Abstract: A capillary structure for passive, directional fluid transport, includes a capillary having a forward direction and a backward direction extending in an x-y plane and a depth extending in a z-direction, the capillary including first and second capillary units each having a diverging section having a backward end, a forward end, and a width in the y-direction, wherein the width increases from the backward end to the forward end, wherein the backward end of the second capillary unit diverging section is connected to the forward end of the first capillary unit diverging section to form a transition section having a step decrease in width from the forward end of the first capillary unit diverging section to the backward end of the second capillary unit diverging section, and wherein the depth in the transition section is less than the depth in each diverging section.

Abstract: A cap for tubing. The cap includes a post and a socket. The post includes an exterior tube mating surface and a substantially flat top surface disposed at a first end of the post. The socket is disposed at a second end of the post. The socket includes an interior tube mating surface and a tool mating surface.

Abstract: A modular potable water distribution manifold for an aircraft water supply and drainage system includes a tubular element with a first manifold quick connector adapted to mate with a flexible hose connector and having a flow control poppet, a second manifold quick connector having a flow control poppet, the second manifold quick connector adapted mate with a terminating self-venting/self-draining device, and a rotating ferrule that mates the second manifold with the self-venting/self-draining device.

Abstract: A valve for an inflatable device includes a first region configured to seal to a fluid impermeable wall of a bladder of the inflatable device, a cap including a rim, and a seal. The base includes a second region that defines an orifice for exhausting fluid from an interior of the inflatable device, the second region configured to provide a sealing surface. Further, the rim can include a generally circular peripheral region including at least one rib located about an underside of the peripheral region and a cavity defined in part by at least one wall located radially inward of the rib. The seal can include a first end region secured to the cap within the cavity between the at least one wall and the at least one rib and a second end region configured to freely move with the at least one first end region secured to the cap.

Abstract: A locking fire hydrant includes a fire hydrant body having an internal channel extending between a main cap recess and an auxiliary cap recess defined therein. A plunger assembly including first and second plungers is disposed within the internal channel. The first plunger is disposed such that an end thereof is capable of extending into a main cap recess and the second plunger is disposed such that an end thereof is capable of extending into an auxiliary cap recess. When the second plunger is actuated by mounting a locking cap on the fire hydrant body, one of the ratchet teeth provided on the back side of the auxiliary cap engages the second plunger to prevent the auxiliary cap from being removed from the fire hydrant body. A locking cap, an opening tool, and methods of securing an auxiliary cap to a fire hydrant also are described.

Abstract: An assembly for aseptic connecting of a beverage ingredient container to a beverage dispensing apparatus, having a collapsible sheath of pliable material connecting the container to the dispenser at a distance away from the container. The sheath passes through a conduit of the apparatus to provide an aseptic passageway for fluid from the container to the beverage apparatus. A protective cover houses the collapsible sheath when in a collapsed configuration, and the sheath is brought to a second configuration of an extended length to provide an inner passageway of the fluid to a distal end of the sheath positioned a distance away from the container.

Abstract: Novel systems and apparatuses for conveying particulate media are disclosed. One such system may include a conveying tank configured to receive media and push it out to a media distribution valve to be distributed to any desired destination. The media distribution valve is preferably a multi-port, pinch valve having a drain to dump any residual media not distributed through the distribution valve. One or more blast dispensers may be in communication with the media distribution valve. Each blast dispenser may be in communication with a blast chamber, which also may be in communication with the media distribution valve. A screen classifier may be in communication with the media distribution valve to receive and screen media from the blast chamber, for example, before being conveyed, if desired, through one or more conveying tanks through the media distribution valve.

Abstract: A household appliance includes a control panel that is movable between a rest position and an exposed position. A reservoir, which is adapted for holding a fluid, has a filling opening and is positioned behind the control panel in an interior of the household appliance when the reservoir is in an operating position. The control panel is configured to impede access to the reservoir and/or the filling opening when the control panel is in the rest position and the reservoir is in the operating position. The control panel is further configured to allow access to the reservoir and/or the filling opening when the control panel is moved to the exposed position.

Abstract: A tubing interface having an elongated tube, an elastomeric ferrule and a support ring device disposed around the ferrule. The ferrule includes a bore which is sized for receipt of the tube. The tubing interface further includes a cap member having an exterior surface, an opposed interior surface, and a tube receiving passage extending therethrough. The receiving passage is formed and dimensioned for axial sliding receipt of the tube member therethrough. The cap member further includes a cup-shaped receiving recess extending proximally from the interior surface, and is formed and dimensioned for axial receipt of the proximal end of the ferrule body member and the support ring. When the cap member is mounted to a valve apparatus, the support ring and the elastomeric ferrule device compressively cooperate with the cup-shaped recess to form a fluid-tight seal between the tube port and a communication port of the valve apparatus.

Abstract: Provided is a foamable filling device that includes a foamable material and is disposed within a hollow structural member. The foamable filling device includes a carrier member and an opening/closing member. The carrier member includes a through hole and a mounting portion to which the foamable material is mounted. The opening/closing member includes a cover portion formed in a size capable of blocking the through hole; and a biasing portion that biases the cover portion, and the opening/closing member is fittable to the carrier member. The opening/closing member is configured such that, when the opening/closing member is fitted to the carrier member, the biasing portion is elastically deformed and biases the cover portion to thereby bring the cover portion into contact with a seat portion provided at an end of the through hole of the carrier member.

Abstract: A ports cap for a mask assembly includes two closure portions adapted to seal respective ports of the mask assembly, a bridge piece that joins the two closure portions, and two gripping tabs extending outwardly from respective closure portions. Each gripping tab includes one or more ribs on at least one side thereof.

Abstract: A fluid passage closure system in a compressor includes a fluid passage, a seal cap unit and a flow space. The fluid passage formed in the housing of the compressor includes a large-diameter and the small-diameter passages, a step formed between the large-diameter and the small-diameter passages and a flat portion formed in the step. The large-diameter passage is formed on the opening side of the fluid passage and connected to the small-diameter passage. The seal cap unit closing the fluid passage includes a flat sealing surface and a press-contact surface. The flat sealing surface is in contact with the flat portion to close the fluid passage. The press-contact surface is formed to be pressed against the peripheral wall surface so that the seal cap unit is kept in the fluid passage. The flow space is formed between the press-contact surface and the peripheral wall surface.

Abstract: A control valve for a fluid dispensing device comprises a valve stem, a valve body, a cap and an adjustment mechanism. The elongate valve stem has a flange. The valve body comprises a valve bore in which the elongate valve stem is configured to translate, and a flow path intersecting the valve bore and into which the valve stem penetrates. The cap is joined to the valve body to receive the valve stem such that the flange is positioned between the valve body and the cap. The adjustment mechanism changes a position of the cap with respect to the valve body to vary a distance between the cap and the flange which adjusts the force, and thereby the pressure at which the valve opens.

Abstract: A piping unit includes a cathode gas supply passage arranged to supply a cathode gas, and a cathode gas discharge passage arranged to discharge a cathode off-gas. The cathode gas supply passage includes a cathode supply valve, upstream cathode gas piping and downstream cathode gas piping. The cathode gas discharge passage includes a cathode exhaust valve, upstream cathode off-gas piping and downstream cathode off-gas piping. The cathode gas supply passage and the cathode gas discharge passage are connected with each other by cathode bypass piping and are integrated with each other by joining the cathode supply valve with the upstream cathode off-gas piping.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to an apparatus and methods for preventing the recontamination of a pathogen-reduced fluid by pathogens trapped in one or more ports of an inactivation fluid container. Through the use of a slidable clamp positioned in an area of the container immediately adjacent to a port to be isolated, the port may be sealed to prevent any liquid product from entering the port and associated tubing when liquid product is added to the container. The slidable clamp includes a slot, in which the distal end of the slot has a larger width than the proximal end of the slot. The width of the slot at the narrowest, most proximal portion allows for a fluid-tight seal to be created when the slidable clamp is slid into the closed position with respect to the port to be isolated.

Abstract: An inline dispersal valve that can be used with or without a base. One embodiment includes a rotatable member that is rotatable from a fluid stream obstructing condition to an out-of-the-way condition to prevent fluid diversion into the dispersal valve. Another embodiment includes a lever handle for quickly setting the amount of fluid being diverted into the inline dispersal valve. Another embodiment includes an indicator that can be viewed from a position above the inline dispersal valve. Another embodiment includes a cap that can be secured or removed without the aid of tools. Another embodiment includes a clip that allows one to disassemble the inline dispersal valve for servicing. Another embodiment includes a dispensing valve that can be reversed and still properly divert fluid into a dispersant chamber. Another embodiment includes an inline dispersal valve with a bleed valve positioned to allow one to bring the air volume in the dispersant chamber to the proper level.

Abstract: A joint structure for an air nozzle contains a valve joint being connected on an air nozzle so as to fill air, and the air nozzle including outer threads defined around an outer peripheral side thereof. The valve joint includes: a body having a hole defined therein, an inlet communicating with the hole, and at least one orifice penetrating from an exterior environment to the hole; at least one limiting member secured and moving in the at least one orifice and having meshing teeth formed on one end thereof to correspond to the hole, the meshing teeth engaging with the outer threads of the air nozzle, and the limiting member having a defining segment arranged on another end thereof; and a controlling assembly fitted on the body and used to control the at least one limiting member to move in the at least one orifice.

Abstract: A valve including a plastic valve plug capable of operation at 5000 PSI is described. Taken alone or in combination, various features including the design and material selection of the valve plug account for the heretofore-unknown performance achieved.

Abstract: A water system for a vehicle is provided. The water system comprises at least one water supply source, at least one water-conducting device, at least one closing valve and at least one germ reduction connection. The germ reduction connection and the water supply source are connected to the water-conducting device. The germ reduction connection is designed to introduce a germ-reducing fluid into the water-conducting device. The closing valve is arranged between the water supply source and the germ reduction connection and is designed to be fully closed thus preventing the ingress of germ-reducing fluid into the water supply source. By means of such a water system it is possible to carry out sterilization or disinfection very easily and quickly without this requiring any major maintenance work.

Abstract: A micro-fluidic system comprising a micro-fluidic channel, which has a wall provided with a hole; and a closing element, which is adapted to cooperate with a partition arranged within the micro-fluidic channel in the area of the hole to isolate or connect two segments of the channel; the closing element is made of a photoresist material, in particular a material obtained by the polymerisation of a photopolymerable material.

Abstract: A system for removing or tranferring a pharmaceutical product from a reservoir including an ampoule with a moveable piston therein and an adaptor which includes, generally along a longitudinal axis, a reservoir connector and an ampoule connector for coupling to the ampoule, wherein the ampoule connector includes at least one locking mechanism which, in a side wall, includes a resilient element generally corresponding to a portion of the side wall which extends along the periphery thereof and, at opposing ends, merges with the side wall.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and devices for conveying or containing fluids under pressure in which seals are provided with a defined path to vent fluid in the event of a seal failure.

Abstract: A CVD reactor, such as a MOCVD reactor conducting metalorganic chemical vapor deposition of epitaxial layers, is provided. The CVD or MOCVD reactor generally comprises a flow flange assembly, adjustable proportional flow injector assembly, a chamber assembly, and a multi-segment center rotation shaft. The reactor provides a novel geometry to specific components that function to reduce the gas usage while also improving the performance of the deposition.

Abstract: The gas flow restrictor includes a cylindrical body having threads for mounting the body in a gas flow line. One end of the body is closed and includes a plurality of angularly spaced plugs having a predefined diameter that may be the same or different from each other. Each plug is selectively removable from a correspondingly sized orifice, singly or in combination, to set the desired gas flow and thereby reduce incoming gas flow pressure through the lines.

Abstract: A muck bucket for containing backflowing waste from an end of a pipe includes an enclosure having a contiguous wall. The contiguous wall includes an upper edge defining an upper opening and a lower edge defining a lower opening. The lower edge is configured to surround the end of the pipe and form a watertight seal with a surface surrounding the end of the pipe. There is at least one flange peripherally extending outwardly from the lower edge of the enclosure. There is a means for securing the at least one flange to the surface surrounding the end of the pipe. This securing means is to maintain a watertight seal between the lower edge and the surface.

Abstract: A vacuum regulated fluid delivery system is disclosed. The fluid delivery system may have a cap configured to receive a closed reservoir of fluid. The cap may have first and second openings extending from the cap. The first opening may have a first external nozzle for carrying water or other fluid from the closed reservoir to an open reservoir. The second opening may have a second external nozzle for allowing air to flow into and out of the first reservoir. The fluid delivery system may also have a tube terminal unit having first and second openings. The first tube terminal opening may have a first nozzle connected to the first external nozzle of the cap by a flexible tube for receiving water or other fluid from the closed reservoir and delivering it to an open reservoir out a fluid delivery outlet.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an end connector for fluid communication with a valve. The end connector includes a fitting body and a lock ring for engagement and disengagement therewith. A nut is provided for securing the fitting body to the valve, and hook and chain assembly is provided for securing an eyehole of the lock ring to an end fitting, such as a cap, which is received at an end of the connector opposite the valve. In some aspects, the fitting body includes radially extending lugs, and the lock ring includes radially extending notches corresponding to the lugs. The lock ring, in a first rotational position, is configured to abut against the lugs to inhibit inadvertent removal of the lock ring. The lock ring, in a second rotational position, is configured to have the lugs in alignment with the notches, such that the lock ring can be removed.

Abstract: A drainage system for draining a fluid is disclosed. The drainage system includes a drain basin having a tubular body, the tubular body including a lumen, an outer surface, a top end, and a bottom end. The drainage system also includes at least one pipe connected to the tubular body and an end cap coupled to the bottom end of the tubular body, the end cap including a convex surface configured to divert the fluid to the at least one pipe, wherein the convex surface of the end cap is inserted through the bottom end and is disposed within the lumen of the tubular body.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling a fuel-operated internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle having a tank venting system associated with a fuel tank and having at least two operating states, in which the internal combustion engine is shut off automatically according to a shut-off strategy. The shut-off strategy takes into account the instantaneous operating state of the tank venting system.

Abstract: A one-way valve element for use with containers such as flexible storage bags includes an elastomeric or similar material that can elastically expand to expose and at least substantially resiliently recover to cover an aperture through a sidewall of the container. Hence, air from the interior volume of the container can be evacuated through the valve element by, for example, interfacing an evacuation device with the valve element. The valve element can be provided as a single layer structure or a multiple layered structure that is attached to the sidewall of the container over the aperture. In another aspect, a valve element includes a gel-like material retained in a valve body and that can displace to allow air flow across the valve.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a filling machine for highly compressed gas, comprising: an electric driver, a reduction gearbox, a driving shaft, an eccentric driving mechanism, an high-compression mechanism, a cylinder manifold and a framework, wherein the eccentric driving mechanism consisting of at least two eccentric driving wheels is mounted on the driving shaft, the high-compression mechanism consists of at least two oscillating type compression gas cylinders connected in series by a plurality of one-way valves and hoses, and a slip ring, a piston rod and a piston are joined into an integral block wherein the slip ring is fitted over the eccentric driving wheel and the other end of the piston rod is connected to a gas cylinder barrel so as to be fitted over a supporting shaft; the supporting shaft is provided in the framework and the framework is provided with a cylinder manifold on the top thereof, which is provided with a pressure switch, a pressure gauge and a safety valve; the outer circumferential

Abstract: A household appliance includes a control panel that is movable between a rest position and an exposed position. A reservoir, which is adapted for holding a fluid, has a filling opening and is positioned behind the control panel in an interior of the household appliance when the reservoir is in an operating position. The control panel is configured to impede access to the reservoir and/or the filling opening when the control panel is in the rest position and the reservoir is in the operating position. The control panel is further configured to allow access to the reservoir and/or the filling opening when the control panel is moved to the exposed position.

Abstract: A cover-equipped manual valve having a ratchet mechanism for preventing rotation of a knob, comprising: a rod formed with an external thread portion on an outer periphery thereof, the rod being unconnected to the knob and held against rotation; a sliding nut of a cylindrical shape, the sliding nut being rotatably held by a body and internally formed with an internal thread portion threadedly engaged with the external thread portion of the rod; an engagement member fixed to the knob, the engagement member being elastically deformable to be engaged with the sliding nut and to be disengaged from the sliding nut when larger torque than a predetermined value is applied to the engagement member; and a knob cover of a hollow shape for covering the knob.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and devices for conveying or containing fluids under pressure in which seals are provided with a defined path to vent fluid in the event of a seal failure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and devices for conveying or containing fluids under pressure in which seals are provided with a defined path to vent fluid in the event of a seal failure.

Abstract: A combination cap and plug assembly. A cap portion of the assembly is used to stop flow of material through a male coupling, and a plug portion is used to stop flow of material through a female coupling. The combination cap and plug assembly includes a tether that allows the assembly to be coupled to hose or tubing that is connected to the male and female coupling.

Abstract: A flow system, preferably a micro fluidic system, having a base part (4) with at least one flow path formed therein and a lid part (5) being attached to the base part (4) in such a manner that it covers the flow path(s). The flow path(s) comprise(s) a flow restrictor (1) and a flow channel comprising an inlet section positioned immediately upstream relatively to the flow restrictor (1). At least the inlet section of the flow channel has a cross section defining at least two distinct depths of the flow channel. This may be achieved by defining a centre section (3) and at least one peripheral section (2), the centre section (3) having a depth and a width which are substantially larger than the depth(s) and width(s) of the peripheral section(s) (2). If air bubbles are formed in the system this design of the inlet section will allow a flow of liquid to enter the shallower parts of the flow channel, while the air bubbles are confined to the deeper parts of the flow channel.

Abstract: An ultrasonic cleaner apparatus with an opening mechanism including a plurality of lugs preferably formed on a top surface of the apparatus, a lid enclosing the apparatus and resting on the lugs when the lid is in a closed position, and a rim formed exterior to the lugs, wherein the lid is secured in an open position between two or more of the plurality of lugs and the rim. A drain assembly coupled to the ultrasonic cleaner provides an advantageous configuration for dispensing cleaning and/or sterilizing fluid and the like from the apparatus.

Abstract: A torque-limiting cap (100) for an air conditioning service port (14) includes an inner body assembly (122) having a retaining body (116) configured for engagement on the service port, and an outer body assembly (134) annularly disposed around the inner body assembly. The outer body assembly (134) has a first ratchet portion (140) configured for engagement with a second ratchet portion (146) that is disposed on the inner body assembly (122). When the outer body assembly (134) is torqued, the outer body assembly transmits the torque to the inner body assembly (122) from the first ratchet portion (140) to the second ratchet portion (146) to threadably engage the retaining body (116) onto the service port (14). When there is a preset amount of torque resistance, the first ratchet portion (140) slips with respect to the second ratchet portion (146) such that no additional torque is transmitted to the inner body assembly (122) from the outer body assembly (134).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cover member for covering either an operation part of a closing valve or an opening in a branch joint in a refrigeration system. According to the present invention, the risk of theft of a cover member may be reduced even if the cover member is made of brass. A valve cover (6) according to the present invention covers an operation part (45) of a closing valve (3) provided in a refrigeration system (1), and includes: a cover body (7) screwed to the closing valve (3) to cover the operation part (45); and a resin cap (8) for covering the cover body (7).

Abstract: Fluid-based no-moving part logic devices are constructed from complex sequences of micro- and nanofluidic channels, on-demand bubble/droplet modulators and generators for programming the devices, and micro- and nanofluidic droplet/bubble memory elements for storage and retrieval of biological or chemical elements. The input sequence of bubbles/droplets encodes information, with the output being another sequence of bubbles/droplets or on-chip chemical synthesis. For performing a set of reactions/tasks or process control, the modulators can be used to program the device by producing a precisely timed sequence of bubbles/droplets, resulting in a cascade of logic operations within the micro- or nanofluidic channel sequence, utilizing the generated droplets/bubbles as a control. The devices are based on the principle of minimum energy interfaces formed between the two fluid phases enclosed inside precise channel geometries.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to methods and devices for conveying or containing fluids under pressure in which seals are provided with a defined path to vent fluid in the event of a seal failure.

Abstract: A closure device used in a fluid dispensing assembly. The closure device contains a housing, a poppet member, and a biasing member. The closure device provides a retaining structure for stabilizing and aligning the poppet member and biasing member within the housing.

Abstract: A storage hub is described for the temporary storage of a cap of the type typically threaded onto the outlet of a spigot to prevent leakage. The hub comprises a generally U-shaped body that can be mounted on the valve stem of a spigot, on top of the handle. Alternatively, it can be mounted on the wall of the structure on which the spigot is mounted. The hub has a generally cylindrical body provided with external threads onto which the cap is threaded. Several means are described for securing the hub to the spigot or to the adjoining wall structure. Among them is the use of magnetic attraction, a suitable adhesive, a nail, or a threaded fastener. An alternative is for the hub and the valve handle to be a unitary structure. The hub can be made from a polymer, an elastomer or metal.

Abstract: A fluid receptacle for holding a fluid including a fluid outlet for allowing the fluid to drain from the fluid receptacle and a closure mechanism associated with the fluid outlet. The closure mechanism is configured to shut off the fluid outlet automatically after the fluid receptacle has been drained of the fluid. Also a method of operating a fluid receptacle for holding a fluid including filling at least a part of a fluid receptacle with fluid, operating an actuator of a closure mechanism to initiate draining of fluid from the fluid receptacle through a fluid outlet, and using the closure mechanism to automatically reseal the fluid outlet once the fluid receptacle has been drained of the fluid.

Abstract: A locking fire hydrant includes a fire hydrant body having an outlet port, a valve access hole, and an outer surface with a recess defined therein. The recess is configured to receive a locking cap for closing off the outlet port and the valve access hole. A locking cap for closing off the outlet port and the valve access hole is mounted on the fire hydrant body such that the locking cap is received in the recess defined in the outer surface of the fire hydrant body. The recess shields an interface between the locking cap and the fire hydrant body from access by unauthorized tools. A fire hydrant body, a method for restricting unauthorized access to a fire hydrant, and a method for locking an auxiliary cap to a fire hydrant also are described.

Abstract: Various types of valves are disclosed, as well as the use of the same in a reaction control system for space travel vehicle applications. Multiple functions are provided by one of these valve designs by providing multiple flowpaths through the valve. An inflow and outflow tube of this multifunctional valve are fluidly interconnected with first and second chambers, respectively, within the valve. These first and second chambers are isolated from each other by a barrier assembly which may be “removed” at the desired type by a barrier rupture assembly to provide one of the noted multiple flowpaths (i.e., the inflow tube, the first chamber, the second chamber, and the outflow tube). A separate service port is fluidly interconnected with each of the first and second chambers, and a separate service valve may be disposed in each of these service ports to provide additional flowpaths for the multifunctional valve.

Abstract: A housing block for receiving valves, for example piston pumps and storage chambers for use in hydraulic vehicle brake systems. The invention uses a wobble tool to deform material of the housing block at a beginning of a hole essentially in the longitudinal direction of the hole, so that with the insertion of the wobble tool into the housing block in the vicinity of the beginning of the hole, first opening narrowed in relation to the diameter of the hole is produced. The hole becomes narrower with further continuation of the wobbling process and finally disappears. Then the material, which has produced the increased narrowing of the opening and finally its disappearance, forms a closure. The production of plug bodies in accordance with the prior art and the production of assembly devices are eliminated.

Abstract: A cap assembly for providing continuous drip to a faucet exposed to freezing temperatures such as a faucet located outside a house. The cap assembly includes a cap member adapted to be mounted over the end of a faucet, which cap member includes a cylindrical wall portion and a closed end portion having an opening therein. The cap assembly includes an internal annular ridge which is adapted to receive a flow disc within the ridge, which flow disc includes an opening which is non-aligned with the opening in the closed end portion of the cap in order to create a dripping action. A rubber washer is positioned in sealing engagement with the internal annular ridge and the flow disc. A filter member is located within the rubber washer such that, upon mounting of the cap assembly over the end portion of a faucet, a continuous dripping flow through the cap assembly may be provided in order to prevent water within the faucet or within piping leading to the faucet from freezing.

Abstract: A fire hydrant locking device comprises a clamp which engages the hydrant stem and includes apertured butterfly wings which are engaged by a forked rod locking the stem in a closed position. The rod extends through a donut to engage a tubular recess in the cap. Spring loaded curved pins engage the rod within the tubular recess and extend outwardly through the cap. A wrench having a circular recess with inward projections engages the cap pins to permit turning the threaded cap and permit access to the locked stem for actuation of the hydrant.