Abstract: Apparatus and methods for separating blood components are disclosed in which an apparatus for separating blood generally includes a tube defining a channel and configured for receiving a quantity of blood and a float contained within the tube and having a density which is predefined so that the float is maintained at equilibrium between a first layer formed from a first fractional component of the blood and a second layer formed from a second fractional component of the blood. Upon completion of the centrifugation, the first layer may be removed from the tube while the float isolates the second layer from the first layer.

Abstract: A paintball pod for filling a hopper of a paintball gun with paintballs includes an annular collar with a valve that selectively closes an outlet opening of the pod. An alignment ring is connected around the hopper inlet. When the pod and hopper inlet are operatively aligned, the valve opens (automatically) and paintballs are dispensed from the pod into the hopper. The collar also includes a ratchet member connected to the valve and lock member(s) (e.g., magnetic lock(s)) that engages the ratchet member to retain the valve in a closed position. When the collar is operatively aligned with the alignment ring a magnetic force is applied by the alignment ring on the lock member, causing the lock member to retract and allowing the ratchet member to rotate to a home position and open the valve member.

Abstract: A steering valve includes a housing and a spool disposed inside the housing. The housing includes a top plane and a bottom plane, the top plane including an opening of a first port and the bottom plane including an opening of a second port. The spool includes a top plane including a first and second opening corresponding to a third port and a fourth port, one of which is configured to align with the opening of the first port depending on the orientation of the housing. The spool also includes a bottom plane including a first and second opening corresponding to the third port and fourth port, one of which is configured to align with the opening of the second port depending on the orientation of the housing.

Abstract: The invention concerns a peristaltic hose pump and an equipment for the peristaltic hose pump. The pump includes a rotor configured to compress a hose/tube being positioned on the pump cavity inner perimeter. The rotor is coupled to a one end of a crankshaft of the pump body and the pump includes a device to receive an equipment for rotating the rotor manually. The equipment for rotating the rotor includes a connection point that is configured to connect the equipment to the pump. The equipment includes also weight configured to act as a counterbalance to the rotor in order to maintain the position of the rotor.

Abstract: A squeeze-off apparatus and method for at least partially locally interrupting the flow of a fluid in a resilient tube or pipe are described. Tubes may be accessed from a single direction, thereby eliminating the need for significant excavation around a buried tube. Squeeze-off is performed using a pair of jaws which close in a parallel manner, the closed distance between the jaws being adjustable depending on the wall thickness of the tubing, thereby permitting the tube to remain integral for at least one such crimping and release cycle. Embodiments of the squeeze-off apparatus may be locked in place once the tube is crimped, thereby permitting the flow to be reduced or shut off without continued application of force to the crimping jaws of the apparatus.

Abstract: An encapsulated valve system includes a first housing portion having a first facing surface, the first facing surface comprising a plurality of branch pathways formed as a recess within the first facing surface. The valve system further includes a second housing portion having a second facing surface, the second facing surface comprising a plurality of branch pathways formed as a recess within the second facing surface. A disposable conduit is configured to be interposed between the first and second housing portions and disposed within the recess of the first facing surface and the recess of the second facing surface. The disposable conduit is thus sandwiched between the first and second facing surfaces. A plurality of pinch valve actuators are mounted on one or both of the first housing portion and the second housing portion, the plurality of pinch valve actuators configured to pinch the disposable conduit at selective branch pathways.

Abstract: Needleless access port valves are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to needleless access port valves incorporating a piston comprising slit along an upper piston section for accommodating fluid flow. The slit is closed by the relative geometry of the piston and the valve housing, which acts to terminate fluid flow from between the inlet and outlet of the valve assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for insertion in an enclosed space, including: a tube with: first and second substantially straight portions including first and second ends of the tube, respectively; and a curved portion connecting the first and second portions. The apparatus includes: a plurality of nested segments at least partially disposed within the first substantially straight portion of the tube and connected to the first substantially straight portion; and a first actuator engageable with the tube to displace the first and second substantially straight portions of the tube into and out of the enclosed space through an opening into the enclosed space. The tube is arranged to accept a hose passing through the tube, and a distal segment from the plurality of nested segments is connectable to the hose.

Abstract: An encapsulated valve system includes a first housing portion having a first facing surface, the first facing surface comprising a plurality of branch pathways formed as a recess within the first facing surface. The valve system further includes a second housing portion having a second facing surface, the second facing surface comprising a plurality of branch pathways formed as a recess within the second facing surface. A disposable conduit is configured to be interposed between the first and second housing portions and disposed within the recess of the first facing surface and the recess of the second facing surface. The disposable conduit is thus sandwiched between the first and second facing surfaces. A plurality of pinch valve actuators are mounted on one or both of the first housing portion and the second housing portion, the plurality of pinch valve actuators configured to pinch the disposable conduit at selective branch pathways.

Abstract: A multi-port valve arrangement and removable valve element for use in sanitary environments that comprises at least three ports formed by the joining of at least two valve casing bodies at angles necessary to accommodate multiple connecting fluid streams. A seamless, flexible element is used within the valve arrangement to connect the fluid streams. The valve casings may be hinged on one side to permit removal of the top portion of the valve casings and removal/exchange of the flexible element without complete disassembly of the valve casing and without the use of tools.

Abstract: A multi-port valve arrangement and removable valve element for use in sanitary environments that comprises at least three ports formed by the joining of at least two valve casing bodies at angles necessary to accommodate multiple connecting fluid streams. A seamless, flexible element is used within the valve arrangement to connect the fluid streams. The valve casings may be hinged on one side to permit removal of the top portion of the valve casings and removal/exchange of the flexible element without complete disassembly of the valve casing and without the use of tools.

Abstract: A fully draining valve including an upper valve portion and a lower valve portion. The lower valve body has an integral weir, which in conjunction with a resilient diaphragm, defines a fluid passage. The weir axis is sloped from a horizontal plane. A first duct axis is sloped downwardly away from the weir and sloped from the horizontal plane. A second duct axis is sloped downwardly away from the weir and sloped from the horizontal plane. A third duct axis is oriented downwardly away from the weir and substantially parallel to a vertical axis such that substantially all liquid from within the fluid passage drains from the valve by gravity.

Abstract: These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by provision of a flow through ultrasonic system for facilitating the flow of flow-resistant materials. The system includes a supply of material and an ultrasonic horn having at least one passage extending therethrough. An isolating tube which is compatible with the material is provided passing through the at least one passage in the ultrasonic horn, the isolating tube in communication the supply of material and completely isolating the ultrasonic horn from the material. A converter imparts ultrasonic energy to the ultrasonic horn, and in turn to the isolating tube so as to inhibit the material from attaching to and clogging the isolating tube.

Abstract: A flow control device comprises an outer sleeve having an outer sleeve wall and at least one aperture through the outer sleeve wall; a inner sleeve having an inner sleeve wall and at least one aperture through the inner sleeve wall; and means for providing relative sliding movement of the sleeves between “open” positions allowing variable flow of fluid through the apertures of the sleeves and a “closed” position, so that relative movement of the sleeves produces available amount of opening through which fluid can flows. The apertures are arranged so that the change in the coefficient of velocity (CV) of fluid flowing through the apertures caused by a change in the relative displacement of the sleeves is substantially proportional to said change in relative displacement.

Abstract: A flow control device comprises an outer sleeve having at least one aperture through its wall, and an inner sleeve having at least one aperture through its wall. Relative sliding movement of the sleeves is provided between “open” positions allowing for variable flow of fluid through the apertures of the sleeves and “closed” positions. A pressure-reducing region is arranged to reduce the pressure of fluid flowing through at least one aperture of one of the sleeves.

Abstract: A method and assembly (kit) are provided for use by propane tank service personnel to detect escaping gas in propane tank systems. In one embodiment, the standard connection between the regulator and tank service valve is replaced with a permanent valve arrangement including a main connection between the regulator and valve and a valve unit disposed in a branch connection of the valve assembly. In a second embodiment, a permanent valve assembly is screwed into a pressure port in the tank regulator system. A separate pressure gauge is individually assigned to tank service personnel and adapted to be carried by such personnel in testing the pressure in the propane tank. The pressure gauge is affixed, e.g., through a hose, to a valve unit connector including an actuator, e.g., a valve stem operator, for actuating the valve unit.