Abstract: A stack battery pack for an electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft includes a first pouch cell comprising a first top surface and a first bottom surface, a second pouch cell comprising a second top surface and a second bottom, wherein the first pouch cell and the second pouch cell are aligned such that the first bottom surface is in contact with the second top surface, an ejecta barrier located between the first pouch cell and the second pouch cell, wherein the ejecta barrier is configured to be substantially impermeable to a cell ejecta from the first pouch cell, and a vent configured to vent the cell ejecta, wherein the stack battery pack is configured to power a propulsor component.

Abstract: A ball valve assembly includes a ball element arranged to be rotated by rotation of a shaft in engagement with the ball element, the ball element having first and second flow channels defined therethrough, a first inlet port at a first end of said first flow channel, a first outlet port at a second end of the first channel, a second inlet port at a first end of the second flow channel and a second outlet port at a second end of the second channel.

Abstract: A normally open solenoid operated modular valve includes a solenoid body receiving a coil and pole piece. A polymeric material valve body portion is releasably connected to the solenoid body. An armature/valve member slidably disposed in both the solenoid body and the valve body portion has a male threaded end shank. A polymeric material thread-in poppet/valve member includes an internal threaded portion engaging the male threaded end shank to retain the thread-in poppet/valve member on the armature/valve member. A resilient material valve ring is retained on the thread-in poppet/valve member. A cylindrical tube portion receives an armature/valve member rod portion. A biasing member acts against the armature/valve member and thereby acts to normally bias the valve ring away from contact with a valve seat surface created in the valve body portion defining a modular valve normally open position.

Abstract: Tunable check valves reduce valve-generated vibration to increase the reliability of tunable fluid ends. Selected improved designs described herein reflect disparate applications of identical technical principles (relating to, e.g., the vibration spectrum of an impulse). Tunable check valve embodiments comprise a family including, but not limited to, tunable check valve assemblies, tunable valve seats, and tunable radial arrays. Each such tunable embodiment, in turn, contributes to blocking excitation of fluid end resonances, thus reducing the likelihood of fluid end failures associated with fatigue cracking and/or corrosion fatigue. By down-shifting the frequency domain of each valve-closing impulse shock, initial excitation of fluid end resonances is minimized.

Abstract: A tunable valve assembly comprises a valve body, an adjustable preload flange centrally coupled to the valve body, and a viscoelastic element; the assembly attenuates valve-generated vibration transmitted to a pump housing. The vibration spectrum is narrowed and its amplitude reduced through hysteresis loss of closing impulse energy. The viscoelastic element comprises a peripheral groove portion coupled to a central reservoir portion via a plurality of fenestration portions. At least a first predetermined assembly resonant frequency is achieved by changing valve assembly compliance (with associated hysteresis loss) through adjustment of annular shear preload applied by the flange to the viscoelastic element reservoir portion. Such preload adjustment effectively maximizes hysteresis loss at the resonant frequency. At least a second predetermined assembly resonant frequency is achieved through choice of a circumferential shear-thickening material within the viscoelastic element groove portion.

Abstract: Tunable valve assemblies attenuate valve-generated vibration at one or more predetermined assembly resonant frequencies which are typically altered to correspond to specific pump housing resonant frequencies. Each tunable valve assembly comprises a valve body having a peripheral groove spaced radially apart from a central reservoir. An adjustable flange may be coupled to the valve body for imposing a predetermined shear preload by partially constraining a viscoelastic element in the reservoir. One or more valve assembly resonant frequencies are thus predictably altered. Further, the associated valve-generated vibration spectrum is narrowed, and its amplitude is reduced through hysteresis loss of closing impulse energy at each predetermined assembly resonant frequency. Assembly resonant frequencies are additionally or alternatively altered through choice of viscoelastic elements and inclusions (e.g., shear-thickening materials) in the reservoir and/or peripheral groove.

Abstract: An impulse tolerant valve assembly comprises a valve body having a longitudinal axis and a central internal cavity, the cavity enclosing a nonlinear spring-mass damper optionally immersed in a dilatant liquid. The central internal cavity is enclosed by a proximal valve body portion and a distal elastic valve body base plate, the base plate having a peripheral valve seat interface. Impulse tolerance results in part from hysteresis heat loss due to compliance of the elastic valve body base plate, as well as from heat loss associated with operation of the nonlinear spring-mass damper. The combined heat loss is reflected in reduction of closing energy impulse amplitude and damping of induced valve body vibrations. Compliance of the elastic valve body base plate increases closing energy impulse duration and narrows the corresponding induced vibration spectrum. The valve body has at least one guide and at least one peripheral seal-retention groove.

Abstract: A tunable valve assembly attenuates valve-generated vibration at one or more predetermined assembly resonant frequencies. The assembly comprises a valve body having a peripheral groove spaced radially apart from a central reservoir. An adjustable preload flange is centrally coupled to the valve body for changing assembly compliance and for imposing a shear preload by partially constraining a viscoelastic element in the reservoir. Assembly resonant frequencies are thus predictably altered. Further, the vibration spectrum is narrowed and its amplitude reduced through hysteresis loss of closing impulse energy at each such altered resonant frequency. At least a first predetermined assembly resonant frequency is achieved through adjustment of shear preload, and at least a second predetermined assembly resonant frequency is achieved through choice of a viscoelastic or composite element in the peripheral groove.

Abstract: Valve stem and valve plug apparatus for use with fluid regulators are described herein. An example fluid regulator includes a flow control member having a body that includes a longitudinal bore between a first end and a second end and a valve stem is disposed in the bore of the flow control member. A connector slidably couples the valve stem and the flow control member such that the connector moves away from the flow control member to relieve the flow control member of a loading force imparted by a loading element of the fluid regulator when the flow control member sealingly engages a valve seat of the fluid regulator.

Abstract: In a manual switching valve, which enables a valve plug to be opened and closed manually, a piston is threadedly engaged with a shaft that is inserted through a housing, wherein a handle having a switching mechanism therein is installed on an upper end of the shaft. After a valve plug is seated on a valve seat, any further turning force applied to the handle is interrupted without being transmitted to the shaft owing to the fact that balls disengage from tooth portions of the shaft.

Abstract: An impulse tolerant valve body is longitudinally deformable, acting through its convex valve seat interface and a concave valve seat to beneficially reduce closing energy impulse amplitude, increase impulse duration, damp induced resonance vibrations, and narrow the characteristic vibration spectrum. Elastic longitudinal valve body deformability results from elasticity in valve body construction materials and, in certain embodiments, from at least one fluid-filled internal elastic space in fluid communication with at least one internal surge chamber via at least one fluid flow restrictor. Fluid flow from elastic space to surge chamber allows substantially central longitudinal valve body compression, followed by elastic valve body rebound with reverse fluid flow. Beneficial effects are achieved through dissipation of impulse energy as heat lost through fluid flow friction and valve body hysteresis.

Abstract: An impulse tolerant valve body has at least one internal variable-volume space capable of elastic longitudinal compression and rebound. Each such space is filled with incompressible fluid and has fluid communication with at least one internal surge chamber. A closing energy impulse due to valve closing causes elastic longitudinal compression of at least one variable-volume space, with consequent flow of incompressible fluid to at least one surge chamber via at least one fluid flow restrictor. During subsequent elastic rebound, incompressible fluid flows from at least one surge chamber to at least one variable-volume space, again via at least one fluid flow restrictor. A portion of valve closing impulse energy is thus redistributed as heat generated due to fluid friction losses and valve body hysteresis loss. Valve closing energy impulse amplitude is thereby reduced, impulse duration is increased, vibration spectrum is narrowed and induced resonance vibrations are damped.

Abstract: A valve actuator for controlling a valve is provided. The valve actuator includes a torque transfer arrangement interposed between a return spring and a drive gear, the drive gear being biased by loading provided by the return spring. A drive coupling is interposed between the drive gear and the return spring and transfers load of the return spring to the drive gear. A torque transfer arrangement between the drive gear and drive coupling permits limited relative angular movement of the drive coupling relative to the drive gear.

Abstract: To provide a handle equipped with a torque limiter capable of preventing application of excessive torque, and a fluid controller provided with the same. An elastic body (7) has a minimum-urging force capable of developing a function desired when the handle is lowered to the lowest position. Disposed in the handle are a transmitting member (8) urged by the elastic body and a transmitted material (10) against which the lower surface of the transmitting material is pressed. The surface of the transmitted material opposed to the transmitting material or the surface of the transmitting material opposed to the transmitted material is formed with serrations along the periphery having inclined surfaces (81, 101) and vertical surfaces (82, 102) which alternately appear. The inclined surfaces of the serrations are upwardly tapered along the direction of rotation in which the cover body descends.

Abstract: A compensation device for a valve compensates for expansion of a valve stem and/or inertial effects during operation of the valve. The compensation device is preferably integrally provided with the valve. The compensation device includes a first plate rigidly connected to the body of the valve and a second plate movably coupled to the first plate. The second plate is rigidly coupled to the operator assembly housing that houses and controls the movement of the second end of the valve stem, so that movement of the second plate relative to the first plate moves the operator assembly relative to the valve body to compensate for expansion of the valve stem and/or inertial forces. The first plate and second plate remain in radial alignment during the relative movement. One or more biasing elements, such as spring assemblies, are used to connect the first plate and the second plate to bias the plates in a default position, absorb forces and allow for movement of the second plate relative to the first plate.

Abstract: A pressure transducer for the production of a controlled under or overpressure comprises a valve to which compressed air can be applied, a motor for adjusting the position of the valve block, a sensor for measuring the pressure to be controlled and an electronic controller. The valve comprises a valve block working together with a valve seat. The rotational movement of the shaft of the motor is converted into a longitudinal movement of the valve block by means of a coupling. Between the shaft of the motor and the valve block, a spring is inserted which applies a mechanical load to the motor so that the motor does not reach the set speed given by the controller but turns slower. The load on the motor is dependent on the position of the valve block. For the controller, this is equivalent to a linearization of the characteristic curve of the regulated system.

Abstract: A valve made principally of plastic has a creep compensating features providing consistent engagement between valve members and their respective valve seats, minimizing creep, and compensating for any creep that does occur. The features compensate for compression of internal valve components as well as extension of the valve body. In a manually operated three way valve embodiment of the invention, a trapped spring mechanism inserted between an actuator portion and the upper valve member provides the closure force for the upper valve member on the upper valve seat. The first valve member and second valve member connect through a extensible portion. Valves according to the invention are particularly suitable for quarter-turn three-way manual diaphragm valves and for applications in the semiconductor industry.

Abstract: A cylindrical main body is provided with an inlet port and an outlet port. The outlet port is formed on a front end portion of the main body. A carriage is accommodated inside the cylindrical main body slidably in an axial direction of the main body. A sphere is held in the carriage such that a part thereof is exposed on a front end portion of the carriage. A carriage driver is provided for reciprocally moving the carriage inside the main body. A fluid flew into the main body from the inlet port stops flowing out from the outlet port when the sphere is abutted against the outlet port while the carriage is moved by the carriage driver toward the outlet port. The fluid starts flowing out from the outlet port when the sphere is separated from the outlet port while the carriage is moved away from the outlet port by the carriage driver.

Abstract: A device for controlling the movement of a damper mounted in a housing includes a shaft rotatably secured to the damper for pivoting the damper between an open position and a closed position. A lever arm is mounted on the shaft for rotation therewith and a spring is connected between the housing and the lever arm for normally urging the damper towards the open position. A motor is mounted on the housing and is actuable to overcome the force of the spring to move the damper to the closed position. A force translation arrangement is disposed between the motor and the lever arm for translating the driving force of the motor when the motor is energized to move the damper to the closed position, and for gradually braking the motor when the motor is de-energized and the spring returns the damper to the open position.

Abstract: A flap valve for a heating and/or air conditioning installation for a motor vehicle has a valve flap which is operated by a control device between an open position and a closed position. The control device comprises a driving lever which is coupled, through a link, to a driven lever fixed to the valve flap. The driving lever is rotated about its axis between an open position and a closed position of the driving lever, during which it passes through an intermediate position near to the closed position. The valve flap is closed when the driving lever reaches its intermediate position, so that the travel of the latter between its intermediate and closed positions is dead travel during which the valve is in the closed position of the valve and the link is in compression so as to change its effective length.

Abstract: A leveling valve for controlling the amount of air within an air spring for maintaining a constant level of a vehicle chassis or frame relative to its axles. The valve includes several features including a novel actuating mechanism for actuating the valve. The mechanism includes a sleeve assembly slideable on an actuating plunger and constructed of three parts so designed as to compensate for any wear between the sleeve assembly and the actuator for the sleeve. Another feature is the construction of the elongated actuator extending between one end of the valve body wherein the actuating mechanism is located and the other end wherein a valve is located. Still another feature is the construction of the valve for metering the exhaust of air through the exhaust outlet, such metering being determined by the position of the actuator arm as the air spring adjusts to find the proper height. The fourth feature resides in a one-piece, molded dampening cylinder, dump cylinder, and guide for the valve actuator.

Abstract: A drive assembly for a valve includes a motor, a transmission which is coupled to the motor and the valve, and a manual drive unit having a shaft which is arranged to be driven by a handwheel. The shaft has a small amount of axial play and is provided with a worm. The transmission includes a hollow gear having internal teeth coupled to the motor shaft and external teeth in permanent mesh with the worm. A membranous disc is mounted on the worm shaft in such a manner that the outer margin of the disc is held against displacement in axial direction of the worm shaft while the central portion of the disc adjacent the worm shaft is fixed against axial displacement relative to the worm shaft. However, the worm shaft can rotate relative to the disc. Strain gages in the form of strips are mounted on one side of the disc and are connected to an integrated circuit on the same side of the disc.

Abstract: A solenoid valve with pressure limitation for motor vehicle brake systems with slip control. The solenoid valve has a seat valve with the valve seat, valve element and restoring spring, which holds the seat valve in an open position. The valve element is fastened on a valve tappet, which is axially displaceable in a valve housing and is transferred into a seat-valve-closed position by an electromagnet when the electromagnet is supplied with current. In the valve-closed position, there acts a pressure-limiting spring, which fixes the valve-opening pressure of the seat valve. To achieve a structurally simple valve design with the advantage of simple and accurate setting and adjustment and also of simplified forward assembly of the solenoid valve, the valve tappet is subdivided into first and second tappet elements which are coaxial to each other and relatively displaceable, of which the first tappet element bears the valve element and the second tappet element can be driven by the electromagnet.

Abstract: A pressure regulator includes a housing having a chamber that receives a pressure responsive member. The pressure responsive member includes an internal charge that allows a movable portion of the regulator to react in response to pressure differentials. A preferred embodiment of the regulator includes a dampening member defined by an O-ring that exerts a drag on the pressure responsive member to address oscillations associated with high flow rates. The dampening force can be varied according to the subject invention. Moreover, a normally planar poppet retaining member reduces manufacturing costs of the regulator and allows for a highly polished surface to address concerns with impurities. A biasing arrangement is also incorporated into the regulator to assure that the poppet seals against the valve seat if the internal pressure charge of the regulator is lost.

Abstract: A leveling valve for controlling the amount of air within an air spring for maintaining a constant level of a vehicle chassis or frame relative to its axles. The valve includes an elongated body in which a uniquely constructed actuating mechanism is located at one end and a valve means at the other end with a dampener and a pilot-operated means located therebetween. An elongated plunger extends from the actuating means to the valve means through the dampener and the pilot-operated dump means. The actuating mechanism at one end of the plunger includes a sleeve slidable on the plunger and biased at each end by coil springs for maintaining the neutral position of the plunger and valve means. The springs permit over-travel of the actuating mechanism when the plunger reaches its limit of travel and also assists a dump piston in overriding the actuating mechanism.

Abstract: A lever handle assembly for a sanitary water fixture which includes a spindle for actuating the fixture. The lever handle assembly comprises the handle adapter, a handle sleeve having a handle lever, and a friction coupling. The handle adapter nonrotatably connects over the spindle, and the friction coupling couples the handle adapter to the handle sleeve, whereby the spindle can be selectively opened or closed by actuating the handle lever.

Abstract: A constant flow rate controller valve includes a piston spring biased towards the top of the valve. Fluid or gas flowing into the valve increases the pressure in the chamber above the piston, forcing the piston toward a valve seat. A pin type valve stem is thus seated in the valve seat, blocking gas or fluid flow to the outlet port. The pressure in the chamber below the piston builds until the pressure in this chamber plus the piston spring force is greater than the pressure in the chamber above the piston. The piston then lifts the valve stem from the valve seat, and the pathway to the outlet orifice is opened. Fluid or gas flows through the piston via the caibrated orifice. An equilibrium flow rate is reached by variation in the piston position based on the interaction of the above gas or fluid pressures and spring force.

Abstract: A valve actuator mechanism for supplying a selectively adjustable close-off force to an associated valve. The mechanism comprises a means for urging the valve plunger into engagement with the valve seat with a predetermined initial force and resistive means for generating a resistive force such that the close-off force is less than the initial by a predetermined amount. The resistive force can be selectively adjusted also.

Abstract: A flush valve is provided for opening and closing a drain connecting a toilet bowl to a waste holding tank maintained at a partial vacuum. The flush valve is located external to the drain and comprises a pinch or nip mechanism surrounding a flexible section of the drain and an electro-mechanically operated actuator for moving the pinch mechanism to close the drain by pinching it shut or to open the drain by pulling it apart. The actuator includes a motor for moving a piston in opposite directions, and a cylinder having one end connected to the pinch mechanism and another end containing an enclosure. The piston is retained and reciprocable a limited distance within the enclosure, and a spring is interposed within the enclosure to provide biasing means between the piston and the cylinder.

Abstract: A sealing ring device is provided for a fluid valve having a piston (2) reciprocating within a cylinder (1), wherein the piston (2) includes a valve cone (2c) adapted to contact a valve seat (11). In order to seal the inner space of the cylinder (1) located behind the piston (2) from an inlet/outlet passageway (A), a resilient sealing ring (5) is disposed in an annular groove (4) opening into the cylinder (1) around the rear end (2a) of the piston (2). A press ring (7), which extends above the rear end (2a) of the piston (2), contains the sealing ring (5) in the annular groove (4). A spring element (8) rests on the press ring (7). A piston rod (3) is guided in slidable manner through the piston (2). A stop (9) is attached to the rod (3) above the rear end (2a) and opposite the top side of the spring element (8).

Abstract: A combined air release and vacuum breaker valve for pipelines has a ball float that acts directly upon both the vacuum breaker and air release valves which are concentric with one another and axially aligned with the ball float. To avoid adverse effects of high velocity flow of water into the float chamber, which tends to initially counteract buoyancy of the ball, a flow disturbing screen is connected to the lower end of the ball. The direct acting ball is connected to the pressure release valve member by means of a resilient lost motion connection, so that slight bouncing of the ball caused by turbulent flow in adjacent areas of the pipeline will not cause the air release valve member to bounce on and off its seat.

Abstract: A charge forming apparatus or carburetor having a mixture passage and a throttle valve arranged therewithin. A fuel pressure control mechanism comprises a chamber from which controlled fuel is fed to the mixture passage. A flexible diaphragm defines one of the walls of the fuel chamber. A cam is formed at a throttle shaft which supports the throttle valve. An acceleration pump comprises a cylindrical chamber, a piston received in the cylindrical chamber, and a spring for contacting the piston with the cam on the throttle shaft.

Abstract: A pedal operated flushing system includes a hydraulically-actuated flush valve connected to a hydraulic fluid source by a supply line having a control valve therein. The control valve is mounted on a pocket portion of a bracket, the pocket forming an enclosure about an opening in a wall. A pedal is hinged to the bracket and normally covers the wall opening. The pedal pivots into the enclosure to actuate the control valve. A spring interposed between the pedal and control valve absorbs overtravel of the pedal toward the valve.

Abstract: A motorized, automatic mechanism for installation in an air register damper housing attachable to damper blades for the purpose of converting said blades from a manual mode of operation to an electrically controlled operation through motor interlock with thermostatic and furnace combustion means. System is comprised of electric motor, with switch operator and lever arm attachable to motor shaft; said lever arm being fastened to linkage mechanism that transfers motor rotation to pivotally mounted damper blades, thereby opening and closing said blades in accordance with thermostatic demands.

Abstract: A diverter valve and actuator assembly for diverting flow of a fluid from one path to another under the control of a power driven actuator, including a valve body having a chamber therein with an inlet port and two outlet ports, each outlet port having a valve seat therearound, a valve shaft extending through the body into the chamber, and a valve member carried by the valve shaft and disposed to be mated selectively with either of said valve seats by appropriate rotation of the valve shaft, and the assembly further including an actuator having a power driven shaft carrying a pivot which provides a reciprocatory component of motion with respect to the valve shaft when the actuator is driven.

Abstract: A pendulum gate valve with a pressure tight housing and inlet and outlet openings arranged on opposite sides of the housing. The drive rod for the pendulum frame is guided throughout its total path by a joint connected to the pendulum frame which can swivel about the shaft of the pendulum frame but can in addition also move independently of the swiveling motion of the pendulum frame. A guide mechanism is provided for the further movement of the joint outside the swiveling range, which forces the joint onto a path that runs substantially parallel to the drive rod. The guide mechanism consists of a thrust rod forming part of the pressing device which urges the gate valve plate against the sealing bearing surface and which is connected to the drive rod. The thrust rod is mounted in a longitudinally movable manner in the pendulum frame and runs parallel to the drive rod in the closed position of the gate valve plate.

Abstract: A poppet valve actuating apparatus includes an actuator for driving a valve poppet closed with substantial but momentary force to effect tight valve shutoff. After driving the poppet closed with a momentarily-applied relatively high-value force, the actuator then automatically reduces the poppet seating or holding force for maintaining the value in the closed position by automatic release of an integral detent coupling that applies a lower-value auxiliary spring holding force after the poppet is seated. The reduced value holding force prevents cold flow of the poppet material during extended periods wherein the poppet is in a closed position.

Abstract: A dual valve actuator mechanism for a fire extinguisher bottle in a milit vehicle. The mechanism includes an electrical trigger system for operating the valve automatically in response to energization of an electronic optical fire sensor; alternately the electrical trigger system can be operated by closure of a manual switch from within the vehicle interior. A second cable system is provided to operate the valve manually from a point external to the vehicle, as when the vehicle is unoccupied at onset of the flame or when the soldiers are forced to exit the vehicle to avoid inhalation of fumes or vapors. Unfortunately the valve actuation stroke is very small, on the order of two-tenth inch or less. The present invention relates to a lost-motion connection in the cable for lengthening the stroke necessary to operate the valve; this prevents inadvertant valve actuation due to vehicle vibrations or installation tolerances.

Abstract: A brake control apparatus for railway cars having sprung and unsprung portions is interposed between a brake pressure supply line and a brake cylinder line. A first chamber is connected to the brake pressure supply line and a second chamber is connected to the brake cylinder line. The chambers are abutted by surfaces having different cross-sectional areas of a diaphragm which is biased. A first valve responsive to positioning of the diaphragm, and a second valve responsive to positioning of a strut in a strut cylinder, effect first and second predetermined relationships between pressure drop in the brake pressure supply line and pressure drop in the brake cylinder line. The strut cylinder, mounted between the sprung and unsprung portions of the railway car, may be adapted to sense partially loaded as well as fully loaded or unloaded conditions.

Abstract: A valve actuating mechanism for an oil cooler bypass valve of the type in which a thermally responsive element expands to urge a valve member against a valve seat and thereby cause oil to flow through an oil cooler. A valve member is utilized which is movable independently of the thermally responsive element, and a relief spring is interposed between the valve member and the thermally responsive element to transmit expansion of the element to the valve member. The valve actuating mechanism is designed to allow oil to pass through the valve despite incorrect connections between the ports of the bypass valve and the ports of the oil cooler and oil source. In one embodiment in which the valve member comes into engagement with a valve seat, the relief spring is adapted to accommodate expansion of the element subsequent such seating whereby damage to the bypass valve components is avoided.

Abstract: A high capacity direct acting three-way bistable power operated valve is connected to control operation of an hydraulically operated magazine sprinkler control valve. The three-way bistable valve controls application of high pressure sea water and includes a slidable hollow valve spool having one end that is selectively seated upon and sealed against a valve seat in an inlet chamber, and having an intermediate spool portion connected to a common valve port. The other end of the hollow spool extends into an outlet chamber and is sealed against a valve seat therein when the first end of the spool is displaced from its valve seat and vice versa. Input pressure on the spool can be completely balanced or arranged to enhance sealing of the spool. The valve spool is axially shifted and latched either by a motor operated cam circuit arrangement or by driving and unlatching solenoids.

Abstract: A pneumatic control instrument includes a nozzle-flapper system having improved dynamic response characteristics under vibrational conditions. A light-mass, compliant flapper having a high natural frequency covers the nozzle and serves to cushion the impact of the nozzle striking the flapper by moving at the same amplitude of vibration as the nozzle so as to precisely track the nozzle over a wide range of vibrational frequencies and amplitudes.

Abstract: A system for loading a predetermined quantity of a compressible fluid into tubular cartridges or the like is provided which includes filling apparatus having filler tubes with ball valve means adjacent the outlet thereof, the outlets comprising flow constricting means for receiving the ball valve means and further including automatic means for opening and closing the ball valve means after a predetermined quantity of compressible fluid has been delivered to the tubular cartridges through the filler tube.

Abstract: A valve having a body with a valve seat and valve element and actuating means for moving the valve element toward and away from the valve seat with stop means in the body for stopping the movement of the valve element when the element is positioned against the valve seat. Fluid-actuated seal means are provided for sealing between the valve seat and the valve element and fluid-actuation means including a piston and cylinder which are in fluid communication with the seal means for actuation of the seal means. The fluid-actuation means are connected to the valve-actuating means whereby the seal means are pressurized and relieved by movement of the valve-actuating means.

Abstract: A six-way deviator valve for liquids, of the type comprising two three-way valves in the same housing separated by a dividing baffle, each of the three-way valves possessing one permanently open nozzle for connection to a main pipe, and two internally closable nozzles for connection to secondary pipes, the two closable nozzles being closed by a suitable obturator element, is described. Each of the two obturator elements comprises faces mounted on support elements and arranged to rest on corresponding seats formed on the internal extremities of the two closable nozzles, the obturator element also being rotatable about a fixed axis of rotation and rotated by a rotating drive spindle located inside said housing, the drive spindle being rotated by external means by way of linkages.

Abstract: There is disclosed a butterfly-type valve cooperable with a valve seat element formed of an elastomeric material, wherein this element also forms a seal between two identical housing halves. There is also disclosed an improved method of making such a valve, as well as a vacuum motor for actuating the valve which incorporates a linkage mechanism having force limiting means to prevent the application of excessive forces to this valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical device for the cut-off of fluid, particularly suitable for corrosive and polluting fluids, comprising an annular sealing member of packing displaceable towards and against the seal seating by means of a series of screw pins acting on the sealing member through a series of springs; each screw pin is only displaceable along its axis but not rotatable and has the thread thereof engaged with a threaded part of a corresponding pinion, all the pinions being rotatable by means of only one gear, whereby the rotation of said gear causes the screw pins and thus the sealing member to be displaced towards and against the sealing seat, the displacement in the opposite direction being only possible upon said gear is rotated in the opposite direction.

Abstract: In a fluid-flow control valve provided with jacking means (which may comprise a nut rotatable on a threaded shaft) operable to move a valve closure member into and out of seating engagement with a valve seat and to exert between the valve closure member and a reaction member, fixed in position relative to the valve seat, a thrust which holds the valve closure member on the valve seat, there is interposed between the jacking means and either the valve closure member or the reaction member a resiliently-deformable thrust-transmitting means (e.g. a pair of Belleville springs); and the jacking means is provided with stop means which limits the extent to which the jacking means can deform the thrust-transmitting means after the valve closure member has seated on the valve seat, thereby limiting said thrust to a safe maximum value dependent on the adjustment of the stop means.