A flow-control apparatus for preventing the undesired loss of chemically-treated water from a swimming pool through the pool's overflow drain. A user of the flow-control apparatus may secure the flow-control apparatus to the pool's overflow drain and/or adjust the flow-control apparatus accordingly to block access to the overflow drain during periods of standard pool operation. If access to the overflow drain is needed, such as during a storm, the user may simply remove the flow-control apparatus and/or adjust the flow-control apparatus accordingly to allow access to the overflow drain. Accordingly, a flow-control apparatus is provided to limit the amount of unwanted water loss from a swimming pool.

A flow-control apparatus for preventing the undesired loss of chemically-treated water from a swimming pool through the pool's overflow drain. A user of the flow-control apparatus may secure the flow-control apparatus to the pool's overflow drain and/or adjust the flow-control apparatus accordingly to block access to the overflow drain during periods of standard pool operation. If access to the overflow drain is needed, such as during a storm, the user may simply remove the flow-control apparatus and/or adjust the flow-control apparatus accordingly to allow access to the overflow drain. Accordingly, a flow-control apparatus is provided to limit the amount of unwanted water loss from a swimming pool.

Systems, apparatuses, and methods for enhancing handling of a sample cylinder may include first, second, and third stations, each configured to receive a sample cylinder containing a material sample. The first station may include a first mounting fixture configured to be attached to the sample cylinder, a viewing glass to facilitate inspection of a portion of the material sample, and a first valve configured to remove a portion of the material sample from the sample cylinder. The second station may include a second mounting fixture and a second valve to provide fluid flow between a source of pressurized gas and the sample cylinder, thereby to pressurize the sample cylinder. The third station may include a third mounting fixture configured to be attached to the sample cylinder and a third valve to provide fluid flow between the sample cylinder and ventilation ductwork or a receptable.

An integrated module includes a valve seat, a control valve, and a throttle valve. The valve seat includes a plurality of valve cavities. The control valve is disposed in a first valve cavity of the valve cavities and includes a first electrical connection port. The throttle valve is disposed in a second valve cavity of the valve cavities and includes a second electrical connection port. An opening orientation of the first electrical connection port and an opening orientation of the second electrical connection port are the same.

An internal combustion engine with an exhaust tract and with a secondary air system which has a secondary air conduit through which secondary air can flow in an injection direction. The secondary air can be introduced into the exhaust tract. A valve element is arranged in the secondary air conduit and has a first flow resistance along the injection direction and a greater second flow resistance along an opposite backflow direction, as a result of which a backflow taking place in the backflow direction can be limited. The valve element has a plurality of rotationally symmetrical impact bodies which are arranged consecutively along the injection direction and are connected to one another. The valve element is arranged in a length region of the secondary air conduit which is limited by a structural element of the internal combustion engine which is formed separately from the valve element.

Variable orifice valves comprising a first fixed plate, a second fixed plate and a movable plate between are described. The movable plate is connected to the first fixed plate and the second fixed plate by sealing elements. The movable plate is moved closer to or further from the first fixed plate by rotation of an actuator ring that rotates at least two rotary elements connected to the movable plate. A needle on the movable plate engages an opening in the valve to seal or open the valve to allow fluid flow. Methods of controlling flow of fluid through the variable orifice valve are also described.

Variable orifice valves comprising a first fixed plate, a second fixed plate and a movable plate between are described. The movable plate is connected to the first fixed plate and the second fixed plate by sealing elements. The movable plate is moved closer to or further from the first fixed plate by rotation of an actuator ring that rotates at least two rotary elements connected to the movable plate. A needle on the movable plate engages an opening in the valve to seal or open the valve to allow fluid flow. Methods of controlling flow of fluid through the variable orifice valve are also described.

A freeze valve includes: a valve sleeve defining an axial bore that is in fluid communication with a first fluid port; and a valve body defining an axial opening between an axially-closed end that is received within the axial bore and an axially-open end that is in fluid communication with a second fluid port. The valve body includes one or more through holes formed in a longitudinal section of the valve body at the axially-closed end, each through hole fluidly coupling the axial opening and the axial bore of the valve sleeve.

A freeze valve includes: a valve sleeve defining an axial bore that is in fluid communication with a first fluid port; and a valve body defining an axial opening between an axially-closed end that is received within the axial bore and an axially-open end that is in fluid communication with a second fluid port. The valve body includes one or more through holes formed in a longitudinal section of the valve body at the axially-closed end, each through hole fluidly coupling the axial opening and the axial bore of the valve sleeve.

A vortex-type flow regulation valve includes: a vortex chamber having a cylinder-shaped circumferential side wall, a first end wall and a second end wall; an inlet flow passage that extends along an inlet flow passage center axis and opens in the circumferential side wall; an outlet flow passage that extends along an outlet flow passage center axis and opens into the first end wall; a protrusion protruding into the vortex chamber from one of the first end wall and the second end wall; and a driving unit that causes the protrusion to move toward and away from the other of the first end wall and the second end wall, within the vortex chamber. The inlet flow passage center axis passes through a location distanced from a vortex chamber center axis, and the movement of the protrusion regulates the flow rate of a fluid flowing out from the outlet flow passage.