Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the drive system for double seat valves comprising two individually movable closure members which, in addition to the open position, can each be individually moved into a partial open position. The object of the invention is to construct a device which is easy to assemble and is space-saving and which should be able to provide externally adjustable, partial lift stops for both closure members. Said object is attained in that a piston (107) of a first individual adjustment device (1b) for the partial open position (T1) of the independently driven closure member (4) is displaceably arranged, to form a seal, externally in a drive housing (100) of the drive device (1), and a piston (108) of a second individual adjustment device (1c) for the partial open position (T2) of the dependently driven closure member (5) is displaceably arranged, to form a seal, externally in a cylindrical recess (107a) of the piston (107), which recess faces a main adjustment device (1a).

Abstract: A dual valve fitting enables pressure within a housing to be quickly measured. The fitting defines a passage between its threaded and protuberant ends. The threaded end screws into the housing. In an upper section of the passage, a first valve atop a valve stem features a poppet head that is seatable against an outer valve seat. A first biasing mechanism compels the head against the outer seat to keep the first valve normally closed. In a lower section of the passage, a second valve features a seat piece and a valve retainer. On its periphery, the seat piece carries an o-ring which sealingly secures the piece within the passage. The piece defines an inner bore between its ends and has an inner valve seat on its bottom. The top of the retainer is extendable through this inner bore to a point a dead space apart from a bottom of the stem. Around its bottom, the retainer carries an annular check valve.

Abstract: A compressed gas regulator with integral flow meter is disclosed. The regulator includes pressure reducing section and a flow control section, as well as, a Bourdon tube gauge disposed within the protective surround of the regulator body to prevent physical damage to the gauge. The Bourdon tube is mounted on a gauge adapter that provides for rotation of the tube within the regulator body, yet maintaining a gas seal with the high pressure gas supply. The gauge adapter provides a means for fluidly communicating the high pressure level to the Bourdon tube, yet allowing rotation of the Bourdon tube for zeroing and calibration purposes. An indicator ring, also disposed within the regulator body, is mounted on the Bourdon tube so that the pressure level is readily ascertained by viewing the indicator ring through an aperture in the regulator body.

Abstract: A flow regulator having a first and second stages of regulation. The first stage is a pressure regulation stage that maintains the pressure within an intermediate chamber (formed by a series of interconnected passageways and cavities) within a predetermined range above the pressure in an outlet port. The second stage maintains the flow rate within a predetermined range about a target flow rate. Both stages sample the pressure in the outlet port and automatically adjust the flow of fluid to ensure that fluctuations in pressure at the inlet and outlet ports do not affect the flow rate. The flow rate is set and controlled by a piston and valve arrangement. The pressure is regulated by a similar piston and valve arrangement. A flexible membrane is used to allow pressures in one chamber to be transferred into a control signal that operates a control valve in another chamber.

Abstract: A toilet room flush valve body is connected to a control stop body by means of a tail having a tapered outer surface. The larger end of the tail is connected to the control stop body and the smaller end of the tail is connectd to the flush valve body. The connection between the flush valve body and the tail is fixed, with the connection between the control stop body and the tail being adjustable. The connection between the control stop body and the tail includes a coupling nut threadedly connected to the stop body and having a flange which is inwardly directed toward the tail tapered outer surface. The stop body outlet has an end surface thereon which, with said control nut flange, define a chamber extending peripherally about the tail.

Abstract: A dual isolation valve comprises: a valve body with opposed inlet and outlet ports that defines an inner cavity; a first valve member; and a second valve member. The first valve member (preferably a plug) has a narrower first end and a wider second end and is rotatably mounted within the valve body cavity for rotation about a first axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the flow axis defined by the inlet and outlet ports. The first valve member includes a substantially rectangular flow passage.

Abstract: A gas supply device for a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus supplies various kinds of fabrication gases to each apparatus in a fab line through non-overlapping supply pipes. The gas supply device includes a gas cabinet in which a plurality of gas containers are mounted each containing one of a plurality of fabrication gases. The gas supply device further includes a plurality of gas lines coupled to the gas cabinet, and a distributor that distributes the plurality of fabrication gases introduced through gas lines from the gas cabinet to supply the fabrication gases to each fabrication apparatus in a fab line through the non-overlapping supply pipes.

Abstract: The gas fitting contains a supply-pressure shut-off element, a pressure regulator and a pressure gage for the pressure indication in a row, the supply-pressure shut-off element and the pressure regulator being arranged between the pressure gage and the compressed-gas source, and the pressure gage with the pressure indication being integrated in the operating element of the pressure regulator. The gas fitting is used for mounting on laboratory furniture.

Abstract: A flow measuring device, especially for coolant guided through injection molds, is provided. The flow measuring device has a coolant inlet, a coolant outlet leading to an injection mold, a shut-off valve disposed between the coolant inlet and the coolant outlet, a flow meter having an inlet for receiving coolant from the injection mold and an outlet, a flow control valve disposed upstream of the outlet of the flow meter, and a common control mechanism for the shut-off valve and the flow control valve.

Abstract: The assembly includes a body in which there is formed a bore (3) for letting in gas under pressure, containing an isolation valve (4) exposed to the gas under pressure, at least one pressure reducer (5), an element (9) for selecting and regulating the flow rate through at least one outlet (8) for gas at reduced pressure, and a tubular member (11) for controlling the isolation valve sitting on top of the body. The isolation valve is a spool (4) which can be moved back and forth in a transverse housing (26) in the body and the opposite ends of which interact directly with curved guide ramps (18, 19) formed by the tubular control member. The direct control of the isolation spool (4) by turning the tubular member (11) simplifies the architecture of the assembly and reduces the manufacturing and servicing costs thereof. The assembly is useful in transporting bottles of gas, especially of medical oxygen.

Abstract: A fluid control assembly that includes fluid valving, fluid regulation, automatic safety shut-off valving and manual shut-off valving in one assembly, a novel fluid control unit that integrates the above functions in one unit, and a novel ignitor and a novel seal and diaphragm for use in the assembly.

Abstract: A valve body has a main body formed with an inflow channel for a first fluid, an inflow channel for a second fluid, and an outflow channel for the first and second fluids in common. The first fluid inflow channel is always in communication with the common outflow channel through a valve chamber. A valve element operates to bring the second fluid inflow channel into or out of communication with the first fluid inflow channel and the common outflow channel.

Abstract: A valve mount having two valves removably installed thereon from above as arranged in a direction comprises an inflow channel forming member having a channel in communication with an inlet of the valve disposed at one end thereof, a communication channel forming member having a channel for causing an outlet of the valve at the end to communicate with an inlet of the other valve adjacent thereto, an outflow channel forming member having a channel in communication with an outlet of the other valve, and a subchannel forming member having a channel in communication with an inlet-outlet port formed in the other valve.

Abstract: A valve device for influencing an overpressurized flow of media comprises a control valve for controlling the flow of media, and a closing valve which is either totally open or totally closed to stop the flow. The valves are arranged in a common valve housing and can seal independently of each other against a common valve seat. The valve seat presents an outlet side which forms the outlet channel of the valve device. The valve device can be made compact, and the number of necessary redirections of the flow of media is minimized.

Abstract: A pair of serially connected electrically operated computer controlled gas valves combine with a pressure sensor to output pressure regulated low pressure gas dispensed from a high pressure gas source and define a pressure regulation system of relatively simple construction, great versatility and of heretofore unknown flexibility, well suited to remote control. The computer controlled valve controller selectively operates the valves in any and all of three operational modes, including the familiar Bang-Bang mode in which both valves operate simultaneously, a Bang-Wait mode in which both valves operate simultaneously for a precise time interval and thereafter close while the outlet gas pressure is checked, and a newly defined Burp mode. In the novel Burp mode, the valve closest to the high pressure gas source is first opened and closed to admit and capture a small volume of gas within inter-valve piping. Thereafter only the outlet valve is opened and closed to release that small volume of captured gas.

Abstract: The present invention uses a regulator in the form of dispensing check valve and a flow restriction arrangement to provide a virtually fail safe system for preventing hazardous discharge of fluid from a pressurized cylinder or tank. A diaphragm controls the movement of a check valve element to prevent discharge of gas from a tank unless a predetermined vacuum condition exists downstream of the check valve. A capillary tube or other structure that provides capillary size opening minimizes any discharge of gas in the unlikely event of a failure of the regulator. This system is particularly useful in the delivery of arsine gas and provides multiple safeguards against accidental discharge.

Abstract: A control valve system. The system includes a microcontroller electronically connectable to the power supply of an electrical household appliance, such as a washing machine which is connected to the water piping system in a building via hoses. The microcontroller produces first and second electrical signals representing a presence and an absence of electron flow in the power supply. Solenoid valves are responsive to the signals for releasing fluid flow to the hoses responsive to the first electrical signal and blocking the fluid flow responsive to the second electrical signal.

Abstract: A valve system for starting/restarting an oscillating controller of the type that uses a source of pressurized gas to provide controlled pulses of the pressurized gas to a pump, such as a chemical injector pump. The start/restart valve includes a valve element that is closed by a valve spring when the pressure of the pressurized gas source drops below a predetermined minimum and is opened upon the pressure increasing to a second predetermined pressure higher than the predetermined minimum pressure to thereby provide a higher pressure for starting or restarting the oscillating movement of the controller. The start/restart valve includes a detent mechanism for maintaining the valve element in either the open or closed position until the gas pressure reaches the appropriate pressure level for switching to the opposite position. The opening of the valve element may be caused by the gas pressure being applied directly to the valve element or indirectly through a diaphragm in alternate embodiments.

Abstract: A faucet system includes a cold water control valve and a hot water control valve. These control valves are in communication with each other through a cold water supply conduit and a mixed water conduit. The hot water control valve includes a needle valve and a valve seat. The needle valve is adjustable with respect to the valve seat to adjust the maximum temperature of hot water being supplied by the hot water control valve to the mixed water conduit. In one embodiment, the hot water control valve of the faucet system further includes a pressure balancer disposed between the hot and cold water supply and the hot and cold control valves.

Abstract: A refrigeration isolation valve including an integral pair of ball valves closed coupled by a custom union for disconnecting and replacing charged refrigeration components. The annular bore through the valve bodies and coupling are consistent with the ball valve aperture. The external diameter of the valve body and coupling are also consistent. The isolation valve is further fitted with a vent for purging trapped air and refrigerant. A method is taught for isolating and disconnecting essential refrigerant components from a system and replacing such components with a precharged component without disturbing the system integrity.

Abstract: A controlled flow filling system is used with a flowable product filling apparatus. The filling system includes a first, upstream V-track valve in series with a second, downstream umbrella valve to provide a substantially paraboloid liquid flow profile of the fluid while filling an associated container. The filling system is configured such that a substantial portion of the pressure drop associated with the flowing fluid occurs at the V-track valve cone to reduce spraying and loss of the fluid product at the umbrella valve. The filling system is used in a filling apparatus that uses pumps or a pressured gas blanket to provide motive force to drive the fluid through the apparatus.

Abstract: A fluid metering system comprises a source of pressurized fluid, a proportional metering valve and a delta-p regulator, which maintains a constant pressure drop across the proportional metering valve. The delta-p regulator is referenced to the static pressure upstream of the metering valve and the stagnation pressure downstream of the metering valve. By referencing the stagnation pressure downstream of the metering valve, the effective static pressure across the metering valve increases as a function of fluid flow rate and therefore provides an increased flow range and corresponding turndown ratio for any given proportional metering valve.

Abstract: A combined control/stop valve assembly for use in steam cycle plants which include at least one steam turbine, the valve assembly including a butterfly valve having a valve plate pivotable about a first axis, and a stop valve located downstream and adjacent the butterfly valve, the stop valve having a cylindrical strainer with a longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis, the strainer having a solid portion facing the butterfly valve.

Abstract: A valve for controlling the flow of a liquid includes a valve seat which is engaged by a selectively operable valve member. A pressure chamber above the valve member contains upstream pressurized fluid in the closed position of the valve. The valve is opened by bleeding off pressurized fluid from this pressure chamber. A manual bleed screw assembly is used to manually open the valve when desired by initiating this pressure bleed procedure from the pressure chamber. The bleed screw assembly bleeds the pressurized fluid to a downstream location in the flow path, rather than to atmosphere, without having to completely remove the bleed screw assembly from the port in which it is received.

Abstract: A dual ball valve assembly which includes a one piece tubular valve housing having box connections at each of a first end a second end. A first ball valve is positioned between a first valve seat and a second valve seat at one end. A second ball valve is positioned between a third valve seat and a fourth valve seat at the other end.

Abstract: A material storing and dispensing assembly for storing and discharging hot asphalt material, comprising a vertically-extending vessel having a generally cylindrical shape and a top opening for receiving material, a dispensing cone positioned in the vessel and opposed to the top opening, the dispensing cone having a discharge opening at a distal end for discharging material from the vessel, a first gate enclosed within a gate weldment and adapted for engagement with the discharge opening slidable between one of an open position for releasing material from the vessel through the discharge opening and a closed position for retaining material within the vessel, a second gate having a sealing face adapted for effectively sealing the discharge opening by rotating the second gate from a vertical storage position into a horizontal closed position, a third gate adapted for further cooperating with the first and second gates and slidable between one of an open position for releasing material from the vessel and a close

Abstract: A pressure type flow rate control apparatus (1) for controlling flow rate of a fluid maintains an upstream side pressure P1 of an orifice at more than about twice a downstream side pressure P2. In addition to an orifice-forming member (5) the apparatus includes a control valve (2) provided at the upstream side of the orifice, a pressure detector (3) provided between the control valve and the orifice, and an operation control device (6) for calculating a flow rate Qc from the detected pressure P1 of the pressure detector as Qc=KP1 (K being a constant) and issuing a difference as a control signal Qy between a flow rate command signal Qs and the calculated flow rate Qc to a drive unit of the control valve. The orifice upstream side pressure P1 is adjusted by opening and closing the control valve, thereby controlling the orifice downstream side flow rate.

Abstract: An apparatus free of polymer material in contact with process gas for delivering process gas for making semiconductors includes a pressure regulator for regulating the pressure of the process gas to be delivered by the apparatus from a supply of pressurized process gas. The pressure regulator has a first valve seat and a first valve which cooperates with the first valve seat for controlling the flow of process gas through the regulator. Both the first valve seat and the first valve are formed of metal. The apparatus further includes a second valve having metal-to-metal dynamic seating for controlling the flow of the gas from the supply to the regulator. The second valve is provided immediately upstream of the pressure regulator along a flow path for the gas through the apparatus. A relatively high creep of the pressure regulator is significantly reduced by operating the regulator in conjunction with the pneumatically operated (on/off) second valve.

Abstract: A valve for controlling the flow of high pressure fluid from an outlet 3 is described. A safety mechanism is provided having a movable valve member 11. When nothing is connected to the outlet the valve member 11 impedes the flow of high pressure fluid to the outlet. When a connector 21 is attached to the outlet 3 the valve member 11 is moved into a position in which the high pressure fluid is free to flow through the outlet into the connector. When the connector is removed the valve member 11 returns to its original position.

Abstract: A mounting system, for supporting semiconductor process gas delivery and control components for assembly and use as a gas stick, aligns the connection union seals between fittings on adjacent components to absorb accumulated stresses resulting from manufacturing tolerances and reduce the likelihood of seal leakage. Components are mounted on individual upper clamp members which are secured to lower clamp members to form a slidable but non-rotatable radially aligned yoke around a rigid elongate support member for subsequent longitudinal positioning and joining of adjacent fittings.

Abstract: A fluid pressure regulator and a method of regulating involve configuring a valve and valve seat of the regulator such that as the valve is moved relative to the valve seat from a closed or nearly closed position of a throttled fluid passage in the regulator to a full flow position, the throttled fluid passage is opened at a rate in relation to the movement of the valve relative to the valve seat which increases during travel of the valve. In one disclosed form of the fluid pressure regulator, a first portion of the outer surface of the valve which contacts the valve seat when the valve closes the throttled fluid passage is tapered with respect to a direction of movement of the valve relative to the valve seat.

Abstract: A gas tank valve and yoke for mounting gas passaging structure on the valve in which a gas tank valve stem and yoke set screw are both adapted to be engaged by a single wrench. The same wrench turns the valve stem to open and close the gas tank valve, and turns the set screw into secure engagement with the gas tank valve to hold the yoke in a fixed, self-retaining position on the valve. A torque rod is connected to the outer end portion of the set screw for conjoint rotational movement with the set screw about the longitudinal axis of the set screw for turning the set screw. Pin and hole arrangements on the yoke and valve body are provided to discriminate against using an undesired gas or gas passaging structure.

Abstract: A shut-off device, such as a valve or a cock, for pipelines and comprising a casing provided with a flow passageway. The casing is provided with an inlet and an outlet and at least one shut-off member provided with a cavity, the member being movable between a position in which the flow passageway is open and a position in which the flow passageway is closed. An auxiliary chamber is arranged in the casing and communicates with the cavity of the shut-off member. The auxiliary chamber is defined by a separate, almost non-resilient wall portion abutting an abutment face on the wall of the casing. A pressure-relieving passageway formed in the wall of the casing is arranged between an abutment face at the auxiliary chamber and the inlet or outlet of the shut-off device. As a result, a shut-off device having more simple structure than known shut-off devices is obtained.

Abstract: Gas control and dispensing assembly comprising a lower unit (1) which is mounted on a gas tank (4) and houses a regulator (10, 9) and an upper unit (5) which is mounted on the lower unit (1) via a threaded ring (24) and houses an indexed flowmeter valve (14, 43) upstream of a low pressure gas outlet (19). The invention is suitable for transportable gas tanks and vehicle-body integrated gas tanks.

Abstract: A shut-off device of the double block-and-bleed type comprising a flow passageway accommodating two shut-off members provided with through-going cavities, and a drain means. The flow passageway is provided with an inlet and an outlet. Each of the shut-off members may be moved between a position in which the flow passageway is open and a position in which the flow passageway is closed. In association with the shut-off members two auxiliary chambers are communicating with cavities of the shut-off members. The shut-off device is formed of a single undivided casing. The shut-off members are truncated cone-shaped and mounted in matching truncated cone-shaped recesses in the common casing. As a result, the overall length of the shut-off device may be reduced compared to prior art. Moreover, the tightness at high pressure, e.g. above 100 ato. is enhanced.

Abstract: A method of securing a valve seat member for a ball valve within a tubular housing. Firstly, provide an annular valve seat member and a tubular valve housing. The annular valve seat member has a first face, a second face, an interior surface and an exterior surface. One of the first face and the second face of the annular valve seat member has an arcuate valve seat. The tubular valve housing has an interior surface defining an interior bore. Secondly, position an annular groove in the interior surface of the annular valve seat member and an annular groove in the interior surface of the tubular valve housing. Thirdly, lock the annular valve seat member to the interior surface of the tubular valve housing with a split ring having an exterior surface with a first annular tongue that engage the annular groove of the annular valve seat member and a second annular tongue that engages the annular groove in the interior surface of the tubular valve housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a pressure vessel against over pressure includes a shaped part connected to a pressure vessel and a valve assembly being disposed on the shaped part. The valve assembly includes a housing block, at least one safety valve having a valve seat disposed in the housing block, a hydraulic seal for the safety valve, and a conduit being disposed inside the housing block and/or the shaped part for receiving the hydraulic seal.

Abstract: A quick release connector enables replacement of a toilet tank valve by one having little, if any, knowledge of repair or skills relating to plumbing. The toilet tank valve includes a quick release connector coupling the toilet tank valve to a source of water within the toilet tank. The toilet tank valve may be quickly and easily replaced by manipulation of the quick release connector by the user's fingers without the necessity of mechanical tools or the like.

Abstract: An automatic safety shut-off system for installation in a gas line or other fluid line which automatically shuts off the flow of fluid in response to an emergency situation. The system is characterized by three valves, each responsive to a different emergency situation. The first valve includes a sealing piston which is controlled by a pressure responsive locking mechanism which responds to above normal gas line pressure. The second valve responds to lower than normal pressure downstream of the shut-off system. The third valve responds to the interruption of electrical power supplied to machinery using fluid from the gas line. The pressure responsive locking mechanism of the first valve includes two locking toggle joints movable between a locked and an unlocked position. When in the locked position, the toggle joints retain the sealing piston in the open position, thereby allowing fluid flow through the valve.

Abstract: Gas pressure control apparatus comprises a pressure body having a lid at the top, and divided into an inlet chamber partially bounded by the lid and communicating through a port with an outlet chamber. The inlet chamber contains a valve stack including a slam-shut valve and a pair of pressure regulating valves. The valve stack is held together by bolts, and is mounted on the lid by the bolts sliding through holes in a disc forming part of the lid. Springs urge the valve stack against the port in an essentially planar manner to maintain a good seal between the valve stack and the port.

Abstract: The gas control and dispensing assembly comprises a lower block (1) , mounted on a gas bottle (4) and comprising a manometer (9) and a filling connector (11), and on which a subassembly (32, 17 ) is permanently mounted, axially movable in response to a rotation of a tubular control and actuation member (46) surrounding the subassembly, which contains a pressure reducer (27) and an indexable flow regulator (34, 35) and has a low-pressure outlet (45) and a medium-pressure outlet (51).Application in particular to dispensing medical oxygen.

Abstract: A bidirectional solenoid operated valve for controlling the flow of a compressed gas to and from a pressurized vessel is provided which automatically blocks the flow of gas out of a cylinder to a gas line in the event of an electrical failure or crash and which will not fail catastrophically in the event of a crash. The bidirectional valve includes a manual lockdown feature, an integral electrical pass through assembly, and a thermally activatable pressure relief device.

Abstract: A cylinder valve insert is used to be mounted within the outlet of a cylinder valve of a cylinder to allow a fluid to pass through the valve when a male fitting is sufficiently engaged with the outlet, and to prevent such fluid flow when the male fitting is separated therefrom. The valve insert includes a body member adapted to be mounted in the outlet; a docking member which is mounted in the body member, has a tapered portion facing away from the normal flow direction of the fluid; a valve member which has a part mounted in the body member and the docking member and movable relative thereto, defines a fluid passage communicating with an open end of the outlet; a sealing member which is mounted surrounding the valve member, is adapted to control such fluid flow from the cylinder to enter into the fluid passage; and a spring which is located between an inner end face of the outlet and the valve member, is adapted to exert a pushing force to push the valve member toward the body member.

Abstract: A connector for delivering combustion gas to a gas fired appliance from a stationary supply line where the appliance moves toward and away from the supply line with the connector straightening and flexing between them as the appliance moves. The connector comprises a flexible hose assembly and first and second swivel fittings at respective hose assembly ends. Each swivel fitting defines a gas flow path and comprises a swivel member for communicating the connector with the appliance or the supply line. The hose assembly comprises a flexible metal hose member antitorsion fittings forming ends of the hose assembly connected to respective swivel fittings. The antitorsion fittings comprise pintle and nipple members rotatable relative to each other to prevent torsional stress in the hose member when the appliance moves relative to the supply line.

Abstract: A valve for controlling flow of air comprising in combination a valve housing having a chamber, inlet and outlet air flow paths communicating with the chamber adjacent oppositely facing sides thereof, and a valve seat arranged in one of the flow paths; a valve sleeve supported for rotation within the chamber and having a through opening provided with opposite ends arranged for placing the inlet and outlet air flow paths in flow communication; and a valve member having sealing and operating ends, the sealing end being arranged within one of the flow paths for removable engagement with the valve seat for selectively blocking and unblocking the flow of air through one of the flow paths, the operating end extending into the chamber from one of the flow paths and through one of the opposite ends for receipt within the through opening of the valve sleeve.

Abstract: A system for controlling the flow of fluid through a line 3. The system may include first and second valves (A, B; and 6, 7) in the line 3 between is located a chamber (52, 82), part of which may be filled with fluid having a variable volume (52), and another part is filled with a measurement gas (V.sub.1), such as air. The chamber may be isolated from the pressure effects in the rest of the line by closing both valves. The valves may also permit fluid to flow into or out of the chamber. The second portion of the chamber has a common boundary with the first part in such a way that the combined volume of the first and second parts is constant. A loudspeaker (22, 33, 571) creates sound waves in the gas in the second part of the chamber, in order to measure the volume of the fluid in the first part, and for directing the operation of the valves and creating subsonic pressure variations to produce the desired flow. The volume measurement is achieved by acoustic volume measurement techniques.

Abstract: Homogenizing pressures are reduced by providing three homogenizing valves in series. The addition of a holding chamber between the first and second stages which provides a dwell time in the order of seconds can further reduce the pressure requirements or improve product quality for a given pressure.

Abstract: A connector for delivering combustion gas to a gas fired appliance from a stationary supply line where the appliance moves toward and away from the supply line with the connector straightening and flexing between them as the appliance moves. The connector comprises a flexible hose assembly and first and second swivel fittings at respective hose assembly ends. The first and second swivel fittings have respective end walls defining between them the maximum overall connector length. Each swivel fitting comprises a swivel member for communicating the connector with the appliance or the supply line. The swivel members each define a gas flow path and swivel axis extending therethrough with each axis extending parallel to a respective adjacent swivel fitting end wall and each end wall rotatable relative to the swivel member about the axis.

Abstract: A solenoid controlled valve is mounted in a threaded opening of a pressure vessel which contains compressed natural gas. The valve includes a valve body having a head, which is exposed outside of the pressure vessel, and a neck, which is located within the pressure vessel. A solenoid poppet valve is mounted to the inner end of the neck. A valve seat is mounted in a bore within the valve body. All orifice at an inner end of the valve seat exposes a flow passage between the bore of the valve body and an outlet port, which is located in the head of the valve body. The solenoid poppet valve includes a seal for closing the orifice, a bias spring which biases the seal toward the seat to close the orifice, a plunger which is connected to the seal, and a solenoid coil which, when energized, moves the plunger so that the seal moves out of engagement with the seat and permits flow of compressed gas from the interior of the pressure vessel to the outlet port.

Abstract: To control the flow of air into and/or out of a process chamber, such as a clean room, a two-stage system is disposed in conduits leading into and/or out of the process-chamber. One stage includes a regulator, having a plenum (7, 79) disposed between the environment and the air source or the vacuum source. The regulator maintains in the plenum a pressure that is between the pressures of the environment and the source and that is a constant amount different from the environment's pressure. The regulator includes a piston (5) having a frontal face (52) exposed to air in the plenum flowing between the environment and the source, and a distal face (51) exposed to the environment's pressure. The piston is mounted so as to variably impede the flow of air through the regulator and so that the weight of the piston tends to move the piston in a direction so as to lessen the piston's impedance on the air flow.