Abstract: Contaminants are removed from fluid in a system where the fluid is sprayed into an air head at the top of a tank through a diffuser and withdrawn through a pick-up tube. A solenoid valve operates to allow oxygen-containing gas from a compressed gas source to flow into the tank through a shuttle valve, which is opened by the gas pressure. Simultaneously, a drain valve connected to the shuttle valve opens a drain, venting water and air from the tank. The solenoid valve also operates to close the gas supply line and connect the shuttle valve through a vent to atmosphere. Pressure within the tank closes the shuttle valve, which in turn closes the drain valve and disconnects the shuttle valve from the tank. A one-way-flow valve prevents fluid or gas from flowing from the tank backwards through the shuttle valve to the solenoid valve and out the vent.

Abstract: A flow control system for a water supply comprises a washing appliance, a valve, a stretch cable, and a stretch hose. The appliance is in fluid communication with the supply. The appliance includes a timer circuit configured to generate control signals. The valve is positioned external to the appliance and coupled to the supply to control a flow of water to the appliance in response to the control signals. The stretch cable is coupled between the valve and the appliance for delivering the control signal to the valve. The stretch hose is coupled to the valve and the appliance for delivering water to the appliance and is capable of being extended from a first length to a second length between the valve and the appliance. The stretch cable is positioned within the stretch hose and capable of being extended between the first and second lengths independent of the stretch hose.

Abstract: An intermittent pressure module for controlling the position of a valve between two positions comprising diaphragm means; a plurality of ports associated with said diaphragm means for exposing said diaphragm means to a selected pressure in said first position, and ambient pressure in said second position; swing means associated with said diaphragm means and said valve means for intermittently displacing said valve means when said diaphragm means is exposed to said selected pressure in said first position and ambient pressure in said second position.

Abstract: A pulsating vibration air generation apparatus capable of sharply and quickly controlling air flow in turning on and off operation, thereby generating a pulsating vibration air with sharp and hardly attenuated peak and valley, and capable of operation without occurrence of so much mechanical vibration. The pulsating vibration air generation apparatus is comprised of a main body having a tubular hollow space R2 with which two air communication ports are associated, and a rotary body situated for rotation in the tubular hollow space R2 and which has a peripheral side surface S4c so as to slide on the inner surface S2c forming the tubular hollow space R2.

Abstract: A cleaning valve drive unit constituted to be able to supply water to a toilet by manual rotational operation of a main shaft in which the main shaft is constituted to be able to pull out from a cleaning operation position to a draining operation position. Whereas an operation limiting mechanism with respect to the main shaft enables to carry out cleaning operation to the toilet by rotational operation around an axis line with respect to the main shaft when the main shaft is disposed at the cleaning operation position, when the main shaft is moved to the draining operation position, the operation limiting mechanism permits to drain water by the rotational operation around the axis line with respect to the main shaft.

Abstract: A valve unit and a fluid control chip include: a valve chamber having an inlet and an outlet for a fluid; a valve element accommodated in the valve chamber; a piezoelectric element for applying vibrations to the valve chamber; and a driver for driving the piezoelectric element, wherein the piezoelectric element varies the opening by varying a frequency and/or an amplitude of the vibration applied to the valve chamber and by varying the amplitude of the valve element by the varied vibration.

Abstract: An intermittent pressure module for controlling the position of a valve between two positions comprising diaphragm means; a plurality of ports associated with said diaphragm means for exposing said diaphragm means to a selected pressure in said first position, and ambient pressure in said second position; swing means associated with said diaphragm means and said valve means for intermittently displacing said valve means when said diaphragm means is exposed to said selected pressure in said first position and ambient pressure in said second position.

Abstract: A high-speed, high pressure rotary valve is provided comprising a valve body, a valve element which includes a plurality of passageways therethrough that is configured to be rotatably disposed within the valve body, and means for rotating the valve element within the valve body whereby a single rotation of the valve element results in the creation of multiple discrete flow paths through the rotary valve and multiple valve actuation cycles.

Abstract: In order to provide a device for producing a pulsating fluid stream, which is of simple construction and is easily producible and which enables a pulsating fluid stream to be produced at a comparatively high frequency, there is proposed a device for producing a pulsating fluid stream which comprises a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a blocking element that is arranged between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and is rotatable about a rotational axis, wherein the blocking element comprises a blocking member which cyclically closes and opens a fluid passage from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet.

Abstract: A method that provides increased flexibility to measure dynamic range of a rotating system is provided. The method includes the steps of: providing a first rotating member; providing a second rotating member suitably engaged to the first rotating member; providing a set of sensors disposed to sense variations in characteristics along a circumference of the first member and the second member respectively; providing a controller for receiving information sensed by the sensors; determining a rate of rotation of the rotating members; selectively using the sensed information thereby at different rate of rotation different amount of the sensed information is used.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a material to a substrate includes a housing having an inlet passage, a plurality of exit openings, and a recess in fluid communication between the inlet passage and the exit openings. A valve element is disposed in the recess wherein the valve element includes a first portion and a second portion axially displaced from the first portion. Means are provided for moving the valve element in the recess such that the first portion provides continuous fluid communication between the inlet passage and one of the exit openings during movement of the valve element and the second portion provides intermittent fluid communication between the inlet passage and another of the exit openings during movement of the valve element. A method of applying a material to a substrate is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pulse detonation engine (10) is provided with an aerovalve (14) for controlling the pressure of injected propellants (Ox, Fuel) in an open-ended detonation chamber (26). The propellants are injected at such pressure and velocity, and in a direction generally toward a forward thrust wall end (16) of the detonation chamber (26), an aerovalve (14) is formed which effectively inhibits or prevents egress of the propellant from the detonation chamber (26). A shock wave (34) formed by the injected propellant acts, after reflection by the thrust wall end (16) and in combination with the aerovalve (14), to compress and conserve, or increase, the pressure of the injected propellant. Carefully timed ignition (28) effects a detonation pulse under desired conditions of maintained, or increased, pressure. Termination of the propellant injection serves to “open” the aerovalve (14), and exhaust of the combusted propellants occurs to produce thrust.

Abstract: A gas valve for pulsing a gas comprises a housing having at least one inlet port, an outlet port, and a selector disk mounted in the housing and comprising at least one timing slot, wherein rotation of the selector disk periodically couples at least one inlet port to the outlet port through the timing slot.

Abstract: A cleaning valve drive unit constituted to be able to supply water to a toilet by manual rotational operation of a main shaft in which the main shaft is constituted to be able to pull out from a cleaning operation position to a draining operation position. Whereas an operation limiting mechanism with respect to the main shaft enables to carry out cleaning operation to the toilet by rotational operation around an axis line with respect to the main shaft when the main shaft is disposed at the cleaning operation position, when the main shaft is moved to the draining operation position, the operation limiting mechanism permits to drain water by the rotational operation around the axis line with respect to the main shaft.

Abstract: An epicycling device with improved sealing. A housing is provided with adjacent walls spaced apart to allow a substantially planar partition to pass. A piston is linked eccentrically to a drive shaft and positioned within the housing, has a cross sectional shape for mating with the housing walls and includes a circular recessed surface at its corners. Seal housings with a hollow cylindrical cross sectional shape are provided at each corner of the piston housing. An inner seal element is positioned within each of the recessed surfaces with the inner seal element including an elongate cylindrical body with a slot therethrough. An outer seal element is positioned within the seal housings with the outer seal element including an elongate cylindrical body with a slot. A partition is positioned between each pair of the inner and outer seal elements and slidably engaged with the slots in the seal elements.

Abstract: A device and method for automatically flushing hydrants. The device is installed externally to an existing hydrant. The device comprises a nipple having an internally threaded collar for attaching the device to a hydrant outlet, a valve, a control for automatically operating the valve, and a lockable box containing at least the valve, the box having an outlet for allowing water from the hydrant to pass from the valve to the exterior of the box. The box functions as an enclosure and may be of any desired configuration.

Abstract: In order to provide a device for producing a pulsating fluid stream, which is of simple construction and is easily producible and which enables a pulsating fluid stream to be produced at a comparatively high frequency, there is proposed a device for producing a pulsating fluid stream which comprises a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a blocking element that is arranged between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and is rotatable about a rotational axis, wherein the blocking element comprises a blocking member which cyclically closes and opens a fluid passage from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet.

Abstract: A revolving valve for an oxygen machine includes a motor, a cage, a motor secured in the cage, a valve linking to the motor and an air box secured on top of the cage. The valve has a semicircular recess. The air box comprises an air inlet on the top. The air box further comprises a main air passage, a main air outlet, a first secondary air passage, a first secondary air inlet, a second secondary air passage, and a second secondary air inlet, and they all are totally isolated from each other. The first secondary air inlet and the second secondary air inlet are next to the main air outlet. When the motor drives the valve to turn, the recess conducts the first secondary air inlet and the second secondary air inlet with the main air outlet in sequence.

Abstract: A multi-port rotary disc valve comprising a stator with a plurality of fluid flow ports and a rotary distributor with a plurality of channels arranged in a channel pattern. The channels are adapted to connect the ports between them and/or to the environment in a plurality of predetermined combinations, each combination being associated with an angular position of the rotary distributor with respect to the stator. The succession of combinations performed during a full or partial unidirectional turn of the rotary distributor constitute a predetermined sequence. The rotary distributor comprises a rotor and a mask mounted movably thereon, the rotor and the mask accommodating the plurality of channels. The mask is adapted to change the channel pattern by changing its position with respect to the rotor, thereby enabling the rotary disc valve to perform different predetermined sequences corresponding to different positions of the mask.

Abstract: An injector injects fluids, such as hydrate inhibitors into a pipeline such as a natural gas pipeline. The injector is comprised of two motor valves with different force constants such that they open and close in a sequence that injects fluid into the pipeline. The motor valves are controlled by pressure in a control line, where the pressure in the control line is controlled by a latching solenoid valve that pressurizes and vents the control line, according to the signals received from a control panel. When used with a natural gas pipeline, the displaced natural gas captured by the overhead storage tank can be used to fuel a natural gas heater.

Abstract: A revolving valve for an oxygen machine includes a motor, a cage, a motor secured in the cage, a valve linking to the motor and an air box secured on top of the cage. The valve has a semicircular recess. The air box comprises an air inlet on the top. The air box further comprises a main air passage, a main air outlet, a first secondary air passage, a first secondary air inlet, a second secondary air passage, and a second secondary air inlet, and they all are totally isolated from each other. The first secondary air inlet and the second secondary air inlet are next to the main air outlet. When the motor drives the valve to turn, the recess conducts the first secondary air inlet and the second secondary air inlet with the main air outlet in sequence.

Abstract: A gas valve for pulsing a gas comprises a housing having at least one inlet port, an outlet port, and a selector disk mounted in the housing and comprising at least one timing slot, wherein rotation of the selector disk periodically couples at least one inlet port to the outlet port through the timing slot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing the sequential delivery and timed release of measured amounts of additives to the water supply of livestock or plants is disclosed. The invention uses a direct injection method to meter and deliver fresh and accurate dosages of additives to a supply of water through the use of a timing mechanism operably attached to a flow control valve.

Abstract: A valve unit and a fluid control chip include: a valve chamber having an inlet and an outlet for a fluid; a valve element accommodated in the valve chamber; a piezoelectric element for applying vibrations to the valve chamber; and a driver for driving the piezoelectric element, wherein the piezoelectric element varies the opening by varying a frequency and/or an amplitude of the vibration applied to the valve chamber and by varying the amplitude of the valve element by the varied vibration.

Abstract: A flood prevention system includes a double-latching solenoid valve that shuts off a water supply line in response to a moisture sensor detecting a leak in a plumbing system. The double-latching feature provides the solenoid's plunger with two positions of equilibrium. This minimizes electrical power consumption so that the flood prevention system can be battery operated. To minimize a buildup of hard water deposits, the valve includes a flexible diaphragm and is cycled periodically regardless of whether flooding occurs. The sensor includes multiple methods of mounting to a floor.

Abstract: An automated dump sand separator control system for controlling a three-way pneumatic dump valve of a well sand separator. The system controls a three-way pneumatic dump valve which is attached to a sand separator for dumping material from a well pumping system. A first timer is used for controlling the time intervals between dumping cycles. A second timer is connected to the first timer and controls the time duration for each cycle. The first timer activates the second timer. Each cycle opens and closes the pneumatic normally closed two-way valve by a three-way solenoid valve. The first and second timer are powered by a rechargeable battery that is kept charged by a solar panel that has a shunt regulator for dropping the voltage from the solar panel. The solar panel is mounted on a vertical support member through a pair of adjustable support arms for adjusting the angle of solar panel to the sun.

Abstract: Pulsating vibration air generation apparatus comprising a cylindrical casing having an air supply port connected with an air source and a wave transmission port provided at the circumferential surface thereof, and a drum type rotary valve constructed rotatably in the casing, wherein the air supply port is located where a circumferential surface of the rotary valve is positioned when the rotary valve is contained in the casing, the wave transmission port is located apart from where the circumferential surface of the rotary valve is positioned when the rotary valve is contained in the casing, the drum type rotary valve is comprised of a rotary support shaft at a center axis, one end of the rotary valve is opened, another end of the rotary valve is closed, at least one ventilation window is provided at the circumferential surface of the rotary valve, the rotary valve is contained in the casing in such a manner that the open end of the rotary valve faces to the wave transmission port of the casing, and the at lea

Abstract: A rotary valve for use in controlling an air supply to an inflatable patient support system, especially an alternating pressure mattress. The rotary valve comprises a body member having a planar surface and at least two apertures for communication with cells or sets of cells in the patient support system. A further aperture is provided for connection to a pressurized air source and an actuator member is rotatable in face to face contact with the planar surface. The actuator has a recessed portion which forms an air supply chamber when in contact with the planar surface. The valve further comprises a drive for rotating the actuator with respect to the first member and a detector for detecting the position of the actuator relative to the body member and, in conjunction with a control for controlling the timing and duration of air supply to the cells or sets of cells.

Abstract: An apparatus for flushing a water line includes a pipe, a valve in the pipe, and a controller that automatically opens the valve to allow water to flow through the pipe at preselected intervals and for preselected times. The controller derives power for its operation and the operation of the valve from a solar panel, which stores energy in a battery. The pipe's outflow orifice has a diffuser to slow the flow of water from the apparatus. An erosion mat cushions the impact of the water from the orifice and helps to prevent erosion of the surrounding soil. An alarm notifies passersby that the apparatus is about to flush the lines.

Abstract: A rotary valve for use in controlling an air supply to an inflatable patient support system, especially an alternating pressure mattress. The rotary valve comprises a body member having a planar surface and at least two apertures for communication with cells or sets of cells in the patient support system. A further aperture is provided for connection to a pressurized air source and an actuator member is rotatable in face to face contact with the planar surface. The actuator has a recessed portion which forms an air supply chamber when in contact with the planar surface. The valve further comprises drive means for rotating the actuator with respect to the first member and detector means for detecting the position of the actuator relative to the body member and, in conjunction with control means, for controlling the timing and duration of air supply to the cells or sets of cells.

Abstract: A highly versatile drive arrangement that drives a linearly reciprocating piston of a water conditioning unit control valve without imparting any significant side loads on the support structure for the piston's drive rod or the associated seals. The drive arrangement includes a reversible electric motor and a motion converter, such as a lead screw arrangement, that converts the rotary motion of the electric motor's pinion or other output element to reciprocating linear motion of the piston. The reversible motor can be controlled, based on signals from a motion monitor such as an encoder, to drive the piston to any desired position within the piston upon command. This, in turn, permits the operation of the water conditioning unit to be optimized for prevailing conditions and permits the control valve's operation to be altered if, e.g., the piston becomes stuck or encounters an obstruction.

Abstract: A percussion drill 10 has a tubular fluid transmitting body 14, with a drill bit 16 mounted on a drill bit support 20 itself mounted in body 14 via a spring 22 and salines 24. A mass 28 is spring mounted in the body 14 and is movable to impact on a face 26 of the support 20. Mounted to the mass 28 is a rotating valve 32 comprising two valve plates 34, 36. Each plate 34, 36 defines a slot 38, 40, such that rotation of one of the valve plates 36 relative to the other moves the slots 38, 40 into and out of alignment; the change in alignment of the slots 38, 40 alters the flow of drilling fluid through the valve 32, so altering the drilling fluid pressure force acting on the mass 28, so causing mass 28 to push against the spring 30, and impact on the drill bit support 20 providing a percussive act ion at the drill bit 16.

Abstract: A system for producing variable amplitude pneumatic pulses, such as may be used to prevent flow separation on airfoil and diffuser surfaces to control stalling, utilizes a source of pressurized air which is regulated and fed to parallel outlet lines. Each outlet line has a control valve therein attached to a controller for activation of the valves. The first parallel line leads to an actuator which supplies the pulsed air to a desired surface. The second parallel line leads to the atmosphere. By cycling the valves at about ninety degrees out of phase, pneumatic pulses of large amplitude are obtained with a simple device capable of being transported on the aircraft.

Abstract: A water distribution valve, ideally suited for distributing water from a recirculating pump of a swimming pool to selective outlet lines, is designed with a main housing in the form of an outer cylindrical section. This main housing has outlet ports located through the peripheral surface thereof at equal angular spaced intervals. These outlet openings are located in a plane which is perpendicular to the central axis of the main housing. A fluid distribution member, in the form of a T-shaped body, is rotatably mounted inside the main housing member. The base or stem of the T is connected with a water inlet; and one arm of the T has a fluid delivery opening in it for delivering water from the inlet through the opening.

Abstract: A rotary valve is interposed between an intake pump and an exhaust pump for supplying an air, and at least one suction head or one nozzle that performs a predetermined operation upon reception of the air supplied from the intake and exhaust pumps, to supply/stop supplying the air. This rotary valve includes a valve body, a main body, a notch, and a hollow portion. The valve body is rotatably driven in a cylinder. The main body rotatably supports the valve body. The notch is formed in a circumferential surface of the valve body and is connected to the intake pump. The hollow portion is formed in the valve body in an axial direction and is connected to the exhaust pump.

Abstract: A rotary-to-linear converter for use with a valve actuation device having a linear reciprocating cam shaft having longitudinally extending cam grooves that are engaged by captive cam followers which oscillate up and down in response to sideways reciprocation of the camshaft for actuating intake or exhaust valves of internal combustion engines or other devices employing reciprocating pistons and valves. The camshaft is caused to reciprocate by a rotary linear converter of the “yankee” type composed of double helix channel at the extreme end of the camshaft and a rotary drive collar having two sets of diametrically opposed guide members. The guide members comprise dogs which are rotatably engaged with the drive collar and slidably engaged with the double helix channel of the cam shaft.

Abstract: A modular modular control apparatus for a water treatment system which periodically undergoes a regeneration cycle including a backwash phase and a replenishment phase. The modular control apparatus has a modular design which includes interchangeable timer modules, a drive motor module, a drive mechanism, a valve cartridge unit, a brine valve module and interchangeable brine valve levers. The timer modules are rugged and relatively inexpensive but are not adjustable. Thus, to adjust the predetermined interval between regeneration cycles, a different timer module is installed. The drive mechanism includes two camming elements which in cooperation with an interchangeable lever and brine line sealing module draw a brine solution from the brine tank to replenish the treatment media and refill the brine tank with water to form a new brine solution. The use of interchangeable brine valve levers allows the quantity of brine solution used to replenish the treatment media to be easily adjusted.

Abstract: A multi-port rotary disc valve comprising a stator with a plurality of fluid flow ports and a rotary distributor with a plurality of channels arranged in a channel pattern. The channels are adapted to connect the ports between them and/or to the environment in a plurality of predetermined combinations, each combination being associated with an angular position of the rotary distributor with respect to the stator. The succession of combinations performed during a full or partial unidirectional turn of the rotary distributor consitute a predetermined sequence. The rotary distributor comprises a rotor and a mask mounted movably thereon, the rotor and the mask accommodating the plurality of channels. The mask is adapted to change the channel pattern by changing its position with respect to the rotor, thereby enabling the rotary disc valve to perform different predetermined sequences corresponding to different positions of the mask.