Abstract: An extraction device for discharging a mixed fluid, in particular containing feces, from a collecting tank of a rail vehicle comprises a housing having a mixed fluid inlet and a mixed fluid outlet, a flow passage which extends in the housing between the inlet and the outlet, a retaining latch mounted to the housing and adapted to cooperate with a corresponding recess on the collecting tank and is pivotably reciprocal between a locked position and an unlocked position, a shut-off member reciprocable between a release position and a blocking position, and a handling means or actuator mounted to the housing for actuation of the shut-off member. The handling means is operatively connected to the retaining latch in such a way that upon the movement of the retaining latch into the unlocked position the shut-off member is put into the blocking position.

Abstract: A rack bar blank for a steering system includes a first region having a first diameter. The rack bar blank also includes a second region having a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter prior to formation of teeth on the second region and a ball screw thread on the first region.

Abstract: An earthquake gas valve that uses a battery powered actuation mechanism to automatically close a gas valve when the movement caused by an earthquake is perceived. A gear motor is activated by a plurality of shake switches which in turn cause a motor driven radial rack to rotate. The rack terminates in a closure plug which obstructs the gas outlet opening and prevents gas from entering the house or office when an earthquake occurs. A timing circuit delays the activation of the closure plug to make sure that the motion has been caused by an earthquake and not by an accidental brief jarring action.

Abstract: A data center cooling system includes a server rack sub-assembly that includes a motherboard mounted on a support member and a heat generating electronic devices mounted on the a motherboard; a cold plate positioned in thermal communication with at least a portion of the heat generating electronic devices, the cold plate configured to receive a flow of a cooling liquid circulated through a supply conduit fluidly coupled to a liquid inlet of the cold plate, through the cold plate, and through a return conduit fluidly coupled to a liquid outlet of the cold plate; and a modulating control valve attached to either of the motherboard or the support member and positioned in either of the supply conduit or the return conduit, the modulating control valve configured to adjust a rate of the flow of the cooling liquid based on an operating condition of at least one of the heat generating electronic devices.

Abstract: An actuation mechanism for a rotary element, comprises an electric drive motor coupled to a threaded drive spindle. A threaded drive nut is received on said drive spindle for movement along said drive spindle. A rack gear is coupled to said drive nut. A pinion gear is drivingly engaged with said rack gear and drivingly couplable to the rotary element. The rotary element may be a valve element.

Abstract: A device for converting a rotational motion of a valve element into a translational motion of same having a valve element bearing-supported such that it is translationally movable along a translation axis, a cam element with a cam curvature. The cam element is rotatable about an axis of rotation, wherein connected with the valve element is a stem by means of which the valve element can be moved translationally along the translation axis and which comprises an engagement element in engagement with the cam curvature. The engagement element is braced from two sides of the cam element by the stem, and wherein, by rotation of the cam element about the axis of rotation, the engagement element is guided along the cam curvature such that the stem executes a translational motion whereby the valve element executes a translational motion.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a valve device, which includes a valve body for opening and closing a fluid path, for retaining the valve body at a predetermined opening position, the valve device further including a gear wheel to which rotational driving force of a rotational driving source is transmitted and a rack section having rack teeth provided thereon for meshing engagement with the gear wheel and configured to convert rotational movement of the gear wheel into linear movement and move together with the valve body. The locking mechanism for a valve device includes: a ball abuttable with a wall face of the rack section; and a spring member configured to press the ball toward the wall face; the valve body being retained by frictional force generated when the ball is pressed against the wall face of the rack section.

Abstract: A valve drive for actuating a valve comprises a main motor, a main shaft, a transmitting device comprising a nut and a spindle and adapted to transform rotational movement of the nut into a translational movement of the spindle, and driving means adapted to move the spindle, wherein the main motor is adapted to transfer rotation to the nut via the main shaft, and the spindle is adapted to open and close the valve during the translational movement of the spindle. The valve drive for actuating a valve further comprises a differential mechanism mounted between the main motor and the main shaft, said differential mechanism comprising a first input shaft connecting the differential mechanism to the main motor, and a second input shaft. The output shaft of the differential mechanism is the main shaft.

Abstract: A valve skirt is connected to a shaft. The shaft extends in a rearward direction away from the skirt and has rack teeth at a location spaced away from the skirt. A tab is positioned between the skirt and the rack teeth, and has at least one flat surface. A rack support supports the rack for axial movement, and the rack support has a support ear that has a flat surface engaging the flat surface on the rack to prevent relative rotation of the rack when driven by a pinion gear. An air starter valve, a gas turbine engine and a method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A combined balancing and control valve suitable for use in a hydronic system is provided, including a chamber enclosing a plug (6, 10, 16, 15), a seat (13) and a cam and pinion mechanism (20-28) for adjusting the separation of the plug (6, 10, 16, 15) and the seat (13). Pressure ports (42, 43) are included for monitoring the rate of fluid flow across the separation. The cam and pinion mechanism provides a motion transformation (20-27) operable by an actuator (28) to control the motion of the valve plug (6, 10, 16, 15). The valve plug motion provides a favorable change in conductance of the valve for a given change in the actuator position. The actuator (28) is calibrated in increments which correspond to incremental changes in the conductance.

Abstract: An actuator for a valve assembly is provided. The actuator has an actuator body and at least one piston configured to travel within the actuator body. The actuator has an output shaft located at least partially within the actuator body and configured to couple to a valve stem of a valve wherein the output shaft has a plurality of teeth protruding from a pinion. The actuator has at least one rack configured to move with each of the at least one piston, the rack having a piston end and a terminal end and wherein the rack has a plurality of rack teeth configured to engage the plurality of teeth on the output shaft. The terminal end of the rack is configured to be maintained a minimum distance beyond an engagement point, wherein the engagement point is located between the rack teeth and the teeth in all operating positions.

Abstract: The valve actuator (10) has a movable control element (12) which is typically connected to the valve to be opened/closed and a propulsion device (16) which may be a hydraulically operated piston (16) for moving the movable control element. A resilient element (22) which may be in the form of a spring arrangement has a stroke extending from a first relatively unloaded position to a second relatively loaded position and a transmission mechanism (18) is also provided, where the resilient element is loaded under the action of the propulsion device via the transmission mechanism and is configured to urge the moveable portion of the propulsion device towards the first position via the transmission mechanism when loaded. The transmission mechanism provides a gearing ratio reduction between the moveable portion of the propulsion device and the resilient element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self sealing disconnect for use in connection with an environmental control system. The disconnect includes two mating halves each of which houses an internal butterfly valve. When the halves are engaged, the butterfly valves are opened to complete a fluid circuit. Conversely, when the halves are disengaged, the butterfly valves are close so as to prevent the flow of fluids.

Abstract: A cam and cam follower apparatus translates linear cam bar movement to perpendicular valve stem actuation in an injection molding system. The cam bars reciprocate up and down on linear bearing rails such that an actuation plate, fitted with a plurality of valve stems, is cycled normal to the direction of the cam bar movement via cam followers traveling within cam slots in the cam bars. The cam slots in the cam bars are profiled such that the cam followers affect the speed and force at which the valve stems travel while at the same time reducing frictional effects and their associated power requirement. The cam followers of the valve stem actuation plate travel in cam slots in the cam bars from a valve stem forward position, to a valve stem retracted position and ultimately, the entire actuation plate may be removed from the cam bars for maintenance via open ended slots in the cam bars.

Abstract: A valve actuator is provided for use in conjunction with a drive motor and a valve. In one embodiment, the valve actuator includes a housing assembly, a first power screw rotatably mounted in the housing assembly and configured to be rotated by the drive motor, a first rack translatably mounted in the housing assembly, and a pinion rotatably mounted in the housing assembly and mechanically linked to the valve. The first rack is threadably coupled to the first power screw and is configured to move linearly as the first power screw rotates. The pinion engages the first rack and is configured to rotate as the first rack moves linearly to move the valve to a desired position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for positioning an orifice plate within a body having a straight flowbore. One embodiment includes a carrier supporting the orifice plate and a drive member operable to engage the carrier and move the carrier along a first axis perpendicular to the flowbore. The drive member is also operable to limit the movement of the carrier along a second axis perpendicular to the flowbore and perpendicular to the first axis. A pin is operable to engage the carrier so as to limit movement along the first axis.

Abstract: Provided is a flow control valve including: a valve body including a flow passage; a first poppet being fixed within the valve body, and including an inlet port through which a fluid flows in and an outflow hole through which the fluid flows out to the flow passage; a second poppet being fixed within the valve body, and including an outlet port through which the fluid flows out and an inflow hole through which the fluid flows in from the flow passage; a sleeve sliding along the first poppet to close the outflow hole and regulate an area thereof; and a spool being disposed between the first and second poppets to be slidable along the first and second poppets, being elastically supported by the second poppet, and sliding due to a pressure of the fluid flowing in the first poppet to close the inflow hole and regulate an area thereof.

Abstract: A separable ball valve apparatus and ball valve assembly capable of selectively opening/closing a separable flow path are provided. The separable ball valve apparatus comprises a separable pipe member having a flow path through which fluid flows, a ball member having at least two balls disposed in the pipe member, opening and closing the flow path, and adjacent to each other, and an opening/closing member configured to control the ball member to open/close the flow path, wherein the balls have through-holes, respectively, and the opening/closing member includes a gear train configured to control the opening/closing of the at least two balls. Therefore, it is possible to simply open/close pipes having the flow path and detachably attach the pipes, increase space utilization due to removal of a separate coupling space for attachment/detachment of the pipes, and simultaneously open/close the two pipes, which are separated from each other through one operation.

Abstract: A fluid regulator includes a valve block having an inlet arranged for connection to a gas supply and an outlet arranged for connection to an item of gas equipment and defining a flow path. The valve block may include one or more of a pressure regulator, a metering valve, and an on-off switch disposed in the flow path. A rotatable pinion operatively is coupled to the metering valve, and a hand control is coupled to the valve block and rotatable about an axis and includes a toothed rack movable with the hand control. A spring biases the toothed rack toward pinion to provide improved precision and/or less play between internal components. The fluid regulator they also include a balanced gear assembly for rotating a control rod of the valve, and further may be adapted to provide various visual indicators of the on-off the state of the device.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a temperature for an engine by controlling a flow of a liquid engine coolant through a coolant conduit, the apparatus including a thermostat having a temperature responsive valve for substantially blocking and substantially unblocking the flow of the liquid coolant to a radiator. The valve opens as the temperature of the liquid coolant rises and a spring urges the valve to a closed position as the temperature of the fluid falls. An electromechanical actuator is provided outside of the conduit and is controlled by an engine control system in response to engine conditions.

Abstract: An actuator comprising a cylinder and a spring return piston provided with linkage means, in which one or more return springs are situated on the same side of the piston as the linkage means.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for positioning an orifice plate within a body having a straight flowbore. One embodiment includes a carrier supporting the orifice plate and a drive member operable to engage the carrier and move the carrier along a first axis perpendicular to the flowbore. The drive member is also operable to limit the movement of the carrier along a second axis perpendicular to the flowbore and perpendicular to the first axis. A pin is operable to engage the carrier so as to limit movement along the first axis.

Abstract: A valve actuator is provided for use in conjunction with a drive motor and a valve. In one embodiment, the valve actuator includes a housing assembly, a first power screw rotatably mounted in the housing assembly and configured to be rotated by the drive motor, a first rack translatably mounted in the housing assembly, and a pinion rotatably mounted in the housing assembly and mechanically linked to the valve. The first rack is threadably coupled to the first power screw and is configured to move linearly as the first power screw rotates. The pinion engages the first rack and is configured to rotate as the first rack moves linearly to move the valve to a desired position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self sealing disconnect for use in connection with an environmental control system. The disconnect includes two mating halves each of which houses an internal butterfly valve. When the halves are engaged, the butterfly valves are opened to complete a fluid circuit. Conversely, when the halves are disengaged, the butterfly valves are close so as to prevent the flow of fluids.

Abstract: A rotary valve actuator that effects rotary movement of a rotary valve includes a heavy plate member coupled with a linear motive source, which reciprocates the plate member between a first position and a second position. A first pair of flexible pull connectors, such as lengths of roller chain, are attached to the end of the plate member, and wrap around a wheel. At least one second flexible pull connector is disposed between said first flexible pull connectors and is attached to the other end of the plate member, and wraps around the wheel in the opposite direction of winding as for the first flexible connector.

Abstract: An isolation valve assembly, a coolant connect/disconnect assembly, a cooled multi-blade electronics center, and methods of fabrication thereof are provided employing an isolation valve and actuation mechanism. The isolation valve is disposed within at least one of a coolant supply or return line providing liquid coolant to the electronics subsystem. The actuation member is coupled to the isolation valve to automatically translate a linear motion, resulting from insertion of the electronics subsystem into the operational position within the electronics housing, into a rotational motion to open the isolation valve and allow coolant to pass. The actuation mechanism, which operates to automatically close the isolation valve when the liquid cooled electronics subsystem is withdrawn from the operational position, can be employed in combination with a compression valve coupling, with one fitting of the compression valve coupling being disposed serially in fluid communication with the isolation valve.

Abstract: In combination with an external actuator for electrically operating a gate valve for use with a recreational vehicle, a gate valve within a housing, a flow passageway, a valve closure member moveable transversely of the flow passageway to cause the passageway to open and close. The valve closure member comprises a valve stem and a connected handle. Also provided is an electrical control unit with a motor, an electrical drive means and a drive shaft to engage the handle. A switch means electrically connected to the control unit has an on and off position. In the on position, the actuator lifts the handle to move the gate and open the flow passageway. In the off position, the actuator retracts the handle to move the gate linearly to close the flow passageway. Also provided is a releasable ring pin which confines the handle and which, when removed, enables the manual override of the external actuator.

Abstract: A propulsion system with a pintle for variable thrust is constructed such that the pintle contains a shaft at its fore end which passes through an opening in the thrust chamber wall and extends into a boss on the outside surface of the thrust chamber. A dynamic seal that maintains the pressurization of the thrust chamber while allowing movement of the pintle is positioned inside the boss, between the pintle shaft and the boss, and actuation of the pintle is achieved by a rack affixed to the fore end of the pintle and a gear that engages the rack. The dynamic seal, rack and gear are thus external to the thrust chamber, providing the thrust chamber with a compact external envelope, a greater thermal standoff, or both.

Abstract: An improved one-way fluid valve construction is provided. A valve housing (102) includes one or more valve ports (108) and control ports (110). A control member (304) is disposed within the control port (110). The control member (304) is movable within the control port (110) between a first position and a second position. A control rod (302) can extend between the control member (304) and a portion of the valve port (108). A control rod coupling (402) interacts with the control member (304) to cause a rotational or pivotal movement the control rod (302) through a predetermined angular arc in response to movement of the control member (304). A sealing face (404) formed on a second portion of the control rod (302) advantageously forms a seal with an orifice (316) that separates an input side of the valve port (108) from an output side. The seal can be formed when the control rod (302) is in a control rod sealed position.

Abstract: A novel pistol nozzle is provided herein, in which a spherical valve having a through hole is used to control the water flow by the alignment of the through hole to the water channel of the pistol nozzle. The alignment of the spherical valve's through hole is controlled by the interaction of a pinion and a gear when the control lever of the pistol nozzle is grasped, which requires less effort and achieve more precise control to the water flow.

Abstract: A device for controlling belt lubrication and cooling of a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) is improved for minimizing fluid consumption and improving cooling efficiency by changing the nozzle spraying direction for belt lubrication and cooling. The device for controlling belt lubrication and cooling of the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) comprises a fluid control portion operated by flowing of a fluid pressure supplied to a primary pulley and a secondary pulley, and a fluid supply portion for controlling a predetermined fluid supply according to movement of the fluid control portion and being connected to the same.

Abstract: This invention discloses improvements to a damper of the type used in industrial applications to open and close ducts carrying noxious or corrosive materials, such as combustion by-products. The improvements include a linear rack and wheeled pinion system to raise and lower a damper blade plate and improvements to the seal cartridge to prolong the life of the seal membrane and to prevent galling between the blade plate and the seal cartridge or damper frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drain valve which is used in particular in storage tanks of dishwashers, such as single-chamber or multi-chamber dishwashers. The drain valve comprises a sieve insert accommodated on a support which is of tubular design, and in which a contact switch is arranged to sense the presence of the sieve insert. The support can be moved in the vertical direction with respect to the drain opening in the base of a storage tank by means of an electric drive.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of the submarine valve actuators, and specifically to those actuators, that in order to effect a standard valve closing operation are connected to an oleo system feeding an hydraulic cylinder (1), whose plunger (3), by a mechanical link, operates the valve and compresses a spring (8) which provides for the standard opening operation. Said actuators are provided with an input shaft (21) for connectin a ROV for valve opening and closing operations when there is a failure in the oleo system. The connection between the ROV-operated input shaft (21) and the mechanical link between the piston (3) and the spring (8) is carried out by a planetary gear reducer (15).

Abstract: An isolation valve assembly, a coolant connect/disconnect assembly, a cooled multi-blade electronics center, and methods of fabrication thereof are provided employing an isolation valve and actuation mechanism. The isolation valve is disposed within at least one of a coolant supply or return line providing liquid coolant to the electronics subsystem. The actuation member is coupled to the isolation valve to automatically translate a linear motion, resulting from insertion of the electronics subsystem into the operational position within the electronics housing, into a rotational motion to open the isolation valve and allow coolant to pass. The actuation mechanism, which operates to automatically close the isolation valve when the liquid cooled electronics subsystem is withdrawn from the operational position, can be employed in combination with a compression valve coupling, with one fitting of the compression valve coupling being disposed serially in fluid communication with the isolation valve.

Abstract: A position restoring apparatus for an open and close device includes a casing base, a first actuating member, a second actuating member, a first end cover, a second end cover, an output shaft and a motor. The casing base has main member with a hollow seat. The first actuating member has a first disk part with a first block and a first rack at a lateral side of the first block. The second actuating member has a second disk part with a second block and a second rack. The first end cover provides a plurality of first elastic components. The second end cover provides a plurality of second elastic components. The output shaft provides a joining part to mesh with the first and second racks. The motor shaft extends upward a rod part with an electromagnet, a stationary disk member and a movable disk member.

Abstract: The invention includes a bi-directional air release valve for the tank system of a motor vehicle having an inlet opening, an outlet opening, a valve seat placed between the openings, and a closure element. In a closed position the closure element blocks the flow communication between the inlet and outlet openings and in its opened position releases the blockage. The closure element is activated by a motor such that it may be adjusted to bring about optional intervening positions.

Abstract: A motor-operated valve assembly has a housing, a motor, a driving force transmission means and a valve member. The housing has a fluid passage therein. The motor is installed in the housing. The driving force transmission means has an output rotor rotatably supported by the housing and transmits a driving force of the motor to the output rotor. The valve member is supported by the housing between the motor and the output rotor to be slidable in an axial direction thereof and engaged with the output rotor so that the output rotor slides the valve member to open and close the fluid passage.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a single shaft with cam-actuated control valves and one linear solenoid for control of air flow control vales in the air induction system for a V-type engine. According to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the single shaft and one sensor are utilized to activate all control valves. Additionally, the present invention can also be used in in-line engines. Advantageously, the present invention utilizes one moving shaft and sensor to activate all control valves on both sides of the intake manifold without restricting air flow by locating the shaft in the middle of the manifold—lower housing. Further, the control valves are not attached with screws, thus eliminating a tolerance stack-up at assembly problem. The air induction sub-system can be manufactured with metals or plastic, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method of controlling the flow of a fluid are provided. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a flow control device includes a valve having a flow path defined therethrough and a valve seat in communication with the flow path with a valve stem disposed in the valve seat. The valve stem and valve seat are cooperatively configured to cause mutual relative linear displacement thereof in response to rotation of the valve stem. A gear member is coupled with the rotary stem and a linear positioning member includes a portion which complementarily engages the gear member. Upon displacement of the linear positioning member along a first axis, the gear member and rotary valve stem are rotated about a second axis and the valve stem and valve seat are mutually linearly displaced to alter the flow of fluid through the valve.

Abstract: There is disclosed a damping coefficient switching-type hydraulic damper that may automatically switch a damping coefficient without needing supply of energy from the outside at all, and also may always surely exert an energy absorption capacity greater than that of a typical hydraulic damper. While a piston is moving in a direction A, a mechanical drive means composed of a straight gear and a crank mechanism allows an on-off control operation valve, that is, a flow regulating valve to be placed in a closed state, and a damping coefficient is switched to a maximum value Cmax. When a movement of the piston is turned in a direction B at a left-side maximum point of amplitude, the mechanical drive means works to once open the flow regulating valve to perform elimination of a load, so that the damping coefficient is switched to a minimum value (Cmin).

Abstract: A dual-poppet valve comprising a valve body having spaced-apart coaxial valve seats and being arranged such that first and second poppets both open into the primary chamber. A first pintle shaft engages the first poppet, and a second pintle shaft engages the second poppet. A motorized actuator having a gear transmission includes a pinion gear. The pintle shafts include opposing gear racks, and the pinion gear engages both racks. Thus, rotation of the pinion gear in a first direction causes both poppets to be lifted from their seats simultaneously, in opposite directions; and counter-rotation engages each poppet with its respective seat. In closing, one poppet engages its seat slightly before the other poppet engages the other seat. The first pintle slides through the first poppet until the second poppet is fully seated by the actuator. The force of the spring fully engages the first poppet with the first seat.

Abstract: An opening/closing mechanism for a vacuum processing apparatus comprises a link mechanism comprising a supporting member having first and second valve elements for closing first and second opening portions, and a base end side member rotatably attached at a rear edge portion side of the supporting member through a rotation axis, a guide mechanism rotatably supporting the supporting member to a horizontal moving direction of the first and second valve elements while restricting the vertical moving range of the supporting member, first and second guide members which move the rotation axis of the link mechanism to a vertical direction and at the top portion to the horizontal direction, and first and second vertical moving mechanisms which vertically move the first guide member, the second guide member and the base edge side member.

Abstract: A pressurized gas cartridge drives a dispensing device for viscous product cartridges. The dispensing device and the viscous product cartridge form a gas enclosure separated from a product enclosure by a movable wall. A valve is driven by a rack and pinion valve drive mechanism between an open position and a closed position upon rotation of the pinion. The rack rotates the pinion upon linear movement thereof. A trigger is adapted to impart linear movement to the rack upon manual actuation of the trigger. The open position of the nozzle valve permits viscous product to flow through the dispensing passage, and the closed position of the nozzle valve prevents viscous product from flowing through the dispensing passage. The interface between the trigger and rack is designed to operationally disengage rather than transmit a force therebetween that is capable of damaging the device.

Abstract: A position return device for an open and close apparatus includes a casing base, a first actuating member, a second actuating member, a first end cover, a second end cover, an output shaft and a motor. The casing base has a main member with a hollow seat at the top thereof. The first actuating member has a first disk part with a first block member extending from a lateral side thereof to form a first rack. The second actuating member has a second disk part with a second block extending from the right end thereof to form a second rack. The first end cover provides a plurality of first elastic members at the left end thereof. The second end cover provides a plurality of second elastic members at the right end thereof. The output shaft has a pinion joining part to mesh with the first and second racks. The motor shaft of the motor extends upward a rod part and the rod part is attached to an electric magnet, a stationary disk member and a movable disk member.

Abstract: An actuator (16) for a rotor valve (10). The actuator includes a rack (86) for driving a pinion gear (87) of the valve. The rack is moved between first and second positions by the action of a first piston (88). Movement of the first piston and rack is selectively restricted in one direction by the movement of a moveable stop (104) from a withdrawn position to an extended position, thereby defining a third position of the rack. The moveable stop may be driven by a second piston (102). The first and second pistons may be powered by a common compressed air supply (122). The cross-sectional area of the first piston may be at least 1.4 times the cross-sectional area of the second piston to ensure that the force exerted by the first piston is not sufficient to displace the moveable stop from the extended position when the second piston is open to the compressed air supply.

Abstract: A hydraulic damper used for reducing shaking of a structure, for example in an earthquake. The hydraulic damper has a cylinder, a piston movable in a reciprocating manner within the cylinder, hydraulic chambers at opposite sides of the piston, and a single on-off control valve. There is a passage for connecting both of the hydraulic chambers and is on-off controlled to change a damping coefficient. A damping coefficient switching-type hydraulic damper is provided between a piston rod and the on-off control valve. A first damping coefficient is attained when the on-off control valve is maintained in a closed state for movement of said piston in one direction, and a second damping coefficient is attained when the on-off control valve is opened. A mechanical drive for the control valve may be a straight gear operatively attached to the piston rod of the cylinder, and a crank mechanism that works with the straight gear to on-off control the control valve.

Abstract: A valve, e.g. of an aircraft drinking water system, has a rotatable adjusting shaft to adjust the valve between its open end position and its closed end position. A mechanism for operating the adjusting shaft includes a push-pull cable connected to a toothed rack that engages a toothed gear element secured to the adjusting shaft. The mechanism converts the push-pull linear motion of the cable to a reciprocating rotational motion of the adjusting shaft. End sections of the rack and the gear element have no gear teeth, so the rack automatically disengages from the gear element once the end position of the valve is reached. The disengaged rack can slide beyond the stopped end position of the gear element, and re-engages with the gear element once it slides back into the operating range. The valve cannot be forced beyond its end positions, despite excessive input motion of the cable.

Abstract: A fluid valve operator for moving a moveable valve element such as a disc (14) that is pressed forcefully against a surface of a valve frame (12). The valve operator includes first and second electric gear reduction motors (22, 24) that each has a movable driving member such as a rack (34, 36) that moves against a handle (20) of the valve element to move the valve element to a connect or disconnect position. Each motor withdraws its driving member from the valve member handle after moving the valve member. A default mechanism (90) moves the valve element handle to a preselected one of the positions, such as the disconnect position, when pressure of a fluid falls below a preselected level.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inline flow control valve for regulating the movement of materials through a flow line. The valve of the present invention has a design that provides external control of the inline plug instead of control based on flow pressure of the material flowing through the flow line. The valve of the present invention can comprise a one-piece housing design. This one-piece design can facilitate easier assembly and maintenance of the valve. The valve comprises a valve housing, a valve plug, guide member, and an actuation mechanism. This mechanism is a rack and pinion design comprising a shaft, a rotary pinion arm and a rack gear. The rack and pinion design converts circular motion from the shaft into linear motion of the valve plug in the flow line. The shaft, which an operator would use to control the motion of the valve plug, is not contained an integral valve bonnet.