Abstract: A device for providing uniform powder flow to the nozzles when creating solid structures using a solid fabrication system such as the directed light fabrication (DLF) process. In the DLF process, gas entrained powders are passed through the focal point of a moving high-power laser light which fuses the particles in the powder to a surface being built up in layers. The invention is a device providing uniform flow of gas entrained powders to the nozzles of the DLF system. The device comprises a series of modular splitters which are slidably interconnected and contain an integral flow control mechanism. The device can take the gas entrained powder from between one to four hoppers and split the flow into eight tubular lines which feed the powder delivery nozzles of the DLF system.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and apparatus for biological-processing unit fluid conveyance and pumping systems. The invention teaches methods of reducing fluid flow resistance and reducing pumping requirements for supplying fluid to the biological-processing unit. Some preferred embodiments of the invention are optimized for dialysis machines and dialysis clinics. In some select embodiments the invention is accomplished utilizing two supply legs in fluid parallel communication. A clinic utilizing fluid parallel supply legs has reduced fluid resistance as compared to a clinic utilizing series arranged supply legs. This reduces initial set-up costs, operating costs and time to construct fluid conveyance systems. Other advantages and embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A control valve for controlling the fluid flow of particulate and other materials through a conduit having a housing accepting the fluid flow received from an inlet conduit. A selectively positionable elliptical shaped diverter plate is positioned in a central chamber formed between two outlet conduits for diverting the fluid flow into one or both two outlet conduits as needed. The diverter plate is dimensioned substantially the same as the configuration as the input ends of both of said outlet conduits and the center chamber. The walls of the input ends of the outlet conduits taper inwardly in the direction of the outlet end decreasing in size allowing the diverter plate to seat against in walls and seal or divert fluid flow from one or the other outlet conduits without the need for a stop or seal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a non-educting device (10) for preventing back flow of contaminated water into a potable water system. The device (10) includes first and second nozzles (33, 35) in series flow relationship to one another, an air gap (49) between the first and second nozzles (33, 35) and a water inlet (27). In the improvement, the inlet (27) is the sole liquid inlet of the device (10) and the first nozzle (33) is between the air gap (49) and the inlet (27). Such nozzle (33) includes a tapered portion having an axial length (AL) and a circular discharge opening (59). The ratio of the axial length (AL) to the diameter of the opening (59) is in the range of 0.7 to 1.1. Other features involve a unique containment bowl (21) and a secondary air gap (19) in liquid flow relationship to the containment bowl (21).

Abstract: A valve system is provided for operatively coupling a high pressure source to a processing chamber that selectively cycles between high pressure and vacuum. The valve system includes a branch passageway that selectively communicates a source of intermediate pressure to a main passageway that couples the high pressure source to the processing chamber. The source of intermediate pressure may comprise a vent, a pump, or a source of pressurized fluid, etc. An inventive valve for sealing between the intermediate pressure and the vacuum pressure is also provided. The inlet of the valve is operatively coupled to the high pressure source (via one or more valves) and the outlet of the valve is operatively coupled to the processing chamber (via one or more valves). The valve stem is in continuous fluid contact with the inlet and is configured for high pressure sealing, and the outlet is configured for low pressure sealing and preferably comprises a resilient sealing member.

Abstract: A distribution valve assembly, particularly to a compact valve which can distribute the air from a single air inlet to a plurality of air outlets, comprises a valve housing and a binding air-duct housing. The valve housing further comprises a plurality of electromagnetic valves to form several independent air-flow devices with corresponding air passages to the air-duct housing. Each independent air-flow device further comprises a first air passage and a second air passage, and a penetrating passage is constructed to connect all second air passages. The penetrating passage has an air inlet connecting a pump at one end and a drain valve at another end. Air flow inside the penetrating valve can then be directed to any air-flow device.

Abstract: A controlled flow filling system is used with a flowable product filling apparatus. The filling system includes a first, upstream V-track valve in series with a second, downstream umbrella valve to provide a substantially paraboloid liquid flow profile of the fluid while filling an associated container. The filling system is configured such that a substantial portion of the pressure drop associated with the flowing fluid occurs at the V-track valve cone to reduce spraying and loss of the fluid product at the umbrella valve. The filling system is used in a filling apparatus that uses pumps or a pressured gas blanket to provide motive force to drive the fluid through the apparatus.

Abstract: A method for orally administering medicaments to a plurality of animal drinking stations, and an apparatus for accomplishing the method. A medicament reservoir is separately connected to each of the drinking stations via tubes each of an identical predetermined diameter. Medicament is allowed to flow through each of the tubes to each drinking station. Substantially identical rate of medicament flow to each drinking station is insured by the identical predetermined diameter of each of the tubes.

Abstract: The invention provides a valve for regulating fluid flow. The valve having a collar, a plug and a flapper seal. The collar defining an aperture and having a base with an opening therein, with a shaft extending from the base within the aperture. The plug being movably and sealably mounted to the collar within the aperture and defining a passage for fluid flow through the valve. The passage being in fluid communication with the opening in the base of the collar. The plug co-operating with the shaft to retain the plug in the collar. The flapper seal is movably and sealably mounted to the shaft within the passage in the plug. The plug is movable between three positions, wherein the valve can be completely sealed, act as a one-way valve, or act as a two-way valve.

Abstract: A propane reserve system for providing propane fuel to propane driven equipment. The propane reserve system includes a standard tank and reserve tank interconnected by a supply network such that the standard tank simultaneously supplies fuel to the propane driven equipment and the reserve tank, if needed. The supply network generally includes a standard tank effluent conduit, a reserve tank inflow conduit, a reserve tank effluent conduit and an output conduit meeting at a junction and a plurality of vanes restricting fuel flow through the network. A flow restrictor coupled to the reserve tank inflow conduit cooperates with one of the valves to limit flow into the reserve tank thereby allowing the effluent from the primary tank to fill the reserve tank while also powering the equipment.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved device (10) for preventing back flow of possibly-contaminated water into a potable water system. The device (10) includes first, second and third nozzles (33, 35, 37) in series flow relationship, and an air gap (49) between the first and second nozzles (33, 35). In the improvement, the air gap (49) is a primary air gap and the device (10) includes a secondary air gap (19) fixed with respect to the second nozzle (35). In a more specific aspect of the new device (10), the second and third nozzles (35, 37) are in a tubular housing (41) and the device (10) includes a containment bowl (21) around the housing (41). The secondary air gap (19) includes an aperture (53) in the housing wall (55) and such aperture (53) opens to the containment bowl (21). Other aspects of the new device (10 involve particular nozzle configurations and relationships and a restrictor (103) inhibiting back flow.

Abstract: A variable-split blowdown coal feed system supplies two streams of air entrained pulverized coal in a uniform, well-metered steady state manner. Splitter dampers control a split of a coal and air mixture into two streams which are fed to respective cyclones operated in the blowdown mode. The cyclone's exhausts are connected in common to a manifold through which a blowdown damper controls the air-to-coal ratio in the air entrained pulverized coal streams that are expressed from each cyclone's discharge.

Abstract: A textile winding machine having a plurality of work stations each of which has a number of pneumatically actuable operating components. The operating components are connected to separate compressed air lines each having at least two compressed air supply locations each associated with a respective pressure controller. The compressed air lines are dividable in turn into machine segments operating at different pressure levels by means of selectively actuable valve elements disposed in the compressed air line between the pressure controllers.

Abstract: An improved refrigeration manifold having an unrestricted and uncomplicated flow path as well as a simple and efficient valve system is disclosed. The refrigeration manifold includes a manifold body having a first passage extending horizontally through the body and second and third passages extending vertically through the body to form the high and low sides of the manifold. One or more passages extend through the body from the first passage to the bottom of the manifold body for connection to a vacuum or refrigeration source. First and second ball valves are disposed in the first passage for selectively opening and closing the first passage. Third and fourth ball valves may be provided in fourth and fifth passages which are provided for connection to a vacuum and charging source, respectively. The ball valves are operable by moving a lever through an arc of 90.degree. for quick turn off.

Abstract: A downspout water conservation diversion adaptor is provided for insertion within the lower part of an upstanding downspout and is selectively operable to divert water flowing downward through the downspout laterally outwardly of the adaptor and along a building wall outwardly beyond which a roof eaves projects for irrigation of ground vegetation disposed beneath the eaves. The adaptor is constructed to automatically bypass excess water flowing downwardly to the adaptor, in excess of that water which may be laterally outwardly directed from the adaptor, in a manner such that the excess water is discharged from the bottom of the downspout.

Abstract: A detergent dispenser that is coupled to a source of fluid and which has a chemical source in solid cast form. A spray generator is designed to generate a fluid spray bearing on the chemical source, the fluid spray generating a concentrated solution of the chemical. The concentrated solution of the chemical is discharged through a discharge conduit. A single valve controls a flow of fluid from the source of fluid. The valve has an inlet that is operably fluidly coupled to the source of fluid, an outlet that is operably fluidly coupled to the spray generator, and an outlet that is operably fluidly coupled to the discharge conduit. A metering device for selectively metering portions of the flow of fluid to the spray generator and to the discharge conduit is disposed within the valve and selectively fluidly couples the inlet to the outlet that is operably fluidly coupled to the spray generator and to the outlet that is operably fluidly coupled to the discharge conduit.

Abstract: A manifold valve assembly, composed of a plurality of valve subassemblies, each of the subassemblies including at least five valves. At least a first one of the valves in each subassembly is in fluid flow communication with a supply source, and at least a second one of the valves in each subassembly is in fluid flow communication with a fluid distribution conduit and at two of the valves in each subassembly, when open, discharge fluid into a drain and serve as leak detector ports. A fifth valve, when closed, separates the first and third valves from the second and fourth valves, the valves being interconnected by fluid flow conduits to selectively allow flow of fluids from the supply source to the distribution conduit and to prevent flow thereof to a drain.

Abstract: A system for evacuating a reactor chamber includes a main evacuation line connected at one end thereof to the reactor chamber and at another end thereof to a means for creating a partial vacuum. A valve in the main evacuation line divides the line into a chamber side and a vacuum side. A second line is connected at one end to the vacuum side of the main evacuation line and at another end to a fluid supply source. As the valve in the main evacuation line is opened, fluid is supplied through the second line to the main evacuation line to prevent rapid, turbulence-inducing pressure drops in the reactor chamber.

Abstract: A gas inlet (4), a stop value (7), a pressure reducing valve (8) and a gas outlet (5) are arranged in series within a valve casing (3). The gas outlet (5) and an outlet (7b) of said stop valve (7) are communicated with each other by a gas charging passage (10) provided with a check valve (11). The gas outlet (5) is communicated with a secondary safety valve (28) by a gas inducting passage (29). When a gas cylinder (1) is charged with a gas, a gas charging mouthpiece (14) is attached to the gas outlet (5). Thereupon, an opening or closing portion (A) provided in the gas inducting passage (29) is closed by an actuating portion (30) provided in the mouthpiece (14). Thereby, a high-pressure gas is not released from the secondary safety valve (28).

Abstract: A hydraulic diverter comprises a pair of tubes connected to receive water from a storm drain. One of the tubes is connected to discharge the water into a basin, while the other is connected to discharge water and bed sediment load into a bypass line. The storm water flow is preferentially directed through one tube or the other by changing the relative elevations of the tubes. The tubes are coupled together to change elevations by a pulley system or a swivel system. The pollutant laden "first flush" flow of storm water is diverted to the basin, while subsequent or "sustained" flow transporting bed sediment load is directed through the bypass line. The storm water itself is utilized to change the relative elevations of the tubes when the storm water flow transitions from a first flush flow to a sustained flow.

Abstract: A micropanel for the delivery of gas from a supply cylinder to a tool location comprises an arrangement of valves, pressure regulator and associated components adapted to enhance the purity of the delivered gas and the safety of the gas delivery panel.

Abstract: A single-use, disposable patient valve for use in cardiopulmonary test apparatus comprises a molded, flexible, elastomeric tubular body of a cruciform shape an cooperating with the stem portion of the cross are first and second selective actuatable clamps which, when actuated, pinch off the flow of gases across the pinched portion.

Abstract: An air distribution system employs an inner proportioning pipe inside an outer proportioning pipe. Airflow into the proportioning pipes is adjusted by controlling the position of the outer proportioning pipe with respect to the walls of a duct. Proportioning of airflow between the inner and outer proportioning pipes is adjusted by controlling a transverse or an axial relationship of the inner and outer proportioning pipes. Air flowing in the inner proportioning pipe is added to and mixed with air flowing in the outer proportioning pipe in an air balancing chamber. The mixing is performed by rotating vanes. Mixed air from the air balancing chamber is passed through a plurality of discharge openings. The proportioning and mixing provides a predetermined relationship between the airflows at the discharge openings.

Abstract: A multiple waste isolation system including a common drain connected to the discharge outlet of an inductively coupled plasma system for atomic spectroscopy. This common drain may be connected to a multiport valve for directing the flow of waste material to a selected one of a plurality of flow paths or the common drain may be connected directly to each flow path with each flow path including individual on/off type valves for selectively allowing flow through the various paths. The system also includes at least two drainage lines either directly connected to the common drain or connected thereto via the multiport valve for isolating a waste product from the other drainage line so as to maintain the separation of potentially incompatible waste products. The system further includes a purging tube which is also connected either directly to the common drain or thereto via the multiport valve for circulating a cleaning solvent through the common drain and the valve.

Abstract: An air connector for use in association with a sphygmomanometer body, comprising an air socket having an air plug acceptor and a pressure measuring air line and an exhaust air line each communicating with the air plug acceptor, an air supply plug removably connected to the air plug acceptor of air socket and provided with an air tube joint at one end thereof and an insert cylinder at the other end, and a control means which is removably connected to the insert cylinder of air supply plug and, upon installation, brings the air supply line of air supply plug into communication with the pressure measuring air line and exhaust air line for blood pressure determination and, upon removal, brings the air supply line of air supply plug selectively into communication with the pressure measuring air line for pressure assay.

Abstract: A stack molding apparatus wherein the injection nozzles are disposed in pairs of coaxial nozzles in a housing between two sets of injection molds. The reciprocable valving elements of the injection nozzles of each pair are coaxial with each other and are connected with pistons which are reciprocable by compressed air. The pistons are mounted in cylinders of discrete melt supplying members which receive melt from an additional melt supplying member. The housing has two mirror symmetrical sections which can be parted in a plane between pairs of coaxial pistons to afford access to the melt supplying members, to the pistons, to the nozzles and to a device which serves to supply compressed air for reciprocation of the pistons.

Abstract: The control manifold comprises a manifold casing which is at least approximately hexagonal, a pair of parallel sides forming thereby the upper and lower narrow sides of the casing, between which, the internal-casing conduit section of the connecting piece for the vacuum pump and for the pressure-medium supply container extend vertically and approximately concentrically; the conduit sections of the intake and outlet pieces lead into the upper end area of said supply container, the intake and outlet pieces each running parallel and near to the narrow sides joining at the upper narrow side of the casing. In this connection, the connecting piece is common to both the low-pressure side as well as the high-pressure side. From the foregoing there results a very compact and manageable manifold casing with very short, straight and hence easily-manufactured flow routes on one level.

Abstract: A two-head shower arm, of integral, one-piece construction, having a rectilinear, straight pipe and upstream and downstream depending pipe portions, all having the same inside diameters and possessing the inherent and self-contained functional attributes and qualities of substantially the same volumetric water discharges from both depending pipe portions, without recirculation, surge or hammer; and adapted for free-standing cantilever mounting relationship with an existing water supply outlet fitting in a shower enclosure's vertical side wall to dispose thereby shower heads carried by the depending pipe portions in the same horizontal plane in normal relationship with the vertical side wall.

Abstract: An air distribution manifold assembly for air support convalescent beds includes a rectangular housing adapted to be secured to a flat surface of the bed structure and cooperating therewith to form an air chamber. A plurality of air distribution connectors extend from respective walls of the housing and are each provided with fixed orifice elements that define orifices of predetermined dimension for distribution of pressurized air to respective air cells of an air bed system. The housing structure defines an outlet opening having a plurality of closely spaced, side-by-side outlet ports that are controllably closed by a slide valve for controlling venting of pressurized air from the air chamber. The slide valve is electrically driven by a rack and pinion assembly and is selectively operable by the patient for adjusting the supply of pressurized air to the air cells to control the firmness of the air support bed.

Abstract: A Y-shaped air diverter box is utilized to permit the replacement of a malfunctioning air filtration unit which is being utilized in a contaminated work site ara. The Y-shaped air box is utilized in such a manner so as to permit the purging and cleaning of the air conduit which normally connects the air filtration unit to an air exhaust as well as providing a means for cleaning the exhaust side of the new air filtration unit which is being placed into service.

Abstract: A valve apparatus having a three-flow line connectable flow housing with the valve closure located to enable control of the flow through the branch line while leaving primary straight through flow unaffected. The branch line flow is controlled by a conventional vertically reciprocable gate-type closure operated by a rotatable stem. The valve apparatus combines the functions of a conventional Tee-fitting and block valve in a relatively inexpensive unit. The disclosed valve apparatus is particularly useful in fluid flow networks or systems in which a primary conduit is provided with branch connections.

Abstract: A hydraulic control valve for a single-acting cylinder includes a valve housing having a cylindrical valve bore. A supply port present in the valve housing is in communication with the valve bore, as is a discharge port and a delivery port. A valve pin is slidable within the valve bore between first and second pin positions, the valve pin including a pin groove positionable to establish communication at the first pin position between the supply port and the delivery port to the exclusion of the discharge port. The pin is slidable from the first position to the second position to establish simultaneous communication with the pin groove between the supply port, the discharge port and the delivery port.

Abstract: A manifold which is useful in receiving a heated liquid such as warm water from a suitable source and for distributing that liquid to a plurality of floor heat exchangers and for receiving liquid from the heat exchangers and returning that liquid to the source. The manifold includes a plurality of separate manifold elements that can be stacked adjacent one another, each element having a first and second chamber. The first and second chambers of the elements together define first and second distribution vessels within the manifold. Each manifold element includes inlet and outlet ports communicating with the respective distribution vessels for carrying liquid to and from the heat exchangers. The manifold elements desirably are integrally formed from plastic or other material exhibiting a coefficient thermal conductivity of less than 1.0 kcal/M h .degree.C.

Abstract: A blender pump receiving a supply of base fluid and discharging the fluid into a particle mixing vat. A throttle valve and an input flow meter are connected to the discharge of the throttle valve. A gelling unit has its inlet connected to the blender pump discharge upstream of the throttle valve and the output of the gelling unit is connected to the upstream side of the throttle valve and downstream of the gelling unit inlet. The gelling unit includes a mixing eductor with at least one dry chemical gel feeder and a dispensing pump having a higher outlet pressure than the blender pump discharge pressure. A flow meter and valve is connected to the output of the dispensing pump for measuring and controlling the flow rate through the gelling unit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a high pressure valve of the dump type. The valve body contains a slideable, hollow spool with ports connecting its interior and exterior. When the valve is in the on position, all ports are located in the pressurized portion of the valve body, and fluid flows to an outlet connected to the hollow spool. In the off position, at least one port is outside the pressurized area of the valve body, thereby relieving fluid pressure. The ports slide through a seal of self-pressurizing construction. The valve may also be used as a high pressure swivel, or combination valve swivel, by rotating the spool, if the spool is supported by bearings.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat treating a work item includes a cover member and a base member on which the cover member is supported. A work space is defined between the base member and the cover member for receiving at least one work item which is positioned therein. A seal member is located between the base member and the cover member for sealing the work space against the entry and exit of gas. A valving system is provided for regulating the entrance and exit of a gas to and from the work space. The valving system is in fluid communication with the work space and includes a relief valve member for allowing the exhaust of the gas from the work space when gas pressure therein exceeds a predetermined limit.

Abstract: An ejector device which comprises a housing and a number of ejector nozzles positioned in partitions between successive suction chamber is produced by making the housing, producing suction chambers in the latter, forming communication opening between successive chambers, drilling holes through the walls of the housing and the partitions, inserting ejection nozzles into the holes in the partitions, providing flaps to cover the communication opening and closing the housing with a top cover.

Abstract: A directional dump valve is disclosed which allows for the rapid dumping of water from a standard tank truck or similar vehicle. The device has three main dumping ports, which are quickly selected by adjusting the position of the water control doors. This adjustment can be made quickly with the handles provided on the device. A quick action locking device is disclosed which will lock the handles into position once the proper port has been selected. Two of the outlets are fitted with conduits to channel water from the rear of the vehicle laterally past the ends of the truck. Baffles are provided on the control doors to reduce turbulence in the valve, and to help quicken the flow through the side discharge conduits. The conduits can also be extended by the use of extensions, which can be folded up on top of the conduits when they are not needed. The valve is designed to be flange mounted to the tank truck and can be disassembled for quick repair.

Abstract: Fluid under pressure, such as compressed air, is applied to one end of an elongate, thin, tubular plenum, the opposite end of which exhausts to the atmosphere. The plenum has intermediate its ends a plurality of axially spaced exhaust ports, which are connected to a valve mechanism having a rotary or reciprocable valve stem, which can be adjusted selectively to connect any one of the plenum exhaust ports through a single output port to a pneumatically operated device. The pressure of the air traveling through the plenum drops at a substantially linear rate, so that the pressures at the spaced exhaust ports can be plotted against the respective distances of these ports from the inlet end of the tubular plenum, thereby to provide a curve which can be used for predicting the pressure at any given point along the length of the plenum.

Abstract: The control armature comprises a low-pressure side suitable for connection on a vacuum pump and a high-pressure side suitable for connection on a supply container for pressure medium. Whereby the connecting conduit on the low-pressure side between the shut-off valve of the intake connecting piece and the shut-off valve of the pump connecting piece as well as the connecting conduit on the high-pressure side between the shut-off valve of the pressure-media-inlet connecting piece and the shut-off valve of the pressure-media-outlet connecting piece are in flow connection by way of a common conduit section in the armature casing, formed in each case by a junction curve for the respective connecting conduit, whereby the conduit section, formed by the junction curves, is at least partially in visual range of the sight glass. These measures permit precise observation of the process of flow on the low-pressure side as well as on the high-pressure side by means of a single sight glass.

Abstract: A torch having oxygen and fuel gas passages from the torch butt to the torch tip, and valving apparatus for controlling the flow of oxygen and fuel gas from fuel and oxygen adapters on the torch butt to said passages, the valving apparatus including a valve seat, a valve stem, a first ball retained in a valve stem bore for rotation relative to the valve stem and abuttable against the valve seat to block fluid flow therethrough while the valve stem is spaced from the valve seat and a second ball rotatably mounted in a valve stem bore to abut against the first ball axially opposite the valve seat, and lubricant for being transferred from the second ball to the first ball as the valve stem rotates relative the first ball and the first ball rotates relative to the second ball, the first ball being of a substantially larger diameter than the second ball.

Abstract: A mixing faucet valve having a check valve in each liquid supply line to prevent syphoning of liquid and crossover of liquid into a supply line in the event of reduced pressure in a line. The valve also includes a Venturi type arrangement for automatically diverting the outflow of liquid from a principal discharge spout to an auxiliary spray hose attachment when the valve to the spray hose is opened.

Abstract: A mixing faucet valve having a single check valve to prevent syphoning of liquid into a supply line in the event of reduced pressure in a line. The valve also includes a Venturi type arrangement for automatically diverting the outflow of liquid from a principal discharge spout to an auxiliary spray hose attachment when the valve to the spray hose is opened.

Abstract: The application discloses a procedure appropriate in the manipulation especially of small batches of liquid and an apparatus for carrying out the procedure, these being based on the use of valves closable by freezing and openable with the aid of electrical heating elements. The apparatus comprises an integral system composed of volumes and of conduits connecting these, wherein the conduits have been provided with said freezable valves. The transfer of liquids within the sytem is accomplished by means of control signals directed to the valve heating elements. As valve heating elements film resistances incorporated in plate-like components are employed in such manner that one component establishes a plurality of valves. At the same time these valves are connected to a common refrigerator.

Abstract: A solar heating system for a swimming pool and the like is disclosed. The system includes a circulation circuit having a pump by which water is withdrawn from the pool, passed through a filter and returned to the pool. A solar collector assembly is provided and has flow and return lines connected in said circuit. The flow line is connected to a venturi unit in the main circuit and a control valve is provided immediately downstream of the venturi unit. When the control valve is closed, water is diverted through the venturi unit and into the solar collector assembly for heating. When the valve is open, the venturi unit induces a suction effect in the flow line which causes the solar collector assembly to be positively drained into the circuit. A vacuum breaker admits air to the collector assembly at this time.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying liquid to a moving strip includes a conveyor, a reservoir for the liquid, an array of multiple nozzles arranged above and transversely of the conveyor, and multiple remote controllable valves actuable by a programmable electronic control to cause respective streams of liquid received from said reservoir to issue from the nozzles onto the strip in accordance with a predetermined pattern. A multiplicity of fluid distributors are provided between the valves and the nozzles so that one or more repeats of the pattern occur across the strip. The lengths of the fluid lines connecting the nozzles of each group to its distributor are substantially equal. Novel fluid distributor construction are also disclosed.

Abstract: An end plug or fitting for an endoscope includes a mouthpiece member 1 having a central passage therethrough for the insertion of a medical instrument, such as a forceps, into a guide tube 5. The upper portion of the passage receives a sealing member 2 having a nozzle section 2a whose oblique end face confronts the mouth of a suction pipe 4 and whose inner diameter is smaller than that of the guide tube and approximately the same as the outer diameter of the instrument(s) to be inserted. Such a construction provides for ease of instrument insertion and withdrawal, good suction during insertion, and very low suction after withdrawal.

Abstract: A valve assembly of the type providing bypass flow through a branch channel when the movable valve member is in the closed position to block flow through the main flow channel outlet. A venturi device is disposed in the main channel upstream of the movable valve member, and the venturi has secondary ports provided through the wall at the throat section. When the movable valve member is in the closed position, flow into the venturi exits at the flow ports and flows through the bypass channel. When the movable valve member is in the open position, flow discharges from the venturi, through the main channel outlet port downstream of the movable valve member, thereby causing reduced pressure at the venturi throat and preventing flow through the secondary ports to the bypass channel.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic servo-valve comprises a fixed liner having an inner duct for hydraulic fluid communicating with at least one opening in the liner for substantially radial outward flow, the effective area of the opening being controlled by a sleeve around and slidable relative to the liner, movement of the sleeve being controlled by a torque motor having an electric control for causing oscillation in a plane, the torque motor being connected to the sleeve by a spindle subject to the torque motor and a return spring and articulated on the sleeve.

Abstract: A valve system incorporating single failure protective logic. The system consists of a valve combination or composite valve which allows actuation or de-actuation of a device such as a hydraulic cylinder or other mechanism, integral with or separate from the valve assembly, by means of three independent input signals combined in a function commonly known as two-out-of-three logic. Using the input signals as independent and redundant actuation/de-actuation signals, a single signal failure, or failure of the corresponding valve or valve set, will neither prevent the desired action, nor cause the undesired action of the mechanism.