Abstract: A fluid flow conditioning apparatus having self-adjusting tab members that reduce flow losses within a conduit. A plurality of tabular members is affixed to an insertion plate-type flow conditioner. Tabular members are cojoined in pairs at their leading edges. When the cojoined pair of the first tabular member and the second tabular member are placed into a fluid flow, an angle between the first tabular member and the second tabular member is configured to decrease in response to static and dynamic pressure exerted onto the outer surfaces of the tabular members by the fluid flow. The tabular members may be made of a hyperplastic material configured to undergo an elastic deformation and exhibit flapping due to the dynamic pressure of the fluid flow. Tabular members maybe cojoined by a hinge configured to partially close in response to pressure exerted by the fluid flow, decreasing the angle between the tabular members.

Abstract: A turbofan with a sliding element, rotary blades that can rotate between stowed and deployed positions, and a maneuvering system which moves each blade when the sliding element moves and which includes, for each blade, a rotary main shaft, for each main shaft, a transmission lever rigidly secured to the main shaft, at least two connecting strips articulated to one another, wherein each connecting strip is associated with at least three main shafts, the transmission levers of which are articulated to the connecting strip, and a drive system which rotates the first connecting strip when the sliding element moves. The use of rotary blades on the sliding element and the simplified maneuvering system makes the assembly more lightweight compared to the use of conventional reverser doors.

Abstract: In some aspects, deicer systems to distribute a deicing fluid along a roof of a building to limit ice dam formation can include: a pre-pressurized water source that provides pressurized water; a deicer solution source containing a deicer solution; a passive mixing system in fluid communication with the pre-pressurized water source and the deicer solution source, the passive mixing system being configured to combine the pressurized water and the deicer solution to form a deicer fluid; and one or more emitters configured to be disposed along the roof, the emitters being in fluid communication with the passive mixing system to receive the deicer fluid and dispense the deicer fluid along the roof. In addition, certain systems described herein can be run with an electric pump.

Abstract: An irrigation pipe that extends along an axis and has a pipe wall with a base portion (55) and a plurality of bulge members (1, 2) that extend away from the base portion.

Abstract: An excess flow and thermal valve assembly includes a valve housing, a valve carried in the housing and displaceable during excess flow conditions to reduce flow of fluid through the assembly, and an intumescent or intumescent material carried in the valve housing and expandable during excess temperature conditions to reduce flow of fluid through the assembly.

Abstract: A turbofan with a nacelle having a slider that is movable between an advanced position and a retracted position to open a window between a duct and the outside, blades, each one being able to move in rotation between a stowed position and a deployed position, and a maneuvering system that moves each blade, a transmission arrangement that rotates the blades one after the other, a drive system that converts the translational movement of the slider into a rotational movement of a first blade and that has a ball screw system, an epicyclic gear train, and an assembly of arms and levers.

Abstract: A pressure safety device is used with a bag valve mask (BVM) for preventing over-pressurization. The BVM includes a bag assembly having a bag connector for detachably mating to a mask connector on a patient mask. The pressure safety device has a housing with a bag port, a mask fitting, and a flow path from the bag port to the mask fitting. The bag port detachably connects to the bag connector on the BVM, and the mask fitting detachably connects to the mask connector on the BVM. The pressure safety device includes an automatic flow reduction valve located on the flow path in the housing and impedes flow when pressure on a bag connector side of the valve exceeds a maximum threshold value.

Abstract: The portable apparatus for cleaning surfaces comprises a base (3); a tank (2) associated with said base (3) at the top thereof, said tank (2) being predisposed to contain at least one abrasive material. At least one mixing valve (9) is associated with the base (3) and connected with said tank (2) so as to receive said abrasive material contained in said tank (2) and mix said abrasive material with a predetermined amount of compressed air. An adjusting member (11) is associated with the tank (2), said adjusting member (11) being predisposed to enable the selection of a predetermined value indicating the amount of said abrasive material to be mixed with said compressed air in said at least one mixing valve (9).

Abstract: A radial compressor having a specially designed iris diaphragm mechanism is described. This mechanism includes only a single (main) blade that is driven directly by an actuating element, while the other blades are driven by the respective preceding blade via the movement of the main blade. This results in a particularly simple embodiment of the iris diaphragm mechanism. A blade for an iris diaphragm mechanism of this type and a charging device having a radial compressor of this type are furthermore described.

Abstract: An air conditioner includes a housing having a blowing port, a first guide configured to cover a portion of the blowing port, a second guide configured to cover another portion of the blowing port, a motor configured to rotate the first guide and the second guide, a first gear configured to be connected to the first guide, a guide holder configured to be connected to the second guide, and a second gear configured to connect the first gear to the motor.

Abstract: A pulsation and acoustic energy reduction dampener for installation within well piping between a standpipe and a swivel includes a body formed from a union connection sub providing a threaded male connection at one end of the body and welded to a union connection nut providing a threaded female connection at the other end, each for connection to the well piping. A flow restriction orifice assembly is secured by welding or gluing within the union connection sub and includes a replaceable wear component such as an annular ceramic insert with a tapered or cylindrical interior through-hole.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a variable orifice choke disposed within a riser. The riser is connected between a drilling platform and a wellbore. A control unit is in signal communication with the variable orifice choke. The control unit is operable to control a flow area of the variable orifice choke such that a selected fluid pressure is maintained in the wellbore.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for a material extrusion system for three-dimensional (3D) printing/additive manufacturing. The material extrusion system can include a nozzle head configured to extrude a liquefied material of variable widths through an adjustable orifice, wherein the nozzle head can change sizes during a line to compensate for wider or thinner wall thickness.

Abstract: A sealing strip disclosed herein comprises a deformable sealing profile with a teardrop cross-section, a channel running along a length of the sealing strip, multiple parallel aligned reinforcement ribs, and an adhesive layer on a first outwardly curved side on an outer surface of the deformable sealing profile. In an embodiment, the sealing strip comprises one of an E-shaped cross-section and about a 270 degree rotated generally T-shaped cross-section. In another embodiment, the cross-section of the sealing profile comprises a vertically aligned rectangular base portion and dovetail portion extending from a first lateral side of the rectangular base portion near the midway on the rectangular base portion. In another embodiment, the rectangular base portion comprises a first wall portion and a second wall portion extending from a first end and a second end, respectively, of the first lateral side of the rectangular base portion.

Abstract: A gas lift module is designed for deployment within a tubing string in a well that has an annular space surrounding the gas lift module and tubing string. A gas lift valve within the gas lift module includes a valve seat, a valve stem configured to abut the valve seat when the gas lift valve is closed, and a variable orifice valve assembly. The variable orifice valve assembly has an orifice chamber, a variable orifice within the orifice chamber, and a retaining sleeve within the orifice chamber. The variable orifice includes a plurality of interconnected plates that are configured to expand or contract together to form a central aperture of varying size and an orifice spring. The retaining sleeve captures the variable orifice in a contracted state when the retaining sleeve is in contact with the variable orifice.

Abstract: A coating device arrangement 1 for a 3D printer is described, comprising a coating device 3 having a container 17 defining an inner cavity for receiving particulate construction material, which leads to an opening for outputting the particulate construction material onto a construction field, as well as a closing device 31 configured to selectively close the opening for outputting the particulate construction material.

Abstract: A storage container having a base storage compartment configured to receive a divider by which the storage compartment is divided into two or more sub-compartments, wherein divider includes a tool configured to provide a secondary utility or function unrelated to dividing the storage compartment.

Abstract: A turbofan having a nacelle including a slider translationally mobile to open a window between a duct and the exterior, a plurality of blades, each rotationally mobile on the slider, and a maneuvering system moving each blade and comprising for each blade, a shaft rotationally mobile on the slider and onto which the blade is fixed, an arm having a first end fixed to the shaft, an arc coaxial with the longitudinal axis, mounted rotationally mobile on the slider about the longitudinal axis, a rectilinear rod fixed by its base to the arc, the rectilinear rod inserted into a through-bore of a stock, wherein the stock is mounted translationally free relative to the rectilinear rod, and the stock is mounted rotationally free on the arm at its second end about a rocking axis parallel to the rotational axis, and an actuation system producing arc rotation in two opposite directions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling module for a vehicle control unit, comprising a cooling element, connections for conducting a coolant through the cooling element, a turbulence insert placed in the cooling element comprising at least first cooling fins, and at least one first bimetal located in the cooling element, wherein the at least one first bimetal is placed such that it displaces the at least one group of first cooling fins depending on a temperature-dependent shape change of the at least one first bimetal. The invention also relates to a vehicle control unit with a cooling module and a method for water cooling a vehicle control unit.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main body, a dispenser configured to supply water to the outside of the main body, a water supply flow path connecting the dispenser to a water source; and a valve assembly disposed on the water supply flow path, wherein the valve assembly comprises an elastic member having an outlet whose diameter is reduced by an elastic force, when water is no longer supplied to the valve assembly, so that water remaining in the inside of the water supply flow path is kept by the surface tension of the water.

Abstract: An engine inlet for efficient operation at both design Mach number and off-design Mach numbers has a variable geometry caret inlet having an initial compression ramp and a principal compression ramp extending aft from and rotatably attached to the initial compression ramp at a forward hinge line. The principal compression ramp is rotatable from a low Mach position to a design Mach position. A diffuser ramp is engaged by the principal compression ramp at an interface. The diffuser ramp is rotatably mounted at an aft hinge line to a diffuser. The diffuser ramp is rotatable oppositely to the principal compression ramp to maintain contact at the interface. An actuation mechanism has a forward cam drive assembly configured to rotate the principal compression ramp about the forward hinge line. An aft cam drive assembly is configured to rotate the diffuser ramp about the aft hinge line. A motor assembly has at least one motor to drive the forward cam drive assembly and the aft cam drive assembly.

Abstract: Valve device based on a closing disc formed by disc parts which are movably arranged on activation bolts extending between two stop discs, and where movement of the activation bolts or disc parts in longitudinal direction of the valve device results in that the relative position between the disc parts are changed and the valve device opens or closes.

Abstract: A laparoscopic port is disclosed which includes a tubular member comprising a proximal end and a distal end and a lumen extending there between. At least one seal member provided in the lumen adapted to prevent pressurized gas flow from the distal end to the proximal end of the tubular member. The laparoscopic port further includes a shielding trigger positioned distal to the seal member in the lumen, the shielding trigger is shaped so as at least a proximal portion of the shielding trigger has a narrowing cross-section that extends towards the seal member, the proximal portion is adapted to actuate a reversibly opening and protection of the seal member upon a proximally projected pressure from a distal end of an artifact.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose an exercise machine including a supporting mechanism, two driving units, and a resistance device. The supporting mechanism supports the two driving units and the resistance device. The two driving units are respectively mounted at the left and the right side of the supporting mechanism for the user to operate. When the exercise machine is operated with a “small pace,” the resistance device is operated in both directions to eliminate the blockage when switching the operating direction of the driving units. When the exercise machine is operated with a “large pace,” the resistance device can provide resistance for the driving units in either direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ejector of a water softener valve, a water softener valve and a water softener. The ejector includes: an ejecting part, the ejecting part internally defines an ejecting hole, the ejecting hole is gradually tapered along an ejecting direction; a confluence part, the confluence part internally defines a confluence hole, an inlet of the confluence hole faces an outlet of the ejecting hole, an aperture of the inlet of the confluence hole is greater than an aperture of the outlet of the ejecting hole, a surface of the confluence part and a surface of the ejecting part facing the surface of the confluence part cooperatively form a saline solution suction opening; and a connecting part, fixedly connected with the ejecting part and the confluence part, the connecting part, the ejecting part, and the confluence part are integrated together.

Abstract: Additively-manufactured flow restrictors are provided, as are methods for producing additively-manufactured flow restrictors. In various embodiments, the additively-manufactured flow restrictor includes a flowbody through which a flow path extends, a restricted orifice located in the flowbody and providing a predetermined resistance to fluid flowing along the flow path in a first flow direction, and a first internal perforated screen positioned in the flow path upstream of the restricted orifice taken in the first flow direction. The flowbody and the first internal perforated screen integrally formed as a single additively-manufactured piece utilizing, for example, Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) or another additive manufacturing process. In certain embodiments, the first internal perforated screen may include an endwall and a peripheral sidewall, which is integrally formed with the endwall and spaced from an inner circumferential surface of the flowbody by an annular clearance.

Abstract: A carbide insert assembly for use in a control valve having a valve stem, a flow passage, and a valve seat disposed in the flow passage. The carbide insert assembly includes a housing, a carbide insert disposed within the housing, and a metal retainer adjacent the carbide insert. The metal retainer is fused to the housing.

Abstract: Airflow control device (1) for use in an air handling system, which comprises an outer tube (2) and at least one inner tube (3) arranged inside the outer tube (2). The inner tube (3) is at least partly made of flexible material and has an axial opening (4) through which air is adapted to flow. The inner tube (3) further exhibits an inlet part (8) and an outlet part (10), and a throttle part (9) between the inlet part and the outlet part. The device (1) is characterized by a pivotable throttling device (7) which is arranged to impact the inner tube (3), and thereby control the airflow through the inner tube (3), by rotation around a second pivot axis (b).

Abstract: An exercise and rehabilitation apparatus for exercising an extremity of a user. The apparatus includes a flywheel having a first side and a second side with a channel in the first side. The channel has a top edge near a planer surface of the first side. A lever, such as a pedal or handle, is adjustable in position and combined with an adjustment member. The adjustment member is movable within the channel between first and second positions. However, the adjustment member cannot be removed from the channel through a slot along the top edge. A locking pin, biased in an extended position, is combined with the adjustment member and is movable between the extended position and a retracted position. The flywheel includes a plurality of openings adapted to receive the locking pin in the extended position in order to secure the adjustment member at a particular location within the channel.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a main body, a dispenser configured to supply water to the outside of the main body, a water supply flow path connecting the dispenser to a water source; and a valve assembly disposed on the water supply flow path, wherein the valve assembly comprises an elastic member having an outlet whose diameter is reduced by an elastic force, when water is no longer supplied to the valve assembly, so that water remaining in the inside of the water supply flow path is kept by the surface tension of the water.

Abstract: In the specification and drawings a flowhead assembly is described and shown with a flow adapter positioned within a through bore of the flowhead assembly housing; a first ball valve and second ball valve located above the flow adapter; a spacer assembly positioned between the first and second ball valve; at least one side flow entry attachment fluidly connected with the through bore of the flowhead assembly. The sideflow entry attachment includes a first and second ball valve located in a central passage in the sideflow entry attachment housing, with a spacer assembly positioned between them; a flow guide insert is positioned above the ball valves and includes a flow path that is in fluid communication with the through bore of the flowhead assembly; a plug retains the flow guide insert within the central passage. Also described and shown is a frac head assembly including a flow adapter that has chamfered internal surfaces surrounding side entry apertures.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for installing a liner in a pipe, including a flexible tube assembly (2) with a proximal and a distal end, where the proximal end is attached to a proximal collar fitting (3) and the distal end is attached to a distal collar fitting (4). An inflatable bladder (110) is disposed over the tube (2) and the ends of the bladder (110) are secured to the collar fittings (3,4) forming sealed connections with the collar fittings. The proximal collar fitting (3) has a connection to connect to a guide hose (5), and includes at least one conduit for a fluid to inflate the inflatable and deflate bladder.

Abstract: A flow washer assembly includes a housing with a channel for fluid flow, a seat positioned in the channel and including an upstream surface, and a washer press fit in the channel and engaging the upstream surface of the seat. The washer may be provided with a central opening that is sized according to predefined flow characteristics. An outside diameter of the washer at least adjacent an upstream end may be greater than an inside diameter of the channel such that the washer assumes a flexed orientation when press fit into the channel. Since the washer is pre-deflected, it will deflect further as inlet fluid pressure increases, effectively keeping the fluid flow rate relatively constant. The “pre-flexing” of the washer eliminates a spike in flow rate that occurs with conventional flow washer assemblies.

Abstract: A valve system comprises a plurality of motors and a plurality of valves. The plurality of motors is formed from a printed circuit board. The plurality of valves is actuated by the plurality of motors.

Abstract: A dish washing machine including a cabinet configured to form an exterior, a washing tub provided in the cabinet to wash dishes, and a jet nozzle configured to jet washing water to the washing tub, wherein the jet nozzle includes a plurality of nozzle inner walls provided therein to form a passage through which the washing water passes and having a plurality of passage inner walls provided to have arc shapes in section vertical to a flow direction of the washing water. Due to such configuration, a jetting force may be enhanced and washing efficiency may be also improved.

Abstract: Disclosed is flow reversal system (100) that comprises a single direction flow device (101) adapted for receiving a fluid and first (120), second (122), third (124) and fourth (126) binary valves.

Abstract: The invention relates to an insertable plumbing element (1) that can be inserted, by means of a sleeve-shaped insertion plug (2), into an end-located insertion opening in a plumbing pipe section, which insertion plug (2) has, at least on the outer circumference, an outer layer (3) of elastic material for securing it by frictional engagement in the insertion opening. It is characteristic of the insertable element according to the invention that a reinforcing sleeve (4), which is composed of a material that is inflexible in comparison with the outer layer and which is surrounded by the outer layer (3), is provided to reinforce the outer layer (3) transversely to the plug longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A vent device for a respiratory device, comprising one or a plurality of vents configured with a variable aperture size for communicating a flow of breathable gas. Said vent device being configured so that the cross section profile exposed to the flow of breathable gas communicating through the vent does not change as the aperture size changes. A vent device may comprise of a plurality of the said vents, wherein the aperture size of each vent may be controlled independently or together, and may be controlled according to one or more input signals from one or more sensors. Examples of suitable input signals include flow, pressure, noise, accelerometer outputs, orientation of a patient or presence of any obstructions. A patient interface or a patient conduit may comprise the vent device, or the vent device may be configured to connect with a patient interface or a patient conduit.

Abstract: An adjustable rehabilitation and exercise device, including a first rotary member rotatably mountable about a first hub and having a plurality of spaced apart and elongated first mount supports defined thereon; a first mount adjustably positioned on one of the first mount supports; a first patient engagement member attached to the first mount, a second rotary member rotatably mountable about a second hub the opposite the first rotary member, the second rotary member having a plurality of spaced apart and elongated second mount supports defined thereon; a second mount adjustably positioned on one of the second mount supports; and a second patient engagement member attached to the second mount. The first and second mounts are adjustably positionable on the first and second rotary members to enable adjustable positioning of the first and second patient engagement members radially relative to the first and second hubs of the rotary members and angularly relative to one another.

Abstract: An adjustable rehabilitation and exercise device, including a rotary member having a plurality of elongated and spaced apart elongated open-ended slots defined thereon; a mount selectively and movably positionable on a selected one of the slots of the rotary member to select an angular location of the mount. The mount includes a sliding member movably positionable along the selected slot to a selected radial location along the selected slot to select a radial location of the mount relative to the hub of the rotary member. The mount has a slide member configured to slidingly engage the slot and a movable plunger located on the slide member, wherein the plunger is movable to engage the slot so as to lock the position of the mount along the slot; and a patient engagement member connectable to the mount and movable with the mount.

Abstract: A multiple stage pinch valve generally includes a pinch valve body, a manifold top head connected to a proximal end of the pinch valve body and a nozzle head connected to a distal end of the pinch valve body. In one embodiment, the pinch valve body includes a first pinch valve section and a second pinch valve section disposed downstream of the first pinch valve section. In another embodiment, the pinch valve body includes an inner pinch valve section and an outer pinch valve section disposed coaxially around the inner pinch valve section.

Abstract: A homogenizing apparatus (1) comprising: —an inlet (2) for receiving a pressurized fluid, possibly also containing solid particles; —a zone wherein homogenization of the fluid takes place; —an outlet (10) for the fluid at a lower pressure with respect to the inlet pressure, wherein, in the homogenization zone, the fluid passes from a zone having a larger diameter (or volume) to a zone having a smaller diameter (or volume), the homogenization zone comprising an interacting element (9) shared by a first stage (equipped with a first deflector plug (6)) and a second stage suitable for creating back pressure (equipped with a second deflector plug (12)), where the deflector plugs (6 and 12) operate with the interacting element (9) they share, generating an increase in the shear rate within the first stage. The invention also concerns a homogenization process.

Abstract: An adjustable size inlet duct system for a ducted fan propulsion system may change its inlet profile to enhance thrust levels in low-speed and hovering flight conditions and may change its inlet profile to reduce drag to permit faster flight speeds at higher operating speeds. The adjustable size inlet duct system may include duct petals and associated actuators. During slow speed flight, the petals may expand to generate a rounded large inlet area bellmouth profile. At higher flight speeds, the petals may contract to reduce the profile drag of the duct in forward flight. An optional exterior bypass duct may be included to provide additional thrust in excess of the thrust provided by the ducted fan. An optional annular electric motor housed in the exterior bypass duct may be included to generate still more excess thrust.

Abstract: Selective fluid barrier valve devices and methods of treatment are described herein. An embodiment of a selective fluid barrier valve device comprises a housing, an actuator, a sleeve, a wire member, and a connector. The sleeve defines a passageway that extends through the sleeve. The actuator is moveable between a first position and a second position. When the actuator is in the first position, the sleeve is in a first configuration such that fluid can pass through the passageway defined by the sleeve. When the actuator is in a second position, the sleeve is in a second configuration such that fluid is prevented from passing through the passageway defined by the sleeve.

Abstract: A liquid treatment apparatus includes a supply chamber for receiving a fluid, a discharge chamber for discharging the fluid, and a cavitation generating chamber extending from the supply chamber to the discharge chamber. The cavitation generating chamber is operable to generate cavitation bubbles. A method of treating a liquid comprises directing a fluid from a supply chamber into a cavitation generating chamber by constricting the fluid through an orifice, wherein the orifice has a cross dimension that is substantially less than a cross dimension of the supply chamber, such that a fluid jet is formed. The method further includes allowing the fluid jet to expand downstream of the orifice such that the velocity of the fluid is reduced so that the jet axial velocity head at the chamber outlet is less than the difference between the static pressure within the discharge chamber and the vapor pressure of the fluid. The method also includes discharging the fluid into a discharge chamber via a chamber outlet.

Abstract: A flow regulator system includes a flow regulator placed within a fluid flow path to maintain fluid flow therethrough at a desired flow rate. The flow regulator includes a flow washer having an orifice therethrough and a regulator body that receives the flow washer. At fluid pressures between a first fluid pressure and a second fluid pressure, the flow washer rotationally deforms to decrease or increase the size of the orifice, thereby maintaining the desired flow rate. When fluid pressure is greater than or equal to the second fluid pressure, the flow washer contacts a portion of the regulator body to prevent further rotational deformation of the flow washer. In addition, the flow washer radially compresses or expands to increase or decrease the size of the orifice, thereby maintaining the desired flow rate.

Abstract: A simple engine, comprises (1) a cylinder, and a spark plug in the cylinder; (2) a carburetor, fluidly connected to the cylinder; (3) a primary air intake path, fluidly connecting atmosphere to the carburetor; (4) a carburetor bypass air intake path, fluidly connecting air to the cylinder without passing through the carburetor; and (5) a valve, along the carburetor bypass air intake path, for controlling the flow of air through the carburetor bypass air intake path.

Abstract: It is to be understood that embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus and a method for pumping a liquid, for example to recirculate liquid in a liquid storage tank by means of a gas lift pump. A perforated extension at the top of a gas lift allows the apparatus to be used in circumstances where the depth of liquid in the tank may vary over a wide range. Gases other than air may be used in the gas lift, so as to change the acidity and the concentrations of dissolved gases, particularly oxygen, in the liquid. The gas may be introduced into the gas lift through a whistle that generates intense sound waves and couples them into the liquid. These features when used in combination have particular application against invasive species in the ballast water of ocean-going tankers.

Abstract: A ball joint connector is provided for linking a showerhead to a water supply pipe. The connector has an internal venturi that draws air into the connector to aerate water being provided to the showerhead. A flow control member is disposed in a fluid pathway connected to the venturi, preventing spraying or leaking out the air inlet, while reducing noise associated with the air induction.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems for controlling movement of a divergent flap (24) in an exhaust nozzle (20). A nozzle flap assembly may include a first link (42) pivotably coupled to a divergent flap (24). A second link (40) may be pivotably coupled to the first link and a static portion (44) of the exhaust nozzle. The second link may comprise a bumper (50). The first link may be configured to contact the bumper in response to the divergent flap being in a high thrust mode. The second link may be configured to contact the divergent flap in response to the divergent flap being in a low thrust mode.