defines an internal chamber therein, the housing also defining an inlet to the chamber, and a valve device which is adjustably connected to the housing so as to control the flow of washing liquid entering the chamber through the inlet. The valve device can include a valve stem which is threadingly engaged with the housing, a first end of the valve stem extending into the chamber and the second end extending outside the housing, the first end supporting a conical valve head which, upon rotation of the valve stem, with move toward and away from the inlet and thus control the flow of washing liquid which can flow into the chamber and ultimately through the teat cup attachment assemblies and into the teat cup assemblies attached thereto.

Abstract: Cleaning apparatus for a vacuum-operated milk conveying system in a dairy comprises a cleaning liquid tank, timer-controlled components which periodically supply fresh cleaning liquid to the tank, connections by which liquid in the tank (fresh or used) is periodically provided to the system, and a timer-controlled drain control valve assembly mounted on the tank. The valve assembly comprises two (upper and lower) symmetrical molded plastic valve housings secured on opposite sides of a horizontal plate having sets of holes therein which are cooperable with chambers, ports and openings in the housings. The valve assembly also comprises an inlet port, an outlet port, a circulating port, and a single solenoid for operating three rod-mounted valves, namely: a fill valve located between the inlet port and the circulating port, a dump valve located between the inlet port and the outlet port, and a drain valve for a drain port on the tank.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for selecting, displaying and automatically controlling water flow rates and temperatures at the outlets of devices used in plumbing fixtures such as sinks, bathtubs, showers, or lavatories; the apparatus includes a temperature sensor at the water output, a control panel for selecting desired output water temperatures and flow rates, a comparator for comparing the selected temperature to the output temperature, and for generating signals to control separate hot and cold water valves to achieve and automatically maintain, within limits, any desired combination of flow rate and temperature. In one embodiment the comparator is embodied in a microprocessor which receives a digital signal representative of the actual water temperature, and generates a modified signal to adjust hot and cold water flow to the output means until the actual output temperature matches the selected temperature within a small error range while maintaining flow rate at a constant level.

Abstract: A user terminal is provided with two off-loading stations, and at least two separate pressure vessel means are employed to supply natural gas to the user terminal. At least one of the separate pressure vessels is movable to a supply terminal. The off-loading stations are preferably provided with an automatic switchover arrangement to change from one pressure vessel means to another, and the resulting method and system for distributing natural gas assures a continuous supply of natural gas at varying demand rates to the user terminal.

Abstract: A downhole testing apparatus has a modular construction including a pump assembly, a screen assembly, a first packer assembly, an intake port assembly, and a second packer assembly. Improvements are provided in each of the pump assembly, screen assembly, first packer assembly, and intake port assembly.

Abstract: Tubes for water and/or hot-water supply use, which are made of Cu-base-alloys essentially containing Mg from 0.05 to 2.8 wt % and the balance Cu and inevitable impurities, have been found to have conspicuously low dissolution rates of undesirable ions, especially Cu ions and other ions, even in stagnant water and/or at elevated temperature. The alloys are desirably further contain up to 1.0% Ca to further restrain dissolution of Cu ions.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing a liquid-vapor mixture into two or more separate streams or paths involving a hollow vessel having a fluid inlet means; at least two pipe means each of which have one end extending into the vessel, each pipe means being in fluid communication with a different pass of a heat-exchanger system having at least two passes, each pipe means providing a different path for liquid-vapor flow from the hollow vessel; at least one aperture in that part of each of the pipe means extending into the vessel and restrictive means located in the vessel to restrict fluid flow directly into the top openings of the pipe means. In an additional embodiment, each of the pipe means is in fluid communication with a different chemical reaction zone.Improved methods of distributing a liquid-vapor mixture are also disclosed.

Abstract: Three-dimensional structures providing a plurality of separate interpenetrating, three-dimensional domains or channels or flowpaths, each of said domains or channels or flowpaths being a closed system of connected porosity or permeability and each of said domains or channels or flowpaths being interpenetrating within said structure, have been prepared. These structures are prepared from porous permeable precursor materials having a single three-dimensional domain or channel or flowpath as described above. Suitable precursor materials are provided by the abundant porous carbonate skeletal material of marine life, e.g. the coral Porites skeletal aragonite. For example, by coating the surfaces of such materials with a liquid material capable of being cured or set to a solid, followed by curing or setting and dissolution, e.g.

Abstract: The present apparatus is constructed to convert or reconvert spin flow energy into pressure energy. For this purpose a conduit forms a chamber intermediate the ends of the conduit. The chamber and a flow control member operatively supported in the chamber are of rotational symmetry and so shaped that predetermined flow passage configurations are accomplished which facilitate the conversion of the spin flow into an axial flow.