Abstract: A guarded surgical scalpel is provided with manually-manipulatable means carried by the scalpel for, first, securely mounting a surgical blade on the scalpel and, second, subsequently de-mounting the surgical blade off the scalpel, the de-mounting being essentially in a “hands free” environment; that is, it is not necessary to touch the used blade for its removal. Additionally, the scalpel may be quickly disassembled for cleaning and/or sterilization following a surgical procedure in the operating room (“O.R.”) of a hospital, clinic or physician's office.

Abstract: A poppet-type check valve for controlling fluid flow, and including a valve housing having an interior and first and second ports therein communicating with the interior of the valve housing for permitting fluid flow from an upstream side to a downstream side thereof. At least one valve assembly is disposed within the interior of the valve housing for controlling the fluid flow therethrough. The valve assembly includes a valve seat positioned in the interior of the valve housing and a seal retainer positioned in the interior of the valve housing downstream from the valve seat and mounted on a stem. The seal retainer and the stem are axially moveable away from the valve seat in response to fluid flow in a downstream direction at a predetermined flow rate, and axially moveable towards and into sealing engagement with the valve seat in response to a downstream fluid flow at a flow rate less than the predetermined flow rate.

Abstract: A swing check valve for controlling fluid flow, including a valve housing having a port for fluid flow therethrough. A valve assembly is disposed within the valve housing for controlling the fluid flow therethrough, and includes a valve seat communicating with the port. A clapper is pivotally mounted in the valve housing and moves between open and closed positions. A lever arm is pivotally mounted on the rocker arm for providing leverage against the rocker arm for positioning the clapper and rocker arm within the valve housing. A spring is captured in the valve housing, and normally urges the clapper into the closed position. A first pivot is carried by the spring for permitting unattached pivotal movement of the spring relative to the cover. A second pivot is carried by the spring for permitting the spring to pivot within the valve housing responsive to movement of the clapper.

Abstract: A swing check valve for controlling fluid flow, including a valve housing having a port for fluid flow therethrough. A valve assembly is disposed within the valve housing for controlling the fluid flow therethrough, and includes a valve seat communicating with the port. A clapper is pivotally mounted in the valve housing and moves between open and closed positions. A lever arm is pivotally mounted on the rocker arm for providing leverage against the rocker arm for positioning the clapper and rocker arm within the valve housing. A spring is captured in the valve housing, and normally urges the clapper into the closed position. A first pivot is carried by the spring for permitting unattached pivotal movement of the spring relative to the cover. A second pivot is carried by the spring for permitting the spring to pivot within the valve housing responsive to movement of the clapper.

Abstract: A poppet-type check valve for controlling fluid flow including a valve housing having an interior and first and second ports therein communicating with the interior of said valve housing for permitting fluid flow from an upstream side to a downstream side thereof and at least one valve assembly disposed within the interior of the valve housing for controlling the fluid flow therethrough. The valve assembly includes a valve seat positioned in the interior of the valve housing, and a seal retainer positioned in the interior of the valve housing downstream from the valve seat and mounted on a stem. The seal retainer and the stem are axially moveable away from the valve seat in response to fluid flow in a downstream direction, axially moveable toward the valve seat in response to fluid flow in an upstream direction, and in sealing engagement against the valve seat in the absence of fluid flow.

Abstract: A swing check valve for controlling fluid flow, including a valve housing having a port for fluid flow therethrough with a removable cover for accessing an interior of the valve housing. A valve assembly is positioned within the interior of the valve housing for controlling the fluid flow through the valve housing. The valve assembly includes a valve seat in fluid communication with the port and a clapper mounted in the valve housing on a pivotally-mounted rocker arm and moveable between an open position responsive to fluid flow in a flow direction and a closed position sealed against the valve seat responsive to fluid flow in an opposite, backflow direction. A spring is captured in the valve housing by the removable cover without attachment to either the cover or valve housing, and normally urges the clapper into the closed position sealed against the valve seat.

Abstract: An hydraulic door closer has a motor/pump component to assist opening the door by supplying oil under pressure to the closer cylinder. The component is activated by a switch sensitive to the turning of the closer pinion shaft as the door is moved out of its frame. Further, the distance which the door must move until the switch activates the motor/pump component is adjustable. The hydraulic circuitry is conveniently embodied in a single manifold block.