Other

Integrated Flow Systems, Inc.

The Nupro Company

Paul G Eidsmore

An improved fluid system and method of monitoring fluid volume in a supply cylinder is provided. A pressure regulator is disposed immediately downstream from a shutoff valve associated with the supply cylinder. A meter or gage is then positioned downstream of the regulator to monitor outlet or downstream pressure. The fluid volume in the supply cylinder upstream of the regulator is then determined by means of a modified gage. A data processor and pressure transducer may also be associated with the system to monitor other parameters or provide further information related to system performance.

Method of supply pressure effect sensing and associated gage

A tube coupling comprises first and second coupling components each having flow passages terminating in openings formed in transversely extending sealing end faces positioned in aligned face-to-face relationship. First and second threaded nut members are associated with the coupling components and cooperate to drive the sealing end faces together. An annular drive member is located between the first nut member and the first coupling member for conducting axial forces from the first nut member to the first coupling component while preventing relative rotation between the first coupling component and the second nut member. To accomplish this function the drive member has a tapered exterior which wedges in a tapered recess in the second nut member.

Fluid fitting with torque suppression arrangement

A pressure regulator includes a hermetically sealed housing that limits the potential for leak paths to atmosphere or exterior to the housing. The regulator includes a dampening arrangement for limiting oscillations during high flow rates. A stem clip secures a poppet assembly to a movable member of the regulator. The stem clip permits radial movement of the poppet assembly to facilitate centering of the poppet assembly relative to a valve seat. The poppet assembly includes a self-tapping poppet to precisely set the opening between the poppet and valve seat irrespective of tolerance stackup.

Pressure regulator and method of assembling same

A button-operated main shut-off and flow-control valve is disclosed which attaches directly to a supply cylinder in place of the conventional rotary-stem shut-off valve. Magnetic actuators in the valve eliminate the hazards of leaky seals around moving or rotating parts. Excess flow control is provided by internal valve elements which inhibit further fluid flow in excess of a design limit, and pressure regulation is provided within the same housing so that extremely low profile is preserved and fluid connections are significantly reduced for improved operating safety.

Supply cylinder shut-off and flow control valve

A flow limit valve for limiting the flow rate of a pressurized fluid includes a valve body with an interconnecting cavity of circular cross section. Within the cavity is a piston that slides within the cavity under force generated by a pressure differential across the piston to a closed position in engagement with a seat at the end of the cavity. A first encapsulated magnet is carried within the valve body in a chamber located on the side of the seat opposite the cavity. The first encapsulated magnet can be moved in response to another magnet outside the valve body to move a pin which can extend through the seat when the piston is in a closed position to thereby move the piston to an open position. The magnetic forces applied through the valve body affect internal valve operation via the pin and thus avoids the dange of noxious fluids escaping through sliding seals or flexible membranes.

Fluid flow control valve

A gas flow indicator comprises a housing defining a cylindrical flow passage having axially spaced first and second ends. A cylindrical piston member having first and second terminal ends and an exterior diameter which is substantially less than the diameter of the passage is axially positioned in the passage with its first terminal end facing the first end of the passage. The piston is mounted for sliding movement from a first position adjacent the first end of the passage to a second position adjacent the second end of the passage when gas flow through the passage exceeds a predetermined level. A flow passageway extends through the piston member from an inlet adjacent the first terminal end to a flow control outlet orifice spaced axially from the first terminal end. A metering a ring surrounds the piston at a location between first terminal end of the piston member and the outlet of the flow passageway when the piston member is in the first position and between the first end of said cylindrical passage and the first terminal end of the piston member when the piston member is in the second position.

Fluid flow indicator

Fluid-flow control apparatus is disclosed by which magnetically-positionable elements within a rigid body can be externally manipulated using a controlling source of magnetic flux. The relative attractive forces which bias internal magnetic elements into normally-closed sealing engagement are substantially altered by repositioning the magnetic elements in response to the controlling magnet flux. Complete sealing or isolation against back flow through the valve under conditions of net positive outlet pressure is inhibited by the internal double-acting sealing elements which respond in unified manner to the controlling magnetic flux. Sealing surfaces on the elements are dome shaped to limit the effect of horizontal forces imposed thereon. The elements are biased into floating relation and reduced in dimension to inhibit contact with sidewalls of the valve body.

Isolation on/off valve

Fluid-flow control apparatus and method are disclosed by which magnetically-positionable elements within a rigid body can be externally manipulated using a controlling source of magnetic flux. The relative attractive forces which bias internal magnetic elements into normally-closed sealing engagement are substantially altered by repositioning the magnetic elements in response to the controlling magnet flux. Complete sealing or isolation against back flow through the valve under conditions of net positive outlet pressure is inhibited by the internal double-acting sealing elements which respond in unified manner to the controlling magnetic flux.

Fluid-flow isolation and control apparatus and method

A flow limit valve for limiting the flow rate of a pressurized fluid includes a valve body with an interconnecting cavity of circular cross section. Within the cavity if a piston that slides within the cavity under force generated by a pressure differential across the piston to a closed position which prevents fluid flow through the valve. A pin is provided that is attached to the piston and that protrudes through the piston seat into the outlet side of the cavity when the piston is at the closed position. Opposite the pin is an encapsulated magnet within the valve body that can be moved in response to another magnet outside the valve body to contact the pin attached to the piston to move it to the open position. The magnetic forces applied through the valve body affect internal valve operation via the pin attached to the piston and this avoids the danger of noxious fluids escaping through sliding seals or flexible membranes.

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Scotts Valley, CA, United States of America

Paul G Eidsmore