Abstract: A valve for switching of media, such as liquids or gases, is opened, closed or put into an intermediate state by at least one actuator produced from a shape memory alloy. The at least one actuator, as a function of whether electricity is applied to it, acts on at least one valve ball or a valve plunger accommodated in a core element, so that the through-flow of a medium through a fluid part below the core element, with a media-tight membrane interposed between, is opened, interrupted or partially opened in regulated or controlled manner. The core element is produced from a mechanically rigid and thermally well-conductive material, has electrical conductor tracks for electrical connection of the actuator to a supply of electricity on the top side, as well as multiple threaded through-holes for underside connection with the fluid part and the membrane and/or for top-side connection with the actuator.

Abstract: A method for feeding in and transporting material in a pneumatic conveying system includes at least one input point, a material conveying pipe, and a material container. A partial-vacuum source produces a partial vacuum/a pressure difference and a transporting air current in the conveying pipe. A shut-off element, arranged on an opposite side of an input aperture with respect to a feeder channel, is movable by suction from a first position, in which the shut-off element does not make a pathway through an input aperture into the feeder channel smaller, into a second position, in which the shut-off element does make the pathway through the input aperture into the feeder channel smaller, when the pressure on a first side, on the feeder channel side, of the shut-off element is smaller than on a second side, on an opposite side with respect to the feeder channel, of the shut-off element.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a holder configured to hold a substrate and carry the substrate into a process chamber, a waiting station located outside the process chamber in which the holder waits prior to carrying the substrate into the process chamber, a circulation path configured to circulate a gas throughout the waiting station, and an exhaust path formed in the circulation path and configured to exhaust the gas from the waiting station.

Abstract: A control device is provided with a switching valve mechanism and first and second actuators. The switching valve mechanism is provided with a valve element for switching which is located within a casing. The valve element can linearly move between an open position at which first and second pressure change chambers of the casing are communicated with each other and a closed position at which the communication is interrupted. The valve element is held at the open position and the closed position by a first holding mechanism (toggle spring). When a float ascends to a first water level, the first actuator moves the valve element from the closed position to the open position. When the degree of vacuum within a pressure detection chamber becomes a second degree of vacuum or less, the second actuator moves the valve element from the open position to the closed position.

Abstract: A plant for transport of granular material comprising container for granular material to be transported, receiver-meter group designed to receive granular material from container, conveyance duct of granular material from container to receiver-meter group, depressurization-pressurization means arranged to suction/inject a gaseous medium from/into container, and vacuum duct between receiver-meter group and depressurization-pressurization means, thereby creating a flow of granular material and gaseous medium in at least one conveyance duct or line directed to receiver-meter group and a flow of gaseous medium between receiver-meter group and depressurization-pressurization means, the plant comprising detection means of parameters of flow located in vacuum duct or line, adjusting means of the power of depressurization/pressurization means and electronic control means designed to receive in input control signals from speed detection means and to emit control signals in output for driving adjusting means.

Abstract: Discharge apparatus for discharging broken-off fastener parts (such as the stems of blind rivets) from fastener installation apparatus, comprises a passageway (13) along which the parts (37) are conveyed away from the installation apparatus (11) by a flow of air generated by a vacuum pump (14). The end of the passageway (13) remote from the installation apparatus (11) is normally sealed against the entry of air by a discharge valve (16). A broken-off part (37) approaching the discharge valve (16) is detected by an approach sensor (34) which is connected by a latching relay unit (33) and a control valve (25) to actuate a pneumatic ram (22) to open the discharge valve (16). At the same time the vacuum pump (14) is turned off to prevent a reverse flow of air through the open valve (16). The part (37) is discharged through the valve (16) and into a receptacle (19) which is outside the vacuum system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying cellulose fiber insulation of the spray on loose fill type. The insulation is coated by a dry and thus deactivated adhesive and is stored in a storage tank. At the moment it exits the storage tanks, the insulation is exposed to and moistened by water sprayed by a nozzle member. The moistened insulation travels the length of a blow hose to reach the application site at the discharge end of the blow tube. The moisture activates the dry adhesive as the insulation travels through the hose, and the turbulence within the hose ensures that all of the fibers are moistened. Thus, by the time the adhesive is discharged by the blow tube, it sets in the absence of dust and virtually no setting time is required because the activated adhesive has begun to set.

Abstract: Apparatus has a receiving chamber subjected to low pressure to receive solid/liquid mixture through inlet valve thereof. The chamber also has outlet valve to discharge the mixture, an admitting valve to raise pressure in the chamber, and quantity sensing structure responsive to predetermined quantity of mixture within the chamber. The inlet valve is positioned above a predetermined upper level of mixture within the chamber, and a riser constrains the mixture to move initially upwardly and then, optionally, downwardly prior to discharging through the inlet valve. The riser is shaped to cause solids that might otherwise tend to rest initially adjacent the inlet valve, when the mixture flow therethrough ceases, to fall under gravity either forwardly through the inlet valve, or backwardly towards mixture within the delivery duct.