Abstract:
A valve apparatus for distributing flow from an inlet among either of two outlets consists of essentially four components comprising a valve body, a second valve seat, a poppet assembly, and an actuator assembly. The valve body comprises an inlet port and two outlet ports disposed between a top end and a bottom end of the body. The inlet and outlet ports communicate with a centrally located valve chamber. A first valve seat is integral with the body and is disposed in the chamber between the inlet port and the second outlet port. A second valve seat is formed separately from the body and is disposed within the chamber between the inlet port and the first outlet port. A poppet assembly is disposed within the chamber and comprises an enlarged diameter section integral with a valve stem positioned between opposing top and bottom ends of the stem. The enlarged diameter section comprises an upper shoulder adjacent the second valve seat and a lower shoulder adjacent the first valve seat. A diaphragm is integral with the stem and positioned at the top end of the body. Actuating means displace the poppet assembly between a first position and second position within the valve chamber effecting flow to the first and second outlets, respectively.
Abstract:
Precision metering valves include a body having a fluid inlet port, a fluid outlet port, a fluid chamber interposed therebetween, and an orifice disposed within the fluid chamber. The orifice has an opening that extends a length along the fluid chamber. A movable element is disposed within the fluid chamber, and includes a stem that is at least partially disposed within the orifice to control the flow of fluid through the valve. The stem and/or the orifice includes an outside surface feature configured to adjust the flow rate of fluid through the valve as a function of stem insertion depth within the orifice. A thin-walled section extends from the stem and extends axially therefrom. The thin-walled section has a sufficient length to facilitate axial stem movement of the stem by rolling transfer. A flange projects from the thin-walled section and extends circumferentially therearound.
Abstract:
Forming systems and assemblies as disclosed herein comprise a composite material comprising a structural component and a resin component combined with the reinforcing component. A forming element is disposed within the composite material and has a coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater than that of the composite material. The forming element is positioned to provide a desired integral structural reinforcement and/or surface feature to the composite. The composite material may comprise one or more passages extending from a surface thereof to the forming element. The composite material may be cured by heat to take a set configuration and then allowed to cool. The cooling of the composite material and the forming element enables the forming element to contract relative to the composite material and become delaminated therefrom to facilitate easy removal, and thereby provide an improved method and assembly for making structural reinforcing features in composite structures.
Abstract:
A valve assembly includes a valve body having a fluid chamber and a fluid inlet and fluid outlet. A poppet assembly is movably disposed within the chamber and includes a poppet head. The chamber includes a valve seat and is interposed between the fluid inlet and outlet. An actuator is attached to the poppet assembly. A lock-out mechanism is connected with the actuator for placing the valve into a closed position with the poppet head positioned against the valve seat. The lock-out mechanism includes a shaft member that is movably attached to the valve apparatus. When the shaft member is in a first position, the actuator is permitted to cause desired poppet assembly movement with the valve. When the shaft member is in a second position, the actuator and poppet assembly position within the valve is fixed with the poppet head seated against the valve seat.
Abstract:
Precision dispense pumps comprise a housing that has an internal chamber disposed therein. A pressurizing assembly disposed within the chamber and includes a cylindrical pressurizing member having a head, a thin-walled skirt extending axially away from the head, and a flange is positioned circumferentially around the skirt. The pressurizing assembly includes a support coupled to backside of the pressurizing member. The support has a cylindrical outside surface sized support the skirt when it is translated from a chamber surface during pressurizing assembly axial movement. A shaft projects through an opening in the support and into a partial opening in the pressurizing member. A fluid transport body is attached to the housing and includes a fluid chamber having a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port. An actuator is disposed within an actuator housing attached to the housing and is coupled to the shaft to cause axial movement of the pressurizing assembly within the housing chamber. The pump can includes a vacuum assist element connected to the housing to provide a desired pressure differential within the pump to bias the skirt against supportive chamber or support surfaces during pressurizing assembly movement. Check valves are in fluid flow communication with the fluid inlet and fluid outlet ports to ensuring checked one-way passage of fluid into and out of the fluid chamber during respective intake and output strokes of the pressurizing assembly.
Abstract:
Forming systems and assemblies as disclosed herein comprise a composite material comprising a structural component and a resin component combined with the reinforcing component. A forming element is disposed within the composite material and has a coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater than that of the composite material. The forming element is positioned to provide a desired integral structural reinforcement and/or surface feature to the composite. The composite material may comprise one or more passages extending from a surface thereof to the forming element. The composite material may be cured by heat to take a set configuration and then allowed to cool. The cooling of the composite material and the forming element enables the forming element to contract relative to the composite material and become delaminated therefrom to facilitate easy removal, and thereby provide an improved method and assembly for making structural reinforcing features in composite structures.
Abstract:
Forming systems and assemblies as disclosed herein comprise a composite material comprising a structural component and a resin component combined with the reinforcing component. A forming element is disposed within the composite material and has a coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater than that of the composite material. The forming element is positioned to provide a desired integral structural reinforcement and/or surface feature to the composite. The composite material may comprise one or more passages extending from a surface thereof to the forming element. The composite material may be cured by heat to take a set configuration and then allowed to cool. The cooling of the composite material and the forming element enables the forming element to contract relative to the composite material and become delaminated therefrom to facilitate easy removal, and thereby provide an improved method and assembly for making structural reinforcing features in composite structures.
Abstract:
Mixing devices comprise a mixing element having a body with a fluid inlet port, and a fluid outlet port that is separated from the fluid inlet port. Fluid outlet passages extend through a body wall section defining the fluid inlet port, and fluid inlet passages extend through a body wall section defining the fluid outlet port. The body includes an outside surface having a reduced diameter section, and the fluid inlet and outlet passages are positioned axially along the reduced diameter section. The mixing element is statically disposed within an internal chamber of a housing, and an annular volume is defined between an inside surface of the internal chamber and the mixing element reduced diameter section to facilitate passage and mixing of fluid within the annular volume. The mixing element total inlet area is approximately equal to its total outlet area to minimize unwanted pressure drop.