Abstract: One provides (101) a plurality of one-way degassing valves (202) that are to be installed on corresponding containers and places (102) a viscous liquid (such as silicon oil) (205) in each of the plurality of one-way degassing valves to provide a corresponding plurality of installable one-way degassing valves (208). These teachings then provide for automatically and non-destructively determining (103), prior to installation of these valves on the corresponding containers, whether the viscous liquid has been properly placed. By one approach, this can comprise using a captured image (210) of at least a portion of each such one-way degassing valve to make this determination.

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve is provided with at least one coil containing at least one coil former. The coil former is provided with at least two separate wire windings, of which, in each case, two are connected in series or in parallel with one another.

Abstract: A fuel injector includes an injector body having an internal surface and an external surface. A tappet assembly includes a non-guided tappet and a plunger assembly, and is mounted on the injector body. The tappet assembly is movable with respect to the injector body a displacement distance between an advanced position and an extended position. A portion of the plunger assembly is slidably guided along the internal surface of the injector body, while the non-guided tappet is free of contact with both the internal surface and the external surface of the injector body in the advanced and extended positions. The tappet assembly may be prevented from moving beyond the extended position using a snap ring positioned within a retention opening of the fuel injector body.

Abstract: A valve assembly is provided that has a valve body defining first and second valve seats and a fluid chamber between the valve seats. The valve assembly includes a first valve that has an extension portion and a plug portion. The plug portion is configured to be selectively seated at the first valve seat. The extension portion is configured to extend within the fluid chamber past the second valve seat when the plug portion is seated at the first valve seat. A second valve is configured to interfit with the extension portion to connect to the first valve for common movement therewith. The second valve is configured to be selectively seated at the second valve seat. Fluid flow through the fluid chamber past the valve seats is controlled by the common movement of the connected first and second valves.

Abstract: A fuel injector and a method of assembly includes a determination of various flow areas through clearances or openings formed in various components of the injector. With the various flow areas determined, the various components can be classified according to their flow areas such that sets of components can be selected having desirable flow area characteristics for assembly of the fuel injector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an injector for determining a position of a second part (10) inside a stepped boring (6). This part should assume an exact distance (H) from a first part (2). In order to determine the distance (H) between both parts (2, 10), a collar (3) is firstly introduced into a second boring (6b) of the stepped boring (6) until it rests upon a step (16) of the stepped boring (6). Afterwards, a punch (4), together with a touch probe (5), which is located inside a longitudinal boring (d), is placed upon a lower annular surface (17) of the collar (3) or on an underside (17a) of the first part (2), and the collar (3) is compressed until the predetermined distance (H) is obtained. The distance (H) is measured to a reference measure (x) between a projecting end piece (E) of the touch probe (5) and a reference mark (B) outside of the punch (4). The stamping process is stopped once the reference measure (x) has been obtained.

Abstract: A valve assembly (80) of an injection valve (82) has a valve body (4) including a central longitudinal axis (L), the valve body (4) having a cavity (8) forming an inner surface (18) of the valve body (4), the cavity (8) having a fluid inlet portion (42), and a fluid outlet portion (44), a valve needle (10) axially movable in the cavity (8), the valve needle (10) preventing a fluid flow through the fluid outlet portion (44) in a closing position and releasing the fluid flow through the fluid outlet portion (44) in further positions, the valve needle (10) and/or the inner surface (18) of the valve body (4) having a surface layer (48) with a tungsten carbide layer (70) and a carbon layer (72).

Abstract: A hydrogen storage tank (11) and method for replacing an open-close valve that prevents oxidizing of a hydrogen absorption alloy (MH) accommodated in a tank body (12) when replacing an open-close valve (30) connected to a hydrogen supply-release pipe (28) extending from a tank body (12). The hydrogen storage tank (11) includes a tank body (12) accommodating hydrogen absorption material (MH), a hydrogen supply-release pipe (28) for supplying hydrogen gas to the tank body (12) and releasing hydrogen gas from the tank body (12), and a gas supply pipe (24) for supply inert gas to the tank body (12) and arranged independently from the hydrogen supply-release pipe (28). The method for replacing an open-close valve (30) connected to the hydrogen supply-release pipe (28) includes supplying inert gas through a gas supply pipe (24) to the tank body (12) and replacing the open-close valve in a state in which inert gas can be released from the hydrogen supply-release pipe (28).

Abstract: A control valve having a retainer for securing a seat ring within the valve body of the device is disclosed. The seat ring is disposed within a bore in the fluid flow path of the valve body of the control valve, and the retainer is attached to the inner surface of the valve body to retain the seat ring within the bore. The retainer includes threaded openings therethrough for receiving bolts that are tightened down on the seat ring to hold the seat ring against the inner surface of the bore and/or a gasket to form a tight seal and prevent leakage when the control device is in the closed position.

Abstract: A thermal actuator and component part wherein the guide tube of the thermal actuator is integral with the component part. The cup containing the thermally responsive wax is crimped over a flange on the end of the guide tube. An actuating piston is positioned in the guide tube. The component part has a portion having a larger external diameter than the external diameter of the cup. The thermal actuator and component part are assembled by enclosing a split die member about the component part and integral guide tube member, placing the split die member with the component part and tube member into a lower tool member and advancing an upper tool member containing the cup toward the die member to cause the wall of the cup member to be crimped around the flange.

Abstract: There are provided a pressure control valve which has sealing characteristics and durability, functions also as a temperature-dependent cutoff valve, and can be reduced in size; a method of producing the pressure control valve; and a fuel cell system having the pressure control valve mounted thereon. The pressure control valve includes a movable part which operates by a differential pressure, a valve part, and a transmission mechanism for transmitting an action of the movable part to the valve part, wherein either one of the movable part and the valve part is separated from the transmission mechanism.

Abstract: A temperature-activated valve for a conventional fire sprinkler utilizing a hyperelastic single-crystal shape memory alloy is described. The shape-memory element expands as it is heated, forcing a bolt to break, thereby opening the sprinkler valve. The devices described are less susceptible to accidental breakage than conventional actuators, and have fewer moving parts. Transition temperature of the shape memory alloy can be tuned to a narrow range.

Abstract: In a specific embodiment of this invention, deposits and soot formation in a direct injection engine are reduced by passivating the injectors to within 0.1 mm of the injector nozzle. The fuel used with the inventive injectors comprises fuel-soluble additives.

Abstract: An aerosol valve for dispensing polyurethane foam including a plastic liner shield to prevent environmental moisture permeating through the sealing grommet into the aerosol can to harden product and disable the valve. The liner has an annular upper portion in the mounting cup channel for sealing to the can bead, an intermediate portion surrounding the grommet in the can, and a lower annular flange extending between the valve stem base and lower grommet surface. A method to assemble the valve components includes inversion of the liner, grommet, valve stem, and mounting cup.

Abstract: An electromagnetic hydraulic valve (1), which including an electromagnet (2) with an armature (3) and of a valve housing (4) with an axial bore (5) and a piston valve (6) located therein is provided. The valve housing (4) includes several annular grooves (8, 9, 10) in which several radial openings (11, 12, 13) are located, which open into the axial bore (5), through which the hydraulic valve (1) has a fluid connection with a pressure connection (P), a tank connection (T) and two consumer connections (A, B). The piston valve (6) is acted upon by the armature (3) of electromagnet (2) and includes two ring-shaped control sections (14, 15), which connect alternatively the pressure connection (P) and the tank connection (T) with one of the consumer connections (A, B) through axial movement of piston valve (6). According to the invention, the radial openings (11, 12, 13) in valve housing (4) are provided as windows having a rectangular cross section.

Abstract: A high temperature ball valve seal is disclosed that achieves Class IV shutoff for operating temperatures above 550 degrees F. The ball valve seal includes a C-seal positioned between a main seal and a seal housing to prevent fluid from flowing through a secondary flowpath when the ball valve is in a closed position.

Abstract: A gas meter installation including gas supply plumbing and point of use plumbing will have a gas meter therebetween. A valve can be installed with the gas meter for shutting off the flow of gas to the point of use. This valve is preferably a gate valve mounted with the a gas meter, and can be retrofitted into existing installations, or installed with the new plumbing installation. The valve can be shut off by remote activation for example due to a seismic sensor causing a controller to send a signal to activate the valve. The control can also interact with electricity shut off apparatus, automatic meter reading apparatus and point of use security systems.

Abstract: A valve gate piston assembly, in an injection molding system, is positioned in a staggered arrangement such that one piston assembly overlaps that of another valve gate piston assembly thereby minimizing an overall centerline pitch between said piston assemblies. Such a superposed layout of piston assemblies enables larger diameter pistons to occupy a smaller footprint than would be realized should the same piston assemblies be positioned side by side. The use of relatively larger diameter pistons results in an increased force available, for the same input air pressure, to actuate the pistons and valve stems attached thereto, resulting in a higher valve stem closing force. A staggered piston assembly layout also allows independent air circuits to control each piston separately. A combination of multiple piston assemblies may be configured in such a staggered, overlapping array.

Abstract: A plastic aerosol valve with a plastic valve stem, plastic housing, plastic mounting cup, and plastic locking ring. The plastic valve is assembled into the mounting cup. The plastic housing is assembled into the plastic mounting cup by snap fittings. The plastic mounting cup has a peripheral portion that snap fits up into the plastic locking ring. The plastic locking ring has frangibly-connected upper and lower portions. The lower portion snap fits with the top of a plastic product bottle to mount the aerosol valve assembly on the bottle. The upper ring portion thereafter is telescoped downwardly over the lower ring portion to lock and retain the aerosol valve assembly on the pressurized bottle. The plastic mounting cup can be molded separately, or integrally with the plastic locking ring. A check valve may be contained in the valve stem.

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve has an electromagnetic coil supported by a cylindrical yoke, a movable armature within a sleeve, a stator core fixed to one end of the sleeve, wherein one end of the stator core protrudes from an end of the yoke. A pressure sensor is attached to a protruding end of the stator core. A magnetic flux limiting portion is formed in the stator core at such a position which is on a side of the protruding end of the stator core toward the pressure sensor. A magnetic flux flow to the pressure sensor is limited by the magnetic flux limiting portion, so that a precise detection by the sensor can be achieved even when the sensor is arranged closer to the electromagnetic coil.

Abstract: A coupler device for fluid transport that includes a body with an outer sidewall. The body defines a slot disposed proximate one end, and extends in a direction transverse to and through the outer sidewall. A latch assembly is connected with the body. The latch assembly includes at least one outer member being disposed on the outer surface of the body, and is externally exposed of the body. The inner member is connected with an inner member being disposed through the slot. A soft overmold portion is formed over the outer sidewall of the body. The overmold portion includes a shroud portion that extends outward from the outer sidewall, and partially covers the outer member of the latch assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a microfluidic valve, a method of manufacturing the microfluidic valve, and a microfluidic device that employs the microfluidic valve. The microfluidic valve includes a platform that includes two substrates combined facing each other; a channel having a first depth allowing a fluid to flow between the two substrates; a valve gap that is disposed on at least a region of the channel and has a second depth which is smaller than the first depth; and a valve plug that is disposed to fill the valve gap and is formed of a valve material made by mixing a phase change material, which is solid at room temperature, with a plurality of exothermic particles that emit an amount of heat sufficient to melt the phase change material by absorbing electromagnetic waves.

Abstract: A fuel injector has an injector body extending along a given axis; a tubular valve body housed inside a hole in the injector body and coaxial with the injector body; and an annular chamber defined by the injector body and the valve body. The method of producing the injector includes connecting the valve body to the injector body, and fixing the valve body in a given position along the axis with respect to the injector body by means of a driving operation to interference fit the valve body inside the hole in the injector body.

Abstract: The effects of an air bearing may be augmented in various ways in order to assist in the automated assembly of valve spools into valve bores. Such augmentation may be achieved by agitating one end of the valve spool with sequentially applied pulses of pressurized air as the spool is being lowered into the valve body, increasing the effective length of the valve spool so that the agitation can be applied to the spool when the spool is partially inserted into the body, varying the position of the valve spool while the spool is being inserted into the valve body to expose a length of the spool to the pulses of pressurized air, and applying an oscillating vibration to the fixture that supports the valve body to dislodge a spool that has become jammed in the valve bore.

Abstract: Valves are provided that include a flowbody, a sealing element, and an insulating member. The flowbody has a channel and an outer surface. The sealing element is disposed in the flowbody channel. The insulating member surrounds the flowbody and includes an inner surface and an annular spacer extending radially inwardly therefrom and integrally formed therewith. The annular spacer is in contact with the flowbody outer surface to thereby form an airgap between the insulating member inner surface and the flowbody outer surface. Methods of manufacturing the valves are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention generally comprises a floating slit valve for interfacing with a chamber. A floating slit valve moves or “floats” relative to another object such as a chamber. The slit valve may be coupled between two chambers. When a chamber coupled with the slit valve is heated, the slit valve may also be heated by conduction. As the slit valve is heated, it may thermally expand. When a vacuum is drawn in a chamber, the slit valve may deform due to vacuum deflection. By disposing a low friction material spacer between the chamber and the slit valve, the slit valve may not rub against the chamber during thermal expansion/contraction and/or vacuum deflection and thus, may not generate undesirable particle contaminants. Additionally, slots drilled through the chamber for coupling the slit valve to the chamber may be sized to accommodate thermal expansion/contraction and vacuum deflection of the slit valve.

Abstract: A valve design that enables a positive shaft seal to be obtained in an inexpensive manner by reducing the need for close tolerances heretofore required in prior art designs. This unique valve design employs a shaft seal that is adapted for transverse and/or angular movement during assembly of the valve for aligning to the shaft at an alignment position in which it is held after assembly of the valve by a holding device such as a seal nut or spring.

Abstract: Micro-valves and micro-pumps and methods of fabricating micro-valves and micro-pumps. The micro-valves and micro-pumps include electrically conductive diaphragms fabricated from electrically conductive nano-fibers. Fluid flow through the micro-valves and pumping action of the micro-pumps is accomplished by applying electrostatic forces to the electrically conductive diaphragms.

Abstract: A multi-port valve arrangement and removable valve element for use in sanitary environments that comprises at least three ports formed by the joining of at least two valve casing bodies at angles necessary to accommodate multiple connecting fluid streams. A seamless, flexible element is used within the valve arrangement to connect the fluid streams. The valve casings may be hinged on one side to permit removal of the top portion of the valve casings and removal/exchange of the flexible element without complete disassembly of the valve casing and without the use of tools.

Abstract: A surface-micromachined mass flow controller (MFC) comprises an electrostatically actuated microvalve integrated with a thermal flow sensor. The microvalve comprises a normally-open diaphragm defining an aperture allowing fluid communication between first and second flow channels. The diaphragm includes a second electrode actuable toward a valve seat including a first electrode. Fabricated utilizing a multilayer Parylene process, the active microvalve and the flow sensor are integrated onto a single chip to perform closed-loop flow control. For flow control, both Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) and actuation voltage adjustment are demonstrated.

Abstract: A fluid pressure control device includes a body, a valve unit, a solenoid externally fitted to the valve unit, a board, and a solenoid terminal connected with the board. The fluid pressure control device further includes a spacer which is made of elastic material and located between the solenoid and the board. The fluid pressure control device also includes a case accommodating the solenoid, the board, and the spacer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel injector in which at least one electrically triggered valve is disposed inside an injector member and is connected to an externally accessible injector member contact by means of a solid conductor, the solid conductor and the electrical valve contact being interconnected directly via an electrically conducting positive connection or indirectly via an electrically conducting connecting element. The solid conductor is configured so as to substantially maintain the shape thereof under the influence of the proper weight thereof.

Abstract: A pneumatic single-lumen medical gas conserver combines the advantages of typical single-lumen and dual-lumen conservers. In particular, a pneumatic single-lumen conserver can provide a rapid response to patient inhalations without the need for a more expensive dual-lumen cannula hose. In addition, after delivering oxygen the conserver has a specific pneumatically-implemented delay period before being able to detect the next inhalation to inhibit “double pulse” deliveries. In addition to a conserving or pulse flow mode, the conserver can provide a user-selectable gas flow at a continuous or constant flow mode.

Abstract: A solenoid operated valve has a pressure transducer sensing valve outlet pressure integrally formed in the valve body, such as by overmolding. Upon connection of the transducer and solenoid to an electronic controller, the controller generates a valve energization signal in response to a desired valve pressure output and the transducer input for providing closed loop control of the valve outlet pressure. An ASIC may also be integrally formed in the valve body, such as by overmolding for providing integrated signal conditioning; and, the optional ASIC, if employed, may also include the circuitry for the electronic controller for providing a “smart” pressure control valve.

Abstract: The armature (16) of a solenoid operated fuel injector control valve (10) is attached to the valve needle (14) by a swaging process where the valve body (12) functions as the guide and the anvil for the swaging press.

Abstract: This invention relates of the problem, to create a butterfly valve neck without an emergence of a gap between the butterfly valve neck and the butterfly valve. This invention disposes the problem trough a parted butterfly valve neck, with between attached sealing, where the butterfly valve rest on in the closed location. This invention causes, to reduce considerable the leakage air quantity, by the absent of a gap, between the butterfly valve neck and the butterfly valve in the closed location. An inhibition of the butterfly valve in the parted butterfly valve is no more possible. By the inventive sealing of this invention, the motor can operate with a lower idling speed and a smaller emission. Further, an advantage of this invention is the regulation (adjustment) of the dimension of the parted butterfly valve and the sealing, where-by each of the rule curves by starting will achieved from the closed location.

Abstract: A valve for an aerosol container suitable for use in dispersing a quantity of the contents thereof is disclosed. The valve components comprise a fluorinated polymer and/or a fluorinated coating which have been found to reduce drug deposition in the valve.

Abstract: A latching microregulator for regulating liquid flow on micro-scale levels comprises a substrate having an inlet port and an outlet port, a valve element defining a valve chamber for opening and closing the inlet port, and an actuator assembly for actuating the valve element. The valve chamber is configured to contain a volume of fluid, and the inlet port and the outlet port are in fluid communication with the valve chamber to provide a liquid flow path through the chamber. The actuator assembly comprises a cantilever beam for moving the valve element between an open position and a closed position, an actuator, such as a piezoelectric element, for moving the cantilever beam, and a latch, such as a permanent magnet, for securing the cantilever beam in the closed position. A flow regulation system comprises a plurality of fluid channels of varied flow conductance and a plurality of latching microregulators for selectively blocking or allowing flow through each of the fluid channels.

Abstract: A process to manufacture a ram blowout preventer, the process including: welding a bottom flange to a body, wherein at least one of the bottom flange and the body comprises a base material; selectively reinforcing the base material with an age-hardenable clad material; and heat treating the welded flange and selectively reinforced body to achieve selected properties in each of the clad material and the base material.

Abstract: A hydraulic subassembly is preassembled outside the vehicle into which it is later installed, using an assembly tool. The components of the subassembly are fastened in predetermined positions on the assembly tool, following which hydraulic connections are made between the components. The completed subassembly is fastened to a pickup tool and then disconnected from the assembly tool, allowing an assembly operator to lift the subassembly away from the assembly tool and carry it to the vehicle for installation. The pickup tool is also used to position and hold the subassembly within the vehicle while the subassembly is being connected to hydraulic systems on the vehicle. Following installation of the subassembly, the pickup tool is unfastened from the subassembly and removed from the vehicle.

Abstract: The positioning of the actuating drive in a fuel injector with a piezoactor (2) that is screwed into the housing (1) of the fuel injector is performed by applying a voltage (U) to the piezoactor (2) that corresponds to a given idle stroke (h), and the surface grinding of the housing (3) and base plate (4) of the piezoactor (2) when voltage is applied. Between the housing (1) of the fuel injector and the housing (3) of the piezoactor (2), there is also provided a compensation collar (9) of a suitable thickness.

Abstract: A piston valve assembly for a damper comprises a piston having a central hole and a fluid passageway spaced from the hole. A deflection disc having a central aperture is aligned with the hole. A hub, common across different dampers, includes a neck that is arranged in the hole and the aperture of the deflection disc. A retainer abuts an unthreaded outer surface of the hub. During assembly, the retainer is received on the cylindrical outer surface in a slip fit relation and secured to the hub under a predetermined clamp load. Throughout the manufacturing process, components of the piston valve assembly are marked with identifying information that may be compared to other identifying information on the piston assembly throughout the manufacturing process to ensure integrity of the piston valve assembly. The piston valve assembly and other assemblies can be sent to another OEM facility near the customer to manufacture dampers that satisfy build requests for low volume dampers.

Abstract: At present, the reposition of base plates in the electrochemical process, as a result of the rejection which takes place in the cathode stripping machine system, is carried out manually or using mechanical equipment, which implies a loss in the efficiency of the stripping system, high exposure to risk associated to the removal of plates and additional labor force being used to replace these plates to the productive processes. Due to the above, a robot system and a robotic method have been developed for the reposition and/or removal of base plates from cathode stripping machines.

Abstract: At present, the different electrometallurgical processes in which there are a lot of cathodes and/or base plates movement constantly requires transfer stations to pass from one chain to another, from one equipment to another or for a change in direction. At present, transfer stations are composed of hydraulic mechanisms with low availability and high maintenance costs. Due to the above, a robot system and method have been developed to move and guide the base plates and cathodes synchronized with different equipments or mechanisms replacing the current transfer stations. The robotic system is composed mainly by a robotic manipulator (1) of at least 5 degrees of freedom, and a gripping mechanism (2) which allows to take and release the base plates and/or cathodes according to a programmed logic.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a solid housing, in particular a valve housing for an electromagnetically operable valve. The method includes providing at least three flat metal plates side by side, each having different magnetic properties directly adjacent to the others. The at least three plates are joined to the directly adjacent bordering edges to form a sheet metal section. The sheet metal section shaped into a sleeve shape. Furthermore, the bordering edges, which are now opposite one another, and run in the longitudinal direction of the sleeve to form a sleeve blank are joined together. The sleeve blank is machined until a desired geometric shape of the housing is achieved. The housing may be suitable in particular for use in fuel injectors in fuel injector systems of internal combustion engines operating by spark ignition of a compressed fuel-air mixture.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of manufacturing a hot gas valve for a divert and attitude control system in a propelled craft. The methods include the steps of building a valve, or a plurality of separate valve components or segments using a solid free-form fabrication process, and assembling the plurality of separate valve components or segments if necessary to produce the hot gas valve. The solid free-form fabrication process comprises the steps of forming successive feedstock layers by depositing the feedstock material into a predetermined region, the feedstock layers representing successive cross-sectional component slices, and modifying the feedstock by directing an energy source to the predetermined region and thereby creating modified regions in the successive feedstock layers, the combined modified regions defining the hot gas valve or an at least partially-formed valve component or segment.

Abstract: A method for arranging a valve element in an additional control valve device includes provides that, after a first position has been set, a valve plate is pushed onto the stem until the valve plate contacts the stop of a trapping magnet. The valve plate is then connected to the stem. This ensures that the fabrication tolerances are completely compensated by virtue of the first valve spring and the guiding of the valve element. After the second counter bearing has been secured in the guide, the holding of the first counter bearing in the previously determined first position is cancelled, which is then generally carried out by removing the tappet from the guide. After this has been done, the valve element automatically assumes a central position between the gantry magnet and the trapping magnet in the currentless state of the additional control valve device owing to the spring forces which then act.

Abstract: A method of forming a ball valve element for a rotary ball valve assembly, the method comprising the steps of: (a) inserting an impedance element through an insertion opening of a ball valve element into a bore; (b) forming a fluid opening in the ball valve element which is non-rectilinearly aligned with the insertion opening and which communicates with the bore; and (c) sealing the insertion opening. A ball valve element for a rotary ball valve assembly formed using such a method; and a rotary ball valve assembly comprising a ball valve element formed using such a method are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a gas supply nozzle plate constructed by laminating a plurality of metal members each having a fluid path and branch. A fluid nozzle plate member provided by the invention has high sealing at a joined part, and high reliability even when used in high vacuum or at a high temperature. The fluid nozzle plate member comprises a plurality of plate-like metal members each having a fluid path and/or a branch. In this case, the plurality of plate-like metal members are laminated, and the laminated surfaces thereof are joined together by press forging.

Abstract: A float operated fuel vapor vent valve has body structure with an annular mounting flange formed of material weldable to a fuel tank and the flange is spin welded to the tank. The float has surfaces thereon which slidably engage corresponding surfaces in the float chamber to prevent relative rotation of the float with respect to the valve body during spin welding. An optional pressure relief valve in the vent outlet also has surfaces slidably engaging the vent passage to prevent relative rotation during spin welding.