Abstract: A fluidic valve for switching between different fluid coupling states includes a stator having at least one fluidic stator interface, a rotor having at least one fluidic rotor interface, wherein the rotor is rotatable relative to the stator to thereby switch the fluidic valve between a plurality of different fluid coupling states between the at least one fluidic stator interface and the at least one fluidic rotor interface, and a force transmission mechanism configured for pressing the stator and the rotor together by a contactless force transmission to provide for a fluid tight sealing between the stator and the rotor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a switch and has particular application in temperature regulation devices used in domestic and commercial electrical appliances such as stoves, ovens or the like. It includes an arrangement of a pair of arms that co-operate with a biasing means in combination with magnetic components provided on each of the arms. This arrangement does away with the need for the switch to use relatively expensive bi-metallic components and which may be prone to arcing and potential damage to or fusing of the contacts of the switch.

Abstract: A system and method for electromagnetic activation or active metals generation is disclosed herein. This system may include: a cylindrical housing; a plurality of inductor coils connected to a three phase alternating current source, where inductor coils are positioned in an interior space between the cylindrical housing and an exterior face of a conduit; the conduit installed inside the cylindrical housing, where the conduit includes a dielectric section with a perforated baffle a mechanism to secure the conduit to the cylindrical housing, a tube for adding a chemically active agent into the conduit, a dielectric section with a lid and a gas valve positioned on top of the lid at an end of the conduit, and a plurality of metal particles occupying the internal volume of the conduit and maintained in a relative position with respect to the inductor coils.

Abstract: A device includes a main body and an actuating and sensing module. A length of the main body is 0.2˜6 mm. A width of the main body is 0.1˜5.5 mm. A height of the main body is 0.1˜2.5 mm. The actuating and sensing module is disposed in the main body. The actuating and sensing module includes a carrier, a sensor, an actuator, a driving-and-transporting controller and a battery. The sensor, the actuator, the driving-and-transporting controller and the battery are disposed on the carrier. The actuator is disposed on one lateral side of the sensor. The actuator has a fluid channel. The actuator is enabled to transport fluid, so that the fluid flows through the fluid channel toward the sensor, and the sensor measures the fluid received therethrough.

Abstract: A plunger includes a sleeve having a passage therethrough and a valve member in the passage. When the plunger falls in a production string of a hydrocarbon well, the valve member is open and allows gas flow through the plunger. When the plunger contacts a liquid slug in the production string, the valve closes so that pressure from below reverses movement of the plunger so it pushes liquid above the plunger toward the earth's surface and ultimately to a well head where liquid and gas are separated.

Abstract: To improve responsiveness of fuel supply control, a rotary carburetor 100 has a nozzle 8 including a fuel discharge port 8a and a needle 10 disposed coaxially with the nozzle 8 and disposed with a portion inserted into the nozzle 8. The needle 10 can be displaced relative to the nozzle 8 to change an effective area of the fuel discharge port 8a. The rotary carburetor 100 has an electric motor 14 for displacing the needle 10 along an axis, and a drive mechanism component 12 interposed between the electric motor 14 and the needle 10 and converting a rotational movement of the electric motor into a linear movement.

Abstract: There is provided a method of shutting down an engine, the engine having an air intake, and the method having the steps of attaching a valve to the air intake, the valve having an open position that allows air to pass into the air intake; using one or more sensors, detecting one or more predetermined engine conditions indicative of a runaway state; electromagnetically actuating the valve to move to a closed position preventing air from passing into the air intake once the one or more predetermined engine conditions have been detected; and causing the valve to return to the open position once a predetermined safe state has been reached.

Abstract: A relief valve includes a first chamber with an inlet that includes an inlet valve seat and an outlet. A second chamber is spaced apart from the first chamber. A chamber wall is positioned between the first chamber and the second chamber. A closure member is movably positioned within the first chamber and is configured to be closable on the inlet valve seat. A first magnet is coupled to the closure member. The first magnet is movably positioned within the second chamber and is configured to generate a first magnetic field of a first polarity. A second magnet is positioned within the second chamber and is configured to generate a second magnetic field of a second polarity. The first magnetic field and the second magnet field interact to bias the closure member to rest on the inlet valve seat with a set force.

Abstract: A fluidic valve for switching between different fluid coupling states includes a stator having at least one fluidic stator interface, a rotor having at least one fluidic rotor interface, wherein the rotor is rotatable relative to the stator to thereby switch the fluidic valve between a plurality of different fluid coupling states between the at least one fluidic stator interface and the at least one fluidic rotor interface, and a force transmission mechanism configured for pressing the stator and the rotor together by a contactless force transmission to provide for a fluid tight sealing between the stator and the rotor.

Abstract: A device for regulating the flow of a fluid id formed with a valve housing having at least two valve ports. A first fluid path that extends between the at least two valve ports is formed in the valve housing. A first valve seat is assigned to the first fluid path. A first closing element is arranged to be coupled to the first valve seat to block or release the first fluid path, and an electromagnetic actuating unit for actuating the closing element. The actuating unit has a first electromagnet and a second electromagnet that are coupled to the closing element via a coupling mechanism. The first and second electromagnets additively act on the closing element to displace the closing element between at least two positions.

Abstract: A locking system and method for a movable freight container comprises an electronic module with a shaft that goes into a cavity in a mechanical lock module. The shaft is securely retained in the cavity by a lock mechanism in the mechanical lock module by moving the lock mechanism to a locked position. A plurality of magnetic field sensors in the shaft are used to read the position of the shaft in the cavity by sensing or not sensing one or more magnets in the lock mechanism to confirm continuous time insertion of the shaft in the cavity. A wireless communication component in the electronic module wirelessly transmits an alarm signal if the magnetic field sensors detect an unexpected interruption in at least one of the continuous time shaft position magnetic sensor readings.

Abstract: An injector for a combustion engine may include a valve housing, a valve needle, an electromagnetic actuator, and a damping element. The valve needle may be axially movable within a valve cavity of the housing. The electromagnetic actuator may comprise a pole piece coupled with the valve housing and an armature axially movable within the valve cavity. The pole piece may have a central recess extending axially there through. The central recess may include a step defining a first portion and a second portion, the first having a larger cross-sectional area than the second, and a stop surface defined by a radially extending surface of the step. The valve needle may include an armature retainer in the first portion of the central recess. The armature may be axially displaceable with respect to the valve needle and interact with the valve needle by means of the retainer for actuating the valve needle.

Abstract: A electromagnetic actuating device for a valve, having an armature arranged in a hollow cylindrical armature chamber axially displaceable between two axial stops, wherein the armature chamber is delimited by a magnet yoke. An electrical coil extends coaxially around the armature, and the magnet yoke is at least partially arranged in a housing. The armature has a cylindrical geometry with a base remote from the housing and with a hollow cylindrical end section situated axially opposite. The base is remote from the housing and connected to an actuating plunger. A guide sleeve is mounted axially onto the hollow cylindrical end section of the armature, and on that end of the guide sleeve which is remote from the actuating plunger, there is arranged or formed an adhesion prevention device which prevents or at least greatly impedes axial adhesion of the armature to the magnet yoke.

Abstract: A support device to maintain a mounting assembly on the exterior of a sink flange engaged to a sink adapted to engage a garbage disposal. The support device employs a body portion engaged to one or a plurality of magnets. The body portion is adapted to engage with or upon the sink flange and thereby position the magnets to magnetically hold the mounting assembly upon the exterior of the sink flange.

Abstract: Various devices and techniques related to magnetically-actuated valves are generally described. In some examples, valves may include a valve body with a cavity. Valves may include a stem at least partially disposed in the cavity. Valves may include a valve member coupled to the stem. Valves may include a ferromagnetic actuation member disposed in the cavity. The ferromagnetic actuation member may be operatively coupled to the stem such that movement of the ferromagnetic actuation member actuates movement of the valve member between an open position and the closed position. Valves may include an actuator exterior to the valve body. The actuator may include a first magnetic pole section and a second magnetic pole section. A magnetic flux may flow from the first magnetic pole section through the ferromagnetic actuation member to the second magnetic pole section in a magnetic flux path through the interior portion of the valves.

Abstract: A rising stem valve with a magnetic actuator having an outer and as inner magnet assembly that are magnetically coupled to each other so that the inner and outer magnet assemblies rotate together and a ball screw that is connected to the rising stem valve and that converts rotary to reciprocal motion. The inner magnetic cartridge assembly and valve body comprise a sealed lower section that is completely sealed to the outside environment.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide systems and methods for an in-ground sprinkler to controller a liquid flow rate through a chamber, while reducing or eliminating leakage. Embodiments may utilize a flat, external surface that is configured to be flush with a ground surface to control the liquid flow rate through the in-ground sprinkler. In embodiments, a permanent magnet may be positioned on the flat, external surface to control an internal patch system. Responsive to the permanent magnet controlling the internal patch, liquid flowing through the chamber may be controlled.

Abstract: This invention relates to a magnetically actuated valve (60), in particular for a mixing apparatus, comprising mechanical means (50, 51, 53, 62) for opening and closing the valve (60), at least one ferromagnetic metal pin (52) mobile between a rest position and an operating position, and at least one activation magnet (61) mobile between a first position and a second position, said mechanical means (50, 51, 53, 62) being capable to interact with said at least one ferromagnetic metal pin (52) for opening and closing the valve (60), said at least one activation magnet (61) being capable to magnetically interact with said at least one ferromagnetic metal pin (52), the valve (60) being characterized in that it comprises sliding mechanical means (63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68) comprising a slide (63) integrally coupled to said at least one activation magnet (61) and mobile between an initial position and a final position.

Abstract: A valve is provided with a casing forming an enclosure for fluid flow with a fluid inlet and outlet, a shutter cooperating with a seat integral with the casing that closes the inlet or outlet, and a device controlling the shutter position relative to the seat. The control device includes an inductor and armature magnetically coupled for the inductor to drive the armature in rotation to selectively cause the shutter to move closer to or to move away from the seat, with the inductor being stationary relative to the casing. The armature is positioned inside the enclosure and is stationary relative to a screw carrying the shutter, with the screw cooperating with a nut integral with the casing to transform a rotation of the armature into a translation of the shutter.

Abstract: A self-lockable opening and closing mechanism includes a frame, a vacuum cabin door, a driving cylinder mounted in the frame, and a linkage mechanism formed of a horizontal lever, one or a pair of first bars, one or a pair of rotational levers, one or a pair of adjustment blocks, one or a pair of second bars, one or a pair of sliding blocks and one or a pair of valve rods and coupled between the driving cylinder and the linkage mechanism in such a manner that operating the driving cylinder drives the valve rods to move the vacuum cabin door between an open position and a close position, and a locking force is automatically produced to hold the vacuum cabin door in the close position against any reaction force, preventing the problem of failure or reduced effect in vacuum sealing.

Abstract: A magnetic drain stopper for use in a basin drain. A stopper is disposed for reciprocation in the drain pipe and includes a stopper magnet. A curvilinear actuator outside the drain pipe supports one or more driver magnets for movement in a non-linear path toward and away from the stopper magnet. When moved toward the stopper magnet, the driver magnets induce the stopper to lift away from a sealed condition so that water can exit the basin. The curvilinear actuator may include a generally cylindrical base captured in a sleeve-like hinge bracket. A control rod is coupled to a push rod that receives manual input from a user. A pair of flanking legs may be attached to the ends of the base, with each leg carrying a driver magnet half. The curvilinear actuator may include an optional draw-down magnet to hold the stopper in its sealed condition.

Abstract: A valve assembly comprises a sealed container connected to a hot water supply line and a cold water supply line. The sealed container has an outlet for supplying at least one of hot water or cold water to a faucet. A valve mechanism is located inside the sealed container comprising a stationary mixing part and a moveable mixing part. A magnetic coupling adapter has a first magnetic structure located outside of a wall of the sealed container. A first magnetic structure is made of a first magnetizable material having a first plurality of first printed maxels having a first polarity pattern. A second magnetic structure located inside the wall of the sealed container is made of a second magnetizable material having a second plurality of second printed maxels having a second polarity pattern that is complementary to the first polarity pattern. The first magnetic structure and second magnetic structure are magnetically coupled across the wall of the sealed container.

Abstract: A rotation assistance mechanism equipped with an attraction unit having a pair of magnetic bodies for which the opposite poles of the bodies are arranged facing one another. A magnetic body driving unit changes the distance between the pair of magnetic bodies with a prescribed period by means of the rotation of a rear wheel. A shielding unit has a pair of magnetic surfaces, the poles of which are the same as the respective opposing surfaces of the pair of magnetic bodies. A shield-driving unit that, in conjunction with the prescribed period, propels the shielding unit into the interval between the pair of magnetic bodies when the distance between the pair of magnetic bodies is reduced, and retracts the shielding unit from the interval between the pair of magnetic bodies when the distance between the pair of magnetic bodies is increased.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide systems and methods for an in-ground sprinkler to controller a liquid flow rate through a chamber, while reducing or eliminating leakage. Embodiments may utilize a flat, external surface that is configured to be flush with a ground surface to control the liquid flow rate through the in-ground sprinkler. In embodiments, a permanent magnet may be positioned on the flat, external surface to control an internal patch system. Responsive to the permanent magnet controlling the internal patch, liquid flowing through the chamber may be controlled.

Abstract: A magnetic valve and a fluid supply system using the same are provided. The fluid supply system includes a flow channel and the magnetic valve. The magnetic valve penetrates through a pipe wall of the flow channel, and includes a driving unit, a first magnet and a second magnet, a cover plate, a first and second spools. A first leaning portion of the first spool is disposed at one end of a first sheath portion. The first sheath portion has a first outlet opening. The second magnet is disposed on a surface of the first leaning portion facing to the cover plate. The second spool sleeves the first spool and has a second outlet opening. The first spool rotates relative to the second spool through a magnetic force to control an overlapping area of the first and second outlet openings, so as to control a flow rate.

Abstract: An electrically operable, in one possible embodiment programmable hydrocephalus valve. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A heat concentrating type self-operated automatic fire valve is characterized in that the first piston is provided on a top of the water inlet channel in the valve body, the piston cover is compressed on a circumferential periphery of the first piston; a pressurizing channel is provided on a center of the first piston; a first pressure relief channel is provided on a center or a circumferential periphery of the piston cover; the first pressure relief channel on the piston cover is communicated with the second pressure relief channel on the valve body; a magnetic pillar unit is sealedly provided on an upper portion of the valve core, and the second piston is provided on a lower portion of the valve core; a magnetic ring sleeve unit is sleeved on the valve-core sleeve, and a magnetic ring unit is provided in the magnetic ring sleeve unit.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for providing an electromagnetic flow controller. In one embodiment, an electromagnetic flow controller can have two substrates, a permanent magnet, and two electrical traces. One of the substrates may deflect away from the other substrate upon applying an electrical signal to at least one of the two electrical traces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve actuator (2), comprising a magnetic core (6) with an interspace (8) and at least one bifurcating branch (7), at least one variable magnetic field generating device (16), at least one permanent magnetic field generating device (13) and at least one movable magnetic component (12), wherein the bifurcating branch (7) defines a first region (4) and a second region (5) of said magnetic core (6).

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve includes a pressing member fixed farther towards an electromagnetic movable section side than a valve chamber in a nozzle. The pressing member is fixed to a plunger farther towards the side where the plunger is pressed by the pressing member than a position where the pressing member is fixed to the nozzle. Thus, a magnetic circuit defined by magnetic flux that is generated from a magnet is prevented from being located at a portion not related to an attractive force between a core and the plunger such that it is possible to effectively utilize the magnetic flux as an attractive force between the core and the plunger.

Abstract: A system for adjusting water in a domestic water diffuser, in particular for opening and closing water in a shower or bathroom or kitchen sink and for adjusting the flow rate, is described. The system comprises a shutter with at least one metal part slidable inside a cylindrical chamber with a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the shutter; the system also comprises a pushbutton comprising a magnet; the pushbutton is configured to be operated by means of a finger to mechanically displace the shutter by means of the magnet along an axis of the cylindrical chamber, into two different positions, corresponding to opening of the flow or closing of the flow of water from a diffuser, the pushbutton being also rotatable about the axis, to vary the open position of the shutter along the axis and a corresponding flowrate.

Abstract: Provided is a simpler, more efficient, and more reliable latch valve. The latch valve includes an inflow path and an outflow path formed in a housing; a solenoid having a coil wound thereon; a permanent magnet positioned at an upper portion of a plunger and latching the plunger when the plunger is lifted; a spring positioned between the permanent magnet and the plunger; a support body having an inlet connected to the inflow path and an outlet connected to the outflow path; a diaphragm having the support body inserted therein; and the plunger lifted or lowered by a magnetic force induced by the coil to open and close the outlet, wherein an additional outflow path constantly communicating with a space part between the support body and the plunger is provided to allow a flow to be generated in the additional outflow path even when the plunger is closed.

Abstract: A magnetic control multi-way valve has a fixed unit, at least two control valves and a second magnet. The fixed unit is provided with a inlet and at least two independent mounting cavities, an outlet is formed at the lower port of the mounting cavity; two control valves are mounted in the mounting cavities respectively; and the control valve comprises a spool assembly, a first magnet, a sealing gasket, a first spring and a second spring. The spool assembly is fixedly arranged in the mounting cavity with a pressure relief way; the first magnet which is connected in the mounting cavity in an up and down sliding manner and is above the spool assembly; the sealing gasket is connected in the mounting cavity in a vertical sliding manner and is below the spool assembly; the second magnet is connected out of the fixed unit in a horizontal sliding manner.

Abstract: A valve for a magnetorheological fluid is formed with a duct through which the magnetorheological fluid can flow and which can be exposed to a variable magnetic field such that the flow resistance of the duct can be set using the magnetic field in the duct. The magnetic field can be lastingly generated using a magnet device that is made at least in part of magnetically hard material. The magnetization of the magnet device can be lastingly modified by a magnetic pulse of a magnetic field generation device in order to lastingly change the magnetic field in the duct and thus the flow resistance of the duct. A valve of the invention requires energy only to change settings while a specific setting can be lastingly maintained without supplying energy.

Abstract: Provided are magneto-cryogenic valves, methods and systems that extract thermal energy from a fluid within a conduit such that the temperature of at least a portion of the fluid is reduced to a temperature below which at least a portion of the fluid becomes a solid thereby forming a frozen plug of fluid and magnetically susceptible particles that reversibly plugs the conduit, preventing flow of fluid past the plug. Also provided are methods and systems for temporarily preventing the flow of fluid in a conduit.

Abstract: A gas valve unit for adjusting a gas volume flow in a dual circuit gas burner of a gas appliance includes a valve body having a gas inlet and two gas outlets; and a control mechanism constructed to adjust the gas volumetric flow supplied to one of the gas outlets in a number of stages and to adjust the gas volumetric flow supplied to other one of the gas outlets in a number of stages.

Abstract: A fuel supply unit (1) is provided e.g. a carburetor or a low pressure injection system of an internal combustion engine. The fuel supply unit (1) includes a main air passage (3), which has a throttle valve (8, 9) mounted therein and the throttle valve (8, 9) includes a throttle shaft (8) extending between two to one another opposite located shaft sides (6, 7). A control module (2) for the fuel supply (2) is mounted to one (7) of the shaft sides (6, 7), which control module (2) includes throttle position detecting means (30; 300) for monitoring the position of the throttle valve (8, 9), and fuel valve means (60) for controlling the fuel supply to the main air passage (3). Also, an ignition system is provided which is able to control the ignition timing with respect to status of the at least one of the means (30; 300, 40, 60, 100) in the control module (2) in order to at least control the idle speed of the engine.

Abstract: A valve controller assembly includes a first switch that generates a first input signal based on an operational parameter of a control valve, and a docking assembly is communicatively coupled to the first switch. A switching module is removably secured to and communicatively coupled to the docking assembly such that the first switch is communicatively coupled to the switching module when the switching module is secured to the docking member. The switching module includes a first emulation circuit adapted to receive the first input signal, process the first input signal, and output a first output signal that is different than the first input signal.

Abstract: The present invention, in part, relates to an apparatus having a single-use, normally-closed fluidic valve that is initially maintained in the closed position by a valve element bonded to an adhesive coating. The valve is opened using a magnetic force. The valve element includes a magnetic material or metal. In some examples, the valve is opened by bringing a magnet in proximity to the valve element to provide a magnetic force that delaminates the valve element from the adhesive coating. In particular, the apparatus can be useful for on-chip amplification and/or detection of various targets, including biological targets and any amplifiable targets. Such apparatuses and methods are useful for in-field or real-time detection of targets, especially in limited resource settings.

Abstract: A propellant flow actuated piezoelectric igniter device using one or more hammer balls retained by one or more magnets, or other retaining method, until sufficient fluid pressure is achieved to release and accelerate the hammer ball, such that it impacts a piezoelectric crystal to produce an ignition spark. Certain preferred embodiments provide a means for repetitively capturing and releasing the hammer ball after it impacts one or more piezoelectric crystals, thereby oscillating and producing multiple, repetitive ignition sparks. Furthermore, an embodiment is presented for which oscillation of the hammer ball and repetitive impact to the piezoelectric crystal is maintained without the need for a magnet or other retaining mechanism to achieve this oscillating impact process.

Abstract: The invention refers to a locking unit, in particular a transmission locking unit. It consists of a coil encircling at least partly an armature space. The coil has a wire that can be energized by electric current. An armature rod projecting out of the armature space and carrying an armature is provided, as well as an operating element locking unit interacting with the armature rod. This holds or releases, depending on the position of the armature rod, an operating element, wherein the armature rod or the armature is held in a first position by a permanent magnet, and a current flow through the wire of the coil compensates the holding force of the permanent magnet, and the armature rod gets in the second position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for manipulating a liquid in a channel, wherein a body, which forms a capillary intermediate space with respect to the channel wall, is moved in the channel and the channel is filled with liquid only up to the body. Preferably, the body can also bridge an area of the channel that cannot be wetted for the liquid.

Abstract: A safety valve can include multiple magnetic devices reciprocably disposed in respective longitudinally extending chambers, and a another magnetic device magnetically coupled to the first magnetic devices. The first magnetic devices may be circumferentially spaced apart and encircled by the second magnetic device. Another safety valve can include multiple longitudinally extending chambers and multiple magnetic devices. Each of the magnetic devices may be reciprocably disposed in a respective one of the chambers, and the magnetic devices may be attached to an operating member of the safety valve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and preventing electrically induced fires in a gas tubing systems constructed of Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing (CSST) and Gas Appliance Connectors (GAC). The system of the present invention may include one or more energy detection schemes to detect electrical energy surges on the gas line. When such a surge is detected, the control circuitry of the present invention causes an electric main gas valve de-energize into a closed position. In addition, the system of the present invention further includes a residual gas dispersal system that automatically vents the residual downstream gas pressure remaining in the gas tubing system after the closure of the main gas valve.

Abstract: A microfluidic valve includes: a first structural layer and a second structural layer; a microfluidic circuit having a first microfluidic conduit and a second microfluidic conduit, which are defined in a superficial portion of the first structural layer, are adjacent, and are separated by a wall; a membrane set between the first structural layer and the second structural layer and delimiting the microfluidic circuit on one side; and a recess containing a gaseous fluid in the second structural layer. The membrane is movable in response to an actuation stimulus between a closed position, in which the first and second microfluidic conduits are fluidly decoupled, and an open position, in which the membrane is at least in part retracted into the recess and the first and second microfluidic conduits are fluidly coupled by means of a fluidic passage defined between the wall and the membrane.

Abstract: A gas valve unit for adjusting a volumetric gas flow which is fed to a gas burner of a gas device includes a valve chamber, an actuation shaft protruding out of the valve chamber, and at least two on/off valves arranged in the valve chamber. Further arranged in the valve chamber is at least one restrictor plate having at least two restrictor points, each of the restrictor points having at least one restrictor opening. The restrictor plate is accessible from a side of the valve chamber on which the actuation shaft is protruding from the valve chamber.

Abstract: A connector for fluids has a pipe through which the fluid flows. The pipe has a diameter, an inlet end, an outlet end, an expanded area relative to the diameter. The connector also has an excess flow cartridge disposed in the pipe, the excess flow cartridge having a housing for receipt within the diameter, the excess flow cartridge minimizing flow in the pipe if flow exceeds a desired limit, and the excess flow cartridge having a radial opening in a side thereof in register with the expanded area such that flow through the opening flows through the cartridge.

Abstract: In a solenoid valve having a magnetic drive including a housing which is at least partly formed from an injection molding compound, the magnetic drive includes a magnet coil having a winding, a magnet yoke, and a movably mounted magnet armature which is arranged outside the magnet coil. The housing has a first section which encloses the magnet coil having the winding and the magnet yoke, and the housing has a second section which encloses at least most of the movably mounted magnet armature. Further proposed are a battery having a plurality of solenoid valves, a method of manufacturing a solenoid valve, and a mold.

Abstract: Actuator apparatus having a multi-stable element actuated by memory alloy actuating elements. In one embodiment, the multi-stable actuator comprises a bistable (two-state) diaphragm element adapted to alternate between two stable configurations via forces exerted on the diaphragm by more than one memory alloy filaments in response to thermal activation. The bistable diaphragm element is coupled to a magnetic actuator element resident on a dry portion of a valve fitting, while a plunger actuated by the magnetic actuator element is resident on a wet portion of a valve fitting. Methods for making and using the bistable actuator apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A remote monitoring and control system comprising synchronized wireless MESH technology for remote monitoring and control of utility grids (e.g., utility meters), commodity distribution networks, industrial equipment, and infrastructure including remote disconnection/connection and self-generating power.