Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a liquid disperse system in a flow-through channel is described. The flow-through channel has first and second chambers. The liquid in the first chamber is maintained at a steady pressure P.sub.1. The liquid is passed through a localized flow constriction creating cavitation liquid jets that flow into the second chamber. The dynamic pressure of the liquid jets is govern by the equation .rho..nu..sup.2 /2.gtoreq.0.15 P.sub.1 where .rho. is the density of the cavitation liquid jet and .nu. is the velocity of the cavitation jet. Cavitation bubbles are produced in the cavitation liquid jets between 1.times.10.sup.-6 m and 1.times.10.sup.-2 m. The pressure in the second chamber P.sub.2 is maintained such that P.sub.1 /P.sub.2 is .ltoreq.9.8. The liquid disperse system is produced by the collapsing of cavitation bubbles under static pressure P.sub.2 in the second chamber. The pressure P.sub.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting sonochemical reactions and processes using in large scales liquid medium volumes is disclosed which passes a hydrodynamic liquid flow at a velocity through a flow through channel internally containing at least one element to produce a local constriction of the hydrodynamic liquid flow. The velocity of the liquid flow in the local constriction is at least 16 m/sec. A hydrodynamic cavitation cavern is created down stream of the local constriction, thereby generating cavitation bubbles. The cavitation bubbles are shifted with the liquid flow to an outlet from the flow through channel and the static pressure of the liquid flow is increased to at least 0.85 kg/cm.sup.2. The cavitation bubbles are then collapsed in the elevated static pressure zone, thereby initiating the sonochemical reactions and processes.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved mixing eductor (10) of the type wherein the primary liquid (17), e.g., water, is in a main stream (201) flowing in a downstream direction. A venturi tube (51) is in the eductor (10) and has an annular sharp edge (131) in the main stream (201), thereby dividing such stream (201) into a primary stream (179) and a secondary stream (181) around the primary stream (179). The eductor (10) has an air gap (103) and a flow guide (47) downstream thereof. In a specific embodiment, the flow guide (47) is annular around the venturi tube (51) and the tube (51) and the guide (47) are in spaced telescoped relationship. Several embodiments of the eductor (10) and a new method for mixing liquids are disclosed.

Abstract: Plates that are perforated with two or more venturi orifices that have "C.sub.d " discharge coefficient values that are greater than 1.0. The venturi orifices to be used can be made in an infinite number of tubes that have a converging entrance, a throat, and a diverging discharge. The plates are to be used to make improved devices to be used in fluid flow streams.

Abstract: A valve assembly and method for controlling the flow of fluid through a conduit in which a ball valve is disposed in the conduit and is provided with a through bore for receiving the fluid. An insert is also disposed in the conduit downstream of the ball valve and has a plurality of relatively small flow passages. A relatively large flow passage is defined by that portion of the conduit not occupied by the insert. The valve is rotatable in the conduit to direct the fluid from its bore through one or more of the flow passages and a portion of the insert forms an airfoil surface to prevent separation of the fluid as it passes through the relatively large flow passage.

Abstract: A diaphragm type of flush valve for use with toilet devices such as urinals and water closets includes a body with an inlet and an outlet and there is a valve seat therebetween and a valve member movable to a closing position on the valve seat. The valve member includes a diaphragm which is peripherally attached to the body. There is a pressure chamber above the diaphragm for holding the valve member on its valve seat and there is a filter and a bypass orifice connecting the inlet and the pressure chamber. The filter includes a filter ring positioned beneath the diaphragm and adjacent the outer periphery thereof. The filter ring and the diaphragm are held in a fixed position relative to each other. The filter ring has a plurality of outwardly directed circumferentially spaced filter grooves. There is a seal ring between the filter ring and the body and facing the grooves.

Abstract: A flush valve has a body with an inlet and an outlet and a passage connected therebetween. There is a valve seat at one end of the passage and a valve assembly is positioned to close upon the valve seat. The valve assembly includes a diaphragm positioned to control the flow of water through the passage, a guide member attached to the underside of the diaphragm and positioned within the passage, and a refill ring attached to the exterior of the guide member. The refill ring has a discontinuous outer wall which includes a plurality of spaced wall segments extending toward the flush valve passage and providing yielding frictional resistance to movement of the valve assembly relative to the passage to thereby dampen vibrations of the valve assembly during closing portions of the flush valve operating cycle.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an off-line collection system for use with supercritical fluid extraction. The system is comprised of apparatus for collecting analyte associated with the supercritical fluid extraction. The system is additionally comprised of an orifice for controlling flow of analyte to the collecting apparatus. The orifice converts analyte at a high pressure to a lower pressure. The orifice has a high pressure side which receives said high pressure analyte, and a lower pressure side in fluidic communication with the high pressure side which receives said high pressure analyte after it has been converted to a lower pressure. The high pressure side is capable of transporting analyte thereacross without essentially any loss thereof to the low pressure side which is in fluidic communication with the collecting apparatus. The analyte experiences essentially constant pressure as it is transported across the high pressure side.

Abstract: A static mixer which is adapted for disposition in a pipe having a fluid flow direction including a circumferential flange radially inwardly extending from the internal pipe surface and in turn having at least a pair of opposed flaps extending therefrom and inclined in the direction of the fluid flow.

Abstract: A fluid pressure reduction device includes a plurality of flow resistance modules. Each flow resistance module includes two flow segment plates. Fluid enters a flow path in the first flow segment plate, executes two right-angle turns and then enters a flow path in the second flow segment plate. The fluid then executes two more right-angle turns and reenters the first flow segment plate wherein it executes yet two more right-angle turns before returning to the second flow segment plate. A plurality of these double right-angle turns is executed by the flowing fluid before it exits the flow resistance module. Retaining fluid within the openings in the first and second flow segment plates are either a pair of baffle plates placed on either side of the flow segment plates, or the solid portions of adjacent flow segment plates.

Abstract: A method of obtaining a free disperse system in liquid which produces a controlled hydrodynamic cavitation by regulation of constriction ratio, volumetric flow rate, and degree of cavitation parameters. Selection of the parameters with regard to the properties of components of the fluid make it possible to effectively treat the components having a variety of physio-chemical characteristics. The invention further relates to the construction of a cavitation device wherein the geometry of a flow-constricting baffle body effectively increases the degree of cavitation to substantially improve the quality of an obtained free disperse system.

Abstract: A static mixer conduit comprises a longitudinally elongated conduit having tabs that are arranged with respective first edges adjacent the conduit wall, and respective opposed second edges that are spaced radially inwardly from the conduit wall. These tabs are operable as fluid foils so that with fluid flowing through the conduit, greater fluid pressures manifest against the tab's upstream faces relative to reduced fluid pressures against their downstream faces. The resultant pressure difference in the fluid adjacent, respectively, the mutually opposed faces of each of the tabs causes a longitudinal flow of fluid through the conduit over and past each said tab, to be redirected. As a result of that redirection, there is introduced a radial cross-flow component to the longitudinal flow of fluid through the conduit.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a flow conditioner for insertion into a pipe of predetermined diameter conveying a fluid flow. The conditioner comprises a plate arranged perpendicular to the flow and having apertures which are located so as to distribute the flow radially in an approximation to the flow distribution in a fully developed flow, and a plurality of vanes distributed such that the normal to each vane is perpendicular to the direction of flow.

Abstract: A partial diffuser is provided in a flow path of a pipe or valve, dividing the flow path into an unrestricted flow region, a greater restricted flow region, and a lesser restricted flow region. The flow path is defined by an inside wall, and the lesser restricted flow region is proximate to the inside wall. The greater restricted flow region is distal to the inside wall, and the lesser restricted flow region lies between the greater restricted flow region and the inside wall. In one embodiment three partial diffusers project into the flow path in a ball valve. An inlet flow diffuser is installed in the inlet to the valve, and a valve element inlet flow diffuser is installed at an inlet to a valve element in the valve diametrically opposed to the inlet flow diffuser. A valve element outlet flow diffuser is installed in an outlet from the valve element at a position diametrically opposed to the valve element inlet flow diffuser.

Abstract: A turbulent flow generating apparatus for use with a refrigerant containing heat exchange system that has a refrigerant carrying line includes at least one housing fitted into the refrigerant carrying line and within each housing a refrigerant agitating mechanism comprising and at least one bladed disk that induces refrigerant agitation as the refrigerant flows through the subject apparatus.

Abstract: Piping systems adapted for handling fluids such as steam and various process and hydrocarbon gases through a pressure-reducing device at high pressure and velocity conditions can produce severe acoustic vibration and metal fatigue in the system. It has been determined that such vibrations and fatigue are minimized by relating the acoustic power level (PWL) generated in the piping system to being a function of the ratio of downstream pipe inside diameter D.sub.2 to its wall thickness t.sub.2. Additionally, such vibration and metal fatigue can be further minimized by relating the fluid pressure drop .DELTA.p and downstream Mach number M.sub.2 to being a function of the ratio of downstream piping inside diameter D.sub.2 to the pipe wall thickness t.sub.2, as expressed by M.sub.2 .DELTA.p=f (D.sub.2 /t.sub.2). Pressure-reducing piping systems designed according to these criteria exhibit minimal vibrations and metal fatigue failures and have long operating life.

Abstract: A flow control device ?1! for insertion into a conduit to control the flow rate of fluid flow therethrough. The device ?1! includes two opposed dished baffle plates ?2! and ?3! defining a chamber ?4! therebetween. Each baffle plate has a generally centrally located orifice ?6! and ?7! respectively. The device ?1! is adapted for positioning substantially transverse to the longitudinal extent of the conduit by means of, for example, flanges ?10 and 11! or a pre-connected threaded sleeve ?15!, such that fluid flow along the conduit is diverted through the orifices ?6! and ?7!. Additional spaced baffle plates ?5! may be added on the downstream side to fine tune the flow rate.

Abstract: A configurable port assembly is used proximate a medium containing struct, such as a water tunnel, e.g. to measure fluid flow or inject flowing fluid into the tunnel. The configurable port assembly includes at least two configurable port assembly components assembled to define a configurable port extending from a first opening to a second opening. One or more of the configurable port assembly components can be rotated from a first to a second assembled position to define a configurable port having at least two predefined shapes. The configurable port assembly preferably includes four configurable port assembly components assembled and coupled together with coupling members, such as dowel pins, extending through the components. Two of the configurable port assembly components have shaped surfaces that define a shaped thickness of the configurable port while the other two components have shaped surfaces that define a shaped width of the port.

Abstract: Thin metal adaptor rings fit within elastomeric seal rings holding an orifice plate within a fitting. The thin metal rings have an inside diameter equal to the inside diameter of the pipe line and fitting. Therefore, the inside diameter is maintained without variations as previously resulted from protrusion or recess tolerances of the elastomeric seal rings. The seal ring is modified with notches to hold the thin metal adaptor rings in the desired position.

Abstract: A flush valve for use on toilet devices such as urinals and water closets has a body with an inlet and an outlet and a connecting passage. There is a valve seat at one end of the passage and a diaphragm is positioned to control the flow of water through the passage and close upon the valve seat. A guide member is attached to the underside of the diaphragm and positioned within the passage. There is a refill ring attached to the guide member. The refill ring has an upstream end which is peripherally spaced from the passage when the diaphragm is closed on the valve seat. The refill ring has a downstream water flow control portion having a plurality of first water flow paths which, when the diaphragm is away from the valve seat, provide the major water flowway between the inlet and the outlet. The refill ring water flow control portion has a plurality of second water flow paths, parallel with the first water flow paths, which are formed to provide a smaller volume of flow than said first water flow paths.

Abstract: A field installable choke tube apparatus and a method for installing the choke tube into a pulsation dampener of a compressor. The choke tube is insertable into the pulsation dampener through the nozzle of the pulsation dampener. The supporting apparatus for the choke tube is located between the choke tube and the nozzle. The supporting apparatus is movable relative to the nozzle of the pulsation dampener thereby to firmly hold the choke tube within the dampener.

Abstract: An apparatus for metering fluid flow through a pipeline in which a housing is provided for connecting to the pipeline and which defines a chamber through which fluid from said pipeline flows. A mounting surface is formed in the chamber and a carrier assembly is disposed in the chamber for defining an orifice and a second mounting surface which engages the first mounting surface to align the orifice with the pipeline.

Abstract: A restrictor for limiting the volume of fluid flowing from an automotive hose into a heat exchanging device in an automotive heating or air-conditioning system is disclosed. The restrictor includes a generally cylindrical, hollow body disposed in the hose and a flow limiting washer disposed in the body. The body includes an annular wall having a stepped region of reduced cross-sectional area which receives a hose clamp therein to prevent sliding and rotation of the restrictor within the hose.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the purification of a polluted liquid, especially a washing liquid used at a washing installation, by sucking the polluted liquid and leading it through at least one filter and next leading back the liquid purified thus to a take-off point, whereby the liquid flow carried through the filter is maintained at a substantially constant level. The invention further relates to an apparatus for carrying out the method comprising a suction line connected to a source of polluted liquid, a discharge line for the purified liquid debouching at a take-off point, at least one filter unit positioned between the suction line and the discharge line, a pump connected therewith in series and a device for limiting the amount of liquid flowing across the filter unit positioned in series with the filter unit.

Abstract: An orifice installation for centering the center of a plate carrying device within a fitting is disclosed. The plate carrying device has a centering opening at its base which interacts with a stop pin in the base of the fitting. The plate carrying device further has ears on either side which interact with ears formed on the sides of an enlarged opening in the fitting to receive the carrying device therein in order to laterally center the carrying device. An opening is also formed in the top of the carrying device in which a plunger pin is positioned. A valve carrier of the fitting has a downwardly facing extension which upon positioning of the plate carrying device within the enlarged opening in the fitting and moving the valve carrier into place will contact the plunger pin, further stabilizing the carrier device within the fitting.

Abstract: A flow conditioner for use in pipelines to isolate a measuring device from the effects of piping induced disturbances thereby allowing more accurate metering of fluids flowing in pipelines. The device comprises three sections: an anti-swirl device; a settling chamber; and a profile device. The three sections are installed in a pipeline at a predetermined distance upstream from a metering device and at a minimum predetermined distance downstream from a pipeline disturbance. In the pipeline, the anti-swirl device is the furthest upstream, followed by a settling chamber of a specified length, which in turn is followed by the profile device. The anti-swirl device substantially eliminates swirl, the settling chamber minimizes interaction between the anti-swirl device and profile device. The profile plate produces pseudo-fully developed turbulent structure and velocity profile so there is a minimum deviation of the empirical discharge coefficient or meter calibration factor for both short and long piping lengths.

Abstract: A fluid resistor for providing resistance to flow through a flow passageway is formed by cutting channels and open cylindrical recesses on the surface of and flow passage bores through a frusta-conical body to be seated in a tapered passageway section with the larger diameter end generally subject to higher system pressures than the smaller diameter end. The seating of the resistor body in a tapered passageway section seals and encloses the channels and recesses which then with the fluid passageways through the resistor body, comprise a restricted path for flow to proceed past the installed resistor, the recesses forming cylindrical chambers.

Abstract: A flow conditioner for use in pipelines to isolate a measuring device from the effects of piping induced disturbances thereby allowing more accurate metering of fluids flowing in pipelines. The device comprises three sections: an anti-swirl device; a settling chamber; and a profile device. The three sections are installed in a pipeline at a predetermined distance upstream from a metering device and at a minimum predetermined distance downstream from a pipeline disturbance. In the pipeline, the anti-swirl device is the furthest upstream, followed by a settling chamber of a specified length, which in turn is followed by the profile device. The anti-swirl device substantially eliminates swirl, the settling chamber minimizes interaction between the anti-swirl device and profile device. The profile plate produces pseudo-fully developed turbulent structure and velocity profile so there is a minimum deviation of the empirical discharge coefficient or meter calibration factor for both short and long piping lengths.

Abstract: A vortex connector system has a connector body with a projection therein to selectively abut one of a plurality of removable inserts. The removable inserts have holes with different sizes, shapes, patterns, depths, and numbers in order to allow observation of how such variations affect the vortex effect and/or flow rate of fluid between plastic bottles connected by the connector body.

Abstract: A flow impedance device is provided for an obstruction flowmeter for determining the flow rate of a compressible or incompressible fluid in a conduit. The flowmeter preferably includes means for measuring the temperature and pressure of the fluid as well as the pressure differential across the flow impedance device along with further means for computing a flow rate from the measured pressures. The flow impedance device may include a plate having a plurality of elongated openings arranged in a predetermined pattern. The plate is installed generally transverse to fluid flow in the conduit to force the fluid to flow through the plurality of elongated openings.

Abstract: A field installable choke tube apparatus and a method for installing the choke tube into a pulsation dampener of a compressor. The choke tube is insertable into the pulsation dampener through the opening between the nozzle and the pulsation dampener with a plurality of support arms in a retracted position. The support arms are extended after insertion of the choke tube to maintain the choke tube in a secure and predetermined position within the dampener.

Abstract: A passage choke in particular for the outlet of a plumbing fixture which is installed between the end (9) of the outlet (5) and an aerator (6) or a flow controller, which is provided with a through-flow opening (8) which advantageously has to enlarge it a knockout (12).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distributing water in the pipeline is set forth. The pipeline water collects in the bottom and flow along the pipeline. The present disclosure sets forth a set of N tubes which have relatively small inlet and outlet openings. The several tubes joined at the inlet end, typically by tacked welding thereby defining an inlet end to gather up all of the flowing water in the pipeline which is then directed along the tubes. The outlet ends of the tubes terminate at elevated locations in the pipeline so that water droplets are entrained at selected heights in the pipeline. In one form upstream and downstream transverse members support the tubes.A fluid flow diffuser for installation in a pipeline in advance of a fluid sampling device is set forth.

Abstract: A flow control device for a liquid agent administration apparatus includes a body. The body has an inlet port, an outlet passage, and a flow control orifice between the inlet port and outlet passage. A deflection surface is located within the outlet passage and is spaced from the orifice to be impinged by a stream of the liquid discharging from the orifice.

Abstract: A mass flow meter includes a body having a cylindrical bore and an elongated cylindrical piston positioned in the bore concentrically therewith. An elongated annular fluid flow channel of uniform depth is bounded by a cylindrical surface of the piston and a surface of the bore. Fluid flows laminafly through the channel. First and second concentric ferrules are located at first and second end portions of the piston to precisely position and hold the piston concentrically in the bore, by elastically expanding in response to longitudinal forces on the first and second end portions of the piston to symmetrically engage a wall of the bore. A first pressure measuring probe in fluid communication with an upstream equalization chamber measure fluid pressure in the upstream equalization chamber, and a second differential pressure transducer in fluid communication between the upstream equalization chamber and a downstream equalization chamber measures differential fluid pressure between the two equalization chambers.

Abstract: A device for remotely actuating a piece of equipment by varying the flow conditions of a fluid, possibly incompressible, an comprising an actuating piston, a nozzle-needle assembly. One of the nozzle or the needle is mounted for sliding movement into the piston. An arrangement is provided for returning the slidably mounted nozzle or needle to a predetermined position relatively to the piston.

Abstract: Set for attaching air conditioner components, including a base (10), which has: component attaching ribs (11); at least two component seating pads (12, 13); and a water drain (21, 22, 24). The base (10) is made of a single piece, incorporating: the component attaching ribs (11) which are disposed on the surface of the base (10); the component seating pads (12, 13) being each defined by a solid piece, shaped for the seating of a respective component (60, 70), the water drain (21, 22, 24) being adequately disposed in fluid communication relative to each other, in order to provide the draining of the undesirable water deposits from the base (10). There is also incorporated, in a single piece, a condenser tube positioning element (27) , disposed to provide adequate positioning for mounting a condenser (40) , and provided in a single piece is at least one compressor spacing element (51), disposed to receive and retain in a determined position, a respective element for attaching a compressor (50).

Abstract: Apparatus for installation in an associated coal pipe for directing pulverized coal to an associated furnace assembly that includes a housing having an inlet, an outlet, and an access port intermediate the inlet and the outlet. The apparatus also includes a generally circular orifice, a tray dimensioned and configured for carrying and engaging the orifice and apparatus. The chamber is generally aligned with the access port and is dimensioned and configured for receiving the tray with the orifice carried thereon. The apparatus in the housing defining a chamber allows sliding movement of the tray with the orifice carried thereon into and out of the chamber through the access port.

Abstract: A throttle device, especially a throttle valve, is a throttle cage which is a composite of at least two or three layers including an engineering ceramic layer and at least one metal sleeve. In a two-layer embodiment the ceramic is provided on the upstream side and the metal sleeve on the downstream side. In a three-layer configuration the ceramic layer is sandwiched between metal sleeves. The throttle device is particularly adapted to take up shock stresses and alternating stresses namely temperature and or pressure stresses, and also provides the requisite resistance to corrosion, abrasive action, cavitation and the like to materially increase the useful life of the throttle body.

Abstract: An orifice installation for centering the center of a plate carrying device within a fitting is disclosed. The plate carrying device has a centering opening at its base which interacts with a stop pin in the base of the fitting. The plate carrying device further has ears on either side which interact with ears formed on the sides of an enlarged opening in the fitting to receive the carrying device therein in order to laterally center the carrying device. An opening is also formed in the top of the carrying device in which a plunger pin is positioned. A valve carrier of the fitting has a downwardly facing extension which upon positioning of the plate carrying device within the enlarged opening in the fitting and moving the valve carrier into place will contact the plunger pin, further stabilizing the carrier device within the fitting.

Abstract: A low-cost low-pressure drop critical flow venturi is formed from a single rigid member with mirror image inlet and diffuser sections. The mirror imaging allows the member to be mounted in a flow stream, without regard to the direction of flow, and to still be operative.

Abstract: An apparatus to control fluid flow to an approximate fixed rate is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing (12), an orifice (22), a diaphragm (24), and a cage (26). The housing has two ends, an inlet end (18) having an inlet opening and an outlet end (20) having an outlet opening. The ends are arranged and configured to receive piping (14 and 16). The orifice is disposed within the housing. The orifice has an upstream end and a downstream end with a seat (34) formed in the upstream end. The fluid flows over the seat and through the orifice before exiting the outlet end of the housing in normal flow. The diaphragm is disposed within the housing adjacent and upstream of the seat of the orifice. The diaphragm has an upstream side, a downstream side, and sidewalls. The downstream side of the diaphragm is opposite the seat such that a pressure drop across the diaphragm pulls the downstream side of the diaphragm toward the seat. The cage surrounds at least a portion of the sidewalls of the diaphragm.

Abstract: The flow control for fluid circuits having dual power outlets includes a housing having an interior compartment with the compartment having an interior surface, center portion and first and second ends. The compartment has a maximum cross-sectional area at its center portion uniformly decreasing in area towards the first and second ends. First and second outlet fluid ports are located in the housing adjacent the first and second ends. A pressure fluid inlet port is located in the housing at the center portion thereof. A flow control element is mounted for longitudinal movement in the interior compartment and has an outer surface symmetrical in shape to that of the compartment, but has a smaller diameter wherein a fluid flow space exists between the outer surface of the control element and the interior surface of the compartment.

Abstract: Thin metal adaptor rings fit over the elastomeric seal rings holding an orifice plate within a fitting. The thin metal rings have an inside diameter equal to the inside diameter of the pipe line and fitting. Therefore, the inside diameter is maintained without variations as previously resulted from protrusion or recess tolerances of the elastomeric seal rings. The seal ring is modified with notches to hold the thin metal adaptor rings in the desired position.

Abstract: A flow conditioner for providing a relatively ideal flow profile when used in a fluid conduit upstream from an orifice meter comprises a bundle of parallel tubes including a central tube having the largest diameter in the range of 0.2 to 0.5 times the conduit internal diameter. The central tube is surrounded by circular arrays of tubes each having a diameter smaller than the central tube so that the flow conditioner produces an orifice discharge coefficient that does not vary from a coefficient created by non swirling, fully developed ideal flow conditions.

Abstract: A gauge block assembly for use in conjunction with the refilling of high pressure gaseous oxygen cylinders. The gauge block is used in an oxygen transfill header or manifold and includes a gas transfer control unit that allows rapid evacuation of the spent oxygen cylinder but that prevents rapid refilling of the oxygen cylinder with fresh oxygen. The gas transfer control unit includes a valve assembly having a restricted orifice therethrough. During the evacuation process, the check valve opens, bypassing the restricted orifice, to allow rapid evacuation of the oxygen cylinder at a first rate of flow. During the refilling process, the check valve closes. The incoming oxygen must flow through the restricted orifice at a second rate of flow less than the first rate of flow thereby regulating the flow of oxygen.

Abstract: Highly reliable measurements of the fluid and/or fluid flow in a conduit are obtained by insertion within the conduit, upstream of a fluid measuring or sampling device, of a fluid flow straigntening and displacement apparatus which serves to stabilize, homogenize and condition the fluid flow and form at the device a uniform, axially centered, axially symmetrical, well defined and accurately measurable flow profile of large means flow diameter. The flow straightening and fluid displacement apparatus comprises, in sequence in the direction of fluid flow, a first swirl mitigating and flow straightening device, a fluid displacement member comprised of two oppositely facing frustums jointed at their larger ends and mounted coaxially within the conduit, and a second flow straightening device. Advantageous combinations of the flow straightening and fluid displacement apparatus with known measuring and sampling devices are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a washing apparatus suited for use in washing outside surfaces of vehicles. Fluid is conducted along a conduit that is mounted to a support structure so as to permit selected displacements thereof along a longitudinal axis of the conduit and selected rotations thereof about the longitudinal axis. The fluid conducted through the conduit can be conducted through at least one of a plurality of nozzles that are mounted to the conduit. The conduit is selectively reciprocated along the longitudinal axis by a first driving device. In addition, the conduit is rotated about the longitudinal axis by a second driving device. As the conduit is displaced both about and along the longitudinal axis, the fluid forced through the nozzle is directed toward the outside surface of an object to be washed.

Abstract: Device for measuring pressure differences or mass portions in a fluid flow--gas or liquid--and/or for implementing processes for mixing fluids, whereby when in use the fluid flows into the device, then passes a part therein where the fluid flow is laminar and the flow measurement is made, and finally flows out of the device, whereby the device has a turbulence filter which is integrated therein, with a settling chamber behind it. The fluid then first flows through that filter, so that a laminar flow leads to the flow measuring element.

Abstract: A gauge block assembly for use in conjunction with the refilling of high pressure gaseous oxygen cylinders. The gauge block is used in an oxygen transfill header or manifold and includes a gas transfer control unit that allows rapid evacuation of the spent oxygen cylinder but that prevents rapid refilling of the oxygen cylinder with fresh oxygen. The gas transfer control unit includes a valve assembly having a restricted orifice therethrough. During the evacuation process, the check valve opens, bypassing the restricted orifice, to allow rapid evacuation of the oxygen cylinder at a first rate of flow. During the refilling process, the check valve closes. The incoming oxygen must flow through the restricted orifice at a second rate of flow less than the first rate of flow thereby regulating the flow of oxygen.