Abstract: A control valve device develops opening/closing accuracy of a valve assembly. The valve head 310a is configured to open and close a transfer path formed in the valve housing 305 by transmitting the power to the valve assembly 310 from the power transmission member according to a pressure ratio between working fluid supplied to the first space Us and the second space Ls, respectively. The valve head has a Vickers hardness larger than a Vickers hardness of a valve seat of the transfer path to be in contact with the valve head, and a hardness difference therebetween is set to be about 200 Hv to about 300 Hv.

Abstract: A method of controlling a main fluid in a conduit using a microvalve is described. The microvalve includes a corresponding actuation aperture in an actuation aperture layer. A control fluid flows through the actuation aperture in response to an electric field applied via a charge distribution near an actuation aperture layer. In one embodiment, the electric field may adjust the opening and closing of the actuation aperture thereby controlling the flow of the control fluid. In a second embodiment, the control fluid is an electrorheological fluid where the electric field controls the viscosity of the ER fluid, thereby controlling fluid flow through the actuation aperture. In both embodiments the flow of the control fluid controls stretching of a flexible membrane into and out of the conduit, thereby controlling the flow of the main fluid by opening or closing the conduit.

Abstract: Provided is a liquid injecting apparatus equipped with a liquid injecting head, which is mounted on a carriage and moved reciprocally in a widthwise direction of a target, and a valve unit, which is mounted on the carriage to be supplied with liquid via a supply passage from a liquid retainer and to supply liquid to the liquid injecting head. The valve unit has a pressure chamber connected to the liquid retainer via the supply passage; a valve, which opens or closes the supply passage to supply liquid to the pressure chamber; and a flexible film member, which is displaced based on a negative pressure generated as liquid in the pressure chamber decreases to thereby operate the valve.

Abstract: This invention provides a device comprising at least one diaphragm valve actuated by a hydraulic actuation system. The device comprises a fluidics layer, an actuation layer and an elastic layer sandwiched between the fluidics layer and the actuation layer. The diaphragm valve comprises: a valve inlet and valve outlet comprised in the fluidics layer; a valve seat; a diaphragm comprised in the elastic layer; and an actuator. The diaphragm is actuatable to move into contact or out of contact with the valve seat, thereby closing or opening the diaphragm valve. The actuator comprises: a hydraulic conduit; a translator; and an incompressible fluid contained within the hydraulic conduit, wherein the incompressible fluid communicates with the translator and with the diaphragm. Translation of the translator transmits pressure through the incompressible fluid to actuate the diaphragm. The invention also provides systems including elements to operate the device and methods of using the device.

Abstract: Using basic physical arguments, a design and method for the fabrication of microfluidic valves using multilayer soft lithography is presented. Embodiments of valves in accordance with the present invention feature elastomer membrane portions of substantially constant thickness, allowing the membranes to experience similar resistance to an applied pressure across their entire width. Such on-off valves fabricated with upwardly- or downwardly-deflectable membranes can have extremely low actuation pressures, and can be used to implement active functions such as pumps and mixers in integrated microfluidic chips. Valve performance was characterized by measuring both the actuation pressure and flow resistance over a wide range of design parameters, and comparing them to both finite element simulations and alternative valve geometries.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.

Abstract: A microfluidic system includes a bubble valve for regulating fluid flow through a microchannel. The bubble valve includes a fluid meniscus interfacing the microchannel interior and an actuator for deflecting the membrane into the microchannel interior to regulate fluid flow. The actuator generates a gas bubble in a liquid in the microchannel when a sufficient pressure is generated on the membrane.

Abstract: A vacuum valve installed on an opening of a sealed container includes an air-resistance membrane, a valve and at least one airflow passage. The valve is latched on the opening. The airflow passage runs through the valve and communicates with the sealed container. The air-resistance membrane is mounted onto the valve and has an annular flange to surround and seal the airflow passage. The protrusive annular flange is deformable to form an airtight structure to maintain a vacuum condition in the sealed container for a prolonged duration to meet use requirements.

Abstract: A metering assembly includes a fluidic chip and metering chambers. Selectable outlet valves communicate with each metering chamber to provide a discrete dispensed volume. The valves may be commonly controlled and may be formed as multi-level valves. The valves may be grouped into common substrate valve clusters. Purge channels communicate with the metering chambers and controlled purge valves allow reverse flow wash fluid to wash the metering chamber. Pressure ports are employed to actuate the valves. A method of dispensing a fluid from the fluidic chip includes a) to selectively filling (or filling) the metering chambers with a selected fluid; and b) outputting (or selectively outputting) the fluid to output locations. The total output volume of fluid dispensed from each metering chamber may be accumulated. The process may be repeated until the accumulated volume equals the desired volume and may be repeated for another fluid from a plurality of different fluids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing element (10) to be mounted on a plugging head (76). The plugging head (76) is introduced into an access opening in the pipeline (70) or pipe (70). The pressurizable sealing element (10) delimits at least one pressurizable cavity (22, 92) with an inner surface (78), and seals an inner wall (74) of the pipeline (70) or pipe (70) with a generated surface (16, 40, 46, 48) when a pressure pi is applied to the cavity (22, 92).

Abstract: A fluid-conveying apparatus conveys fluid using a channel for the fluid to flow. The apparatus includes a pressure-generating device for generating pressure for conveying the fluid, a plurality of processing areas for processing the fluid, a valve which is disposed between the processing areas and controls the fluid flow, and a pressure-relieving device for relieving the pressure in the channel.

Abstract: An evacuation valve for a metering device for a liquid medium is disclosed. The valve includes a seal holder having a chamber formed therein and a seal. An elastomeric material fills the chamber to form the seal. The seal includes a smooth, flat sealing surface located above the seal holder. The inclusion of a lip in the chamber retains the seal; a non-circular lip prevents rotation of the seal.

Abstract: An elastic valve and a microfluidic device including the same are provided. The elastic valve includes a channel dented by external pressure so as to be elastically restituted; and a plurality of channel closing protrusions, which comprise elastomer as a material, which are protruded from at least one inner side surface of the channel toward an opposite inner side surface, and which are separated from each other so as not to interrupt a flow of fluids, wherein, when external pressure is applied in order to dent the channel, the plurality of channel closing protrusions are deformed so as to be elastically restituted, thereby closing the channel.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.

Abstract: A microfluidic dispensing system may include diaphragm pumps that may be used for aspirating in corresponding ingredients via a nozzle or a tip from supply sources. Tips may be placed in contact with ingredient supply sources, and through repeated actuation of the diaphragm pumps, desired volumes of ingredients are aspirated into the tips. In some cases, an air plug is aspirated into the tips before an ingredient. Once the desired volume of each ingredient is reached within each tip, the ingredients are dispensed from the tips through repeated actuation of corresponding diaphragm pumps.

Abstract: A metering assembly includes a fluidic chip and metering chambers. Selectable outlet valves communicate with each metering chamber to provide a discrete dispensed volume. The valves may be commonly controlled and may be formed as multi-level valves. The valves may be grouped into common substrate valve clusters. Purge channels communicate with the metering chambers and controlled purge valves allow reverse flow wash fluid to wash the metering chamber. Pressure ports are employed to actuate the valves. A method of dispensing a fluid from the fluidic chip includes a) selectively filling (or filling) the metering chambers with a selected fluid; and b) outputting (or selectively outputting) the fluid to output locations. The total output volume of fluid dispensed from each metering chamber may be accumulated. The process may be repeated until the accumulated volume equals the desired volume and may be repeated for another fluid from a plurality of different fluids.

Abstract: Embolic protection and plaque removal apparatus and methods are provided wherein an aspiration device aspirates, filters and reperfuses blood using a closed fluid circuit having a bi-directional working lumen. The plaque removal device includes a plurality of self-expanding cutting elements that form a cage that self-centers within the blood vessel to reduce the risk of trauma to the vessel lining.

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 valve for generating a flow of pressurized fluid in response to a command, including: a discharge conduit for discharging the pressurized fluid; a valve body surrounding the discharge conduit; a chamber that connects the discharge conduit to the valve body; a cover covering the discharge conduit and forming the chamber; and a flexible membrane positioned within the chamber. The cover includes an access hole for charging the valve body with the pressurized fluid, and for commanding the discharge of the pressurized fluid. The discharge conduit includes a grid in that part thereof that communicates with the chamber. The flexible membrane is fixed to the center of the grid.

Abstract: A liquid ejection apparatus comprises a liquid cartridge for storing a liquid, a liquid ejection head for ejecting the liquid toward a target, a liquid supply path for guiding the liquid to the liquid ejection head from the liquid cartridge, and a capping device for drawing the liquid from the liquid ejection head. The liquid supply path comprises a plurality of wall surfaces, and a part of the wall surface is formed of a flexible member that is flexed by the inside-and-outside pressure difference of the liquid supply path. A pressure pump for adjusting the pressure of a fluid within the liquid supply path in the upstream side of the flexible member is provided.

Abstract: A flow control device for a gas chromatograph is provided. The flow control device includes first and second valves each having alpha and beta operating states and a plurality of ports. In each of the first and second valves, the ports are associated to have alpha pairs of the ports and beta pairs of the ports. In the alpha operating state of each of the first and second valves, the ports in each of the alpha pairs are connected and the ports in each of the beta pairs are disconnected. In the beta operating state of each of the first and second valves, the ports in each of the beta pairs are connected and the ports in each of the alpha pairs are disconnected. The first and second valves are formed by a cylindrical manifold plate disposed between cylindrical first and second port plates. A first diaphragm is disposed between the first port plate and the manifold plate and a second diaphragm is disposed between the second port plate and the manifold plate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for implementing microfluidic analysis devices are provided. A monolithic elastomer membrane associated with an integrated pneumatic manifold allows the placement and actuation of a variety of fluid control structures, such as structures for pumping, isolating, mixing, routing, merging, splitting, preparing, and storing volumes of fluid. The fluid control structures can be used to implement a variety of sample introduction, preparation, processing, and storage techniques.

Abstract: A bellowphragm actuated fluid control swing valve includes: a fluid-tight body having an inlet for the fluid, a seat around the inlet, an outlet for the fluid, and a hinge, the body conducting the fluid from the inlet to the outlet; a fluid-tight chamber adapted to be pressurized with the fluid, the chamber generally enclosed by the body; a first surface of the chamber, foldably pleated so as to extend in response to the chamber being pressurized; second surface of the chamber, rotatably attached to the hinge, so that, when the first surface extends, the second surface rotates about the hinge; a disc on the second surface of the chamber that mates with the seat; and a generally non-folding cover attached to the first surface of the chamber so that the cover and first surface cooperate to form the chamber and make the chamber fluid-tight.

Abstract: A microfluidic dispensing system may include multiple supply lines for simultaneous filling of diaphragm pumps associated with each supply line. Each supply line may fill corresponding groups of diaphragm pumps with a corresponding ingredient to a supply reservoir for the supply line. Accordingly, different groups of diaphragm pumps corresponding to different supply lines may be filled with corresponding ingredients simultaneously. Those ingredients corresponding to the different groups of diaphragm pumps may also be dispensed simultaneously, giving rise to a faster and more efficient fluidic dispensing system.

Abstract: A microfluidic dispensing system may include diaphragm pumps that may be used for aspirating in corresponding ingredients via a nozzle or a tip from supply sources. Tips may be placed in contact with ingredient supply sources, and through repeated actuation of the diaphragm pumps, desired volumes of ingredients are aspirated into the tips. In some cases, an air plug is aspirated into the tips before an ingredient. Once the desired volume of each ingredient is reached within each tip, the ingredients are dispensed from the tips through repeated actuation of corresponding diaphragm pumps.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated microvalve system (1) comprising at least a first fluid branch (8) and a microvalve (2) being controlled by a control pressure in a control channel (17). The microvalve (2) is adapted to control a fluid flow in the first fluid branch (8). A flow restrictor arrangement (21) is located between a control port (19) and the control channel (17) to give a pre-determined turn-on and turn-off response characteristics of the microvalve (2). Preferably the flow restrictor arrangement (21) comprises a deflate channel (30) and an inflate channel (31) arranged in parallel. Each channel (30, 31) comprises a check valve (34, 35) and a flow restrictor (24, 25), which may have different flow restriction to give different turn-on and turn-off response characteristics for the microvalve (2).

Abstract: A valve for controlling flow of pressurized fluid from a confined area that is operable to relieve an overpressure condition as well as to allow flow of fluid in response to a pressure relief command. The valve including a valve body with a fluid passage therethrough, a reverse buckling rupture disc in the valve body in normally blocking relationship to the flow of fluid through the passage, and a selectively actuatable device carried by the valve body adjacent the convex surface. The actuatable device is operable to disrupt, without puncturing, the disc so as to initiate reversal and rupture of the disc and to permit flow of the pressurized fluid through the passage.

Abstract: The flow rate control device is equipped with a pilot regulator that applies operating pressure by using air supplied to one surface of a diaphragm provided in the regulator and adjusts the flow rate of a chemical liquid contacting the opposite surface, and with an electropneumatic regulator that controls supply and discharge of air to adjust the operating pressure for the pilot regulator. The flow rate control device is equipped with an air passage that connects and passes air between the pilot regulator and electropneumatic regulator, and an orifice that enables adjustment of operating pressure by the electropneumatic regulator while discharging air from the air passage.

Abstract: A pneumatic control valve and power reserve in the form of pressurized gas in a pressurization chamber, for elastically deforming a diaphragm without closing off two admission (2) and respectively discharge (3) orifices of said valve and able to place the opening of the valve by depressurization of said pressurization chamber 5 is disclosed. The valve may be used for total and rapid deflation of a therapeutic mattress having a plurality of compartments that are inflated with air, including at different pressures.

Abstract: The present invention presents various novel approaches to solving the problems inherent in measuring biological pressures in high pressure systems. Thus, to protect a pressure transducer exposed to fluid flows at higher pressures than its overpressure rating, a novel valve is used that closes a protected leg in which the transducer is located. The various exemplary embodiments of such valves each have a high pressure input, one or more low pressure inputs, and an output. In operation, when a high pressure fluid flow occurs at a high pressure input, such valves automatically close the low pressure inputs. Alternatively, a novel transducer system is presented, which automatically limits the effective pressure sensed by a transducer to a certain maximum.

Abstract: A sanitary diaphragm valve has a valve body formed of an upper plate and a lower plate, with a flexible resilient diaphragm and a spacer between them. The margin of the diaphragm rests on a peripheral step formed in the lower plate to create a positive space between the lower plate and the edges of the diaphragm. A piston within a cylinder in the upper plate can descend to compress the diaphragm against a valve port to close the valve. The pressure of the liquid product can raise the diaphragm and the piston when control pressure is relieved from the piston.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the intra-abdominal pressure of a hospitalized patient includes a urinary catheter connected to a urine valve providing selectable communication between a discharge end of the urinary catheter and either a drain or a fluid source. Preferably, the urine valve is adapted for remote actuation and has a housing adapted to resist patient discomfort from leg-valve contact. Plumbing structure desirably maintains fluid supply and drain conduits in a substantially parallel arrangement to assist routing those conduits between a patient's legs. When the urine valve is oriented to permit communication with the fluid source, an infusion pump may be used to infuse a known quantity of fluid through the urine valve and into the patient's bladder. A pressure transducer desirably is connected in-circuit to indicate the fluid's pressure.

Abstract: A normally closed microvalve includes a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a deflectable closing element, which, in the closed state of the microvalve, is seated on a sealing lip, such that the fluid inlet is fluidically disconnected from the fluid outlet, and in the opened state of the microvalve, is spaced apart from the sealing lip, and a deflectable holding structure which is connected to the closing element such that, between the same, a space exists, which is in fluidic communication to the fluid outlet. An influence of a force onto the holding structure and the closing element in a first direction provides an opening-action to the microvalve, while an influence of a force onto the holding structure and the closing element in a second direction provides a closing-action. The fluid inlet and the closing element are arranged such that a pressure at the fluid inlet exerts a force in the second direction.

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: The invention is disclosed as a nipple having a detachable coupler. In a first exemplary form the coupler the coupler is made to receive the nipple and to make a seal at the portion of the nipple abutting the coupler. The seal is made to prevent loss of fluid at the juncture or interface where the nipple meets the coupler. In the first exemplary form, the coupler has threads, which permit the coupler to be screwed onto a bottle having threads around the opening of the bottle. Fluid passes from the bottle into the coupler, through the coupler into the nipple and from the interior of the nipple into the baby's mouth. In a second exemplary form of the coupler, the coupler has an elastic opening to permit the coupler to be stretched over the opening of a fluid container. In the exemplary embodiments the interior of the nipple has a valve, through which all fluid must pass before exiting the nipple and entering the baby's mouth. The valve is made to limit the flow of fluids from the fluid container.

Abstract: One or more diaphragm valves are integrated as part of a cover of a microfluidic cassette cartridge. A rigid body portion includes one or more recessed valve areas and a plurality of fluid channels. A recessed valve area is disposed along either a bottom surface or a top surface of the rigid body portion. An inlet fluid channel and an outlet fluid channel are formed within the rigid body portion of each recessed valve area. A flexible membrane cover is sealed over the bottom surface of the body portion, and another flexible membrane cover is sealed over the top surface. A portion of the membrane cover that covers a recessed valve area functions as a valve membrane of the diaphragm valve. The flexible membrane functions as both a cover of the cartridge, thereby sealing and enclosing the appropriate channels, and a valve membrane of the diaphragm valve.

Abstract: A valve comprises a valve seat and a movable diaphragm. The valve seat defines a fluid orifice and is formed at least partially of polybenzimidazole. The diaphragm is sized and configured to bear against the fluid orifice to substantially block fluid flow through the orifice. The valve is advantageously used in a hot zone of a semiconductor processing system.

Abstract: A SDHV damper assembly and methods to assemble and install the SDHV damper assembly are disclosed. The SDHV damper assembly includes a first damper housing half comprising a substantially cylindrical tube having a first open end and a second open end. The SDHV damper assembly further includes a second damper housing half comprising a substantially cylindrical tube having a first open end and a second open end. The first open end of the second damper housing half is joined to the first open end of the first damper housing half to form an assembled damper housing. A recess is formed in the damper housing either diametrically or longitudinally. The expandable damper member is received within the recess and expands to restrict flow in the damper housing and retracts to allow laminar flow through the damper housing.

Abstract: A liquid-gap electrostatic hydraulic micro actuator is provided that produces higher displacement (in and out of plane) and larger force than typical electrostatic actuators by utilizing a non-conducting liquid as its dielectric material. This new class of actuators utilizes the liquid dielectric for hydraulic amplification and force transfer. The liquid electrostatic actuator consists of two chambers each forming a parallel-plate capacitor, filled with a non-conducting incompressible liquid. One chamber is compressed by pulling down a flexible membrane using electrostatic actuation, thus forcing the liquid under it to transfer into the other chamber. Such movement causes the other chamber's membrane to expand out of plane.

Abstract: The haemostatic valve assembly (10) includes a housing (14) with a chamber (16) therewithin. A flexible valve element (26) is located in the chamber (16) and supported by the housing (14). A source (28) of pressurized fluid can be fed into the chamber (16) through a port (18) in the housing (14). A catheter, dilator, pusher or other elongate insert fed through the haemostatic valve assembly (10) can be sealed by the application of fluid pressure into the chamber (16), which causes the sides of the valve element (26) to press against the insert (24) thereby to provide an effective seal.

Abstract: A valve for generating a flow of pressurized fluid in response to a command, including: a discharge conduit for discharging the pressurized fluid; a valve body surrounding the discharge conduit; a chamber that connects the discharge conduit to the valve body; a cover covering the discharge conduit and forming the chamber; and a flexible membrane positioned within the chamber. The cover includes an access hole for charging the valve body with the pressurized fluid, and for commanding the discharge of the pressurized fluid. The discharge conduit includes a grid in that part thereof that communicates with the chamber. The flexible membrane is fixed to the center of the grid.

Abstract: An air supply system and valve is disclosed which provides a reverse pulse of air for cleaning a filter element located in a filter house. A valve is also disclosed for use in the air supply system. The system includes a pressure vessel adapted to contain a volume of compressed air to be used for supplying the reverse pulse, the pressure vessel having a wall with at least one outlet aperture therein. The valve is mounted to the wall around the aperture to control the flow of air from the pressure vessel, the valve means comprising a valve body having an inlet, an outlet and a flow passage connecting the inlet and outlet, the inlet, the outlet and the flow passage generally extending axially through the valve body, a valve seat surrounding the flow passage, and a valve closure member movable towards and away from the valve seat into closed and open positions to thereby close or open the flow passage, and operating means for moving the valve closure member between the closed and open positions.

Abstract: An improved bonnet assembly for a weir type or radial style valve, comprising a hollow bonnet housing an actuator assembly comprising an actuator connected to a spindle, the hollow bonnet having a plurality of orifices to allow free entry and exit of a liquid such as a cleaning solution within the bonnet and to enable the liquid to thoroughly contact and exit the bonnet assembly without the need of disassembly. The valve or parts of the valve such as the bonnet assembly or its components are made of performance engineered polymeric material to prevent corrosion and/or galling, and also reduce the weight and sometimes the cost of the valve without sacrificing quality and performance.

Abstract: A valve (1) for fluids, comprising a tubular body (2) having at least one inlet (4) and at least one outlet (5) and defining a conduit (3) for the passage of a fluid, Said valve comprises a hollow elastic element (6) housed in the tubular body (2) inside said passage conduit (3), said hollow elastic element (6) having at least one opening (6a) to allow the entry of a driving fluid able to set a determined pressure, so-called driving pressure, inside the elastic element (6), in order to change its volume between a minimum value and a maximum value corresponding respectively to an operative condition of minimum obstruction of a fluid passage section within said conduit (3) and an operative condition of maximum obstruction of said passage section.

Abstract: The valve element for attachment to a flexible bag may include one or more flexible layers intended to extend over a hole disposed through a sidewall of the bag. In its normal condition, the layer or layers are in adjacent contact to each other or to the bag sidewall and thereby cover and seal the hole. During evacuation, the layer or layers displace to provide a collapsible and expandable channel that allows air to move from the hole to an exit point. To facilitate sealing of the valve element, a tacky surface is included in the valve element. The tacky surface can have a tackiness quality that normally holds the layers and/or sidewall together but that can be overcome during evacuation to expand the channel.

Abstract: A pneumatic control valve and power reserve in the form of pressurized gas in a pressurization chamber, for elastically deforming a diaphragm without closing off two admission (2) and respectively discharge (3) orifices of said valve and able to place the opening of the valve by depressurization of said pressurization chamber 5 is disclosed. The valve may be used for total and rapid deflation of a therapeutic mattress having a plurality of compartments that are inflated with air, including at different pressures.

Abstract: There is disclosed a pressure control valve comprising: a valve body (10A) provided successively with, mentioning from the upstream side in the flowing direction of refrigerant, a refrigerant inflow port (11), a refrigerant introduction chamber (14), a valve seat (13) with which a rod-like valve (15) is retractably contacted, and a refrigerant outflow port (12); and a temperature-sensitive/pressure-responsive element (20) which is provided with a temperature sensitive chamber (25) for sensing the temperature of the refrigerant that has been introduced into the refrigerant introduction chamber (14) and is designed to drive the valve (15) in opening or closing direction in response to fluctuations of the inner pressure of the temperature sensitive chamber (25). The temperature-sensitive/pressure-responsive element (20) is integrally attached to the valve body (10A).

Abstract: A cryogenic flow valve system for controlling the flow of a cryogenic fluid is disclosed. The system has a valve and an adsorption pump. The valve includes a flow chamber and a moveable member. The cryogenic fluid flows the flow chamber, and the moveable member is in contact with a control fluid. The position of the moveable member controls the flow in the flow chamber. The pressure of the control fluid controls the position of the moveable member. The adsorption pump includes a chamber and a heater. The chamber is in contact with the moveable member and contains an adsorption material for retaining control fluid. The heater heats the adsorption material to control the pressure of the control fluid.

Abstract: A non-Newtonian fluid is used in an electrokinetic device to produce electroosmotic flow therethrough. The nonlinear viscosity of the non-Newtonian fluid allows the electrokinetic device to behave differently under different operating conditions, such as externally applied pressures and electric potentials. Electrokinetic devices can be used with a non-Newtonian fluid in a number of applications, including but not limited to electrokinetic pumps, flow controllers, diaphragm valves, and displacement systems.