Abstract: A geothermal heat containment barrier operable to be manipulated through an opening of a vault by at least partially folding the geothermal heat containment barrier, and positioned substantially horizontally against walls of the vault to reduce heat transfer through the barrier is provided. The barrier includes a central insulating core, a flexible outer frame, and an outer sealing trim. The central insulating core includes top and bottom outer surfaces and a perimeter edge. The central insulating core includes and/or contains an insulating material. The flexible outer frame has a shape memory and includes at least one flexible component having ends together such that the flexible outer frame is continuous and closed. The outer sealing trim is attached to the top and bottom outer surfaces and wraps around the perimeter edge of the central insulating core. The outer sealing trim is operable to press against the wall of the vault.

Abstract: One thermal control system for use during electric vehicle battery charging includes a charging station thermally conditioning a fluid and sending the fluid to a vehicle charge inlet. The vehicle charge inlet thermally conditions the fluid and sends the fluid to one of a vehicle thermal loop or a vehicle heat exchanger. Another thermal control system includes a charging station thermally conditioning a fluid and sending the fluid to a vehicle charge inlet. The vehicle charge inlet thermally conditions the fluid and sends the fluid back to the charging station. In another thermal control system, a vehicle thermal loop supplies a fluid at a first temperature to a vehicle charge inlet. The vehicle charge inlet thermally conditions the fluid to a second temperature and returns the fluid to the vehicle thermal loop.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a pressure sensor system includes a pressure sensor element with a flexible plate, wherein the pressure sensor element is a piezoresistive sensor element and a support element on which the pressure sensor element is arranged, wherein a flow channel configured to supply a medium to the flexible plate runs in the support element, wherein the flow channel has at least one sub-section, a longitudinal direction of which running perpendicularly below the flexible plate, and wherein a channel cross section of the at least one sub-section of the flow channel is at no point within the sub-section of the flow channel smaller than an area of the flexible plate.

Abstract: A recirculation pipe and an engine system including the same are provided. A recirculation pipe of an EGR apparatus may include a pipe body, and a plurality of bellows tube assemblies formed in the pipe body and including a plurality of bellows tube. One bellows tube assembly among the plurality of bellows tube assemblies and another bellows tube assembly among the plurality of bellows tube assemblies have different shapes.

Abstract: A precision seed-distribution system of the type applied on planters with a machine element that touches the soil, a row unit chassis that supports a seed meter, and a seed conductor tube extending downward from the seed meter. The seed conductor tube may have vertical grooves along a length of the seed conductor tube and across an internal surface of at least one sidewall of the seed conductor tube.

Abstract: Various embodiments for conserving fluid based on the position of a toilet seat are presented. One example embodiment includes a toilet flushing system having a fluid regulation component and a position detector. The fluid regulation component is configured to regulate an amount of fluid used to flush a toilet during a flush cycle. The position detector is configured to detect whether the toilet seat is in a raised position or a lowered position. The position detector is coupled to the fluid regulation component to communicate whether the toilet seat is in the raised position or the lowered position. The fluid regulation component is further configured to regulate the amount of fluid used during the flush cycle based at least in part on whether the toilet seat is in the raised position or the lowered position.

Abstract: A joint arrangement includes at least one driven axis for activating a movement of a component of a robot, wherein a first base element (15) receives a first rotary element (16) rotatable about a first axis of rotation (14). The first rotary element (16) receives a second axis of rotation (18) separate from the first axis of rotation (14) and about which a second rotary element (22) is pivotably mounted on the first rotary element (16). The second rotary element (22) has a third axis of rotation (25) separate from the second axis of rotation (18) and about which a second base element (26) is rotatable relative to the second rotary element (22). The first and second axes of rotation (14, 18) have a point of intersection (29) lying outside the joint arrangement (11) and have an axial offset (19) relative to one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filter device (1) for filtering liquids, comprising: a filter element (2) having an interior (3) for accommodating a liquid, and a compensating element (5) made of elastically deformable material for accommodating a liquid volume that increases when the liquid freezes. The compensating element (5) is arranged in the interior (3), and a gap (6), in particular an annular gap, for accommodating the liquid is formed between the compensating element (5) and the filter element (3).

Abstract: A filter device includes a filter element (3), through which a fluid to be purified can flow at a determinable fluid operating pressure, and which can be accommodated in a housing (1). The fluid pressure prevailing at the respective filter element (3) may exhibit pressure increases or pressure peaks, which are damaging to the filter element (3), and in particular to its filter material (9), and which can be reduced and/or smoothened by a compensation device acting directly on the filter element (3) and having a flexible compensation element (29) that enables the volume of the fluid chamber of the housing (1) to be increased in accordance with a pressure peak or pressure increase. The flexible compensation element (29) is arranged between the outer side of the filter material (9) of the filter element (3) and the adjacent inner wall of the housing (1).

Abstract: A bicycle hydraulic hose cap comprises a hose attachment to be detachably attached to an end of a hydraulic hose, and a reservoir including a fluid chamber having a variable internal volume. The fluid chamber is connected to a fluid passageway of the hydraulic hose in an attachment state where the hose attachment is attached to the end of the hydraulic hose.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve for containers suited for the pneumatic loading of loose solid products, in particular silos. The valve comprises a valve body having a first end, which pneumatically communicates with the inside of the container, and a second end, which is associated to a flow control organ, which is subject to the action of corresponding closing membrane. The flow control organ periodically establishes a fluid communication between said valve body and a duct that communicates with the outside. The valve is characterized in that at least one portion of the duct that communicates with the outside is suited to be elastically deformed by the pressure difference existing between the inside of said container and the inside of the duct itself.

Abstract: Provided is a fluid control valve assembly which reduces pressure loss as much as possible in a fluid passage line including a fluid control valve, thereby mini-minimizing the pressure for a fluid to pass therethrough and thus ensuring a required amount of flow without upsizing the overall assembly. The fluid control valve assembly is adapted such that an upstream pipe (17) forming an upstream fluid passageway and tilted at a predetermined angle relative to a valve axis (L) is provided to face an upstream chamber (11). The upstream chamber is formed upstream of a valve portion (12) which has a valve seat (13) and a valve body (14) in a valve housing (10) and which can open and close the fluid passageway. The wall surface of the upstream chamber is integrated with a swelling (20), which is projected in the chamber to thereby rectify and guide the fluid flowing therein through the upstream pipe so that the fluid smoothly flows to the valve portion.

Abstract: A system includes an enclosure and a compressible device. The enclosure forms a confined space where water can accumulate in ambient conditions that fluctuate between freezing and non-freezing water temperatures. The enclosure can contain a protected item within at least a portion of the confined space. The compressible device is within at least the portion of the confined space and compresses under pressure from an uncompressed state to a compressed state that increases the available volume for water within the confined space. The compressible device compresses from the uncompressed state to the compressed state under a first pressure force created by the expansion of frozen water within the enclosure. The first pressure force is less than a second pressure force capable of damaging the enclosure or the protected item.

Abstract: A fluid flow stabilizing method and a pump having a stabilized fluid flow passage where a process fluid contains suspended solid particles and is subject to pressure oscillations. The method comprises positioning an expandable membrane along the lower transverse surface, inflating the membrane with a compressible fluid, and alternatingly expanding and contracting the membrane to dampen the pressure oscillations and inhibit settling of the solid particles at the lower transverse surface. The pump comprises a stabilizer comprising a compressible fluid in an expandable membrane elongated along the lower transverse surface of a manifold in fluid communication with the fluid end. Another method comprises reciprocating a plunger in the pump to pass a slurry through the manifold, and alternatingly expanding and contracting a stabilizer in the manifold.

Abstract: A connector for connecting at least two receptor modules for a liquid medium, wherein the connector has a first connection end for the connection to a first receptor module and a second connection end for the connection to a second receptor module. The connector has a pressure equalization chamber between the first and second connection ends, in which a compressible insert is disposed. The compressible insert lies in part against the interior wall of the pressure equalization chamber. A least one longitudinal channel for a fluid communication between the first and second connection ends is provided between the interior wall of the pressure equalization chamber and the compressible insert. The compressible insert can be compacted as a result of a volume expansion of the liquid medium due to temperature conditions.

Abstract: The pipe has a non-circular cross section that generally looks like that of a squashed circle. The pipe would not deform significantly from that having the squashed circle cross section under the condition in which the inside pressure is the same or less than that of the internal pressure of the pipe that carries ordinary cold tap water. The cross section of the pipe gets deformed to become rounder and larger when the water within the pipe is frozen, and the rounder and larger cross section is large enough for the pipe to contain the frozen water or ice without having any damages. The pipe is made of material such as high carbon content steel that allows the pipe to change its shape back to the pre-frozen shape as the water inside is thawed out.

Abstract: A problem solved by this invention is to enable prevention of damage to a connector in a fluid transfer tube that is made by mounting a connector to an end of a tube, even when an outside air temperature falls below freezing point. The problem is solved as follows. In a fluid transfer tube that is made by mounting pipe joints to ends of a tube that has elasticity, tube connecting portions of the pipe joints and sections of the tube in the vicinity of the tube connecting portions are covered with heat radiation preventing covers to thereby delay freezing of a fluid inside the tube sections that are covered by the heat radiation preventing covers.

Abstract: A filter unit for liquids undergoing freezing for a metering unit of an exhaust gas treatment unit has a housing having an outer member and a lid member. At least one filter insert is arranged in the housing. An elastically deformable casing part is provided that surrounds at least partially the filter insert. The elastically deformable casing part is a part of the lid member or of the outer member of the housing and is made of a thermoplastic synthetic material. When the liquid undergoes freezing and thawing in the filter unit, the elastically deformable casing part can compensate the volume changes caused by freezing and thawing.

Abstract: Perforated pulsation dampening devices of this invention comprise a housing having a structural wall section with opposed ends defining an internal chamber. The housing is characterized by a plurality of openings disposed therethrough. A compressible member is disposed within the internal chamber and positioned to be contacted by fluid passed from an outside surface of the housing through at least one of the openings. The compressible member is configured to absorb a known fluid flow variation or pressure pulsation in the fluid contacting the compressible member to attenuate the same. If desired, a sleeve can be interposed between an inside surface of the internal chamber and an outside surface of the compressible member.

Abstract: Fluid transport and containment systems are protected from rupture related to an expanded volume within the systems. A fluid transport system, such as a water supply pipe, has a relief channel along its length configured for expanding outwardly when fluids contained in the pipe freeze and expand. A unitary pipe configuration including a pipe wall and an integral core structure that can be sealed at each end provides a means for expansion sufficient to resist freeze-induced rupture. Such pipe configurations can be used with conventional pipes and pipe fittings and with adapters adapted to fit both the improved pipes and conventional pipes and pipe fittings.

Abstract: A tubular fuel pressure damper for use in a fuel rail. The tubular fuel pressure damper includes a first and second end and an inner surface defining a cavity. The first and second ends of the fuel pressure damper are closed by crimping to form contact areas. The contact areas may be additionally sealed by welding, soldering or other means.

Abstract: An in-line expansion tank includes a sleeve defining a volume, a pipe positioned within the sleeve, and an annular flexible bladder disposed within the volume between the sleeve and the pipe. The pipe defines a fluid flow channel, an inlet at an upstream region of the pipe in fluid communication with the fluid flow channel, and an outlet at a downstream region of the pipe in fluid communication with the fluid flow channel. The bladder and the sleeve define an outer radial chamber therebetween. The chamber is pressurized during normal use and the bladder is configured to contact the pipe during operation at normal water pressure to minimize dead space between the bladder and the pipe. The tank includes a valve for pressurizing the chamber.

Abstract: The invention is a round, flexible, hollow tubular insert to be affixed in a central position within pressurized sprinkler pipes, water pipes and water mains. The insert will be employed to prevent sprinkler pipe, water pipe and water main ruptures due to the water within the sprinkler pipe, water pipe or water main freezing. The insert is constructed of a thin-walled, flexible material that is capable of being deformed (e.g. compressed), thereby absorbing the expansion pressures exerted by the water in a frozen state (i.e., ice). The insert is constructed with guides to maintain a position in the center of sprinkler pipes, water pipes and water mains to absorb the radial freezing of water. By such absorption, the outer sprinkler pipe, water pipe or water main itself will not be over-pressurized, thereby avoiding the possibility of a rupture. Upon the thawing of the frozen water, the flexible, hollow, tubular insert will return to its original shape.

Abstract: A fuel rail assembly is disclosed. The fuel rail assembly includes a generally hollow fuel rail having a longitudinal rail axis extending therethrough and a fuel damper element having a wall and a longitudinal damper element axis extending therethrough. The fuel damper element is located within the fuel rail. The damper axis is generally parallel with the rail axis. A method of forming the fuel rail assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid handling apparatus for use in cold temperature conditions. In this respect, the apparatus of the present invention comprises a freeze protected conduit having a length comprising an elongated conduit for conveying or containing an aqueous liquid and an elongated compressible elastomeric material disposed within the conduit along its length. Alternatively, the conduit may comprise, at least in part, a substantially liquid impermeable membrane which is disposed in substantially adjacent relationship with a compressible elastomeric material. When exposed to freezing temperatures, aqueous liquid in conduits will freeze and expand. The compressible elastomeric material accommodates this expansion, thereby protecting the conduit from failure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting a pipe from damage due to excessive internal pressure, such as the pressures resulting from water freezing within the pipe. A compressible core apparatus is disclosed for placement within the pipe. Methods for placing the core in the pipe, connecting core sections together, and attaching the core to the pipe are disclosed. The invention is suitable for simple application to complex pipeline systems.

Abstract: A device which protects water faucets and water pipes to which they are attached from freezing or breaking due to freezing of water contained therein. The device comprises a closed-ended nipple which is axially and/or radially expandable to accommodate freezing of water contained therein when the nipple is attached to the open end of a faucet or sillcock.

Abstract: A frost-free water supply system drains down to avoid freeze-up during non-pumping periods, its operation being responsive to air pressure within the system. A compound hose used may have an inner hose part co-extruded with the outer hose. The inner hose portion is preferably of flattened section, which facilitates threading of the inner hose within the outer hose, when not co-extruded. The compound hose with a flattened inner section, when its air cavity is sealed at atmospheric pressure conditions, provides an inbuilt air cushion that can generate initial de-watering pressure as high as about 716 gms per square cm (10 psi). The elastic memory, due to its initial flattened shape, also contributes to the de-watering capability of the inner hose. One unepected result, upon draining the liquids, is an unusual "bump" in the residual pressure of the air trapped within the outer hose, whereby the inner hose is more thoroughly flattened and more completely de-watered.

Abstract: A stiff elongated hollow structural member has a double-walled structure in the shape of a tube made of an interior tube which has an annular cross-section and an exterior tube which has a different cross-section, in a concentric arrangement. The interior and exterior tubes bound a hollow space filled with an incompressible liquid. Responsive to pressure increases in the liquid, the exterior tube in the elastic material range is bendingly deformable in the direction of a ring-circular cross-section or to a ring-circular cross-section. This hollow structural member can be used as an adjustable stiffness torsion member such as a vehicle steering shaft. Another disclosed adjustable stiffness hollow structural member includes a flat plate facing a corrugated plate to form a hollow space for the incompressible liquid. Increases in pressure of the liquid forces the corrugated member to a more flattened configuration.

Abstract: Accumulators normally are teed into existing conduits and require large amounts of space or are placed in spool type bores having a spring biased piston slidably disposed therein. Most times these accumulators require a bladder that is vented to the atmosphere or a fluid chamber connected to a reservoir. In the subject invention, an accumulator 24 is provided that has a fluid filled member 36 which can be disposed in a closed chamber 32 of a housing 30 and connected to a source of pressurized fluid. The fluid filled member 36 has a fixed maximum surface to volume ratio and is capable of being compressed when subjected to a pressure higher than the pressure within. The accumulator may be integral with other components in the hydraulic system 10 and can be made with varying volumetric capacities and varying precharged pressures in order to match the requirements of the hydraulic system.

Abstract: A damper element for damping compressive oscillations in the fuel circulation circuit of an internal combustion engine is situated directly in the fuel distributor. The damper element includes one or more gas-filled chambers and is manufactured from a resilient material. A bubble-type flexible cord can be used as a damper element. Because of its very simple structure and small mass, the damper element can be integrated in the fuel distributor so that no additional space is required. The damping of the compressive oscillations induced by the switching pulses of the injection valves takes place in the immediate vicinity of each individual injection valve.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting a pipe from damage due to excessive internal pressure, such as the pressures resulting from water freezing within the pipe. A compressible core apparatus is disclosed for placement within the pipe. Methods for placing the core in the pipe, connecting core sections together, and attaching the core to the pipe are disclosed. The invention is suitable for simple application to complex pipeline systems.

Abstract: An apparatus for compensating for variations in pressure exerted by a fluid within a container against the container to maintain the pressure below a pressure limit within a predetermined pressure range. The pressure range has an upper range limit above the pressure limit. The apparatus includes an insert member which is substantially non-absorbent with respect to the fluid and which is at least substantially immersed within the fluid. The insert member is compressible over a volumetric range, which volumetric range is established to permit sufficient compression of the insert member to relieve the pressure against the container by a pressure difference. The pressure difference is at least equal to the difference between the upper range limit and the pressure limit. In its preferred embodiment, the insert member is freely floating within the container, though it may be tetheredly attached to a cover or other portion of the container to allow it to freely float within a tethered range of its attachment point.

Abstract: An arm structure for use in an articulated mechanism such as an industrial robot comprises a plurality of links operatively interconnected by articulations having respective actuators and actuatable by the actuators under a fluid pressure. Each of the links comprises a hollow cylindrical casing and an accumulator comprising a pipe extending axially through the casing and a rubber tube disposed around the pipe. The tube is radially inflatable by the pressure of the fluid supplied into the space between the pipe and the tube through small holes defined in the wall of the pipe and the cylindrical casing is pressurized.

Abstract: A compact power supply powered by a gas fueled internal combustion engine having a liquid cooling system. The liquid cooling system includes an expandable expansion chamber device which permits a compact construction and which also permits the use of a cooling system that is devoid of any air.

Abstract: A plastic pipe with a hard outer shell lined with an inner shell of soft resilient plastic foam with a smooth central axial passageway adapted to be a conduit for liquid. A method of manufacturing this pipe which comprises simultaneously extruding the material for the outer shell and the foamable material for the inner shell into a pipe forming die.

Abstract: Method for clearing a road culvert or the like which is choked with ice, wherein a substantially homogeneous rope of a material having at least a certain reversible extensibility is extended through the culvert from its inlet side to its outlet side and wherein the rope in its unloaded condition is clamped in connection with the outlet side and the inlet side respectively of the culvert so that the rope extends through the culvert.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a water/air pumping system comprising essentially a substantially flat primary reservoir, a header tank and a pump. At least one reciprocating piston is powered through the tank. Eccentric drive cams are directly connected to the motor driven shaft and are connected to drive the pistons to pump water or air from the reservoir into the tank. A water and or air supply connection is horizontally connected to the reservoir and is provided with a water/air control valve proximate the reservoir. A tank discharge connector is connected to a water or air service system through the side wall of the tank externally thereof, above the motor driven shaft and its direct drive connection with the pistons for lubricating the driving mechanism. An air inlet valve is situated in the external wall of the primary reservoir beneath the piston intake so that the pump may pump either air or water.

Abstract: The phonic deadening device comprises a cylindrical sleeve (5) with double walls, made of an elastic material and the axial traversing opening of which serves for the passage of the flux of the liquid. Both walls of this sleeve define between them an empty annular space (6), which is closed in a tight manner by an annular sealing element (7). This element further serves to position and to maintain the sleeve in a service position in the conduit.

Abstract: A bottom well of a vessel having at least one of a bottom and a broad side has a wall and cover-plate structure attached to the bottom or broad side for, together, defining the bottom wall. An inner space within the bottom well of the vessel has inside surfaces. A water inlet is in one of the bottom or broad side for communication of the inner space with outside water. A water outlet is in one of the wall and cover-plate structure for communication of the inner space with systems of the vessel. At least one resilient body is in the inner space for compensating for volume changes of water in the bottom well caused by the water freezing in the bottom well.

Abstract: A safety hose having a stretchable elastomeric tube and cover that sandwich a twined reinforcement that exhibits a circumferential reinforcement component and a weaker longitudinal reinforcement component that breaks when the hose is stretched.

Abstract: A fuel supply line for use with fuel injection devices of internal combustion engines is proposed, having supports to contain fuel injection valves. The fuel supply line has an elastic wall section, with which is connected a rigid wall section and on which are fastened the supports. The elastic wall section is elastic to the extent that it damps the pressure pulsations of the fuel in the fuel supply line, whereas the rigid wall section assures the required rigidity of the fuel supply line.

Abstract: A distributed accumulator integral constructed to form a hydraulic line for interconnecting components. The accumulator includes a non-porous flexible convoluted inner tube resiliently supported in a closed-cell, plastic foam shell, both being supported in a structural tubing member serving as containment piping.

Abstract: An antiburst system for water lines. A pipe has an inlet connected to a source of water and an outlet. A flexible tube is positioned in the pipe and is supported by a coiled spring extending along the longitudinal axis of the tube. An air vent section is coupled to the interior of the flexible tube for enabling atmospheric air to enter and escape from the interior of the flexible tube.

Abstract: A cable for cryogenic use includes an inner conductor and a solid polymeric insulator loosely positioned about said inner conductor about 0.degree. C. A collapsible spacer can be positioned between the inner conductor and the polymeric insulator to further space the insulator away from the conductor and thereby accommodate greater shrinkage of the insulator. In fabricating the cable, the cable is sealed and pressure is applied to the cable to expand the insulation. The cable is placed inside a rigid cylinder having an inside diameter larger than the outside diameter of the cable. The cylinder is heated to facilitate expansion of the insulation, and the cylinder is subsequently cooled while maintaining pressure to the cable.

Abstract: Freeze damage to pipes containing liquids is accomplished by including in the interior of the pipe an elongated section of tubing sealed at each end and containing internally an inert gas under pressure; a means for attaching one end of the tubing to the pipe to prevent linear axial movement of the tubing and a means at the other end of the tubing to maintain it concentrically within the pipe and to permit safe linear axial expansion of the tubing.

Abstract: A solar heat collector has a transparent cover and metal fins beneath the cover. Secured to each fin is a tube through which flows water to be heated, the tube having the general cross-sectional configuration of a figure eight and the tube being welded to the fin at one end of the major axis of the figure eight. Round steel bars are disposed on opposite sides of and extend lengthwise to the tube, in the depressions on the sides of tube caused by the figure eight configuration; and a spring clip presses those bars against the tube. As a result, when water in the tube freezes and the tube expands, the bars and spring clip are pressed apart; but when the ice melts, then the spring clip forces the tube back to its original configuration. The structure also provides protection against surges of water pressure.

Abstract: A pump for precise, smooth delivery of liquid, particularly in liquid chromatography systems, featuring two liquid displacement elements mounted for reciprocating movement in chambers connected in series with two check valves, one displacement element serving to accumulate some of the liquid delivered by the first element and to deliver the accumulated liquid while the first element is refilling. Also disclosed is a fluid storage device for smoothing pulses from the pump comprising a flattened tube wound into a helix and placed within an annulus formed by an inner and an outer cylindrical wall. These cylindrical walls maintain the flattened tubing from expanding beyond its elastic strain limit.

Abstract: A pipeline having a plurality of outlets spaced along its length is connected to a controllable supply of liquid under pressure. A transversely expandable and collapsible bladder is fixed in position within the pipeline interior and extends along its length to overlap the locations of the outlets. Air or other compressible gaseous material is provided within the bladder at a pressure less than the supply liquid pressure, causing the bladder to be expanded to substantially fill the interior of the pipeline when it is emptied of liquid. When the connection between the liquid supply and lateral pipeline is open, the bladder is collapsed within the pipeline to permit passage of liquid to the outlets. When the connection is closed, the pressurized bladder is permitted to expand and thereby expel liquid remaining within the pipeline through the outlets. Longitudinally spaced compressible plugs are located between the outlets to prevent gravitational flow of liquid during draining of the pipeline.

Abstract: A solar water-heater absorber with upper and lower cylindrical headers has a rubber tube within each header. These tubes are sealed at one end and connected at the other ends to rigid copper tubes extending through sealed ends of the headers and connected to a pair of normally flattened rubber tubes housed within a further pipe. This pipe is disposed in a situation free from frost and its interior is connected to the water supply pipe line to the absorber.