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 humidification chamber for a respiratory humidifier water is maintained by the use of floats which actuate valves to control the passage of water through a water inlet. Two floats are each provided with actuating mechanisms to separately control the respective valve members. The separate valve members are covered by an elastomeric moulding which couples the valve members and provides a seal. The valves are co-axially aligned and the system provides improved safety by allowing for reliable operation in the case where one of the floats fails. An alternative embodiment of the dual valve construction is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gas flow and pressure regulation and control station to be connected directly between a distribution line of an urban gas distribution network and a user service line, the station including an inlet connector to be connected directly to the distribution line, an outlet level connector disposed in fluid flow communication with the inlet connector and having an axial flow through passage wherethrough controlled levels of gas pass, and an intermediary connection having a flow regulator member which pivotally moves between a normal flow stopping orientation that prevents gas from passing from the outlet level connector to the intermediary connection, and a flow passage orientation, pivotal movement occurring if the pressure of gas flowing through the outlet level connector and contacting a stopper end of the flow regulator member is sufficient because predetermined gas flow and pressure levels which are to be maintained in the intermediary connection have sufficiently dropped such that a regulator diaphragm, wh

Abstract: A multiple flow rate fluid control valve assembly in which the mode of fluid flow is interfaced with the rate of fluid flow has a mode control valve having a switch for selectively setting the valve to either of a continuous fluid flow mode or a pulse fluid flow mode. A fluid flow rate control valve is connected to the mode control valve for selectively controlling the rate of fluid flow from a source of fluid through the rate control valve to the mode control valve, to thereby provide fluid from the source of fluid to the mode control valve at a rate which is appropriate for the mode of fluid delivery and the particular fluid use.

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

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

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering natural gas or liquid propane under pressure from a fixed gas pipe source to a gas appliance mounted on casters and movable to and away from the fixed gas pipe source. The apparatus includes a connector, a unitary valve assembly member and in some instances, swivels. The unitary valve assembly member is directly connected to the fixed gas pipe source and includes a ball valve, a check valve, a quick disconnect coupling and an operating device for manually positioning the ball valve in an open or closed position. One variation of the unitary valve assembly member incorporates an operating device which prevents the quick disconnect coupling from being disconnected with the ball valve in an open position. The unitary valve assembly member may further include a temperature sensitive device incorporated within the check valve such that at a predetermined temperature the check valve will close in order to prevent ignition of the gas supply at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A vascular access sheath is provided for introducing catheters, stents, and other interventional devices into blood vessels. The invention comprises a stiff tubular catheter segment, which is designed to remain outside the body, having two hemostatic valves, most preferably of an iris valve design disposed at each end. A flexible sheath extends from one of the valves for insertion into the blood vessel. In operation, the valves are opened and closed one at a time, to allow relatively large devices to be introduced into the blood vessel without the valve pressing against the devices and with minimal loss of blood.

Abstract: A gas valve comprises the combination of a control valve having a valve body made of polymeric material and a thermally responsive shutoff valve having a metal valve body. The shutoff valve is connected upstream of the control valve and is adapted to be connected to a gas source. The shutoff valve is effective for terminating flow of gas to the control valve in response to exposure to an abnormal temperature value.

Abstract: Solenoid flow control valve having a valve body with a chamber defined therein and first and second flow ports; a seat member located within the chamber and defining a mouth of the first flow port; a plunger longitudinally positionable between a first plunger position in sealing engagement with the seat member and a second plunger position spaced from the seat member; a selectively-operable electromagnetic having a core spool member with the second flow port extending therethrough; two disk springs radially extending from the plunger to the valve body; and a pole piece having a base portion affixed to the valve body and a flux receiving portion positioned between the two disk springs and radially extending toward the plunger, such that selective operation of the electromagnet moves the plunger toward the core spool member to the second plunger position to form a magnetic circuit through the plunger, the pole piece, the valve body and core spool member.

Abstract: A battery-operated flushing system (10) comprises a flushing valve (34) of the pilot-operated self-closing type having a pressure chamber (46) connected to a pilot conduit (52) controlled by a solenoid valve (50) of the non-latching type. A pressure control valve (48) is disposed between the pressure chamber (46) and the solenoid valve (50) for limiting the static water pressure applied to the solenoid valve (50) when the solenoid valve is closed. The provision for the pressure control valve (48) enables considerable reduction in the power consumption required to lift a solenoid valve plunger against the action of the static hydraulic pressure. Once the plunger is lifted, the non-latching type solenoid valve is energized with a reduced electric current sufficient to hold the valve in its open position. In total, energy consumption per cycle of operation is reduced. Use of the non-latching type solenoid valve permits to avoid malfunction inherently involved in the solenoid valves of the latching type.

Abstract: Automatically resetting mechanical valve is used to control unwanted discharge of liquids less dense than water, principally oil, which may be present in waste water flows. The valve is closed by the sinking of a primary flow which closes a primary orifice, and the floating of a secondary float which closes a smaller secondary orifice. The primary float is less dense than water but more dense than oil. The secondary float is less dense than both oil and water. When the primary float becomes sufficiently immersed in oil, the primary float sinks and effectively closes the primary orifice in an outlet conduit. In the event of evaporation or removal of liquid from the valve, the (smaller) secondary orifice automatically opens, thereby allowing hydrostatic pressure inside and outside of the outlet conduit to equalize. Upon reintroduction of water to the device, the primary float unseats and the valve automatically re-opens.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas connection device for insufflation equipment, in particular for mini-invasive surgery as well as laparoscopy and hysteroscopy. The invention includes a connection port 3 for the gas supply, a pressure reducer 4, a safety valve 5, a gas outlet port 7 provided with a solenoid vane 6, and a manometer 8.In order to have an economic assembly of all components of the gas connection device pre-assembled in an insufflation device, it is provided, according to the invention, that the connection port 3, the pressure reducer 4, the safety valve 5, the solenoid valve 6, with the gas outlet port 7, and the manometer 8 are connected to a common metal main body 1, and are connected to a common metal main body 1, and are connected with main body 1.

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. An 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: There is disclosed a system for delivering gas at a predetermined rate of flow, including a diaphgram type flow controller, a pressure regulator for providing a constant flow of gas to the flow controller, and a microprocessor controlled stepper motor utilizing an optical encoder to adjust the rate of flow of a gas leaving the controller without having to use a gas flow measurement device to monitor the flow rate.

Abstract: A faucet-control device which enables users to control water flow in a basin fixture (10) by leaning against the front of the fixture (10) with a lower limb. Eight embodiments (A-H) are described. A normally-closed, electrically-controlled valve (16, 44, 46, or 62) controls water flow. A thin, flat, normally-open, momentary-contact, pressure-actuated mat switch (14) controls the valve (16, 44, 46, or 62). Any user in a normal stance may activate the mat switch (14) by applying a small pressure with a lower limb. In Embodiment A, activating the mat switch (14) opens the valve(s) (16), allowing water to flow. In Embodiment B, two stacked mat switches (14 and 14A) control a two-stage valve (44). In Embodiment C, a capacitive mat (50) enables the user to select continuously variable flow rates with a lower limb. A servo-drive circuit (48) converts variable capacitance from the capacitive mat (50) to an amplified current which drives a servo valve (46).

Abstract: A remote pressure sensitive dump valve which includes a housing having first, second and third fluid ports, the first fluid port adapted for connection to a source of very high pressurized fluid, the second fluid port being adapted for connection to a remotely controllable fluid control valve and the third fluid port being adapted for connection to a conduit for dumping fluid back to a pump reservoir when the remote controllable fluid control valve is in the closed position. The housing includes a chamber in which is provided an elongated valve member which is reciprocal therein between first and second positions. The position of the valve member is directly responsive to the opened or closed condition of the remotely controllable fluid control valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid controlling apparatus that has a remote signal transmitter that sends a signal to a signal receiver that has power supplied to it by a power supply. The signal receiver now generates a new signal to a valve controller which controls a solenoid operated valve that controls fluid flow from an inlet to an outlet. A first embodiment controls fluid flow which shuts down a power take off commonly driven by an internal combustion engine while a second embodiment controls fluid flow to shut down by movement of an intake air blocker valve, an internal combustion engine. Both embodiments include an indicator including a standby indicating light and an operational indicating light. The valve controller in the first embodiment includes a main solenoid with a fluid flow operated grounding switch for permitting operation of the solenoid operated valve that controls the fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: A water delivery device with at least one delivery mouth (45) comprises a body (11) containing first controlled means (13) for mixing and delivery from said mouth of water coming from two first sources and second controlled means (25) of delivery from said mouth (13) of water coming selectively from second sources. In the body of the device is arranged a selector element (49) operated alternatively between a position of connection of the two first sources to mixing inlets (17,18) of the first control means (13) and selective connection positions of one of the second sources to an inlet (29) of the second control means (25).

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

Abstract: An assembly of a first expansion stretch, a first throttle, a second throe and a second expansion stretch have respective metal casings and elements defining the flow paths therein composed of engineered ceramics. The throttle are adjustable and the assembly can be used effectively to control pressure and flow rate of compressible or incompressible fluids which can have solid particles entrained therein.

Abstract: This hydraulic safety and regulating system for a steam feed of a turbine has a rapid-action (4) and a steam regulating valve (3), and a line system monitored by a safety downward-control unit (22). The monitored line system is designed as both a power oil supply and as a safety oil system. This results in a hydraulic safety regulating system which is simple to build and has a reduced number of possible leakage points.

Abstract: A valve with redundancy on closing comprises a single valve body, first and second substantially hemispherical hollow valve members disposed inside said valve body, each including an orifice allowing fluid to pass therethrough, independent first and second rotary drive means for the first and second hemispherical valve members, and first and second sealing devices each comprising at least one annular gasket and each associated with a respective one of the first and second valve members, the first and second valve members being of different diameters and one being nestable inside the other. It is preferable for at least one of the sealing devices to be retractable so as to avoid confining fluid inside the valve.

Abstract: An assembly for regulating the flow of liquid includes a housing made of a first, second and third housing part. The housing parts being placed immediately following one another in the flow direction. The second of three housing parts constitutes a component of a discharge shutoff valve and a component of a flow regulating valve into which a flow-through conduit is integrated between the discharge shutoff valve and the flow regulating valve immediately following it in the flow direction. The assembly includes no freely moving parts and is distinguished by a compact construction.

Abstract: A reduced height dust valve is described which is used in a trap which utilizes a pair of said valves to remove dust from, for example, a vacuum line, is described. The valve includes a body having a longitudinal flow path, a valve seat detachably mounted in the upper portion of the body and opposed flapper plates which seat against each other to close the valve or are rotated downwardly by actuator shafts to open the valve. The flapper plates define adjacent edges which seat against each other by a sliding action permitted by movement of one of the two actuator arms.

Abstract: A diaphragm valve assembly adapted for use in irrigation systems as a zone valve includes a solenoid-operated diaphragm to control flow through the valve under normal operations, and a ball valve is situated between an inlet port and one or more outlet ports and is selectively movable to a position closing the valve to prevent liquid flow therethrough independently of the opening and closing of the diaphragm so as to permit servicing or repair of the valve without shutting off the entire system.

Abstract: The faucet comprises a closure member (64) between a gas-outlet passage (60) and an intake passage (62), an outer operator connected to the closure member (64) in order to displace the latter between an open position and a closed position, and a pressure reducer (66) for controlling the pressure at which the gas flows out in the open position of the closure member (64).In order to enable the bottle to be filled, and the gas to be drawn off through the same aperture, a duct (76) is provided, branched between the intake passage (62) and the outlet passage (60), short-circuiting the pressure reducer (66) and provided with a non-return valve (70) the filling gas to flow from the outlet passage (60) to the intake passage (62) and preventing gas from flowing in the opposite direction.

Abstract: The device of the present application, an automatic flow control device, provides means for maintaining a constant flow rate of strained fluid despite varying differential pressures and employs a combination of a unitary body with a ball valve assembly, a strainer assembly, and a flow control valve assembly. The unitary body is essentially in the shape of a "Z" and provides a compact valve with minimum threaded joints and access to the various components thereof with minimum disassembly.

Abstract: A fluid mixing and control apparatus comprises a unitary block of plastic material through which recesses and passageways can be machined or otherwise formed. The block includes two separate fluid pathways, one of which includes a fluid detector. Both pathways include shut-off valves and both pathways include fluid flow controllers to allow the fluids to be mixed together and pass through an outlet in a controlled manner.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring electrically conductive coating materials such as water-based paint from a source to an electrostatically charged dispenser includes first and second shuttle devices and two large reservoir, piston pumps each having structure for preventing contamination of the coating material and pressure build-up at their piston heads. The first shuttle device is movable between a neutral position wherein it is electrically isolated from a filling station connected to the coating material source, and a transfer position wherein coating material is transmitted to one of the piston pumps through a coupling device which connects the filling station and first shuttle.

Abstract: To measure and control the flow of fluid through a passageway, a venturi meter and a regulator are disposed in the passageway. The area of the cross-section gradually decreases and then gradually increases. The venturi meter also has first and second static pressure ports, the first port being located at a relatively wide portion of the venturi meter, and the second port being located at a narrower portion of the venturi meter. Each of the ports is disposed about the circumference of the venturi. A regulator, or another type of adjustable valve variably impedes flow through the passageway. A controller measures the static pressure at first and second ports and adjusts the regulator or valve based on the static pressure measured at the first and second static pressure ports.

Abstract: A low profile, lock-gate type of valve for handling dry particulate material forms a conduit therethrough, and a pair of curved flow control blades are mounted on arms and are pivoted with respect to the conduit, to define therebetween a flow measuring chamber, in which the blades are supplied with the convex surface facing the direction of flow in the conduit. The conduit is dog-legged within the valve to provide a low valve profile, and the blades are fully enclosed within the blade housing. A part of the enclosure walls form surfaces on which air cylinders are mounted for controlling the movement of the valve blades. The valve blade seals are accessible from an exterior wall of the valve and are replaceable by extraction through wall openings, and the valve seals are mounted on external brackets on the valve side walls so that they may be easily withdrawn and replaced.

Abstract: A low gas pressure emergency shutdown valve forms part of a valve body having a flow passageway interposed in a gas supply line and forming a gas pressure regulator having a diaphragm/spring responsive poppet valve and a companion diaphragm responsive shutoff valve in the upstream end portion of the valve body maintained open by a pin bearing against the shutoff valve stem. Downstream fluid pressure, in response to a predetermined pressure limit in a flow control chamber, biases the diaphragm in a pin collapsing direction and moves the shutoff valve to a flow passageway closed position.

Abstract: The improved gas flow control apparatus controls the flow of multiple gases to a tonometer for calibration of a blood gas or pH sensor and compensates for the failure of gas supply solenoid valves to operate properly in controlling gas flow. Intermediate gas supply solenoid valves select between gas flow of the supplied gas in an open position, and venting to the atmosphere in a closed position. A common selector valve is also provided in the gas flow path to the tonometer to select gas flow from one of the intermediate gas flow valves. A control unit is provided for controlling the operation of the intermediate and common selector valves.

Abstract: A dual series valve is formed with two plungers within a central bore of a solenoid. Each of the plungers is formed with a guide bore that is supported on respective guide members through opposite ends of the guide bore. The guide members are firmly supported from respective plugs in the solenoid bore to prevent the plungers from contacting the central bore of the solenoid. Two of the guide members supporting respective plungers define valve seats that are opened and closed by respective valve seals carried within the guide bores of the two plungers. The valve seats and the valve seals are maintained in alignment with each other within the respective guide bores between the guide members supporting opposite ends of the plungers.

Abstract: A gas valve includes two solenoid valves connected fluidically in series. A housing assembly contains a circuit board on which electrical components and a plurality of plug terminals and pin terminals are mounted. The plug terminals are adapted to be connected to the solenoid valves and the pin terminals are adapted to be connected to external circuitry. The housing assembly is adapted to be attached to the valve body either in a first position wherein the pin terminals extend in a first direction or in a second position wherein the pin terminals extend in a second direction. The housing assembly and the solenoid valves are adapted for enabling connection of the solenoid valves to the circuit board when the housing assembly is in either the first or second position. The solenoid valves are operated by direct current and are so mechanically constructed as to operate in a relatively quiet manner.

Abstract: A drain valve assembly for positively sealing an aircraft waste system drain line to prevent waste fluid leakage and the formation of so-called "blue ice" due to such leakage during high altitude flight. The valve assembly has an inlet for connection to the drain line, an outlet for connection to a waste drain hose of an airport waste disposal facility, and an outer valve cover and inner ball valve between the inlet and outlet which provide truly redundant seals for the drain port in flight, can be opened with relative ease when frozen, are relatively immune to improper sealing due to obstruction by waste, enable removal of a frozen waste blockage in the waste flow path without a sudden large waste dump, and permit inspection and easy replacement, if necessary, of the valve seals.

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. An 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: The present invention is a gas shut off valve (10) which can be locked without disassembly of the gas service. The preferred embodiment of this invention comprises a valve (10) having two chambers (26a, 26b). The first chamber (26b) is just like a standard gas valve, and has a handle (38) which can be turned with a standard tool, such as a commonly available wrench. This chamber (26b) is not lockable and is available for anyone to use for service modification or emergency shut off. The second chamber (26a) is identical in all respects to the first chamber with the exception of the shape of the handle (34). This second, "lockable" handle (34) is shaped like the plug (50) of plug lock assemblies manufactured by Inner-Tite Corporation. Because it has wrenching flats (45), the lockable handle (34) can also be turned with a wrench. In this way, the second chamber (26a) can be opened and closed.

Abstract: A quick-connect coupling for connecting a gas line to a gas appliance. The coupling comprises a nipple and a socket member with a socket for receiving the nipple. A sleeve is slidable on the socket member from a retracted position in which the nipple may be inserted into the socket, to a locking position in which the nipple is held captive in the socket, and then back to the stated retracted position for disconnection of the nipple from the socket member. A first valve is biased toward a closed position and automatically opens upon insertion of the nipple into the socket. A second valve is manually movable by means of a lever on the socket member from a fully open position for permitting maximum flow of fluid through the flow passage, through a range of movement in which it is only partially open, to a fully closed position. A detent member movable conjointly with the lever is engageable by the sleeve to prevent it from being moved to its retracted position when the second valve is fully or partially open.

Abstract: A protective valve system including a pipe extending into the tank through a wall with a seat positioned in the pipe inside of the tank and a safety plug movable for releasable and sealingly seating on the seat. A first valve is positioned outside the tank and connected to the pipe and a second valve is positioned in the pipe inside of the tank. A valve operator positioned inside of the tank is connected to the second valve but is exposed to the exterior of the tank for actuation.

Abstract: A gas regulator with an adjustable safety device has a main body, and two pressure regulators inside the body to regulate the gas pressure inside the body at a stabilized value to flow to a gas stove or the like. The regulator also has a micro adjusting device to stop gas supply in case of large gas flowing such as gas leakage by a steel ball blocking up an end opening in a tube in the micro adjusting device, and the distance between the steel ball and the end opening in the tube can be adjusted to change sensitivity of the ball so as to acquire the best possible safety for gas leakage. A recovery unit is provided to recover the position of the ball from the end opening in the tube if the ball is sucked to block up the end opening in case of gas leakage.

Abstract: A plumbing drainage system has a plumbing stack with a clean-out hole formed therein. A drainage device for controlled drainage of the plumbing stack includes a device for connecting the drainage device to a plumbing stack at the clean-out hole formed in the plumbing stack. A shut-off valve is connected downstream of the first connecting device. A second connecting device is connected downstream of the shut-off valve for connection to a drainage hose.

Abstract: A water hydrant defines an elongated flow passage having a water inlet and an air inlet, and a laterally extending water outlet spout disposed therebetween to define an outlet. An elongated rotatable stem is reciprocated within the flow passage, and terminates in an exterior handle. A water inlet valve is connected to the stem for control of flow from the water inlet into the passage and an air valve is connected to the stem to control inflow of air and preclude outflow of water through the air inlet. A first check valve in the spout precludes backflow of water into the passage, movement of the air valve opening the first check valve during operation of the handle. A second check valve in the spout downstream of the first check valve precludes backflow of water into the spout. A drain orifice, open to the atmosphere, extends through the spout between the check valves.

Abstract: An automatic water control system with a venturi has a bypass conduit so that the venturi does not act to limit the flow of water to demands made downstream of the water control system. Further, the automatic water control means has a light sensitive control to allow water flow only during day or night by controlling the transmission of the vacuum pulled by the venturi to a porous moisture sensor.

Abstract: A valve having a disposable portion, which comes into contact with the fluid being controlled by the valve. The disposable portion has a valving chamber and a flexible membrane, which can seal off a mouth that is located on a protrusion in the chamber. The disposable portion is held by a fixture which uses a control gas to apply pressure to the flexible membrane. The disposable portion may also have a pressure conduction chamber, which may be used to measure the flow rate of liquid through the disposable portion.

Abstract: A drop tube assembly for feeding particulate material such as tablets or capsules between an upper level and a lower level is disclosed. The assembly employs a pair of vertical tubes, including an outer tube and a flexible inner tube. The flow of particulate material is controlled by introducing air under pressure between the tubes so as to reduce the diameter of the inner tube and thus constrict the vertical passageway interior of the inner tube. The flexibility of the inner tube and the pressurized air flow are controlled to allow the passageway to be closed initially along approximately 80 to 90 percent of the length of the tube. Air may be exhausted to open the passageway. The length and number of tubes in series can be varied depending on the length of the drop as well as the fragility of the material.

Abstract: A flow control and pressure reducing valve has a valve body with an inlet chamber and outlet chamber separated by a partition plate. A plurality of passages are formed in the valve body spaced circumferentially around the partition plate and have an inlet portion opening into the inlet chamber and an outlet portion opening into the outlet chamber. Elastomeric flow control means are positioned in the passages and are responsive to pressurized fluid introduced therein to control flow of fluid through the passages around the partition plate. The valve configuration allows the mounting of inlet and outlet gates within the inlet and outlet chambers to eliminate the need for separate gate valves. An auxiliary flow passage may be provided through the partition plate and flow controlled therethrough to increase the flow capacity of the valve jet still provide full flow and pressure control. Air inlet and relief valves may also be provided as an integral part of the valve.

Abstract: A dust discharging apparatus suitable for use in a dust collector, which comprises series-connected upper and lower dust shoot chambers, each having a swingable discharging valve device to close and open its ceiling opening. In order to prevent dust coating on the seal members of the swingable valves and the wear of same, the swingable valve device uses a downstream-convergent throttle ring, a swingable concave pan-like valve and an upstream divergent bucket fixed to the concave plate. The upper chamber has an exhaust pipe to communicate with the dust hopper, and a suction pipe to permit the chamber to open to the surrounding atmosphere to prevent dust backflow when transferring the dust from the dust hopper to the upper chamber and then from the upper to lower chamber.

Abstract: An electronic water faucet including an infra-red sensor to detect the presence of an object near the faucet outlet. When an object is sensed an electric motor via a transmission operates a pilot valve to control a main water faucet valve of the piston type to allow water delivery.