Abstract: A valve drive control apparatus having a communication unit for communicating a flow-in-side tube path with a flow-out-side tube path, which guide a fluid member, and a control medium storage chamber into which an attenuation characteristic control medium is filled. The valve drive control apparatus further includes an elastic deform member for defining the communication unit and the control medium storage chamber, a drive unit for pressuring the attenuation characteristic control medium so as to deform the elastic deform member via the attenuation characteristic control medium, and also a control unit for controlling the drive unit based on a drive control valve obtained from a valve drive characteristic representative of a relationship between a deform amount of a valve mechanism unit and a drive pressure value of the valve mechanism unit.

Abstract: A drip resistant nozzle for a dispenser is described. The drip resistant nozzle includes a flexible, resilient member that moves between several positions during actuation of the dispenser.

Abstract: A valve driving apparatus for actuating a shut-off valve provided in a pipeline conveying a fluid includes a gas/oil booster having an oil chamber and a gas chamber. A valve-driving actuator has a cylinder connected to the oil chamber of the booster, and a pressure tank connected to the gas chamber of the booster a compressed gas sealed therein. The compressed gas is used as a power source to cause oil pressure from the booster to drive the valve-driving actuator and consequently actuate the shut-off valve.

Abstract: A flow control valve that has a solenoid operated pump that moves a poppet between an open and a closed position. The valve has a housing with an inlet, an outlet and a housing chamber that can allow fluid to flow from the inlet to the outlet. The poppet is located within the housing chamber and is adapted to move from an open position to a closed position, to control the flow of fluid through the valve. Attached to the poppet is a pump that has a first pump chamber separated from a second pump chamber by a wall. The wall has a first one way valve that allows fluid to flow from the second chamber to the first chamber. The second chamber has a diaphragm attached to a solenoid. The solenoid is provided with a series of energizing pulses that move the diaphragm and cause the second chamber to expand and contract. The pumping action of the second chamber causes fluid to flow into the first chamber. The first chamber thereby expands and moves the poppet into the open position.

Abstract: A retrofittable, manually-actuated control valve kit for use in controlling the flow of water from a lavatory tap includes a valve assembly and an actuator assembly. The valve assembly includes a valve movable between flow-blocking and flow-permitting positions, a spring for biasing the valve toward the flow-blocking position, and a valve opening mechanism for opening the valve against the force of the spring in the presence of a predetermined pneumatic pressure in the opening mechanism and for relieving the predetermined pressure to release the valve for movement to the flow-blocking position. The actuator assembly supplies pneumatic pressure to the opening mechanism of the valve assembly.

Abstract: A valve housing has a chamber formed therewithin, and an inlet and an outlet for accommodating fluid flow through the chamber along a given flow path. The housing further confines a free ball therein, and hydraulic-fluid filed compartments with flexible walls. Intermediate the inlet and outlet, the housing has a valve seat formed. Fluid pressure in the chamber causes one compartment to collapse and the flexible wall of the other to expand. The expanding wall, and capturing fluid flow, moves the ball to the seat to halt flow through the chamber, after an initial period of free flow. The method comprises providing the chambered housing, disposing the ball in the chamber, communicating the inlet with a pump outlet, and confining the flexible-walled compartments in the chamber.

Abstract: An improved safety switch system for hydroblasting and hydrocutting operations. The switch system comprises at least two actuatable triggers each displacing a specified volume of incompressible fluid which, when coupled with a predetermined volume within an actuator, displaces a piston initiating a signal. In specific application within a hydroblasting gun, two separate triggers are depressed displacing a predetermined volume in an actuator adjacent a dump valve. Until the actuator fully closes the dump valve, hydroblasting operations may not begin. In this manner, the chances of accidental discharge through the depression of a single trigger are eliminated and preferred ergonomical characteristics are provided.

Abstract: Adjacent an axially displaceable engine poppet valve (12) is a fluid pathway (36). Within the fluid pathway (36) is a snubbing valve (14) including a snubber (48) movable between first and second locations within the pathway (36) and a snubbing passage (54). When the poppet valve (12) is open, the snubber (48) is at its first location and there is fluid in the fluid pathway (36) between the snubber (48) and poppet valve (12). During a first portion of displacement of the poppet valve (12) as it closes, the snubber (48) is displaced to its second location. During the second portion of displacement of the poppet valve (12) as it closes, fluid in the fluid pathway (36) is snubbed through the snubbing passage (54), thereby increasing the pressure in the fluid in the pathway (36), thereby providing a resistive force against movement of the poppet valve (12), thereby slowing the poppet valve (12) to an acceptable impact seating velocity.

Abstract: A system for hydraulically amplifying the deflection of a deflectable, resilient member into a greater displacement of a subject member. The system includes a deflectable resilient member, a fluid filled space in the pathway of and into which the deflectable, resilient member is deflectable, a subject member adjacent the fluid filled space, and an electroexpansive module for deflecting the deflectable, resilient member into the fluid filled space, wherein when the deflectable, resilient member is deflected into the fluid filled space the hydraulic pressure of the fluid in the space increases and acts against the subject member displacing the subject member a distance greater than the deflection of the deflectable, resilient member.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve tappet for an internal-combustion engine has a high-pressure valve through which an electroviscous fluid flows as a function of an electric voltage. In this case, a piston is displaced which is connected with a charge cycle valve so that the valve stroke is continuously variable. Using an electronic control device, the valve stroke is influenced as a function of parameters of the internal-combustion engine.

Abstract: The invention is a pressure sensitive valve that in different forms can be used to provide: an adjustable resistance to flow, adjustable positive or negative pressure relief, negative pressure isolation, isolation of pressure sensitive devices (e.g. pressure monitors) from blood and controlled recirculation between the inlet and outlet of pumps, particularly extracorporeal circulation. The construction of the valve is especially advantageous for extracorporeal circuits because the valve is made from one continuous length of tubing, thereby providing a valve that is more reliable, safer, and has fewer parts. A simple, compact and disposable system to adjust, regulate, and indicate negative or positive pressure applied to the valve is also described.

Abstract: A foot-operated faucet including a foot-compressed bulb which can be compressed by foot to create and transfer air pressure through a hose onto a membrane in a valve body mounted on a general faucet, whereby the membrane can be expanded to push a ball plug away, permitting the water to flow out, and when the bulb is released, the air pressure is eliminated and the faucet is shut off, a rotary switch being disposed on the valve body and connected with a lever, whereby when the switch is rotated, the lever moves the ball plug away, permitting the water to continuously flow out.

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: Multi-variable regulator having at least four mechanical ports having a linear transfer function between at least two of the ports. The multi-variable regulator has a body which is movable in three dimensions. Joint structure connect the body to the ports at three different points on the body. A pneumatic converter controls the position of the body.

Abstract: A digitally controlled valve system is composed of the main fluid control valve with a displaceable flow control portion (spool) that is controllably displaced by a digital pressure generator that generates digitally incremented pressure changes which operate against a biassing pressure or spring to displace the spool in a direct relationship to the pressure provided by the pressure generator. In one version, a main valve directs flow to either a high or a low pressure-control valve each of which is biassed toward a closed position by a pressure substantially equivalent to the pressure drop of flow of fluid through the main valve which pressure closes the valve stop flow when the pressure drop is too high (i.e. flow through the main valve is throttled). The flows through the valves are selectively adjusted via the digitally-generated pressure from the digital pressure generator.

Abstract: A piezoelectric apparatus includes a piezoelectric device which is biased by a fluid force instead of a spring. Since the fluid force can be maintained within a predetermined value even after the piezoelectric device has been used number of times, and since the fluid force can be modulated by fluid pressure providing means and valve means when the fluid force is decreased from the predetermined valve, the present piezoelectric apparatus can maintain the initial pressure on the piezoelectric device.

Abstract: The foot operated water valve apparatus is adapted for providing control of the flow of water through a water pipe without the necessity for using one's hands to shut off or start water flow. The apparatus comprises a valve in a housing attached to a water pipe fitting. A seal is provided to minimize water leakage of the unit. A fixed center rod is surrounded by a moving outer wall piston which is driven by water pressure differential. A series of small water exhaust holes are positioned at the based of the apparatus. Also, provided are a series of apertures from the piston interior to the flexible tube to the foot valve in order to provide pressurization to the foot pump and the extra pressure necessary to open the valve. The foot pump contains a fluid reservoir that allows for a pressure surge when the pump is stepped upon. This action causes the moving outer wall piston to move upward causing fluid to flow through the main pipe.

Abstract: A system in which movement of a first member from a first position to a second position is translated through fluid in a fluid chamber to movement of a second member from a first position to a second position, the system having a pressure equalization line in communication with the fluid chamber allowing fluid to flow into the chamber when the second member is at its first position and out of the chamber when the second member nears the first position when returning from its second position towards its first position.

Abstract: The pressure side of a submersible pump unit is provided with a valve device which during certain periods of operation opens a connection between the submersible pump and the pump station to obtain the necessary circulation of the waste water in the station. The opening and closing of the valve device is effected by a ball which is controlled by the submersible pump pressure.

Abstract: A variable-damping-force shock absorber includes a piezoelectric actuator for producing a displacement, a hydraulic pressure chamber filled with a working oil and having a volume variable in response to the displacement produced by said piezoelectric actuator, and a plunger slidably disposed in a sleeve and reciprocally movable in response to a change in the volume of said hydraulic pressure chamber. The sleeve and said plunger define therebetween a gap communicating with said hydraulic pressure chamber. A supply passage for supplying a working oil from an external working oil source into said hydraulic pressure chamber extends through the gap. A leakage of the working oil from the hydraulic pressure chamber through the gap can automatically be compensated for by working oil supplied through the supply passage. Since the working oil leaks from and is supplied into the hydraulic pressure chamber through the gap, the leakage and supply of the working oil are kept in equilibrium.

Abstract: The invention is a normally open safety shut-off valve, totally within a vessel of pressurized product, which vessel requires a safety pressure relief valve. This normally open safety shut-off valve is placed between the safety pressure relief valve and the product in the vessel and can be closed by a person of average intelligence without special tools in the event that an uncontrollable leak develops in the said relief valve, later to spontaneously reopen if the pressure of the product in the vessel rises to a dangerous high level. This is of particular value in the containment of hazardous gases or liquids under pressure in a transportation vessel, without diminishing existing safety pressure relief valve principals.

Abstract: This device is an automatic faucet with three temperature settings activated by a pressure switch which is mounted on or near the floor by the user's foot. The invention includes a device which will, after a period of time, automatically turn the water off after the switch has been depressed. In the preferred embodiment, the user upon approaching the sink, could, by viewing indicator lights, readily discern whether a hot, cold or warm temperature setting has been selected.

Abstract: In a device for controlling the lift of a hydraulically operated valve comprising an actuating element which is pressure-loaded or spring-loaded in closing direction and which acts as the boundary of an actuating chamber in the valve cage, and further comprising a pressure-generating unit, the valve lift is made continuously adjustable, independent of the control times of the valve, by providing that a flying setting plunger be used, which is guided in a cylinder, and which bounds a pressure from the actuating chamber in the valve cage, and by further providing that the pressure-generating unit have a high pressure line controlled by a valve and leading into the pressure chamber, as well as a low pressure line controlled by another valve and leading into the actuating chamber, the setting plunger being pressed against a stop in the cylinder during maximum valve lift.

Abstract: A foot-controlled water faucet for regulating the outflow of water from a water faucet by means of air pressure comprises a compressing bladder connected with an air bladder in the water faucet by a passageway, a valve block, a ring body and a knob associated in proper order to form the water faucet. When stepping on the compressing bladder by foot the air inside is compressed and is squeezed to the air bladder in the water faucet via the passageway. The air bladder expands and pushes the platform as well as the stem in the ring body and the valve block respectively downward. The stem moves away from the opening of the valve block and water flows out. Water is stopped by releasing the compressing bladder which sucks back the air from the air bladder that is then contracts and allows the stem to move back to the original position. It can also be controlled by hand as an ordinary water faucet.

Abstract: An electromechanical motion amplifier in accordance with this invention is useful for controllably converting an input displacement into an amplified output displacement. This device comprises a first piston movable within a predetermined range of travel along an axis in response to the input displacement, and a second piston movable within a predetermined amplified range of travel along such axis. Force transmission means cooperating with the first and second pistons is utilized for effecting movement of the second piston in response to movement of the first piston. The relationship between the first and second pistons is such that movement of the first piston along the axis produces amplified movement of the second piston along the axis in a selected direction. In a preferred embodiment, the force transmission means is an elastomer, and the second piston is connected to a valve located in a nearby chamber, so as to directly control the positioning of the valve.

Abstract: A diaphragm operated pressure regulator has a housing with a flow passage therethrough. The diaphragm in the housing is operatively connected to a ball valve in the flow passage for positioning the ball valve to control fluid flow through the flow passage at a predetermined pressure value. The diaphragm cooperates with the housing to define a displacement chamber. The displacement chamber is filled with fluid for backing up the diaphragm over its entire surface exposed to the displacement chamber. The diaphragm is preferably not perforated. A displacement piston cooperates with the displacement chamber to control the force applied to the diaphragm and thereby the flow through the flow passage. The displacement piston is adjustable into and out of the displacement chamber to vary the force applied to the diaphragm.

Abstract: A valve actuator for an associated valve which includes apparatus for opening and closing an associated valve and a first housing in which a first diaphragm is disposed to define first and second chambers on respective sides of the first diaphragm. The apparatus also includes a valve actuator having a housing in which is disposed a second diaphragm to define a third chamber. The valve actuator includes apparatus connecting the second diaphragm to the apparatus for opening and closing the valve; and fluid coupling apparatus connecting the second chamber and the third chamber. The apparatus for opening and closing the valve includes a crank arm carried on a shaft.

Abstract: A pressure control assembly is disclosed. The assembly includes a pressure transducer for detecting upstream pressure. A diaphragm is used to regulate flow through the assembly, and is forced into a closed position by pressure from a fluid column. The pressure on the fluid column is controlled by a piston driven by a step motor. The step motor is activated in response to signals from the pressure transducer.

Abstract: A device is provided for obtaining automatic circulation in waste water pump stations. At the pressure side of the pump unit, there is a valve which opens during certain times to form a connection between the pump and the pump station to create a circulation. The valve is opened and closed by means of communicating bellows which are controlled by the pressure difference between two sections in the valve having different areas.

Abstract: A combined air gap and dispensing device is adapted to be mounted on a sink, and comprises an internal air gap between inlet and outlet waste tubes. A liquid carrying pipe, such as a hot water pipe, also extends through the device to a faucet for being dispensed. A pair of fiber optic cables have exposed ends at the upper end of the device, and are coupled to a control system for valving liquid to the dispensing pipe. The control circuit may include a light source directed to one of the fiber optic cables, a photo sensor connected to the fiber optic cable to receive reflected light, and amplifying and demodulating circuitry, as well as a logic circuit responsive to determined conditions at the upper ends of the fiber optic cables for controlling the flow of liquid to the dispensing pipe. A pneumatic tube and pneumatic actuator may be provided instead of the optic cables and associated optic devices.

Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed in which a valve adapted for opening a fluid passage is normally biased into closed position. The valve is opened by movement of a piston operated by hydraulic pressure of a liquid contained in a chamber disposed behind the piston. The hydraulic pressure of the liquid is generated by an actuating force, such as manual depression of a handle. A duct permitting restricted flow of the hydraulic liquid, however permits escape of the hydraulic liquid from the chamber when the hydraulic liquid is pressurized and thereby gradually relieves pressure from the piston even when the actuating force is maintained. The hydraulic liquid escapes into a second chamber from where it returns through a relief valve into the first chamber when there is no actuating force on the handle.

Abstract: Apparatus for regulating the flow of a subject fluid which includes immiscible fluids having differing densities such as oil and water, wherein plug means are provided which sink in oil and float in water, said plug means being positioned to control the flow of fluids through a scupper aperture. The plug means cause a sealing surface to move in and out of contact with the scupper aperture. Means are provided to enhance the separation of the sealing surface from the scupper aperature when fluid flow is to be permitted, and to increase the fluid tightness of the seal when fluid flow is to be prevented. Means are also provided for reducing the effects of turbulence in the subject flow, and hence to enhance the separation of the immiscible fluids from one another.

Abstract: A pillar tap has a main water chamber and a control chamber housed within the main chamber. The control chamber has two different sized openings. The smaller opening which is located opposite the main outlet valve seat of the main chamber supports a membrane. The membrane in turn supports a valve member for movement into and out of engagement with the valve seat. The larger of the two openings is closed by a resilient diaphragm. A pair of control valves and control the admission and release of water to and from the control chamber. By controlling the control valves and the pressure differential between the main and control chambers and can be varied and so used to control the degree to which the valve member is opened. Once the flow rate through valve seat has been set, the diaphragm responds to pressure variations in the main chamber to alter the position of the valve member in a sense to maintain a substantially constant flow rate irrespective of the pressure variations.

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: An improved flow-limiting fluid refill valve for use with a fluid-actuated pump having a fluid chamber comprises a valve housing, fluid inlet means in communication with a source of hydraulic fluid and fluid outlet means in fluid communication with the fluid chamber of the pump. A first valve within the valve housing is provided between the fluid inlet means and the fluid outlet means for permitting a flow of fluid from the fluid source to the fluid chamber when the suction pressure within the fluid chamber exceeds the first predetermined pressure limit indicating that the fluid within the fluid chamber has been depleted below a predetermined fluid limit. The improvement comprises a second valve within the valve housing for preventing the flow of fluid from the fluid source to the fluid chamber when the suction pressure within the fluid chamber exceeds a second predetermined pressure limit greater than the first predetermined pressure limit and indicating abnormal operation of the pump.

Abstract: An adapter for mounting a diaphragm-type push button control, for remote actuation of a water metering valve, to countertops or lavatories of various thicknesses and through openings having various diameters has a circular cap portion with a diameter greater than the largest opening diameter and a threaded cylindrical shank portion concentric with the cap portion. The diameter of the shank portion is slightly less than the diameter of the smallest opening and the length of the shank is greater than the greatest thickness of the countertops or lavatories. A faucet washer and nut having a diameter greater than the largest opening are threaded onto the shank. An end of the shank has a pipe thread to permit attachment of the push button control thereto. A cylindrical push rod is disposed through a concentric opening in the cap and shank portions with a push button portion thereof extending from a first end and from the cap portion. A second end rests on the diaphragm of the push button control.

Abstract: An operating oil introduction type electromagnetic valve comprising a cap defining an electromagnetic valve external portion, an exciting coil, an inner housing and a stopper spacedly disposed inside the coil, a tubular slide guide with a bottom surface which is made of a non-magnetic material and disposed inside the inner housing and stopper, a plunger chamber formed within the guide and communicating at one end with an oil source and with the other end closed, and a plunger slidably contained within the plunger chamber and actuated by electromagnetic force of the coil.

Abstract: A piston in a first cylinder is driven as a piezoelectric element group, which includes a plurality of laminar piezoelectric elements stacked in layers, extends or contracts. A second cylinder is formed so as to connect with a first fluid pressure chamber which is defined in the first cylinder by the piston. A piston-shaped valve member is disposed in the second cylinder. The valve member is urged toward the first fluid pressure chamber by a spring. The first fluid pressure chamber is supplied with a fluid whose pressure is set by means of a selector valve. When the selector valve is closed, the fluid pressure chamber is defined as an independent compartment. In this state, high voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element group to elongate it, thereby driving the piston. Thus, the valve member is actuated by the fluid pressure inside the first fluid pressure chamber, and a fluid passage is opened and closed by the valve member.

Abstract: A flow control assembly designed to regulate flow of water from a showerhead through a foot operated and fluid actuated valve assembly. The valve assembly is disposed upstream of a flow of water issuing from the showerhead and a variable volume chamber is mounted on the floor or base of a conventional receptacle such as a bathtub. Foot pressure applied to the variable volume chamber controls the flow of actuating fluid into and out of driving contact with the valve assembly thereby positioning the latter between a valve open and a valve closed position.

Abstract: A piezoelectric flow control valve comprising a slidable closure member (22) for controlling a flow of fluid through a fluid passage (42) between a fluid inlet (40) and a fluid outlet (32). The closure member (22) is biased toward a normally closed position by a plunger (70) responsive to a hydraulic pressure in a pressure chamber (78) which is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet (40) through a restriction and with a pumping chamber (96) of a piezoelectric pump (72). In order to prevent fluid leakage under situations wherein the fluid pressure at the fluid inlet (40) is not high enough to ensure closure of the member (22), the present invention provides spring biased pressure mechanism (106) for biasing the closure member (22) toward the normally closed position and override means (130) for overriding the pressure mechanism (106) in response to a predetermined pressure at the fluid inlet (40).

Abstract: A time-delay valve is adapted to be used in association with a source of pressurized first fluid, such as CO.sub.2. When CO.sub.2 is admitted to the inlet of the time-delay valve, an entrapped liquid is pressurized to a known level. Such pressurized liquid is constrained to flow through a restricted orifice, to enter an expanding chamber having a movable piston. The piston is thereafter displaced from a first position to a second position, between which the CO.sub.2 is not permitted to pass from the inlet to the outlet. However, after the piston passes beyond the second position, pilot and main valve elements are moved off their respective seats, and first fluid is permitted to flow directly from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: A device with use in combination with an expansible sleeve-type gas flow control valve in a production gas supply between a compressor and a delivery line provides pressure differential control as between the valve inlet and the valve outlet by relating hydraulic control pressure around the resilient sleeve of the valve to valve outlet gas flow pressure through a primary piston and cylinder assembly. The primary piston is linked to a secondary piston in a secondary cylinder of smaller diameter which in turn communicates with an accumulator for dampening pulsations in the valve.

Abstract: A valve for controlling the flow of particulate material through a conduit which may be referred to as a clam shell valve including and arcuate valve plate. The valve includes a seal block having a recess for receiving the leading edge of the valve plate to assure a seal between the conduit and the valve element. The seal block is shaped to inhibit the entrance of material into the seal block and allow for the easy discharge of that material on opening of the valve element. The valve also includes an upper wiper seal element for cleaning the surface of the valve.

Abstract: An improved, remote controlled valve and dual push button assembly, having a hand operated push button which, when depressed and released, opens a water valve for a predetermined length of time after which the valve closes. The valve is also connected to a foot operated push button which, when depressed, holds the valve in an open configuration as long as the foot button is depressed. The improved valve and button assembly provides an air flow path through the foot button when the foot button is not depressed. The air flow path utilizes a hole in a diaphragm of the foot button which communicates with an air flow path in the base of the piston which depresses the foot button diaphragm. The disclosure also includes a check valve held in the needle valve which is a part of the timing mechanism of the hand operated button. The check valve prevents the flow of air out through the needle valve and permits air to only flow in through the needle valve.

Abstract: A vane compressor comprising a rotor eccentrically arranged in a cylindrical housing and vanes, which define a space between the periphery of the rotor and the inner surface of the housing. The volume of the space varies during the rotation of the rotor due to the eccentricity of the rotor. The rotor (14) comprises inlet valves (19, 23) arranged between the inlet (12) of the compressor and the space (46) in order to open when the pressure in the space (46) is below the pressure at the inlet (12) in order to suck in air inside the space (46) during the intake stroke of the rotor. Moreover, the rotor comprises outlet valves (20, 24) arranged between the space and the outlet (48) of the compressor and adapted to open when the pressure in the space (46) exceeds the counter-pressure at the outlet (48) during the compression stroke.

Abstract: Method and device for continuously and automatically maintaining optimal control settings for rich fuel gas generation within the pre-starting, starting, and operational modes of a ducted solid fuel rocket motor, through actual or potential control of pressure within a fuel rich gas generator by use of a temperature sensitive hydraulic/mechanical choke, the mechanical component of which comprises an expansion bellows endwise attached to a spring-biased slidable nozzle valve throat blockage element, and the hydraulic component comprises a temperature-sensitive constant volume fluid reservoir, or its equivalent.

Abstract: In a power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering apparatus, axial movements of a helical tooth pinion resulting from a torque being applied thereto cause corresponding displacements of the movable member of a control valve of the apparatus. A piston which moves axially together with pinion defines a sealed chamber of variable volume, which is filled with an incompressible fluid, such as oil or grease. The movable member of the control valve is slidably mounted along an axis different from the pinion axis and is operated by a push-rod having one end surface arranged so as to sense the pressure within the chamber of variable volume. Means are provided for holding the movable member of the control valve in its central neutral position in case the fluid contained within the chamber is lost.

Abstract: An actuator system is provided which includes a force transfer element and a force receiving element. A viscous material interconnects the force transfer element and the force receiving element. A workpiece, such as a valve member, is connected to the force receiving element. When a controlled force is applied to the force transfer element, the controlled force and resulting movement are rigidly coupled using the viscous material to the force receiving element so that the workpiece can be moved or otherwise operably controlled. When an uncontrolled force is received by the force transfer element, in which the movement of the force transfer element is slow relative to the deformation of the viscous material, there is no coupling of the uncontrolled force and resulting movement to the workpiece. As a result, the actuator system is able to couple rapid movements using the viscous material while relatively slow movements are not coupled.

Abstract: An all metal gas metering valve is used in high vacuum installations in the range of 10.sup.-9 Torr. 1/sec. to 100 Torr. 1/sec. relative to helium and 20.degree. C. ambient temperature. An axially extending tubular member forming a part of the valve housing contains a rotationally symmetrical valve body. A bushing laterally encloses at least an axially extending part of and is welded to the tubular member around two welded seams spaced apart in the axial direction of the tubular member. A pressurized medium can be charged into the joint between the inside surface of the bushing and the outside surface of the tubular member and limited by the welded seams. The pressure acting on the tubular member constricts its cross-section and reduces the space between the side surface of the tubular member and the valve body. Initially, the space between the valve body and the tubular member can be kept very small so that a wide adjustment range is available by varying the pressure acting on the tubular member.

Abstract: An actuator system is provided which includes a force transfer element and a force receiving element. A viscous material interconnects the force transfer element and the force receiving element. A workpiece, such as a valve member, is connected to the force receiving element. When a controlled force is applied to the force transfer element, the controlled force and resulting movement are rigidly coupled using the viscous material to the force receiving element so that the workpiece can be moved or otherwise operably controlled. When an uncontrolled force is received by the force transfer element, in which the movement of the force transfer element is slow relative to the deformation of the viscous material, there is no coupling of the uncontrolled force and resulting movement to the workpiece. As a result, the actuator system is able to couple rapid movements using the viscous material, while relatively slow movements are not coupled.