Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for substantially eliminating destructive transients of pressure or flow rate which can degrade the efficiency and useful lifetime of chromatography columns. The present invention enables a substantially constant flow of mobile phase liquid to be maintained through the chromatography system by eliminating the flow blockage interval associated with the actuation of sample injection valves. The present invention further provides a method to reduce the pressure and flow rate transients associated with pressurization of the sample loop contents when the sample loop is introduced to chromatography system delivery pressure.

Abstract: This invention discloses an axial multiport rotary valve capable of accomplishing the simultaneous interconnection of a plurality of conduits in accordance with a previously determined cycle, where any conduit communicates with no more than one other conduit at any one cycle step, or valve index position. The rotary valve comprises a hollow stator element and a rotor element inside the hollow interior of the stator element which rotates with a substantially vertical axis of rotation within the stator element, the surfaces of both elements being in the form essentially of a frustum of an inverted cone. Bed-line ports in the stator and rotor have a non-circular shape with a greater dimension in the vertical plane for higher capacities than provided in the known art.

Abstract: Provided is an automatic four-port selector valve which is capable of controlling a variation in static pressure and a variation in flow rate induced in the switching of air or gas flow passages so that they are within tolerant accuracies, which is further capable of controlling a saliently appearing variation in pressure difference in a clean temperature-controlled/humidity-controlled air supply apparatus, a dry air supply apparatus, etc.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for flushing marine engines with fresh water comprising a three way valve configured to receive three hose connections, a fresh water inlet; hoses to connect said valve to a marine engine; and union rings at the junction of each hose connection.

Abstract: What is provided is a flow shut-off element, particularly for use in the medical field of peritoneal dialysis, consisting of a valve body (2) having an inner cavity (3) and a plurality of accesses (4, 5, 6); a selector having a projecting portion inserted into the inner cavity of the valve body and movable relatively to the latter into a predetermined number of operating positions to create predetermined paths in which the fluid flow is permitted and/or shut off between the said accesses. Also provided is an auxiliary element interposed in a removable way between the valve body and the selector, this element having positioning means to enable an operator to determine when one of the said predetermined operating positions of the selector has been reached.

Abstract: A rotary disc valve unit and refrigerators containing a rotary disc valve unit that has multiple valves, in which at least one rotary valve has ports connecting to the regenerator and at least one rotary valve has ports connecting to the warm ends of one or more pulse tubes where the rotary valve with ports for the regenerator has lighter contact than the rotary valve with ports for the pulse tubes. The valve face is divided into an inner area with ports for the pulse tubes and an outer area with ports for the regenerator, the inner area having a greater sealing pressure than the outer area.

Abstract: A passively cooled valve assembly selectively diverts a fluid stream from an inlet port selectively through at least one outlet conduit. The valve assembly comprises a housing defining the primary chamber. The housing also comprises at least one inlet port and at least two outlet conduits and associated outlet ports. A rotatable plate with at least one aperture formed therein is located within the primary chamber and is urged against an interior surface of the housing by a spring assembly. The rotatable plate is rotated by a shaft that extends axially through the primary chamber, in order to align the at least one aperture with at least one of the outlet conduits to allow selective fluid flow from an inlet port to an outlet conduit.

Abstract: An electronically controlled electromechanical valve having at least three ports through which a fluid can flow and at least three different stable positions in which at least 2 ports are in fluid communication. The valve includes a stationary outer housing including at least three bores, a rotating inner section that rotates about an axis and includes bores defining, with the bores of the housing, the at least three ports of the valve, and an electrical actuating system controlled by an electronic controller and configured to switch the valve from one position to another by rotating the inner section about its axis. A fuel system vapor management unit can include such a valve.

Abstract: A fluid valve for use in proportioning/mixing fluid between at least one input and at least one output. The fluid valve including a rotary actuated diverter for controlling fluid flow between the inlet(s) and outlet(s). The fluid valve may be configured to support proportioning any number of fluids, including liquids and gases, for any number of applications, including automotive and industrial applications.

Abstract: A flow through isolation valve having a stationary member; a movable member, with a surface of the stationary member interfacing with a surface of the movable member; and at least one pin isolation valve. The pin isolation valve has a flow through internal conduit and is movable so that the internal conduit can fluidically communicate with at least one blank opening in the movable member and with a flow through internal conduit in the movable member. Movement is by rotation, linear or curvilinear translation. At least one pin isolation valve is fluidically coupled typically to a sample loop of a face seal valve, or to a pump supplying high pressure liquid to or to a column discharging liquid from a face seal valve of a high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) system or directly to the face seal valve.

Abstract: An improved abrasion resistant rotor assembly and valve and system related thereto is disclosed. The assembly includes a rotor body defining an annular opening which surrounds a drive shaft and a plurality of vanes radially extending from the rotor body. The rotor is made up of a unitary ceramic component, such as silicon carbide. The valve also includes a body for defining a bore that receives the rotor assembly, where the body bore is likewise comprised of a hardened ceramic material. This valve may thus be used to convey abrasive particulate in an efficient manner from a supply container to a pressured line for further processing or disposal.

Abstract: The Invention relates to an upwardly and downwardly discharged faucet for comfortable use, comprising a main handle and a main valve body. The main valve body is provided with a diverting valve with dual ports. The diverting valve comprises a valve seat mounted on the main valve body. On the bottom side wall of the valve seat are disposed a left inlet and right inlet which are in communication with a main conduit, respectively. Within a chamber is disposed a diverting valve core, in which an upper water conduit and a lower water conduit are disposed. The upper water conduit is in adjustable communication with the right inlet; and the lower water conduit is in adjustable communication with the left inlet. The outlet of the lower water conduit is in communication with the bottom of the chamber. On the upper end of the diverting valve core is provided a rotary valve stem.

Abstract: A fluid isolation valve having a valve body with a first fluid flow port, a second fluid flow port and a fluid drain port with a valve in the fluid drain port. The valve body also defines a fluid flow channel, a drain flow channel and a valve portion, wherein the valve portion is disposed in the valve body to be communicated with the first fluid flow port, the second fluid flow port and the fluid drain port. A flow diversion device is also provided and is disposed within the valve portion. The flow diversion device is configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration, such that when the flow diversion device is in the first configuration the first fluid flow port is communicated with the second fluid flow port. Consequently, when the flow diversion device is in the second configuration the first fluid flow port is communicated with the fluid drain port. The fluid flow can be decrease or stop by use of the valve within the fluid drain port.

Abstract: A multiport rotary valve has a stator with plural flow paths and a rotary valve plate having plural flow channels. The rotary valve plate defines a rotor that rotates relative to the stator to define unique plural fluid pathways from the stator, through the valve plate, and returning through the stator. Rotation of the rotary valve plate is controlled by a microprocessor, which includes an optical sensor to determine the position of the rotor.

Abstract: A diverter valve is disclosed and may comprise an actively cooled valve actuation section, an actuator, and a valve section comprising a rotationally actuated valve plate that is structured to be rotationally actuated by the actuator to direct flow wherein the actuation section may be thermally insulated from the valve actuation section.

Abstract: Rotary pressure distributor for a carousel-type hollow-body treatment machine, comprising several treatment stations, this distributor comprising two coaxial rings (2, 3) in sealed contact, one of them (3) a rotary ring comprising communication orifices (6) connected to at least one treatment station and the other (2) stationary and comprising several slots (7) connected to a pressure source of the machine, these orifices and slots being distributed over several concentric circumferences (9) of different diameters; the orifices and/or the slots positioned on the different diameters have anterior and posterior ends (11, 12) shaped in such a way that as the orifices slide past the respective slots, the rates at which the surface area of the passage (13) defined by each orifice and the associated slot increase upon opening and decrease upon closing are substantially the same over all the circumferences.

Abstract: A multi-port flow selector manifold valve includes a plurality of inlet ports adapted to be coupled to a fluid source, a test outlet adapted to communicate with at least one of the plurality of inlet ports, and a production outlet adapted to communicate with at least at least one of the plurality of inlet ports. A flow path is rotatably disposed between the test outlet and the plurality of inlet ports such that the flow path is rotatably alignable with each of the plurality of inlet ports. The flow path includes an inlet flow path having a longitudinal direction of flow and adapted to communicate with one of the plurality of inlet ports, an outlet flow path having a direction of flow substantially parallel to the inlet direction of flow and adapted to communicate with the test outlet, and an offset portion disposed between the inlet flow path and the outlet flow path. The offset portion has a direction of flow with an angle of less than 90 degrees to the outlet direction of flow.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for controlling the flow of fluids in very high pressure situations. The devices feature valve shafts having bearings and pins to hold stator surfaces and rotor surfaces in proper alignment.

Abstract: A first valve body is disposed in a first opening defined in a valve housing, and a second valve body is disposed in a second opening defined in the valve housing. The first valve body is fastened to a first shaft by screws, and the second valve body is fastened to the first shaft by screws. The first valve body and the second valve body are coupled to the first shaft substantially perpendicularly to each other.

Abstract: A valve device includes a main body case to which an inflow pipe and an outflow pipe are connected, a valve element which is disposed inside of the main body case to open or close an outflow aperture part of the main body case, a motor for moving the valve element in an open direction and a closed direction, a valve element drive means which is driven by the motor and includes a rotary member rotated by the motor and a rotation side permanent magnet mounted in the rotary member, a valve element side permanent magnet mounted in the valve element, and a holding member which movably holds the valve element. The valve element is urged in the open direction or the closed direction by a magnetic attractive force or a magnetic repulsive force generated between the rotation side permanent magnet and the valve element side permanent magnet.

Abstract: A rotary valve assembly has a valve body, a rotor and a plurality of guidance check valves. The valve body includes a valve seat longitudinally defining a bore through a center thereof. A plurality of valve oil passages and a main oil passage are respectively distributed radially around the bore. The rotor is movably received in the bore of the valve body. A plurality of guidance check valves is mounted in the valve oil passages. The rotor rotates to switch to a predetermined valve position by manual operation or electric power, where a predetermined oil supply path is precisely formed to supply oil to a predetermined valve communicating with a valve oil passage.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to instrument assemblies that can include a sample introduction port coupled to a chamber configured to receive the sample from the sample introduction port and provide analysis of the sample with a valve between the sample introduction port and the chamber. The instrument assemblies can include a septum housing assembly coupled to an analysis chamber interface with the interface including a valve and a cam rotatably mounted to the septum housing assembly and/or coupled to the valve. Analysis methods are also provided that can include introducing a sample to an instrument through both a sample introduction port and a valve coupled to the sample introduction port, and, after introducing the sample, closing the valve to seal the sample introduction port from a remainder of the instrument, with the remainder of the instrument being configured to analyze the sample after the introducing through the sample introduction port.

Abstract: A control valve has a valve body and a flow control element preferably in the form of a disc, the valve body defining at least one inlet passage, the inlet passage culminating in an opening which is surrounded at least partially by a flow control surface, and the flow control element is so arranged as to be able to pass close to the flow control surface and across the opening to adjust the flow rate of at least one fluid which is caused to pass through the valve body, wherein the flow control element is constrained within the valve body by a stopping member, the stopping member being adapted to allow a positive clearance to exist between the flow control element and the flow control surface. The stopping member is preferably adjustable, allowing the positive clearance to be adjusted.

Abstract: A multiport diverter valve comprising a valve housing defining a valving chamber therein. A plurality of ports open into the chamber. A flow diverter is pivotally mounted in the chamber and has a concave diverter surface forming a portion of a torus. First and second ends of the torus communicate with a first adjacent pair of the ports to provide a flow path between the adjacent pair. A valve handle is adapted to pivot the diverter to a position connecting a second adjacent pair of the ports with the second pair of ports including one of the ports from the first pair. The handle is further adapted to pivot the diverter to a position connecting all of the ports.

Abstract: A control valve (10) for a fluid circulation circuit comprises a body (12) which is equipped with a fluid inlet (18) and at least two fluid outlets (20, 22 and 24) and which delimits a cylindrical housing for an adjusting member (26) able to rotate about an axis of rotation (XX) and to adopt various angular positions in order to control the distribution of fluid through the outlets. The body (12) comprises an end wall (14) into which the fluid inlet (18) opens and a cylindrical side wall (16) into which the fluid outlets open at axial heights and at angular positions that are chosen with respect to the axis of rotation (XX). The rotary member (26) comprises a truncated end (38) facing toward the end wall (14), this making it possible to have control over the fluid outlets using a law defined as a function of the angular position of the rotary member in the valve body.

Abstract: A flow of fluid is switched on and off by diverting the flow to an alternative path. In a preferred application an abrasive cutting jet, formed by a flow of abrasive slurry fed via a conduit to a cutting jet nozzle, is switched on and off by diverting the flow at a three way changeover valve to a conduit and bypass nozzle. Valves control the connection to a flow of clean auxiliary water to respective outlet ports of the changeover valve to reduce pressure differentials during operation of the changeover valve and to provide clean backflows which hydraulically divert the flow of abrasive slurry at the changeover valve and allow the changeover valve to open and close on a clean, largely abrasive-free flow.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the flow of fluid for an inflatable mattress having multiple, non-interconnected inflatable chambers. Each inflatable chamber can be selectively inflated and deflated to vary the pressure exerted from the mattress surface to selected areas of a human body, thereby preventing the formation of decubitus ulcers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a microfluidic chromatography apparatus comprising a microfabricated fluid delivery system and a chromatography column which is in fluid communication with the fluid delivery system, and a method for producing and using the same. Preferably, the chromatography column comprises an OTLC, PCLC, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The rotating valve for high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) has a stator with connections for the solvent reservoirs, pumps, chromatography columns etc. and a disc-shaped rotor with connecting grooves on the front face for selectively connecting different connections to one another. Said grooves are evenly distributed on two concentrical circles. The connecting grooves on the front face of the rotor are configured in the form of circular segments and are arranged in such a way that fife connections are simultaneously connected to one another in defined positions of the rotor in each circle.

Abstract: A bottom wall 11 of a valve chamber 13 of an electric switching valve 10 includes a laminated structure having a bottom cover 11 to which pipe fittings 14, 15, 16 are connected; a valve seat 19 on which the valve ports 19C, 19D are opened and which an end wall of the valve body 20 slidably contacts; an intermediate plate 17 interposed between the bottom cover 11 and the valve seat 19 with communication openings 17D, 17E for connecting the pipe fittings 15, 16 to the valve ports 19C, 19D. At least one of the valve ports 19C, 19D is biased toward a rotation center of the valve body 20 against the center of the corresponding pipe fitting 15, 16.

Abstract: A sprayer with a water purifier, a valve system, and a selector switch for the same are disclosed. In one non-limiting embodiment, when the sprayer is in use, the sprayer includes a purifier for purifying water. The sprayer may be compact and ergonomic. The sprayer may include a valve system that provides a selection of water flow paths and/or nozzles or other output mechanisms for the sprayer, and a selector switch for controlling the valve system. In certain embodiments, the sprayer is provided with a multiple position selector switch that can be controlled by one of the operator's fingers, or by the operator's thumb so that the operator can use the sprayer and select the sprayer setting with one hand.

Abstract: A water valve assembly for bathroom faucets, comprising a water passage, an accommodating cavity and a flow diverting unit, whereby the flow pathway within a faucet can be adjusted. The accommodating cavity has a first cavity portion and a second cavity portion, the second cavity portion being connected to the water passage and provided with two water holes respectively connected to two water outlets. The flow diverting unit, being capable of rotating within the accommodating cavity, has a first end rotatably sealing the first cavity portion and a second end coupled to the outer body of the faucet by a limiting member, whereby the rotation of the flow diverting unit with respect to the accommodating cavity will be limited, and whereby a blocking member of the second end of the flow diverting unit can seal either of the water holes.

Abstract: An espresso machine provided with a rotating ceramic disk valve (1) as a selective water-steam distributor that is in a driving connection with a drive motor (2), and a control device (3) for controlling the drive motor (2). To increase the precision of the rotational-angle setting, a Geneva gear (4) is incorporated into the driving connection between the drive motor (2) and the rotating ceramic disk valve (1), with the gear setting the rotating ceramic disk valve (1) in make-and-break cycles. The control device (3) shuts off the drive motor (2) after at least one make-and-break cycle of the Geneva gear (4).

Abstract: An engine system (100) has a valve system (137). An inlet of a turbine (109) is fluidly connected to a first inlet (119) of the valve system (137). An outlet of the turbine (123) is fluidly connected to a second inlet (113) of the valve system (137). An outlet of a compressor (155) is fluidly connected to a first outlet (115) of the valve system (137). An inlet of the compressor (141) is fluidly connected to a second outlet (111) of the valve system (137). An inlet of an exhaust gas recirculation system (133) is fluidly connected to a third outlet (121) of the valve system (137), and an outlet of the exhaust gas recirculation system is fluidly connected to a third inlet (117) of the valve system (137).

Abstract: A valve for switching fluid paths, particularly for pressure exchanger installations with tubular chambers through which fluid flows in an alternating manner, including a rotatable closing element (12, 13) provided with a motorized drive shaft (14) and arranged inside a housing (2) having a plurality of connections (3, 4) for connecting lines leading to a pipe system and to a respective end of at least one pressure exchanger. Another end of each pressure exchanger is connected through a valve arrangement to a second pipe system. A splitter (7) provided with a plurality of overflow paths (17, 18, 27) is arranged inside the housing (2); mouths of the overflow paths are located on two axial end faces (10, 11) and on the circumference of the splitter (7), and a rotatable, disk-shaped control element (12, 13) is arranged in a sealing manner at each end face of the splitter (7).

Abstract: A component part of a microfluidic valve adapted to be coupled with a microfluidic device, the microfluidic device having at least one port coupled to a flow path of the microfluidic device, the component part comprising a first revolving valve element having a first interface with the microfluidic device and a second revolving valve element having a second interface with the microfluidic device and being located within a through hole of the first revolving valve element.

Abstract: High throughput analytical systems and methods employing multiple liquid phase separation process regions coupled to a common mass spectrometer are provided. Disclosed systems and methods permits parallel separation and parallel storage of discrete eluate fractions, followed by sequential discharge and ionization of previously stored eluate portions to yield a composite ion stream containing the sequential series of eluate portions, followed by mass analysis of the ion stream. A common manifold may receive ions and utilize pressurized gas or ion gating to direct ions within the manifold toward the mass spectrometer inlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microdevice for separating the components of a fluid sample. A cover plate is arranged over the first surface of a substrate, and, in combination with a microchannel formed in the first surface, defines a separation conduit for separating the components of the fluid sample. A sample inlet port in fluid communication with the conduit allows a fluid sample introduced from a sample source to be conveyed in a defined sample flow path such that the sample fluid travels, in order, through the sample inlet port, the separation conduit and a sample outlet port. The microdevice also includes an integrated introducing means for controllably introducing a volume of the fluid sample from a sample source into the sample inlet port and through the separation conduit. A method for separating the components of a fluid sample using the microdevice is also provided.

Abstract: A multiport switching valve for a liquid flow system is described, comprising a first member having a plurality of ports for connecting liquid lines thereto, a second member, connected with a first member and movable relative to the first member, the second member comprising a plurality of channels, wherein the channels are arranged such that, according to a selected relative position between the first and second member, one or more of said channel connect predetermined ones of the ports of the first member with one another in a liquid conducting manner. The first member comprises at least one group of ports arranged in one substantially straight line or at least two adjacent substantially parallel and substantially straight lines, and the second member comprises a plurality of segments, wherein the segments have one or more channels arranged therein, the channel or channels of each segment representing a predetermined connection scheme for connecting predetermined ones of the ports with one another.

Abstract: A multi-port diverter valve assembly with an integral detent feature includes a valve body and a diverter valve cartridge and cap combination wherein the cap includes one or more deflectable fingers positioned so as to “detent” into one or more detent recesses formed in a lower cartridge portion of the rotatable cartridge. In order to provide fluid communication to external hydraulic devices with a total of six selection options, a total of six detent recesses are provided. In the preferred embodiment, there are two deflectable fingers approximately 180 degrees apart. An O-ring is positioned between the deflectable fingers and the valve body in order to provide part of the resistance force against the deflectable fingers so as to provide a tactile feel to the user when a selected detent position is reached by rotation of the diverter valve cartridge within the valve body.

Abstract: The invention includes chemical vapor deposition methods, including atomic layer deposition, and valve assemblies for use with a reactive precursor in semiconductor processing. In one implementation, a chemical vapor deposition method includes positioning a semiconductor substrate within a chemical vapor deposition chamber. A first deposition precursor is fed to a remote plasma generation chamber positioned upstream of the deposition chamber, and a plasma is generated therefrom within the remote chamber and effective to form a first active deposition precursor species. The first species is flowed to the deposition chamber. During the flowing, flow of at least some of the first species is diverted from entering the deposition chamber while feeding and maintaining plasma generation of the first deposition precursor within the remote chamber. At some point, diverting is ceased while feeding and maintaining plasma generation of the first deposition precursor within the remote chamber.

Abstract: A multiport rotary valve is described providing the interconnection of a plurality of conduits with a predetermined cycle. The valve uses a stack of plates defining channels and ports to form the fluid circuits.

Abstract: An electrically powered rotary solenoid drives a hydraulic pilot valve to actuate a hydraulic main valve. The pilot valve includes a seal carrier rotatable with respect to a seal plate. A carrier supply port and a plate supply port are centered about an axis of rotation to remain in fluid communication during rotation. A carrier function port and plate function port are spaced from the axis of rotation, such that they may be selectively placed in fluid communication to pass fluid to actuate the main valve. When actuated, the main valve passes fluid pressure to one or more hydraulically actuated components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to valves with small dead volumes. A valve in accordance with the present invention has a ferrule (7) which receives a plurality of fluid lines (33) which lead to outlets on an end surface (25) of said ferrule (7) and a movable selector body (15) which has a fluid groove (37, 37A) on a surface (23) which is in contact with the end surface (25) of said ferrule (7). Means are provided for exerting a clamping force on said ferrule (7) in order to simultaneously clamp all the fluid lines (33).

Abstract: A ceramic disc diverter valve for use with a water treatment device. The diverter includes a movable disc sandwiched between two stationary discs. The movable disc is rotated between three different positions to deliver a stream of untreated water, a spray of untreated water or a flow of treated water. When delivering treated water, the diverter directs the flow of water out of a secondary outlet to a water treatment device. The treated water is returned to the diverter through a secondary inlet and is discharged from the diverter through a treated water outlet. When delivering untreated water, both the secondary inlet and the secondary outlet are sealed by the ceramic discs. The movable disc preferably includes an integral handle that protrudes from the housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical liquid administration apparatus and administration method that are particularly apt for intravenous (IV) applications. More particularly, the administration apparatus and method may be employed in conjunction with the administration of liquid medication and one or more flush solutions from multi-dose sources, wherein fluid interconnections between at least one flush solution source and the administration apparatus may be established a single time at the outset of a given procedure. The administration apparatus may include a valve having a control member selectively positionable to provide any selected one of a plurality of closed flow paths through the valve, and a syringe interconnected to the control member for clockwise/counterclockwise co-rotation therewith (e.g. to establish the selected flow path).

Abstract: A liquid distributor valve. This valve comprises a compartmented base body being provided with a top cover and having several outlets and an upperly arranged, lateral inlet, a rotatable obturator bell being arranged between the outlets and said inlet and having an upperly arranged shaft projecting through said cover, the shaft being governed by an electronic, externally arranged control. This valve is characterized in that the electronic, externally arranged control forms an independent assembly being apt to be removably fitted onto the base body, the obturator bell shaft comprising a cap being apt to allow to removably couple it, the a cap also being apt to penetrate into the assembly forming the electronic, externally arranged control and to be coupled to the shaft of the gearmotor pertaining to the electronic, externally arranged control.

Abstract: A valve configured to receive a fluid, such as ambient air, from one or more sources and distribute the fluid to one or more outlet ports selected from a plurality of outlet ports. The valve includes a first and second member forming a cavity that contains a rotational disk used to directed a fluid through one or more outlet ports located in the second member. The first member includes a distribution chamber for receiving the fluid from an inlet port and for distributing the fluid to the rotational disk. The rotational disk may be controlled using a motor and sensor to align one or more apertures in the disk with one or more selected output ports in the second member. Thus, a fluid may be directed from a single distribution chamber to one or more selected outlet ports.

Abstract: A removable flow restrictor 750 and a corresponding method for regulating flow through a fluid fertilizer distributor 700 are provided. A supply inlet port 712 is in fluid communication with a plurality of fluid outlet ports 716. The flow restrictor 750 is removable positionable within the fluid distributor 700 between the inlet port 712 and the outlet ports 716, for restricting flow between the inlet port 712 and the outlet ports 716. A restrictor engagement member 752, which may be a thread, on the flow restrictor 750, engages with a tool engagement member 762 on a retrieval tool 760. With the restrictor engagement member 752 engaged with the tool engagement member 762, the retrieval tool can be used to both position the flow restrictor 750 within the fluid distributor 700, and to remove the flow restrictor 750 from the fluid distributor 700. After positioning within or removing from the fluid distributor 700, the flow restrictor 750 may be disengaged from the retrieval tool 760.

Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption (PSA) separation of a gas mixture is performed in an apparatus with a plurality of adsorbent beds. The invention provides rotary multiport distributor valves to control the timing sequence of the PSA cycle steps between the beds, with flow controls cooperating with the rotary distributor valves to control the volume rates of gas flows to and from the adsorbent beds in blowdown, purge, equalization and repressurization steps.