Apparatus and methods for converting granular plastic resin into colored finished or semi-finished plastic parts include a process machine having a barrel with a vertically opening feed throat, a rotatable screw inside the barrel, and a color feed conduit assembly positioned at least partially within the process machine and extending into the barrel for passage of liquid color downwardly through the color feed conduit assembly into proximity with the screw.

A pulsation control device coupling a reciprocating pump with either suction or discharge piping and having a generally spherical or cylindrical interior chamber includes a curved baffle with a pressure drop device (e.g., a choke) separating the interior chamber into two volumes and forcing fluid flow through the pressure drop device. The effective fluid passage provided by the pressure drop device is smaller than the fluid passage for one or both of the inlet to and/or the outlet from the interior chamber. Fluid entering the pulsation control device reacts with fluid contained within the volume thereof on both sides of the baffle. The baffle attenuates pressure pulses within fluid passing through the interior chamber in response to operation of the reciprocating pump. The pressure drop device dampens high frequency pulsation magnitudes of pressure pulses within fluid passing through the interior chamber in response to operation of the reciprocating pump.

The invention relates to a pump control method for the control of the operation of a pump system with at least two pump assemblies (2) which are arranged parallel or in series to one another. The method includes determining a specific total power E.sub.S of the complete pump system which defines a total power in relation to a hydraulic total load of the complete pump system, determining a specific individual power E.sub.P,n of each pump assembly (2) which defines an individual power in relation to the individual hydraulic load of the respective pump assembly (2), computing an individual load factor E.sub.gain,n for each pump assembly (2) according to the equation $E_{\mathrm{gain},n}=\frac{E_S}{E_{P,n}}$
and adapting the individual hydraulic load (Q.sub.n; H.sub.n) of the pump assemblies (2) in dependence on a desired hydraulic load (Q.sub.D; H.sub.D) as well as on the individual load factor E.sub.gain,n of the respective pump assembly (2).

A method of controlling a liquid movement system, such as a pool system. The method includes receiving a maximum time that an auxiliary load is to operate, receiving a minimum pump speed of a pump system that pumps a liquid through the auxiliary load, monitoring the time that an auxiliary load has been in operation, monitoring the pump speed of a pump system that pumps a liquid through the auxiliary load, and deactivating the auxiliary load if the maximum time or minimum pump speed has been met. Also disclosed are a pool system and a controller for controlling the pool system.

An apparatus and method for delivery of additives(s), e.g., catalyst, co-catalyst, scavengers, and/or other reaction- or product-modifying agents, to a reaction or mixing site, such as a reaction vessel, offers the capability for multi-additive delivery and customization of additive selection, flow and flow rate, and if desired, mixing thereof, without production train shutdowns. The invention includes at least two additive sources that are detachably connected, with conduit, to the reaction or mixing site, and a process control means, preferably automated, that is capable of initiating, terminating, and determining the rate of flow from the additive sources.

An engine wash system with a collector includes a collection pan with a base angled toward a centerline and first and second panels rotatably connecting to first and second sides of the collection pan; a plurality of wheels connecting to the base; a first support connecting on a lower end to the collection pan and extending vertically upward from the collection pan; a first funnel connecting to the first support; and a first hose connecting the first funnel to the collection pan.

A pneumatically operated gas valve includes a piston positioned in a cylinder with one closed end so that the piston may seat against a gas outlet to close the gas valve. A control reservoir may be formed in the cylinder between the piston and the closed end of the cylinder. Means for filling the control reservoir with gas to a control pressure may be provided so that the control pressure acting against the piston may close the gas valve. A release valve may be opened to allow the gas in the control reservoir to escape through an exhaust port to open the gas valve.

Exemplary illustrations of a fluid valve, e.g., a return valve for returning residual paint, rinsing agent, and compressed air from a paint line when changing color in a painting system, are disclosed. An exemplary fluid valve may be adjusted between an open position, in which the fluid valve is at least partially open, e.g., for rinsing a paint line with a rinsing agent and for pressurizing the paint line with a new color for the color change, and a closed position, in which the fluid valve is closed, e.g., for applying the new color after the color change. An exemplary fluid valve may switch to the closed position, upon actuation by the medium thereof, e.g., medium flowing through or present in the valve. In another example, a fluid valve may close depending on the fluid present at the input side.

In a compressed air supply system for a first compressed air consumer circuit such as an air spring system of a vehicle, a first compressed air line leads to the first compressed air consumer circuit and a distribution line leads to further consumer circuits. A priority valve arrangement is disposed between the first compressed air line, wherein the first compressed air line comprises no safety valve. The first compressed air consumer circuit can therefore be filled at a higher priority, and achieve operational readiness quickly in air spring processes such as lifting or raising activities.

A valve assembly for a compressor includes a flow passage defining an inlet, an outlet, and a valve seat located proximate the inlet. The valve assembly also has a valve member that includes a head portion engageable with the valve seat. The head portion has a front face, a rear face located closer to the outlet than the front face, and a side face extending between the front and rear faces. The head portion further has a first convex curvature formed between the front face and the side face. The valve member also includes a collar portion extending toward the outlet from the rear face of the head portion.