Abstract: A control valve and a membrane for a moving a valve disk of a control valve between a first position and a second position are provided. The membrane has a central axis perpendicular to an extension plane of the membrane. The membrane includes an outer annular rim portion, a central portion configured to be connected the valve disk, and a flexible portion that is annular and provided between the central portion and the outer annular rim portion. The membrane is flexible to permit the central portion to move back and forth along the central axis, thereby permitting the valve disk to move to one of the first position and the second position. The membrane is designed with an inherent pre-tensioning of the flexible portion, which permits the membrane to exert a force on the valve disk from the first position towards the second position.

Abstract: A faucet-mounted filter system that includes a body forming a fluid chamber having a water inlet, a quick connect device positioned adjacent the water inlet for mounting the filter system to a water faucet such that the water inlet is placed in fluid communication with the water faucet, a filtered water flow path disposed within the body and in fluid communication with the water inlet, an unfiltered water flow path disposed within the body and in fluid communication with the water inlet, a diverter valve disposed within the fluid chamber and operable to open and close the filtered and unfiltered water flow paths, a seal for sealing the fluid chamber, an actuator engaging the diverter valve to open and close the filtered and unfiltered water flow paths without having to interrupt the seal, a flow meter connected to the body and in fluid communication with the filter flow path, a filter housing connected to the body and having a reservoir, and a filter cartridge disposed within the reservoir.

Abstract: An expansion valve and an air conditioner for vehicles having the same, the expansion valve comprising a main body having an inflow channel, first and second discharge channels and first and second orifices to expand refrigerant branched from the inflow channel to the first and second discharge channels; first and second valves to control flow rates of refrigerant passing through the first and second orifices by controlling the degree of opening of the first and second orifices respectively; and a shaft slidably mounted inside the main body for varying positions of the first and second valves simultaneously so that the first and second orifices are opened or closed at the same time by the movement of the shaft.

Abstract: A wireless communication system for agricultural vehicles, in which each vehicle has a global positioning system (GPS), a multi-channel transmitter/receiver module having a limited communication range, and a signal processor connected to the transmitter/receiver module. The transmitter is controlled by the signal processor to transmit on a predetermined communication channel a signal comprising a unique vehicle identifier and a signal indicating the current positional coordinates of the vehicle. The signal processor also analyzes the signals received from other vehicles within the communication range and determines from the identifier and the positional coordinates data when another vehicle is ready to perform a joint operation with the vehicle. Prior to initiation of a joint operation, the communication system is switched to a different communication channel.

Abstract: A fast valve actuation system for an automatic vehicle transmission includes a pair of spring-biased shift valves. Solenoids control the application of pressurized hydraulic fluid to the head of each of the shift valves. Each shift valve has at least one port that is coupled to a fluid chamber of a torque transferring mechanism of an automatic transmission. The position of each of the shift valves determines whether its ports are connected with fluid pressure. Fluid passages connect the head of each shift valve to the spring pocket of the other shift valve.

Abstract: A flow splitter (10) that is uniquely characterized by the use of two diaphragm valves in a single valve body that are arranged in opposition to one another. The diaphragm valves are coupled together for common movement by a coupler, such that the flow rate through respective outlets is a function of the position of either diaphragm valve. That is, the position of one valve is a function of the position of the other valve, and vice versa. With this construction a single actuator can control the ratio of total flow that will be delivered to each of two outlet ports. Moreover, such construction eliminates the need for thermal or pressure sensors and thus the drawbacks associated therewith.

Abstract: The inventive technology, in embodiments, may include a controller configured to coordinate operation of valves and remotely controllable regulators that are fluidically communicative therewith, allowing the control of positioners of positioner zones that are fluidically communicative with such remotely controllable regulators. Preferred embodiments may find application as, e.g., a pneumatic system to control positioners, whether such positioner find use in bottling applications or elsewhere. Additional aspects of the inventive technology may relate to methods for pressurized fluid positioner control.

Abstract: A particulate flow monitor for a pneumatic system including a particulate flow tube defining a particulate flow path, a blower connected to the flow tube and the flow tube terminating at a particulate discharge, which flow monitor comprises an acoustic transducer connected to the flow tube intermediate the blower and the discharge; said acoustic transducer being located in said particulate flow path; an impact surface on said acoustic transducer adapted for being impacted by the particulate matter in said flow path; and an electrical signal generator connected to said acoustic transducer and adapted for generating an electrical signal in response to sound waves created by particulate matter impact; said signal generator including an output adapted for providing an electrical output signal corresponding to said sound waves; and a processor connected to said signal generator output; and said processor being programmed to monitor particulate flow based on said detected particulate matter impact.

Abstract: A flow control device for a gas chromatograph is provided. The flow control device includes first and second valves each having alpha and beta operating states and a plurality of ports. In each of the first and second valves, the ports are associated to have alpha pairs of the ports and beta pairs of the ports. In the alpha operating state of each of the first and second valves, the ports in each of the alpha pairs are connected and the ports in each of the beta pairs are disconnected. In the beta operating state of each of the first and second valves, the ports in each of the beta pairs are connected and the ports in each of the alpha pairs are disconnected. The first and second valves are formed by a cylindrical manifold plate disposed between cylindrical first and second port plates. A first diaphragm is disposed between the first port plate and the manifold plate and a second diaphragm is disposed between the second port plate and the manifold plate.

Abstract: An actuator assembly and method for making and using an actuator assembly. In one embodiment, the assembly includes an actuator body having an actuator channel with a first region and a second region. An actuator is disposed in the actuator channel and is movable when in a flowable state between a first position and a second position. A heater is positioned proximate to the actuator channel to heat the actuator from a solid state to a flowable state. A source of gas or other propellant is positioned proximate to the actuator channel to drive the actuator from the first position to the second position. The actuator has a higher surface tension when engaged with the second region of the channel than when engaged with the first region. Accordingly, the actuator can halt upon reaching the second region of the channel due to the increased surface tension between the actuator and the second region of the channel.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electromagnetic double valve comprising an electromagnetic coil disposed in a valve housing and two valve bodies disposed in the valve housing and shiftable in their directions of polarity. The valve bodies comprise permanent magnets which are shifted by a magnetization of the coil such that the valve bodies either move away from a valve seat or towards the same, thereby opening and closing a valve opening disposed in the valve seat, respectively. The double valve can be used as a servo valve for controlling main valves.

Abstract: A multiway valve for controlling a flow of fluid under pressure, includes a valve housing having fluid ports and a plurality of bores in side-by-side parallel disposition substantially at a same level. Each bore is configured for accommodation of a valve spools which are sealed in the bores against the valve housing. The spools have opposite first and second end faces, and include portions of greater diameter and portions of smaller diameter. Acting on the first end face of the spools is an actuation unit for moving the spools in a longitudinal direction to thereby direct a flow of fluid under pressure between the ports, whereas a mechanical coupling mechanism, which is secured to the valve housing, interacts with the second end faces of the spools.

Abstract: A multi-port pinch valve includes at least one primary conduit section having a bore for containing material transferred therethrough and a plurality of branch conduit sections in fluid communication with the primary conduit section. At least one of the branch conduit sections is defined by a respective branch conduit section wall having an outer sleeve portion, a flexible inner sleeve portion and a gap extending longitudinally along and around a portion of the branch conduit section wall. The gap is positioned between the outer sleeve portion and the inner sleeve portion. The valve also includes an injection mechanism in communication with the gap for injecting a flowing medium into the gap, such that the flexible inner sleeve flexes into a branch conduit bore. Methods of manufacturing the valve and controlling flow in a multi-port pinch valve are also disclosed.

Abstract: A 3-way hydraulic valve comprising a body formed with an inlet port for connecting to a pressurized supply line, a first outlet port for connecting to an outlet line and being in flow communication with the inlet port, a gate intermediate the inlet port and the first outlet port, dividing the body into an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber, the body further comprises a second outlet extending from the outlet chamber, and a control chamber fitted with a deformable diaphragm sealingly engageable with the gate so as to prevent flow between the inlet port and the first outlet port, and a sealing port associated with the second outlet and comprising a sealing member linearly displaceable between a closed and an open position.

Abstract: An exhaust diverter for selectively attenuating exhaust volume includes a first pipe for fluidly coupling to and positioning between the engine and the muffler. A second pipe has a first end and a second end. The first end of the second pipe is fluidly coupled to the first pipe. An exhaust pipe is fluidly coupled to the second end of the second pipe. A valve system selectively opens and closes passages through the first and second pipes. The valve system includes a first valve positioned in the first pipe and a second valve positioned in the second pipe. An actuator is mechanically coupled to the valves for selectively opening and closing the first and second valves such that one of the valves simultaneously opens when the other of the valves closes.

Abstract: A multiport, diaphragm sealed valve suitable for use as both a sampling and column switching valve. The valve is constructed to internally block fluid communication between one or more pairs of ports in a valve operating mode. Such blocking may be used to conserve carrier gas when the valve is in the ON position.

Abstract: A poultry drinker system includes a number of drinker lines each supplied from a common high pressure water supply through a water pressure regulator. Each regulator includes a reference spring establishing a default minimum water pressure. A centralized remote control system provides regulated low pressure air to the water pressure regulators to augment the reference spring force and remotely adjust the water pressure in the drinker lines. The remote control system periodically applies higher pressure air to the water pressure regulators to increase water pressure and flow rates and sequentially flush the drinker lines. The remote control system includes a source of high pressure air, an air pressure regulator for supplying lower pressure air and a stack of 3-way valves for applying low or high pressure air to each water pressure regulator.

Abstract: The present invention is a device which includes a connecting coupling for connection with hydromassage water circulation pipes, the connecting coupling having first coupling portion with a first aperture connected with an inlet of a hydromassage orifice, a second coupling portion with a second aperture axially opposed to the first aperture, and at least a third coupling portion with at least a third aperture, arranged at an angle with respect to the first aperture, the third aperture connected with a water circulation pipe. The device also includes a plug, capable of closing the first aperture, which is axially movable, within a coupling chamber, between the first and the second aperture and which is supported by a stem placed axially through the second aperture. Externally to the coupling, a mechanism is provided which is capable of displacing the stem of the plug axially, so as to bring the plug alternately against the first aperture, or below, at some distance from the latter.

Abstract: A pressure regulating valve is provided with a first valve for opening and closing a flow channel between a fluid pressure source and a reservoir, and a second valve for opening and closing a flow channel between an output chamber and the reservoir in order to regulate the pressure applied from the fluid pressure source in proportion to an input fluid pressure in an input chamber and to output the regulated pressure from the output chamber. A slidable valve body with one end subjected to an input pressure and the other end subjected to an output pressure, and a one-way valve for allowing communication only from the fluid pressure source to the output chamber are featured in that the movement of the valve body by a given quantity causes the first valve to close after the second valve is closed as the pressure in the input chamber rises.

Abstract: An on/off, protective circuit has a pressure line with an inlet for connection to a pressure source and an outlet for connection to the pressure port of a hydraulic system, such as a reciprocating conveyor. A relief valve is spring biased into a closed position and openable by pressure in the pressure line to short circuit pressure from the pressure line to a return line when an on/off valve is in an off position. The spring biasing of the relief valve causes residual pressure in the pressure line. To prevent communication of the residual pressure out through the pressure outlet and into the hydraulic system and thereby prevent creeping movement in the system, a check valve is provided in the pressure line downstream of the relief valve. The check valve has a valve plug positioned to be closed by pressure in the pressure line.

Abstract: A snow making system which includes a snow making device adapted to produce a spray of artificially manufactured snow from a combination of compressed air and water supplied under pressure to the device from remote compressed air and water supplies. A control system is provided at each snow making device which includes air and water valves that are operatively connected between the snow making device and respective supplies of compressed air and water for controlling the supply of air and water to the snow making device. The air and water valves are ganged together for simultaneously valving of the air and water supply and these valves are further adapted for draining water from the connected snow making device when the valves are in their off position. An air operated drive is connected for actuating the ganged valves simultaneously and is connected to the air supplied under pressure for maintaining the ganged valves on when the pressure of the supplied air is above a predetermined minimum.

Abstract: A snow making system which includes a snow making device adapted to produce a spray of artificially manufactured snow from a combination of compressed air and water supplied under pressure to the device from remote compressed air and water supplies. A control system is provided at each snow making device which includes air and water valves that are operatively connected between the snow making device and respective supplies of compressed air and water for controlling the supply of air and water to the snow making device. The air and water valves are ganged together for simultaneously valving of the air and water supply and these valves are further adapted for draining water from the connected snow making device when the valves are in their off position. An air operated drive is connected for actuating the ganged valves simultaneously and is connected to the air supplied under pressure for maintaining the ganged valves on when the pressure of the supplied air is above a predetermined minimum.

Abstract: An improved system and apparatus is provided for cooling the energy source used in powering various types of semiconductor processing devices. The improved cooling system uses a solenoid valve which is electrically controlled by the processing equipment during times in which the energy source is on, or during times in which the user manually or automatically programs valve activation. The solenoid valve can be easily and readily retrofitted to any pre-existing processing device which uses an energy source and which can be electrically activated by the processing device or a user interface panel. An activated solenoid valve allows coolant to flow through the energy source in order to maintain optimal performing temperature of the energy source. An inactive valve will reroute coolant away from the energy source to ensure longevity of the system and to minimize condensation upon the energy source electrical components.

Abstract: A mixer of the type comprising an axle (2) such as a screw rotatably mounted within a trough (1) is characterized in that the rotatable axle (2) has at its periphery at least one opening comprising an injection point (21) or distribution point of at least one of the constituents of the mixture. The mixer is useful in the production of foundry molds.

Abstract: A rotary feed system for a machine tool capable of feeding, for example, an off-center or a centrally-supplied tool with a coolant, has at the downstream end of a shaft delivering a fluid medium, a rotary distributing valve which is actuated by a fluid, e.g. compressed air applied to one or two vanes of the rotary piston within a generally annular or segmental working compartment.

Abstract: An improved valve for controlling flow of water to a turbine engine is disclosed. A hydraulically actuated spool valve controls the volume of water flow. An inventive seal and drain system ensures that no hydraulic oil mixes with the water being directed to the turbine engine, which would increase emissions from the engine. Further, the system ensures that no water will intermix with the hydraulic fluid in the pressure chambers for the spool valve, which could degrade the oil in the hydraulic system.

Abstract: A shuttle valve (10) for use in a dual refrigerator system (100) and operated by controlled refrigerant pressure lines (120, 122) to provide that either one or both of two evaporators (104, 106) are active. The valve (10) includes piston chambers (30) at each end having an outer portion (26) communicating with pressure lines (120, 122) and an enlarged inner portion (32) and an intermediate chamber (21) having valve seats (22) at each end. The valve (10) includes inlet and outlet ports (14, 16) communicating with the piston chamber enlarged portions (32) and an outlet part (18) communicating with the intermediate chamber (21). The valve (10) also includes a piston assembly (40) having opposed pistons (41, 42) interconnected by a biased push rod (44) and mounted in associated piston chambers for closing associated inlet ports (104, 106).

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: A improved silo is provided having a pair of pivoting receiver gates overlying a pair of receiver openings and a pair of pivoting discharge gates overlying a pair of discharge openings. A deformable seal is secured to the silo between the receiver openings and the receiver gates and between the discharge openings and the discharge gates. The gates are vertically adjusted by an eccentric assembly to compress the respective deformable seal for forming an air tight barrier between the respective openings and the gate.

Abstract: Several embodiments are disclosed of an automatic shutoff valve apparatus for permitting removal, repair, or replacement of a control valve from a mounting base without deactivating a complete system. In addition, a redundancy arrangement is disclosed wherein the shutoff valve apparatus and at least two control valves are employed in parallel so that the device activated by the control valves can be maintained operative when one control valve malfunctions or is removed, repaired, or replaced.

Abstract: A control valve for construction equipment adapted to operate a control mechanism in which a central by-pass passage is provided with a pilot pressure generating mechanism such as an orifice or the like and which is adapted to generate a pilot pressure due to pressure loss of fluid passed through the pilot pressure generating mechanism when a valve connected to the central by-pass passage is set at an open position, resulting the pilot pressure acting to control a discharge rate of a variable discharge pump. The control valve includes a valve body, in which a first spool and a second spool are arranged in series in such a manner that inner ends of the first and second spools are opposite to each other. An outer end of the second spool faces a second pilot chamber. A centering spring is arranged so as to act on an outer end of the first spool, so that the inner ends of both spools may be abutted against each other and received in a first pilot chamber when the spools are at their normal position.

Abstract: A modular color changer provides selected paint colors for spraying and recirculates nonselected colors. A module is provided for each paint color to be selected, and each module has an inlet for connection with a respective supply of paint, a recirculate outlet, a delivery outlet and a single valve member. The valve member may be selectively engaged with either a first or a second seat, depending upon whether paint at the inlet is to be directed to the recirculate outlet for return to the supply or to the delivery outlet for flow to a paint applicator. Solvent and air purge valves are upstream of the modules for cleaning the color changer of one color of paint in preparation for supplying another.

Abstract: A system is disclosed which may alternatively be used as a diverter or as a blowout preventer for a drilling rig. The system comprises a blowout preventer attached above a spool having a hydraulically driven sleeve/piston. An outlet flow passage in the spool, which may be connected to a vent line, is closed off by the sleeve wall when the spool piston is at rest.Hydraulic ports are connected above and below the blowout preventer annular piston and above and below the spool annular piston. The ports below the blowout preventer piston and above the spool piston are in fluid communication with each other. A hydraulic circuit is provided having two valves between a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid and a drain.

Abstract: A piston biasing means including, a coil-type spring, adapted to exert pressure on one side of a piston to be biased in a predetermined direction, a spring retaining means which is slidable toward and away from the piston when the spring is compressed and released and centering means, preferably including pivot balls on each end of the spring, so as to make point contact and rolling contact with the piston. A spring adjusting means to adjust the tension on the spring is also included. A piston assembly and valve assembly incorporating the piston biasing means are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing and dispensing fluid components includes a mixing chamber for mixing reactive components prior to dispensing the components. The components are provided through separate valves to ducts in fluid communication with inlets to the mixing chamber. The valve actuator can be selectively positioned to prevent one of the valve from opening. The valves are ball valves which are actuated by a hydraulic actuator acting through a rack and gear system. The rack is cylindrical with a flat spot formed thereon for preventing rotation of an associated one of the gears as the actuator is moved.

Abstract: In a cellular element the individual cells (1) are connected via a narrowed passage (2) to another cell or to a duct (3), which can be connected via a valve to a first pressure source. Hollow, expansible bodies (4) of an elastic, yielding material are placed in the duct and/or in one or more cells (1). The bodies (4) are interconnected via one or more yielding organs (5) in such a way that when they expand, they prevent outflow from the cells (1).The yielding organ or organs (5) may appropriately be tubes connecting the interior of the expansible bodies (4) with a second pressure source.An expansible body (4) may be placed in each cell (1), and the yielding organ or organs (5) is/are then shaped and dimensioned in such a way that when the body (4) is expanded, it bears against the mouth of the passage (2) into the cell (1) and tightens it.

Abstract: In a cellular element, e.g. an air mattress, the individual cells (1) are connected via a narrow passage (2) to a duct (3) which can be connected via a valve to a first pressure source. In each cell (1) a body (4) is placed, bearing against the mouth of the passage (2) into the cell, closing it tightly, and in the duct (3) at least one expansible organ (5) is placed which, when expanding, will press the body (4) away from the mouth of the passage (2).The expansible organ or organs may consist of a tube, which is closed at one end, and the other end of which can be connected to a second pressure source, if required via a valve.The body (4) placed in a cell (1) may appropriately be hollow and made of a yielding material.In such an element a wall of each cell, e.g. in the form of a membrane, can make up an individual supporting surface. When the cells are exposed to uneven pressure from outside, e.g.

Abstract: For application in controlling fuel flow to a gas turbine engine, the control valve includes one or more fuel inlet manifolds, a fuel outlet manifold and a fuel drain manifold in fuel flow relation with a longitudinal bore in a valve sleeve. A hollow spool valve is slidably disposed in the sleeve bore and includes a metering valve thereon movable past a fuel inlet aperture to meter fuel flow from the fuel inlet manifold to the fuel outlet manifold. The spool valve also includes a shut-off valve thereon for terminating fuel flow to the fuel outlet manifold under certain conditions. The hollow spool valve includes a longitudinal bore in fuel flow relation with the fuel outlet manifold and fuel drain manifold and a drain valve in the spool bore openable when fuel flow to the fuel outlet manifold is interrupted by the shut-off valve so that fuel can drain from the fuel outlet manifold to the drain manifold and closeable during metered fuel flow to the fluid outlet manifold.

Abstract: A 4/2 type distributing control valve characterized by compactness, ruggedness and high sampling frequency, the valve comprising two index plates (6, 7), each having teeth about its perimeter, provided with axial switching bores (8, 9, 10, 11). The two switching bores for each plate are connected with a groove (12, 13) which extends over the center of the relevant index plate.

Abstract: A dispenser is disclosed, the dispenser comprising a head adapted with one or more expandable members to regulate the quantity of flow from the head.

Abstract: A fuel injection nozzle for internal combustion engines, having a valve needle, which at the end of a pre-stroke directly or indirectly opens an auxiliary conduit, by way of which the fuel pressure acts upon a reservoir piston and a pressure shoulder which acts in the closing direction of the valve needle. As a result, the valve needle is temporarily returned to the valve seat and the closing pressure is notably increased. The subsequent primary injection phase is initiated at a correspondingly higher pressure, and the higher closing pressure continues effective until the end of the injection event, thereby bringing about an exact closure of the valve.

Abstract: A system is disclosed which may alternatively be used as a diverter or as a blowout preventer for a drilling rig. The system comprises a BOP attached above a spool having a hydraulically driven sleeve/piston. An outlet passage in the spool, which may be connected to a vent line, is closed off by the sleeve wall when the spool piston is at rest.Hydraulic ports are connected above and below the BOP annular piston and above and below the spool annular piston. The ports below the BOP piston and above the spool piston are in fluid communication with each other. A hydraulic circuit is provided having two valves between a source and a drain of pressurized hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A fire flap arrangement for installation in a flow channel comprises a housing with opposite front walls and openings in the front walls. A pair of fire flaps are pivoted in said housing and held by means of permanent magnets in rest positions outside of the flow area. A locking bar within the housing can be displaced radially inwards pivoting the fire flaps into their locking positions in which they close the front wall openings. The locking bar in its locking position bridges the pair of fire flaps and presses them outwards against the front walls. The arrangement is actuated by a liquid pressure driven piston, the liquid also serving as a cooling medium for the housing.

Abstract: Apparatus adapted for connection to a drilling conduit beneath a drilling rig floor for diverting pressurized well bore fluid in the conduit from the rig and sealing the annulus between a pipe or other object and the conduit or closing the vertical flow path of the conduit in the absence of any object in the conduit is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing, an annular packing element and two pistons. The housing is provided with at least one outlet passage in the wall of its body, and one of the two pistons acts as a sliding sleeve valve in cooperation with the housing wall for preventing fluid communication between the outlet passage and the interior of the housing when it is in a nonactuated or normal position and for allowing fluid communication when it is in an actuated or diverting position.

Abstract: A backflushing system capable of being used with an automatic milking device is the subject of this patent application. The system includes a control cam (54) which can be moved linearly to effectuate the various functions. The cam (54) has formed thereon a plurality of lands (64, 66, 68, 70) which operate various actuators (92, 94, 96). The various flushing functions and operation of a fail-safe valve (30) are governed by the actuators (92, 94, 96). In a preferred embodiment, the cam (54) is movable in both forward and reverse directions and is so controlled by a toggle switch (72), movable between two positions, which operates a two position, five way regulation valve (58).

Abstract: A flow diversion valve having first and second tubular spool housings joined at a contiguous edge to form an assembly, each of the housings having a flow passageway intermediate the housing ends, the passageways being opposite each other, and each of the housings having first and second ports formed in the sidewall spaced 90.degree.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed which is adapted for connection to a drilling conduit beneath a drilling rig floor for diverting pressurized well bore fluid in the conduit from the rig and sealing the annulus between a pipe or other object and the conduit or closing the vertical flow path of the conduit in the absence of any object in the conduit. The apparatus includes a housing, an annular packing element and two annular pistons. The housing is provided with two outlet passages in its wall. A first piston covers one outlet passage in the housing wall for preventing fluid communication between that outlet passage and the interior of the housing when it is in a nonactivated position and for aligning a first hole in the piston wall with the outlet passage for allowing fluid communication when the piston is in an activated position.

Abstract: Flow diverter apparatus is disclosed having a housing and a piston and annular packer disposed therein. The diverter has passages in the piston and housing walls providing fluid communication between the borehole and a vent line. A valve in the vent line is opened before the packer of the apparatus is closed about a tubular member in the bore of the apparatus or completely closes the vertical flow path of the bore of the apparatus when no object is therein, thereby diverting pressurized borehole fluid away from the rig equipment and personnel.

Abstract: The invention is a pneumatically operated valve assembly for simultaneously (1) closing gas-transfer lines connected to a gas centrifuge or the like and (2) establishing a recycle path between two of the lines so closed. The valve assembly is especially designed to be compact, fast-acting, reliable, and comparatively inexpensive. It provides large reductions in capital costs for gas-centrifuge cascades.

Abstract: First and second passages extending through a housing communicate between first and second inlets, respectively, and a common outlet. Separately operable valve means selectively control the flow of fluid through each passage. A safety shut-off automatically closes the passage in response to failure of the actuating means for the respective valve means. The actuating mechanisms for the valve means are thermally insulated from the passages.