A non-contact support platform with open-loop control, including: a surface, to support a workpiece by fluid-bearing of fluid flowing through a plurality of nozzles, a supply system, connected to the surface and configured to maintain the fluid-bearing by applying pressure to cause flow of the fluid out of a subset of the plurality of nozzles, and a controller, to control fluid flow in the supply system with an open-loop circuit to support the workpiece while it moves over the non-contact support platform, wherein the fluid flow is controlled based on at least parameter of a group of workpiece parameters consisting of a position of the workpiece, dimensions of the workpiece and a velocity of the workpiece while supported by the surface.

A technique for remote pairing of pumps and manifold valves at an oilfield. The technique takes advantage of a control unit having remote capability of opening and closing manifold valves. The control unit may also be in simultaneous communication with an individual sensor for each pump. Thus, unique protocols of valve opening and closing at the manifold in conjunction with monitoring of fluid-based detections by the unit may be used to establish pairing between specific pumps and manifold valves. Similarly, the system may also be inspected for leaks at particular locations through unique valve opening and closing sequences in conjunction with fluid monitoring.

A valve box for irrigation systems is described, comprising a box-shaped body closed by a lid, and a plurality of electrovalves contained in an inner compartment of said box-shaped body and adapted to allow a fluid from a supply conduit to flow towards a plurality of outlet conduits, each being controlled by an electrovalve. The valve box comprises a single programmable drive and control module of said electrovalves which is contained in a containment box releasably secured above said compartment.

A flow control manifold apparatus includes a housing defining a first flow path from a flow input port to flow output port and a second flow path from a return inlet port to a return outlet port. A first flow regulating valve is placed inline the first flow path and an excess flow path fluidly couples the first flow path to the second flow path. An excess pressure valve is placed inline the excess flow path and is in a closed orientation when the first flow regulating valve is open so that all of the fluid exits through the flow output port. The excess pressure valve is then in a partially open orientation when the first flow regulating valve is partially closed so that a first portion of the fluid exits through the flow output port and a second portion of the fluid exits through the return outlet port.

The present invention provides a water-based coating and/or coating system used to form sag resistant wet layers or coatings on a wide range of substrates. The coating system is effective for protecting metal-containing substrates, such as intermodal cargo containers, against corrosion. As an overview, the present invention provides water-based compositions as primer coats on substrates, and methods for applying the same to substrates. The method includes steps of applying a water-based paint to the interior surfaces of a substrate and drying the substrate by continuously forcing heated air onto the substrate as it moves through a drying chamber. Desirably, the primer incorporates a high level of one or more CAS agents for excellent sag resistance while drying in a broad range of relative humidity environments. Alternatively, modifications can be made to control temperature and humidity during spray application and drying as a way to increase sag resistance of the coating.

A mobile fuel distribution station includes a mobile trailer, a pump, a manifold, hoses, detachably connectable fuel caps connected or connectable with the hoses, valves, and fuel level sensors. The station is configured to operate the pump responsive to a low fuel threshold to provide fuel to the manifold, from the manifold to the valves, and from the valves through the hoses. A related method includes receiving fuel operating parameter data from at least one mobile fuel distribution station into a remote server, determining whether the fuel operating parameter data is within a preset limit, and sending a control action in response to the fuel operating parameter data being outside the preset limit. A related system includes one or more of the stations, at least one server configured to receive fuel operating parameter data, and at least one electronic device configured to communicate with the server.

This invention provides apparatuses and methods to supply a steady volume of liquid with low pressure fluctuation that can be used to form a liquid blend or to supply other equipment or tools. The invention uses a flow controller that controls the flow rate for liquid that is fed to a liquid supply pipe from a recirculation loop that is connected thereto, the recirculation loop has a dip tube for insertion into a liquid supply container, pump, and liquid backpressure control device.

An integrated switch device includes an air valve assembly and a switch assembly. The air valve assembly comprises a flow channel base, a first air valve, and a second air valve. The flow channel base has a first air supply path and a second air supply path. The first air valve is provided on the first air supply path, and the second air valve is provided on the second air supply path. In addition, the switch assembly comprises an electrical control module controlled to output an on-off signal to an air pump, and an operation cover fitted and connected to the electrical control module.

A controlling method according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a first chamber provided with a fan, a second chamber to which a replacement gas is sent from the first chamber by the fan and which includes a transporter configured to transport a substrate, a circulation line configured to communicate the first chamber and the second chamber with each other and circulate the replacement gas, and a valve provided in the circulation line. The method includes replacing an inside of the first chamber and an inside of the second chamber with the replacement gas by turning off the fan and closing the valve, and circulating the replacement gas through the circulation line by turning on the fan and opening the valve. The replacing includes controlling the fan to be turned on and the valve to be opened for a predetermined period of time.

A control valve (10) includes a valve body with a plurality of ports (A, B, C, D, E, F) and a plurality of annular flow passages (53, 55,57). A piston (34) which includes a plurality of annular flow passages and a longitudinal flow passage is selectively movable within a bore (32) within the valve body through operation of a valve controller (70). The valve controller is selectively operative to control the position of the piston so as to enable liquid flow through a plurality of flow paths. A pump controller is operative to selectively control operation of a water well pump that supplies water to the control valve.