Abstract: An inflation control system for an inflatable device may comprise: a compressed fluid source; a solenoid valve connected to the compressed fluid source and configured to control a flow of gas to the inflatable device; and a control circuit comprising a power source, a pressure switch, and an electrical switch, the control circuit configured to energize, via the power source, the solenoid valve in response to both the pressure switch and the electrical switch being in a closed state, the pressure switch configured to open and de-energize the solenoid valve in response to being exposed to a pressure at or exceeding a pressure threshold.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides: at least one component of a rotary valve subassembly; a rotary valve assembly including the rotary valve subassembly; a hydraulic circuit including the rotary valve assembly; an assembly including a robot that incorporates the hydraulic circuit; and a method of operating the rotary valve assembly. The at least one component of the rotary valve subassembly includes a spool. The at least one component of the rotary valve subassembly includes a sleeve.

Abstract: Of moving directions of a piston, the direction in which high-pressure air is delivered is a delivery direction, and the direction in the opposite direction from the delivery direction is a force accumulation direction. The piston is moved in the force accumulation direction by the moving mechanism, and moved in the delivery direction by the biasing force of the biasing spring in response to the release of the moving force exerted by the moving mechanism. The cylinder is provided with: a piston supporting portion that supports the piston; and a connection protrusion that has a delivery path for delivering the high-pressure air to the nozzle. The inner surface of an end of the piston supporting portion in the delivery direction is formed as a closed surface. The delivery path is located further toward the force accumulation direction than the closed surface is.

Abstract: A system and method for perfusing an organ with a normothermic extracorporeal perfusion system is disclosed. The perfusion system is an active flow system using a centrifugal pump to aid in circulation. The system includes a dialyzer that removes excess fluid and impurities, while maintaining the pH, which allows the perfusion system to be used for an extended period that may exceed 24 hours. The system includes a parallel circuit, which includes at least one centrifugal pump, a membrane oxygenator comprising a heat exchanger; a dialyzer; a measurement cell for real-time monitoring of oxygen saturation and hematocrit in the liver; more than one flow probe; and an organ chamber.

Abstract: A fluidic logic-gate device may include inlet ports, input ports, an output port, fluid channels each configured to route fluid from one of the inlet ports to the output port, and pistons that each include (1) a restricting gate transmission element configured to block, when the piston is in a first blocking position and unblock, when the piston is in a second blocking position, one of fluid channels, (2) a first controlling gate transmission element configured to interface with a first control pressure that, when applied to the first controlling gate transmission element, forces the piston towards the first blocking position, and (3) a second controlling gate transmission element configured to interface with a second control pressure that, when applied to the second controlling gate transmission element, forces the piston towards the second blocking position. Various other related devices and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluidic device may include inlet ports, control input ports, one or more output channels, inlet channels that are each configured to convey fluid from one of the inlet ports to one of the one or more output channels, and pistons. In some examples, each piston may include (1) a restricting gate transmission element configured to inhibit, when the piston is in a first position, and uninhibit, when the piston is in a second position, one of the inlet channels, (2) a control gate configured to interface with a first control pressure that, when applied to the control gate, forces the piston towards the first position, and (3) an additional control gate configured to interface with a second control pressure that, when applied to the additional control gate, forces the piston towards the second position. Various other related devices, systems, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluidic device may include inlet ports, input ports, one or more output ports, fluid channels each configured to route fluid from one of the inlet ports to one of the one or more output ports, and pistons. In some examples, each piston may include (1) a restricting gate transmission element configured to block, when the piston is in a first position, and unblock, when the piston is in a second position, one of the fluid channels, (2) a controlling gate transmission element configured to interface with a first control pressure that, when applied to the controlling gate transmission element, forces the piston towards the first position, and (3) an additional controlling gate transmission element configured to interface with a second control pressure that, when applied to the additional controlling gate transmission element, forces the piston towards the second position. Various other related devices and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for actuating valves and determines an actuation duration for a valve of a target system from a specified actuation duration for a valve of a reference system with which a required pressure change can be achieved in the reference system in order to achieve the required pressure change in the target system. The device ascertains the effective valve opening time belonging to the specified actuation duration for the valve of the reference system, calculates the effective opening time of the valve of the target system from the effective opening time said opening time of the valve of the target system being used to achieve the same pressure change in the target system as in the reference system, and then determines a valve actuation duration required to achieve the effective opening time of the valve of the target system.

Abstract: A pump device for a motor vehicle, includes a pump device housing; a delivery chamber which is formed in the pump device housing and/or at least partially by the pump device housing and which includes an inlet and an outlet; a delivery structure which is arranged in the delivery chamber and delivers a fluid from the inlet on a low-pressure side of the pump device to the outlet on a high-pressure side of the pump device; a first conduit which channels the fluid from the outlet out of the delivery chamber to a first assembly; wherein a second conduit diverges from the first conduit in the region before the first assembly and feeds a portion of the pressurised fluid to a second assembly.

Abstract: The invention is related to a method and vibratory apparatus for the improved solid-liquid filtration of filter cakes, especially for dewatering finely divided thixotropic filter cakes, with the aid of a vibratory apparatus. Further, the invention relates to a filtration apparatus having a vibratory apparatus as described herein, and to the use of the vibratory apparatus for the solid-liquid filtration of filter cakes.

Abstract: An inlet valve that includes a pipe and a housing that forms a chamber around this pipe, in which an aperture is affixed with blades that are slidingly provided in the housing. Whereby these blades present a protruding section with edges that lie against one another and whereby the blades are provided with a spindle and there are means to enable the blades to pivot around these spindles, during the movement of the spindles, between a closed position, whereby the sections are oriented radially to close off the passage in the pipe, and an open position whereby the sections are turned away from the pipe.

Abstract: A pulsatile perfusion bioreactor for culturing one or more engineered blood vessels having a lumen and a wall is provided. The bioreactor includes a chamber for holding the engineered blood vessel and cell culture media; a mechanical property monitoring system for measuring axial tensile stress and strain, circumferential tensile stress and strain, and/or shear stress imparted on the vessel wall; and a pump system for delivering cell culture media through the vessel lumen, wherein the vessel is exposed to a composite pressure waveform and a composite flow waveform as the media is delivered there through. The pump system includes a steady flow and peristaltic pumps. Further, the composite pressure and flow waveforms each include a mean component, a fundamental frequency component, and a second harmonic frequency component. The bioreactor also includes a computer interface for monitoring and adjusting the composite waveforms to maintain a predetermined stress level.

Abstract: An aeromechanical identification system for turbomachine includes at least one actuator mounted on a stationary structure to excite rotatable airfoils. At least one sensor is mounted proximate the airfoils for measuring a response of the airfoils responsive to excitation from the at least one actuator. A controller is configured to determine a damping characteristic of an aeromechanical mode of the rotating airfoils based on the excitation and the response. A gas turbine engine and a method of determining a flutter boundary for an airfoil of a turbomachine are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of actuating at least one of a plurality of downhole tools connected to at least one hydraulic fluid line is disclosed. The method includes the steps of:— a) providing each of the downhole tools with a control unit comprising a timer which permits fluid communication between the at least one hydraulic fluid line and the downhole tool during a window of time; and b) controlling the pressure in the at least one hydraulic fluid line for at least a sufficient period of time required to at least actuate the said downhole tool, wherein the said sufficient period of time coincides at least partially with the said window of time.

Abstract: A scenting device for scenting a vehicle interior may include at least one aromatic substance container holding a supply of an aromatic substance. The device may also include a feeding duct for feeding air to the at least one aromatic substance container and a discharge duct for discharging air enriched with the aromatic substance. The device may further include at least one scenting path for enriching air with the aromatic substance from the at least one aromatic substance container. The device may include a bypass duct branching off from the feeding duct and bypassing the at least one aromatic substance container. The device may also include a bypass valve and at least one container valve. The device may include a camshaft including a bypass cam configured to actuate the bypass valve and at least one container cam configured to actuate the at least one container valve.

Abstract: Described are riser assemblies suitable for use with fluid dispensers. The assemblies include a container partially circumscribing a reservoir configured to contain a pressurized fluid, the container having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet disposed therethrough. The assemblies may further include a signal processor situateable outside the container that is configured to receive a signal. The signal processor may be operatively connectable to a control valve that is operatively connectable to the fluid dispenser. The control valve may be configured to selectively control expulsion of the fluid through the fluid dispenser in response to the signal received by the signal processor. Embodiments of the riser assemblies include a utility conduit disposed at least partially within the reservoir and configured to enable secondary use of a resource from within the riser assembly and/or to accommodate transport and securing of the riser assemblies for use.

Abstract: A self-cleaning filter includes a housing disposing a filter media having a permeable sidewall and an axial bore connected with the inlet conduit, a sleeve connected in-line with the axial bore and downstream of the inlet conduit, and a shuttle having a piston moveably disposed in the sleeve and an upstream element carrying a scraper disposed with the axial bore, whereby the hydraulic fluid flows from the inlet conduit through the permeable sidewall into the housing annulus and the hydraulic pressure in the axial bore applies a downward force on the shuttle. The scraper is moved downstream within axial bore to clean the filter media when the downward force due to the increased differential pressure across the filter media exceeds an upstream shuttle force.

Abstract: A fluid distribution system for an underwater pool cleaner comprises an inlet body having an inlet for receiving a supply of pressurized fluid, a valve assembly body in fluid communication with the inlet of the inlet body and including a plurality of fluid outlets, a first one of the outlets provides fluid for propelling the underwater pool cleaner in a forward direction and a second one of the outlets provides fluid for propelling the underwater pool cleaner in a reverse direction, and a valve subassembly fluidicly driven by the supply of pressurized fluid and periodically switching the supply of pressurized fluid from the first one of the outlets to the second one of the outlets to periodically change direction of propulsion of the underwater pool cleaner.

Abstract: A fluid pressure producing method reduces fluctuations in the pressure of a fluid pressurized using a plunger driven by applying the pressure of a working medium to a double-acting piston. The method includes switching a moving direction of the piston when detecting the piston reaching a movement end, operating the working medium pump to discharge the working medium at a maximum flow rate while the load is less than the load limit after the moving direction of the piston is switched, and detecting a pressure of the fluid and feeding back the detected pressure of the fluid and performing feedback control of the pressure of the fluid to eliminate a difference between the pressure of the fluid and a target pressure of the fluid.

Abstract: A method of actuating at least one of a plurality of downhole tools (10) connected to at least one hydraulic fluid line (L1, L2) is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: a) providing each of the downhole tools with a control unit (20) comprising a timer which permits fluid communication between the at least one hydraulic fluid line and the downhole tool during a window of time; and b) controlling the pressure in the at least one hydraulic fluid line for at least a sufficient period of time required to at least actuate the said downhole tool, wherein the said sufficient period of time coincides at least partially with the said window of time.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus using a solid chemical as an injectable for inhibiting, decreasing or preventing precipitation and/or deposition of foulants and/or contaminants in oilfield tubulars. The use of solid chemicals providing ease of shipment, greater economy in storage, shipment and delivery and increased ease of use.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a universal method and a device for supporting the process of press moulding of finely fragmented materials by means of mechanical vibrations. The device comprises a motor driving, via a belt transmission, the flow pulse generator (3) connected permanently with actuator. The feeding for flow pulse generator (3) is supplied to port (6), and the outflow to the reservoir occurs via port (7). On the circumference of rotor (17) of the flow pulse generator (3), a plurality of grooves is made. Groove (10), on one side, is connected permanently with passage of port (6), and on the other side, depending on position of rotor (17), it can be connected with arms of the flow guide, Groove (9), on one side, is connected permanently with passaoe of port (7), and on the other side, depending on position of rotor (17), it can be connected with arms of the flow guide. Passage (12) depending on position of rotor (17), is connected directly with groove (8) or with groove (9).

Abstract: Examples described herein include electrolysis devices for producing a disinfectant solution from a salt solution in a container and methods of using the same. The devices include an electrode assembly able to penetrate the container. The disinfectant solution may be hypochlorous acid or metal ion hypochlorite. The salt solution may be a predetermined volume of sterile saline solution.

Abstract: An oscillating mud motor having a valve section and a piston section positioned within a hollow cylindrical housing wherein the valve section comprises a timing cycle valve and a spool valve which hydraulically controls rotational movement of a piston on a central shaft in the piston section for linear reciprocation within the housing.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for regulating fluid flow through a three-way valve assembly, including a three-way split conduit coupled to a movable rotary ring with plurality of openings. In one example, a three-way split conduit may include one fluid inlet conduit splitting into two outlet conduits with an included angle of less than 90 degrees between the two splitting outlet conduits. A movable rotary ring coupled to the three-way split conduit may be rotated by an actuator to open or block the three way split conduits, regulating the fluid flow passages along the three-way valve assembly.

Abstract: A metal plating apparatus includes a chemical bath chamber, an anode disposed at a bottom portion of the chemical bath chamber, and a cathode disposed at a top portion of the chemical bath chamber. A solenoid coil is disposed within the chemical bath chamber between the anode and the cathode. The solenoid coil is arranged to apply a magnetic field during a metal plating process in a direction from the anode to the cathode.

Abstract: A drum washing machine is provided with a double spraying system used for washing the window and the window gasket ring respectively. A first spraying nozzle is connected with the inlet solenoid valve of the washing machine to wash the outer surface of the watching window and the window gasket ring, and a second spraying nozzle to wash the folded inner wall of the window gasket ring. The spraying nozzles are connected to the solenoid valve through a three-way pipe, or connected to the solenoid valve of the washing machine through respective pipes. The double spraying system intakes water and soaks the clothes in the washing process, and/or intakes water and sprays the watching window and the window gasket ring simultaneously, and/or sprays the watching window and the window gasket ring when dehydrating the clothes in the dehydrating process.

Abstract: A cryogenic refrigerator includes a compressor which compresses a working gas, a housing which includes a space which the working gas compressed by the compressor flows into and flows from, a cylinder of which an end is connected to the housing and which includes an expansion space at the other end, and a displacer which permits flowing of the working gas into and from the expansion space via a working gas channel provided in an inner portion of the displacer while reciprocating in an inner portion of the cylinder. The working gas flows through a pipe which communicates with the space and the working gas channel.

Abstract: A proportional pressure-regulating valve (10) for actuating a first fluid connection (f1) from a working connection (A) to a tank connection (T) and a second fluid connection (f2) from a supply connection (P) to the working connection (A), includes a regulating piston (14) guided movably in a valve housing (12). The regulating piston opens the first fluid connection (f1) and closes the second fluid connection (f2) when in a first position, and closes the first fluid connection (f1) and opens the second fluid connection (f2) when a second position. The regulating piston (14) can be displaced from a first position into a third position when the first fluid connection (f1) is open by the total differential pressure produced when fluid flows through. When the regulating piston (14) is in the third position, the first fluid connection (f1) is opened with an enlarged opening cross section compared to the first position, and the second fluid connection (f2) remains closed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automotive vacuum pump 10. The vacuum pump 10 has a casing 12 defining a cavity having an inlet 14 and an outlet 16, wherein the cavity contains a rotor 18 and a vane slidably mounted to the rotor 18. The rotor 18 extends through a side 21 of the casing 12 to the exterior thereof and is provided with a coupling arrangement 26 to couple the rotor 18 to a drive member. The vacuum pump 10 is provided with a lubrication conduit 50, 56, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74 for the supply of lubricating fluid to the coupling arrangement 26, the conduit 50, 56, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74 including a portion 70, 72, 74 which extends through the rotor 18 and the coupling arrangement 26.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling flow with a 270 degree rotatable valve are provided. A described system includes a valve body having a valve chamber and a plurality of ports into the valve chamber. The plurality of ports include a first port, a second port, and a third port. The first port and the second port are aligned with a common axis and located on opposite sides of the valve chamber. The system further includes a valve member located within the valve chamber. The valve member is controllably rotatable by approximately 270 degrees to modulate fluid flow between the first port and the third port while maintaining the second port completely closed and to modulate fluid flow between the second port and the third port while maintaining the first port completely closed.

Abstract: A device (10; 110; 210; 310) includes a support structure (12), on which there are mounted a plug (16), which is adapted to assume a plurality of operating positions including an opening position and a closing position, in which the plug is adapted to at least partially free and respectively obstruct a passage (14), which is meant for a fluid flow. A mechanism (18) is suited to move and hold the plug (16) between said operating positions. An opening actuator (20) and a closing actuator (22) are suited to separately act upon the mechanism (18), so that the mechanism (18) moves and holds the plug (16) between said operating positions, namely towards said opening position and towards said closing position, respectively, due to electric current supplied to the opening actuator (20) and to the closing actuator respectively.

Abstract: The present invention regards a valve arrangement comprising a housing and a mainly cylindrical valve element arranged rotatable within the housing, wherein the housing has at least one supply port, at least one exhaust port and at least one outlet/inlet opening. These ports and opening are arranged at a distance from each other along a rotation axis of the valve element. The valve element comprises at least one first bore extending along the rotation axis connecting the supply port with the at least one outlet/inlet opening in one position of the valve element, and at least one second bore extending along the rotation axis connecting the same outlet/inlet opening with the exhaust port in a second position of the valve element, the bores being configured such that they are separated from each other.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling air flow through a combustor swirler assembly that includes an inner swirler and an outer swirler. A bistable fluidic amplifier that includes an air inlet, a first air outlet, a second air outlet, and a control port is disposed upstream of the combustor swirler assembly. A flow of compressed is directed into the air inlet of the bistable fluidic amplifier and, based on the control air pressure at the control port, the flow of compressed air supplied to the air inlet is selectively directed to either the first air outlet or the second air outlet.

Abstract: A tubular occlusion and pressure damping system includes, a tubular, an occlusion configured to block flow through the tubular, the occlusion having, a first chamber in pressure communication with an inside of the tubular, a second chamber in fluidic communication with the first chamber, and a flow restrictor in operable communication with the first chamber and the second chamber. The flow restrictor configured to throttle flow between the first chamber and the second chamber such that pressure increases within the second chamber lag behind pressure increases in the inside of the tubular at least until the second chamber has reached a selected volume after which pressure within the second chamber increases toward the pressure in the inside of the tubular.

Abstract: A pneumatic motor includes a housing, a rotor, an air flowing unit and an air-supply unit. The housing has an inside space formed along an axis and divided sequentially into a rotor chamber, a valve chamber and an inlet chamber. The rotor is rotatably mounted in the rotor chamber. The pneumatic valve is mounted in the rotor chamber and the valve chamber and includes an air flowing unit and an adjusting gate. The air-supply unit is mounted in the inlet chamber and is connected to a source of compressed air, so the compressed air can flow from the inlet chamber into the valve chamber and then flow through the pneumatic valve to drive the rotor.

Abstract: Automated condensate drain line cleaning apparatus are disclosed. In one aspect, an apparatus may include a controller, a fluid supply line, and at least one fluid flow regulation device. The at least one fluid flow regulation device may be electrically coupled with the controller to receive at least one control signal from the controller. The at least one fluid flow regulation device may cause a fluid to flow into a condensate drain line through the fluid supply line responsive to the at least one control signal. Other apparatus as well as methods and kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to a flow control unit for controlling liquid flow in a vacuum waste system. In one embodiment, the flow control unit provides a series of valves that direct liquid flow. The unit may also have an intermediate transfer tube that holds a portion of the liquid to be directed, prior to delivery of the liquid to left and right transfer tubes. In one embodiment, the unit may be installed on board a passenger transport vehicle. A particularly beneficial use of the flow control unit is on a private aircraft for use as a shower control unit.

Abstract: The smaller volumes of water currently required to flush toilets and urinals may be insufficient to clear the fixtures and the drainage lines to which they are connected of waste and other undesirable materials, which can build up over a period of flushes or non-use. A flush valve control device programmed or otherwise configured to provide a selectable, periodic heavier flush volume of water after a predetermined number of low volume flushes and/or after a predetermined period of inactivity of the toilet or urinal can provide for sufficient drainage line carry-out of waste and prevent undesirable buildup of minerals, etc. on the inside surfaces of the fixtures and drainage pipes.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaning machine has a cannister with an inlet port and at least two outlet ports. At least two filters are disposed inside of the cannister, one in pneumatic communication through each of the outlet ports. At least two valves are disposed outside of the cannister. Each valve is in pneumatic communication between a vacuum source and an outlet port so as to permit air to be drawn by the vacuum source from the inlet port simultaneously through the filters. A controller operates the valves to switch the filters from the vacuum source to ambient air so as to permit ambient air to be sequentially intermittently drawn through corresponding valves and filters into the cannister. Preferably, the controller includes a timing mechanism for setting the delay time of the sequential valve operation and a timing mechanism for setting the intermittent time of connection of each filter to ambient air.

Abstract: An improved sequencing fluid control valve comprising a housing having inlet and outlet ports, a valve seat disposed within the housing, a collapsible valve member disposed within the housing and forming a chamber and a bulb. A sequencing means disposed within the chamber that controls the axial motion of the valve member in response to application of fluid pressure at the inlet such that the motion of valve member alternates between an open free flowing state and a closed restricted flow state. Housing and valve member cooperate in the open position to provide an annular flow path that does not require the fluid flow direction to substantially change while flowing from inlet to outlet. Housing and valve member bulb cooperate in the closed position to form a circumferential seal to restrict the fluid flow. Alternative embodiments including viscous damping means and variations on the housing mount are described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pneumatic pressure and vacuum device that allows a user to adjust the duration of either pressure or vacuum that is applied to a pneumatic adult toy. A solenoid valve is used that is controlled by a solenoid for opening and closing ports that apply pressure and/or vacuum to a pneumatic adult toy. A timer is utilized to independently control the on and off times of the solenoid valve, so that vibrational frequency, as well as the amplitude of pressure and vacuum can be adjusted.

Abstract: For pulsed injection of liquids into the ground, the tool has a rotating cylinder, having through-slots. The tool has an insert, which is pressed against the rotating cylinder. As the cylinder rotates, the slots in the rotor cover/uncover the slots in the insert, creating the required pulses. By suitably shaping the slots, the pulses can have a fast rise-time from closed to open. The insert is shaped to minimize flow interference.

Abstract: Known water supply systems are fed from a source of water such as a tank (6) via a pump (5) to outlets which are occludable by means of a cock (C1-C3). A water pressure sensitive electrical switch (S1) is located downstream of the pump (5) and upstream of the outlets. The switch (S1) is connected in series with an electrical supply for the pump and turns the pump on in response in a drop in water pressure downstream of the switch. Similarly the pump is turned off in response to water pressure downstream to the switch reaching a predetermined minimum pressure, A control system is disclosed in the form of a timer (T) connected in parallel with the pump (5) and energized via the switch (S1). A normally closed safeguard switch (S2) is connected in series with the pump and rendered non-conductive by the timer (T) being energized for a predetermined period.

Abstract: An improved pneumatic jetting valve includes a housing with first and second chambers. A pneumatic piston is enclosed between the chambers. First and second solenoid valves are configured to respectively supply air pressure to the chambers and to exhaust the chambers. A controller is operable to regulate the pressurization and venting of the chambers. The controller controls the timing of control signals for the first and second solenoid valves to control the overlap time during which both the first and second chambers are pressurized. By controlling this overlap time, the controller controls the speed of the drive pin of the jetting valve and thereby the speed at which the valve closes to jet a droplet of material. This allows a valve speed to be selected that is most appropriate for the viscosity of the material being jetted. Numerous new methods for utilizing the improved jetting valve and system are disclosed.

Abstract: For use when injecting remediation liquid via an injection-well into contaminated groundwater, in the ground. The injection equipment includes a pulse-generator, which has an upstream chamber and a downstream chamber, linked by a pulse-conduit and a bypass conduit. The pulse-conduit includes a pulse-port, which opens and closes cyclically. The pulse-port is formed by the interaction of two apertures, one in the motorised rotor, the other in the stator. The rotor and stator may be formed as two facing plates held slightly apart, or as two cylinders one inside the other. The pulse-generator is located at the ground surface and can be adjusted as to pulse frequency, pulse amplitude, pulse rise-time, and as the the differential pressure between the upstream-chamber and the downstream chamber.

Abstract: Methods of evaluating a fluid condition may include stroking a valve member and measuring a force acting on the valve member during the stroke. Methods of evaluating a fluid condition may include measuring a force acting on a valve member in the presence of fluid flow over a period of time and evaluating at least one of the frequency of changes in the measured force over the period of time and the magnitude of the changes in the measured force over the period of time to identify the presence of an anomaly in a fluid flow and, optionally, its estimated location. Methods of evaluating a valve condition may include directing a fluid flow through a valve while stroking a valve member, measuring a force acting on the valve member during the stroke, and comparing the measured force to a reference force. Valve assemblies and related systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved sequencing fluid control valve comprising a housing having inlet and outlet ports, a valve seat disposed within the housing, a collapsible valve member disposed within the housing and forming a chamber and a bulb. A sequencing means disposed within the chamber that controls the axial motion of the valve member in response to application of fluid pressure at the inlet such that the motion of valve member alternates between an open free flowing state and a closed restricted flow state. Housing and valve member cooperate in the open position to provide an annular flow path that does not require the fluid flow direction to substantially change while flowing from inlet to outlet. Housing and valve member bulb cooperate in the closed position to form a circumferential seal to restrict the fluid flow. Alternative embodiments including viscous damping means and variations on the housing mount are described.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided for performing a fluid process within a machine having a fluid system including at least two reservoirs of different types of fluids. The method includes the steps of identifying a first reservoir for use in performing a fluid process; (a) adjusting a configuration of a valve system operatively coupled to the fluid system to permit a fluid evacuation process to be performed for the reservoir, (b) subsequently performing the fluid evacuation process for the reservoir, (c) subsequently adjusting the configuration of the valve system to permit a fluid refill process to be performed for the reservoir, (d) subsequently performing the fluid refill process for the reservoir; and, subsequently identifying an additional reservoir and performing at least one of the steps (a), (b), (c) and (d) for the additional reservoir, wherein the first reservoir includes a fluid of a type which is different from a type of a fluid of the additional reservoir.

Abstract: An electronic control unit for control of solenoid valves in watering systems is described, comprising a plurality of knobs (101) for the selection and the time-setting of respective solenoid valves (102) in a watering cycle, and at least one additional period knob (104) for defining the frequency of activation of said solenoid valves (102) in said watering cycle.