Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method for operating a manipulator system having a vacuum manipulator device for manipulating a workpiece and a vacuum generator for generating a vacuum. The vacuum generator has a suction connection for suctioning in order to provide a vacuum supply for the vacuum manipulator device. Further, a diagnosis cycle is executed, including the steps of: provision of a vacuum for the vacuum manipulator device, and suctioning without a workpiece; and measurement of the equilibrium pressure obtained at the suction connection with a suction pressure sensor.

Abstract: A Pump consisting of a pressure vessel (50), an inlet nozzle (51), an ejector nozzle (52) by which vacuum and pressure are applied, and an outlet nozzle (53). The inlet and outlet nozzles (51, 52) are selectively closed by interconnected knife gate valves, operated in tandem by a pneumatic cylinder whereby when one valve is closed, the other is open an vice-versa. An ejector valve located in the ejector nozzle (52) alternately creates vacuum and generate air flow through the vessel (50). The air from the ejector is introduced into the discharge line after closure of the outlet valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum generating device (1) and to a method suitable for the operation thereof. An ejector device (27) is connected with an inlet (29) thereof to an air supply conduit (32) that can be selectively closed or opened by an electronic control unit (14) in order to selectively turn off or turn on the ejector device (27). When the ejector device (27) is turned on, a vacuum is generated in a suction channel (35). The ejector device (27) is operated such that the vacuum fluctuates between an upper switching value and a lower switching value. By comparison to a reference time value, the operating period of the ejector device (27) is determined in order to generate a diagnosis signal that allows a conclusion of the leak that is present.

Abstract: Systems, methods and media for generating fluid flow in an algae cultivation pond are disclosed. Circulation of fluid in the algae cultivation pond is initiated via at least one jet. The circulation of fluid generates a velocity of fluid flow of at least ten centimeters per second in the algae cultivation pond. A head is provided to the at least one jet that overcomes a head loss associated with the velocity of fluid flow of at least ten centimeters per second in the algae cultivation pond.

Abstract: A checkvalve (1) is provided with an inlet which can be connected to an operating system requiring a negative pressure, e.g. to a braking force amplifier (17), an outlet (3) which can be connected to a negative-pressure system producing a negative pressure, a main air channel (4) connecting the inlet and the outlet in a fluid manner and enabling an air flow in the direction of the outlet, a first checkvalve (9) installed in the main air channel (4), a single outside-air channel (5) which branches off downstream of the first checkvalve (9) and lets out into the atmosphere and a cross-sectional narrowing (7) in the manner of a venturi pipe (6), a venturi channel (8) connecting the cross-sectional narrowing (7) upstream of the first checkvalve (9) to the main air channel (4) and a second valve (10) located between the inlet (2) and the cross-sectional narrowing (7) in the main air channel (4) or in the venturi channel (8).

Abstract: A proportional fluid injector apparatus utilizing foaming agents. A pump is connected to a foaming agent and is operably connected to a differential proportional valve having a venturi. A first diaphragm control valve is operably connected between the pump and the venturi. A second diaphragm control valve is operably connected between the downstream and upstream sides of the pump and is also connected to a pilot line connected upstream of the venturi. The spring pressure exerted on the diaphragm in the first control valve is such that excess fluid from the pump returns upstream of the pump when the downstream pressure in the pump exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A checkvalve (1) is provided with an inlet which can be connected to an operating system requiring a negative pressure, e.g. to a braking force amplifier (17), an outlet (3) which can be connected to a negative-pressure system producing a negative pressure, a main air channel (4) connecting the inlet and the outlet in a fluid manner and enabling an air flow in the direction of the outlet, a first checkvalve (9) installed in the main air channel (4), a single outside-air channel (5) which branches off downstream of the first checkvalve (9) and lets out into the atmosphere and a cross-sectional narrowing (7) in the manner of a venturi pipe (6), a venturi channel (8) connecting the cross-sectional narrowing (7) upstream of the first checkvalve (9) to the main air channel (4) and a second valve (10) located between the inlet (2) and the cross-sectional narrowing (7) in the main air channel (4) or in the venturi channel (8).

Abstract: An apparatus for vacuum absorption comprising a tank for accumulating circulating water; a waterway for circulating the circulating water by a pump disposed at an absorption inlet side of the tank; an aspirator disposed on the waterway; a reverse flow prevention mechanism for preventing the circulating water from flowing reversely into a vacuum vessel connected to the aspirator during the stoppage of the pump and for introducing fresh air from the aspirator into the vacuum vessel. The outlet of the waterway is provided under the water surface of the circulating water in the tank, and the reverse flow prevention mechanism comprises a bypass tube leading from the upstream of the aspirator to the water surface in the tank, and a valve disposed in the bypass tube passing air only to the direction toward the aspirator.

Abstract: A fluid pressure apparatus of this invention provides advanced control without imposing an excessive burden on a sequencer. When a plurality of fluid pressure apparatuses are connected to one another by manifolds, the individual fluid pressure apparatuses are provided with controller circuits each having a memory inputted with a control step, wherein each of the controller circuits activates each of control valves and a sensor based on an operating instruction issued from the sequencer to thereby execute processes such as confirmation of a controlled state, a trouble decision, etc.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a vacuum feeding apparatus for causing a working device such as a suction pad to communicate with a vacuum port so as to enable the working device to attract and hold a work or feed it to a desired position. In the vacuum feeding apparatus, components such as a valve section, a vacuum section, a filter section, a pressure detecting section, a manifold section, etc. are produced in blocks or units respectively. These blocks indicative of the above components can selectively be used in combination. In addition, a plate mounted on a corresponding block can be used to selectively make the changeover of any one of a plurality of fluid passages defined in the block and to cut off the selected passage.

Abstract: A water powered sump pump has a control housing connected to a source of water under pressure and to a drain pipe located in a sump. An outlet pipe leads from the control housing to a suction generating assembly in communication with the drain pipe for entraining water from the sump for discharge elsewhere. A diaphragm closure normally closes a water passage in the housing and divides the housing into two chambers. A passageway through the diaphragm enables the pressure of water in the two chambers to be equalized. A bleed line communicates between one of the chambers and the sump. A valve responsive to the rise of water in the sump initiates the flow of water through the bleed line, thereby enabling lowering of the pressure in the chamber with which the bleed line communicates and enabling the pressure of water in the other chamber to unseat the diaphragm and open the passage.

Abstract: A whirlpool jet assembly adapted to be mounted in an opening in the wall of a water tub for discharging the water stream into the tub. The jet assembly includes a housing defining a socket having an air inlet and a water inlet and a ball fitting pivotably supported within the socket having openings positionable in alignment with the air and water inlets in the socket. A nozzle assembly supported on the ball fitting is of a unitary one-piece construction forming a Venturi nozzle, mixing chamber and directional nozzle in an integral structure. The nozzle assembly is rotatably supported on the ball fitting with the ball fitting and nozzle assembly having shaped openings through which water from the water inlet flows into the Venturi jet nozzle. Rotation of the nozzle assembly with respect to the ball fitting changes the combined shape of the shaped openings to alter the pressure of water flowing through the jet assembly.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a spa water jet aerator which proportionately controls the flow of water and air with a single control movement of a valve mechanism. The air and water apertures in the valve body are so shaped and located such that the air flow is controlled so as to be a function of volume of water flow. The function can be varied by varying the shapes and placements of the air and water passageways in the valve body relative to the locations and shapes of the air and water passageways in the aerator body. A key feature is that the air passageway can never be open to any extent when the water passageway is not open sufficiently to create a lower pressure in the mixing chamber than is present in the air supply line since this can lead to malfunction in ganged operation. A separate clamping mechanism allows adjustment of the water flow control valve to be independent of clamping movement of the clamping mechanism.

Abstract: An improved freezeproof valve assembly is provided for a water hydrant, such as an outdoor drinking fountain or the like. The valve assembly comprises a sump housing for installation below the ground frost line and for connection between a water supply pipe and a standpipe, the latter being coupled in turn to a fountain bubbler head or the like. A control valve within the sump housing is opened pneumatically upon depression of an actuator button on the fountain to permit water flow from the supply pipe through a main jet pump which draws an induced water flow from within the sump housing through an induction port thereby providing a combined water flow through the standpipe to the bubbler head. This combined water flow is maintained substantially constant by a float-activated refill valve which permits a refill water flow from the supply pipe into the sump housing sufficient to maintain the housing water level above the main jet pump induction port.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device includes a first fluid flow passageway, a fluid inlet into the first passageway, a fluid outlet from the first passageway, a second fluid flow passageway in flow communication with the first passageway, and a fluid flow-through opening in fluid flow communication with the second passageway. The fluid flow control device is controlled to selectively provide, alternatively, a vacuum or a pressure condition at the flow-through opening. A pneumatic transfer system is also disclosed for alternately transferring a batch of particulate material from a storage area to a batching vessel, and for transferring the particulate material from the batching vessel to a remote location. The system includes a single blower having its high pressure side in flow communication with the fluid flow control device for selectively providing both vacuum and pressure conditions in the batching vessel to effect the selected transferring of particulate material into and out of the batching vessel.

Abstract: A vacuum generator of the ejector type includes a control valve subjected to frictional damping forces wherein the frictional damping forces are varied in response to changes in pressure differentials in the device such that the control valve is enabled to move quickly between opened and closed conditions thereby avoiding throttling of the motive fluid.