Abstract: An iris arrangement has first and second annular carrier elements annular elements coaxially arranged and circumferentially interlocked with one another so as to be independently rotatable. A plurality of iris elements each have a first compliant beam element coupled at a first end thereof to the iris element and at a second end thereof to the first annular carrier element, and a second compliant beam element coupled at a first end thereof to the associated iris element and at a second end thereof to the second annular carrier element. Rotatory motion of the carrier elements relative to each other results in substantially radial displacement of each of the iris elements. The plurality of iris elements communicate with one another when disposed in a radially innermost position. A web covers a region between the plurality of iris elements and the circumference of the first and second annular elements.

Abstract: A filter device has a filter housing part (10) with a filter element (12) and can be detachably connected to another filter housing part (20). A valve (24) clears a fluid path in the interconnected state of the housing parts (10, 20) with the filter element, and in the separated state of the housing parts (10, 20) from one another or without the filter element at least partially blocks it. Instead of known quarter-turn fastener and stopper solutions, a blocking is devised which can be economically implemented and which requires decidedly less installation space. A process for operation of a filter device is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a compressor that can reduce occurrence of vibration and noise due to self-induced vibration of an suction valve at the time of a low flow rate surely with an inexpensive structure. In the compressor according to the invention, an opening regulating valve 40 provided in a refrigerant suction channel 13c to a cylinder 11a is formed by an elastically deformable spiral member 41, and intervals of spiral portions 41a of the spiral member 41 are changed according to a flow rate of a refrigerant, whereby an opening of the channel 13c is regulated. Thus, it is possible to reduce occurrence of vibration and noise due to self-induced vibration of an suction valve 14c at the time of a low flow rate surely, and it is possible to simplify a structure of the opening regulating valve 40.

Abstract: An ortho-planar spring has a platform movably coupled to a base and being movable linearly with respect to the base along at least a portion of an axial direction perpendicular to both a base surface and a platform surface. A resilient and flexible connecting structure is connected to and between the base and platform. The connecting structure is bendable to develop (i) an axial force along the axial direction to bias the platform in a stable position with respect to the base, and (ii) non-axial forces which substantially sum to zero to preserve the orientation of the platform with respect to the base. Thus, the spring is very compact and does not have rotation between the deflecting ends. The spring may be associated with a valve opening, and a button for restricting flow through the valve opening, to bias the button at a position with respect to the valve opening.

Abstract: Improved low flow impedance flow control valves are disclosed in the present invention wherein spring valve means (12) captured between a valve spool (28) and a shoulder (30) are utilized for selectively metering a flow of fluid from an inlet port (18) to an outlet port (14) via a round edged helical orifice (82) formed between the open coils of the spring valve (12) as a function of the instant axial position of the valve spool (28) and the differential pressure therebetween. An improved method of controlling low impedance flow control valves is also disclosed in the present invention. The improved method provides better accuracy in controlling fluid flow through low flow impedance flow control valves through continually cycling a means for substantially interrupting fluid flow therethrough in a low frequency pulse width modulated fashion.

Abstract: A valve arrangement for dispensing liquid from a flexible container (124) containing a dispenser body (106) connected to a flexible container (124) for containing a liquid and a first biasing means (168) adapted to bias a first closing member (110) to close off a first passage (107) in the container dispenser body (106); and a valve body (118) with a second biasing means (120) adapted to bias a second closing member (116, 118) to close off a second passage (119) defined in the valve body (118); and a dispensing member (122) operatively connected to the valve body (118); and operating means (114, 198, 136) which moves the two bodies (118, 106) into an operative position, against the two biasing means (168, 120) to open the two passages (107, 119) allowing liquid to flow from the flexible container (124) along the first passage (107) and out of the second passage (119).

Abstract: In one embodiment, a check valve includes an outer region and a central region. One or more cuts wind from the outer region towards the central region. In the presence of flow along one direction, the check valve opens by extending the central region away from the outer region. In the presence of flow in the reverse direction, the check valve closes by retracting the central region towards the outer region.

Abstract: A valve for the accurate control of fluid flowing through the valve. The valve has a valve body and a flow control mechanism. The valve body is a two-part body having a fluid flow section and a valve adjustment section. The fluid flow section has a fluid flow cavity. The fluid flow cavity further includes a flow control orifice area, which flow control surface being smaller in cross-sectional area than the fluid flow cavity. The flow control mechanism is able to vary the length of its major axis via a force provided by the valve actuator. As the major axis of the flow control mechanism decreases, the minor axis of the flow control mechanism increases at an amplified rate, said increase in the minor axis of the flow control mechanism accomplishes flow control and in combination with the valve actuator, flow control and fluid modulation.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a check valve includes an outer region and a central region. One or more cuts wind from the outer region towards the central region. In the presence of flow along one direction, the check valve opens by extending the central region away from the outer region. In the presence of flow in the reverse direction, the check valve closes by retracting the central region towards the outer region.

Abstract: A multi-purpose valve includes, a band of a thermodynamic metal alloy with shape memory, with a memorised shape and a transition temperature which lies in the range for the normal body temperature of a mammal. The strip has a linear shape below the transition temperature and assumes the memorised shape above the transition temperature. The memorised shape is preferably a conical spiral with a closed tip, with the result that above the transition temperature range the valve will become a conical spiral.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a check valve includes an outer region and a central region. One or more cuts wind from the outer region towards the central region. In the presence of low along one direction, the check valve opens by extending the central region away from the outer region. In the presence of flow in the reverse direction, the check valve closes by retracting the central region towards the outer region.

Abstract: The valve is enabled, by being endowed with the force of stored energy, to generate an opening/closing motion with a small operating torque infallibly and stably, permit a reduction in cost, allow a compact construction, excel in durability, and enjoy a highly satisfactory practical value. Further by endowing the valve body which has already acquired the function of water stop with the function of steady flow volume thereby diversifying functionality, the valve is enabled to acquire the function of varying steady flow volume by virtue of the rotational frequency of the spiral spring.

Abstract: A fluid coupling for dispensing fluids, suitable for connecting a fitment disposed within a fluid source to a fluid receiving member. The fluid coupling includes a housing that defines a central passage between front and back openings and a first flow passage between the back and a side openings. A lever actuator is rotatably mounted on the housing to open/close the first flow passage. A poppet member is disposed within the central passage to define a second flow passage. The poppet member is actuatable between an extended configuration and a retracted configuration to close/open the second flow passage. The housing, the poppet member and the lever actuator are each one-piece integrally molded device.

Abstract: Variable capillary apparatus and motion error compensation method using the same. The apparatus has upper and lower bodies and a leaf spring inserted therebetween. Between a lower center portion of the upper body and the spring, there is formed a capillary having a fine gap. The compensating method has the steps of installing a couple of hydrostatic bearings connected to the variable capillary apparatuses to one side of a table, installing a couple of hydrostatic bearings connected to fixed capillaries to the other side of the table, determining gains of the variable capillary apparatuses, detecting a motion error of the table by moving the table, and applying varying voltages to the variable capillary apparatuses for compensating for the motion error. The apparatus and compensating method compensate for the motion error due to geometrical errors of the table and guide rails by varying the gap of the capillary of the apparatuses.

Abstract: Energy exchanger valve (8) with thermostat valve (12), a housing (9) with inlet (20) and outlet (21), a thermostat bellows displaceable spindle (30) with seal (42) which, by the expansion/contraction of the thermostat bellows and against the pressure of a surrounding spring (31) can close/open an opening (27) with a seating (27a) in a transverse wall (24) between the inlet (20) and the outlet (21), and a piston (13) controlled by differential pressure for the control of a medium's differential pressure across a pre-setting (11) and a thermostat valve (12) consisting of the seating (27a) and the seal (42) between the inlet (20) and the piston (13), the thermostat valve (12) being able to cut off the flow between the inlet and the outlet independently of the pre-setting (11). With the valve (8), only a predetermined maximum amount of the energy-carrying medium flows through the energy exchangers (5).

Abstract: In a valve, the valve poppet member is constructed from a spring material where a tubular wall portion has a spiral wall configuration intermediate of a supporting base and a valve head. The spiral wall configuration has inner and outer diameters, a specific number of revolutions with a spiral width and a width of material remaining to provide sufficient cantilever strength to support the valve head and has the desired spring rate to seat the valve head on a valve seat.

Abstract: An inflator includes a vessel for a source of gas under pressure. A pulse shaping valving means in the form of a Belleville washer or a sliding valve actuated by a Belleville washer operates to shape the pulse of gas flowing out of the vessel. Other than for a brief initial moment the flowrate of gas has a slower value over time followed by an instantaneous more rapid value followed by a tapering off.

Abstract: A self-sealing bag valve for use with a quick-disconnect coupling in a bag-in-box (BIB) syrup dispensing assembly for a post-mix beverage dispenser includes a plastic spring assembly for normally biasing a poppet of a self-sealing valve into sealing engagement with a valve seat thereof. The spring assembly includes a petaloid-shaped disc having evenly spaced petaloid segments defining flow passages therebetween, a retaining ring for securing peripheral portions of the petaloid-shaped disc in fixed positions in the bore of the self-sealing valve and a petaloid stem protruding from the disc into engagement with the valve poppet. The petaloid-shaped disc includes a first frusto-conical portion extending from the retaining ring to a circular termination line concentric with the ring and a second frusto-conical portion extending from the circular termination line to the petaloid stem.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device includes a support brace fixably mounted in a uid flow tube. An actuator rod is slidably supported by the support brace. A plurality of conical washers are mounted in sliding engagement on the rod between a stop mechanism on the rod and the support brace. The conical washers are arranged along the rod in an abutting configuration such that adjacent conical washers abut alternately at an apex or base of the conical washers. In operation, the rod is moved so that a compressive force is applied to the conical washers. In this way, the conical washers expand in a radial fashion to reduce the fluid flow area between the device and the tube.

Abstract: A throttle or fluid control valve uses at least one compressible multi-wave asher as a fluid control element. The apertures formed by the multi-wave washer are short and of low aspect ratio when the valve is fully open to limit pressure drop across the valve, thus substantially preventing cavitation and flow-related noise to high flow velocities. As the valve is closed, the aspect ratio of the apertures increases but surfaces of the apertures remain angled to each other to provide noise cancellation and damping. Several multi-wave washers spaced by sliders are preferably used to further limit pressure drop in any stage and to form a serpentine path in the general direction of flow to provide further noise cancellation and damping. The sliders also enhance the self-purging action of the valve structure. A closure structure is also provided for assuring full closure of the valve.

Abstract: A liquid filling assembly includes a discharge nozzle arrangement which includes a closely wound spring operatively connected at its outer periphery to a diffuser chamber and including a plurality of coils adapted to retain a volume of fluid thereabove until the fluid is forced under pressure against the spring or an associated valve to urge the coils apart to provide clearances therebetween for the flow therethrough of the fluid.

Abstract: A control valve includes a tubular member and a truncated conical helix spring received in the tubular member. A diverging open end of the helix spring is fixed adjacent to a first open end of the tubular member. The helix spring has a truncated tapered open end opposed to the diverging open end. A plug member is fixed in the truncated tapered open end in order to close the truncated tapered open end. The truncated conical helix spring confines a truncated cone-shaped chamber and is formed of a plurality of turns which are wound in a watertight manner. The helix spring extends and forms a plurality of clearances among the turns under a predetermined axial tension force. The tubular member has two connecting outlet ports which are to be connected respectively to the ends of a transducer in order to measure the differential pressure and thereby measure the flow rate of the fluid which passes through the tubular member.

Abstract: A stretch valve which achieves precise control of fluid flow rates through the use of a cylindrical elastomeric valve element. This elastomer element is installed within the cylindrical flow path of a valve body. The flow path has a diameter that is slightly smaller than that of the elastomer element, which is therefore constrained within the flow path. Longitudinal stretching of the elastomer element causes the diameter of the elastomer element to decrease. As a result, a flow path is opened. The further the elastomer element is stretched, the larger is the fluid path that is created. Therefore, precise control of the fluid flow rate is made possible.

Abstract: A catheter for introducing material into the vascular system is provided. The catheter includes an elongated catheter body having a side wall defining a catheter lumen. The catheter body has a proximal portion. Material can be introduced into the catheter lumen at its proximal portion. The catheter body has a distal portion. The distal portion has a single wall in an exit zone. At least one pressure responsive exit is formed in the side wall of the distal portion of the catheter body. The pressure responsive exit permits material to exit from the catheter lumen in response to a pressure over a first predetermined amount while preventing material from entering into the catheter lumen at a pressure less than a second pre-determined amount.

Abstract: A shock absorber for use in motor vehicles which includes a piston within a packet, inside the piston the entire quantity of the damping fluid exchanged between two work chambers flows via a throttle cross section the size of which is defined by an electromagnetic adjusting device comprising primarily a magnet coil and an armature. The armature is annular and merges with an annular control slide provided with a slide control edge, which slide, in cooperation with a piston control edge on the piston determines the size of the throttle cross section. The control slide and armature are statically in pressure equilibrium, and because of their annular embodiment they have only a slight weight, so that the shock absorber operates with short adjusting times. By a defined profile of the slide control edge or piston control edge, certain damping characteristics are attainable.

Abstract: A fluid flow regulator in which the fluid flow therethrough is restricted twice, first through a fixed orifice in a slidable piston and then through a variable flow restrictor which is a spring. This spring is axially aligned with and bears against the piston, and fluids issuing from the orifice empties into the interior of the spring, the end of the spring opposite the piston being closed. Fluids thus flow from within the spring through the gaps between its coils and into a chamber surrounding the spring, and from there exits through the outlet of the regulator. The gaps between the spring coils are quite narrow and cause the flow of fluids to be restricted this second time. This restriction is variable since the piston moves as the differential pressure thereacross varies which causes the length of the spring to vary accordingly. This in turn varies the size of the gaps. In this manner, the regulator compensates automatically to provide a fluid flow rate which is substantially constant.

Abstract: Line valve apparatus for shower anti-scald and other uses comprising a housing (10) valving member (14) and a coil spring pilot valve (20) formed of a shape memory effect alloy and arranged for a first closed loop fluid blocking configuration to prevent, and second open spiral loop configuration(s) to enable, coil expanding valving member movement under the combined force of line back pressure and the coil expanding forces per se as a rising fluid temperature puts the alloy through a martensitic to austentitic transformation.

Abstract: The present specification discloses an adjustable element for use in a filter or valve. The element comprises a coiled spring, tension or compression, which can be extended or contracted by suitable means to vary the degree of filtration and flow-through cross-section. The present invention provides an adjustable element with the individual spring coils having a generally square or rectangular transverse cross-section, the surface of the coils being surface-hardened. The interengaging surfaces of the individual coils can be flat so that the coils engage squarely, or curved for tangential contact. The smooth outer and inner surface of the element reduce the rate of filter cake build-up, and together with the surface hardening, facilitate the accurate control of the adjustment of the element.

Abstract: A helical bearing bushing for use between a cylindrical shaft and an element containing a bore disposed around the shaft, such as a kingpin and steering knuckle assembly, includes a helically wound spring wire as the bearing bushing. The spring wire is helically wound to form a tubular member having interior and exterior surfaces which form the respective bearing surfaces. The tensile force of the helical spring holds arcuate surfaces of adjacent coils in elastic abutment, although lubricant under pressure can elastically separate the coils and pass from one surface to the other. Non abutting portions of the arcuate surfaces form helical lubrication grooves. Either the interior surface or the exterior surface, or both, may be machined flat to provide a better bearing surface.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method is provided for delivering a fuel additive to fuel flowing through a pump from an upstream side to a discharge side thereof for delivery to a dispenser with fuel flow through the pump and dispenser being controlled by a dispensing valve. The apparatus comprises a flow sensitive valve positioned upstream of said pump within the fuel flow and being arranged to open in response to fuel flow and close in response to absence of said fuel flow, conduit means in liquid flow communication with the discharge side of said pump to feed back fuel through said valve to fuel at said upstream side of said pump, and means disposed in said conduit means and responsive to the feedback flow of fuel through said conduit means for discharging fuel additive into said conduit for delivery through said flow sensitive valve into said fuel flow on the upstream side of said pump.

Abstract: A control valve for dissipating the energy of a high pressure flowing media, the apparatus comprising a valve body having an internal cavity, an inlet and at least one outlet, the inlet, outlet and cavity being in communication to form a flow path through the body of the valve, a plurality of helical springs being arranged one within the other and disposed in the cavity with the convolutions of the innermost of the springs defining an axial fluid media pathway in open communication with the inlet, there being an actuator operable externally of the body for selectively effecting axial, reciprocal movement of the convolutions of the springs whereby the axial spacing between the convolutions of the springs is altered to control the fluid media flow from the pathway through the spaces between the convolutions to the outlet.

Abstract: A safety valve responding to overheating conditions of the surrounding atmosphere, more specifically a combustion gas inlet valve that closes when a fire declares. The valve uses a shape-memory element for detection and command. For the latter function it must be inside the valve, at the expense of sufficiently rapid detection of external temperature. This problem is solved by using a shape-memory element that is in close contact with the valve housing, e.g. countersunk in a groove in the internal wall of the valve housing, for facilitating conduction heat transfer.