Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080202588 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING GAS FLOW TO A PROCESSING CHAMBER - A method and apparatus for delivering gases to a semiconductor processing system are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for delivering gases to a semiconductor processing system includes a plurality of gas input and output lines having inlet and outlet ports. Connecting lines couple respective pairs of the gas input and gas output lines. Connecting valves are arranged to control flow through the respective connecting lines. Mass gas flow controllers are arranged to control flow into respective inlet ports. In another embodiment, a method includes providing a manifold having at least a plurality of inlet that may be selectively coupled to at least one of a plurality of outlets, flowing one or more gases through the manifold to a vacuum environment by-passing the processing chamber prior to processing or to a calibration circuit, and flowing the one or more gases into the processing chamber during substrate processing. | 08-28-2008 |
20080236668 | Microfluidic Valve - A microfluidic valve. A microfluidic channel is formed in a substrate. A cooling element cools a substance in the channel to inhibit flow of the substance through the channel. A heating element warms the substance to overcome the effect of the cooling and enable the substance to flow through the channel. The valve may serve as a component of a microfluidic device that in turn may be part of a microfluidic system. | 10-02-2008 |
20080236669 | MICROFABRICATED ELASTOMERIC VALVE AND PUMP SYSTMES - A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate. | 10-02-2008 |
20080271785 | Control System And Method For A Fuel Processor - The mass flow rate of a first reactant stream supplied to a fuel processor is controlled based on a combined feed-forward and feedback control regime. The method is particularly applicable for actively controlling the fuel supply to a fuel processor in a system comprising a combustion engine, in which the fuel processor is fluidly connected to receive at least a portion of an engine exhaust stream from the engine. In embodiments of the system and method, the supply of fuel is controlled based on three mass flow factors. | 11-06-2008 |
20080289691 | Mass Flow Rate Control System - A dosage system for feeding a fluid (A) to a static mixer ( | 11-27-2008 |
20080289692 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR PROGRAMMABLE MICROSCALE MANIPULATION OF FLUIDS - The present invention is directed generally to devices and methods for controlling fluid flow in meso-scale fluidic components in a programmable manner. Specifically, the present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for placing two microfluidic components in fluid communication at an arbitrary position and time, both of which are externally defined. The inventive apparatus uses electromagnetic radiation to perforate a material layer having selected adsorptive properties. The perforation of the material layer allows the fluid communication between microfluidic components. Other aspects of this invention include an apparatus and method to perform volumetric quantitation of fluids, an apparatus to program arbitrary connections between a set of input capillaries and a set of output capillaries, and a method to transport fluid in centripetal device from a larger to a smaller radius. In addition, the present invention also is directed to a method to determine the radial and polar position of a pickup in the reference frame of a rotating device. | 11-27-2008 |
20080314449 | CHECK VALVE - In one aspect of the present invention, it is contemplated that a valve includes a passage. A first sealing element is biased to restrict flow of a fluid in a first direction through the passage when an upstream volumetric flow rate of the fluid in the first direction is less than a first predetermined threshold. A second sealing element is biased to unrestrict flow of the fluid to a baseline unrestricted flow rate in a second direction through the passage when an upstream volumetric flow rate of the fluid in the second direction is less than a second predetermined threshold. | 12-25-2008 |
20080314450 | Flow Control - Apparatus for controlling the flow of fluids through a sample channel comprises:
| 12-25-2008 |
20080314451 | Frozen/chilled fluid for pipelines and for storage facilities - Methods of, and apparatus for, storing and transporting a hazardous fluid, such as a combustible fuel, include methods and means, respectively, for:
| 12-25-2008 |
20090000664 | Batch interface reducing agent (BIRDA) - A method of reducing the batch interface mixing on heavy crude oil and bitumen pipelines through injection of a batch interface reducing agent (BIRDA) into the batch, and recovery of the material from the batch. The BIRDA is comprised of low carbon count hydrocarbons in the ethane to pentane range, or a mixture thereof. | 01-01-2009 |
20090050209 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FILLING A BATHTUB - An apparatus for filling a bathtub ( | 02-26-2009 |
20090065064 | COMPRESSOR TIP GAP FLOW CONTROL USING PLASMA ACTUATORS - A plasma generator for delaying the onset of rotation stall by tip gap flow control in, for example, an axial flow compressor is disclosed. The tip gap flow control system includes a housing surrounding a rotor of blades and having an inner wall. At least one plasma generating device is coupled to the inner wall of the housing and circumscribes at least a portion of the rotor of blades. A power supply is electrically coupled to the plasma generating device such that when the power supply energizes the plasma generating device, the axial momentum of a fluid flow between the inner wall of the housing and the tips of the rotor of blades in increased in the direction of the fluid flow. | 03-12-2009 |
20090071541 | IMPLEMENTATION OF MICROFLUIDIC COMPONENTS IN A MICROFLUIDIC SYSTEM - A system and method for integrating microfluidic components in a microfluidic system enables the microfluidic system to perform a selected microfluidic function. A capping module includes a microfluidic element for performing a microfluidic function. The capping module is stacked on a microfluidic substrate having microfluidic plumbing to incorporate the microfluidic function into the system. An infusion pump for delivering a fluid from a fluid source may be integrated in a microfluidic chip using a capping module having pumping components formed therein. | 03-19-2009 |
20090078320 | Steam exhaust assembly - There is provided an apparatus for condensing and removing exhaust steam from sterilization equipment. The apparatus comprises a primary exhaust vessel and condensing means which accepts and condenses exhaust steam from sterilization equipment. A secondary exhaust vessel, connected to the primary exhaust vessel, provides for further condensing and elimination of exhaust steam. The apparatus may include a drain system for disposing of condensate from the secondary exhaust vessel. | 03-26-2009 |
20090084445 | Nanojet Spouting Method and Nanojet Mechanism - A liquid is occluded in a predetermined carbon nanotube and then heated above a liquid-gas phase transition temperature to spout from the carbon nanotube. | 04-02-2009 |
20090133755 | Gas supply system and proessing system - A processing system that can supply a material gas produced inside a material reservoir tank into a processing apparatus while generating almost no pressure loss is provided. | 05-28-2009 |
20090145485 | MICROFLUIDIC METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR FLUID MIXING AND VALVING - According to one embodiment, an apparatus and method for delivering one or more fluids to a microfluidic channel is provided. A microfluidic channel is provided in communication with a first conduit for delivering fluids to the microfluidic channel. Further, the apparatus and method can include a first fluid freeze valve connected to the first conduit and operable to reduce the temperature of the first conduit for freezing fluid in the first conduit such that fluid is prevented from advancing through the first conduit. | 06-11-2009 |
20090159132 | Method for operating a metering valve and device for performing the method - A method for operating a metering valve and a device for performing the method, providing for diagnosis of the metering valve which defines a flow rate of a reagent to be introduced into an exhaust gas area of an internal combustion engine. The diagnosis is performed on the basis of an analysis of a measure for the flow rate during a diagnosis time. According to a first embodiment, after a diagnosis start signal has occurred with the metering valve closed, the reagent is brought to a predefined diagnosis starting pressure via a pump; the metering valve is then set at a predefined flow rate and the pressure difference occurring during the diagnosis time is analyzed. According to another embodiment, the amount of reagent delivered by the metering valve during the diagnosis time into a graduated beaker is analyzed. | 06-25-2009 |
20090173389 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR A WIDE CONDUCTANCE KIT - An apparatus for controlling gas flow conductance in a plasma processing chamber being configured with an upper electrode disposed opposite a lower electrode adapted to support a substrate is provided. The apparatus includes a ground ring configured to include a first set of radial slots formed therein. The apparatus also includes a confinement ring arrangement which includes at least a first set of collapsible confinement rings and a second set of collapsible confinement rings which is configured to movably couple to the first set of collapsible confinement rings. The apparatus further includes a mechanism configured at least to collapse and to expand the first set of collapsible confinement rings and the second set of collapsible confinement rings to control gas flow conductance through the first set of radial slots between (a) an unobstructed gas flow, ON state, and (b) an obstructed gas flow, OFF state. | 07-09-2009 |
20090178713 | High Flow Capacity Positioner - A valve positioner for controlling a valve closure element is provided. The positioner includes a positioner housing with a plurality of fluid flow passageways in fluid communication with a fluid supply source and the valve closure element. The positioner housing is configured to receive a detachable spool manifold assembly. The spool manifold assembly is positioned adjacent the plurality of fluid flow passageways. The spool manifold assembly includes a reciprocally moveable spool configured to selectively port fluid flow from the plurality of fluid flow passageways. The spool manifold assembly includes a diaphragm connected to the spool via a flexible shaft. The diaphragm is in fluid communication with a transducer for receiving a fluid causing the diaphragm to expand or contract and thereby displacing the spool. The flexible shaft is radially elastic in order to minimize axial backlash between the diaphragm and the spool. The flexible shaft configuration minimizes the spool stroke. | 07-16-2009 |
20090183777 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DYNAMIC SOLENOID RESPONSE ADJUST CONTROL - A method is described for controlling a solenoid-operated fluid valve having an output hydraulic pressure that varies in accordance with an input solenoid control current delivered from a drive circuit. A model is provided characterizing the plant dynamics of the solenoid-operated fluid valve and the drive circuit where the model is dependent on at least one operating parameter. The method, during operation, involves measuring the value of the operating parameter and adjusting based on the measured operating parameter value one or more gain constants to be used in a selected control strategy. The model is used in adjusting the gains. Finally, the method involves determining a required solenoid control current according to the control strategy with the now dynamically-adjusted gain constants. The control strategy may be a PI control strategy. The model-based system allows easy migration of the general control strategy to different hardware configurations by developing target system specific data for the model. | 07-23-2009 |
20090199904 | LOW SHEAR PUMPS FOR USE WITH BIOREACTORS - Embodiments of a pump system include a bioreactor containing a media with live algae cultures, a gas vent line, a pressurized gas line, a valve system in fluid communication with the gas vent line and the pressurized gas line, a fluid outlet, and a pump chamber in fluid communication with the bioreactor, the valve system, and the fluid outlet. According to such embodiments, the valve system is configured to switch fluid communication with the pump chamber between the gas vent line and the pressurized gas line, and a lowest level of the pump chamber is lower than a highest level of the bioreactor. Such embodiments may also include a first valve configured to permit one-way flow from the bioreactor to the pump chamber, and a second valve configured to permit one-way flow from the pump chamber through the fluid outlet. | 08-13-2009 |
20090211644 | Instant Hot Water Delivery System - An instant hot water delivery system for efficiently heating water when necessary to provide instant hot water to a faucet. The instant hot water delivery system generally includes a water heater including an inlet and an outlet, a cold water supply line introducing cold water into the inlet, a hot water supply line connecting the outlet to a faucet and a recirculation line connected to the hot water supply downstream of the outlet and the cold water supply line upstream of the inlet. The recirculation line forms a first recirculation loop for water within the water heater to flow during a first water heating process. A recirculation pump is connected to the cold water supply line between the local recirculation line and the inlet for circulating the water during the water heating process. | 08-27-2009 |
20090242034 | FLUID CONTROL APPARATUS - A method and apparatus for controlling the flow of a fluid past a device having a flow adjusting device comprising transmitting a temperature to a thermally reactive material having a coefficient of thermal expansion which produces a volume change in the thermally reactive material in response to a change in the temperature. The thermally reactive material is enclosed within a container having a movable portion which is moved in response to the volume change of the thermally reactive material and the movement of the movable portion is applied to actuate the flow adjusting device. The flow adjusting device may comprise a fluid propulsion device such as a fan or pump or a throttling device such as a throttling, check, or shuttle valve. | 10-01-2009 |
20090255587 | METHOD FOR WATER HAMMERLESS OPENING OF FLUID PASSAGE, AND METHOD FOR SUPPLYING CHEMICAL SOLUTIONS AND DEVICE FOR WATER HAMMERLESS OPENING FOR WHICH THE METHOD IS USED - The water hammerless opening device comprises an actuator operating type valve installed on the fluid passage, an electro-pneumatic conversion device to supply the 2-step actuator operating pressure Pa to the afore-mentioned actuator operating type valve, a vibration sensor removably fixed to the pipe passage on the upstream side of the actuator operating type valve, and a tuning box to which the vibration detecting signal Pr detected by the vibration sensor is inputted, through which the control signal Sc to control the step operating pressure Ps′ of the afore-mentioned 2-step actuator operating pressure Pa is outputted to the electro-pneumatic conversion device, and with which the 2-step actuator operating pressure Pa, of the step operating pressure Ps′ which makes the vibration detecting signal Pr nearly zero, is outputted from the electro-pneumatic conversion by adjusting the control signal Sc. | 10-15-2009 |
20090277507 | Substrate processing systems and related methods - A system for processing one or more substrates according to the present invention includes a diversion valve that can deliver two or more process fluids to a dispensing device through a common line/pipe. The present invention also includes related methods. | 11-12-2009 |
20090283148 | MICROCHIP AND CHANNEL STRUCTURE FOR THE SAME - A microchip includes a channel permitting a sheath liquid to flow therethrough; and a microtube for introducing a sample liquid into a laminar flow of the sheath liquid flowing through the channel; wherein liquid feeding is performed in the condition where a laminar flow of the sample liquid introduced through the microtube is surrounded by the laminar flow of the sheath liquid. | 11-19-2009 |
20090283149 | Automatic flush actuation apparatus - An automatic flush actuation apparatus, which is incorporated with a flushing system having a water inlet, a water outlet, and a water chamber communicating therebetween, that includes a valve member being moved by a flush lever for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing from the water inlet to the water outlet, and a sensor-operated powering assembly including a relief valve provided at the valve member for controlling the water flowing to the water outlet and an actuator arranged in such a manner that while sensing a presence of a user of the flushing system, the actuator is driven to move the relief valve to an opened position for releasing the water pressure within the water chamber to allow the water passing to said water outlet. | 11-19-2009 |
20090283150 | Automate fluid flow control system - An automate fluid flow control system includes a valve member for being sealedly disposed within a fluid chamber to seal a flow of fluid flowing from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet, a relief valve having a fluid passage extended along the valve member for communicating the fluid chamber with the fluid outlet and including a valve stopper sitting on a top opening of the fluid passage to sealedly close the fluid passage, and a powering assembly including an actuator to move the relief valve between a closed position that the valve stopper is sealedly retained to close the fluid passage and an opened position that the actuator drives the valve stopper to unseal the fluid passage for releasing a pressure within the water chamber to allow the fluid passing to the fluid outlet. | 11-19-2009 |
20090293958 | Thermally activated pressure relief - The housing is attachable to a high pressure fluid containing structure. A piston is provided within the housing, with the piston having a closed position and an open position. The closed position blocks an outlet vent of the relief device, with the open position allowing high pressure fluid to escape through the vent. The piston is biased toward the open position by the high pressure fluid, but is held in the closed position by a slide. The slide has a first position and a second position, with the first position holding the piston in the closed position. A spring biases the slide toward a second position, with a eutectic mass resisting movement of the slide to the second position. The eutectic mass is selected to have a melting point matching a maximum design temperature for the high pressure fluid containing structure. Should the eutectic mass melt, the high pressure fluid escapes. | 12-03-2009 |
20090308459 | Valves and Methods for Regulating the Flow Rate of a Liquid to a Fixture - Embodiments of valves permit liquids such as water to flow therethrough at a relatively high flow rate when the temperature of the water is below a predetermined level. The valves reduce the flow rate when the temperature of the water is at or above the predetermined level. The valves can thus facilitate purging of cold water from the hot-water supply piping upstream of the valves at a relatively fast rate, while reducing the flow rate of the water once the water reaching the valves has warmed to a comfortable level. | 12-17-2009 |
20090314351 | PERSUASIVE ENVIRONMENTAL RECOVERY SYSTEM - A sewer backup alarm and overflow prevention device eliminates raw sewage spills by preventing pressure buildup in sewer drains. One or more sewage level sensors may be coupled to an alarm and/or to an automatic water main shut-off valve. The level sensor may detect excess fluid levels in a sewer lateral line. The sewer backup alarm and overflow prevention device may include a joggle which is a component of a non-mechanical backflow prevention device. The level sensor may detect fluid levels in the lower portion of the joggle and activate the automatic water main shut-off valve and/or the alarm. The sewer backup alarm and overflow prevention device may include at least one two-way, in-line cleanout tube which may extend vertically upwardly from the joggle. The level sensor may be mounted in the vertical cleanout tube. The components may be contained within a seamless polyethylene vault for ease of installation and protection against root intrusion. | 12-24-2009 |
20090320927 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING GAS VALVE OF DRYER - Disclosed herein is a method of controlling a gas valve of a dryer which controls the amount of gas supplied into a gas combustor. The method includes detecting the temperature of hot air supplied into a drum, detecting the temperature of the hot air discharged outside the drum, and controlling a gas valve of a gas combustor according to the temperature of the hot air supplied into the drum and the temperature of the hot air discharged outside the drum. | 12-31-2009 |
20100000608 | FLOW RATE CONTROL USING MASS FLOW RATE CONTROL DEVICE - It is possible to respecify the product (mass flow controller) corresponding to multiple types of actual process gases and multiple flow rate ranges, even after the mass flow controller has been shipped. With the mass flow rate control device in an initial state, calibration gas characteristic data is derived by measuring actual flow rate versus a flow rate setting signal using a calibration gas, and this calibration gas characteristic data is then saved to control unit. Meanwhile, actual gas characteristic data is derived by measuring actual flow rate versus a flow rate setting signal for each of a plurality of types of actual gas, and this actual gas characteristic data is then saved to a storage medium. Subsequently, prior to operating the mass flow rate control device, the actual gas characteristic data for an actual process gas is read from the storage medium via a computer, and the calibration gas characteristic data that was saved to the control unit is read out. The calibration gas characteristic data is then converted to controlled flow rate correction data based on the actual gas characteristic data, and the controlled flow rate correction data is saved to the control unit. Actual gas flow rate is corrected based on this controlled flow rate correction data. | 01-07-2010 |
20100018584 | Microfluidic system and method for manufacturing the same - A microfluidic system is disclosed. The microfluidic system comprises a microchannel having in fluid communication with a fluid inlet for receiving a first fluid. The microfluidic system can further comprise a piezoelectric actuator which controls the flow of the first fluid in the microchannel by selectively applying external pressure on the wall of the microchannel. | 01-28-2010 |
20100024887 | AIR PURGE COLLAR - An air purge apparatus and method is presented to protect an imaging system from contamination by particulate matter and other substances in the ambient environment. The apparatus is adapted to be placed adjacent to a viewing window, lens or optics of an imaging system and to provide a protective flow of air. The apparatus includes a curved surface to direct air from a first plenum toward an imaging path in front of the apparatus. The apparatus also includes one or more openings nearer the lens to direct air from a second plenum into the imaging path. The air from the first plenum entrains air from the second plenum and ambient air to create a fluid stream away from the viewing window, lens, or optics and may form a fluid barrier to reduce contamination of a volume of air in the imaging path of the imaging sensor. | 02-04-2010 |
20100051110 | GAS ACTUATED VALVE - A method and system to pulse at least one solenoid valve to regulate the volume of instrument air or other gas (e.g. nitrogen or natural gas) to the supply side or from the discharge side of a diaphragm actuator. The diaphragm actuator operates a primary variable flow/choke control valve in response to process control signals. | 03-04-2010 |
20100059121 | Scissor baffles for fuel gas conditioning system - A feed gas conditioner. | 03-11-2010 |
20100065128 | CELLULOSE PRETREATMENT PROCESS - A process for the production of ethanol from biomass is disclosed. The process relates to the pretreatment of corncob biomass and includes the steps of exposing corncob to steam in a reaction vessel at an elevated temperature and reaction pressure for a preselected exposure time. Volatile compounds are continuously vented during pretreatment. The reaction pressure is released for explosive decomposition of the corncob biomass into fibrous solids and condensate. The exposure is preferably carried out at a temperature of 190-210° C. and a pressure of 190 psig to 275 psig and an exposure time of 3 to 10 minutes. | 03-18-2010 |
20100071773 | Shaping a Fluid Cavity of a Flow Control Actuator for Creation of Desired Waveform Characteristics - Apparatus and methods provide for a flow control actuator having a fluid cavity that is shaped to create periodic waveforms within the resulting resonant actuating flow with predetermined characteristics for actuating a high-speed fluid flow. According to various embodiments, a flow control actuator includes a power source for exciting the actuator fluid at a resonant frequency and a cavity shaped according to resonant macrosonic synthesis principles to maximize the exit velocity of the actuating flow at an orifice of the actuator. | 03-25-2010 |
20100089459 | MASS FLOW CONTROLLER AND METHOD OF OPERATING THE SAME - One embodiment of the present invention involves a thermal sensor and a method of using the same. One thermal sensor is adapted to output a signal which is unaffected by external longitudinal and orthogonal thermal gradients. In one embodiment, the mass flow controller thermal sensor comprises a capillary tube having an upstream tube portion, a tube bend portion, and a downstream tube portion, the downstream portion being substantially parallel to the upstream portion. A distance between the upstream tube portion and the downstream tube portion in one embodiment is no greater than half the upstream portion and downstream portion lengths, a first pair of thermal sensing elements are coupled to the upstream tube portion and a second pair of thermal sensing elements are coupled to the downstream tube portion. | 04-15-2010 |
20100096018 | INSTANT HOT WATER DELIVERY SYSTEM - An instant hot water delivery system for efficiently heating water when necessary to provide instant hot water to a faucet. The instant hot water delivery system generally includes a water heater including an inlet and an outlet, a cold water supply line introducing cold water into the inlet, a hot water supply line connecting the outlet to a faucet and a recirculation line connected to the hot water supply downstream of the outlet and the cold water supply line upstream of the inlet. The recirculation line forms a first recirculation loop for water within the water heater to flow during a first water heating process. A recirculation pump is connected to the cold water supply line between the recirculation line and the inlet for circulating the water during the water heating process. In one embodiment, the control unit is used to retrofit an existing gas or electric water heater. | 04-22-2010 |
20100101653 | OIL PRESSURE CONTROL DEVICE - In an oil pressure control device equipped with a plurality of solenoid valves, and foreign matter discharge means, the foreign matter discharge means carries out the foreign matter discharge treatment for a treatment period composed of a first period T | 04-29-2010 |
20100108148 | UTILIZING SWELLABLE MATERIALS TO CONTROL FLUID FLOW - Methods and related systems are described for controlling inflow of fluid into a production string. In aspects, the invention provides an inflow control device with a shut-off feature that is operated automatically utilizing swellable materials. | 05-06-2010 |
20100132800 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING FLUCTUATIONS IN MULTIPHASE FLOW PRODUCTION LINES - Methods and apparatus for controlling the effects of slug flow in a flow line installation from a subterranean well to a production facility are described using in the flow line a flow conditioning unit, such as a flow booster and a flow choke, and a measuring device for measuring one or more parameter determined to be the most significant installation design or flow parameters correlated with the slug volume, connected to a control unit receiving input from the measuring device and using a relationship between slug volume and the one or more most significant parameters to control the flow conditioning unit. | 06-03-2010 |
20100139774 | Fluid elements - Fluid composition functions conforming globose quanta least mass, highest elevation least height least length continuous compact composite fluid mass free-surfaces, a rotations composite quanta mass energy perimeter globose and conduit Universe least height surfaces most conserve energy; conforming embodiments quintessential core, natural disposition, genomes, mass energy highest conserving compact composites with completely matched complete complements embody forms; an inflow Inlet, a globose perimeters enclosure and an outlet embodied Sets or drain traps quanta quantum mass PP lengths least sum, in part an upper retention submerged a transition region, and a globose Inlet lower end, an End 2, or a globose-inverse outlet spout lower end, a First End, and respective undersurfaces; | 06-10-2010 |
20100147391 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A FLUID FLOWING THROUGH A PIPELINE - An apparatus and method for controlling the passage of a multiple-phase fluid through a pipeline are provided. The apparatus can generally include a first tubular passage that defines an inlet and an outlet, and a valve that is fluidly positioned between the inlet and the outlet and configured to control the flow of fluid through the first tubular passage. A second tubular passage extends from a first position upstream of the valve to a second position downstream of the valve so that the second tubular passage is configured to receive fluid from the first tubular passage upstream of the valve and deliver the fluid to the first tubular passage downstream of the valve. The valve can be selectively controlled to an open configuration to allow gas in the fluid to flow through the first tubular passage while liquid accumulates in the second tubular passage and a closed configuration to direct gas in the fluid to flow through the second tubular passage and thereby deliver liquid accumulated in the accumulation volume as a slug through the outlet of the first tubular passage. | 06-17-2010 |
20100147392 | Process and apparatus for thawing jelled diesel fuel - Jelled diesel fuel from a truck or the like is pumped into a heating tank where is it heated by hot propylene glycol that has been heated by a burner and that is circulated through heat exchangers in the heating tank. The fuel is heated to a preselected temperature and then returned to the truck's fuel tanks. The fuel filter is removed and a similar shaped shell installed in place of the fuel filter and is pressurized with compressed air to blow jelled fuel out of the fuel lines and a new fuel filter is installed, preferably before the hot fuel is returned to the truck's tanks. | 06-17-2010 |
20100154891 | MATERIAL WITHDRAWAL APPARATUS AND METHODS OF REGULATING MATERIAL INVENTORY IN ONE OR MORE UNITS - Material withdrawal apparatus, methods, and systems of regulating material inventory in one or more units are provided. A material withdrawal apparatus includes a heat exchanger and transport medium junction configured to provide transport medium to transport the withdrawn material from the unit to the heat exchanger. Another material withdrawal apparatus includes a heat exchanger and shock coolant junction configured to provide shock coolant to the material withdrawn from the unit. Another material withdrawal apparatus includes a heat exchanger, shock coolant junction, and transport medium junction. Another embodiment of a material withdrawal apparatus includes a vessel and shock coolant junction. Another material withdrawal apparatus includes a vessel and transport medium junction. The vessel includes a wall, liner with heat insulating refractory material, fill port, and a discharge port. Other embodiments provide methods of withdrawing or regulating material in a unit and systems coupled to a material withdrawal apparatus. | 06-24-2010 |
20100163110 | Forms - Globose-conduits, as one-form least Sets, contain, retain, detain transport mass energy figures illustrated inventions, principles, methodologies, that is self-conserving, preserving mass energy quintessential, core, natural disposition, classic form. Globose-conduits, as unique origin one-form, evolve devolve; rotate, mutate, transpose, transfer to contain, retain, detain and transport highest conserving mass energy modes perfection beyond human skill. Flush Apparatus assemblies adeptly fit into Sets' mass energy highest conserving. Globose-conduit universe extends from microbes submicroscopic atomic subatomic to cosmos makeup retained detained nonhomogeneous, nonuniform, nonsteady, conforming, least energy-mode exchanges quintessential, core, natural disposition. By parallelism analogy of energy-forms globose-conduits are classic perimeters alongside spherical globose with parallelism to homogeneous mass energy round conductors. | 07-01-2010 |
20100175758 | SYSTEM AND METHODS TO CONTROL A PROCESS - A system comprising a system comprising a valve; a controller adapted to actuate the valve; a pressurized source connected to the valve; a hose and nozzle assembly connected to the pressurized source through the valve; and a switch connected to the nozzle assembly; wherein a flow from the pressurized source to the nozzle may be interrupted by the valve and by the nozzle. | 07-15-2010 |
20100180951 | Mass Flow Controller Hysteresis Compensation System & Method - A method of characterizing hysteresis as a function of a device output comprising, applying an input signal across a first input signal range to a device, the input signal inducing a device function having a first output with a first output value range dependent upon the first input signal range. The input signal is further applied across a second input signal range to the device, the input signal inducing the device function to have a second output with a second output value range dependent upon (i) the second input signal range and (ii) device hysteresis. A difference between the second input signal range and the first input signal range is then measured across the first and second output value ranges. A method of operating a mass flow controller valve and a mass flow controller are also contemplated. | 07-22-2010 |
20100180952 | CONTROLLED FORMATION OF HYDRATES - The invention relates to a method for reducing or avoiding deposition of a hydrocarbon hydrate on a surface that is in contact with a hydrocarbon flow which contains water, the method comprising controlling the nucleation of dry hydrocarbon hydrate crystals in the flow. The invention further relates to a method for transporting a hydrocarbon flow which contains a hydrocarbon hydrate and to a method for preparing a dry hydrocarbon hydrate. | 07-22-2010 |
20100186824 | Gas-to-Liquid Plant Using Parallel Units - A plant is provided for processing natural gas. The plant comprises two or more modules connected in parallel. The plant is configured to convert the associated gas into a material with a higher density. In addition, a method of processing gas associated with one or more oil wells. The method comprises the steps of: providing a modular plant comprising two or more modules in parallel wherein at least one of the modules is a robust module and at least one of the modules is an economical module; turning down one or more of the modules when productivity drops; switching off one or more of the modules at least when productivity drops beyond the turndown limit. The natural gas is treated in a Fischer-Tropsch unit. | 07-29-2010 |
20100206386 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY DISABLING UTILITIES - A safety apparatus and method for automatically disabling a utility of a facility. One safety apparatus may be connected, for example, in a basement of a house in line with a water pipe just after a water meter. Another safety apparatus may be connected, for example, in an apartment building in line with a gas utility pipe just after a gas meter. Still another safety apparatus may be connected, for example, in a house in line with a home heating oil pipe. Any of the safety apparatuses include means for measuring a rate of flow of a fluid from a utility fluid source, means for determining if the measured rate of flow indicates the existence of an abnormal flow condition, and means for disabling the flow of fluid from the utility fluid source if the abnormal flow condition is determined to exist. | 08-19-2010 |
20100206387 | GAUGE ASSEMBLY HAVING A STOP FILL DEVICE - A gauge assembly includes an indicator for providing an indication of an amount of fluid in a tank and a stop-fill assembly for stopping the flow of fluid flowing into the tank once the fluid reaches a particular level. The gauge assembly has a shaft that rotates as the fluid level changes in the tank. The indicator translates the rotational position of the shaft into a fluid level. The stop-fill assembly moves from an open position, where fluid can flow into the tank, to a closed position, where fluid is prohibited from flowing into the tank, depending on the rotational position of the shaft. | 08-19-2010 |
20100224256 | SLURRY SYSTEM FOR SEMICONDUCTOR FABRICATION - A slurry feed system suitable for chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) processes in a semiconductor fabrication facility and related method. The slurry feed system includes a valve manifold box having a discharge piping header fluidly connected to at least one CMP station and a first slurry supply train. The first slurry supply train may include a slurry mixing tank, day tank, and at least two slurry feed pumps arranged in series pumping relationship. The first slurry supply train defines a first slurry piping loop. In one embodiment, a second slurry supply train defining a second slurry piping loop is provided. The valve manifold box is operable to supply slurry from either or both of the first and second slurry piping loops to the CMP station. | 09-09-2010 |
20100224257 | REDUCING FOAM FORMATION - An apparatus for reducing foam formation of a developer liquid ( | 09-09-2010 |
20100252118 | MANIPULATION OF FLUIDS, FLUID COMPONENTS AND REACTIONS IN MICROFLUIDIC SYSTEMS - Microfluidic structures and methods for manipulating fluids, fluid components, and reactions are provided. In one aspect, such structures and methods can allow production of droplets of a precise volume, which can be stored/maintained at precise regions of the device. In another aspect, microfluidic structures and methods described herein are designed for containing and positioning components in an arrangement such that the components can be manipulated and then tracked even after manipulation. For example, cells may be constrained in an arrangement in microfluidic structures described herein to facilitate tracking during their growth and/or after they multiply. | 10-07-2010 |
20100252119 | METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT IN MILKING SYSTEM - A method and arrangement for monitoring the supply of cleaning liquid from a cleaning line to a milking system, where the milking system includes at least two milking stations and milk conduits, and the cleaning line includes supply conduits connectable to the milk conduits at the milking stations and arranged to apportion cleaning liquid to the milking stations, so that cleaning liquid flows through the milking stations. The method includes measuring a value of the flow of the cleaning liquid through the respective milking stations by a respective flow sensor and transferring the values of the measured flows to a control unit. The arrangement includes a first control unit and flow sensors and a respective flow sensor is adapted to measure a value of the flows of cleaning liquid through a respective milking station, and provide the values to the control unit. | 10-07-2010 |
20100252120 | Method and Apparatus for Transporting a Particulate Material - Fluidizing transport apparatus comprises a hopper, a pressure vessel and a valve element which controls a port between the hopper and the vessel. The valve element is retained closed against the port under pressure within the vessel. A fluidizing nozzle receives transport fluid, such as water from a fluid line. Water supplied through the fluid line thus fluidizes solids in the vessel and raises the pressure to maintain the valve element in the closed position. The fluidized solids material is then supplied to a transport pipeline from the vessel. Solids material loaded into the hopper depress the valve element when pressure within the vessel is relieved, so allowing a fresh charge of the solids material to enter the vessel for a subsequent cycle. The position of the valve element within the vessel is influenced by a float which responds to the water level within the hopper. | 10-07-2010 |
20100258195 | DEVICE INCLUDING MOVEABLE PORTION FOR CONTROLLING FLUID - A device and a method of controlling fluid flow are provided. The method includes providing a moving fluid including a fluid flow characteristic; providing a fluid control device including a fluid control surface, a portion of the fluid control surface being moveable; causing the fluid to contact the fluid control surface of the fluid control device; and causing the fluid to interact with the fluid control surface of the fluid control device by moving the moveable portion of the fluid control surface while the fluid is in contact with the fluid control surface such that the fluid flow characteristic of the fluid after interacting with the fluid control surface of the fluid control device is different from the fluid flow characteristic of the fluid before interaction with the fluid control surface of the fluid control device depending on the position of the moveable portion of the fluid control surface. | 10-14-2010 |
20100258196 | ARRANGEMENT OF MULTIPLE PUMPS FOR DELIVERY OF PROCESS MATERIALS - A method and apparatus for delivering process materials in a bulk delivery system includes a plurality of pumps arranged in series along a material supply line, wherein the capacity of each pump is such that less than all of the pumps operating simultaneously can provide a desired level of system performance for a given application. In at least one preferred embodiment, a plurality of pumps include three pumps are arranged in series. Preferred embodiments provide several benefits over a parallel arrangement of two larger pumps including, in the case of a single pump failure, that the remaining pumps are signaled to increase speed to restore system performance to restore supply line pressure with less perturbation than that realized in a two-pump, parallel arranged system. Methods are also provided herein for determining which of the three pumps is a failed pump in such a case. | 10-14-2010 |
20100263732 | Microfluidic Free Interface Diffusion Techniques - A static fluid and a second fluid are placed into contact along a microfluidic free interface and allowed to mix by diffusion without convective flow across the interface. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the fluids are static and initially positioned on either side of a closed valve structure in a microfluidic channel having a width that is tightly constrained in at least one dimension. The valve is then opened, and no-slip layers at the sides of the microfluidic channel suppress convective mixing between the two fluids along the resulting interface. Applications for microfluidic free interfaces in accordance with embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, protein crystallization studies, protein solubility studies, determination of properties of fluidics systems, and a variety of biological assays such as diffusive immunoassays, substrate turnover assays, and competitive binding assays. | 10-21-2010 |
20100269910 | METHOD FOR OPERATING A FLUIDIC PIPELINE SYSTEM - A method for operating a fluidic pipeline system including an active component generating a volume flow of a medium in the system is provided. A plurality of flow channels are connected in parallel with each other and supplied jointly with the volume flow of the medium by the active component. Each flow channel has an individual volume flow requirement of the medium, the requirement is variable over time for at least part of the flow channels. The volume flow in each flow channel includes a time-variable volume flow requirement individually throttled as a function of a control variable associated with the flow channel. The volume flow generated by the active component is additionally regulated as a whole so that no individual throttling of the local volume flow is required in at least one of the flow channels. | 10-28-2010 |
20100282328 | MANAGEMENT METHOD FOR WAX FRACTION STORAGE TANK - The present invention relates to a management method for a wax fraction storage tank that stores a wax fraction produced by Fischer-Tropsch synthesis until the wax fraction is hydrocracked, the management method including maintaining the temperature inside the tank at 90° C. to 130° C. and maintaining the atmosphere inside the tank to be an inert gas atmosphere. | 11-11-2010 |
20100288367 | DISTINGUISHING THE FUEL ADMITTED TO A FUEL SYSTEM - A method for registering a content change in a fuel system of a motor vehicle, where the fuel system is configured to receive a first fuel and a second fuel into a common space. A first condition is correlated to receiving the first fuel, and a second condition is correlated to receiving the second fuel. The method comprises admitting fuel to the fuel system and indicating that the first fuel has been admitted if a condition responsive to admitting the fuel matches the first condition and does not match the second condition. | 11-18-2010 |
20100307598 | METHOD, CONTROLLER AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING THE SLUG FLOW OF A MULTIPHASE FLUID - A method of controlling the flow of a multiphase fluid through a pipeline that includes a riser pipe with a choke valve comprises receiving multiple signals dependent on fluid flow properties from a plurality of sensors in the topside area of the riser pipe, analysing the signals to establish a vector of measurement weights, the product of the vector of measurement weights and a corresponding vector of the signal values of a given time being dependent on the severity of a slug flow forming in the system. Further signals dependent on fluid flow properties are received from the plurality of sensors in the topside area of the riser pipe. A set position for the choke valve is then determined from the product of the vector of measurement weights and further values of signals to restrict characteristics of the flow in the topside from moving towards a severely slugging flow regime. | 12-09-2010 |
20100307599 | FLUID DEVICE WITH MAGNETIC LATCHING VALVES - A method of valving a fluid device includes receiving a signal that is correlated to a displacement of a volume chamber of a displacement assembly of a fluid device. A check ball is delatched from a magnetic pole of a first latch valve that is in fluid communication with the volume chamber and a fluid inlet of the fluid device when the displacement of the volume chamber reaches a first value. A check ball is delatched from a magnetic pole of a second latch valve that is in fluid communication with the volume chamber and a fluid outlet of the fluid device when the displacement of the volume chamber reaches a second value. | 12-09-2010 |
20100307600 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATICALLY DISABLING UTILITIES - A safety apparatus for automatically disabling a utility of a facility. The safety apparatus includes at least one remote sensor that transmits a signal if an environmental parameter reaches a preset default setting or a setting selected by a user. The safety apparatus also includes an electronic controller device operatively connected to the utility and capable of disabling the utility upon receiving the signal from the sensor based upon the environmental parameter. | 12-09-2010 |
20100313961 | LIQUID MEDIUM SUPPLY METHOD - The invention relates to technology and equipment for liquid media treatment and supply and can be used in oil processing, chemical, medical and other industry branches. The proposed liquid medium supply method is described with use of a dynamic nozzle having elements | 12-16-2010 |
20100313962 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RECYCLING STERILANT GAS - A system for recovery of a sterilant gas mixture from a sterilizer chamber is disclosed. The system includes a gas recovery tank, a sterilizer chamber in gaseous communication with the gas recovery tank and a gas recovery assembly coupled to the gas recovery tank and the sterilizer chamber. The gas recovery assembly is configured to transfer a sterilant gas mixture including at least one sterilant gas between the sterilizer chamber and the gas recovery tank. The system further includes an analyzer assembly coupled to the sterilizer chamber, the analyzer assembly including at least one sterilant gas sensor configured to detect density of the sterilant gas and a control module coupled to the analyzer assembly and to the gas recovery assembly. The control module includes at least one control module configured to determine at least one of a transfer pressure and flammability of the sterilant gas mixture as a function of the density of the sterilant gas. | 12-16-2010 |
20100319781 | ATOMIZING DESUPERHEATER SHUTOFF APPARATUS AND METHOD - The present invention is directed to a desuperheater spraying valve assembly. More particularly, the invention provides a new and improved valve assembly, whereby cooling liquid may be controllably injected into a gas or a liquid stream, typically steam, to selectively maintain the gas or liquid at a predetermined temperature level. In a possible embodiment of the present invention, a class V valve assembly is disclosed. It comprises an actuator coupled to a plug with a valve seat in the proximity of said plug. The plug is affixed to an actuator rod which transverses the body of the valve assembly. A spray tube may be affixed to said valve seat and at least one spray nozzle is affixed to a to the spray tube. The plug and said valve seat are conical in shape as to when said plug is inserted into said valve, they form a seal. | 12-23-2010 |
20100319782 | Method For Monitoring The Composition Of Flue Gas Resulting From A Thermal Process - The composition of flue gas generated in a thermal process, especially in the combustion of bio fuel or refuse-derived fuel, is monitored by measuring the quantity of particles belonging to certain size categories in at least one point along the flow path of the flue gas. Such particle size categories are chosen as objects of the measurement, in which the particles are known to consist mainly of alkali chlorides. | 12-23-2010 |
20110000551 | Push Button Regulator Device with Sealing Element to Facilitate Easy Connection with Other Devices - A regulator device includes a first valve member and a second valve member disposed within a housing of the device. The first valve member regulates the pressure of fluid exiting the device, and the second valve member is biased to a closed position and is opened by manipulation of an actuator. A sealing element is connected at the housing outlet and has a transverse cross-sectional dimension that decreases from an inlet of the sealing element to an outlet of the sealing element. In addition, a guard is provided that extends around a periphery of the actuator and includes a cut-out section to permit easy access to the actuator during use of the device. | 01-06-2011 |
20110017308 | APPARATUS, A CONTROL CIRCUIT AND A METHOD FOR PRODUCING PRESSURE AND VOLUME FLOW - An apparatus comprising: a series of units, each being capable of producing a volume flow; a first channel for supplying hydraulic fluid into the apparatus; a second channel for supplying hydraulic fluid from the apparatus; a first series of valves comprising at least one controlled valve for each unit; a third channel for supplying hydraulic fluid from the apparatus; and several controlled auxiliary valves, each being provided for one unit. The control circuit also comprises: at least one actuator for converting hydraulic energy to mechanical energy, wherein said actuator is at least connected to either the second channel or the third channel; and a control device configured to synchronize the operation of the valves of the first series of valves and said auxiliary valves with the operation of said units, and to control the actuator by means of pressure and volume flow. In the method, the operation of the first series of valves and said auxiliary valves is synchronized with the operation of said units, and controlling the pressure and the volume flow in a predetermined manner, for controlling one or more actuators by means of a control device. | 01-27-2011 |
20110030806 | Sound Pressure Level Feedback Control - Methods and systems are provided for predicting internal sound pressure within a flow passage, by measuring a vibration velocity response of a wall of the flow passage, for example, using accelerometers. A radiation model may then be used for predicting externally radiated sound pressure to provide feedback to control a process control system. Methods and systems are also provided for predicting externally radiated sound pressure based on internally-mounted pressure transducer sensor data. | 02-10-2011 |
20110048542 | SYSTEM FOR WAFER MANUFACTURE - The subject matter discloses a system for regenerating and treating slurry in a semiconductors manufacturing environment, the system comprising a removing module for removing the slurry from the manufacturing environment a receiving module for receiving the slurry and storing it. The system also comprises an addition unit for adding chemical materials to the slurry received by the receiving module, thus creating a qualified regenerated slurry and a pipe for maneuvering the slurry containing the added chemical materials to the manufacturing to environment for another use. | 03-03-2011 |
20110048543 | Microfluidic Bubble Logic Devices and Methods - A method for implementing a logic operation employs an all fluid-based no-moving part micro-mechanical logic family of microfluidic bubble logic devices that are constructed from complex sequences of microfluidic channels, microfluidic bubble modulators for programming the devices, and microfluidic droplet/bubble memory elements for chemical storage and retrieval. The input is a sequence of bubbles/droplets encoding information, with the output being another sequence of bubbles/droplets. For performing a set of reactions/tasks, the modulators program the device by producing a precisely timed sequence of bubbles/droplets, resulting in a cascade of logic operations within the microfluidic channel sequence, utilizing the generated bubbles as a control. The devices are based on the principle of minimum energy interfaces formed between the two fluid phases enclosed inside precise channel geometries. Various devices, including logic gates, non-volatile bistable memory, shift registers, multiplexers, and ring oscillators have been designed and fabricated. | 03-03-2011 |
20110061740 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING FUEL TO AN AIRCRAFT FROM A VEHICLE - A fueling control system for providing fuel from a vehicle to an aircraft, and a method of providing fuel from a fuel vehicle to an aircraft are disclosed herein. The fueling control system includes a pressure transducer for sensing back pressure in a fluid path to a fuel tank of an aircraft, and a digital controller coupled to the pressure transducer for receiving the back pressure in the fluid path and controlling fuel flow in the fluid path to the aircraft. The method includes the steps of sensing back pressure in a fluid path from the aircraft; receiving the sensed back pressure by a digital controller; and controlling fuel flow to the aircraft in the fluid path based on the sensed back pressure. | 03-17-2011 |
20110083749 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING WATER SUPPLY AMOUNT AND REFRIGERATOR USING THE SAME - A method for controlling a water supply amount and a refrigerator using the same are disclosed. The method includes receiving information regarding a water supply amount selected by a user, counting a duration after starting water supply, and checking whether an error in a water supply amount measurement unit exists. When the water supply amount measurement unit is normal, an actual water supply amount is determined based on a signal from the water supply amount measurement unit, and, when a fault exists, a water supply amount is determined based on correlation between a stored water supply amount for normal operation and a water supply duration. Water supply is stopped when the selected water supply amount and the determined water supply amount are equal. When the water supply amount measurement unit is normal, the signal from the water supply amount measurement unit and information regarding a water supply duration are stored. | 04-14-2011 |
20110094593 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING DILUTED FUGITIVE GASES - A method of using hydrocarbon fugitive gases diluted with air as a primary or supplementary fuel for an engine. The composition of the fugitive gases and air in ensured to fall outside the upper and lower explosive limit for the composition. The total volume of the composition is also calculated to be maintained within a predetermined percentage of the volume of the primary fuel supplied to said engine. | 04-28-2011 |
20110094594 | Reducing Agent Tank That is Intended for Providing a Reducing Agent to an Exhaust Gas System and That Has a Check Valve - A reducing agent tank, which is intended for providing a reducing agent to an exhaust gas system and which has a first tank for storing the reducing agent, a second tank for storing the reducing agent, a line for recirculating the reducing agent from the second tank into the first tank and a check valve for closing the line in a selective fluid-tight manner, includes a diagnostic device, with which an incorrect function of the check valve can be detected. | 04-28-2011 |
20110100471 | Drill String Valve and Method - Method and drill string valve for closing a conduit through which a high pressure fluid flows. The drill string valve includes an elongated housing having an inside cavity, a seal element attached to a first end of the elongated housing, the seal element being disposed within the inside cavity such that a flow of liquid through the inside cavity from the first end to a second end of the elongated housing is allowed, a sliding valve disposed within the inside cavity and configured to slide to and from the seal element along the axis such that when the sliding valve contacts the seal element the flow of liquid is suppressed, a biasing cartridge disposed within the inside cavity, between the seal element and the second end of the elongated housing, and configured to apply a first force on the sliding valve such that the sliding valve is contacting the seal element, and a loading mechanism disposed within the inside cavity, between the biasing cartridge and the second end of the elongated housing, and configured to apply a second force on the biasing cartridge. | 05-05-2011 |
20110100472 | PASSIVE PREPROGRAMMED LOGIC SYSTEMS USING KNOTTED/STRTCHABLE YARNS and THEIR USE FOR MAKING MICROFLUIDIC PLATFORMS - We describe various methods for making preprogrammed logic systems using knotted yarns. We show that the topology of the knots controls the mixing ratio of the reagents coming into the knots, and thus the ratio can be adjusted by choosing a specific knot. A serial dilutor is built by knotting multiple yarns into a web of well defined dimension. In addition stretchable yarn can be used to control the capillary pressure and hence the flow rate of the liquid, by pulling the yarn. Furthermore, we demonstrate the possibility of patterning impermeable/hydrophobic regions in to the yarn. Finally, we propose that biodegradable yarns can be used into these platforms to build various multi/single cellular scaffolds. | 05-05-2011 |
20110100473 | Sealing System Assembly For High Pressure Fluid Handling Devices - A process fluid handling device is provided in an electrochemical cell system having a sealing system assembly between a process fluid compartment and a drive compartment of the fluid handling device. The sealing system comprises a double seal configuration forming an interconnection compartment which is supplied with barrier fluid. The present invention provides isolation of pressurized process fluids from the drive compartment. | 05-05-2011 |
20110108123 | AUTOMATIC AIR VENT FOR FIRE SUPPRESSION WET PIPE SYSTEM AND METHOD OF VENTING A FIRE SUPPRESSION WET PIPE SYSTEM - A fire suppression wet pipe system air vent assembly and method of venting air from a fire suppression wet pipe system includes providing a primary air vent valve having an inlet and an outlet. The primary air vent inlet is adapted to be connected with a fire suppression wet pipe system and is configured to vent air, but not water, from its outlet. A secondary air vent valve having an inlet and an outlet is provided. The secondary air vent valve is configured to vent air, but not water, from its outlet. A fluid conduit connects the primary air vent valve outlet with the secondary air vent valve inlet. The second air vent valve provides failsafe air venting upon the failure of the primary air vent valve. A fluid indicator may be provided that indicates the presence of fluid in the conduit. The presence of an appreciable amount of fluid in the conduit is an indication of likely failure of the primary air vent valve. | 05-12-2011 |
20110108124 | Viscosity Feedback Temperature Control System - The viscosity feedback temperature control system provides a means for controlling the viscosity of a process fluid about a user-defined setpoint by varying the temperature of the fluid within a user-defined range to take advantage of the viscosity versus temperature characteristics inherent in all fluids. | 05-12-2011 |
20110120564 | IRRIGATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THEREOF - The present invention discloses an irrigation system comprising a plurality of valve stations that are operatively coupled with a controller operative to control the operation of the plurality of valve stations. The valve stations are grouped into a plurality of valve station groups, each group comprising at least two valve stations. The at least two valve stations are operatively coupled in parallel with a hotwire to a respective output port of the controller; and the at least two valve stations respective of the plurality of valve station groups are operatively coupled in parallel with a common wire to a corresponding input port of the controller. The controller is operative to change the operational mode of a selected one of the valve stations. | 05-26-2011 |
20110120565 | Reservoir For Liquid Dispensing System With Enhanced Mixing - Reservoir for a dispense system designed to maintain a suspending fluid flow within the reservoir. The fluid dispense system is particularly well suited to be manufactured in a single-use format comprising a fluid reservoir and fill tube assembly, particularly comprising a reservoir, tubing, fittings and connectors, and a needle. The system ensures uniformity within the liquid by moving the fluid through the product reservoir such as with a continuous or pulsating flow, and is designed to maintain the fluid in motion in order to maintain a homogenous solution. The reservoir is designed to minimize any fluid dead zones. | 05-26-2011 |
20110126913 | Device Including A Dissolvable Structure For Flow Control - A diagnostic device is provided that includes a plurality of retainment regions, with the retainment regions that are separated by at least one dissolvable barrier. The retainment regions can be interconnected through at least one fluid processing passageway. A retainment region can include a container such as a retainment region, well, chamber, or other receptacle, or a retainment region such as a surface on which the material is retained. The retainment regions can include a reaction retainment region, one or more reagent retainment regions, each containing unreacted reagents, and a sample retainment region. A pressure-actuated valve can be positioned in each fluid processing passageway interconnecting the one or more reagent retainment regions with the respective intermediate retainment regions interposed between each of the one or more reagent retainment regions and the reaction retainment region. The dissolvable barrier can be a fluid flow modulator in the at least one fluid processing passageway. | 06-02-2011 |
20110132465 | METHOD OF REPLACING LIQUID OF CIRCULATION LINE IN SUBSTRATE LIQUID PROCESSING APPARATUS OF SINGLE-WAFER TYPE - The present invention provides a method of replacing a liquid of a circulation line in a substrate liquid processing apparatus of a single-wafer type, which can replace the liquid more efficiently, by relating the replacing method with a process-liquid replenishing method. A substrate liquid processing apparatus of a single-wafer type includes: a circulation line through which a process liquid is circulated; a tank disposed in the circulation line; a liquid level sensor disposed in the tank; a liquid replenish part configured to replenish the tank with a new process liquid, based on an output of the liquid level sensor; and a liquid-replacement control part configured to stop the operation of the liquid replenish part based on a predetermined replenish stop condition that is set cooperatively with a predetermined liquid disposal condition, and to discard all the process liquid in the tank based on the predetermined liquid disposal condition. | 06-09-2011 |
20110146805 | Flow control device and flow control method - A water flow control device ( | 06-23-2011 |
20110162721 | PROCESS FOR CONVEYING A STREAM OF A LIQUID F COMPRISING (METH)ACRYLIC MONOMERS - A process for conveying a stream of a liquid F comprising (meth)acrylic monomers with a delivery pump P through a pipeline with circular cross-sectional area OF in which is mounted a restrictor B which firstly closes an area portion of the open cross-sectional area QF and secondly leaves open an area portion TF of the cross-sectional area QF, the outline of which comprises a circular arc of the circular outline of the cross-sectional area QF, said circular arc being within the lower tenth of the circular outline of the cross-sectional area QF. | 07-07-2011 |
20110203672 | Dual valve method and apparatus for limiting toilet water flow - A dual valve assembly for limiting flow into a toilet tank comprises a fill valve, such as a float valve or ball cock valve, and a piston valve positioned between a water supply line and the fill valve. The piston valve operates independently of the fill valve, and is designed to shut off water flow after an approximate flow volume or time. The dual valve assembly may be provided in a single housing replacement part. The dual valve assembly may be provided as an adapter kit comprising a housing and piston valve which is installed in a toilet tank to accept a fill valve. | 08-25-2011 |
20110209769 | THERMALLY OPERATED VALVE - A valve has a housing including a valve seat. A valve pin is supported by a housing through a support shell. The support shell and the valve pin have distinct coefficients of thermal expansion such that when exposed to a temperature change, movement of the support shell moves differently than the pin. In this way, the valve pin can be caused to move toward and away from the valve seat to allow operation of the valve. | 09-01-2011 |
20110214744 | Fluid control system, device and method - A fluid control system, device and method are disclosed. The fluid control device is preferably configured to connect to an outlet of a fluid source. The fluid control device includes a valve, a sensor, a battery and a micro-generator. The sensor is used to measure or detect a condition and provide output signals that open and close the valve in response to a measured or detected condition. The micro-generator is positioned in a flow path of fluid and generates power from a flow of the fluid. The power generated from the micro-generator is stored in the battery and used to power later operations of the device. The device can be used for automating faucets, sprinklers and fire extinguishing equipment. | 09-08-2011 |
20110214745 | MICROFLUIDIC CHIPS AND ASSAY SYSTEMS - The systems and methods described herein include a microfluidic chip having a plurality of microfeatures interconnected to provide a configurable fluid transport system for processing at least one reagent. Inserts are provided to removably interfit into one or more of the microfeatures of the chip, wherein the inserts include sites for interactions with the reagent. As will be seen from the following description, the microfluidic chip and the inserts provide an efficient and accurate approach for conducting parallel assays. | 09-08-2011 |
20110220209 | GAS METERING DEVICE FOR A HOME SODA MACHINE - A home soda machine includes a cylinder of gas suitable for carbonation, an attachment mechanism to attach a bottle of water, a valve opening mechanism to open a gas release valve on the gas cylinder and introduce the gas to the bottle of water, a gas release sensor to sense at least events indicating the opening and closing of the gas release valve, and an indirect gas meter to at least determine an amount of the gas released from the cylinder based at least on a cumulative length of time the gas release valve was open as per data received from the gas release sensor. | 09-15-2011 |
20110220210 | Hydronic Space and Water Heater - A compact hydronic space and water heating apparatus and system is disclosed for use in a recreational vehicle. A liquid heating medium, stored within a low pressure tank, is recirculated through a gas fired heater thereby maintaining a desired set point temperature. The liquid heating medium is further circulated through the vehicles hydronic space heaters to heat the interior of the vehicle. Further fresh domestic water is passed through a heat transfer coil within the tank whereby hot domestic water may be provided. An auxiliary heating device is attached to the tank whereby hot combustion engine coolant may assist in maintaining the temperature of the liquid heating medium within the tank and/or reversed to pre heat the combustion engine if and when needed. | 09-15-2011 |
20110220211 | PLUMBING FITTING - A blocking plumbing fitting; said fitting comprising a flexible cup element adapted for insertion into a pipe element; said fitting further comprising a one way valve element depending from said flexible cup element, wherein said one way valve element permits liquid to pass through said pipe element; said one way valve element preventing passage of odours, soapsuds, vermin, noise and other undesirable elements issuing from said pipe element. | 09-15-2011 |
20110226342 | FLUID WORKING MACHINES AND METHODS - A fluid working machine comprises a controller ( | 09-22-2011 |
20110232768 | Slurry Catalyst Flow Splitters and Methods of Using the Same - A system for feeding a slurry catalyst composition including: a primary slurry feed system comprising a primary slurry flow meter and a primary catalyst injection device, wherein the primary slurry flow meter measures a primary slurry catalyst composition flow rate to the primary catalyst injection device; and a secondary slurry feed system comprising a secondary slurry flow meter, a secondary carrier liquid, a secondary carrier liquid control device, and a secondary catalyst injection device, wherein the secondary slurry flow meter measures a secondary slurry catalyst composition flow rate to the secondary catalyst injection device, wherein the secondary carrier liquid control device controls a process parameter of the secondary slurry feed system based a ratio of the primary slurry catalyst composition flow rate to the secondary slurry catalyst composition flow rate. | 09-29-2011 |
20110240129 | THICKENER FLOCCUANT CONTROL BY IN-SITU AGGREGATE SIZE ANALYSIS - A system for performing in-situ aggregate size analysis in a feedwell assembly, which includes a feedwell assembly, which receives an influent feed stream from at least one feed pipe, and at least one flocculant feed pipe within the feed stream or feedwell assembly, which delivers a flocculant to the feed stream. An in-situ device provides images of flocculated particles within the feedwell assembly to an image analysis software application. The image analysis software application receives the images of the flocculated particles within the feedwell assembly and provides for size measurement and averaging for dosage control of the flocculant added to the influent feed stream within the feedwell assembly. | 10-06-2011 |
20110240130 | HYDROPHOBIC VALVE - The present invention relates to a hydrophobic valve for liquids having an appreciable surface tension comprising magnetic particles, said device comprising at least two planar solid substrates with a functionalized surface each, wherein at least a first solid substrate has a patterned surface comprising at least two hydrophilic areas separated from one another by at least one hydrophobic area, wherein the said two planar substrates are disposed with a distance to one another in a sandwiched, parallel fashion, in such way that said functionalized surfaces are facing one another, said valve further comprising a magnetic actuator. | 10-06-2011 |
20110247696 | MASS FLOW CONTROLLER WITH ENHANCED OPERATING RANGE - A mass flow controller among other embodiments and method is described. The mass flow controller including a thermal mass flow sensor including at least two sensing elements coupled to a sensor tube of the mass flow controller, the thermal mass flow sensor being designed to provide a first signal indicative of flow of a gas within a first flow-rate-range and a second signal indicative of flow of the gas within a second flow-rate-range; and a control portion figured to control a valve position of the mass flow controller responsive to the first signal when the flow of the gas is within the first flow-rate-range and control the valve position of the mass flow controller responsive to the second signal when the flow of the gas is within a second flow-rate-range. | 10-13-2011 |
20110247697 | METHOD OF PROCESSING FLUID FROM A WELL - There is described a method of processing fluid from a well. In an embodiment, a fluid processing system is operable to process fluids from a well in dependence on a plurality of controllable system parameters. The parameters are adjusted between respective first and second parameter values, and the first values define a first operational configuration and the second values defining a second, different operational configuration. The adjustment is carried out such that the system is balanced whilst adjusting the parameters. This may be done by adjusting the value of each parameter simultaneously along linear curves from a first initial value to a second end value. In the second configuration, activation or deactivation of a compressor ( | 10-13-2011 |
20110253224 | FEEDBACK CONTROL IN MICROFLUIDIC SYSTEMS - Systems and methods for controlling fluids in microfluidic systems are generally described. In some embodiments, control of fluids involves the use of feedback from one or more processes or events taking place in the microfluidic system. For instance, a detector may detect one or more fluids at a measurement zone of a microfluidic system and one or more signals, or a pattern of signals, may be generated corresponding to the fluid(s). In some cases, the signal or pattern of signals may correspond to an intensity, a duration, a position in time relative to a second position in time or relative to another process, and/or an average time period between events. Using this data, a control system may determine whether to modulate subsequent fluid flow in the microfluidic system. In some embodiments, these and other methods can be used to conduct quality control to determine abnormalities in operation of the microfluidic system. | 10-20-2011 |
20110284090 | SOLID CHEMICAL PRODUCT DILUTION CONTROL - A solid chemical product is dispensed to prepare a requested amount of a use solution having a requested concentration of the chemical product. In some examples, a target amount of a diluent and a target amount of the chemical product required to prepare the requested use solution are determined. The target amount of the diluent is dispensed into a container. At least some of the diluent in the container is applied to the solid chemical product to create a resultant use solution, which is directed back into the container. The diluent from the container is applied to the chemical product until the amount of the use solution in the container satisfies the requested amount. In some examples, the target amount of the diluent and the target amount of the chemical product are measured by weight. | 11-24-2011 |
20110284091 | EXHAUST FLOW CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method for controlling the exhaust flow rate in an exhaust ventilation system including an exhaust hood positioned above a cooking appliance. The method can include measuring a temperature of the exhaust air in the vicinity of the cooking appliance, and measuring a radiant temperature of a surface of the cooking appliance, and determining an appliance status based on the measured exhaust air temperature and radiant temperature, and controlling the exhaust flow rate in response to the determined appliance status. | 11-24-2011 |
20110290329 | Large Area Water Redistribution Network - A system and methods for the redistribution of water as a resource across large geographic distances where water deficits are matched with excess water conditions. The system utilizes a large area network of water conduits that extend between nodes, generally between water reservoirs and water usage areas. The system receives water into the network from geographic areas experiencing excess water and distributes the excess water to areas experiencing water deficits. The system includes terminal nodes having water inlet/outlet systems with metering and pumping components coupled with flow control valves. Each terminal node positioned at an existing reservoir is controlled to permit the inlet of water into the system or the discharge of water from the system. Intermediate nodes incorporate similar flow metering and pumping components as well as flow control valve components. The system is monitored and controlled through wired or wireless communication from a central station. The method provides for the establishment of normal water level ranges and the monitoring of a large number of geographic areas for excess water or water deficit conditions. The system matches excess water areas with deficit regions and coordinates the transfer of water between such regions. Excess water regions may also be coordinated with multiple normal water level regions for the distribution of excess water over a large area. A water deficit region without a direct match to a water excess region may draw from multiple normal regions. | 12-01-2011 |
20110297238 | MATERIAL DELIVERY SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A method of determining an operational parameter of a washing system having a wash tank to which water and material are added. In some embodiments, the method includes establishing a communication link between a sensor and a controller. The sensor is positioned in the wash tank and transmits a signal indicative of a material concentration. The controller receives the signal. Additionally, the method includes adding material to water in the wash tank, monitoring the material concentration while material is being added, and stopping the material addition upon the material concentration reaching a predetermined material concentration. The controller then determines an operational parameter indicative of the amount of material that is needed to reach the predetermined material concentration. | 12-08-2011 |
20110308626 | Flow Passage Switching Apparatus, Processing Apparatus, Flow Passage Switching Method, Processing Method and Storage Medium - Disclosed are a flow path switching apparatus and a fluid processing apparatus having a liquid processing unit that performs a processing by supplying different kinds of processing fluid to wafer W at different timings The atmosphere of the liquid processing unit is discharged fluid to a plurality of exclusive exhaust paths through exhaust paths and flow path switching units. A flow path switching unit includes an outer tube having a plurality of connection holes and a rotary tube inserted into the outer tube having a plurality of openings. In particular, one of the plurality of openings of the rotary tube is aligned with one of the plurality of connection holes of the outer tube in such a way that only an aligned set of an opening of the rotary tube and a connection hole of the outer tube is sequentially communicated during the rotation of the rotary tube. | 12-22-2011 |
20110308627 | METHOD OF AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR MANAGING ONE OR MORE AGRICULTURAL DEVICES - A system and method for managing an agricultural device, including connecting the agricultural device to a network, collecting operational data relating to the agricultural device, granting an access right in respect of the collected operational data to an entity connected to the network, receiving data from the entity in response to the access right, and managing the agricultural device on the basis of the collected operational data and the data from the entity. The method may be implemented for managing multiple agricultural devices, and may be implemented in a computer readable medium. In one embodiment, the operational data relates to clinical mastitis detection. | 12-22-2011 |
20120006413 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR HYDRAULICALLY MANAGING FLUID PRESSURE DOWNSTREAM FROM A MAIN VALVE BETWEEN SET POINTS - A system for hydraulically managing fluid pressure between selected set points includes a pilot control system operably coupled to a main valve. The pilot control system includes at least one fluid conduit, a variable orifice assembly, and a control pilot valve apparatus. Fluid is passed through a fixed orifice and into a first chamber of the control pilot valve apparatus. Fluid is passed through the variable orifice of the variable orifice assembly and into a second chamber of the control pilot valve apparatus. The main valve is hydraulically opened or closed in response to a pressure differential between the first and second chambers of the control pilot valve apparatus so as to manage fluid pressure downstream of the main valve between the selected upper and lower set points. | 01-12-2012 |
20120012188 | SLURRY FEED SYSTEM AND METHOD - The invention can provide or facilitate systems and methods for feeding a slurry and, in particular, to systems and methods for treating wastewater streams with a slurry having periodic flushing of conduits. | 01-19-2012 |
20120031498 | Water supply system and method - A system for supplying hot and cold water to an apartment/house. Recycling water from the hot into the cold water pipe comprises a faucet having adjustable first and second valves installed in the paths to hot and cold water inlets and third valve in the path to outlet. The valves are electrically controlled; circulating pump installed in the cold water pipe. When the first and second valves of at least one faucet are open and the third valve closed, activating the circulating pump will cause water from the hot water pipe to flow through the faucet to the cold water pipe; c. controller means for activating the three valves and the circulating pump in one of two modes of operation: in a first (circulation) mode, water circulation is accomplished by opening the first and second valves and closing the third valve. | 02-09-2012 |
20120060932 | GRAY WATER RECYCLING APPARATUS AND METHOD - Instead of disposing gray water with sewage water, a gray water recycling apparatus uses a series of sensors and determines the acceptability of chemical concentrations and temperature of the gray water for use in irrigation purposes so as to ensure the recycled gray water is safe for irrigation. If it is, a three-way valve is positioned to direct the gray water to an irrigation pipe; otherwise, the three-way valve is positioned to direct the water to a public sewage system or septic tank. | 03-15-2012 |
20120073670 | VALVE ACTUATOR CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE - A valve actuator control system for use with a valve actuator may include two pump assemblies, two control valve assemblies, two transducers, a fluid reservoir, and a controller assembly. The controller assembly may actuate the pump assemblies to direct fluid from the fluid reservoir to the valve actuator, and may actuate the control valve assemblies to direct fluid from the valve actuator to the fluid reservoir. A method of actuating a valve actuator using a valve actuator control system may comprise sending a signal to the valve actuator control system, injecting pressurized fluid from a fluid reservoir of the valve actuator control system into a first chamber of the valve actuator, discharging pressurized fluid from a second chamber of the valve actuator into the fluid reservoir, and actuating the valve actuator from a first position to a second position. | 03-29-2012 |
20120085419 | Electromagnetic flow regulator, system, and methods for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid - Disclosed embodiments include electromagnetic flow regulators for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, systems for regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, methods of regulating flow of an electrically conductive fluid, nuclear fission reactors, systems for regulating flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant, and methods of regulating flow of an electrically conductive reactor coolant in a nuclear fission reactor. | 04-12-2012 |
20120085420 | INSHOT BURNER FLAME RETAINER - A burner insert for use with a burner is provided. The burner insert includes a cylindrical body member having an inlet end and an outlet end. The cylindrical body includes a central passage and a plurality of openings disposed about the central passage. One or more fins are axially disposed within the central passage. A plurality of rib members are coupled to the body, each of the plurality of rib members axially disposed within one of the plurality of openings. | 04-12-2012 |
20120085421 | Fuel Metering Control - A method of controlling the operation of a fuel metering unit of the type incorporating a temperature sensor is disclosed, the method comprising the steps of:
| 04-12-2012 |
20120085422 | CONTINUOUSLY REGULATED PRECISION PRESSURE FLUID DELIVERY SYSTEM - A fluid flow characteristic regulator ( | 04-12-2012 |
20120097255 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING CONSUMABLES IN SYSTEMS FOR THE MASS TRANSFER OF GASES INTO LIQUIDS - A method for monitoring consumption of at least one consumable in a mass transfer system. The method includes providing at least one accurate mass transfer apparatus configured to provide mass transfer of a gas into a liquid to generate a liquid output, wherein the relative amounts of liquid and gas are set, and for each mass transfer apparatus: measuring the amount of liquid output, and determining, based on the amount of liquid output and the relative amounts of liquid and gas, a quantity of at least one of the gas and liquid consumed in that mass transfer apparatus. | 04-26-2012 |
20120097256 | Method and Apparatus for Controlling Ware Washing - A method and apparatus to control ware washing to provide and maintain health safety through the use of an automated system. The method and apparatus adheres and maintains to FDA/EPA standards which consistently clean water, high detergent, correct water temperature and sanitizer levels, to ensure the removal of all human DNA, oils and other food waste that could, when not properly removed after the three step washing process of wash, rinse and sanitize, form a bacterial growth on the kitchen cooking equipment, plates, glasses and utensils, contaminating future food and liquid use. | 04-26-2012 |
20120103424 | VORTICE AMPLIFIED DIFFUSER FOR BUOYANCY DISSIPATER AND METHOD FOR SELECTABLE DIFFUSION - Embodiments of a vortice-amplified diffuser section for use in a buoyancy dissipater are generally described herein. The vortice-amplified diffuser section may include a plurality of diffusion ports to diffuse an expanding gas, a reduction sleeve to adjust an amount of diffusion flow, and vortex generators within at least some of the diffusion ports to generate vortices. The reduction sleeve may be configurable to block off some of the diffusion ports. The vortex generators may generate vortices of gas bubbles in the water to reduce the water's buoyancy and to inhibit movement or disrupt the operations of an errant vessel. The reduction sleeve may be used to control the size, shape, and intensity of the expanding gas bubble or bubble plume as well as to control the lethality level of the buoyancy reduction. | 05-03-2012 |
20120103425 | Flow Meter With Improved Thermal Stability And Methods Of Use - Devices and methods for controlling flow to a processing chamber are disclosed. The devices comprise a flow meter, an inlet tube in fluid communication with the flow meter, an outlet tube in fluid communication with the outlet of the flow meter, and thermal insulation encompassing at least a portion of the flow meter, at least a portion of the inlet tube and at least a portion of the outlet tube. | 05-03-2012 |
20120103426 | METHOD AND DEVICE PERFORMING MODEL BASED ANTI-SURGE DEAD TIME COMPENSATION - Methods and devices for performing a model based anti-surge dead time compensation in systems including a compressor and an anti-surge loop are provided. A new position of an anti-surge valve on the anti-surge loop is determined by correcting for dead time a value of the anti-surge parameter calculated from field measurements, based on a predicted anti-surge parameter estimated using a deterministic model which has as variables the field measurements and a current position of the anti-surge valve. | 05-03-2012 |
20120118393 | METHOD FOR EXTENDING THE USAGE LIFE OF OIL IN A DEEP FAT FRYER - A method and apparatus for extending the usage life of cooking oil used in a deep fat fryer in which the desired cooking oil usage life is determined. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the level of cooking oil in the vat of the deep fat fryer is varied between an upper first level and a lower second level by extraction of used cooking oil from the vat until the cooking oil level reaches the lower second level and subsequent input of fresh cooking oil until the level of cooking oil, used and fresh, in the vat reaches the upper first level. | 05-17-2012 |
20120125442 | Fluid Level Monitoring System and Method - A fluid level monitoring system may include a control panel having a plurality of input devices, each corresponding to a monitored fluid of a machine, and a plurality of indicators, each corresponding to one of the input devices. The indicators may provide visual displays of fluid level statuses for the monitored fluids. The fluid level monitoring system may further include a message display device that may display a fluid level status message for one of the monitored fluids based on the actuation of the corresponding input device of the control panel. | 05-24-2012 |
20120138156 | AUTOMATED ASEPTIC LIQUID COLLECTION WORKSTATIONS AND COLLECTION DEVICES THEREFORE - An automated liquid collection workstation is provided. The workstation includes a processor, a peristaltic pump, a valve actuator, and an algorithm. The peristaltic pump and the valve actuator are in electrical communication with the processor. The valve actuator can move a plurality of valves, when disposed therein, among an off position, a flush position, and a collection position. The algorithm is resident on the processor and is configured to: move all of the valves to the off position and place the pump in an off state when no sampling or flushing is required, move all of the valves to the flush position and place the pump in an on state for a predetermined flush time period when flushing is required, and move a respective one of the valves to the collection position, move any of the valves upstream of the respective valve to the flush position, and place the pump to the on state for a predetermined collection time period when collection is required. | 06-07-2012 |
20120145250 | SANITARY VALVE EQUIPMENT - The invention proposes a sanitary valve device in which a temperature limiting valve is used to protect a user from water that is too cold. The valve device is designed such that when a water outlet, for example a shower, is switched on, the water is first passed through a first water duct containing the temperature limiting valve, in which duct the temperature limiting valve permits the passage of water below a limit temperature, but blocks it off when above the limit temperature. The fact that either no water or a heavily reduced quantity of water is discharged from the outlet of the sanitary fitting indicates to the user that the cold water has flowed away. He can now operate the changeover valve to directly draw hot water, the temperature limiting valve now being switched off. | 06-14-2012 |
20120152367 | VALVE ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A VALVE - A valve arrangement is provided, ( | 06-21-2012 |
20120167992 | PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE - A pressure relief valve for cryogenic service includes: a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; a nozzle disposed within the fluid inlet, said nozzle having a nozzle groove radially formed on an exterior cylindrical surface of the nozzle and an outwardly disposed ledge having a lower ledge surface comprising a portion of an exterior surface of the nozzle groove and an upper ledge surface comprising a seat; a substantially cylindrical closure disc with a lower portion including a groove formed on an exterior radial surface of the cylindrical body, an outwardly disposed lip having an upper surface comprising a portion of an interior surface of the groove, said lip of the closure disc having a lower closure surface. The lip of the closure disc being adapted to deflect downward and inward in response to a cryogenic thermal gradient applied across the lip. | 07-05-2012 |
20120180873 | METHOD FOR REPLICATING A PRESSURE CONTROL VALVE WITH ADJUSTABLE RESPONSE CHARACTERISTIC - A pressure control valve replication method in a gas turbine can include controlling a fuel flow to a combustion system through a gas control valve, wherein the fuel flow experiences fuel flow changes, adjusting the fuel flow through the gas control valve in response to fuel flow changes in the gas turbine and in response to pressure fluctuations in the gas turbine fuel, replicating a speed ratio valve to control pressure of the fuel flow to the gas control valve. | 07-19-2012 |
20120186657 | PIEZOELECTRIC PROPORTIONAL CONTROL VALVE - Examples are generally described that are related to a control valve. Some example devices may include a control valve having a piezoelectric actuator substantially immersed in a fluid and further having a sealing mechanism configured to be in a closed position and an open position. The piezoelectric actuator may be configured to distort in response to an applied voltage causing the sealing mechanism to open and allow fluid to flow therethrough. In response to removing the applied voltage, the piezoelectric actuator returns to an undistorted position causing the sealing mechanism to close and prevent fluid from flowing therethrough. | 07-26-2012 |
20120192954 | ROTATING DISC VALVE - Systems and methods are provided facilitating control of material flow. A valve comprises a rotating disc, wherein the rotating disc further comprises at least one hole and one closure surface to facilitate opening and closing a material flow path. In an open state a hole is positioned in the flow path, in a closed state a closure surface is placed in the flow path. Further, sacrificial components are included in the valve to reduce the effects of wear. Furthermore, wear of the sacrificial components can be determined without having to disassemble the valve. | 08-02-2012 |
20120192955 | AIR CONDITIONING CONTROLLING DEVICE AND METHOD - An air conditioning controller includes a supply air temperature controller controlling a temperature of supply air provided to an air conditioner so a supply air temperature measurement value matches a supply air temperature setting value; a total air volume device measuring/calculating a total supply air volume value that is the total of the air volumes to each individual variable air volume unit; a supply air volume controller controlling an air volume of supply air to the air conditioner, depending on the total air volume value; an air volume insufficiency evaluator evaluating if the air volume is insufficient by comparing the total air volume value to a total air volume lower limit value; and a supply air temperature setter changing the supply air temperature setting value in a direction that the variable air volume unit increase the air volume, when there is an evaluation that the air volume is insufficient. | 08-02-2012 |
20120204964 | CONTROL OF OPERATION CONDITIONS WITHIN FLUIDIC SYSTEMS - The invention provides methods of controlling environmental conditions within a fluidic system, where such environmental conditions can affect the operation of the system in its desired function, and fluidic channels, devices, and systems that are used in practicing these methods. Such methods are generally directed to environmental control fluids, the movement of such fluids through these systems, and the interaction of these fluids with other components of the system, e.g., other fluids or solid components of the system. | 08-16-2012 |
20120211086 | METHOD OF CONTROLLING WATER SUPPLY BY A SENSITIVE FAUCET CAPABLE OF AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTING A DETECTED DISTANCE - A method of controlling water supply by a sensitive faucet capable of automatically adjusting a detected distance comprises steps of: (A) automatically adjusting a detected distance which uses a transmitting unit to emit a pulse to a background, detects a reflection value of the pulse and adjusts the pulse width via a controlling unit; (B) defining a background value which emits the pulse to the background and detects the reflected pulse for setting the reflection value as a background value; and (C) determining a user state which periodically emits the pulse, detects the reflected pulse and determines a user state according to the reflection value for the controlling unit to control a faucet unit open to supply water. Accordingly, the sensitive faucet automatically adjusts a detected distance, for saving water and electricity. | 08-23-2012 |
20120216875 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PRODUCING, TRADING AND TRANSPORTING WATER - Methods and systems for producing, trading, transporting, and storing commodities are disclosed. More specifically, methods and systems for producing, trading, transporting, and storing large quantities of water having specific characteristics are provided. Methods for transferring title and trading commodities in the form of water are disclosed. Various transport systems are disclosed, including devices and methods for utilizing preexisting vessels to carry different liquid cargoes which should not contact one another. | 08-30-2012 |
20120227821 | SHOWER WATER USAGE INDICATOR APPARATUS - Shower water usage indicator apparatus comprises a shower head, a shower base for receiving shower water discharged from the shower head, a waste shower water outlet element for receiving runoff waste shower water from the shower base and for discharging to a drain, a controller for controlling water flow to the shower head and/or water flow from the waste shower water outlet element, a water flow rate detector for outputting a flow rate signal to the controller based on a detected water flow rate, and a water usage display element which is spaced from the water flow rate detector. A water usage indication is displayable on the water usage display element based on an output of the water flow rate detector. A data storage element stores usage data when showering, a representation of usage history based on the stored usage data being displayable on the water usage display element. | 09-13-2012 |
20120241013 | FLOW CONTROL IN MICROFLUIDIC SYSTEMS - Microfluidic systems and methods including those that provide control of fluid flow are provided. Such systems and methods can be used, for example, to control pressure-driven flow based on the influence of channel geometry and the viscosity of one or more fluids inside the system. | 09-27-2012 |
20120247567 | Method for temporarily interrupting an extracorporeal blood treatment, control device and blood treatment apparatus - The present invention relates to a method for temporarily interrupting an extracorporeal treatment of blood of a patient by use of a blood treatment apparatus. The method comprises activating or controlling a control device provided and configured to bring the blood treatment apparatus into a state in which the blood treatment session of the patient can be interrupted with the intention to continue the blood treatment session. The present invention further relates to a control device, a blood treatment apparatus, a digital storage means, a computer program product as well as a computer program. | 10-04-2012 |
20120260996 | METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR GENERATING OR DEPOSITING A STREAM OF FLUID SEGMENTS AND USE THEREOF - An arrangement and method for generating or depositing a stream of m>1 fluid segments, respectively separated by an intermediary medium which does not mix with the fluid segments. The arrangement includes a molded body having a channel for conducting the fluid stream, from which n≧m first access lines and n second access lines branch off. The first and second access lines are configured so to be inserted into n wells. The lengths of the first access lines differ from the lengths of the second access lines, and respectively one first valve is arranged in the channel, between the branching location for each second access line and the branching location for each associated first access line, and wherein respectively a second valve is arranged in each second access line. | 10-18-2012 |
20120273050 | Automatic Shutoff Drain - An automatic shutoff drain remains open to allow the flow of aqueous liquids, but automatically closes if a non-aqueous liquid enters. The drain has four primary components: ( | 11-01-2012 |
20120273051 | OPTIMIZED DEFROSTING REGULATION OF PARALLEL ARRANGED FRESH AIR OUTLETS OF AIR CONDITIONERS - An arrangement is provided for de-icing pipeline connections of an aircraft, which are connected to all fresh air outlets of an air conditioner, whose construction includes, but is not limited to the functions of multiple turbines and heat exchangers, having a first pipeline, which is connected to a first turbine, and a second pipeline, which is connected to a second turbine, the two pipelines, which are each connected downstream from the two turbines and to which process air is fed at the turbine outlets, being connected at the pipe ends and being continued using a third pipeline. The arrangement is characterized in that a first hot air source is fed hot fresh air from a bleed air system of the aircraft and is connected at its outlet to a fourth pipeline, into which temperature-reduced fresh air is fed from the hot air source. The fourth pipeline is connected at its pipe end to two further valve-regulated pipelines, of which a fifth or a sixth pipeline is connected to the first or the second pipeline, and through which temperature-reduced fresh air is transported and fed valve-regulated to the first and/or second pipeline. | 11-01-2012 |
20120291871 | GAS LINE LEAKAGE MONITOR FOR BEVERAGE DISPENSING SYSTEM PREVENTING UNINTENDED ENVIRONMENTAL DISCHARGE - A gas line leakage monitor for beverage dispensing system is configured to prevent unintended environmental discharge of a beverage dispensing gas such as CO2. The monitor includes a gas inlet coupled to the source of gas and a gas outlet coupled to the dispensing portions of the system. The monitor includes a flow sensor detecting when gas is flowing through the monitor. The monitor includes a timer coupled to the flow sensor and tracking the amount of time that the flow sensor detects at least each episode of un-interrupted flow of gas through the monitor. The monitor includes a shut-off valve coupled to the timer for stopping the flow of gas through the monitor and to the system's dispensing portions when the timer indicates an episode of un-interrupted gas flow through the monitor meets a pre-set threshold. The monitor includes a manual reset for opening the shut-off valve. | 11-22-2012 |
20120298207 | Vapor Delivery Device, Methods of Manufacture And Methods of Use Thereof - A method comprises transporting a first stream of a carrier gas to a delivery device that contains a solid precursor compound. The first stream of carrier gas is at a temperature greater than or equal to 20° C. The method further comprises transporting a second stream of the carrier gas to a point downstream of the delivery device. The first stream and the second stream are combined to form a third stream, such that the dewpoint of the vapor of the solid precursor compound in the third stream is lower than the ambient temperature. The flow direction of the first stream, the flow direction of the second stream and the flow direction of the third stream are unidirectional and are not opposed to each other. | 11-29-2012 |
20120298208 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLING FLUSHING APPARATUS AND RELATED INTERFACES - A programmable automated water flushing system (PAWFS) allows for two way communication and remote flushing unit management through a secure web access point or a secure interface in signal communication with a supervisory control and data acquisition system. The PAWFS is configurable to provide and log real time data. The PAWFS can be integrated with exterior water management devices. The PAWFS is configurable to cause flushing of water retention areas when disinfectant residual falls below selectable parameters. The PAWFS can be programmed to flush or clear liquids in accordance with at least one time-based function. | 11-29-2012 |
20120298209 | DRAG REDUCTION OF ASPHALTENIC CRUDE OILS - A system for reducing pressure drop associated with the turbulent flow of asphaltenic crude oil through a conduit. The crude oil has a high asphaltene content and/or a low API gravity. Such reduction in pressure drop is achieved by treating the asphaltenic crude oil with a high molecular weight drag reducing polymer that can have a solubility parameter within about 20 percent of the solubility parameter of the heavy crude oil. The drag reducing polymer can also comprise the residues of monomers having at least one heteroatom. | 11-29-2012 |
20120305090 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING A FLUID FLOW RATE IN A FLUID TRANSPORT LINE OF A MEDICAL DEVICE - An apparatus for controlling a fluid flow rate in a fluid transport line of a medical device, including at least a first pump, at least a chamber for collecting the fluid, at least a sensor for providing a first value correlated to the amount of fluid in the chamber, and a control device configured for receiving a second value representative of the fluid flow rate through the first pump and for correlating the second value with the first value to obtain an accuracy check of the second value. A method for controlling a fluid flow rate in a fluid transport line of a medical device including pumping a fluid, collecting the fluid in a chamber, sensing a first value correlated to the amount of fluid in the chamber, and detecting and sending a second value representative of the fluid flow rate through the first pump to a control device, sending the first value to the control device and correlating the second value with the first value to obtain an accuracy check. | 12-06-2012 |
20120312383 | Method for regulating a valve - A method for regulating a steam bypass valve is provided. The bypass valve is arranged in a steam line and the steam line includes a device for spraying water. The equation, | 12-13-2012 |
20120318366 | LEAK ISOLATION LOGIC FOR CLOSED-VOLUME SYSTEM - A method for isolating a leak in a closed-volume liquid system comprises circulating a fluid through a plurality of isolatable zones and a non-isolatable zone in a closed-volume liquid system, detecting a leak in the closed-volume liquid system, isolating all of the isolatable zones from the non-isolatable zone, sequentially detecting if the leak is present in the non-isolatable zone and each of isolatable zones, and taking corrective action after the leak is detected. | 12-20-2012 |
20120325330 | Selectively Controlling Fluid Flow Through a Fluid Pathway - Systems and methods for controlling fluid delivery via a manually administrable medication container to a patient through a fluid delivery pathway are provided. The systems and methods described herein incorporate rules-based clinical decision support logic to drive a flow control valve within a flow pathway to determine whether the IV fluid connected to the input port is consistent with medical orders, accepted delivery protocols, and/or specific patient and patient histories. Related apparatus, systems, methods and articles are also described. | 12-27-2012 |
20130000736 | ADJUSTABLE AND DIRECTIONAL FLOW PERFORATED TILES - An air flow control assembly, system, and method for controlling air flow to a server rack. An example air flow control assembly includes a retractable barrier configured to block the air flow, at least partially, from passing through a perforated floor tile to the server rack. The air flow control assembly also includes a barrier mount configured to secure the retractable barrier proximate the perforated floor tile. | 01-03-2013 |
20130000737 | METHOD FOR WATER HAMMERLESS OPENING OF FLUID PASSAGE, AND METHOD FOR SUPPLYING CHEMICAL SOLUTIONS AND DEVICE FOR WATER HAMMERLESS OPENING FOR WHICH THE METHOD IS USED - The water hammerless opening device comprises an actuator operating type valve installed on the fluid passage, an electro-pneumatic conversion device to supply the 2-step actuator operating pressure Pa to the afore-mentioned actuator operating type valve, a vibration sensor removably fixed to the pipe passage on the upstream side of the actuator operating type valve, and a tuning box to which the vibration detecting signal Pr detected by the vibration sensor is inputted, through which the control signal Sc to control the step operating pressure Ps′ of the afore-mentioned 2-step actuator operating pressure Pa is outputted to the electro-pneumatic conversion device, and with which the 2-step actuator operating pressure Pa, of the step operating pressure Ps′ which makes the vibration detecting signal Pr nearly zero, is outputted from the electro-pneumatic conversion by adjusting the control signal Sc. | 01-03-2013 |
20130008516 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SUPPLYING NATURAL GAS TO A SALES LINE - A system is disclosed for supplying natural gas to a sales line, the system comprising: an inlet connected to receive natural gas from a well; an outlet connected to discharge the natural gas to a sales line; piping between the inlet and the outlet; a moisture sensor on the piping for detection of a predetermined moisture level in the natural gas; a shutdown valve, on the piping, connected to close upon detection by the moisture sensor of a moisture level at or above the predetermined moisture level; an odorant addition unit on the piping; and a gas analyzer on the piping for tracking the volume and heating value of natural gas discharged through the outlet. A method of supplying natural gas to a sales line is also disclosed. | 01-10-2013 |
20130008517 | Gas Hydrate Percentage Measuring Device and the Method of Controlling the Same - Provided are a gas hydrate percentage measuring device and a method of controlling the same which are capable of measuring a gas hydrate percentage with high accuracy even if source gas exists dissolved in gas hydrate slurry or as gas bubble therein. The method comprises: a first measuring step for measuring an electric conductivity of gas hydrate slurry which passes through a main line ( | 01-10-2013 |
20130014826 | Ultrasonic Analyte Concentration and Application in Flow Cytometry - The present invention includes an apparatus and corresponding method for concentrating analytes within a fluid flowing through a tube using acoustic radiation pressure. The apparatus includes a function generator that outputs a radio frequency electrical signal to a transducer that transforms the radio frequency electric signal to an acoustic signal and couples the acoustic signal to the tube. The acoustic signal is converted within the tube to acoustic pressure that concentrates the analytes within the fluid. | 01-17-2013 |
20130025695 | TOILET WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREFOR - A toilet water supply system comprising: a used water reservoir, in addition to a tank of said toilet, for storing used water to be supplied to said toilet tank from a domestic water source; an adequate-water sensor, for sensing whether said reservoir is full; and a water-directing apparatus, for directing water from said used-water source towards said used water reservoir upon sensing that said reservoir is not full, and towards a domestic drain upon sensing that said water reservoir is full, wherein said directing is carried out using a pump and the operation thereof is regulated, wherein said water-directing apparatus, said sensor and said pump being separated from said water reservoir and the capacity of said apparatus being less than about 3 liters, thereby allowing placing said water directing apparatus in an easy accessible location, resulting with convenient maintenance. | 01-31-2013 |
20130032217 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR LEVEL LOOP CONTROL - Example methods and apparatus for level loop control are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes determining via a sensor a first pressure of a liquid in a tank, determining via a turbine flow meter a second pressure of the liquid in the tank, determining if the first pressure is within a specified range of deviation from the second pressure to determine an operational state of the turbine flow meter, and transmitting a diagnostic message indicating that the turbine flow meter needs to be serviced based on the state of the turbine flow meter. | 02-07-2013 |
20130032218 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ADJUSTING THE MASS FLOW RATE OF A GAS STREAM - The invention relates to a method and device for controlling the mass flow rate of a sonic gas stream in a pipe. To carry out the above operation, an electric discharge is applied inside the pipe so as to create a plasma in the pipe. The electric discharge allows for an increase in the temperature of the gas stream and thus a variation in the mass flow rate or the pressure of the gas stream. By periodically emitting the electric discharge, a pulsed or adjustable gas jet is obtained at the outlet of the device. The gas jet can then be used to control a main stream. | 02-07-2013 |
20130056080 | ADJUSTABLE AIR FLOW BYPASS IN A WATER VAPOR TRANSFER ASSEMBLY TO REDUCE BEGINNING OF LIFE WATER TRANSFER VARIATION - A bypass unit for a water vapor transfer assembly includes a main body, a check valve, and an adjustable flow regulator. The main body has a conduit formed therethrough. The check valve is in communication with the conduit. The check valve normally militates against a flow of a bypass stream through the conduit and permits the flow of the bypass stream through the conduit above a threshold flow rate. The flow regulator is in communication with the conduit. The flow regulator permits an adjustment of the flow of the bypass stream to modify the water transfer rate of the water transfer assembly. | 03-07-2013 |
20130056081 | PIPELINE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DRAINING A PIPELINE SYSTEM - The invention relates to a pipeline system for conveying a salt melt, comprising at least one pipeline ( | 03-07-2013 |
20130056082 | VENT TUBE APPARTUS AND METHOD - A venting apparatus for a liquid dispensing container adapted to hold a quantity of liquid having a liquid level within the liquid dispensing container. The venting apparatus includes a vent that has an aperture through which gas can exit the liquid dispensing container, a float, a liquid barrier carried by the float, and a flexible tube connecting the vent and the float. The flexible tube establishes fluid communication for gas through the vent and the liquid barrier between an interior space within the liquid dispensing container located above the liquid level and an exterior of the liquid dispensing container. | 03-07-2013 |
20130056083 | HYBRID VALVE FOR ATTENUATION OF LOW FREQUENCY NOISE - A hybrid valve assembly for an exhaust system includes an exhaust tube having a bore defining an exhaust flow path. A vane is mounted within the bore and is moveable between an open position and a closed position. A resilient member biases the vane toward the closed position. A valve actuator has an ON position where movement of the vane is actively controlled by the valve actuator and an OFF position where movement of the vane is passively controlled by exhaust gas flow. | 03-07-2013 |
20130081701 | MAINTAINING A WATER LEVEL IN A HUMIDIFICATION COMPONENT - A device for maintaining a water level in a respiratory humidification system, said device comprising: at least one sensor positioned external to a humidification component, the at least one sensor configured for sensing water related information in the humidification component and providing the water related information to a water control module, the water related information comprising data configured for being used to control an operation of the water control module. | 04-04-2013 |
20130081702 | METHODS FOR IN-SITU CALIBRATION OF A FLOW CONTROLLER - Methods and apparatus for in-situ calibration of a flow controller are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method of flowing a gas includes providing a flow controller configured to provide a first gas at a first value of a flow rate based on a calculated first relationship determined by using a standard gas; determining an actual first relationship between the flow rate and the setpoint for the first gas from a plurality of values of the flow rate of the first gas determined at a corresponding plurality of values of the setpoint of the flow controller, wherein each of the plurality of values of the flow rate is determined from flowing the first gas through the flow controller at corresponding ones of the plurality of values for the setpoint; and flowing the first gas at the first value of the flow rate based on the actual first relationship. | 04-04-2013 |
20130087208 | SPECIFIC GRAVITY VALVE FOR A PRODUCTION TANK - A production tank with a tank body has an oil outlet and a water outlet in combination with specific gravity valves. A specific gravity valve is mounted to each outlet. Each specific gravity valve has a floating valve member, a valve seat associated with the valve member and a valve member retainer. The valve member retainer retains the valve member and permits limited vertical movement of the valve member between an open position, away from the valve seat, and a closed position where the valve member directly engages with the valve seat. In the open position, fluid may flow through the outlets and, in the closed position, fluid flow through the outlets is prevented. On the oil outlet, the valve member retainer retains the valve member above the fluid outlet and, on the water outlet, the valve member retainer retains the valve member below the fluid outlet. | 04-11-2013 |
20130087209 | STEERING CONTROL UNIT AND ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC STEERING LOAD SENSE CONTROL - An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a steering system having first and second steering circuits in fluid communication with a fluid actuator wherein the steering circuits are disposed in parallel to each other. The second steering circuit includes a proportional valve having a load-sense feature in selective fluid communication with a load-sense connection and the first steering circuit. The load-sense feature is open to the first steering circuit when the proportional valve is in a neutral position and closed to the first steering circuit when the proportional valve is moved to a first or second steering position. When the proportional valve is actuated from the neutral position to the first or second steering position the movement of the proportional valve closes the load sense feature from the first steering circuit and operates to deactivate the first steering circuit. | 04-11-2013 |
20130087210 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONVEYING FLUIDS INTO THE TREATMENT UNIT OF A MEDICAL TREATMENT APPARATUS, IN PARTICULAR INTO THE DIALYZER OF A DIALYSIS APPARATUS - The present invention relates to a device and method for conveying fluids into the treatment unit of a medical treatment apparatus. The device and method according to the present invention are based on the fact that the fluid with which the treatment unit is supplied, circulates in a fluid circuit including the treatment unit. To balance fresh and used fluid fed to the treatment unit or conveyed from the treatment unit, a balancing unit with a balancing chamber is used, which can be incorporated into the fluid circuit including the treatment unit. It is thus possible to supply the fluid circuit continuously with fresh fluid or to carry away used fluid continuously from the fluid circuit. The supply and discharge of fresh and used fluid can take place at a different flow rate from the flow rate at which the fluid circulates in the fluid circuit via the treatment unit. | 04-11-2013 |
20130092242 | Fluid Leak Detection and Shutdown Apparatus - An apparatus and method for a fluid leak detection and shutdown for a fluid distribution system having a total system flow rate. The apparatus includes a solenoid shutoff valve having a normally open state and an activated closed state with a flow capacity matched to the total fluid distribution system flow rate. The apparatus also has a primary fluid flow line and a smaller capacity secondary fluid flow line. The apparatus includes a flow sensor in fluid communication with the secondary fluid flow line, wherein the flow sensor has a perceptible output and a flow rate capacity less than the solenoid shutoff flow capacity. Operationally, the flow sensor receives a portion of the solenoid shutoff valve flow capacity in priority over the primary fluid flow line, allowing the flow sensor to detect minimal flow rates and using the perceptible output to activate the solenoid shutoff valve into the closed state. | 04-18-2013 |
20130092243 | METHODS FOR MONITORING A FLOW CONTROLLER COUPLED TO A PROCESS CHAMBER - Methods and apparatus for in-situ calibration of a flow controller are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method of flowing a gas includes providing a flow controller configured to provide a first gas at a first value of a flow rate based on a calculated first relationship determined by using a standard gas; determining an actual first relationship between the flow rate and the setpoint for the first gas from a plurality of values of the flow rate of the first gas determined at a corresponding plurality of values of the setpoint of the flow controller, wherein each of the plurality of values of the flow rate is determined from flowing the first gas through the flow controller at corresponding ones of the plurality of values for the setpoint; and flowing the first gas at the first value of the flow rate based on the actual first relationship. | 04-18-2013 |
20130092244 | LABORATORY SYRINGE PUMPS - A syringe pump which includes a pusher block is slidably mounted on bearings on one or more guide rails. The pusher block is advanced or retracted by a lead screw having an axis which is offset from the axis of the one or more guide rails which are supported at their respective ends by support blocks, wherein forward and/or trailing sides of the pusher block bearings are extended, and wherein the guide rail support blocks include recesses for accommodating the extended ends of the pusher block slide bearings. In another embodiment, the syringe pump includes quick connect-disconnect fixtures for loading and unloading syringes. Other mechanical, and programmable improvements are described in the specification. | 04-18-2013 |
20130098458 | HYDRAULIC SYSTEM HAVING MULTIPLE CLOSED-LOOP CIRCUITS - A hydraulic system is disclosed. The hydraulic system may have a first circuit fluidly connecting a first pump to a swing motor and to a first travel motor in a parallel closed-loop manner. The hydraulic system may also have a second circuit fluidly connecting a second pump to a second travel motor and to a first linear tool actuator in a parallel closed-loop manner. | 04-25-2013 |
20130098459 | Closed-Loop Hydraulic System Having Flow Combining and Recuperation - A hydraulic system is disclosed. The hydraulic system may have a plurality of closed-loop circuits fluidly connecting a plurality of pumps to a plurality of actuators, and at least one control valve configured to selectively fluidly connect a first of the plurality of closed-loop circuits to a second of the plurality of closed loop circuits. The hydraulic system may also have an accumulator configured to receive pressured fluid from and discharge pressurized fluid to at least the first of the plurality of closed-loop circuits. | 04-25-2013 |
20130098460 | PROCESS FOR TRANSFERRING A LIQUID USING A PUMP - A process to pump liquid held in a passive tank to an active tank when the active tank has a liquid level below a set point level and when the passive tank contains liquid at a temperature above the freezing point of the liquid, the active tank including a discontinuous level gauge configured to provide at least x+1 indications of the level of liquid in tank as a function of the relative position of a moving part with respect to x set point levels, x being at least equal to 2. The process includes: reading the level indication from a level gauge; starting a pump and measuring a time during which a pump transfers liquid; stopping the pump if this time is greater than a time constant, which depends on the value of the level indication, and if a next set point level is not reached. | 04-25-2013 |
20130098461 | Booster for a Digital Hydraulic Controller and Method for Using a Booster in Connection with a Digital Hydraulic Controller - A booster for a digital hydraulic controller which has at least one digital valve ( | 04-25-2013 |
20130104996 | METHOD FOR BALANCING GAS FLOW SUPPLYING MULTIPLE CVD REACTORS | 05-02-2013 |
20130112277 | COMPACT TURBOMACHINE SYSTEM WITH IMPROVED SLUG FLOW HANDLING - A turbomachine system and method, with the system including a slug detector coupled to a main line to detect a slug flow in a multiphase fluid in the main line. The system also includes a compressor fluidly coupled to the main line and disposed downstream of the slug detector, and a bypass line fluidly coupled to the main line upstream of the compressor and downstream of the compressor. The system further includes at least an upstream control valve fluidly coupled to the main line upstream of the compressor and communicably coupled to the slug detector. The upstream control valve is configured to actuate between a normal position, in which the upstream control valve directs fluid to the compressor, and a bypass position, in which the upstream control valve directs fluid to the bypass line, according to when the slug detector detects a slug flow. | 05-09-2013 |
20130112278 | BISTABLE PULSE SOLENOID VALVE CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - The present invention provides a bistable pulse solenoid valve control system and method. The control system includes a bistable pulse solenoid valve having a coil current, and including a coil frame, a coil having a magnetic flux, at least two permanent magnets, a valve core disposed inside the coil frame, and a frame configured to encapsulate the permanent magnets, the coil, the valve core, and the coil frame. The system also includes a main control circuit, a polarity conversion control circuit, and a drive current sampling detection circuit. The main control circuit is configured to generate a control signal and the polarity conversion control circuit is configured to control the direction and power on-off time of the coil current. | 05-09-2013 |
20130118593 | LOW OIL LEVEL DETECTION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A hydraulic system for a hybrid module which is located between an engine and a transmission includes a parallel arrangement of a mechanical pump and an electric pump. Each pump is constructed and arranged to deliver oil from a sump to other portions of the hydraulic system depending on the operational mode. A load on the electric pump corresponds to a current draw on the electric pump motor. This current draw is used to indicate when there is a low oil level in the sump. | 05-16-2013 |
20130125997 | METHODS FOR AN EXHAUST FLUID LEVEL SENSOR - Various methods are provided for notifying a vehicle operator of various parameters based on an exhaust fluid level sensor of an exhaust fluid storage tank. In one example, the parameter is a consumption rate of the exhaust fluid. In another example, the parameter is an amount of fluid to be added to the exhaust fluid storage tank. | 05-23-2013 |
20130125998 | COOLED SMELT RESTRICTOR AT COOLED SMELT SPOUT FOR DISRUPTING SMELT FLOW FROM THE BOILER - The amount or extent of expositions as a result of hot smelt from a pulp mill recovery boiler impacting cool liquid in a dissolving tank is reduced more effectively by regulating the smelt flow via a restrictor assembly. The restrictor assembly may be positioned to permit the smelt to flow, unrestricted, from the recovery boiler to the dissolving tank, or the restrictor assembly may be positioned so as to fully or partially block the smelt flow from the boiler to the dissolving tank. In some embodiments, a source of cooling fluid may be coupled to the restrictor assembly so as to assist in cooling parts of the restrictor assembly when hot smelt is in contact with the assembly. | 05-23-2013 |
20130125999 | ENDPOINT DETERMINATION FOR CAPILLARY-ASSISTED FLOW CONTROL - Apparatus and method for determining endpoint of a fluid supply vessel in which fluid flow is controlled through a flow passage disposed in an interior volume of the fluid supply vessel with a static flow restricting device and a selectively actuatable valve element upon establishing fluid flow. The endpoint determination can be employed to terminate fluid supply from the fluid supply vessel and/or to switch from a fluid-depleted supply vessel to a fresh vessel for continuity or renewal of fluid supply operation. The apparatus and method are suitable for use with fluidutilizing apparatus such as ion implanters. | 05-23-2013 |
20130126000 | METHOD PERTAINING TO AIR REMOVAL FROM A LIQUID SUPPLY SYSTEM AND A LIQUID SUPPLY SYSTEM - A method pertaining to a liquid supply system which supplies liquid to a feed device ( | 05-23-2013 |
20130133750 | FULLY AUTOMATED EMERGENCY GENERATOR FUEL OIL SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATION THEREOF - A fully automated emergency generator fuel oil system comprises a plurality of emergency generator fuel oil system components, a plurality of sensors for continuously monitoring the physical status of said system components, and a master control panel in communication with the plurality of sensors, wherein a master control panel in operative communication with the system components interprets signals received from the plurality of sensors to determine if an event has occurred, an event indicating the physical status of one or more of the system components, and when an event has occurred, the master control panel issues one or more instructions responsive to the event that control the function of one or more of the system components. | 05-30-2013 |
20130139895 | MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES WITH MECHANICALLY-SEALED DIAPHRAGM VALVES - This invention provides a fluidic device comprising a diaphragm valve having a fluidics layer, an actuation layer and an elastic layer between the fluidics layer and the actuation layer, the elastic layer having a diaphragm that is mechanically sealed against the fluidics layer and the actuation layer by a sealing ring in the actuation layer. | 06-06-2013 |
20130139896 | Managing Waste Water Discharge Of A Computing System - Managing waste water discharge of a computing system, the computing system including one or more evaporative coolers, including: determining, by a waste water management module, a waste water discharge limit, wherein the waste water discharge limit specifies the amount of waste water that can be discharged within a period of time; determining, by the waste water management module, the amount of waste water that has been discharged during a current measurement period; and updating, by the waste water management module, operating parameters for the computing system in dependence upon the amount of waste water that has been discharged during the current measurement period and the waste water discharge limit. | 06-06-2013 |
20130139897 | REAL-TIME SYSTEM FOR MONITORING HYDROGEN TANK EXPANSION AND A METHOD FOR USING SAME - The present disclosure provides a system and method for safely charging hydrogen using real-time hydrogen tank expansion data. The system includes an expansion measurement unit, a vehicle-side control unit, a charging station-side control unit, and a wireless communication unit. The expansion measurement unit is disposed on a hydrogen tank of the vehicle, and measures the degree of expansion of the hydrogen tank and generates a corresponding output signal. The vehicle-side control unit converts the output signal into data wireless output signal. The charging station-side control unit stops hydrogen replenishment by a hydrogen charger when the wireless output signal indicates an unsafe degree of tank expansion based. The wireless communication unit is provided to perform wireless data communication between the vehicle-side control unit and the charging-side control unit. | 06-06-2013 |
20130139898 | REAGENT SPLITTING/DISPENSING METHOD BASED ON REAGENT DISPENSING NOZZLE AND REAGENT SPLITTING/DISPENSING MECHANISM - A reagent splitting/dispensing method based on a reagent dispensing nozzle controls a split or dispensation amount of reagent, includes a waiting process of disposing a first air layer between an interface of the operation fluid and a nozzle tip end in the reagent dispensing nozzle; a first moving process of moving the reagent dispensing nozzle to a position above the reagent to be split; a second moving process of depositing the nozzle tip end in the reagent; an air layer adjusting process of increasing the occupation amount of the operation fluid in the reagent dispensing nozzle and decreasing the occupation amount of the first air layer, between the first moving process and the second moving process; and a reagent splitting process of decreasing the occupation amount of the operation fluid in the reagent dispensing nozzle and filling the reagent into the reagent dispensing nozzle from the nozzle tip end. | 06-06-2013 |
20130160862 | PRESSURE-TANK WATER-LEVEL CONTROL METHOD IN A PIPING SYSTEM USING A LEVEL TRANSMITTER AND A LEVEL SWITCH - Disclosed herein is a method of controlling a water level of a pressure tank of a piping system. The piping system includes the pressure tank, a level transmitter, a first level switch disposed on a low-level-alarm line, a second level switch disposed between the low-level-alarm line and a lower limit line of an optimal level range, a third level switch disposed between a high-level-alarm line and an upper limit line of the optimal level range, and a fourth level switch disposed on a high-level-alarm line. The method includes receiving a level measurement value from the level transmitter; receiving and checking ON/OFF signals of the level switches; comparing the level measurement value with the ON/OFF signals; determining whether an abnormality has occurred in the level transmitter, and determining whether to raise or lower the water level; and supplying gas to the pressure tank or exhausting gas therefrom. | 06-27-2013 |
20130167938 | REMOTE MONITORING SHOWER WATER APPARATUS AND METHOD OF REMOTE MONITORING A SHOWERING USER - Remote-monitoring shower water apparatus comprises a housing, a shower water inlet at the housing, a shower water outlet at the housing, a controller at the housing which controls at least water flow from the shower water inlet to the shower water outlet, and a monitoring device which monitors at least one of the controller and the user of the controller. The monitoring device includes at least one sensor element and an offsite-signal transmitter at or adjacent to the housing which transmits a status signal to a carer location remote from an installation site of the shower water apparatus, based on a status of the sensor element. | 07-04-2013 |
20130174913 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS IN A LIQUID CIRCULATION SYSTEM - A method and apparatus for controlling the total dissolved solids in a liquid circulation system having a sump to which liquid is supplied from a liquid source measures the liquid level in the sump, calculates the average evaporation rate of the liquid over time based on that measurement and also calculates the total dissolved solids level in the liquid based on sump volume, the measured liquid level in the sump, the calculated evaporation rate and the total dissolved solids content of the liquid from the liquid source and adds supply liquid to the liquid circulating system when the calculated total dissolved solids content in the liquid in the system attains a predetermined level. | 07-11-2013 |
20130174914 | Magnetically Activated Safety Valve Sealable Upon Rupturing - A safety valve designed to stop the flow of fluid through a conduit or pipe when an internal or external force causes the valve to rupture in a predetermined region and a method for using such a safety valve is provided. The safety valve generally comprises a first region, a second region, and a separation region. The separation region is designed such that the application of an internal or external force or force will cause the valve to rupture. | 07-11-2013 |
20130174915 | VALVE POSITIONING SYSTEM WITH BLEED PREVENTION - A valve positioner system with zero bleed at steady state is disclosed. The system has a pilot valve, the operation of which is controlled by an electronic circuit powered from a signaling and power connection of a positioner device. A plurality of pneumatic valves are activated and deactivated by the pilot valve to control a valve actuator. With varying configurations and arrangements of normally open or normally closed pilot valves and pneumatic valves, fail freeze and fail safe operations are contemplated. The activation and deactivation of the pilot valve is controlled by an electronic circuit that monitors a valve position signal. | 07-11-2013 |
20130174916 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CAPACITIVE SENSING THE TOP LEVEL OF A MATERIAL IN A VESSEL - A method and apparatus for sensing the top level of a material in a vessel is disclosed. A method and apparatus for sensing changes in the top level of a material in a vessel is disclosed. | 07-11-2013 |
20130180593 | HEAT PIPE WITH CONTROLLED FLUID CHARGE AND HYDROPHOBIC COATING - The present invention is a heat pipe having a specified volume of working fluid determined in relation to the interior volume of the heat pipe and a target temperature T | 07-18-2013 |
20130180594 | CO2 SYSTEM PRESSURE CONTROL VALVE - An apparatus and method for filling a CO2 system that provides carbonation and delivery of beverages to a user is provided together with a control valve for performing this method. The steps include: attaching a hose and pumping liquid carbon dioxide through an inlet fitting housed in a control valve assembly; causing the translation of a valve stem to isolate a gas port and a tank and a user port and directing the liquid carbon dioxide to a liquid port and a tank; and stopping the pumping of the liquid carbon dioxide upon reaching a pre-determined pressure and removing the hose allowing the translation of the valve stem to close the valve assembly from the atmosphere and allowing the liquid to boil to a gas to provide delivery and carbonation to the beverage. | 07-18-2013 |
20130186471 | CALIBRATION METHOD AND FLOW RATE MEASUREMENT METHOD FOR FLOW RATE CONTROLLER FOR GAS SUPPLY DEVICE - In a gas supply device supplying many different gases to a gas use portion through many flow rate controllers, a flow rate controller calibration unit includes a build-up tank with inner volume, an inlet side on-off valve and an outlet side on-off valve V | 07-25-2013 |
20130192679 | FUEL PREHEATING USING ELECTRIC PUMP - A fuel system for an auxiliary power unit includes a mechanical fuel pump, an electric fuel pump, and a controller. The mechanical fuel pump provides fuel flow to the auxiliary power unit and has an output dependent upon an operational speed of the auxiliary power unit. The electric fuel pump is located in flow series with the mechanical fuel pump. The controller causes the electric fuel pump to circulate and thereby warm fuel prior to start up of the auxiliary power unit. | 08-01-2013 |
20130192680 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MEASURING THE FILLING LEVEL - A measurement device for regulating the filling level of a liquid-gas mixture via a inlet valve in a container, having at least one vertical liquid standpipe fixed to a outer wall of the container and fluidically connected to the interior of the container via horizontal tube-shaped hydraulic devices. A first lower hydraulic device is disposed near the container base so the standpipe level changes with the container. A second hydraulic device is provided above the desired filling level so that the standpipe level changes when a selectable desired filling level value is exceeded. The device has a display and regulator that is in controlled connection to the liquid inlet valve. The liquid standpipe has a third tube-shaped hydraulic device that protrudes horizontally into the container and is arranged in the container at or below the desired filling level. The first lower hydraulic device is configured as a return. | 08-01-2013 |
20130192681 | COMPRESSED AIR SUPPLY SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD - A compressed air supply assembly for operating a pneumatic assembly includes a compressed air supply; a compressed air connection to the pneumatic assembly; a purge connection to the environment; a pneumatic main line between the compressed air supply and the compressed air connection comprising an air dryer; a purge line between the compressed air connection and the purge connection; and a solenoid valve arrangement with a control valve to control a purge valve. The control valve is connected to a control valve connection in a pneumatic control line connected to a pressure control connection of the purge valve; and the purge valve is connected to a purge valve connection in the purge line. A pressure-maintaining device is connected to the pneumatic control line and maintains control pressure at the pressure control connection when the purge valve connection is open, independently of pressure in the purge line and/or the main line. | 08-01-2013 |
20130213482 | METHOD FOR ACOUSTICALLY LOCALIZING LEAKS IN PIPING SYSTEMS - Method for acoustically locating leaks in underground or aboveground piping systems, in which at least two noise data loggers receiving the leak noise and being arranged in mutual distance from one another are brought in physical contact with the piping system to be examined and measure simultaneously the noise level (dB) and the frequency of a leak, whereas both measured values of frequency and noise level are combined in a single value (ESA), whereas the ESA value is calculated from the decimal logarithm of the frequency of the leak noise multiplied with the logarithmic level value of the leak noise multiplied with a constant factor. | 08-22-2013 |
20130213483 | REAL-TIME CONTROL OF EXHAUST FLOW - A flow control system for controlling exhaust flow can measure effluent escaping from the exhaust hood at a given flow rate. An interferometric detector can measure fluctuations in fluid properties external to and/or in the vicinity of the exhaust hood. The flow control system may vary a flow rate of the exhaust hood and/or control exhaust hood structures responsive to the measurements to contain the effluent while minimizing the exhaust of air from the occupied space. | 08-22-2013 |
20130220429 | System And Method For Delivering A Pressurized Gas From A Cryogenic Storage Vessel - A system and method pumps process fluid from a cryogenic storage vessel to a vaporizer, and delivers the fluid as a pressurized gas. The method includes measuring process fluid temperature after the process fluid exits the vaporizer, temporarily suspending operation of the pump when the process fluid temperature is below a threshold temperature, and restarting a suspended pump if at least one predefined enabling condition is satisfied and process fluid pressure is less than a high pressure threshold. The system comprises components that cooperate with one another to execute the method, including a storage vessel, a pump, a vaporizer, a conduit for delivering a pressurized gas from the vaporizer to the end user, a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor for measuring process fluid properties within the conduit, and a controller for commanding operation of the pump responsive to temperature and pressure measurements. | 08-29-2013 |
20130220430 | VALVE WITH ELECTROMECHANICAL DEVICE FOR ACTUATING THE VALVE - The invention relates to an assembly comprising an electromechanical device and a self-sealing valve, and in particular, to any inflatable device that includes the assembly. In one embodiment, the assembly comprises a valve housing defining an opening through which fluid can be provided to the inflatable device, a flexible diaphragm assembly that is configured to self-seal the opening with sufficient fluid pressure in the inflatable device and to open under sufficient fluid pressure from a fluid moving device, to provide fluid through the opening to and seal the inflatable device. The assembly further comprises an electromechanical device including an actuating arm, having a first position in which the actuating arm urges open the self-sealing valve and a second position in which the actuating arm does not act upon the self-sealing valve, so as to regulate an amount of fluid within the inflatable device. With this arrangement, a small, low power, low duty cycle electromechanical device can be used. | 08-29-2013 |
20130220431 | SLURRY FEED SYSTEM AND METHOD - The invention can provide or facilitate systems and methods for feeding a slurry and, in particular, to systems and methods for treating wastewater streams with a slurry having periodic flushing of conduits. | 08-29-2013 |
20130228227 | SIPHON ACTUATED FILTRATION PROCESS - A system for actuating a water flow through a filter. The system includes a filtrate withdrawal conduit for being connected to the filter in a water sealing fashion for receiving filtrate therefrom. A filtrate collector is in fluid communication with the filtrate withdrawal conduit for collecting the filtrate. A filtrate siphon is interposed between the filtrate withdrawal conduit and the filtrate collector. A suction mechanism connected to a top portion of the filtrate siphon via an air conduit. The suction mechanism provides suction to the filtrate siphon which is sufficient for drawing the filtrate to the top portion of the filtrate siphon for actuating the water flow through the filter and the flow of filtrate from the filter to the filtrate collector. | 09-05-2013 |
20130228228 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR JUDGING PROPRIETY OF EGR VALVE OPERATION - Provided are a temperature sensor | 09-05-2013 |
20130233393 | Method and Apparatus for Mixing, Transporting, Storing, and Transferring Thixotropic Fluids in One Container - A method for mixing, transporting, storing, and transferring a thixotropic fluid is disclosed. The method includes mixing a thixotropic fluid. The thixotropic fluid may be built within a fluid container that includes an agitation unit. Once it has gelled, the thixotropic fluid can be sheared using the agitation unit, which may be mounted within the fluid container. The thixotropic fluid can then be pumped out of the fluid container. | 09-12-2013 |
20130233394 | Automatic Fluid Container Switching In A Blood Processing System - Systems and methods for determining when a fluid supply container of a blood processing apparatus becomes empty. The system uses a scale to monitor and detect when a fluid supply container is empty based on the rate of change of the container weight and whether the container weight is below a pre-established threshold, and a controller receives a signal from the scale and controls the operation of a pump to stop pumping when the fluid supply container is empty. | 09-12-2013 |
20130255788 | FILL VALVE - A fill valve is provided that includes an inner assembly and a float operatively coupled to the inner assembly. The fill valve also includes a distributor having an inner volume, the distributor is rotatably coupled to the inner assembly. The distributor is freely rotatable 360 degrees. The fill valve further includes a cover having an inner volume, the cover coupled to the distributor. The inner assembly is retained within the inner volumes of the distributor and the cover. The inner assembly includes a body member with a threaded end, an outer body member, ballast, a stem, a diaphragm, a valve cap, a pilot cap and a float arm. | 10-03-2013 |
20130269786 | DIGITAL FLUID CONTROL VALVE - A method for regulating water output is presented. The method includes receiving an input at a plurality of sensors, transmitting a signal to a control unit in response to receiving the input, controlling, via the control unit, a first plurality of solenoid valves to regulate hot water controlling, via the control unit, a second plurality of solenoid valves to regulate cold water in response to the signal, creating a water mixture comprising at least hot water output from at least one of the first plurality of solenoid valves or cold water output from at least one of the second plurality of solenoid valves, and outputting the water mixture to a water output unit. | 10-17-2013 |
20130269787 | WATER SWELLABLE RUBBER COMPOSITION HAVING STABLE SWELLING PROPERTY AT HIGH TEMPERATURES - A water swellable rubber composition comprising (a) a non-water swellable base rubber, (b) a crosslinkable ethylene oxide based hydrophilic elastomer having at least one curable functional group, and (c) a water swellable non-elastomeric material. The composition has excellent water swell characteristics under prolonged exposure to high temperature and various electrolyte solutions (strong salinity as well as acid conditions) and is particularly suitable for oil field applications. | 10-17-2013 |
20130276900 | GAS LOCK, AND COATING APPARATUS COMPRISING A GAS LOCK - The present invention relates to a gas lock for separating two gas chambers, which while taking up minimal space makes it possible to achieve the separation of gases without contact with the product/educt/transporting system. The gas lock according to the invention is distinguished by the integration of a measuring chamber for measuring at least one physical and/or chemical property. Also, the present invention relates to a coating device which comprises a gas lock according to the invention. Also provided are possibilities for using the gas lock according to the invention. | 10-24-2013 |
20130298999 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GASFLOW MANAGEMENT - A system and method for gasflow management to ensure that the output pressure is within a safety range. Upon entering the input terminal, the input source may pass through a switch valve to reach a pressure-reducing valve so that the pressure is reduced to a reduced pressure level. Then, the reduced pressure level is checked by the release valve and is lowered if the reduced pressure level is higher than the cutoff pressure associated with the release valve. The reduced pressure level is also sensed by a pressure sensor so that the controller can shut off the operation if the pressure reading is not within a safety range. | 11-14-2013 |
20130299000 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF EFFICIENT BY-PRODUCT DISPOSAL BASED ON BY-PRODUCT QUALITY - A selective holding tank draining system can comprise a sensor device configured to receive total dissolved solids (TDS) data of a stored fluid from a TDS sensor, and wherein the sensor device can be configured to receive volume data of the stored fluid from a volume sensor, and a central server configured to determine a selected TDS level for disposal of the stored fluid. In various embodiments, an average TDS level of a drained volume of the stored fluid if draining from two or more tanks can be calculated. Furthermore, the stored fluid volume to drain from each of the two or more tanks to achieve a drained mixture having less than the selected TDS level can be determined. | 11-14-2013 |
20130299001 | SMART STORAGE TANK AND DRAINAGE SCHEDULING - Disclosed is one or more tanks wherein each tank includes one or more sensor devices that measure one or more of the volume of fluid in the tank, the rate of fluid input into the tank and characteristics of the fluid entering the tank. The data has several uses including scheduling the draining of the tank and determining where to empty the contents drained from the tank. | 11-14-2013 |
20130312834 | Apparatus and Method of Determining a Leak Condition of a Fuel System - A portion of a fuel system of a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes a brake system. The fuel system includes a fuel tank connected to an engine. The portion of the fuel system includes an evaporative emissions system and an evaporative emissions leak check system selectively fluidly-connected to the evaporative emissions system. The evaporative emissions leak check system includes a vacuum source. The vacuum source includes a vacuum pump connected to a brake boost device that provides power braking to the brake system of the vehicle. A method is also disclosed. | 11-28-2013 |
20130319535 | PROCESS FLUID ACTUATED PILOT OPERATED CONTROL VALVE - A flow control system includes a pilot driven valve having a pilot assembly and a main valve assembly; a displacement measurement component coupled to the main valve assembly indicating displacement of the main valve assembly; and a proportional solenoid responsive to a signal from the displacement measurement component that displaces the pilot assembly in proportion to the changes in displacement of the main valve assembly. The valve is controlled by sensing a displacement of the main valve assembly; and modulating the proportional solenoid in response to the displacement of the main valve assembly. | 12-05-2013 |
20130327408 | Electronically Controllable and Testable Turbine Trip System and Method with Redundant Bleed Manifolds - A trip control system for use with, for example, turbines, includes a porting manifold that supports and provides fluid to two or more trip manifolds, each of which includes a bleed circuit having two or more bleed valves connected in parallel between a trip header line and a return or dump line to bleed the hydraulic fluid pressure from the trip header line to thereby cause a trip. The bleed valves of each of the tripping manifolds are actuated by one or more control valves under control of a controller. The trip control system is doubly redundant in that the trip control system includes redundant trip manifolds operating in parallel so that each of the trip manifolds is able to be used to independently engage a trip of the turbine and each of the trip manifolds includes redundant sets of valves and other trip components that enable the trip manifold to operate to engage a trip of the turbine in the presence of a failure of one of the sets of components on a trip manifold, or while various components of the trip manifold are being tested. | 12-12-2013 |
20130333765 | FLOW RATE BALANCED, DYNAMICALLY ADJUSTABLE SHEATH DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR FLOW CYTOMETRY - Disclosed is a sheath delivery system that uses a continuous flow of sheath fluid into a pressurized internal reservoir that substantially matches the outflow of sheath fluid through the nozzle of a flow cytometer. A substantially constant level of the sheath fluid is maintained. If the sheath fluid level falls below a desired level, or goes above a desired level, a dampened control system is used to reach the desired level. In addition, air pressure in the pressurized internal container is controlled so that an external sheath container can be removed and refilled with additional sheath fluid without stopping the sheath delivery system | 12-19-2013 |
20130340832 | REDUNDANT ACTUATION SYSTEM - A valve assembly including a plurality of control systems. A member is included that is actuatable by each of the control systems for controlling operation of the valve assembly. A plurality of tangs is included with at least one tang corresponding to each control system. A plurality of windows each having a shoulder is included, each tang disposed in one of the windows and selectively engagable with the shoulder of the one of the windows. The tangs and the windows are operative together to enable actuation forces to be selectively transferred from any group of selected ones of the control systems to the member via the tangs and the shoulders of corresponding ones of the windows for actuating the member while simultaneously permitting relative movement between the windows and the tangs corresponding to unselected ones of the control systems. A method of operating a valve assembly is also included. | 12-26-2013 |
20130340833 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR WATER RATIONING - A water rationing device that controls and manages municipal household water usage including a signal conveying wired pipe having electrically conductive wires, a flow sensor coupled to the signal conveying wired pipe, a flow gauge, a first and a second control valve coupled to the signal conveying wired pipe, a first and a second pipe connector having push connectors, a converter connected to the electrically conductive wires via the push connectors, a power supply connected to the converter, and a first and a second transceiver connected to a controller that receives the water flow signal from the water flow gauge, sends and receives control signals to the first control valve and the second control valve, and sends and receives signals from the first and second transceiver. | 12-26-2013 |
20130340834 | FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM - A method includes i) identifying a period of operation corresponding to a fuel supply requirement; ii) determining at least one ambient air condition in which the machine will operate during the period; iii) determining a duration of time in which, whilst in the ambient air condition, it is required to achieve a predetermined vapour trail characteristic; iv) determining a resultant fuel composition for use by the machine in the ambient air condition to achieve the characteristic, where the resultant fuel composition includes at least one of the first and second fuel compositions; v) determining the ratio of at least the first and second fuel compositions required for sufficient resultant fuel composition for the duration of time determined in step iii); and vi) producing a first signal indicative of the ratio of at least the first and second fuel compositions required for the duration of time determined in step iii). | 12-26-2013 |
20140007945 | LIQUID LEVEL DEVICE FOR EFFECTIVE CROP GROWTH - An improved liquid level control device for improving growing conditions and efficient crop growth in a series of plant pots includes a first valve means, a connection means, and a second valve means. The first valve means is operable to control a liquid level in a first pot. The connection means is mounted to a portion of the first valve means. The connection means includes an inlet connectable to a liquid source and an outlet for directing liquid to a remote plant pot. The second valve means is slidably received within the connection means and is operably connected to the first valve means. The second valve means is adapted to move between a first position allowing liquid communication between the inlet and outlet, and a second position substantially closing communication between the inlet and outlet depending on the liquid level within the first plant pot. | 01-09-2014 |
20140014188 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PRODUCING, TRADING, AND TRANSPORTING WATER - Methods and systems for producing, trading, transporting, conveying, and storing non-salt water are disclosed. More specifically, methods and systems for producing, trading, transporting, and storing large quantities of water having specific characteristics are provided. Various transport systems are disclosed, including devices and methods for utilizing standard shipping containers on ships, oil tankers, barges, boats, trains, trucks, planes, and other modes of transportation. More particularly, this invention relates to delivering drinkable water to the water-poor regions of the globe using large bags or membranes in shipping containers, empty cargo holds, or empty oil tankers' cargo holds. | 01-16-2014 |
20140026969 | FAIL-SAFE ACTUATION SYSTEM - Disclosed is a fail-safe fluidic actuation system ( | 01-30-2014 |
20140034139 | VARIABLE VALVE ACTUATION SYSTEM INCLUDING AN ACCUMULATOR AND A METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE VARIABLE VALVE ACTUATION SYSTEM - A system according to the principles of the present disclosure includes a valve actuator, a pump, an accumulator, and a control valve. The valve actuator actuates at least one of an intake valve and an exhaust valve of an engine. The pump supplies hydraulic fluid to the valve actuator through a supply line. The accumulator stores hydraulic fluid. The control valve is disposed between the accumulator and the valve actuator. | 02-06-2014 |
20140034140 | LIQUID STORAGE APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF - A sensing unit for detecting an amount of liquid stored in a storage chamber is configured so that: a direction of a first moment which is a moment about a shaft produced by self weights of a rotating member, a float, and a receiver is a direction in which the float is moved from a first position to a second position vertically below the first position; and a direction of a resultant moment obtained by combining a second moment, which is a maximum moment about the shaft produced when the receiver receives liquid supplied to the storage chamber, and the first moment is a direction in which the float is moved from the second position to the first position. | 02-06-2014 |
20140041728 | LAUNDRY TREATING APPLIANCE AND METHOD OF DETECTING OVERSUDS - A method for detecting an oversuds condition that can lead to a suds lock condition in a laundry treating appliance includes determining a baseline fill level prior to introducing wash liquid in the cycle of operation; sampling fill levels of the wash liquid during a wash phase of the cycle of operation while wash liquid is being drained; comparing each sampled fill level to the baseline fill level and determining a difference; continuing to sample fill levels for a predetermined period after the difference equals zero; identifying a minimum fill level for the predetermined period; sampling a final fill level after the predetermined period; calculating a difference between the minimum fill level and the final fill level; and identifying a potential suds lock condition if the difference exceeds a predetermined threshold. | 02-13-2014 |
20140041729 | HYBRID DOSING UNIT - An assembly provides a proportioned gas flow and includes
| 02-13-2014 |
20140041730 | Apparatus and Methods for Measuring and or Adjusting the Height of Material in the Bin of a Hopper Assembly - At least one probe assembly is used to measure the height of material dispensed into the bin of a hopper assembly. | 02-13-2014 |
20140048139 | Alarm Unit For Dishwashing Systems - A method for monitoring a level of a sanitation agent in a dishwashing system having a sanitation agent supply vessel includes the step of providing a supply tube having a first portion and a second portion that are unconnected to one another. The first and second portions are linked with a pipe. An optical sensor is situated adjacent the pipe, and a reference reading, a fault check reading, and a fault confirmation reading is sequentially taken with the optical sensor. The method further includes the step of imposing a warning signal by a controller when both: (1) a magnitude of the difference between the reference reading and the fault check reading exceeds a threshold; and (2) a magnitude of the difference between the reference reading and the fault confirmation reading exceeds the threshold. | 02-20-2014 |
20140048140 | Apparatus for Hot Water Pressure Washer with an Automatic Burner Cool-down - A hot water pressure washer with an automatic burner cool-down includes a water inlet assembly, a low pressure water supply assembly, a coil outlet assembly, a control system, and other related components which are required for the functionality of the pressure washer. A shut-down timer of the control system shut down a power source so that the pressure washer can be automatically shut down through the control system when the pressure washer is not operated. Then a cool-down timer of the control system efficiently cools down a heating coil of a burner assembly. The cool-down timer activates the water inlet assembly, the low pressure water supply assembly and the coil outlet assembly through a pair of solenoid valves in order to cool down the heating coil, where the thermal energy within the heating coil is removed from a phase change of water into water vapor and convection. | 02-20-2014 |
20140060658 | MULTIPLE GAS TURBINE FORWARDING SYSTEM - A fuel forwarding skid for delivering fuel from a storage area to a plurality of turbines includes at least two pumps for delivering fuel to a skid outlet line. A flow control device is connected to the pumps to control an output of the pumps. A recirculation line is in communication with the skid outlet line and is adapted to return a portion of the fuel in the skid outlet line to the storage area. A flow meter is in communication with the recirculation line to measure a rate of flow in the recirculation line, and the flow control device controls the output of at least one of the pumps in accordance with the rate of flow in the recirculation line. | 03-06-2014 |
20140060659 | ON-LINE DETECTION OF ORGANIC CONTAMINANT IN CONDENSATE SYSTEM OF SUGAR PRODUCTION PROCESSES USING FLUORESCENCE THECHNOLOGY - A method of measuring contamination in fluid that is expelled from a food processing system is presented. The method of measuring is carried out with fluorescence. The fluid is typically allowed to enter into an energy transfer system, but if the contamination exceeds a certain level, the fluid should be prevented from entering the energy transfer system. The fluid is generally comprised of water expelled from a sugar processing operation. | 03-06-2014 |
20140060660 | CIRCULATING SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING INSTANT HOT WATER - A water circulating system is for distributing instant hot water at a fixture that has respective hot and cold water inlets. The system includes hot and cold water piping, a pump constructed and arranged to pump water through said hot water piping. A by-pass device is provided at the sink area and connected directly between the hot water inlet and the cold water inlet. The by-pass device includes a pump for drawing hot water, a thermal switch, and a check valve. The pump, thermal switch, and check valve are constructed and arranged in series. A controller is connected to the pump so as to control the duty cycle of the pump so as to establish at least one of a selectable pump cycle time, and a selectable pump running time. | 03-06-2014 |
20140069508 | Virtual Limit Switch - A method associated with a valve package having a process valve, an actuator and a controller. The method includes obtaining a baseline signature corresponding to opening or closing the valve as the valve moves from a first position to a second position. The method also includes obtaining an operating signature corresponding to values associated with the baseline signature each time the valve moves from the first position to the second position. In addition, the operating signature is compared to the baseline signature. The method further includes determining if one or more of the values associated with the operating signature is within an acceptable range from the corresponding one or more values in the baseline signature. | 03-13-2014 |
20140069509 | FLOW MONITORING SYSTEM, METHOD AND SOFTWARE - A flow monitoring system, software, and method of use. | 03-13-2014 |
20140083513 | Self-Aligning Valve Port - A regulator comprises a regulator valve and an actuator. The actuator is coupled to the regulator valve and comprises a control element for controlling the flow of fluid through the regulator valve. The regulator valve is equipped with a self-aligning valve port that includes a retaining portion, a biased portion disposed within the retaining portion, and a biasing member disposed between the retaining portion and the biased portion. The self-aligning valve port advantageously automatically adjusts to achieve sealed engagement with the control element of the actuator, thereby improving regulator performance. | 03-27-2014 |
20140102541 | WATER OUTLET CONTROL SYSTEM USING SOUND VARIATION - The flow of a fluid such as water is controlled through an outlet by detecting sound within an environment at a first time and generating a first profile based upon the content of the sound detected at the first time. The flow of the fluid is further controlled by detecting sound within the environment at a second time and generating a second profile based upon the content of the sound detected at the second time. The flow of the fluid is still further controlled by comparing the second profile with the first profile and controlling a control valve to shut off a supply of the fluid exiting a tap based upon the results of the comparison. | 04-17-2014 |
20140102542 | Flow Control Actuator with an Adjustable Frequency - A method and apparatus comprising a structure and a chamber within the structure. The structure has an input port and an output port. The chamber is configured to channel a fluid from the input port to the output port of the structure. A volume of the chamber is configured to change such that a frequency at which the fluid flows out of the output port changes at the output port. | 04-17-2014 |
20140109977 | OVERFLOW VALVE PREVENTION SYSTEM - A method of controlling overflow in a below-ground transfer pump sump used in the dispensing of liquid fuels. The method comprises providing a sump having a sump bottom below a level of ground immediately adjacent the sump, providing a storage tank having an internal cavity for the storage of liquid fuel, the storage tank having a conduit in communication with the sump and providing an overflow assembly having an inlet disposed within the sump and an outlet communicating with the conduit. The method includes permitting water from the ground adjacent the sump to enter the sump and mix with any liquid fuel in the sump and if the liquid fuel and water mixture in the sump reaches a predetermined level, allowing the liquid mixture to pass through the overflow assembly, into the conduit and into the storage tank containing the liquid fuel. | 04-24-2014 |
20140116520 | FUEL SYSTEM HAVING DUAL FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR - A pressure regulator is disclosed for use with a dual fuel engine. The pressure regulator may have a body, a cavity formed in the body, a first inlet port in fluid communication with a first end of the cavity, a first outlet port in fluid communication with the first end of the cavity, and a second inlet port in fluid communication with a second end of the cavity. The pressure regulator may also have a valve element movable based on a pressure difference between the first and second inlet ports to any position between a first fully open position at which fluid is allowed to flow from the first inlet port through the first outlet port substantially unrestricted by the valve element, to a second fully restricted position at which fluid flow from the first inlet through the first outlet port is blocked. | 05-01-2014 |
20140130878 | INTELLIGENT VALVE NETWORK - The present invention includes a valve for connecting to a valve network comprising: at least one valve assemble, having at least one valve to control a fluid or gas flow through an opening in the valve assembly; at least one pressure sensor; viscosity sensor; flow rate detector; and temperature sensor; at least one processor connected to each of the valve and sensors, wherein the processor is capable of controlling the position of the valve based on the information obtained from the sensors; at least one communications module connected to the processor capable of transmitting to and receiving information from the valve network and capable of sending information obtained from the valve assembly to the valve network of the status of the fluid or gas flowing through the valve assembly; and at least one power source that provides power to the valve assembly. | 05-15-2014 |
20140130879 | FLOAT TYPE DRAIN TRAP AND METHOD FOR DISCHARGING DRAIN WATER - In a float type drain trap, drain water separated from gas-liquid mixture is discharged from a discharge opening. The float type drain trap is provided with a float, an valve and a spring. The float and the valve are connected by the spring. The spring is compressed by a buoyancy of the float. A valve seat is opened and closed by a force of the compressed spring so as to intermittently discharge the drain water from the discharge opening. | 05-15-2014 |
20140150879 | APPARATUS FOR ADJUSTING SHAPE MEMORY ALLOY TRANSITION TEMPERATURES TO TRACK SLOWLY CHANGING AMBIENT TEMPERATURE - A valve actuator, valve, and method of actuation of a valve are disclosed. The valve actuator includes a shape memory alloy element attachable to a valve body, capable of use with a valve to cause movement of the valve between first and second positions at a predetermined temperature and responsive to at least a threshold amount of temperature change of the shape memory alloy element. The valve actuator further includes an expansion element attached to the shape memory alloy element, the expansion element responsive to temperature changes at a rate lower than a rate of change of temperature indicative of a valve leak, the expansion element adjusting tension on the shape memory alloy element, thereby changing the predetermined temperature. | 06-05-2014 |
20140150880 | Hydrostatic Circuit Flushing Flow Cancellation - Flushing circuits for closed loop hydrostatic circuits enable overriding of the normal function of the flushing circuit during certain machine operational events where flushing can cause undesirable performance issues. The disclosed flushing circuits may prevent flow from leaving the flush valve, may prevent flow from leaving the flushing circuit, may prevent flow from entering the flushing circuit, may prevent the flush valve from shifting from a normally closed position to an open position or may replace the hydro-mechanical control of the flush valve with an electronic control. Cancellation of the flushing function may be commanded by a controller based on fluid temperatures, pressures, turning commands, engine speed, etc. | 06-05-2014 |
20140150881 | Choke Assembly - A choke assembly comprises an inlet ( | 06-05-2014 |
20140150882 | PLASMA PROCESS APPARATUS AND PLASMA PROCESS METHOD - A disclosed plasma process apparatus is disclosed that applies a plasma process to an object to be processed, including a cylindrical processing container configured to be evacuatable to vacuum, a holding unit configured to hold plural objects to be processed and inserted into and to be extracted from the cylindrical processing container, a gas supplying unit configured to supply a gas into the processing container, an activating unit configured to be located along a longitudinal direction of the processing container and to activate the gas by plasma generated by a high frequency power, a cylindrical shield cover configured to surround a periphery of the processing container and to be connected to ground for shielding from high frequency, and a cooling device configured to cause the cooling gas to flow through a space between the cylindrical shield cover and the cylindrical processing container during the plasma process. | 06-05-2014 |
20140158210 | FREEZE PROTECTION METHOD FOR WASHING MACHINE - A freeze protection method for a washing machine includes: determining, by a control unit, whether or not laundry items exist after a washing process, when a freeze protection course is selected; determining, by the control unit, whether a freeze protection operation condition is satisfied or not, when no laundry items exist; and operating, by the control unit, a water supply device to supply water and operating a drain device to discharge water, when the freeze protection operation condition is satisfied; and returning to the determining of whether the freeze protection operation condition is satisfied or not, when a preset standby time passes after the water supply device and the drain device are operated. | 06-12-2014 |
20140174545 | THERMALLY ACTUATED VALVE - A thermally actuated valve is provided herein. The thermally actuated valve includes a valve fitting, a valve body, and a movement control mechanism. The valve fitting includes an active member to selectively activate based on an input. The valve body includes a passive wax member that moves between a passive contraction state and a passive expansion state based on a passive temperature. The movement control mechanism is disposed between the valve fitting and the valve body. The movement control mechanism controls movement of the valve body between an open state and a dosed state based on movement of at least one of the active member and the passive wax member. | 06-26-2014 |
20140174546 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INJECTING A FLUID ADDITIVE INTO A FLUID DISPENSATION SYSTEM - A method for operating a fluid additive control system to inject a fluid additive into a fluid dispensation system is provided. The method includes receiving a first control signal indicating that a fluid dispensation device within the fluid dispensation system is active, and determining a fluid additive quantity based upon the identity of the fluid dispensation device. The method also includes activating a fluid additive injection system, where the fluid additive dispensation system injects the fluid additive into the fluid dispensation system in response to the activation. The method further includes receiving a second control signal from the fluid additive injection system when the fluid additive quantity for the zone has been injected into the fluid dispensation system, and deactivating the fluid additive dispensation system in response to the second control | 06-26-2014 |
20140174547 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETECTING AN ERROR IN THE MEASUREMENT OF A WATER LEVEL IN A WASHING MACHINE - An apparatus for detecting an error in the measurement of a water level in a washing machine includes a water level sensor measuring a water level in a washing tub; a water supply and drain device supplying water to the washing tub or discharging water from in the washing tub; and a control unit controlling the water supply and drain device to adjust the water level in the washing tub, and detecting a measurement error of the water level sensor based on a water level change measured by the water level sensor while the water level is adjusted. | 06-26-2014 |
20140174548 | ADDITIVE DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SAID SYSTEM - An additive delivery system including a tank for storing an additive, an active component, and a controller connected to the component, wherein the controller is adapted to determine a value representative of temperature of the additive in the system based on an electrical characteristic of a part inside the component, or inside the controller, wherein the part has a further function next to the temperature estimation function in normal operation of the additive delivery system. | 06-26-2014 |
20140182689 | GAS SUPPLY SYSTEMS FOR SUBSTRATE PROCESSING CHAMBERS AND METHODS THEREFOR - A gas supply subsystem for providing a set of process gases to a substrate processing chamber, the set of process gases being a subset of a plurality of process gases available to the substrate processing chamber. The gas supply subsystem has fewer multi-gas mass flow controllers than the number of available process gases, wherein multiple process gases are multiplexed at the input of one or more of the multi-gas mass flow controllers. Pump-purge may be employed to improve gas switching speed for the multi-gas mass flow controllers | 07-03-2014 |
20140182690 | SAFETY DEVICE FOR A FLUID STORAGE TANK, RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A safety device for a fluid storage tank having a first port for filling the tank with fuel oil and a second port for allowing airflow therethrough is disclosed. The safety device includes a tubular body having a first open end and a second open end connectable to the second port, and a flow check valve contained within the tubular body and configured to remain open when air flows through the safety device and configured to close based on a predetermined fluid force of the fuel oil through the safety device. Related systems and methods are also disclosed. | 07-03-2014 |
20140209175 | AIR VALVE SEAT - An air valve includes a valve body having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface and the outer surface defining an inlet and an outlet; a seat mounted within the valve body and having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface facing the outlet of the valve body, the upper surface and the lower surface defining a bore extending between the upper surface and the lower surface, the upper surface further defining a first sealing ridge and a second sealing ridge; and a float moveable within the valve body and engageable with the bore of the seat. | 07-31-2014 |
20140209176 | Use Of Pressure Reduction Devices For Improving Downstream Oil-And-Water Separation - A system and method for improving oil-and-water separation in a blended fluid stream are presented. The system includes a pressure reduction device that causes cyclonic flow in the stream. The pressure reduction device may be a wafer-based hydrocyclone or a modified hydrocyclone having an underflow outlet but no overflow outlet. The system may also include a valve that is located upstream or downstream of the pressure reduction device. Both the valve and the pressure reduction device reduce the pressure of the fluid stream while reducing the shearing of oil and water droplets within the stream. As a result, the droplets are more likely to coalesce and less likely to form emulsions, thus improving oil-and-water separation in downstream treatment processes. | 07-31-2014 |
20140230907 | Automated Thermal Recirculation Valve - An automated thermally actuated valve utilizing a thermally expansive substance to substantially close the valve at a first temperature and a spring to open the valve at a second, lower temperature. A method of utilizing an automated thermally actuated valve to balance and manage hot water supply in a piping system. | 08-21-2014 |
20140230908 | SUPPLY METHOD FOR LIQUID AND SUPPLY APPARATUS - A solution having a predetermined concentration is stably supplied to a use point, at which the amount of use of the solution changes, by only modifying currently-used equipment at a low cost and in a space-saving manner. In order to supply a solution containing a solute at a predetermined concentration from a preparation portion of the solution to a use point through a supply pipe, a retention portion that has no gas-liquid interface and at which the solution is retained is provided at an intermediate portion of the supply pipe. Even when the amount of use of the solution at the use point changes, the change is absorbed by the retention portion, whereby a solution having a predetermined concentration can be stably supplied to the use point. Such a retention portion is advantageous in terms of space saving since the retention portion can be formed by using, for example, a long pipe portion or a large-diameter portion of a pipe having no gas-liquid interface. Such a retention portion can be installed in existing equipment at a low cost by only slightly modifying an intermediate portion of a supply pipe. | 08-21-2014 |
20140230909 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR PROGRAMMING FLUID FLOW USING SEQUENCED MICROSTRUCTURES - A microfluidic platform is disclosed that uses obstacles placed at particular location(s) within the channel cross-section to turn and stretch fluid. The asymmetric flow behavior upstream and downstream of the obstacle(s) due to fluid inertia manifests itself as a total deformation of the topology of streamlines that effectively creates a tunable net secondary flow. The system and methods passively creates strong secondary flows at moderate to high flow rates in microchannels. These flows can be accurately controlled by the numbers and particular geometric placement of the obstacle(s) within the channel. | 08-21-2014 |
20140311579 | Breakaway Assembly with Relief Valve - A breakaway assembly including a first connector and a second connector that is releasably coupleable to the first connector. The assembly is movable between a first configuration in which the first and second connectors are coupled and together define a fluid path through which fluid is flowable, and a second configuration in which the first and second connectors are axially separated. The assembly is configured to move from the first configuration to the second configuration when a sufficient separation force is applied to the assembly, and to be moved from the second configuration to the first configuration when a sufficient connecting force is applied to the assembly. The assembly includes a closure valve positioned in one of the first or second connectors, wherein the closure valve is configured to be in an open position when the assembly is in the first configuration to allow fluid to flow therethrough, and to be in a closed position when the assembly is in the second configuration to generally block the flow of fluid therethrough. The assembly further includes a bleed valve configured to allow at least some fluid trapped by the closure valve to escape to reduce a pressure of the fluid trapped by the closure valve. | 10-23-2014 |
20140318632 | DUAL CAPACITY FLUID TANK ASSEMBLY - A fluid tank assembly is provided for use with a mobile machine. The fluid tank assembly may have a tank with a lower surface, an upper surface located opposite the lower surface, and at least one side surface joining the lower and upper surfaces. The tank may also have a first opening disposed within the upper surface at a first elevation, and a second opening disposed within the upper surface at a second elevation. The fluid tank assembly may further have a float valve interchangeably mountable within the first and second openings, and a plug interchangeably mountable within the first and second openings. The fluid tank assembly may also have a fill port mounted within one of the upper surface and the at least one side surface and fluidly connected to the float valve. Movement of the float valve may function to open and close the fill port. | 10-30-2014 |
20140332085 | Self-Activated Draining System - A method of managing leakage of liquid inside a battery system comprises: containing leaking liquid in a non-liquid sensitive region of the battery system so as to protect internal electrical components of the battery system from coming in contact with the leaking liquid; and in direct response to the leakage, expunging the leaking liquid from the battery system. A drain device includes: a body with a port therethrough, the body configured to be positioned in a wall of a container; means for opening the port in response to a first liquid contacting the drain device on an inside of the container; and means for resisting ingress into the container by a second liquid that contacts the drain device on an outside of the container. | 11-13-2014 |
20140332086 | Fluid Supplying System and Method for Supplying Fluid - The present invention relates to a fluid supplying system which includes a supplying chamber including a supplying conduit, a first inlet and a first outlet, wherein the conduit has one end interconnected to the first outlet and the supplying chamber, and the other end interconnected to production equipment for supplying fluid from the supplying chamber to the production equipment. And a replenishing chamber includes a replenishing conduit, a second inlet and a second outlet, wherein the replenishing chamber is interconnected to the supplying chamber through the second inlet, and the other end is interconnected to a fluid container for replenishing fluid into the replenishing chamber, wherein the second outlet is interconnected to the first inlet for transferring the fluid from the replenishing chamber to the supplying chamber. By the combination of the supplying chamber and the replenishing chamber, the production equipment can be continuously replenished with fluid so as to avoid the shutdown of the operation resulted from replacing the fluid container. | 11-13-2014 |
20140332087 | Control of Low Energy Nuclear Reaction Hydrides, and Autonomously Controlled Heat - A treatment of a possibly powdered, sintered, or deposited lattice (e.g., nickel) for heat generating applications and a way to control low energy nuclear reactions (“LENR”) hosted in the lattice by controlling hydride formation. The method of control and treatment involves the use of the reaction lattice, enclosed by an inert cover gas such as argon that carries hydrogen as the reactive gas in a non-flammable mixture. Hydrogen ions in the lattice are transmuted to neutrons as discussed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0206715 (Godes_2007)). Hydrogen moving through the lattice interacts with the newly formed neutrons generating an exothermic reaction. | 11-13-2014 |
20140338752 | FUEL SUPPLY SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING - A fuel supply system includes a fuel tank for holding a volume of fuel and a fuel reservoir disposed within the fuel tank. A fuel pump is provided for pumping fuel from the fuel reservoir to a fuel consuming device. A jet pump is provided in selective fluid communication with the fuel pump through a jet pump line to selectively aspirate fuel from the fuel tank into the fuel reservoir. A fuel level indicator is provided which is responsive to the level of fuel within the fuel reservoir and a valve which is responsive to the fuel level indicator closes the jet pump line when the fuel level indicator indicates that the fuel level reservoir contains a predetermined amount of fuel. | 11-20-2014 |
20140345699 | VENT VALVE - A vent valve according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a sensing sleeve defining a sensing chamber and a vent channel for venting fluid out of the sensing chamber. A sensing piston is moveable within the sensing chamber between an open position and a closed position. The sensing piston allows flow of the fluid into the vent channel during movement of the sensing piston between the open and closed positions. | 11-27-2014 |
20140352792 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING HYDROGEN CHARGING FOR VEHICLE - A system and method for controlling hydrogen charging for vehicles are provided. The system includes a hydrogen sensor configured to detect a leak in a hydrogen tank and a controller configured to stop an inflow of hydrogen into the hydrogen tank when a hydrogen concentration value detected by the hydrogen sensor is a reference value or greater. | 12-04-2014 |
20140373926 | REMOTE MONITORING, CONTROL, AND AUTOMATIC ANALYSIS OF WATER SYSTEMS USING INTERNET-BASED SOFTWARE AND DATABASES - A control system is configured to remotely read data associated with a process system in real time and perform various functions associated with the obtained data. The data may be stored to a database and/or analyzed to provide various operating parameters to one or more remote clients. | 12-25-2014 |
20150027551 | Thermostatic valve with anti-failure provisions - Embodiments include eyewash valves in which the temperature of the water emerging from the valve is thermostatically controlled by a wax motor which regulates the flow of hot and cold water through the valve. Embodiments include provisions for continuing water flow through the valve despite failure of the hot water supply. Embodiments also include provisions for water flow through the valve despite failure of the wax motor in the upper position or in the lower position. | 01-29-2015 |
20150047711 | METHOD FOR SUPPLYING A DRIVE UNIT - A method supplies a gas, stored in multiple vessels, to a drive assembly of a motor vehicle. Each vessel is assigned a valve for opening and closing the vessel and a gas sensor, in the form of a temperature sensor, for determining a temperature as a state variable of the gas in the vessel. The vessels are connected to the drive assembly via a common line. Along the common line, there is arranged at least one gas sensor, which is common to all of the vessels, for determining at least one state variable of the gas. For the supply to the drive assembly, in each case only one of the valves is opened and all of the other valves are closed. The open valve is closed when at least one determined state variable deviates from a setpoint value by a tolerance value. | 02-19-2015 |
20150068609 | Apparatus for condensation reduction in a dynamically cooled air stream - A blanket apparatus for accepting and distributing a pressurized flow of conditioned air into a zone around the body of a bed occupant. The apparatus includes an upper layer and lower layer of differing air permeability, joined to form a flow cavity between them for the pressurized air. A plurality of joining methods between the upper and lower layer is provided within the flow area to prevent the blanket from ballooning under the pressurized air flow. The blanket apparatus contains means to cover an entire bed while directing pressurized conditioned air to specific zones of the bed. The invention also contemplates connection of two independent supplies of conditioned air into a single top layer of bedding under which multiple bed occupants sleep, to evenly distribute such independent supplies into specific dual zone areas. The apparatus achieves its function by utilizing materials that are ordinarily used in existing bed linens and comforters. An apparatus and method for providing cooled air to a bed while avoiding generation of condensation. During active operation of the cooling system to generate conditioned air, conditioned air stream is actively measured with a solid state relative humidity sensor and the operation of the thermal cooling device within the apparatus is adjusted up or down to avoid condensation generation. A solid state condensation dew sensor in the conditioned air stream is also proposed as a means to adjust up or down the thermal cooling power of the device. | 03-12-2015 |
20150075627 | STEAM GENERATION APPARATUS AND ASSOCIATED CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR STARTUP - The current disclosure relates to steam generation and supply apparati and associated control systems. Particularly, the current disclosure relates to such steam generation supply apparati and associated control systems that are used for enhanced oil recovery. Certain embodiments are provided including methods and associated control systems related to the startup as well as main steam pressure header control or maintenance of a desired steam quality for such steam generation systems during normal operation. | 03-19-2015 |
20150075628 | STEAM GENERATION APPARATUS AND ASSOCIATED CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A DESIRED INJECTION PRESSURE - The current disclosure relates to steam generation and supply apparati and associated control systems. Particularly, the current disclosure relates to such steam generation supply apparati and associated control systems that are used for enhanced oil recovery. Certain embodiments are provided including methods and associated control systems related to the startup as well as main steam pressure header control or maintenance of a desired steam quality for such steam generation systems during normal operation. | 03-19-2015 |
20150075629 | STEAM GENERATION APPARATUS AND ASSOCIATED CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING VENTING - The current disclosure relates to steam generation and supply apparati and associated control systems. Particularly, the current disclosure relates to such steam generation supply apparati and associated control systems that are used for enhanced oil recovery. Certain embodiments are provided including methods and associated control systems related to the startup as well as main steam pressure header control or maintenance of a desired steam quality for such steam generation systems during normal operation. | 03-19-2015 |
20150075630 | STEAM GENERATION APPARATUS AND ASSOCIATED CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING DESIRED STEAM QUALITY - The current disclosure relates to steam generation and supply apparati and associated control systems. Particularly, the current disclosure relates to such steam generation supply apparati and associated control systems that are used for enhanced oil recovery. Certain embodiments are provided including methods and associated control systems related to the startup as well as main steam pressure header control or maintenance of a desired steam quality for such steam generation systems during normal operation. | 03-19-2015 |
20150090342 | Liquid Level Control Loop Optimizer - A liquid level control loop optimizer receives a selection of a vessel configuration and a variety of parameters specifying the vessel dimensions, the fluid type(s), and the flow parameters of the liquid level control loop. The optimizer also receives a selection of various valve and actuator options and determines a variety of available configurations based on the selected options. The optimizer simulates each of the available configurations under the conditions specified by the parameters, and determines control loop characteristics and/or properties based on the simulations. The optimizer may display and/or rank the various configurations to assist a user in selecting a configuration that best meets the requirements of the control loop. | 04-02-2015 |
20150090343 | INNOVATION TO ASSAY MIXING - Methods, articles of manufacture, and kits for calibrating fluid delivery systems are provided. A fluid delivery system connected to N input streams, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 2, mixes together fluid from the N input streams to form an output stream. The methods involve obtaining N test solutions, each containing a dye, providing optical absorbances of the test solutions at appropriate wavelengths, injecting the test solutions into the input streams, mixing the test solutions, and measuring the absorbance of the output stream at the same wavelengths. The methods also involve comparing the absorbances of the test solutions with the absorbances of the output stream, which can include calculating ratios and comparing the ratios with target values. The methods can further involve adjusting operation of the fluid delivery system based upon the absorbances. In some embodiments, the dyes have largely non-overlapping absorbance spectra. | 04-02-2015 |
20150096624 | Systems For Automatic Control Of Pump Out Of Liquid From Sumps - A system and method of controlling the rate of pump out of liquid coolant from a sump tank in which the level of liquid coolant in the sump tank is continuously sensed and corresponding signals transmitted to a variable frequency drive controller which correspondingly varies the speed of a pump motor to continuously increase or decrease the pump out rate in correspondence with the level liquid in the sump tank. | 04-09-2015 |
20150107676 | System and Method for Automatically Actuating A Valve - A system and methods for automatically actuating a valve are provided herein. The method includes energizing sensors, a controller and an actuator with power that is generated locally at the site of the valve. | 04-23-2015 |
20150107677 | FUEL SUPPLY APPARATUS AND FUEL SUPPLY METHOD - The temperatures of fuel oils stored in fuel tanks | 04-23-2015 |
20150114475 | SINGLE PIECE THREE-WAY ELASTOMERIC VALVE - A drainage component in fluid communication with the fluid supply line includes a drain channel leading to a drain, the drain channel having an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall has a sealing surface approximate a three-way elastomeric valve. The elastomeric valve includes a moveable first wall having a first position when the fluid supply is on and a second position when fluid supply is off and a second wall connected to the moveable first wall, the second wall engaging a drain sealing surface when the first wall is in the first position. The elastomeric valve includes an orifice through which fluid may flow. When the pressure of the fluid on the elastomeric element increases, the second wall of the elastomeric valve engages the drain sealing surface. The elastomeric valve is preferably a fluoroelastomer to ensure both flexibility and resistance to a variety of chemical products. | 04-30-2015 |
20150114476 | Method and Apparatus for Adjusting Operating Parameters of a Vacuum Pump Arrangement - A method for adjusting operating parameters of a vacuum pump arrangement includes determining characteristics of a gas flowing through the vacuum pump arrangement; and setting operating parameters of the vacuum pump arrangement based on the determined characteristics of the first gas. A controller can be configured to perform the method for adjusting the operating parameters of the vacuum pump arrangement in accordance with the characteristics of the gas. | 04-30-2015 |
20150122338 | AUTOMATED METHOD FOR SIMULTANEOUS BUBBLE DETECTION AND EXPULSION - A method and apparatus for detecting and removing air from a syringe containing a volume of liquid and a volume of gas is described. The method includes moving a piston in the syringe to expel gas through an orifice of the syringe, sensing a movement of the piston in the syringe, and determining when the volume of gas is expelled from the syringe based on a change in the sensed movement. Moving the piston may include applying oscillating force to the piston using an electromagnetic actuator, and displacement and speed of the piston during each oscillation may be sensed. Determining when the volume of gas is expelled may be based on a change in the sensed movement of the piston during one or more oscillations of the piston or based on a comparison to a given reference value. | 05-07-2015 |
20150292532 | Energy-Deposition Systems, Equipment and Methods for Modifying and Controlling Shock Waves and Supersonic Flow - Systems, equipment, and methods to deposit energy to modify and control shock waves and hypersonic or supersonic fluid flow, including systems for controlling, mitigating, and/or effecting air flow in relation to air vehicles, wind tunnels, or other assets, or the like, as well as systems, equipment, and methods for disrupting the shock structure at the inlet for the engine of an air vehicle traveling at supersonic or hypersonic speed; mitigating blast effects on vehicles; mitigating heating of throats in supersonic and hypersonic wind tunnels, as well as control the flow parameters and Mach number in their test sections. | 10-15-2015 |
20150308326 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AN ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM EXPANSION RESERVOIR - Methods and systems are provided for an expansion reservoir for an engine cooling system. In one example, a cooling system may include a first cooling circuit and a second cooling circuit, the second cooling circuit configured to operate at a different temperature than the first cooling circuit, wherein the expansion reservoir is configured to receive coolant from and return coolant to the first and second cooling circuits. The expansion reservoir may further comprise one or more valves arranged so as to control the flow of coolant from the second cooling circuit to the expansion reservoir and/or from the expansion reservoir to the second cooling circuit depending on the temperature of the coolant. | 10-29-2015 |
20150316158 | VENT ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR A DIGITAL VALVE POSITIONER - A digital valve positioner for use with an actuator. The digital valve positioner includes a housing, at least one exhaust port opening formed in the housing, and a vent assembly operatively coupled to the at least one exhaust port opening. The vent assembly includes a body having a bore, a valve seat surrounding the bore, and a check valve disposed within the bore. The check valve is arranged to shift from a closed position seated against the valve seat to an open position disposed away from the valve seat. A plurality of barriers is disposed around and positioned to enclose the check valve. The plurality of barriers is arranged to prevent an external medium from entering the check valve and to provide a tortuous flow path for the exhaust medium reducing sound through the vent assembly. | 11-05-2015 |
20150323087 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COMBINED BALL SEGMENT VALVE AND CHECK VALVE - A valve apparatus including a check valve and a ball segment valve is provided within a fluid system for handling a flammable working fluid. The valve apparatus is arranged such that flapper doors of the check valve longitudinally overlaps a ball segment of the ball segment valve when each are in respective open positions such that the valve apparatus maintains a face-to-face dimension of a standard ball valve. The valve apparatus can thus provide positive isolation and directional fluid control in a congested fluid system with space savings over single valves. An isolated chamber is defined between the flapper doors and the ball segment when each is in a respective closed position. A non-flammable fluid is injected into the isolated chamber to urge the flapper doors and ball segment toward the closed positions to thereby provide a safe environment for performing maintenance operations on downstream fluid components. | 11-12-2015 |
20150323097 | TOILET LEAK DETECTION KIT AND METHOD - The present invention provides an easily mounted, self-contained, compact fluid leak detection kit and/or method. The kit housing can be mounted by a homeowner or contractor between the wall outlet and the toilet input. When water begins to flow through the kit housing, a sensor such as a flow switch closes and applies voltage to the time delay relay. As long as the flow continues, the relay will count down the amount of preset time. The kit provides an adjustment to set a predetermined delay time, which is easily accessible and adjustable to the normal operating cycle time of any particular toilet. After adjusting the timer to the normal operating cycle time of the toilet, then the kit simply allows normal operation of the toilet as long as flow stops before the flow cycle. However, when a time has elapsed during the flow cycle to thereby indicate a problem leak, the relay will send voltage to a solenoid valve, which will stop the flow. The flow will remain stopped until an easily accessible reset button is depressed manually. | 11-12-2015 |
20150323938 | TEMPERATURE-BASED LEVEL DETECTION AND CONTROL METHOD AND APPARATUS - Methods and apparatus for controlling and determining the level of a material in a vessel using one or more temperature sensors are provided. | 11-12-2015 |
20150346735 | DUMPING WELL - A dumping well including a tank, upper and lower liquid level detectors, and a dump valve operated by pressurized fluid. The dumping well dumps liquid from the tank in response to liquid reaching an upper liquid level and ceases dumping liquid upon the liquid reaching a lower liquid level. | 12-03-2015 |
20150354717 | ROTARY MULTI-PORT VALVE - A rotary multi-port valve has a valve body having a primary flow port and a plurality of secondary flow ports. A rotary diverter is rotatable within the valve body and has an internal piston receptacle. A port selector piston is linearly moveable by hydraulic pressure from a de-energized position within the piston receptacle to an energized position for sealing with a selected flow port and accomplishes development of a spring force during hydraulically energized piston movement. Upon reduction of the hydraulic pressure the stored spring force returns the port selector piston to its de-energized position freeing the rotary diverter member for selective rotation to another selected flow port. | 12-10-2015 |
20150360668 | COMPRESSOR AFTERCOOLER BYPASS WITH INTEGRAL WATER SEPARATOR - An aftercooler bypass system for selectively allowing a portion of the hot compressed gases exiting an air compressor to bypass an aftercooler and intermix with the cooled compressed gases exiting the aftercooler in order to ensure that the cooled compressed gases are above a threshold temperature when the ambient air temperature is at or below freezing. The system includes a valve for controlling the amount of air diverted around the aftercooler and a mixing chamber for allowing the valved air supply to intermix with the aftercooler outlet stream. Temperature sensor may be used to measure ambient air temperature and downstream air temperature to control the opening and closing of the valve and maintain the desired mixed air temperature. | 12-17-2015 |
20150376874 | WATER LEAK DETECTION, PREVENTION AND WATER CONSERVATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A water leak detection and prevention system uses sensors, wires, and wireless transmitters, to monitor all plumbing fixtures (faucets, toilets, hose bibs, etc.) and water-using appliances (dishwashers, washing machines, icemakers, etc.). When water is being used at a plumbing fixture or a water-using appliance, the sensor shows water that is expected to be used at that location and communicates the usage and the amount of flow for that location. Excessive usage or flow, or any flow when a location has not called for water, is indicative of a leak. Water to the building is on all the time—water pressure remains in the plumbing—creating no delay in water delivery. Water pressure and water flow are monitored at all times whether water is off or on. Should a leak occur the water flow sensor will show that water is flowing and that no approved location has called for water. The main valve will immediately be turned off and water in the plumbing system will be purged safely outside the building. Plumbing system protection: Should an over-pressure situation occur—due to expanding water being heated for instance—system will evacuate a small amount of water to the outside of the building, protecting plumbing, fixtures and appliances. Temperature sensors placed on piping at strategic locations will protect plumbing from freezing. Should temperatures near the freezing point, the system will purge water from the pipes. Water conservation system: should a toilet flapper become stuck open or partially open, or a faucet left dripping or running, the system main valve will close and water will be conserved. | 12-31-2015 |
20160002894 | METHOD OF TAKING WATER AND WATER INTAKE SYSTEM - A method of taking water according to one aspect of the present invention includes determining a first position based on a temperature distribution in a predetermined measuring range under water, and adjusting a water intake position to make the water intake position identical to the first position. | 01-07-2016 |
20160023217 | WASTE FLUID HOLDING TANK DRAIN SYSTEM AND METHOD - A waste fluid containment and draining system may have a black waste water holding structure for holding black waste water and a grey waste water holding structure for holding grey waste water. First and second valves may be included for enabling selective emptying of the two holding structures. A macerator pump may be used which has an input in flow communication with both of the first and second valves. A discharge conduit may be in flow communication with an output of the macerator pump. A control subsystem may be in communication with the first and second valves and the macerator pump for controlling the first and second valves, together with the macerator pump, to enable selective pumping out of the holding structures by the macerator pump through the discharge conduit. | 01-28-2016 |
20160025688 | Diaphragm Valve with Sealing Assembly, Chromatographic System Including Same and Method of Operation Thereof - A valve having a valve cap with a plurality of process conduits extending therethrough, each one of the plurality of process conduits ending in a process port at a valve cap interface. The valve also has a valve body defining a valve body interface facing the valve cap interface, a diaphragm positioned between the valve cap interface and the valve body interface, across the process ports, and a purge line provided through one of the valve cap and the valve body. The valve further comprises a sealing assembly located in the valve body. The sealing assembly is configured and positioned to block fluid leaked through the diaphragm such that the fluid leaked through the diaphragm is discharged via and exit of the purge line of the valve. A chromatographic system including the valve and a method of operation thereof are also provided. | 01-28-2016 |
20160033085 | COMPRESSED GAS STORAGE UNIT AND FILL METHODS - Embodiments are directed to compressed gas storage units exhibiting one or more safety features. Particular embodiments employ a pressure relief mechanism to rapidly yet safely vent the contents of the tank in the event of a fire. The mechanism may comprise an internally piloted relief valve in communication with temperature-sensitive element(s) present along the tank dimensions. Under high temperature conditions indicative of a fire, the element communicates a signal to open the internally piloted relief valve. In some embodiments the element is configured to communicate a heat signal (e.g., by thermal conduction). In certain embodiments the element is configured to communicate a pressure change signal (e.g., pneumatic, hydraulic). In other embodiments the element may communicate different signal types, such as electric (e.g., thermoelectric) or mechanical (e.g., shear or tension forces). Also disclosed is a module incorporating a plurality of tanks to offer enhanced storage capacity. | 02-04-2016 |
20160047477 | AIR VALVE SEAT - An air valve includes a valve body having an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface and the outer surface defining an inlet and an outlet; a seat mounted within the valve body and having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface facing the outlet of the valve body, the upper surface and the lower surface defining a bore and a fastener hole, the bore and the fastener hole extending between the upper surface and the lower surface, the upper surface further defining a first sealing ridge and a second sealing ridge, a second sealing ridge, the first sealing ridge and the second sealing ridge extending between the bore and the fastener hole; a fastener extending through the fastener hole into the valve body; and a float moveable within the valve body and engageable with the bore of the seat. | 02-18-2016 |
20160047741 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING AND CONTROLLING A CLEANING PROCESS - A method of accurately measuring the concentration of at least one of an aqueous cleaning agent and soil in an aqueous cleaning process which includes providing a source of near infrared light emitting useful amounts of light with wavelengths between approximately 0.8 μm and 2.5 μm, transmitting the near infrared light from the light source to a probe, contacting the probe with a cleaning bath sample such that one of the absorption and the reflection of the light at one or more wavelengths can be measured, transmitting the light that has interacted with the sample to a detector, measuring the change in light intensity at one or more wavelengths in the near infrared region using a near infrared detector, generating an electronic signal that is representative of the change in intensity, applying chemometric techniques to quantitatively determine the concentration of the cleaning agent and or soil, and outputting the measured cleaning agent or soil concentration. The light source is connected to the probe via a fiber-optic cable and the probe is connected to the detector via a fiber-optic cable. | 02-18-2016 |
20160048137 | AUTOMATIC FILL CONTROL TECHNIQUE - A pump includes a signal processor that receives signaling containing information about a low level of a liquid sensed in an appliance reservoir to be supplied to an appliance that uses the liquid to dispense a flavored beverage, and also about when the appliance reservoir is refilled based upon an indication that forms part of an appliance reservoir refill level calibration procedure programmed by an appliance user; and determines corresponding signaling containing information about automatically refilling the liquid in the appliance reservoir, based upon the signaling received. | 02-18-2016 |
20160060093 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A FILLING OPERATION OF A VEHICULAR LIQUID STORAGE SYSTEM - A method for controlling a filling operation of a vehicular liquid storage system including a tank equipped with a filler pipe and a shut-off valve, the method including detecting the start of a refilling event; while the shut-off valve is open, observing whether a measured fill level of the tank has reached a predetermined fill level; if the predetermined fill level has been reached, performing the following steps: closing the shut-off valve to induce a shut-off of a filling nozzle; when a first pressure criterion is met, opening the shut-off valve; and when a second pressure criterion is met, closing the shut-off valve. The second pressure criterion includes a decrease of pressure inside the tank below a predetermined pressure level. | 03-03-2016 |
20160077531 | GAS VALVE WITH ELECTRONIC HEALTH MONITORING - This disclosure relates generally to valves, and more particularly, to gas valve assemblies. In one illustrative but non-limiting example, a valve assembly may include a valve body, a valve situated in a fluid path of the valve body, a valve actuator for selectively moving the valve actuator, one or more sensors in communication with the fluid path, a controller secured relative to the valve body and in communication with the sensors, and memory operatively coupled to the controller. A user interface may be in communication with the memory and the controller and may be configured to receive a selection from a user for selecting one of two or more selectable options from the memory. The controller may compare sensed parameters to threshold values associated with the selected option. The user interface may have a lock on it to prevent tampering and to provide accountability. | 03-17-2016 |
20160083937 | WATERING SYSTEM AND WATERING CONTROL METHOD - The invention concerns a watering system ( | 03-24-2016 |
20160083953 | Fluid Backflow Management System and Method of Use Thereof - An apparatus for continuously controlling fluid flow in a sewer conduit, comprising: a) moisture sensors detecting levels of fluid in this conduit; b) an inflatable bladder, mounted in the sewer conduit for releasably sealing in fluid tight fashion a section of this conduit; a compressed air source for inflating the bladder; and a control box including a CPU sensitive to the moisture sensor(s) and actuating the air compressor responsively to conduit fluid level conditions reaching beyond a preset threshold value. The performance of the apparatus is independent of the speed of fluid flow in the sewer conduit. | 03-24-2016 |
20160085244 | VORTEX TUBE TEMPERATURE CONTROL FOR PROCESS CONTROL DEVICES - Vortex tube temperature controllers for process control devices and related methods are described. The temperature controller comprises a housing, a process control device disposed in the housing and a vortex tube coupled to the housing to regulate an operating temperature of the process control device. The vortex tube has a fluid inlet to receive a fluid, a first fluid outlet and a second fluid outlet, wherein a temperature of a first portion of the fluid at the first fluid outlet is greater than a temperature of the second portion of the fluid at the second fluid outlet and a temperature of a fluid at the fluid inlet, the first fluid outlet to discharge the first portion of the fluid to regulate the operating temperature of the process control device | 03-24-2016 |
20160086321 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMAGE-BASED ANALYSIS OF A SLURRY AND CONTROL OF A SLURRY PROCESS - A system for characterizing a slurry in a slurry process includes a flow tube, a camera, and a computer. The system is suitable for use with an oil sands extraction slurry processed or treated by an oil sands extraction slurry process. The slurry is diverted from the slurry process into the flow tube. The camera images the slurry as it flows through a transparent portion of the flow tube to produce a digital image of the slurry. The computer analyzes the digital image to determine a slurry characteristic. Based on the determined slurry characteristic, the computer may predict a performance metric of the slurry process and adjust an operating parameter of the slurry process to optimize the slurry process towards a target performance metric. Multiple systems may be used to continuously monitor slurry characteristics at upstream and downstream steps of the slurry process, and determine correlations between those characteristics. | 03-24-2016 |
20160103453 | COMPUTERIZED SYSTEM FOR PRECISE DILUTION OF HIGH-SOLIDS LIQUIDS, SLURRIES AND POWDERS - An apparatus and method for precise dilution of a powder or liquid concentrate and maintenance of the resultant aqueous slurry apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises at least one active solids level sensor, a controller, and control valves for providing additional water, slurry, or powder to the dilution. The method comprises determining with an active solids sensor a level of active solids in a dilution, transmitting the level of active solids to a controller, comparing with the controller the level of active solids with a predetermined active solids use level, and based on the active solids comparison, determining whether to deliver additional water or additional slurry or powder concentrate to the dilution. | 04-14-2016 |
20160107877 | LIQUID DISPENSING SYSTEMS WITH GAS REMOVAL AND SENSING CAPABILITIES - A fluid dispensing system for delivering a gas free chemical. The fluid dispensing system includes a gas separation device that separates a liquid from bubbles entrained in the liquid and accumulating the gas from the bubbles in a reservoir. A level sensor detects if the liquid in the reservoir drops too low, triggering the gas separation device to vent the gas from the reservoir. An empty detect apparatus that detects pressure droop of the liquid may also be implemented for taking appropriate action. | 04-21-2016 |
20160109887 | OIL HANDLING AND MONITORING DEVICE AND SYSTEM - An architecture is presented that provides an oil monitoring device designed primarily to monitor, measure, and display measurement parameters for a containment tank of fresh or waste oil. The monitoring device can be positioned on the containment tank of fresh or waste oil, or can be positioned proximate to the containment tank, as long as the monitoring device remains in communication with the containment tank. The monitoring device comprises a real-time level sensor that is in communication with the containment tank of cooking oil. The level sensor measures usage and collection volumes, as well as filtration status of the containment tank in real-time and displays the information to a user via a display. Furthermore, the monitoring device comprises alarms to alert users of specific oil levels. The monitoring device can either be a stand-alone device or be linked to a computer program to function as a data management system. | 04-21-2016 |
20160129291 | GAS PURGING VALVE FOR FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM - A gas purging valve is operative to be connected to piping in a Fire Protection System (FPS) and to bleed gas at a predetermined rate. The valve includes an inlet in gas flow relationship with the FPS piping and a central passage in gas flow relationship with the inlet. The valve also includes a calibrated orifice removeably disposed in the central passage, in gas flow relationship with the passage and operative to allow a maximum predetermined gas flow rate therethrough. The valve further includes an outlet in gas flow relationship with the calibrated orifice. A ball is disposed upstream of the central passage. The ball is operative to allow gas flow through the gas purging valve but operative to impede the flow of water through the gas purging valve. | 05-12-2016 |
20160131074 | CONTROL DEVICE AND CONTROL METHOD FOR FUEL INJECTION VALVE - A control device for a fuel injection valve includes a drive circuit that controls open/close operation of the fuel injection valve by passing an exciting current through a solenoid of the fuel injection valve and an ECU that reduces a peak current value as a fuel pressure in a delivery pipe at timing of a start of energization of the fuel injection valve decreases. The ECU reduces the peak current value as an amount of fuel discharged from a high-pressure fuel pump to the delivery pipe reduces. | 05-12-2016 |
20160154409 | DOUBLE FLOW CONTROL MECHANISM OF A SOFT TOUCH DRAIN VALVE AND A DOUBLE FLOW CONTROL METHOD THEREOF | 06-02-2016 |
20160154410 | MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD | 06-02-2016 |
20160161951 | DETERMINATION OF FLUID COMPOSITION IN A MASS FLOW CONTROLLER - A method for determining a fluid composition parameter, e.g., a fluid identifier, a mixing ratio or a parameter describing heat transfer properties, of an unknown fluid in a mass flow controller is disclosed. A control valve of the mass flow controller is set so as to establish a constant flow, preferably zero flow, through the mass flow controller. A heating element of the flow sensor is heated, and at least one temperature value is measured with temperature sensors arranged on both sides of the heater while the fluid contacts the flow sensor. First calibration data (LUT | 06-09-2016 |
20160177545 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF GREYWATER RECOVERY AND REUSE | 06-23-2016 |
20160177695 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ADJUSTING THE POSITION OF AN OIL-WATER INTERFACE LAYER | 06-23-2016 |
20160177845 | POWER PLANT USING TWO FUELS, INCLUDING ONE FUEL WITH A HIGH GELATION TEMPERATURE | 06-23-2016 |
20160178077 | FLUID FLOW DEVICE AND METHOD OF OPERATING SAME | 06-23-2016 |
20160187173 | OIL LEVEL DETECTING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF, OIL FLOW DETECTING APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF, METHOD FOR CONTROL OIL RETURN USING OIL LEVEL AND OIL FLOW - An apparatus for detecting an oil level and a method for controlling the same, an apparatus for detecting oil flow and a method for controlling the same, and a method for controlling oil return using the detected oil level and the detected oil flow are disclosed. The level of oil stored in a compressor is measured at two or more positions. The frequency comparison scheme using two electrodes can correctly detect the level of oil stored in the compressor, a refrigerant state, and the level of mixed oils, and can determine an internal state of the compressor and a normal or abnormal state of the oil return system, such that the oil return control can be actively controlled. The flow of oil in the oil return pipe is detected so as to determine whether the oil is normally supplied in real time, such that a malfunction of the compressor is prevented and a valve state can be checked. The level of oil stored in the compressor is adjusted not only using the oil level detection result but also the oil flow detection result, and the oil return operation can be controlled. | 06-30-2016 |
20160187890 | SMART DRAIN AND METHOD OF CONTROL - According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a drain system, including a sensor in communication with a reservoir and controller, uses algorithmic control of a drain valve to adjust the interval and duration of actuation of the drain valve to regulate a fluid level within the reservoir. In embodiments applying the drain system to a gas compressor system, the disclosed control algorithm enables the controller to prevent the loss of compressed gas through an open path out the drain and further to prevent condensate generated by operation of the compressor system from backing up in the reservoir and reentering the flow of compressed gas. The control algorithm adjusts the interval and period of actuation of the drain valve such that as operating conditions change the drain valve opens more or less frequently for longer or shorter periods in response to varying condensate load. | 06-30-2016 |
20160195194 | AIR VALVE SEAT | 07-07-2016 |
20160201816 | Self-Contained Actuated Safety Valve For Gaseous or Liquid Fuel Lines and the Like | 07-14-2016 |
20160202709 | FLUID LEVEL CONTROL SYSTEM FOR OIL AND WASTEWATER RECOVERY | 07-14-2016 |
20160252912 | PRESSURE-BASED GAS FLOW CONTROLLER WITH DYNAMIC SELF-CALIBRATION | 09-01-2016 |
20160375815 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF AIR POLLUTION CONTROL FOR LIQUID VACUUM TRUCKS - A system. The system includes a container comprising a cylindrical shell, wherein the cylindrical shell defines an internal volume of the container, and a barrier. The barrier includes a disk slideably disposed within the interior volume of the container, the disk subdividing the interior volume of the container into a first portion and a second portion, and a seal disposed about a circumference of the disk and in sealing contact with an interior surface of the cylindrical shell. The first portion is configured to sustain an internal pressure in a predetermined range; and the second portion is configured to receive a waste material. When the internal pressure is at a maximum value of the predetermined range, the disk has a deflection less than a predetermined deflection at which the sealing contact is compromised. | 12-29-2016 |
20160378122 | VOLUME MEASURING STATION - Systems and methods according to one or more examples are provided for determining a flow rate of a fluid. In certain examples, a fluid volume flow rate measurement station may be provided. The station may include a plunger, a volume chamber with a cavity, and a level sensor attached to the volume chamber. In certain such examples, the station may measure the flow rate of a fluid. The station may be incorporated into an automated manufacturing system and certain parameters associated with the automated manufacturing system may be adjusted according to the flow rate of the fluid determined by the station. | 12-29-2016 |
20170235318 | METHOD OF MONITORING A FLUID LEVEL WITHIN A FLUID VOLUME | 08-17-2017 |
20180023768 | METHODS FOR REDUCING TRANSMIX PRODUCTION ON PETROLEUM PIPELINES | 01-25-2018 |
20180024573 | METHODS FOR MONITORING A FLOW CONTROLLER COUPLED TO A PROCESS CHAMBER | 01-25-2018 |
20190145848 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETECTING A WATER LEAK | 05-16-2019 |