Abstract: A low friction control servo is provided that includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet. A flexible valve plate is disposed within the housing and includes a curved arm. The curved arm is adapted to flex between (i) an closed position wherein airflow through the outlet is substantially impeded, and (ii) an open position. An actuator is coupled to the housing and engages the curved arm to control the position thereof.

Abstract: A bladder valve (10) is disclosed which comprises a valve body (12) having an inlet (16), an outlet (14) and a flow passage (17) connecting the inlet (16) and the outlet (14). The bladder valve (10) also includes a valve seat (45) surrounding the flow passage (17) and an inflatable bladder (22) mounted in the flow passage (17) and being connectable to a source of fluid under pressure in use. The bladder (22) is mounted on a bladder support member (34) which provides support for the bladder when in its deflated condition, and through which inflation passages (42) pass for the inflation and deflation of the bladder. The bladder (22) is designed to collapse or deflate rapidly in order to open the valve, enabling the valve to be used in applications such as reverse pulse cleaning of filter elements.

Abstract: The backflow valve of the present invention includes a valve housing having a cavity therein with an inlet and an outlet to the valve cavity. A switch is in communication with the valve cavity and is moveable from an off position to an on position in response to liquid filling the valve cavity. A valve is moveable in response to the movement of the switch to the on position. The valve moves to a closed position shutting off the fluid flow through the backflow valve.

Abstract: A low-power, wireless, inflatable bladder damper device for controlling the flow of air through an airflow channel, and a method of operation for the same. Rather than requiring power supply and/or control wiring for operation of a wireless damper device, a low-power inflatable bladder damper device that requires no external wiring for operation can be used. A completely wireless damper device can reduce the cost of installation of damping devices in airflow channels, as well as the complexity of installation, while at the same time providing improved control of airflow throughout an airflow system.

Abstract: A valve body for a valve assembly includes a main passageway in which a primary valve is received which has a weir constructed to define a valve seat and to interact with a valve element in the form of a diaphragm. Integrated in the valve body is a secondary valve having a weir which defines a valve seat and interacts with a second valve element in the form of a diaphragm. The secondary valve is constructed to allow establishment of a fluid communication upstream of the valve seat of the primary valve between the main passageway and a branch line, via which a medium sample can be extracted and/or steam and/or condensate can be, optionally, released.

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: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for controlling the flow of fluids through a conveyance with a hydraulic valve including a flexible portion. The flexible portion is positioned in the conveyance so that fluid enters the membrane from an upper containment space and the expansion of the flexible portion causes the valve to restrict or block the flow of fluid being controlled through the conveyance.

Abstract: High-density microfluidic chips contain plumbing networks with thousands of micromechanical valves and hundreds of individually addressable chambers. These fluidic devices are analogous to electronic integrated circuits fabricated using large scale integration (LSI). A component of these networks is the fluidic multiplexor, which is a combinatorial array of binary valve patterns that exponentially increases the processing power of a network by allowing complex fluid manipulations with a minimal number of inputs. These integrated microfluidic networks can be used to construct a variety of highly complex microfluidic devices, for example the microfluidic analog of a comparator array, and a microfluidic memory storage device resembling electronic random access memories.

Abstract: An adapter manifold comprising a first dual valve block having a first diaphragm valve and a second diaphragm valve; a first, a second, and a third low dead space connector for connecting the adapter manifold with dual valve block to the remaining portions of the chemical delivery system; a first conduit for connecting both the diaphragm side of the first diaphragm valve and the seat side of the second diaphragm valves to the first low dead space connector; a second conduit for connecting the seat side of the first diaphragm valve to the second low dead space connector; and a third conduit for connecting the diaphragm side of the second diaphragm valve to the third low dead space connector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluid control valves. The invention provides an improved diaphragm useful for a large hydraulically-operated valve or pressure regulating valve of the type used in pipelines to transport water, oil, gas, acids, alkalis and other fluids. The diaphragm being provided with an upper face arranged to be exposed to a control hydraulic pressure and a lower face arranged to selectively seal and open a passage between a valve inlet and a valve outlet, ribs on said upper face urging the diaphragm towards a sealing position. The diaphragm being characterized by the addition of an elastomer ring element disposed adjacent to the upper face and adjacent to the largest diameter of the diaphragm exposed inside a valve to which it may be assembled, an upper face of the flexible ring element being in pressure contact with a portion of the rigid body of the valve.

Abstract: An implantable drug delivery system has a housing, a collapsible reservoir, a microfabricated flow channel, and at least one magnet. The collapsible reservoir is disposed in the housing. The microfabricated flow channel is connected at one end to the collapsible reservoir and opens at an external surface of the housing. The magnet is disposed within the housing adjacent a membrane defining the flow channel and is movable in response to a magnetic force to deflect the membrane into the flow channel for inhibiting drug flow from the collapsible reservoir to the external surface of the housing, and for pumping drug flow from the collapsible reservoir to the external surface of the housing.

Abstract: A flow control and pressure reducing valve having a polygonic valve body with an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber partitioned by a partition plate. A plurality of passages are formed through receptacles around the partition plate, with the inlet portion opening into the inlet chamber and the outlet portion opening into the outlet chamber. Elastomeric flow control means having the shape of flat hat are positioned inside the receptacles to block the passage of fluid when charged with pressurized fluid, and to unblock the passage of fluid when the pressurized fluid is discharged from said flow control means.

Abstract: A valve for the closure of fluid channels, in particular for use in disposable cartridges for extracorporeal circulations, having a valve body with a pressure channel, and a sealing cap, which can cooperate with the valve body in such a way that it closes off the end of the pressure channel on the valve body side against the surroundings. The valve is designed in such a way that a pressure chamber can be formed between the pressure channel and the sealing cap, and the sealing cap has a deformable sealing area for entry into a fluid channel in order to close the latter. The valve may be incorporated within a device for use with a disposable cartridge for at least one fluid 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 valve for controlling fluid flow. The valve include a support element providing a flow path, at least a portion of the flow path extending along an axis of flow through the valve. A flexible element is compressible against the support element to interrupt the flow path and restrict fluid flow through the valve. An actuating element is movable along the axis of flow to engage and deform the flexible element against the support element.

Abstract: Reverse Flow Modifiable Combination Valve is a valve which has a common cage in which different types of fluid control means can be installed in a fix location to produce more than one type of valves having different flow characteristics, and inner flow control means of the valve can be inspected and replaced without removing cage of the valve.

Abstract: A method of controlling the fluid pressure of an inflatable stopping bag used to block the fluid flow through a fluid conduit comprises pressurising the bag using a pressure regulator which operates to regulate the pressure of the bag as a function of the instantaneous pressure in the pipe upstream of the stopping bag.

Abstract: A diaphragm assembly for use in conventional diaphragm-type flush valves includes a flexible diaphragm body having a first side and a second side and a bypass orifice filter insert defined in the diaphragm body. The second side of the diaphragm body includes an annular protrusion and a plurality of protruding ribs, wherein a recess area is defined between the rib and the protrusion. When a pressure difference is applied across the diaphragm body, the second side of the diaphragm body is concave and the first side of the diaphragm body is convex, whereby a distance between the rib and the protrusion decreases in order to prevent the diaphragm body from closing two quickly against a valve seat of a flush valve. A method for controlling pressure differences across the diaphragm body is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a constant pressure regulator according to the present invention, a diaphragm defining an air chamber with a body is clamped between the body and a cover. An air chamber defining ring provided around the air chamber is clamped between the body and the cover. The upper surface and the lower surface of the air chamber defining ring are formed with a first recess having a seal ring fitted therein for backing the annular protrusion of the diaphragm and a second recess with a seal ring fitted therein for sealing the air chamber, respectively. The diaphragm has a central cylindrical bore portion defining a fluid control potion with the plug formed on the body. A second valve chamber is defined between the diaphragm and the cover. The body is formed with a first valve chamber and an inlet flow passage, and the second valve chamber is formed with an outlet flow passage.

Abstract: A flow-through inflatable plug assembly inflatable in a pipeline. The flow-through inflatable plug assembly includes a flow-through fluid conduit and a separate “donut-shaped” inflatable member having an aperture defined therein. For operation, the flow-through fluid conduit is inserted into the aperture of the inflatable member. When the flow-through inflatable plug assembly is inflated in a pipeline, the inflatable member fills the void between the inner diameter of the pipeline and the outer diameter of the flow-through fluid conduit. Thus, the flow-through fluid conduit is sealingly captured in the aperture such that fluid flow in the pipeline is limited to passage through the flow-through fluid conduit.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for storing and delivering a low vapor pressure process chemical to a process tool for semiconductor fabrication, comprising: a) a bulk container for storing the process chemical; b) a process container for delivering the process chemical to the process tool; c) a first manifold for delivering process chemical from the bulk container to the process container; d) a solvent container containing a quantity of solvent, and; e) a second manifold for delivering the process chemical from the process container to a process tool. A process for using the apparatus is also contemplated.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfabricated fluidic systems and methods. Microfabricated fluidic devices of the present invention include switches that can be opened and closed to allow or block the flow of fluid through a channel in response to the pressure level in a gate of the switch. The microfabricated fluidic switches may be coupled together to perform logic functions and Boolean algebra, such as inverters, AND gates, NAND, gates, NOR gates, and OR gates. The logic gates may be coupled together to form flip-flops that latch signals. The present invention also includes microfabricated fluidic pressure multipliers that increase the pressure in a second chamber relative to a first chamber. Microfabricated fluidic devices of the present invention also include pressure sources. A pressure source of the present includes a pump coupled to a reservoir through unidirectional valves. The pressure source may be high pressure source or a low pressure source.

Abstract: A microvalve and a method of forming a diaphragm stop for a microvalve. The microvalve includes a first layer and a diaphragm member to control the flow of fluid through the microvalve. The method comprises the step of forming a contoured shaped recess extending inward from a surface of the layer by using a laser to remove material in a series of areas, at successively greater depths extending inward from said surface. Preferably, the recess has a dome shape, and may be formed by a direct-write laser operated via a computer aided drawing program running on a computer. For example, CAD artwork files, comprising a set of concentric polygons approximating circles, may be generated to create the dome structure. The laser ablation depth can be controlled by modifying the offset step distance of the polygons and equating certain line widths to an equivalent laser tool definition.

Abstract: A normally open fluid manipulation valve assembly and system and a method for closing, re-opening and re-closing same. The normally open valve assembly can include a substrate including a first surface, with first and second recesses formed in the first surface. A recessed channel can be formed in the first surface. The recessed channel can extend from the first recess to the second recess and can be at least partially defined by a first deformable material having a first modulus of elasticity. The valve assembly can also include an elastically deformable cover. The elastically deformable cover can include a layer of an elastically deformable material having a modulus of elasticity that is greater than the modulus of elasticity of the first deformable material, and an adhesive layer that contacts the first surface of the 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 liquid level control system including a tank; a source of liquid in communication with the tank; a pressure fluid actuated valve for controlling the flow of liquid to the tank from the source; a pressure sensor disposed in the tank to monitor the hydrostatic pressure determined by the quantity of liquid in the tank. A source of pressure fluid is provided which is normally vented to the atmosphere. A pressure fluid amplifier is coupled to the pressure fluid actuated valve and to the source of pressure fluid. When the pressure sensor sensed an increase of pressure caused by an increase in the liquid level in the tank, the pressure fluid amplifier is effective to actuate the valve to close and militate against flowing into the tank to maintain the liquid at a predetermined level.

Abstract: A two-stage valve for controlling the flow of fluid from a pressurized fluid supply with an upper main body including a cavity with a contoured inner surface; a lower main body with at least one flow exhaust passage forming a primary flow path through the two-stage valve; a pre-stressed diaphragm sandwiched between the upper and lower main bodies, and pressure control capability for controlling the pressure in the cavity. A first valve opens and closes the flow of gas from the pressurized gas supply to the cavity. A second valve allows the pressure in the cavity to exhaust to the environment. Raising and lowering of the pressure in the cavity causes the pre-stressed diaphragm to open and close the flow of gas from the pressurized gas supply through the primary flow path of the two-stage valve. The design is suitable as a microvalve using Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) concepts.

Abstract: A waterjet cutting system and method of operating such system are disclosed. The waterjet cutting system includes an inflatable and deflatable diaphragm to control the mixing of abrasive particulate material and liquid in a stream used to abrade a target object.

Abstract: A hydraulically amplified microelectromechanical systems actuator. A piece of piezoelectric material or stacked piezo bimorph is bonded or deposited as a thin film. The piece is operatively connected to a primary membrane. A reservoir is operatively connected to the primary membrane. The reservoir contains a fluid. A membrane is operatively connected to the reservoir. In operation, energizing the piezoelectric material causing the piezoelectric material to bow. Bowing of the piezoelectric material causes movement of the primary membrane. Movement of the primary membrane results in a force in being transmitted to the liquid in the reservoir. The force in the liquid causes movement of the membrane. Movement of the membrane results in an operating actuator.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for sealing a portion of a fluid vessel. The apparatus includes an inflatable and collapsible enclosed structure constructed and arranged to transition between an inflated configuration and a collapsed configuration when pressurized fluid is received therein and released therefrom, respectively. The apparatus includes at least one annular seal member protruding from an outer surface of the enclosed structure, wherein the annular seal member is constructed and arranged to engage an inner surface of the fluid vessel to form a fluid tight seal between the inner surface and the outer surface of the enclosed structure when the enclosed structure is disposed therein and pressurized to substantially the inflated configuration.

Abstract: The pressure relief valve has a spring pressure-loaded diaphragm closing body (13), which in the closed position sealingly engages on a centrally positioned valve seating surface (10) surrounding a first valve opening (8). Its spring pressure loading takes place by means of a counterpressure body (13) positioned centrally over it. The valve seating surface (10) is surrounded by a channel-like valve chamber (11) in the valve housing body (2) and on which is provided on the overpressure side at least one second valve opening (9). To be able to dissipate high overpressures, the counterpressure body (30) is surrounded by a diaphragm support ring (17) held on the valve housing (6) and which has a circumferential recess (19), whose depth measured perpendicular to the diaphragm closing body (13) determines the maximum deflection of said body (13), so that when the valve is completely opened the diaphragm closing body (13) is supported in an area between the valve seating surface (10) and its outer edge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve for the closure of fluid channels, in particular for use in disposable cartridges for extracorporeal circulations, with a valve body with a pressure channel, a sealing cap, which can cooperate with the valve body in such a way that it closes off the end of the pressure channel on the valve body side against the surroundings, whereby the valve is designed in such a way that a pressure chamber can be formed between the pressure channel and the sealing cap, and whereby the sealing cap has a deformable sealing area (8) for entry into a fluid channel in order to close the latter. The invention further relates to a device for use with a disposable cartridge for at least one fluid channel, which has a valve according to the invention and respectively a housing for a valve according to the invention. Finally, the invention relates to a disposable cartridge for use with the device according to the invention and a sealing cap for use with a valve according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a valve integrally associated with a microfluidic transport assembly that is useful for regulating the flow of a liquid sample through an analytical instrument such as, for example, a biosensor.

Abstract: A valve has a pair of surfaces, such as those of pipes, with an inflatable bladder disposed therebetween. Controlled inflation and deflation of the bladder provides for control of flow through the valve. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A solenoid-controlled pilot-operated valve includes an operator assembly containing a solenoid that operates a pilot valve. The pilot valve in turn controls a pressure-relief opening from a chamber whose pressure tends to hold a main valve closed until the pressure is relieved. The pilot-valve body, which forms the pilot-valve inlet, outlet, and seat is secured to the operator assembly's stationary part, and the resultant structure is only then assembled together with the main valve. This enhances positioning repeatability and thus consistency in valve timing.

Abstract: A valve for controlling fluid flow. The valve include a support element providing a flow path, at least a portion of the flow path extending along an axis of flow through the valve. A flexible element is compressible against the support element to interrupt the flow path and restrict fluid flow through the valve. An actuating element is movable along the axis of flow to engage and deform the flexible element against the support element.

Abstract: A valve assembly for controlling flow of gases and liquids includes a valve housing having a first end wall, a second end, and a peripheral wall such that a lumen is defined within the valve housing. Each of the first and second ends has an opening extending therethrough. A pipe extends into the lumen and is integrally coupled to the valve housing. The pipe has a free end positioned within the valve housing. A valve is positioned in the valve housing and is adapted for selectively opening and closing the opening in the first end wall. A resiliently expandable jacket is in fluid communication with the free end of the pipe. A pressurized fluid may be placed in communication with the pipe such that the resiliently expandable jacket expands to selectively position the valve in an open or closed position with respect to the opening in the first end wall.

Abstract: Microfluidic flow control devices are provided. In one embodiment, a regulating device includes overlapping channel segments separated by a deformable membrane in fluid communication with one another. Pressure differentials between the channel segments deform the membrane towards the channel with the lower pressure, thereby restricting flow.

Abstract: The “Improved hydraulic diaphragm valve, for fluid flow regulation” which constitutes the object of this Patent, contains a semi-conical deflector (2) with an open and flat upper face (3), its perimeter being an isosceles triangle and its cross section equal to that of the valve passage, the semi-cone (2) and the triangle (3) being oriented towards the intake of the fluid. The diaphragm (4) is seated on the flat section (3) pressed by the fluid contained in the chamber formed by the cover (5) and the diaphragm (4); whilst by draining the fluid from the chamber, the intake pressure lifts the diaphragm (4) off its seating. Shutting or reducing flow is produced in the upstream direction, and opening or increasing flow, downstream.

Abstract: A two-stage valve for controlling the flow of fluid from a pressurized fluid supply with an upper main body including a cavity with a contoured inner surface; a lower main body with at least one flow exhaust passage forming a primary flow path through the two-stage valve; a pre-stressed diaphragm sandwiched between the upper and lower main bodies, and pressure control capability for controlling the pressure in the cavity. A first valve opens and closes the flow of gas from the pressurized gas supply to the cavity. A second valve allows the pressure in the cavity to exhaust to the environment. Raising and lowering of the pressure in the cavity causes the pre-stressed diaphragm to open and close the flow of gas from the pressurized gas supply through the primary flow path of the two-stage valve. The design is suitable as a microvalve using Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) concepts.

Abstract: A two-stage valve for controlling the flow of gas from a pressurized gas supply with an upper main body including a cavity; a lower main body with at least one flow exhaust passage forming a primary flow path through the two-stage valve; a pre-stressed diaphragm sandwiched between the upper and lower main bodies, and pressure control capability for controlling the pressure in the cavity. A secondary flow path exists from the pressurized gas supply through the lower main body, through the upper main body, and terminating in the cavity in the upper main body. A first valve is installed in the secondary flow path to open and close the flow of gas from the pressurized gas supply to the cavity. A second valve installed in an exhaust passage in the upper main body allows the pressure in the cavity to exhaust to the environment. When the second valve is closed, the pressure in the cavity in the upper main body can be increased to lower the pre-stressed diaphragm.

Abstract: The “Improved hydraulic diaphragm valve, for fluid flow regulation” which constitutes the object of this Patent, contains a semi-conical deflector (2) with an open and flat upper face (3), its perimeter being an isosceles triangle and its cross section equal to that of the valve passage, the semi-cone (2) and the triangle (3) being oriented towards the intake of the fluid.

Abstract: A passive microvalve comprises a substrate having a first aperture. An upper plate is mounted on the substrate and has a second aperture opening into a space defined between the substrate and the upper plate. A closure member is mounted in the space and is movable between a first position in which it allows fluid flow between the first and second apertures and a second position in which it closes the second aperture.

Abstract: A two-stage valve for controlling the flow of gas from a pressurized gas supply with an upper main body including a cavity; a lower main body with at least one flow exhaust passage forming a primary flow path through the two-stage valve; a pre-stressed diaphragm sandwiched between the upper and lower main bodies, and pressure control capability for controlling the pressure in the cavity. A secondary flow path exists from the pressurized gas supply through the lower main body, through the upper main body, and terminating in the cavity in the upper main body. A first valve is installed in the secondary flow path to open and close the flow of gas from the pressurized gas supply to the cavity. A second valve installed in an exhaust passage in the upper main body allows the pressure in the cavity to exhaust to the environment. When the second valve is closed, the pressure in the cavity in the upper main body can be increased to lower the pre-stressed diaphragm.

Abstract: A stopper for selectively blocking a drain to the passage of water. The drain has an inlet, an outlet and a substantially cylindrical throat between the inlet and outlet. A control means is provided for selectively feeding control fluid under hydraulic pressure to the cylindrical throat whereupon an expandable bladder located within the cylindrical throat selectively expands in fluid communication with the control fluid to block the drain and thus act as a stopper.

Abstract: A pneumatic valve for use in laminated plastic microfluidic structures. This zero or low dead volume valve allows flow through microfluidic channels for use in mixing, dilution, particulate suspension and other techniques necessary for flow control in analytical devices.

Abstract: A multiport, diaphragm sealed valve suitable for use as both a sampling and column switching valve. The valve is constructed to internally block fluid communication between one or more pairs of ports in a valve operating mode. Such blocking may be used to conserve carrier gas when the valve is in the ON position.

Abstract: A valve for use in laminated plastic microfluidic structures. The valve comprises first, second, and third layers of flexible material separated by first and second spacing layers to form microfluidic channels, and having an actuator section to selectively isolate the microfluidic channels from each other. The structure can also be used as a recirculating pump.

Abstract: Pipe for crop irrigation—has inlet and outlet along length with internal flexible longitudinal dividing wall movable between first flow position and second position where fluid is unable to pass through outlet.

Abstract: A stopper device for selectively blocking a drain to the passage of water. The drain is provided with an inlet, an outlet and a substantially cylindrical throat between said inlet and outlet. A controllably expandable bladder is located within the cylindrical throat which is sized and positioned such that when the bladder is compressed, the drain is selectively blocked to the passage of water and when the bladder is extended, the drain is selectively opened to the passage of water.