Abstract: A unisex ball valve coupling includes an interface end that engages an interface end of a mating coupling half assembly. A valve of the coupling has a valve body, which has an open position in which fluid flow is permitted through the internal passage and a closed position in which the valve body closes off fluid flow through the internal passage. A valve shaft rotates with the valve body between the open position and the closed position. The valve shaft has a first surface. A blocking member is movable from a blocking position to a non-blocking position within the body portion. In the blocking position, the blocking member engages the first surface of the valve shaft to secure the valve body in the closed position and, in the non-blocking position, the blocking member does not engage the first surface of the valve shaft to permit opening of the valve.

Abstract: A method of preventing a mass flow controller from participating in crosstalk in an array of mass flow controllers is described. The method includes sensing and providing a signal indicative of a fluid pressure inside of a mass flow controller with a pressure sensor contained within the mass flow controller, determining a response of a control valve to a rapid pressure perturbation at the inlet of the mass flow controller using the signal indicative of the fluid pressure to avoid overcompensation for the rapid pressure perturbation, and adjusting a control valve contained within the mass flow controller downstream of the pressure sensor, based on the determined response, so that the mass flow controller avoids overcompensating for the rapid pressure perturbation. The pressure sensor is positioned such that the pressure sensor is sensitive to rapid pressure perturbations at the inlet of the mass flow controller.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive valve device for use with respiratory equipment of the type that produces a pressurized flow of breathing gas. The valve device combines the exhalation and entrainment functions in one valve with a single air path. The valve device provides an exhaust valve function during normal operation and provides a less restricted access to the ambient atmosphere in the event of respiratory equipment malfunction. The valve device includes a valve element that moves between at least two positions. During normal operation, when the pressure generating system is generating a flow of gas, the valve element is in a “closed” or “exhaust valve” position. When in the exhaust valve position, the gas flow to the atmosphere is restricted without being completely blocked off. When the flow of gas is decreased or interrupted, the valve element moves to the “entrainment valve” or “open” position that allows a greater, i.e., less restricted flow, of gas between the user and the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which prevents the removal of a companion fitting when the valve is open. Thus, for example there is disclosed a load line apparatus comprising a housing, a valve, a cam lever, or more likely a pair of cam levers, and a locking device. The housing has an interior bore, the interior bore defining a flow-through passage. The valve has a surface shaped to close the flow-through passage when the valve is closed. The cam lever is pivotally attached to the housing, and the locking device is movable by the cam lever. The cam lever is operable between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking device forms a stop to prevent the valve being opened. In the unlocked position, the locking device is retracted from the locked position. The cam lever is operable from the unlocked position into the locked position only when the valve is closed. The load line apparatus disclosed prevents the valve from being opened unless the cam lever is the unlocked position.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system includes a pump assembly for pressurizing a low cost container, the container non reversibly connected to a coupler module. A wand assembly is releasably connected to the coupler module. A discharge conduit fluidly connects the wand assembly to the container to displace a check valve in the pump assembly to permit flow from the pump assembly. The wand assembly includes a grip body slideable relative to the discharge conduit between a retracted storage position and an extended operable position.

Abstract: A pipe coupling (10) which comprises a coupling body (12) having an inlet end (22) for connection to a water outlet; an outlet end (24) for connection to a water inlet, and a liquid flow passage (26) which connects the inlet and outlet ends (22, 24) and which defines a water flow path (28) through the coupling body (12); a sealable filter and flow detector access opening (14) which is provided on the coupling body (12); and a filter element (16) and a flow detector device (20) which are removably receivable in the coupling body via the access opening and positionable on the flow path to extend across at least a part of the lateral extent of the liquid flow passage.

Abstract: A fluid system component is provided that includes first and second elements configured to be removably engaged with each other and defining a fluid passageway when engaged. The first element defines three grooves, each of which includes a terminal portion. Correspondingly, the second element includes three engagement members each of which is configured and arranged to be received in, and travel along, a corresponding groove. The presence of a predetermined line pressure in the fluid passageway forces each engagement member into the terminal portion of the corresponding groove, so as to substantially foreclose disengagement of the first and second elements until the fluid pressure in the fluid passageway has reached a predetermined magnitude.

Abstract: Valve for pressurized or liquefied gas cylinder comprising a valve body (12) with a gas flow passage (16) running between an inlet opening (18) and an outlet opening (20); and a sealing seat (30) inside the passage (16) of the valve body with which a plugging member (34) is associated. A control head (14, 114) is mounted removably on the valve body (12) and includes an axial control rod (60, 118) cooperating with the plugging member (34) in order to move it between a closed position in which it rests on the sealing seat (30), in order to block the flow into the passage (16), and an open position in which the plugging member (34) is separated from the sealing seat (30), in order to enable the outflow. A locking means (82) is integrated with the valve body (12) and enables the plugging member (34) to be locked onto the sealing seat (30) when the control head (14, 114) is separated from the valve body (12).

Abstract: A press-down valve is provided for medical instruments for suction and irrigation and a medical instrument having installed such a press-down valve. A valve stem is pressed permanently into a closure position via a pretensioned spring. For actuation, the valve stem is moved counter to the force of the spring via an actuation element, and, after release, the spring presses the valve stem back into the closure position. A catch mechanism is provided by means of which the valve stem can be locked in the open position only when the press-down valve has been removed from the medical instrument, and that, when it is installed in the medical instrument, the catch mechanism is automatically released and remains released.

Abstract: A safety system is provided for an anhydrous ammonia nurse tank (4) pulled by a tractor (1) with a tool bar applicator (2). The system includes a safety valve (10), and a breakaway coupling or connector (12) along a flexible hose (11) from the nurse tank to the applicator. The safety shutdown valve (10) closes in response to a break in the electrical connector in the event of a pull away or manual activation of a safety switch.

Abstract: A safety system is provided for an anhydrous ammonia nurse tank (4) pulled by a tractor (1) with a tool bar applicator (2). The system includes a safety valve (10), and a breakaway coupling or connector (12) along a flexible hose (11) from the nurse tank to the applicator. The safety shutdown valve (10) closes in response to a break in the electrical connector in the event of a pull away or manual activation of a safety switch.

Abstract: A plug-in safety coupling for pressurized conduits includes a blocking element, which is mounted in a coupling housing; the blocking element includes a through bore in which a coupling plug may be introduced in a sealing manner. A pivot path of the coupling housing permits the coupling plug, being introduced into the blocking element, to pivot relative to the housing between a conducting position, in which a through-bore of the blocking element communicates with a compressed air feed bore of the housing, and a blocking position, in which the blocking element blocks the compressed air feed bore. The coupling plug and the blocking element are provided with reciprocally corresponding locking parts to effect a locked retention of the coupling plug in the blocking element.

Abstract: An access fitting has a housing with a base and a cap located respectively on interior and exterior sides of the wall of a gas sampling bag. The base and cap are provided respectively with inner and outer ports aligned with an opening in the bag wall to provide a through passageway communicating with the interior of the bag. A septum is interposed between the cap and the exterior side of the bag wall. The septum has a hole therein and is slidably adjustable between an open position at which its hole is aligned with the through passageway, and a closed position at which its hole is removed from the through passageway and the through passageway is blocked by an imperforate segment of the septum. A tubular connector is received in the outer port, and is axially adjustable between an advanced position frictionally resisting sliding adjustment of the septum, and a retracted position accommodating such adjustment.

Abstract: A safety system for a mobile anhydrous ammonia fertilizer application system is configured to be remotely actuated closed by the operator in the event of a leak in the system, and to automatically shutdown the system in the event of an actual or impending nurse tank breakaway.

Abstract: Flowable-material transfer apparatus and device for transferring flowable material from one containment vessel or system to another. The apparatus comprises a connector device, a closed conduit system, and applicable force systems and controls for effecting efficient flow of the flowable material. The connector device has a source-transfer-apparatus container connector and transfer-apparatus connector that together provide a flowpath from the source container to a destination container. The source-container connector contains a normally-closed flow valve situated in the flowpath and a flow-valve actuation assembly. The connector device includes a device locking mechanism that prevents the connector device from being disconnected when the flow valve is open.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pneumatic yoke for a pressurized gas reservoir. The yoke comprises an aperture for receiving a stem of the pressurized gas reservoir, the stem having a stem valve selectively operable to permit a flow of pressurized gas through an opening of the stem; a gas passage for alignment with the opening of the stem to accept the flow of pressurized gas; a gas diverting conduit in fluid communication with the gas passage; a movable clamping member within the gas diverting conduit, the movable clamping member having a surface forming a boundary of the conduit, the boundary displaceable by a flow of gas into the conduit to thereby vary the volume of the conduit to thereby engage the clamping member with the stem; and, a release valve in fluid communication with the gas diverting conduit, the release valve selectively operable to permit a flow of gas from the conduit to permit disengagement of the movable clamping member with the stem.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locking a hose onto a hose coupling for a valve. A rigid linkage is pivotally mounted adjacent to the valve with a hose engaging member at a first end and an actuator engaging member at a second end. The linkage is pivoted to position the hose engaging member in the engaged position overlying and maintaining in engagement a hose with the hose coupling. A manual valve actuator of the valve is moved to a first position with the valve open. The actuator engaging member engages the manual valve actuator to prevent pivoting of the linkage and maintain the hose engaging member in the engaged position until the manual valve actuator has been returned to a second position with the valve closed.

Abstract: A valve assembly with an automatic check valve feature and automatic disassembly feature. The valve assembly includes an actuating mechanism which keeps the valve gates open, establishing fluid communication. The fluid checking feature operates when the valve assembly is disassembled. When the valve assembly disassembles, the check valves automatically close. The valve assembly can be disassembled manually or automatically. The automatic disassembly feature includes a collar and breakable link assembly, which keep the valve assembly in sealing engagement. Upon a predetermined force, the breakable link assembly fails, releasing the collar from the valve assembly and effecting disassembly of the valve assembly.

Abstract: A safety system for a mobile anhydrous ammonia fertilizer application system is configured to be remotely actuated closed by the operator in the event of a leak in the system, and to automatically shutdown the system in the event of an actual or impending nurse tank breakaway.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for pressure processing a pumpable substance, such as a pumpable food product or slurry. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a pressure vessel having an inlet valve toward one end and outlet valve toward the other end. A flexible bladder is coupled between the inlet and outlet valves for receiving the pumpable substance. The pressure vessel can further include a high-pressure inlet port for receiving high-pressure fluid that biases the membrane inwardly to pressure process the pumpable substance. The pumpable substance is then removed from the vessel through the outlet valve.