Abstract: Intermittent gas flow and membrane separation apparatus and methods of use including an internal gas chamber including an upper wall; at least one inlet for supplying gas to the internal gas chamber; a column pipe that extends above the upper wall of the internal gas chamber, the column pipe including a lower end portion including a lower end portion opening in the internal gas chamber, the column pipe linking the internal gas chamber to an area external to the internal gas chamber for fluid flow between the internal gas chamber and the external area; an auxiliary pipe including one end portion connected to the column pipe for fluid flow between the auxiliary pipe and the column pipe, and another end portion branched off from the column pipe, the another end portion including an opening located in the internal gas chamber at a position higher than the lower end portion opening of the column pipe by a predetermined height; and an auxiliary pipe external tubular member including a closed end, the auxiliary pipe

Abstract: This invention relates to a valve comprising a housing having first and second apertures for the ingress and egress of fluid into/from a passageway located within the housing extending indirectly from the first to the second aperture. The passageway forms an air-lock. The valve further comprises at least one bleed valve for allowing fluid out of the passageway at a rate slower than fluid is able to enter one of the apertures. A liquid entering one of the apertures is prohibited from passing along the passageway to the other of the apertures until substantially all air within the valve has bled out of the bleed valve.

Abstract: By using a base in cooperation with a moving board, a first flowing area formed by a plurality of openings on the base may be partially blocked by the moving board moving relative to the base, thereby forming a second flowing area that provides different flow resistances. The flow resistance of an adjustable flow resistance device can be adjusted easily and dynamically, without replacing to another device. The flow resistance of the device may also be adjusted to various predefined default settings precisely and speedily by further applying a positioning mechanism that utilizes various predefined positioning holes or a rotary element.

Abstract: The specification generally discloses systems and methods for mixing and delivering fluids in microfluidic systems. The fluids can contain, in some embodiments reagents that can participate in one or more chemical or biological reactions. Some embodiments relate to systems and methods employing one or more vent valves to controllably flow and/or mix portions of fluid within the microfluidic system. Advantageously, fluid control such as a sequence of fluid flow and/or a change in flow rate, can be achieved by opening and closing one or more vent valves and by applying a single source of fluid flow (e.g., a vacuum) operated at a substantially constant pressure. This can simplify the operation and use of the device by an intended user.

Abstract: An automobile fuel tank fill system has a single fuel tank, a first fill tube having a first end that is adapted to be positioned on a left side of an automobile and a second end positioned at the fuel tank, and a second fill tube having a first end that is adapted to be positioned on a right side of an automobile and a second end positioned at the fuel tank.

Abstract: The fuel tank venting device is furnished with a full fuel control valve and a rollover valve that are installed on a fuel tank, and a fuel tank valve unit having a pressure valve that is situated between a canister and the two valves. The pressure valve is furnished with a casing that has a valve chamber, a valve body housed within the valve chamber, and a spring. The valve body has a disk-shaped valve part and a side wall that projects with tubular contours from the outside perimeter of the valve part, and has a cup shape defining a spring chamber that is bounded by the valve part and the side wall. The valve part is perforated by an orifice of smaller planar dimensions than the valve aperture.

Abstract: A filtration device, which can be installed at a relatively low place below the full water level of a storage tank, is obtained.

Abstract: A liquid tank includes a vent-to-atmosphere mechanism configured to open and close a vent-to-atmosphere passageway for venting an internal reservoir space connected to a liquid spray head to atmosphere, the vent-to-atmosphere mechanism including a cylindrical member, a valve seat disposed inside the cylindrical member, a valve plug disposed inside cylindrical member and movable to come in contact with or separate from the valve seat, a movable member disposed inside the cylindrical member on an atmosphere side of the valve plug in a slidable manner to cause a movement of the valve plug, the movable member having an outer surface in movable contact with an inner surface of the cylindrical member and having a communication passageway formed therethrough for communication with atmosphere, and a filter member disposed at the communication passageway to capture foreign material.

Abstract: For the simple activation of a pilot valve (10) for the transmission of fluids, in particular for filling gas tanks, with an inlet region (12) and an outlet region (13) on a housing (11), in which a non-return valve (25), an air-bleed valve (35), and an inlet valve (45) are arranged, wherein the air-bleed valve (35) and the inlet valve (45) are controlled by a slider (27), it is proposed that the slider (27) is coupled to a pivot arm (50) that can be activated by a control valve (20) in a pressure controlled manner. Compact design and targeted air bleeding are thereby achieved.

Abstract: Intermittent gas flow and membrane separation apparatus and methods of use including an internal gas chamber including an upper wall; at least one inlet for supplying gas to the internal gas chamber; a column pipe that extends above the upper wall of the internal gas chamber, the column pipe including a lower end portion including a lower end portion opening in the internal gas chamber, the column pipe linking the internal gas chamber to an area external to the internal gas chamber for fluid flow between the internal gas chamber and the external area; an auxiliary pipe including one end portion connected to the column pipe for fluid flow between the auxiliary pipe and the column pipe, and another end portion branched off from the column pipe, the another end portion including an opening located in the internal gas chamber at a position higher than the lower end portion opening of the column pipe by a predetermined height; and an auxiliary pipe external tubular member including a closed end, the auxiliary pipe

Abstract: A gas delivery system includes a gas booster module for delivering natural gas from a utility gas service to power generation equipment installed in or around a building in a manner that meets the minimum volume and pressure requirements of the power generation equipment. The gas delivery system advantageously uses pipe of a relatively small size for delivering gas to the power generation equipment, thereby substantially reducing installation costs and eliminating the need for a welded gas line. The gas delivery system also provides a control system that facilitates close control over the gas flow and ensures compliance with local building codes and safety regulations and requirements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved manifold (100) for use in a pumping system for pumping liquid, in particular but not exclusively liquid fuels.

Abstract: A liquid reservoir comprising a container (20) forming a chamber for holding the liquid (27). The container has a top wall (23) that closes the upper end of the chamber, a liquid outlet (35) in fluid communication with a lower en d of the chamber, and an air supply duct (47) through which air can enter the lower end of the chamber. In use, the reservoir finds an equilibrium position in which, due to a reduction in pressure in an air space (29) formed above the liquid (27) at the closed, upper end of the chamber, the column of liquid in the chamber is supported by atmospheric pressure acting at the opening of the air supply duct (47) to the lower end of the chamber. This opening is achieved by breaking a frangible seal (32) across the duct (47) by the axial insertion of the liquid outlet (35). While the seal was unbroken the container offered a self-contained capsule of liquid for replacement fitting with the liquid outlet portion.

Abstract: A filter pump cover according to the invention comprises a filter cap, an air purge valve, and a filter cap retainer. An air purge valve according to the invention is comprised of a valve cap, a screw-threaded portion, and a valve stem having one or more outward-facing inverse hooks at the bottom. The inverse hooks are located at the bottom of the air purge valve stem and hook onto the bottom lip of the hollow central portion of the filter cap retainer to prevent complete removal of the valve stem from the filter cap retainer. The valve screw-threaded portion is interrupted by a valve opening slot on one side that permits the release of air from the pump when the valve is opened. The hollow part of the filter cap retainer mates with and holds the air purge valve by means of the screw threads when the valve is closed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for distributing hydrogen. A fuel is supplied in a pipe, and a stream comprising hydrogen is injected into the pipe. Hydrogen is extracted from the pipe downstream of the injection point.

Abstract: In a servo controller 3a, it is confirmed whether or not the voltages from amplifiers G1 through G3 are within the range of normal performance in the comparators 32a through 32c after alternating current voltages generated individually in a primary coil 22a and secondary coils 23a and 24a of an LVDT 2a are converted into direct current voltages and output from the amplifiers G1 though G3. When a voltage out of the range of normal performance is confirmed in at least one of the comparators 32a through 32c and a high voltage is output, the servo controller 3a is brought into a stand-by state.

Abstract: A water treatment process using a membrane separation apparatus to separate clean product water from a contaminated water source, the membrane is provided within a housing having inlet ports for collecting concentrated and product water, and the apparatus also includes a concentration chamber and a venturi for injecting gas in the concentration chamber and producing a return stream.

Abstract: Addow's FDC is different from current FDCs, because it is a FDC and a check valve in one. Addow's FDC saves labor and time when compared to the current FDC, because with current FDC, one has to install a check valve and then install the FDC. With Addow's FDC, it is a one step process. Addow's FDC is equipped with swivels which don't allow debris, garbage or trash to be deposited in the FDC and this makes Addow's FDC debris proof. Addow's FDC allows back flushing test to be performed by removing the 4 inch cap and reversing the FDC. Addow's FDC, unlike current FDCs, comes with three different styles of outlets, which are grooved, flange, and threaded. This gives the consumers more selections to suit their needs. Current FDCs come only with one style of outlet, which is threaded outlet.

Abstract: A check valve 30 set in a fuel tank 10 that dispenses incoming cooler fuel over a wide area that also reduces development of the fuel vapor in a gas tank body 12 when filling the tank. The check valve 30 is attached to one end of an inlet pipe 22 for introducing a supply of fuel into the tank body 12, and includes a housing 32 with a plurality of outlets 38, a valve member 40, and a spring 50. The plurality of outlets 38 are arranged at substantially equal intervals along a circumferential direction of the housing 32. The check valve 30 is generally set in its normally closed position by the pressing force of the spring 50 in order to prevent the fuel vapor in the tank body 12 from being discharged to the atmosphere even without a cap. The flow of fuel presses open the check valve 30 and is discharged out of the plurality of outlets 38 toward a wide area in the tank body 12, so as to cool down the fuel stored in the tank body 12, thereby reducing development of the fuel vapor.

Abstract: An exhaust system for a liquid processing tank including an exhaust conduit provided in a cover closing the tank. The exhaust conduit communicates with an exhaust system externally of the tank and has an inlet port that is closed by a portion of the cover that is movable to an open position to allow access into the tank. Fumes or vapors from the liquid in the tank are removed through the inlet port and exhaust conduit to an external exhaust duct by suction produced in the exhaust system. When the movable portion of the cover is moved to its closed position closing the tank to allow processing of the liquid in the tank, the inlet port in the exhaust conduit is closed by the movable cover portion.

Abstract: A vent system for an automatic transmission includes a front body assembly connected to a housing of the automatic transmission and a connecting tube having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the front body assembly. The vent system also includes a rear body assembly connected to the housing and to the second end. The vent system allows ingress and egress of air between inside and outside of the automatic transmission and prevents ingress of moisture/water and egress of transmission fluid.

Abstract: A check valve 30 set in a fuel tank 10 that dispenses incoming cooler fuel over a wide area that also reduces development of the fuel vapor in a gas tank body 12 when filling the tank. The check valve 30 is attached to one end of an inlet pipe 22 for introducing a supply of fuel into the tank body 12, and includes a housing 32 with a plurality of outlets 38, a valve member 40, and a spring 50. The plurality of outlets 38 are arranged at substantially equal intervals along a circumferential direction of the housing 32. The check valve 30 is generally set in its normally closed position by the pressing force of the spring 50 in order to prevent the fuel vapor in the tank body 12 from being discharged to the atmosphere even without a cap. The flow of fuel presses open the check valve 30 and is discharged out of the plurality of outlets 38 toward a wide area in the tank body 12, so as to cool down the fuel stored in the tank body 12, thereby reducing development of the fuel vapor.

Abstract: A spout for mounting on a liquid container to provide controlled dispensing of liquid therefrom includes a manual control for stopping the flow of liquid through a pouring tube and an automatic control to prevent spills due to overfilling. Manual control over the amount of liquid flowing through the pouring opening of the spout is provided by a preferably tubular rod having a stop mounted at one end and a push button actuator at the other end of the rod. The spout includes a body with the pouring tube extending from one side and the push button for opening the stop to dispense liquid on the other side of the body. The automatic control is provided through a vent tube which extends through a port in the pouring tube and is connected to the tubular rod which is provided with at least one hole. When the level of liquid in a receiving tank rises over the port, no air enters the liquid container and consequently the flow of liquid from the pouring tube is discontinued.

Abstract: A flow through bubble trap for fluid flow lines comprises a chamber having a substantially flat, lateral side, a first port tube, and a second, opposed port tube. A flow directing baffle system is positioned in the chamber to direct incoming fluid from one of the port tubes into a first, lateral flow direction to allow substantially horizontal fluid flow circulation in the chamber. Fluid flow from the circulating fluid in the chamber enters into the other of the port tubes in a lateral flow direction that is generally the same as the first lateral flow direction, while the baffle system prevents direct flow between the first and second port tubes. The chamber is adaptable to fit with a large variety of conventional dialysis machines and the like, having multi-purpose supplemental access ports, for a simplification of the number of codes necessary for product distribution.

Abstract: A check valve (32) includes a cylindrical body (32) and a valve plate (32) attached to one end of the body (32) to open and close a flow outlet. A stepped seat element (36a) having a seat surface (36a) is formed along the periphery of the flow outlet of the body (40). The valve plate (40) is press-cut from a thin stainless steel plate to be integrally formed as a leaf spring. The valve plate includes a leaf element movable with respect to the seat surface so as to close and open the flow outlet, an arm element (41) coupled to the leaf element (41) via a joint element, and a base element connected to the arm element and received by a valve support projection on the cylindrical body.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing the pressure in a fuel tank ullage includes a conduit adapted to be connected to the fuel tank ullage and equipped with a controllable valve. A pressure sensor is adapted for mounting to detect the pressure in the fuel tank ullage, and a catalyst module has an inlet connected to the conduit, a catalyst in the module, an outlet separated from the inlet by the catalyst, a heater disposed to heat the catalyst, and a temperature sensor to detect the temperature of the catalyst.

Abstract: A method of loading propellant into a spacecraft that comprises storing and transferring propellant in a portable propellant loading tank, temperature conditioning and helium saturating the propellant in the propellant loading tank, transferring the loading tank to a launch site, coupling the loading tank to the propellant storage tank, and pressurizing the portable propellant loading tank to transfer the propellant to the propellant storage tank in the spacecraft. The method may further comprise weighing the propellant loading tank during propellant transfer, venting the propellant storage tank in the spacecraft to a receiver tank, and weighing the receiver tank during propellant transfer. The amount of propellant transferred to the propellant storage tank is equal to the difference between the measured weights of the respective loading and storage tanks.

Abstract: A stream selector for a process analyzer. The stream selector includes a valve module having two block valves and a bleed valve. In a first mode, the block valves are closed and the bleed valve is open. In a second mode, the block valves are open and the bleed valve is closed. In a third mode, all of the valves are open, thus ensuring that the module is completely purged. A stream-selection valve manifold is made by joining two or more valve modules side by side to form a common outlet and a common passageway, thus ensuring that the manifold is completely purged. The stream selector also provides a single block-and-bleed valve module having a disposal passageway which establishes fluid communication between a vent compartment and an external area suitable for the safe disposal of sample fluids and compressed gas contained in the valve module.

Abstract: A system, a portable propellant loading tank and loading method for bipropellant spacecraft servicing to load propellant into a spacecraft. The spacecraft has a propellant storage tank with a propellant input and a vent output. The system comprises a portable propellant loading tank for storing and transferring propellant that is couplable to the propellant input of the propellant storage tank in the spacecraft. The propellant loading tank is a stainless steel tank that is electropolished on its interior surface. A portable weighing system having a plurality of load cells provides output signals indicative of the weight of the propellant loading tank. A load cell readout device is coupled to the portable weighing system for providing an output indicative of the weight of the propellant storage tank. A receiver tank is coupled to the vent output of the propellant storage tank in the spacecraft.

Abstract: A stream selector for a process analyzer. The stream selector includes a valve module having two block valves and a bleed valve. In a first mode, the block valves are closed and the bleed valve is open. In a second mode, the block valves are open and the bleed valve is closed. In a third mode, all of the valves are open, thus ensuring that the module is completely purged. A stream-selection valve manifold is made by joining two or more valve modules side by side to form a common outlet and a common passageway, thus ensuring that the manifold is completely purged. The stream selector also provides a single block-and-bleed valve module having a disposal passageway which establishes fluid communication between a vent compartment and an external area suitable for the safe disposal of sample fluids and compressed gas contained in the valve module.

Abstract: A T-shaped fitting for a port in the wall of a closed fluid system includes a branched tubular body having a proximal end coupled to the wall in fluid-tight communication with the port and two distal ends and defining passages between the proximal end and each of the distal ends. A flexible resilient membrane closes one of the distal ends and has a normally closed slit therein adapted for removably receiving an associated probe therethrough in sealing engagement therewith, while an insect screen is disposed across the other of the distal ends. Caps, tethered to the body, are respectively threadedly engageable with the distal ends. Two elastomeric seals are provided between one of the distal ends and its cap, channel means being provided in that one distal end to permit venting when the cap is partially removed. The other cap is sealed by means of a tapered thread.

Abstract: An overfill protecting arrangement for a liquid storage tank comprises in combination a venting valve and a spill valve. The arrangement is designed for a maximum permissible loading rate, and the venting valve is so dimensioned that at this loading rate the tank pressure will assume an equivalent value substantially lower than a safety limit value prescribed by the authorities. The spill valve is a quick-opening valve, preferably a magnetic value, which has an opening pressure distinctly higher than said equivalent value of the tank pressure and lower than said safety limit value. The drops of pressure caused by a flow of liquid at the loading rate into the venting valve system and out of the fully open spill valve are so co-ordinated that flow of gas out of the spill valve and flow of liquid out of the venting valve cannot occur at any circumstances.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a back-flow prevention device for use with a water supply for supplying water to dental instruments within a dental clinic for preventing bacteria contamination of a water source feeding water supply. The device provides no mechanical connection between the water source and the water supply.

Abstract: A gas/air mixing valve is provided for regulating the amounts of combustion air and fuel gas that are delivered to a burner or a series of burners for use with both residential and commerical cooking ranges. The mixing valve overcomes the problem of pressure disturbances caused by known mixing valves by drawing a constant flow of combustion air regardless of whether the burner to which it is supplying fuel gas and air is off or operating at any intensity level. In a preferred embodiment the mixing valve is provided with an adjustable orifice disk which directs a constant flow or air, in selectable proportions, to either combine in the mixing valve with fuel gas for combustion or bleed to atmosphere. By always drawing a constant flow of air independently of the operating level of the burner, the mixing valve allows adjustment of individual burners with no effect on other burners connected to the system.

Abstract: Several embodiments of separate lubricating systems for two-cycle internal combustion engines and particularly those of outboard motors. In each embodiment, the lubricating system includes a relatively large lubricant storage tank that is adapted to be carried in the hull of the associated watercraft and a relatively small lubricant delivery tank carried by the engine of the outboard motor. A pump is provided for transferring lubricant from the storage tank to the delivery tank and warning devices are incorporated to indicate when the level in each of the tanks falls below a predetermined value. Furthermore, the transfer pump is disabled upon the falling of the level of the liquids in the storage tank below a predetermined value. The pump is positioned in proximity to this storage tank and is juxtaposed and plumbed in such a way that it will not pick up foreign particles from the bottom of the tank, but will always have its inlet and outlet subject to liquid so that the pump will not run dry.

Abstract: A polyolefin lined tank consisting of a rigid polyolefin tank within a metallic tank wherein there is no adherence or bonding between the walls of the inner polyolefin tank and the outer metallic tank, but wherein a maximum of 0.04 inch clearance is obtained between the said walls. The polyolefin tank is formed in the metallic tank by a rotational molding technique wherein a high temperature paint or other suitable release agent is first applied to the inner walls of the metallic tank; the tank is heated; and polyolefin powder is placed in the heated tank. The polyolefin powder melts during rotation of the heated tank to thereby coat the inner walls of the tank; the tank is cooled, resulting in shrinkage of the polyolefin away from the metallic walls; during the cooling cycle, the interior of the lined tank is pressurized to control the shrinkage, resulting in minimum clearance between the outer and inner tanks, and stress relief of the inner polyolefin tank.

Abstract: A venting valve for a cargo hose includes a cover plate attachable to the hose, the plate having an opening which receives a coupling to a check valve. The check valve prevents escape of fuel but admits air to permit fuel to drain from the hose into an attached storage tank, preventing spillage when the hose is subsequently detached therefrom and handled.

Abstract: A poke hole closure assembly for a gas producer which minimizes the escape of noxious or volatile gas from the producer during a poking operation. The closure includes a block having an aperture therethrough which communicates with a poke hole in a gas producer. A closure plate is hinged to the block to block the aperture and pole hole during normal operating conditions, but is openable to enable a poker to be inserted therethrough to check the fire bed. An inert gas is delivered to a conical nozzle in the aparture to direct the gas into the poke hole, to thereby block the outward passage of noxious or volatile gas from the poke hole when the closure plate is opened. The flow of the inert gas is controlled by a valve which is opened to allow flow upon opening of the closure and is closed to block flow when the closure is sealed.

Abstract: The specification discloses a liquid storage tank of the silo-type having spray cleaning apparatus for cleaning internal surfaces located in the lower portion of the tank and also cleanable venting and overflow conduits associated with the cleaning apparatus. The specification also describes a method for cleaning internal surfaces of the tank and its various conduits using spraying apparatus positioned at or near the bottom of the tank.

Abstract: A fluid coupling for connecting a portable washing machine to a domestic water faucet comprises a housing defining an unobstructed fluid passage having a lateral discharge port normally closed by a tilt type valve. A sliding detent plate latches the coupling to the faucet and includes an actuating arm for opening the discharge valve at least momentarily in its traverse between latched and unlatched positions.

Abstract: A manifold assembly for a compressed air storage tank or the like having a main flow passage therethrough, ball valve means and pressure relief means. The ball valve means comprises a ball valve member received in a lateral bore extending generally perpendicularly through the passage. The ball valve member has a spherical ball portion with an aperture therethrough and a pair of circular sealing heads, one on each side of the ball portion. Each of the sealing heads carries a seal which is slidably and sealingly engageable with the walls of the lateral bore. The sealing heads are of substantially equal diameter so that pressure forces acting on the ball valve member which tend to move the latter axially within the bore are balanced. A seal body is insertable into a main flow passage of the valve body from one end thereof for sealingly engaging the ball portion after the ball valve member has been installed in the lateral bore.

Abstract: To isolate shock deburring valve units in a shock deburring system and prevent back-flash or backfire during operation of the deburring system, and absorb thermal and pressure shocks exerted against the deburring valves--which, in operation, are closed--at least one of the valves is separated from the mixing chamber where the explosive force arises by a connecting line which is long enough and encloses therein a volume of the respective gas which is such that under the pressure due to an explosion in the mixing chamber, the gas can compress within the respective connecting line to thermally isolate the valve from the chamber and provide a compressible thermally isolating shock cushion for the respective valve to protect the valve against thermal damage and shock.

Abstract: A cannula is provided for administration of a fluid from two separate sources of supply, such as from an infusion fluid container and an injection syringe, comprising, in combination, a housing, a fluid flow passage therethrough having two fluid inlets and one fluid outlet, one of the fluid inlets being shaped to receive delivery means of an injection device for delivery of fluid to the cannula fluid flow passage, and having a check valve therein compelling flow therethrough only in the inward direction, and means in the one inlet positioned to accept any impact of the delivery means when inserted in the one inlet, and inhibit impact injury to the check valve upon such insertion.

Abstract: In a nuclear reactor installation, a steam generator is positioned inside of a containment and has a live-steam pipe leading out of the containment. The pipe has a fast-acting shut-off valve shunted by two pressure-responsive safety valves having a smaller flow rate capacity than the shut-off valve. When the fast-acting shut-off valve is suddenly closed, the two safety valves relieve the pressure of the steam stopped by the shut-off valve. The two safety valves respond to differing steam pressures.

Abstract: A coupler assembly for a portable washing machine which includes a mechanism associated with an operating lever and a pressure relief means to provide automatic sequential depressurization and then decoupling of the assembly from the faucet when the operating lever is moved in an axial direction.