Abstract: An incrementally assembled skin-constrained inflatable bellows system includes a top end cap, a bottom end cap, and a bellows attached to and separating the top end cap and the bottom end cap and configured to hold pressurized fluid between the top and bottom end caps. The system further includes a nozzle configured to allow fluid to enter and exit the bellows, and an inextensible skin attached to each of the top end cap, the bottom end cap, and to the bellows. The top end cap assumes a first position when the bellows is inflated via the nozzle and, when the top end cap is adjusted from the first position to a second position, the skin is configured to maintain the top end cap in the second position and constrains the bellows into a predefined rigid three-dimensional shape.

Abstract: An electric power conversion apparatus includes a channel case in which a cooling water channel is formed; a double side cooling semiconductor module that has an upper and lower arms series circuit of an inverter circuit; a capacitor module; a direct current connector; and an alternate current connector. The semiconductor module includes first and second heat dissipation metals whose outer surfaces are heat dissipation surfaces, the upper and lower arms series circuit is disposed tightly between the first heat dissipation metal and the second heat dissipation metal, and the semiconductor module further includes a direct current positive terminal, a direct current negative terminal, and an alternate current terminal which protrude to outside. The channel case is provided with the cooling water channel which extends from a cooling water inlet to a cooling water outlet, and a first opening which opens into the cooling water channel.

Abstract: A hydraulic servo-actuated valve with a valve body having a first duct, a second duct, a main opening arranged on the valve body, an actuator arranged at the main opening and adapted to open and close the valve is provided. The valve has a lid arranged in an operative position on the valve body at the main opening, and the lid has a central zone concurring with the actuator to delimit an actuating chamber. The first duct has a first through-hole, and the lid has a second through-hole arranged in a position corresponding to the first through-hole, when the lid is arranged on the valve body in an operative position. The central zone of the lid also has a third through-hole. The lid has first connecting means adapted to allow a flanged and removable connection of a first operative member only to the lid, and the first connecting means is arranged near the second through-hole and the third through-hole.

Abstract: A valve actuator (100) and method for controlling such is disclosed. The valve actuator (100) may include a body (126), a piston (134), a first spring (136) displaceable between a primary position (154) and a secondary position (156), and a second spring (138) displaceable between a first position (158a) and a second position (160a). The first and second springs (136, 138) are configured to be simultaneously displaced during movement of the piston (134) from a first piston position (142) to a second piston position (144). The first spring (136) is configured to compress to a higher first spring force (F1) during displacement from the primary position (154) to the secondary position (156), and the second spring (138) is configured to have a decreasing second spring force (F2) during displacement from the first position (158a, 158b) to the second position (160a, 160b), the second spring force (F2) decreasing non-linearly.

Abstract: A pressure control valve includes a pressure control block including a bore hole that is bored perpendicularly from one outer surface, and two internal channel openings of whose end portions are at a bottom surface of the bore hole, a valve body having elasticity and covering the bottom surface of the bore hole, a sealing member for pressing a portion of the valve body against the bottom surface of the bore hole, the portion abutting a peripheral edge portion of a portion of the bottom surface where the openings are provided, and an actuator for driving a portion, of the valve body, abutting the portion where the openings are provided in a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface of the bore hole.

Abstract: A cooling tower including a hot-water basin comprising a first cooling cell and a second cooling cell; and at least one means for controlling fluid communication between the first and second cooling cells is provided. A method of maintaining the efficiency of a cooling tower and a method of servicing a cooling tower are also provided.

Abstract: A flow regulating device 1 is provided which includes: a valve element 19 which is movable into contact with or away from a valve seat 18; a spring 21 for exerting an urging force on the valve element 19; a diaphragm 20 fixed to an end of the valve element 19, the diaphragm having a fluid contact surface 20a and a back surface 20b; a pressure chamber 24 into which compressed air is externally introduced; and a piston 25 for transmitting the pressure of the compressed air that is introduced into the pressure chamber 24 to the back surface 20b of the diaphragm 20, wherein a portion of the piston 25 which portion receives the pressure of the compressed air has an area equal to or more than twice the area of the fluid contact surface 20a of the diaphragm 20.

Abstract: An actuator for actuating a plunger of a valve is provided. The actuator has an inlet and includes first and second hollow caps. A main actuation assembly is provided between the caps. The main actuation assembly includes a deformable diaphragm; first and second chambers, static sealing elements and a main piston movable between actuated and unactuated positions. A biasing mechanism biases the piston in the unactuated position. When pressurized gas is flown through the inlet and/or drawn from the outlet of the actuator, the first chamber expands, moving the main piston from the unactuated position to the actuated position, an actuating stem connected to the main piston thereby sliding within a channel provided in the bottom cap. Stackable actuating assemblies can also be used between the caps. Using static sealing elements advantageously avoids friction between moving parts.

Abstract: An electrical connector for electrically connecting an IC package to a circuit board includes an insulating housing having a plurality of receiving holes and a plurality of contacts received in the receiving holes. Each of the contacts includes a retaining portion engaging with the insulating housing, and a spring arm deforming freely in a certain range, wherein the spring arm includes an elastic deformation portion, a recess portion protruding downwardly from the elastic deformation portion for contacting with a ball grid array (BGA) package and a protrusion portion protruding upwardly from the recess portion for contacting with a land gird array (LGA) package.

Abstract: A disc for use in a pneumatic valve includes a stiffening insert encased in a flexible body. The stiffening insert acts to protect a central actuation region of the disc against radial compression, which may arise if the disc is used to seal against a bore hole, and against material flow towards the actuation region away from a clamped periphery. The behavior of the disc in a valve assembly is therefore more predictable and reproducible. The flexible body may further be tensioned across the stiffening insert.

Abstract: A diaphragm (20) for a diaphragm valve is described. The diaphragm (20) has a body (22) comprising a first elastomer and a resistant layer (24) comprising a second elastomer having a different composition or formulation. Diaphragms described in examples have good flexibility with a high level of chemical resistance and low surface adhesion. A fixing attachment for fixing the diaphragm in the valve is also described.

Abstract: A device (1) for a controlled discharge of a main fluid includes at least one net (11) for a main fluid and at least one outlet (15) for the main fluid, the at least one outlet for the main fluid can be blocked by a movable block (16) operable to alternate between a first and a second position such that the second position closes the at least one outlet for the main fluid. The device further includes at least one net (12) for a drive fluid supply through the at least one net to move the movable block from the first position towards the second position. A method of operating the main fluid's discharge from the passageway includes supplying the drive fluid to press the movable block towards the second position.

Abstract: The restraining function of support structure airbags in particular and mechanical airbags should be able to be specifically guaranteed in a simple manner. To this end, an air cushion for an airbag of a motor vehicle is provided, having a sleeve with at least one opening and a closure element arranged on the at least one opening in order to at least partially prevent air from flowing from a first direction, Furthermore, the closure element is flexible and has a channel-shaped design at least upon the flow of air from a second direction opposite the first direction. The closure element thus has the effect of a check valve.

Abstract: A micro fluid chip includes a first chip and a second chip. The first chip includes a first substrate having a fluid channel and a partition wall, and a first film made of resin. The second chip includes a second substrate having a recess, and a second film made of elastomer. The second film has an elastic modulus higher than that of the first film. The first chip and the second chip are stacked in such a manner that the partition wall and the recess face each other with the first film and the second film therebetween. By setting the inner side of the recess to a negative pressure, a gap is formed between the first film and the partition wall, and thus a fluid channel is opened.

Abstract: An implantable device controls the movement of fluid to an inflatable portion of a gastric band. The implantable device includes a body. The body has an inlet, an outlet and a valve seat positioned between the inlet and the outlet. The body defines a fluid passage from the inlet to the outlet. The implantable device also includes a diaphragm. The diaphragm has one or more edges coupled to the body. The diaphragm is made of an elastomeric material and capable of being moved between a closed position that blocks the valve seat and does not allow the fluid to move from the inlet to the outlet and an open position that does not block the valve seat and allows the fluid to move from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: A valve diaphragm for a pneumatic valve includes a diaphragm body having an annular shape defining an inner diameter and an outer diameter. The diaphragm body includes a conical portion extending radially inward from the outer diameter toward the inner diameter and a curved portion extending between the conical portion and the inner diameter.

Abstract: A valve actuator assembly includes a housing having a diaphragm plate and diaphragm disposed within the housing. A stem projection downwardly extends from a bottom surface of the diaphragm plate, and the stem projection is coupled to an actuator stem disposed along a longitudinal axis. A guide member has a top wall and a center aperture that receives the stem projection, and the top wall is biased into engagement with the bottom surface of the diaphragm plate by a spring. The guide member also has a side wall that downwardly extends from the top wall, and an outer surface of the side wall is adapted to engage an inner surface of a spring housing to limit displacement of the diaphragm plate and the actuator stem in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A valve actuator apparatus and method for adjusting for valve bore drift using an adjustable downstop is disclosed. The adjustable downstop comprises a downstop and a drift adjuster. The drift adjuster can me moved in an upwards or downwards direction to increase or decrease the stroke length of the operator shaft.

Abstract: A sliding sleeve opens with a deployed ball. The sleeve has a seat disposed in the housing, and the seat has segments biased outward from one another with a C-ring or other biasing element. Initially, the seat has an expanded state in the sliding sleeve so that the seats segments expand outward against the housing's bore. When an appropriately sized ball is deployed downhole, the ball engages the expanded seat. Fluid pressure applied against the seated ball moves the seat into the inner sleeve's bore. As this occurs, the seat contracts, which increases the engagement area of the seat with the ball. Eventually, the seat reaches the shoulder in the inner sleeve so that pressure applied against the seated ball now moves the inner sleeve in the housing to open the sliding sleeve's flow port.

Abstract: An irrigation valve has a valve body with an inlet passage, an outlet passage, and a valve seat intermediate the inlet passage and the outlet passage. A diaphragm includes a valve seat engaging portion that cooperates with the valve seat to control flow through the valve. The valve seat and the valve seat engaging portion of the diaphragm are offset relative to the inlet passage to improve flow through the valve to reduce pressure and energy loss.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are improved diaphragm actuators capable of preventing the inhibition of movement of a diaphragm retainer plate when a stretched or improperly sized diaphragm is used. Such diaphragm retainer plates may be adjustable such that the thickness from the distal side to the proximal side is increased. Methods of preventing such inhibition of movement are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pressure regulator includes a housing assembly defining a main fluid flow path from an inlet end to an outlet end. A tubular plunger body is supported within the housing assembly for linear movement toward and away from a valve seat in response to fluid pressure at said outlet end. An actuator sleeve is supported within the housing assembly and engaged with the tubular plunger body, and a pressure chamber defined in part by a shut-off diaphragm extends between the housing assembly and the actuator sleeve. A fluid port is arranged to supply pressurized fluid to the pressure chamber to thereby produce linear movement of the actuator sleeve and the tubular plunger body independent of the pressure at said outlet end, moving the tubular plunger body into engagement with the valve seat to shut off the flow path.

Abstract: A device to enhance sealing is provided. The device includes a body and a pressure cup. The pressure cup includes a channel, a first pressure channel, and a second pressure channel. The channel is formed in a surface of the body to surround a first portion of the surface. The channel is configured to hold an o-ring. The first pressure channel extends through the body and opens into the first portion of the surface. The second pressure channel extends through the body and opens into the channel. Pneumatic pressure within the second pressure channel is controlled to hold the o-ring in the channel when a second pressure within the first pressure channel changes.

Abstract: This invention provides composite plastic articles and methods of making them. The articles can be fluidic or microfluidic devices having fluidic conduits and, optionally, pneumatic conduits that regulate flow in the fluidic conduits. The articles comprise a first substrate coated with a layer of a material that comprises, or onto which have been introduced, reactive groups. For example, the substrate can be a plastic coated with an oxide or a siloxane onto which hydroxyl groups have been introduced. These articles are covalently bonded with other articles comprising reactive groups on their surfaces, for example, polysiloxanes treated to have silanol groups. Certain articles have specified locations on their surfaces that are not bonded to the other piece. For example, the coating can be removed from these locations before bonding. Such locations can be useful as functional elements of various devices, such as valve seats in valves of microfluidic devices.

Abstract: A microactuator may be configured by activating a source of electromagnetic radiation to heat and melt a selected set of phase-change plugs embedded in a substrate of the microactuator, pressurizing a common pressure chamber adjacent to each of the plugs to deform the melted plugs, and deactivating the source of electromagnetic radiation to cool and solidify the melted plugs.

Abstract: A method for sensor operating-state determination of a valve arrangement to control a process medium flow through a pipeline having a valve element, arranged such that it can move axially within a valve housing via a pneumatic actuating drive by application of control pressure, with the control pressure being measured and evaluated in order to determine the sliding friction during the movement. The valve element can be moved at a constant speed over at least a subarea of the travel movement, the value of which speed is measured via a position sensor system for signal processing, with the currently applied control pressure being measured at approximately the same time for signal processing via a pressure sensor system. The current sliding friction of the valve element can be determined as a measure of wear state from both measured values, by an electronic evaluation unit, based on a proportional drive force expressed by the control pressure which occurs when the valve element is traveling at a constant speed.

Abstract: A valve module for removable installation inside the outer case of a sprinkler after removal of a riser with a nozzle turret normally mounted for reciprocation within the case. The module includes an upper valve support housing and a lower support basket removably connected to the valve support housing. A valve member is vertically reciprocable within the valve support housing to engage and disengage a valve seat in the support basket. The support basket is loosely connected to the valve support housing so that the valve seat can reciprocate relative to the valve support housing.

Abstract: An actuator for operating a valve comprises a housing, a cap, a ring and a piston. The housing has a connecting interface for being mounted on the valve. The cap substantially covers a first portion of the housing. Both the cap and the housing define a substantially enclosed space inside the housing. The ring sealably covers a second portion of the housing. The ring is equipped with two ports that are in fluid communication with the enclosed space. The piston is slidably located inside the housing. Advantageously, an actuator assembly may include the actuator as previously described and one bonnet, one of the connecting interfaces of the actuator being connected to the bonnet. The bonnet is adapted to be mounted to a valve body.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating a device such as a self-closing internal valve is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing assembly having an internal chamber, a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the internal chamber, and an actuator stem extending from the housing assembly. The actuator stem is moveable in response to the addition or removal of a fluid into or out of the internal chamber. To control the flow rate of a fluid into and out of the internal chamber, the apparatus includes a fluid control valve in fluid communication with the fluid inlet of the housing assembly, wherein the fluid control valve is adapted to restrict the rate of fluid flow into the internal chamber of the housing assembly.

Abstract: A pneumatic valve actuator for moving the valve stem of a control valve comprises an upper casing and a lower casing each having flanges, a diaphragm plate operatively coupled to the valve stem, a spring arranged to bias the diaphragm plate in a first direction, a diaphragm movable in conjunction movement of the diaphragm plate, an air inlet defined in the casing and arranged for attachment to an air supply source to bias the diaphragm plate in a second direction, and a ring disposed between the upper flange and the lower flange and positioned to engage the outer portion of the diaphragm. The ring includes a protrusion positioned to engage a surface of the outer portion of the diaphragm.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to couple actuator stems and rod end bearings are described. An example apparatus includes a bearing having a body and a portion extending from the body in which the portion includes an internally threaded bore. An actuator stem has a first end that includes an internally threaded bore. An externally threaded stud threadably engages the bores of the rod end bearing and the actuator stem to couple the rod end bearing and the actuator stem.

Abstract: To overcome problems concerning the sticking of the check plate in a combined check and control valve, a stop is provided on the valve rod or a guide element in the vicinity of the valve rod, whose distance to the limiting element is smaller than the maximum stroke and larger than the nominal stroke of the limiting element. Thus, it is achieved that the check plate is released from the valve seat by means of the stop, when the valve rod is displaced to the maximum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for performing parallel chemical experiments. The system comprises an array of parallel flow through reactors each comprising a reaction chamber, a reactor inlet and a reactor outlet connected to the reactor chamber. Downstream of each reactor a corresponding active pressure regulating arrangement is provided for actively regulating the reactor pressure. The pressure regulating arrangement comprises a passage for reactor effluent with an inlet connected to the reactor outlet and an outlet for discharging reactor effluent at a reduced pressure with respect to the reactor pressure.

Abstract: A linear fluidic actuator comprising an upper actuation deformable surface suitable to induce a displacement in an actuation direction L and a wall delimiting an internal cavity wherein the shape of the actuator is a pillar; the wall, the cavity and the upper surface of a base form the lower part of said pillar, where h1 is the highest dimension of the internal cavity at rest according to the actuation direction L; a part forms the upper part of said pillar where the upper surface of said upper part is the upper actuation deformable surface, the bottom surface of said upper part closes the upper part of the cavity so as to form an upper surface of said cavity and where h2 is the distance at rest from the top of the upper surface of the internal cavity to the upper actuation deformable surface; the height ratio h1/h2 is comprised between 0.2 and 10; a fluidic inlet is provided and suitable for introducing a fluid in the internal cavity.

Abstract: A high pressure diaphragm gas valve comprises a removable seat assembly (32), including a mounting ring (34) and a synthetic seat ring (36), which is fitted in a central seat hole of a mounting ring (34). A nozzle (60) penetrates in a sealed way into a central through hole (38) of the synthetic seat ring (36). A first gas port (28) is arranged in a front face (62) of the nozzle (60). A second gas port is formed by a gas collecting ring channel (30) incorporated into the valve body (12), wherein it surrounds a nozzle shoulder surface (64) of the nozzle (60) and is itself surrounded by an outer shoulder surface (102) of the valve body (12). The mounting ring (34) is supported with an inner ring flange (82) on the nozzle shoulder surface (64) and with an outer ring flange (84) on the outer shoulder surface (102), so that peripheral gas passages (86) open into the ring channel (30).

Abstract: There is provided a valve element for a condensate trap comprising an expansion chamber in the form of a metallic bellows having a variable axial length and having first and second ends sealed with first and second end caps respectively. A valve closure member is provided on the second end cap and is arranged to cooperate with a valve seat. A first guide member is coupled to the first end cap and axially extends into the bellows and a second guide member is coupled to the second end cap, axially extends into the bellows and cooperates with the first guide member. This allows relative axial movement between the first and second end caps but restricts relative radial movement between the first and second end caps. This helps to ensure that the valve closure member properly seats on the valve seal.

Abstract: A self-regulating wastegate valve actuator for dynamically regulating a wastegate valve in a turbocharged internal combustion engine. The wastegate valve actuator regulates and maintains a desired pressure differential across a throttle valve with minimal controlling elements by controlling a wastegate valve in response to the pressure differential generated across the throttle valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for failsafe control of liquid material passage through a line is provided. The apparatus includes a dispensing control unit for coupling to the line, which includes a housing having an inlet, an outlet, and a conduction port extending therebetween for selectively passing the liquid material received from the line therethrough. A control port is disposed in the housing to direct a flow path of at least a portion of a pressurized fluid stream received thereby. A response valve portion also disposed in the housing is reconfigurable between first and second states responsive to the pressurized fluid stream directed thereto, such that in the first state it seals the conduction port against passage of the liquid material, and in the second state opens the conduction port for passage of the liquid material. The response valve portion is resiliently biased to the first state.

Abstract: A diaphragm actuator for a fluid process control device comprises a housing, a diaphragm, a stem, and a plate assembly. The plate assembly includes a concave plate and a convex plate, each having inner and outer radial portions. The outer radial portions compressingly engage and retain the diaphragm. The inner radial portions are compressed together onto the stem between a shoulder of the stem and a nut threaded onto the stem. Accordingly, the concave plate forcibly engages and provides a fluid-tight seal directly with the shoulder of the stem without requiring an o-ring or any other additional sealing component. Moreover, the concave and convex plates are structurally equivalent such that the actuator may easily be switched between a biased-open configuration and a biased-closed configuration.

Abstract: A pressure-regulating valve in which the pressure of a functional liquid fed to a primary chamber from a functional liquid feeding means is regulated by opening and closing a valve body, the functional liquid is fed to a secondary chamber, and the functional liquid is fed from the secondary chamber to an inkjet-type functional droplet ejection head; wherein the valve body has a valve body main body that directly opens and closes with respect to a valve seat, the valve body main body being provided to the primary chamber; and a valve holder including a holding part that holds the valve body main body and an actuating shaft that comes in contact with a pressure-receiving membrane, the actuating shaft extending concentrically through the communication flow passage from the holding part; the actuating shaft is formed so as to taper to a point toward the pressure-receiving membrane; and the communication flow passage is formed to have a complementary shape with respect to the actuating shaft.

Abstract: A pneumatic valve actuator for moving the valve stem of a control valve comprises an upper casing and a lower casing each having flanges, a diaphragm plate operatively coupled to the valve stem, a spring arranged to bias the diaphragm plate in a first direction, a diaphragm movable in conjunction movement of the diaphragm plate, an air inlet defined in the casing and arranged for attachment to an air supply source to bias the diaphragm plate in a second direction, and a ring disposed between the upper flange and the lower flange and positioned to engage the outer portion of the diaphragm. The ring includes a protrusion positioned to engage a surface of the outer portion of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A pendulum vacuum gate valve comprised of a housing for enclosing a valve plate assembly having a pair of air pressure actuated floating seal plates disposed on opposite sides of the valve plate assembly which is actuated by a gate arm to reciprocate between open and closed positions and intermediate stop positions for controlling gas flow between intake and exhaust conduits connected to the housing.

Abstract: A miniature unidirectional valve configured to restrict the free flow of fluid through the valve includes a valve body having an inlet and an outlet. A flexible membrane is movably disposed over the inlet and outlet, and movable between an open position and a closed position. The flexible membrane is movable by a pressure from the inlet to move the membrane to the open position. A control chamber is disposed in the valve body adjacent the fluid flow path, and configured to apply a pressure against the membrane to move the membrane to the closed position to restrict fluid flow through the valve. A preload structure is associated with the flexible membrane, and biases the flexible membrane toward the closed position.

Abstract: A disc for use in a pneumatic valve includes a stiffening insert encased in a flexible body. The stiffening insert acts to protect a central actuation region of the disc against radial compression, which may arise if the disc is used to seal against a bore hole, and against material flow towards the actuation region away from a clamped periphery. The behaviour of the disc in a valve assembly is therefore more predictable and reproducible. The flexible body may further be tensioned across the stiffening insert.

Abstract: An inlet shut valve or an outlet shut valve has a main diaphragm and a sub-diaphragm, wherein a valve closing pressure chamber and a valve opening pressure chamber are provided, respectively, on the upper surface side and the lower surface side of the main diaphragm. Furthermore, an atmospheric pressure chamber and a pressure chamber constituting a channel are provided, respectively, on the upper surface side and the lower surface side of the sub-diaphragm. A drive shaft constituting a valve element is driven in the direction for bringing about a valve open state by both forces, i.e. a first force acting by pressure difference between the valve closing pressure chamber and the valve opening pressure chamber and a second force acting by pressure difference between the atmospheric pressure chamber and the pressure chamber constituting a channel and acting in the same direction as the first force.

Abstract: Servo valve modules and torque motor assemblies are provided. In an embodiment, a servo valve module includes a housing assembly, a diaphragm, a valve assembly, and a spiral washer. The housing assembly includes two chambers, a valve port, an intake port, and an outlet flow channel. The diaphragm extends across one chamber to divide the chamber into a pressure reception section and a pressure transmission section. The valve assembly includes a valve seat adjacent to the valve port in the other chamber, a valve element to seat and unseat against the valve seat, and a valve plate in the pressure transmission section including a valve stem extend axially and disposed in the valve port to contact the valve element. The spiral washer is coupled to the valve element and extends across the chamber to provide a preload against the valve element to bias the element toward the closed position.

Abstract: A valve control system for a wellbore includes a fiber composite actuator functionally coupled to a valve operating member and means for controllably charging an interior of the actuator with fluid under pressure. A valve for a wellbore includes a valve stem and a valve seat associated with a valve body. The valve stem and valve seat are configured to enable fluid flow from an inlet port in the valve body to an outlet port in the valve body when the stem is moved from the seat. An axial contraction fiber composite actuator is functionally coupled to the valve stem. The valve includes means for controllably charging an interior of the actuator with fluid under pressure.

Abstract: A diaphragm controlled bypass valve includes a diaphragm valve portion and a needle valve portion. The diaphragm valve portion regulates pressurized gas supplied from a pump to determine whether or not to open or close a needle valve. The needle valve portion includes an inlet port, an outlet port and a flow pathway defined between the inlet and outlet ports. A needle pin is disposed within the flow pathway and is coupled to a diaphragm positioned within the diaphragm valve portion. When the diaphragm is displaced in response to changes in pressure, the needle valve pin is likewise displaced which opens and closes the flow pathway. A second flowpath disposed in the needle valve portion communicates with the inlet port to redirect the supply of pressurized gas to a relief port.

Abstract: A normally open non-electric valve includes a flow path through an apertured valve seat. cavity isolated from the flow path is sealingly closed off adjacent the valve seat by a flexible diaphragm. The diaphragm is sufficiently flexible to be pushed and held away from the valve seat by fluid flowing in the flow path. When it is desired to close the valve, a pressure medium is introduced into the cavity so as to force the diaphragm against the valve seat and interrupt the fluid flow in the flow path. The normally open valve can inexpensively be converted from an inexpensive electric solenoid valve by removing the plunger, spring and coil from the electric valve, closing off the plunger cavity with a flexible diaphragm, and selectably introducing a pressure medium into the cavity when it is desired to close the valve.

Abstract: A pressure control valve is provided with a valve main body (10) having a valve chamber (15) with a valve seat portion (14), a refrigerant inflow port (11) and a refrigerant outflow port (12), and a pressure response element (30) having a diaphragm (20) defining an upper surface of a valve chamber (15) and driving a valve body (17) and a lid-like member (35) defining a sealed pressure chamber (25) together with the diaphragm (20) and having a concave portion (36), an inert gas having a thermal expansion coefficient not more than a predetermined value is enclosed within said sealed pressure chamber (25), and an internal volume of the sealed pressure chamber is set such that the valve body (17) comes to a full-open state when that the pressure of the valve chamber (18) becomes a predetermined pressure or more higher than the pressure at which said valve body starts opening.