Abstract: Fluid management systems are disclosed that include software-controlled, electro-mechanical devices used in combination with single-use or multi-use tubing sets. Functions of the fluid management systems can include fluid pressurization, fluid warming, fluid deficit monitoring (including flow-based and weight-based), suction, fluid collection, and fluid evacuation (including indirect-to-drain and direct-to-drain options). The systems can be configured based on the surgical environment (e.g., operating room or physician office) as well as other user needs and/or preferences.

Abstract: A pneumatic brake valve unit for a rail vehicle, includes: a main device (20) designed for selective control of a communication path between a brake pipe connector (18) and either an atmospheric exhaust line (19) or an auxiliary reservoir connector (16), such that the pressure at the brake pipe connector (18) is k times the difference between the pressure at a control reservoir connector (14) and the pressure at a main brake pipe connector (12), k being a proportionality factor; and a reset device (23) designed for selective control of a communication path between an air discharge member (54) and the control reservoir connector (14) between an open position when the pressure at the brake pipe connector (18) is atmospheric pressure and a closed position when the pressure at the brake pipe connector (18) is above atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A pneumatic brake valve unit for a rail vehicle, includes: a main device (20) that selectively controls a communication path between a brake pipe connector (18) and either an atmospheric exhaust line (19) or an auxiliary reservoir connector (16), such that the pressure at the brake pipe connector (18) is k times the difference between the pressure at a control reservoir connector (14) and the pressure at a main brake pipe connector (12), k being a proportionality factor; a cut-off valve (21) that controls a communication path between the main brake pipe connector (12) and the control reservoir connector (14); an accelerator device (22) that controls a communication path between the main brake pipe connector (12) and an air discharge member (19); and a driving pilot (39) which is common to both the valve (21) and the accelerator device (22) and which controls their respective communication paths.

Abstract: A device and method for double actuating, by pressure differential, a valve of a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, wherein the double actuating device comprises an actuator piston displaceably arranged in an actuator cylinder between two chambers of inversely varying volume, mechanically attached to the stem of said valve. The actuating forces on said valve are selectively controllable via pressurized manifolds. The valves are double actuated independently of engine operation, the method allowing for variation in timing, duration, and lift under an electronically controlled fluid circuit, using alterable constants to allow for modifiable operating modes, also allowing reprogramming of said electronics to provide for in-place upgrades.

Abstract: A flow regulating valve subassembly includes a main valve configured as a seat valve and a valve piston. The valve piston is acted upon via a first end face by the pressure of a first working connection and via an annular surface of the valve piston by the pressure of a second working connection in the opening direction. The valve piston is also acted upon in the closing direction via a second end face by the pressure of the higher-pressure working connection. An adjustable throttle is formed between a housing of the main valve and the valve piston. The throttle has a cross section that changes continuously during displacement of the valve piston and connects the higher-pressure working connection to the second end face. A pilot control valve arrangement is configured to control a control line which connects the second end face to the lower-pressure working connection.

Abstract: A single trip multizone time progressive well treating method and apparatus that provides a means to progressively stimulate individual zones through a cased or open hole well bore. This system allows the operator to use pre-set timing devices to progressively treat each zone up the hole. At each zone the system automatically opens a sliding sleeve and closes a frangible flapper, at a pre-selected point in time. An adjustable preset timing device is installed in each zone to allow preplanned continual frac operations for all zones. The apparatus is present as a “Frac Module” that can consist of three major components, a packer, a timing pressure device, and a sliding sleeve/isolation device. A hydraulic packer may be removed or replaced with a swellable type packer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an actuator (30) for operating a valve in a fluid line comprising: an actuating member (15) with an actuating element (8) for transferring a force to the device, wherein the actuating member (15) is mounted to move between a first and a second position, a spring (10) for storing energy and for moving the actuating member (15) from its first to its second position by means of this energy in order to thereby move the actuating element (8), lock means for locking the actuating member (15) in its first position, and release means for releasing the actuating member (15) in order to allow the actuating member (15) to move from the first to the second position, wherein the release means are pressure operated and adapted to be in contact with the fluid line and wherein the release means release the actuating member (15) when the pressure in the fluid line exceeds a threshold.

Abstract: A vandal resistant adjustable metered handle assembly for a faucet is disclosed. The handle assembly includes a body having a base adapted for attachment to a sink and a sidewall extending in an upward direction with respect to the base. The base is attached to a push button handle via a stem. A spring is associated with the body and the push button handle for metering an amount of water emitting from the faucet and a sleeve is positioned between the body and the push button handle. The sleeve cooperates with the sidewall of the body to adjust the shut-off time of the metered handle assembly. The sleeve may be color-coded to indicate water temperature. The handle assembly can be made vandal resistant by adhesively securing various components together and providing an unconventional attachment member for securing the handle assembly to a sink.

Abstract: A sliding seal arrangement in particular for a valve having an anodised aluminium coating in contact with the seal. The coating is produced so that inclusions in the surface of the coating are substantially aligned. The direction of motion of the sliding seal in use is then substantially aligned with the direction of the inclusions resulting in greatly reduced wear on the seal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a failure protection apparatus including an air source providing air having an air pressure, a first valve in fluid communication with the air source permitting fluid communication of a control fluid between a first fluid port and a second fluid port when the air pressure is at least a minimum air pressure and preventing fluid communication of the control fluid between the first fluid port and the second fluid port when the air pressure is below the minimum air pressure, a second valve in fluid communication with the air source preventing communication of air between an air inlet and an air outlet when the air pressure is at least the minimum air pressure and permitting communication of air between the air inlet and the air outlet when the air pressure is below the minimum air pressure, a third valve in fluid communication with the air source permitting communication of air to a third valve outlet when the air pressure is at least the minimum air pressure and preventing communic

Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve designed to be in series with a toilet water supply line and the inlet of a toilet tank so that water which is flowing into the tank must flow through the valve. The valve includes a shutoff spool that is actuated by an intensifier piston. When the water volume exceeds the tank capacity due to a failure of the float valve in the toilet supply tank, the shutoff spool is actuated by the intensifier piston allowing flow to the toilet to be blocked.

Abstract: A metering valve assembly for use in sanitary applications and method of use is disclosed. The metering valve assembly has a relief valve hydraulically controlling a pilot valve covering a water supply inlet. The relief valve is controllably closed by a damping mechanism substantially independently of typical variations in water supply temperature and pressure.

Abstract: An improved slow opening gas valve providing for continuous gradual and smooth opening of the gas valve includes an expansible auxiliary chamber connected to an expansible control chamber by a metering orifice. The expansible auxiliary chamber slows expansion of the expansible control chamber, thereby slowing opening of the gas valve and allowing gas to ignite at a lower pressure with a much less audible sound. The gas valve is provided with a normally closed valve member for controlling flow of gas through the gas valve and a diaphragm forms a movable wall of the expansible control chamber that is operable upon expansion of the chamber to move the valve member to an open position. The expansible auxiliary chamber also comprises a movable diaphragm to control the opening of the gas valve and provide gas flow gradually and smoothly.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling fluid according to which an inlet passage and an outlet passage are formed in a housing and a choke member is movable in the housing to control the flow of fluid from the inlet passage to the outlet passage and to exert a back pressure on the fluid. The movement of the choke member from a fully closed position to an open position is dampened.

Abstract: To influence the periodic stroke movement of the closing element of a valve, a control cylinder working on the closing element in the stroke direction is provided, which can be acted upon or released by a control element periodically with pressure medium. The control element is connected in the supply or discharge conduit of the pressure medium and can variably accelerate or slow its pressure formation or release and with it also the stroke movement of the closing element, at last gradually. Thus a partially or completely automatic control of compressor valves, for example, can be made possible in a simple manner.

Abstract: The invention attenuates higher frequency vibrations or oscillations which can result in wear and/or less than optimal performance of a valve positioner. The invention provides a low pass mechanical filter which can be realized, for example, in a dash pot like damper device. The damper includes a pair of diaphragms associated with a pair of chambers, which are in communication with one another by an orifice. The chambers associated with each diaphragm are filled with oil or a hydraulic fluid such that the rate of relative motion (for example between a summing beam of the positioner and the location at which a signal force is applied) is controlled by flow of oil through the orifice.

Abstract: An engagement control valve for a fluid operated torque transmitter, such as a clutch, has a pulse width modulated (PWM) solenoid, a valve spool and an accumulator. The PWM solenoid supplies control pressure through a flow restrictor to a control chamber adjacent one end of the valve spool which responds by establishing a proportionate engagement pressure for the torque transmitter. The accumulator has a piston slidably disposed in the valve spool, adjacent the control chamber, for fluid communication with the control pressure from the PWM solenoid. A damping chamber is formed adjacent the other end of the valve spool and is in fluid communication with an exhaust port via a flow restrictor.

Abstract: A pneumatic valve, designed to control/pressurize a membrane pump, compresses a valve body (1) having gates (8-12) for compressed-air-flow/operation/pressurization of said pump. The valve body is closed by ends (2), between which a plunger (5) is to move between two end positions. The ends of the plunger and the ends of the valve body co-operate physically magnetically in order to generate just and only a retaining force, which constitutes a threshold for a certain minimum control pressure from a control-air-gate (13 or 14) and guarantees a rapid initial movement as well as a rapid transfer of the plunger to its opposite end position. Permanent magnets (15) are inserted in said plunger ends and/or in said valve body ends and designed to co-operate with projections and/or processes (17,18,20) in the opposite member in order to obtain a so-called air-cushion-damping.

Abstract: A displacement controlled hydraulic proportional valve is provided with a dashpot disposed between a main valve spool and a pilot valve spool to stabilize the proportional valve. The dashpot includes a bore in a spring retainer engaging the main valve spool and a plunger axially extending from a spring retainer engaging the pilot valve spool with the plunger extending into the bore to define a dashpot chamber. The plunger is sized to permit restricted fluid flow thereby when the spools move relative to each other thereby dampening relative movement between the valve spools. Dampening the relative movement between the valve spools drastically reduces the amount of overshoot by the main valve spool.

Abstract: A displacement controlled hydraulic proportional valve has a spring retainer and a force feedback spring serially disposed between a pilot valve spool and a main valve spool in a control chamber. An arcuate convex end portion on the pilot valve spool extends into a cylindrical pocket in the spring retainer essentially defining a contact point through which force is transferred between the pilot valve spool and the retainer. The point contact minimizes side loading on the pilot valve spool due to buckling of the feedback spring to minimize tendency of the pilot valve spool to stick during operation.

Abstract: A snubber which may be used with a diaphragm actuator or other movable member to prevent sudden movement of the movable member is provided. A typical diaphragm actuator has a diaphragm housing with a movable diaphragm therein dividing the diaphragm housing into two separate chambers. An actuator stem is connected to the diaphragm to move with the diaphragm. The snubber has a housing with an open interior space communicating through a communication path with a first one of the actuator chambers. A first piston is reciprocably movable within the snubber housing, the first piston being operably connected to the actuator stem to move therewith. The first piston divides the snubber housing space into two chambers, one on each side of the first piston. A passage is provided which leads from one of the snubber chambers to the other. A floating piston positioned in the communication path between the first piston and the first actuator chamber.

Abstract: A variable valve assembly, engine valve control system, and method of operation wherein the valve is hydraulically controlled and includes a valve piston subjected to fluid pressure acting on surfaces at both ends of the valve piston. The cavity at one end of the valve piston is connected to a source of high pressure fluid while the cavity at the other end is connected to a source of high pressure fluid and a source of low pressure fluid, and disconnected from each through action of controlling means such as solenoid valves. The valve assembly includes a damper to limit the velocity of the valve during a portion of the travel of the piston, particularly as the valve head lands on the valve seat.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments of the invention described comprise systems for pulse distribution of irrigating fluid. The systems described include a header that feeds at least one irrigating line in which an array of emitter valves are connected in series to a header. Elastic tubes between each of the emitter valves serve as reservoirs for the irrigating fluid between pulses. A pulser connects the irrrigating fluid conduit to the header in response to activation from a pilot valve. An optional accumulator bellows that is joined to the header collects surplus irrigating fluid and returns it to the system at the appropriate time in the pulse cycle. The pilot valve, moreover, responds to pressure fluctuations by activating and deactvating the pulser. An adjustable spring biased variable capacitance chamber and a fluid diode, moreover, that are coupled to the pilot valve combine to determine the irrigation pulse repetition rate.

Abstract: Movement of a main valve between first and second stable positions is dependent upon hydraulic pressure controlled by an electrically controlled pilot valve reciprocable between first and second stable positions. When the pilot valve is in its first stable position, high pressure hydraulic fluid is admitted to a primary accumulator, while the working piston of the main valve is exposed only to low pressure, thereby maintaining the main valve in its first stable position. When the pilot valve is in its second stable position, the primary accumulator communicates with the working piston so that expanding hydraulic fluid acts ont he working piston to drive the main valve to its second stable position. A secondary accumulator communicating with the bores of said main valve and pilot valve, together with pistons or the valve stems, provide hydraulic springs urging the pilot valve and main valve toward their first stable positions.

Abstract: A highly efficient all hydraulic poppet valve actuator utilizes fluid spring chambers at each end of travel to store energy. Fluid in a first spring chamber is compressed and the chamber cocked by supplemental hydraulic pressure which also seats a poppet valve. A first activation device cancels this pressure to allow transit of the poppet valve and re-cocking of the second spring chamber. Return activation is caused by cancelling a fluid latch to allow transit back to an initial position which recloses the poppet valve.

Abstract: In order to improve only a pressure variation characteristic of hydraulic fluid supplied to a hydraulically actuable frictional coupling, but also a pressure variation characteristic thereof discharged from the coupling, a pressure regulator valve is provided which has a signal pressure port connected via a fluid passage to a shift valve. An accumulator is connected to the fluid passage at a portion between one end and an opposite end of the fluid passage. The pressure regulator valve is operative to cause a change in hydraulic fluid pressure supplied to the coupling in response to a change in a signal pressure at the signal pressure port.

Abstract: A control system and method utilizing a race between two responses to a changing stimulus are disclosed. An example of a changing stimulus is pressure which increases at a decreasing rate of change during a closed-in period of a drill stem test in an oil or gas well. In a preferred embodiment two components are moved in different directions, but in a net first direction, until the rate of change of the pressure is sufficiently low (e.g., near steady state), at which time the rates of movement of the two components produce net movement in a second direction. In a preferred embodiment, the change in direction of the net movement moves a control valve which communicates a pressure control signal for opening a bypass valve to commence a flow period of the drill stem test.

Abstract: A flush control valve (10) for metering a predetermined amount of flush fluid, or other liquid, to a facility, such as a urinal, to be flushed. The flush control valve (10) has a push button cap (166) that is actuated to cause the primary valve assembly (33) to open and distribute the flush fluid from the inlet chamber (35) of the flush control valve (10) to the outlet chamber (36) of the flush control valve (10). Depressing the push button cap (166) activates a timing assembly (109), the interior working components of which do not come in contact with the flush fluid controlled by the flush control valve (10), thereby eliminating corrosion to that critical portion of the valve (10). The timing assembly (109) is pneumatically operated and is effective through a diaphragm (108) to actuate a pilot valve assembly (83) which controls the opening and closing of the primary valve assembly (33).

Abstract: A push-button operated valve having an optional metering control for regulating the open state of the valve includes optional pneumatic actuation in response to a source of either pressure or vacuum while retaining the metering capability. A plurality of diaphragms, responsive to either mechanically induced or pneumatically induced forces, relocate a magnet for magnetically opening the valve to permit fluid flow therethrough and for controlling closure of the valve in response to the presence of the metering control, which metering control has an adjustable response period.

Abstract: A regulator valve for a hydraulic anti-skid apparatus and which includes a housing provided with a first inlet port for connection to a fluid pump and the anti-skid apparatus, a second inlet port for connection to a master cylinder, and an outlet port for connection to a fluid reservoir, a regulator piston reciprocably disposed within the housing to form a first fluid chamber in open communication with the first inlet and outlet ports and a second fluid chamber in open communication with the second inlet port, and a spring loaded annular valve seat member arranged within the first fluid chamber to cooperate with a valve part of the piston so as to control the fluid flow from the first inlet port to the outlet port in response to the difference in pressure between the fluid chambers. A support member is arranged within the first fluid chamber formed therein with an axial bore in which a large diameter portion of the piston is slidably disposed to form a third annular fluid chamber.

Abstract: A valve of the type which is actuated under the pressure of the medium it controls and in which axially-aligned actuating and damping pistons are disposed within cylindrical relief and damping chambers and are connected to a valve element engageable with a valve seat disposed between inlet and outlet valve ports. The actuating piston acts under the pressure of the medium it controls to actuate the valve element in response to a reduction in pressure in the relief chamber. The invention itself resides in the provision of a restricted passageway which interconnects the relief and damping chambers whereby the pressure in the damping chamber will be reduced slowly in response to a reduction in pressure in the relief chamber whereby, if the valve should stick or otherwise become slow-acting, the pressure within the damping chamber will assist and insure that the valve is actuated even though it may not be in the best operating condition.

Abstract: A dashpot assembly has a movable cylindrical element mounted within a housing. The movable element has a chamber with a first opening for restricting flow of fluid into the chamber and a second opening for permitting rapid flow of fluid out of the chamber. An enlarged head is disposed inside the chamber and is coupled to a poppet with a spring coupled between the poppet and the movable element. When the poppet moves in a direction away from the movable element, the enlarged head closes the second opening and pulls the element. Fluid then flows into the chamber only through the restricted first opening, thereby damping the rate of movement of the poppet. When the poppet moves in a direction toward the movable element, the enlarged head opens the second opening and the spring is effective to move the element in the same direction; fluid flows unrestricted through the second opening, thereby permitting an undamped movement of the poppet.

Abstract: A fluidically-operated respirator comprises an apneic event circuit (10) and a demand gas circuit (20). The apneic event circuit (10) comprises a variable capacitance device (132) and an exhaust means (130) which rapidly discharge fluid from the circuit (10) when an inspiration occurs. If an apneic event occurs, the circuit (10) activates one or more signals (136) as a predetermined volume of fluid is built up in the circuit (10). The demand gas circuit (20) of the respirator supplies respirating gas to a patient at the beginning of an inspiration and for a time period which is a fraction of the duration of the inspiration.

Abstract: A gas regulation device to delay for a predetermined time the closing of a gas actuated main valve of the type having a main valve conduit connected to the main valve for carrying the gas which actuates the main valve. The regulation device comprises a first conduit which can be disposed in the main valve conduit to form a portion thereof and a check valve which is disposed in the first conduit so that gas can pass through the first conduit only in one direction. A bypass conduit is connected to the first conduit across the check valve such that gas can pass from the first conduit on one side of the check valve through the bypass conduit to the first conduit on the other side of the check valve. A flow regulation device is disposed in the bypass conduit to limit the flow of gas through said bypass conduit such that the pressure drop or increase required to open or close the main valve is delayed for a predetermined time.

Abstract: A liquid metering flush valve to be installed in connection with plumbing fixtures such as water closets, urinals, service sinks, and other equipment and to supply said fixtures with a predetermined amount of water; which may be potable water, contaminated water, sea water, corrosive and/or unfiltered water, and water and/or oil combinations; at controlled pressures, flow rates and volumes. The basic valve design is on the hydraulic principal of proportional flow through orifices, regardless of pressure fluctuation but employs the use of four chambers, two of which are sealed and contain not only an orifice therebetween but a filtered, non-corrosive captive liquid to assure the orifice of protection from corrosive action and dirt which may damage the orifice or clog it and prevent it from working properly.

Abstract: A fluid operated valve device which effects a time delay in the shifting of a main valve spool. Pressurized pilot fluid is metered at a controlled rate through an air filter and a spiral groove which is restricted in size to delay the pressure build up of the fluid. When the pressure builds up sufficiently, a timer piston is shifted to break its seal with the main valve spool so that fluid can pass through the piston into a pressure chamber. The fluid pressure in the chamber shifts the main valve spool to control application of fluid to the load. When the pilot pressure is relieved, fluid flows at a high speed along a return path that passes the base of the air filter to create a suction effect which extracts dirt from the filter and purges it from the system. The pressure reduction allows springs to return the main valve spool and the timer piston into sealing position.

Abstract: A control for a damper providing a variable volume air flow through a duct in response to a sensed condition has means for damping oscillations of the damper.

Abstract: Method and installation for the predetermined addition of secondary air used in effecting optimum combustion of internal combustion engine exhaust gases, including a control arrangement including one or more measuring devices sensing engine operating or exhaust gas contents and, in response to the sensed conditions, regulating the addition of secondary air in order to obtain optimum exhaust gas combustion.