A system for reducing refrigerant pressure in an HVAC system includes a receptacle that is fluidly coupled to a condenser. The receptacle is coupled to the condenser between a first pass and a second pass of refrigerant across a flow path of air. The receptacle can include a connection allowing for refrigerant flow into the receptacle during periods of high pressure.

The present disclosure relates to a bidirectional valve design that provides for more rapid deflations/evacuation of fluid flow and in one example includes a valve body, a spindle piston movably coupled in a bore of the valve body and an electronically controllable motor that moves the spindle valve between a fluid evacuation position and a fluid fill position. In one example, the spindle piston includes piston structures on ends of a threaded rod. In another example, a mattress system is disclosed that employs the valve and a fluid source to provide quick evacuation of air from a patient support. In another example, the valve is coupled to an alternating pressure block valve which is then coupled to a patient support.

A pump system for a water supply mains has at least one pump device, a pressure detecting sensor at the pressure side of the pump device, a flow detecting sensor of the pump device, several pressure sensor units (D) remote arranged remotely from the pump device in different part regions of the mains, and a pump control device. The control device includes a model formation module designed in each case to produce a model (A) representing pressure loss from the pressure sensor to the position of the respective pressure sensor unit (D), based on several pressure measured values of at least two pressure sensor units (D) for the at least two associated part regions. The control device is designed for regulation of the pump device based on produced models (A), as well as to a corresponding method for regulation of a pump device in a water supply mains.

Assay cartridges are described that have a detection chamber, preferably having integrated electrodes, and other fluidic components which may include sample chambers, waste chambers, conduits, vents, bubble traps, reagent chambers, dry reagent pill zones and the like. In certain embodiments, these cartridges are adapted to receive and analyze a sample collected on an applicator stick. Also described are kits including such cartridges and a cartridge reader configured to analyze an assay conducted using an assay cartridge.

Exchanger devices include a plurality of fixed exchange ducts and a rotating valve assembly for directing flow to and from the plurality of exchange ducts. Methods of exchanging pressure between fluid streams may include directing fluids through an exchange device and pressurizing a fluid in the plurality of exchange ducts of the exchanger device.

A hydraulic system includes a pump in communication with a fluid reservoir and powered by a motor. A pressure compensator is adapted to adjust a position of a variable displacement mechanism of the pump. A load sensing line is adapted to communicate a highest load sensing pressure from a plurality of valves to the pressure compensator. The pressure compensator adjusts the variable displacement mechanism of the pump based on the highest load sensing pressure for maintaining a constant pressure drop across one or more work ports in each of the plurality of valves. The plurality of valves each include a load sense port having an integrated check valve that includes a metering orifice.

Assay cartridges are described that have a detection chamber, preferably having integrated electrodes, and other fluidic components which may include sample chambers, waste chambers, conduits, vents, bubble traps, reagent chambers, dry reagent pill zones and the like. In certain embodiments, these cartridges are adapted to receive and analyze a sample collected on an applicator stick. Also described are kits including such cartridges and a cartridge reader configured to analyze an assay conducted using an assay cartridge.

Microfluidic structures and methods for manipulating fluids, fluid components, and reactions are provided. In one aspect, such structures and methods can allow production of droplets of a precise volume, which can be stored/maintained at precise regions of the device. In another aspect, microfluidic structures and methods described herein are designed for containing and positioning components in an arrangement such that the components can be manipulated and then tracked even after manipulation. For example, cells may be constrained in an arrangement in microfluidic structures described herein to facilitate tracking during their growth and/or after they multiply.

A method and arrangement for maintaining fluid flow pressure in a system at a preset, almost constant level. A method for maintaining fluid flow pressure almost constant regardless of mass flow. The arrangement including a pressure accumulator, and a nozzle valve. The nozzle valve having a valve body and axially oriented needle for opening and closing the mouth of its outflow channel. The needle shaft guided by a slide element mounted inside the valve body. The inflow into the flow body passes to the other side of the slide element through one or several channels. The needle moves axially to open and close the channel because of the forces acting upon it. Forces acting upon it may include the accumulator, the inflow and a spring. The needle's movement adjust the cross-sectional area of the outflow channel mouth not disposed by the needle head to maintain an almost constant pressure.

A system and method of collecting and disposing of fluid during a medical procedure. Fluid is drawn from a fluid source into a first reservoir in communication with a vacuum source. The fluid passes through an open fluid transfer valve into a second reservoir in communication with the vacuum source. While the fluid continues to be drawn into the first reservoir, the fluid transfer valve is closed after a predetermined volume of the fluid passes into the second reservoir. The fluid collected in the second reservoir is measured and evacuated from the second reservoir. The fluid transfer valve is opened and the steps are repeated until the medical procedure is completed while the first reservoir remains in uninterrupted communication with the vacuum source during the medical procedure such that fluid is capable of continuing to be drawn into the first reservoir without interruption.