Abstract:
A current-to-pressure (I/P) converter (20) provides an output pressure as a function of the magnitude of a variable input DC current. The I/P converter (20) includes a pressure sensor (64) which produces a feedback signal representative of the output pressure. Based upon the feedback signal and the magnitude of the input DC current, an electrical control signal is produced which controls a device (40) for varying the output pressure. The I/P converter (20) also includes a circuit (86) for generating a time-varying signal which is sent back over the current loop wires (28) through which the input DC current flows. The time-varying signal provides an indication of whether the I/P converter (20) is functioning properly. This permits diagnosis of possible causes of control system malfunctions without having to inspect the I/P converter (20) itself.
Abstract:
An electric signal to pneumatic signal transducer (10) comprises a nozzle (12) that accepts an input pneumatic supply and expels a gas stream (20). A receiver (16) that is spaced from the nozzle (12) is positioned to recover at least a portion of the gas stream (20). The recovered portion constitutes a pneumatic output signal (Pout). The position of a deflector (14) relative to the gas stream (20) is controlled by an electric input signal (Iin) to aerodynamically deflect the gas stream (20) expelled from the nozzle (12). The aerodynamic deflection affects the magnitude of the portion of the gas stream (20) recovered by the receiver (16) in a manner having a known relationship to the electric input signal, thereby generating a pneumatic output signal responsive to the electric input signal.
Abstract:
Apparatus to control a fluid flow are disclosed. An example fluid flow control apparatus described herein includes a signal stage comprising a signal stage relay having a supply plug being operatively connected to a valve seat at a first end and an exhaust seat at a second end and a seal operatively coupled to the supply plug such that the seal provides a feedback area to apply a fluid pressure feedback force to the exhaust seat.
Abstract:
Microfluidic shunt valves are disclosed having a deflectable element capable of being held in a closed position to occlude the passage of fluid between an inlet and outlet and, when not held in the closed position, the deflectable element is adapted to oscillate in response to fluid pressure pulses and thereby facilitate fluid passage through the valve. Controls for activating the deflectable element to permit fluid passage are also included.
Abstract:
A modular transmitter (10) has an outer housing (11) with a wall (12) forming an interior cavity (13) in which a control module is inserted. The wall (12) has one or more ports (37, 41) therein that are connected to pressure conduits. When the control module (25) is fully seated, the ports (37, 41) aligned with internal passageways (50, 51) in the control module (25) that lead to control components (46, 47) in the control module (25). The control module (25) further has an electrical circuit (70) supported on an end thereof that is toward the inner end of the cavity (13) when the control module (25) is inserted and the circuit has components (74, 75, 80) that removably mate with further elements (86, 87) mounted on the end wall (14) of the cavity (13). These connections may include electrical contacts (80), and also rotationally adjustable components (74, 75, 80) that have set points and which are coupled to set point adjustment and control shafts (86, 87) that are accessible from the opposite side of the end wall (14) from the cavity (13). The coupling (82, 83) to the rotatable shafts permits not only rotationally driving the circuit components, but also accommodates some offset or misalignment between the two parts. Preferably, the coupling (82, 83) is a hook and loop type fastener that has two portions which can be separated in an axial direction, and will easily recouple for driving.
Abstract:
Microfluidic shunt valves are disclosed having a deflectable element capable of being held in a closed position to occlude the passage of fluid between an inlet and outlet and, when not held in the closed position, the deflectable element is adapted to oscillate in response to fluid pressure pulses and thereby facilitate fluid passage through the valve. Controls for activating the deflectable element to permit fluid passage are also included.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a pressurised system for conveying liquids without pulsing. The inventive system can be used for highly pure liquid chemicals in the semiconductor industry.
Abstract:
A central metering station connectable to a water pipe is used to dilute a concentrated lubricant, cleaner or disinfectant. Several distribution lines connected to the metering station lead to the points of use. At each point of use there are a mixing valve (13 - 19) connectable to the distribution line (52) and the water pipe (23) and individually adjustable for each point of use and a pressure reducer (50, 51) fitted upstream of each mixing valve. Varying concentration can be provided for each point of use (31 - 37) with little technical complexity.
Abstract:
A transducer having an explosion-proof housing (202) with a divider (204) forming two compartments, and the divider having formed therein a well (206). A magnet (120) and flapper arm (124) arrangement is suspended within the well. A coil winding (208) is fixed in the other compartment around the well so that a magnetic field generated thereby influences the pivotal position of the magnet. Set screws (254) adjustable in the bottom of the well are effective to preset a rest position of the magnet.
Abstract:
This invention relates to a pneumatic control device having an operating mode selecting means for operating in either the manual or automatic modes. Pneumatic pressure is regulated in the manual mode by a hand operated leakport, and in the automatic mode by a voice coil or other pressure regulating device. The pneumatic input supply, manual pressure regulating means and voice coil all communicate at a common surface. The mode selecting means slides across this common surface to connect together the pneumatic input supply with one of the selected pressure regulating means.