The invention provides methods for assessing one or more predetermined characteristics or properties of a microfluidic droplet within a microfluidic channel, and regulating one or more fluid flow rates within that channel to selectively alter the predetermined microdroplet characteristic or property using a feedback control.

Exemplary systems and methods relating to washboxes are described.

A pump cassette comprising an assembly of a middle plate interposed between a top plate and a bottom plate is disclosed. The assembly forms the cassette and defines a plurality of fluid flowpaths, at least one diaphragm pump, at least one diaphragm valve, and at least one mixing pod. In some embodiments, the cassette includes one or more sensing features for permitting the sensing of various properties of a subject media. In certain such embodiments, the bottom plate comprises one or more sensor ports configured to hold one or more sensor probes that extend through one or more sensor element apertures in the middle plate.

Materials, components, and methods consistent with the present invention are directed to the fabrication and use of micro-scale channels with a fluid, where the temperature and flow of the fluid is controlled through the geometry of the micro-scale channel and the configuration of at least a portion of the wall of the micro-scale channel and the constituent particles that make up the fluid. Moreover, the wall of the micro-scale channel and the constituent particles are configured such that collisions between the constituent particles and the wall are substantially specular.

An irrigation pipe and method of fabrication that utilizes a pipe that is made of a durable material, e.g., stainless steel or aluminum. During fabrication, the pipe is equipped with a plurality of components, i.e., a flange assembly, a truss mount, and an outlet, without drilling, welding, or the like. In this manner, a method of fabrication is provided that enables a plurality of components to be assembled to the pipe without compromising the integrity of the pipe material or treated surface so that galvanizing or painting is not required after the plurality of components have been fitted to the pipe.

The present invention relates to a drilling system with a multi-function drill head used in, among other applications, oil and gas drilling. The system is used to enhance the effective permeability of an oil and/or gas reservoir by drilling or cutting new structures into the reservoir. The system is capable of cutting straight bores, radius bores, or side panels, by water jets alone or in combination with lasers. In various embodiments, a device for remotely controlling the mode of the system by variations in the pressure of a drilling fluid is also provided, allowing an operator to switch between various modes (straight drilling, radius bore drilling, panel cutting, etc.) without withdrawing the drill string from the well bore.

An assembly for use with a water meter includes: a housing including a meter portion integrally formed with a valve portion; and a valve positioned in the valve portion and in sealable communication with an inner surface of the housing, the valve defining a valve inlet portion and a valve outlet portion, the valve inlet portion defining a vertical portion and separated from the valve outlet portion by a top edge portion defined in the vertical portion, the valve inlet portion sealable from the valve outlet portion by a diaphragm assembly of the valve, the diaphragm assembly defining a water leak passthrough configured to allow passage of water from a first side of the diaphragm assembly to a second side of the diaphragm assembly opposite from the first side.

An assembly for use with a water meter includes: a housing including a meter portion integrally formed with a valve portion; and a valve positioned in the valve portion and in sealable communication with an inner surface of the housing, the valve defining a valve inlet portion and a valve outlet portion, the valve inlet portion defining a vertical portion and separated from the valve outlet portion by a top edge portion defined in the vertical portion, the valve inlet portion sealable from the valve outlet portion by a diaphragm assembly of the valve, the diaphragm assembly defining a water leak passthrough configured to allow passage of water from a first side of the diaphragm assembly to a second side of the diaphragm assembly opposite from the first side.

A method and apparatus for reducing an intensity of an electrical discharge that occurs within a fluid transport system in an aerospace vehicle. In one illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes a transport member. The transport member is configured for use in the fluid transport system. The transport member includes a material configured to reduce voltages and currents, induced in response to an electromagnetic event, along the transport member.

A plumbing component includes a valve provided within a portion of the plumbing component and configured to control the flow of water through the plumbing component. The valve includes a body and at least one waterway within the body. An electric heater extends through at least a portion of the body of the valve and is configured to heat at least a portion of the body to an elevated temperature sufficient to kill organisms within the waterway.