Abstract: This invention relates to a new way of packing smokable vessels such that an open column for the flow of air is created and greatly increases the efficiency of the smoking vessel. Variations include a more efficient way of infusing smokable material after packing into smokable vessels. This invention relates to single-use and is scalable all the way up to mass production.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to dental anesthetic delivery devices and associated methods for using the same. In certain embodiments, an anesthetic delivery device may comprise a pressure-driven needleless injector configured to deliver anesthetic deeply into the gingiva, allowing for a deep numbing and anesthetic effect and reducing pain from subsequent anesthetic injections and/or dental procedures. In some embodiments, the anesthetic delivery device may be T-shaped allowing for a shorter longitude axis length of the syringe body, improved clinician view of the oral cavity during use, single hand and/or ambidextrous use, and/or improved control during positioning.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to the field of injections, for instance needle-free injections, and more specifically, to methods and apparatus for spring-driven intramuscular and intradermal injections. Provided in some embodiments are needle-free injectors adapted to deliver intradermal injections, as well as vial adaptors that are adapted to function as spacers when used with a needle-free injection device.

Abstract: Low latency pitch adjustable rotors are disclosed. A disclosed example rotor includes a rotor hub to rotate about a rotational axis, rotor blades coupled to the rotor hub, the rotor blades being pitch adjustable and having corresponding pitch angles, and a reaction hinge operatively coupled between the rotor hub and the rotor blades, the reaction hinge to move relative to the rotor hub in response to an angular acceleration or deceleration of the rotor hub to adjust the pitch angles.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder includes a piston that defines a driving pressure chamber and a cushion pressure chamber within a cylinder tube, an air chamber defined inside a hollow piston rod, an orifice that leads a working fluid in the cushion pressure chamber into the air chamber when the cushion pressure chamber contracts during an extension operation, a check valve that returns a working fluid in the air chamber to the driving pressure chamber when a differential pressure between the air chamber and the driving pressure chamber rises to or above a predetermined value, and a valve housing that houses the check valve. A throttle gap is defined between an outer peripheral surface of the valve housing and an inner peripheral surface of the piston rod, and a working fluid ejected from the orifice during the extension operation flows into the air chamber through the throttle gap.

Abstract: There is provided an ultra high vacuum (UHV) compatible lead-through comprises (a) a housing, (b) a first space, within the housing, connected via a first port to a space outside the UHV-compatible lead through, (c) a second space, within the housing, connected via a second port to a closed system containing a polarized gas, (d) a movable component, separating the first space from the second space via an intermediate space, and (e) seals for limiting a penetration of volatile media from the first space into the second space. The lead through is particularly suited for use in the production of polarized gases, such as 3He.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine having hydraulic valve actuators each assigned to one gas exchange valve, with one adjusting piston acting on the gas exchange valve and two hydraulic work chambers defined by the adjusting piston the first work chamber acting on the gas exchange valve in the closing direction being constantly filled with fluid that is under pressure, and the second work chamber acting on the gas exchange valve in the opening direction can be filled with and relieved of fluid that is under pressure in alternation via a first and second electrical control valve. Two valve actuators are each triggered in alternation by the same first and the same second control valve, and the switchover of the control valves is performed during the closing state of the two gas exchange valves actuated by these valve actuators.

Abstract: A valve for controlling fluids, having an inflow line and a leak fuel line, which each communicate with a pressure chamber. A piston element is adjustable by a control element and opens and closes a first passage between the inflow line and the pressure chamber. The piston element has a slide element, which is disposed directly at the seat of the piston element. The stroke length of the slide element for opening the first passage is greater than or equal to the stroke length for closing a second passage between the pressure chamber and the leak fuel line.

Abstract: A pilot stage of an electrohydraulic control valve controls the position of a pilot actuated main stage by controlling fluid flow through a flow path that connects a supply port to an exhaust port and to an end of the main stage. A proportional valve of the pilot stage has a valve element for establishing a variable flow control orifice to control fluid flow through the flow path and a bleed orifice disposed in the flow path downstream of the proportional valve to generate fluid pressure upstream of the bleed orifice and at the end of the main stage.

Abstract: A defined exhuast restriction in the form of an orifice or variable valve is provided to back-pressure the pulsating exhaust of an air motor or the like to reduce the formation of ice in the exhaust system.

Abstract: A solenoid operated directional valve including a main section having a reciprocally mounted main fluid controlling valving member moveable between three positions in a housing. The housing defines at least two working ports and the main valving member controls fluid communication between a valve inlet and the two ports. An annular power piston assembly is coupled to the main valving member and effects movement in the valve member between three positions. A control member slidably supports both the annular piston and, an armature driven valving member which controls the communication of pressurized fluid to piston chambers. The piston defines at least one inlet associated with each chamber and housing structure defines restricted bleed passages through which pressurized fluid in the piston chambers is discharged.

Abstract: A flow control device includes a housing with separate main flow and flow control (servo) passages between an inlet port and an exit port. A control chamber in the housing is in fluid communication with the servo passage. A flexible membrane forms a partition between the main flow passage and the control chamber. The servo passage includes a variable servo orifice upstream of the control chamber and a fixed orifice downstream of the chamber. When the servo valve is open to permit passage of fluid into the control chamber, the resultant pressure on the membrane maintains the main valve closed. The main valve opens in response to closing the servo valve. The fixed orifice has a profile sufficiently small to provide for an acceptable leak or continuous fluid flow through the device when the servo valve is open, and further provides for a soft start when the servo valve is closed to open the main valve.

Abstract: A control system for a fluid operated jack reduces the speed of retraction of a piston rod of the jack to an acceptable rate during a preselected range of operation by adding pressurized fluid flow to the fluid being exhausted from the jack through a restrictor valve to the reservoir. This reduction in speed reduces the potential for damage to the jack and associated componentry without sacrificing efficiency of operation. An implement controller causes fluid flow from a fluid source to be combined with the flow of fluid being exhausted from the jack in response to receiving a position signal from a implement position sensor and subsequent to the implement controller commanding the shifting of a control valve to a position at which fluid flow is passed from the fluid operated jack to the reservoir. The control system is particularly suitable for use on an automatic guided vehicle.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuator system, for use in an aircraft, and in which the servo fluid supply to the system is used to provide for the operation and cooling of the system. The system comprises a hydraulically operated piston mechanism including at least one hydraulically operated piston, a servo vluid input to the system, which is connected in a ring main to a first side of the hydraulically operated piston, a servo fluid output from the system, which is connected in a ring main to a second side of the hydraulically operated piston, a variable restrictor arrangement which provides an interface between the servo fluid input ring main and the servo fluid output ring main, and a restrictor arrangement positioned in the servo fluid output side of the system. The position of the piston of the hydraulic piston and the adjustment thereof, are controlled by the restriction applied on the system by the variable restrictor arrangement.

Abstract: A hollow cylindrical amplifier driven actuator spool has first and second vortex chambers divided by an internal piston. A shaft is attached to the pistion and extends out the cylinder. Fluid logic controls the fluid flow in the vortex chambers so that the resulting chamber pressure causes the piston to accelerate. The use of beam deflection amplifiers for fluid control in connection with a push-pull vortex amplifier arrangement results in a device with low fluid flow leakage.

Abstract: A fluid pressure control device is described effective to actuate an external device when the differential-pressure between a high-pressure fluid source and a lower pressure fluid source rises to a predetermined magnitude. The control device comprises a housing having a partition wall therein dividing its interior into two compartments communicating with each other through an opening in the partition wall. A differential-pressure sensing member is disposed in one of the compartments and is movable therein in response to the sensed differential-pressure. A stem is fixed to the differential-pressure sensing member so as to be moved therewith and carries a valve member at one end for moving it with respect to the valve opening to control the flow of the fluid therethrough and thereby to actuate the external device.

Abstract: A spray assembly is disclosed which comprises a plurality of control valves disposed within a common housing each of which is independently actuatable whereby the flow of a plurality of fluids may be individually controlled for intermixing and delivery via a common outlet. The control valves utilized in the spray assembly of the present invention incorporate piston actuated plunger assemblies which are designed for extremely rapid operation whereby substantially maximum liquid fluid flow may be obtained almost instantaneously and rapid shut off may also be achieved.

Abstract: A hydraulically unblockable non-return valve has a control piston (21), the control side of which can be connected with a control pressure medium source (35) and the other side of which can be connected with a supply container (33). In order to create a hydraulically unblockable non-return valve, in which the control side of the control piston does not need to be relieved of pressure, the other side of the control piston is perpetually connected with the supply container. Also provided is a throttle bore (27) which connects the two sides of the control piston with each other.

Abstract: A variable speed drive unit having a clutch disc stack including input and output shafts, a first series of drive plates located in a fluid reservoir and supported for rotation by a rotatable housing of the unit rotated by one of said shafts, a second series of driven discs interleaved with the drive plates and supported for rotation with the other of said shafts, a piston slideably movable in a piston chamber located at one end of the interleaved plates and discs and adapted to compressively engage the interleaved plates and discs, and a control for the piston providing a gradually increasing rated profile without the need for electronic back-up or extraneous controls. The control includes a two position input flow control and a fixed output flow control, comprising a series of plugs, which output control can be selectively varied between operations of the unit to provide alternate rate profiles for engagement and disengagement of the input and output shafts of the unit.

Abstract: The servo-motor system is provided with an internal control line which communicates one control valve with a cylinder chamber which is connected to a control valve connected with an external control line. The internal control line permits the second valve to be actuated via the externally controlled control valve.

Abstract: An electrically actuated servocontrol system for a static pressure-operated load is connected to a supply of hydraulic fluid under pressure. The supply has an outlet port and a return port. A relief means is connected across the supply port for maintaining the supply at a constant pressure. A servocontrol valve has its inlet coupled to the outlet of the outlet port of the supply and its outlet coupled through a flow restrictor to the return sump of the power supply. The load is coupled between the output of the servocontrol valve and the flow restrictor. The flow restrictor also includes means for adjustably varying the amount of restriction so that the function of the servovalve can be made with linear variations in input control signals.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the idle speed of an internal combustion engine. A contact arm contacts a throttle lever to limit movement of the lever in one direction and to move the lever in the opposite direction so to control the position of a carburetor throttle valve. A vacuum operated unit maintains the contact arm at one position and moves it from one position to another. The vacuum pressure at which the vacuum unit operates is controlled by an electrically operated variable position solenoid which controls flow of bleed air to the vacuum unit. When the solenoid is maintained at one position, the contact arm is maintained at a particular position by the vacuum unit. The contact arm is moved to a new position when a change in the solenoid position changes the vacuum pressure in the vacuum unit to a different level.

Abstract: A carburetor equipped with an auto-choke device is disclosed wherein according to one embodiment a leak valve is disposed in a negative pressure chamber of a diaphragm device adapted to operate by a negative pressure in a suction passage downstream of a throttle valve so as to open a choke valve in said suction passage to a predetermined degree of opening (complete explosion opening) after an engine has rotated by itself, and when the diaphragm has executed a predetermined shift, the leak valve is opened, and simultaneously, the downstream of the leak valve is brought into the atmospheric pressure for engine temperatures below a set value and into the same negative pressure as that of the negative pressure chamber for engine temperatures at and above the set value, whereby the operating stroke of the diaphragm is changed-over in two stages in dependence upon the water temperature or oil temperature, and the complete explosion opening of the choke valve is changed-over in two stages so that it may become narro

Abstract: A forward motion arresting means is added to a fluid powered lance to reduce the harmful effect of the stopping of the lance forward motion. A plug member mounted on the lance mates with a body member within the housing to prevent fluid flow and reduce the lance forward motion. Rearward motion arresting is achieved by the addition of a reservoir portion which acts as a hydraulic stop in conjunction with the lance piston.

Abstract: A fluid actuator housing (40) supports an output member 56 and a valve assembly (62). The valve assembly controls fluid communication to a pair of chambers (58, 60) to reciprocate the output member within the housing. The first part (64) of the valve assembly directs fluid communication to the chambers and the second part (66) is engageable with the output member to control movement of the first part.

Abstract: An oil level control system uses an available pressure source to operate a fluid motor which is integrally connected with a reciprocating fluid pump. The pump has an inlet passage disposed at the desired oil level in a primary reservoir. A pair of one-way valves cooperate with the pump to draw oil, above the desired level, from the primary reservoir and deliver the oil to a secondary reservoir. A restricted drain back passage permits the fluid to return to the primary reservoir to ensure that the desired level is maintained. The fluid motor is connected with an accumulator such that the initial portion of the stroke is operated by the pressure source of the pump stroke. The motor is driven by pressurized fluid in the accumulator.

Abstract: A pneumatically actuated adjusting device, particularly for throttle flap adjustment on mixture-compressing combustion engines, with a diaphragm held between a housing upper portion and a housing lower portion. This diaphragm forms a vacuum-charged working chamber with the housing upper portion. With the housing lower portion it forms a chamber open to ambient atmosphere. A guide bushing projects from the housing upper portion on the atmosphere vented side of the diaphragm and is rigidly connected to it. The diaphragm is also rigidly connected to two concentric spaced diaphragm plate pairs. The outer diaphragm plate pair is connected to a pipe moving inside the guide bushing. This pipe has one or several recesses, with a ball in every recess. Indentations in the guide bushing have diameters corresponding to the ball diameter, with the depth determining the stroke of the first adjustment stage. The inner diaphragm is rigidly connected to a control piston inside the pipe. This control piston has a recess.

Abstract: A circulating flow hydraulic pilot system supplies pressurized fluid from a source to a sump through first and second parallel disposed conduits. Selective pressurization of each conduit is achieved by a pilot valve and a fluid restrictor that are series interposed into each conduit. A fluid actuator includes two ports that communicate with respective ones of the conduits intermediate of respective ones of the pilot valves and fluid restrictors. Other pilot valves are provided for manually overriding the pilot system.

Abstract: A hydraulic fluid spool valve having a bore in the housing and a stationary rod centrally through the bore; a hollow valve spool in the bore and embracing the rod, the spool having main lands and grooves engaging the bore periphery for variously connecting and obstructing fluid passages intersecting with the bore, the spool having control lands at its opposite ends minutely spaced from the bore periphery, and defining band orifices allowing continuous flow of hydraulic oil, and passages at the ends of the bore supplying control hydraulic fluid into the bore, and dual end-to-end springs within the hollow spool, anchored on the rod and also anchored to the spool to return the spool to centered rest position.

Abstract: The support jack comprises a cylinder and a piston which define therebetween a variable-volume chamber. An inlet aperture and an outlet aperture for control fluid are provided for the chamber. Escape passageways are provided in evenly-spaced relation about the rod of the piston and put the chamber in communication with the annular space between the fixed and moving component parts of the jack and open radially onto said space. These passageways create pressure drops which are higher than the pressure drops due to the annular space.

Abstract: A feathering valve system for modulating the fluid inflow to a selected one of first and second chambers of a movable biased assembly. A controller is electrically coupled to a first and second solenoid operated pilot valve assemblies for selectively (1) maintaining the pilot valve assemblies in a valve closed state without bleed flow through the pilot orifices or (2) supplying a predetermined value electrical signal to either, but not both, of the valve assemblies for actuating one of the assemblies to an open position related to the value of the signal. Fluid under a substantially constant pilot pressure is applied under the poppets of both valve assemblies. Fluid flow is taken from above the poppet of an actuated valve assembly to a respective chamber whereby the movable assembly moves to a position which is a function of the actuating signal value.

Abstract: Automatic temperature control system for vehicles commonly utilize vacuum pressure as a power source to perform various functions such as operating the mode damper which routes hot or cold air through either lower or upper outlets. The vacuum pressure is directed to the vacuum motor or actuator to the mode door by a vacuum switch. Normally, the switch is of the type having a stationary ported member and an overlying member which is movable to interconnect the various ports. Undesirable split modes of operation occur because of either improper placement of the rotatable switch member or excessive leakage thereby. Split mode operation may undesirably cause improper allocation of hot and cold air through upper and lower outlets. The subject application provides a vacuum switching device or "toggle" located between the vacuum switch and the vacuum or actuator motor.

Abstract: A combination throttle kicker and deceleration valve comprising a housing, and a wall dividing the housing. A first diaphragm is provided on one side of the said housing is adapted to engage said wall and prevent the flow of air through an opening in the wall. A second diaphragm is provided on the other side of the said wall, and has an orifice therein. A shaft is adapted to be moved by the second diaphragm upon movement of the second diaphragm away from the wall. The shaft extends exteriorly and is adapted to be linked to a throttle. Passages provide communication between the chambers formed by the diaphragms and the ends of the housing.

Abstract: A new control system is provided for a reciprocating fluid stroke motor of the type which is pressured at its rod end, reciprocation being achieved by intermittent exposure of its full blind-end face to the pressure fluid to overcome the pressure applied to its smaller rod-end face. The control means includes a valve for a passage through the piston, with adjustably-positioned trip-stops for shifting the valve between open and closed positions. The valve is biased to snap fully open when the piston movement toward its opening-stop opens it slightly and remain open until striking the closing-stop. Monostable or bistable trip-switch types of biasing means may be used, and unless one holding the valve closed with no fluid pressure is chosen, resumption of pressure supply after discontinuance will cause an initial retraction of the piston to its starting position, allowing time for the controlled apparatus to attain acceptable speed.

Abstract: A feathering valve system for modulating the fluid inflow to a selected one of first and second spool ends of a spool valve assembly. A controller is electrically coupled to first and second solenoid operated pilot valve assemblies for selectively (1) maintaining the pilot valve assemblies in a valve closed state without bleed flow through the pilot orifices or (2) supplying a predetermined value electrical signal to either, but not both, of the valve assemblies for actuating one of the assemblies to an open position related to the value of the signal. Fluid under a substantially constant pilot pressure is applied under the poppets of both valve assemblies. Fluid flow is taken from above the poppet of an actuated valve assembly to a respective spool end whereby the spool moves to a position which is a function of the actuating signal value.

Abstract: A valve structure capable of being referred to as a fluid amplifier can be constructed so as to include a principal valve and a pilot valve. Each of these valves has a valve body including a pressure port, a return port and at least one service port, and has a valve member movably mounted within the valve body so as to be capable of being moved to regulate flow between the noted ports. A first passage connects the pressure ports of the pilot and principal valves and a second passage connects the service port in the pilot valve with an actuation structure in the principal valve. This actuation structure is used to move the valve member in the principal valve in accordance with the operation of the pilot valve. A control actuator is used to move the valve member in the pilot valve. Such a control actuator is preferably a pneumatic actuator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hydraulic regulator of a type which may be operated by electromagnetic switching valves. The assembly includes a piston and cylinder arrangement with position setting chambers at opposite ends thereof of larger diameter than the servo piston. Movable abutment elements in the chambers of larger diameter than the servo piston are biased by centering springs. There are parallel circuit branches in which the end chambers are disposed and switching valves are in these branches. The actuating of one of the valves to block its branch lower the pressure in the end chamber in that branch causing the piston to move towards the blocked branch so as to move away from the biasing force of the opposite spring biased element and engage the biasing force of the adjacent spring biased element. When the other switching valve is actuated to block its branch to stop the piston in a desired position, the fluid pressure in the end chambers is equal.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated stapling apparatus and method for driving a staple into a workpiece whenever the workpiece is moved into a stapling position between a staple driver and a backing member. The method and apparatus are particularly suited for stapling difficult to handle workpieces of the type including a panel and a sheet of flexible material to be mounted thereon, and the method and apparatus are able to advantageously use a pneumatic stapling gun of a known type having a staple driving mechanism controlled by a valve plunger positionable either to advance the staple driver toward the backing member, or to retract the staple driver.

Abstract: A sensitive low contact mass pick up assembly for picking up fragile devices is disclosed. The pick up assembly is fluid actuated and comprises a contact element which moves toward the device to be picked up with a controlled motion and which is provided with a controlled deacceleration such that the motion of the element becomes substantially zero as the element approaches the device to be picked up and the impact on the device is significantly reduced.