Abstract: A humidification system can include a heater base, a humidification chamber, and a breathing circuit. A cartridge can be removably coupled to the heater base. The cartridge can include various sensors, probes, sensor wire connectors, heater wire connectors, and/or other features. The cartridge can include features configured to mate with corresponding features on the humidification chamber and the heater base. The cartridge includes a memory, such as an EEPROM, or other suitable storage device. When the cartridge is installed on the heater base, the memory is electrically connected to a processor and/or memory of the heater base. Various models of cartridges can be produced for use with different humidification chambers, breathing circuits, and/or therapies. A connector can be configured to couple an inspiratory conduit to an outlet port of the humidification chamber. The connector can provide a pneumatic connection to the outlet port and an electrical connection to the cartridge.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing valve includes a manifold that receives and dispense a first liquid and a second liquid. The manifold has a first flow channel through which the first liquid is conveyed and a second flow channel through which the second liquid is conveyed. A first shutoff assembly has a valve seal on a leg disposed in the first flow channel and a second shutoff assembly has a valve seal on a leg disposed in the second flow channel. A handle assembly is coupled to the first shutoff assembly and the second shutoff assembly and movement of the handle assembly simultaneously moves the leg of the first shutoff assembly and the leg of the second shutoff assembly into an open position such that the first liquid flows through the first flow channel, the second liquid flows through the second flow channel, and the first liquid and second liquid mix downstream to form a mixed beverage.

Abstract: A drainage system for use with a slack adjuster for a railway brake rigging wherein the slack adjuster includes a main spring housing, a cone nut housing enclosing a critical operating area of the slack adjuster, and an over travel housing. The drainage system includes at least one opening extending through a sidewall portion of the main spring housing. The opening is configured to allow fluid and/or contaminants to drain therethrough to reduce exposure of the critical operating area of the slack adjuster to the fluid and/or contaminants. A seal/splash guard can be provided at the intersection of the main spring housing and the cone nut housing to prevent fluid and contaminants from entering into the cone nut housing.

Abstract: The presently-disclosed subject matter includes valve covers. The valve covers can protect valves from exposure as well as from tampering. In some embodiments the valve cover comprises a cap that includes a top end and a side wall that is substantially cylindrical. Embodiments of valve covers also include a plug on an interior side of the top end of the cap that projects toward the opening of the cap. When the valve cover is installed, the plug can extend beyond an opening of the valve.

Abstract: A food and beverage dispenser for dispensing food and beverage products may have a clean in place (CIP) system that functions with minimal to no operator interface and disassembly. The dispenser may include one or more product barrels and an ingredient supply refrigerator. A nozzle cap containing a cleaning/sanitizing agent may be placed on a dispensing valve of the dispenser, and a CIP connector may be connected to a BIB connector after disconnecting the BIB connector from a BIB package. The CIP connector completes a CIP circuit that places the product barrel in fluid circulation with a water source and optionally another sanitizer source to help clean the dispenser in place. A heater may be included in the CIP circuit to heat the circulating fluid. A microcontroller or other computer processor may control the CIP process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multifunctional anti-surge three orifices air valve set, comprising a negative pressure admitting valve (1), a small volumes release valve (2) and a mid-high rate venting valve (3) as well as a control isolating valve (4); the mid-high rate venting valve (3) is connected to the top of the negative pressure admitting valve (1) via aeration tube and the control valve, the two orifices being arranged separately rather than being common to each other, in order on the one hand to be selected individually to fulfill respectively the requirements for two different flow rates or speeds or calibers in a mid-high rate venting and a high-rate admitting, and on the other hand to conduct a composite admitting, at a negative pressure, of both flows of admitting air to complement each other; the independency of three orifices allows a high-speed admitting orifice and a small volumes air release orifice to combine and form a “macro-inject and micro-exhaust valve” or a “high-admitting and small-vent valve”, so

Abstract: Provided herein is a dispensing nozzle cover with features including an elongated chamber having a proximal end and a distal end, where the proximal end is adapted to receive a dispensing nozzle, and the distal end is closed, a seal arranged in the vicinity of the proximal receiving end of the elongated chamber, the seal being arranged to seal against the dispensing nozzle, and an adhesive surface area facing the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: A food and beverage dispenser for dispensing food and beverage products may have a clean in place (CIP) system that functions with minimal to no operator interface and disassembly. The dispenser may include one or more product barrels and an ingredient supply refrigerator. A nozzle cap containing a cleaning/sanitizing agent may be placed on a dispensing valve of the dispenser, and a CIP connector may be connected to a BIB connector after disconnecting the BIB connector from a BIB package. The CIP connector completes a CIP circuit that places the product barrel in fluid circulation with a water source and optionally another sanitizer source to help clean the dispenser in place. A heater may be included in the CIP circuit to heat the circulating fluid. A microcontroller or other computer processor may control the CIP process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a delivery system for providing an atomized treatment agent like a cleaner or lubricant to a specific internal location of a closed mechanical system like an internal combustion engine. The atomized treatment agent is delivered via a flexible, non-rigid conduit to the desired internal location of the engine between, e.g., the ID/OD coupling joint between the air inlet hose and the throttle body. A special conduit support guide, the end of which is inserted through the ID/OD coupling joint, provides the proper geometry for gently configuring the conduit to enter the ID/OD coupling joint without crimping and controlling the directional approach and distance of the conduit free end inside the engine.

Abstract: A self covering fluid dispensing apparatus includes a housing that has a first end, a second end and a peripheral wall. A lumen is defined within the housing and is fluidly coupled to an outlet aperture extending through the first end. An inlet conduit is mounted to the housing and is fluidly coupled to the lumen. A covering assembly is attached to the housing and is positioned in a closed position covering the outlet aperture or in an open position exposing the outlet aperture. A valve assembly is mounted to the housing and selectively opens or closes the lumen. The valve assembly includes a covering actuator that actuates the covering assembly to the open position when the valve assembly is placed in an opened condition and disengages from the covering assembly and allows the covering assembly to return to the closed position when the valve assembly is a closed condition.

Abstract: A seasonal insulative cover for an outdoor faucet includes at least two layers formed from a weatherproof material. A first and a second of the at least two layers are further connected to define a space there between. The first and second layers include a plurality of air chambers. A valve is included on the cover for inserting air between the at least two layers. Air inflated into the insulative cover at the valve urges the first of the at least two layers to partially conform to the outdoor faucet. The air further creates the space surrounding the outdoor faucet between the at least two layers. The space contains a volume of stationary air, which prevents a movement of air current from transferring heat from the outdoor faucet to an outdoor environment.

Abstract: Devise for covering over the fuel cap and fuelling area (fuel tank filler neck) for agriculture, construction, industrial, commercial, and forestry equipment that is fuelled by diesel or gas fuel. The devise is made out of material that is fire, water and oil (chemical) resistant or retardant. It is long enough to cover several inches down the fuel tank filler neck area of each piece of equipment in order to keep that area clean from any dirt or debris that might get into the fuel tank upon fuelling that had accumulated on the cap or that area between fuelling It has a Velcro enclosure system and elastic cuff that would allow it to fit snuggling along the bottom so that it would not fall off when the piece of equipment is in operation.

Abstract: A sanitary single-lever mixer comprising a housing, known per se, having a receiving compartment which is open towards the top. The housing is associated with a closing part which covers the upper opening of the receiving compartment and comprises a center passage. The adjusting lever or the handle extends through said passage. The closing part has a convex, spherical top when seen from above. The handle is associated with a cover element that has an outer exposed part with an exposed surface and a sliding element connected to the exposed part.

Abstract: A shut off cover removably attachable to a water shut off valve for protecting and decoratively covering the shut off valve.

Abstract: A gas and liquid storage tank dome shell protective cover for engaging the edge of a U-shaped opening in a dome shell to seal the opening and the storage tank service line extending through the opening to prevent creatures big and small from entering into the dome shell to build nests which shield includes a service line engaging opening having a 360° series of radio slits forming a circular series of pointed flaps which fits snuggly against the service line to provide a circular seal for the service line.

Abstract: An adjustable underground utility housing with a lid for access from above ground is disclosed and comprises a housing formed with upstanding wall portions defining a cavity having an upper opening to support a lid and a bottom opening. The housing has utility piping inlet and outlet openings through which the piping enters and exits the housing for servicing a facility. The openings each have flexible closures for preventing dirt from entering the openings into the cavity of the housing. The closures are sufficiently flexible for sliding down over the utility piping yet sufficiently resilient to prevent the dirt from entering the housing cavity. The closures can be formed with overlapping horizontally oriented bristles, with a sheet of rubberized material having a centrally located vertical slit, or with this same sheet of rubberized material with the addition of horizontal slits to form reinforced stiffened fingers.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, closing an opening defined at least in part by a wall which at least partially surrounds the opening. The wall has a first thickness. According to one embodiment, a strip of material includes a groove which opens in a first direction and resilient projections which extend in a second, generally opposite direction from the first direction. The method according to this embodiment includes receiving the edge of the surrounding wall in the groove. The projections project at least partway across the opening substantially to obstruct access to it. In another embodiment, a method of closing an opening defined at least in part by a wall of a cover for a valve of a fuel tank includes providing a device having a perimetrally outwardly opening groove. The device further includes resilient projections which extend generally in an opposite direction to the direction in which an adjacent region of the groove opens. The groove receives the edge of the surrounding wall.

Abstract: An outlet dust cover, for attachment to a back plate having a wall plate formed to include an aperture within which a valve controlling gas flow in a pipe is received, includes a plate, a valve actuator located in the plate and arranged to be positioned adjacent the valve when the plate is positioned adjacent the wall plate, the valve actuator having a first state in which the valve is not actuated and a second state wherein the valve is actuated, and a vent extending through the cover and positioned to be in communication with the pipe.

Abstract: A suction control valve is disclosed which includes a primary suction device access and an ancillary suction device access. The valve includes a valve core which is linearly movable between a first position in which the primary access is closed against suction pressure therethrough, to a second position in which the primary access is open to suction pressure therethrough. The valve also is rotatable from the first position to a third position to disable its linear movement and to open the ancillary access port. When the core is in the first position, atmospheric air can pass through the valve and into the suction pressure source in such a manner that a "hissing" auditory signal is generated, indicative of the presence of suction pressure within the valve. When the actuator is in the second or third positions, the "hissing" is prevented. The valve is easily assembled and adapted for gas sterilization.

Abstract: A lockable dual gas feed line securing device comprising: a yoke having first and second gas line engagement cylinders joined by a first rigid separator, and a gas outlet engagement member comprising a pair of fittings that engage fittings on the open ends of gas feed lines and are joined by a second rigid separator. Each of the first and second gas line engagement cylinders comprises a cylinder of a size to receive the gas feed line and a gas outlet engagement member. The first and second rigid separators include apertures that, when the safety device is installed on a pair of gas lines, lie in registration for receipt of a suitable locking mechanism that inhibits separation of the yoke and the gas outlet engagement member without disengagement of the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A spray nozzle adapter is used with a conventional spray nozzle having a nozzle plug for regulating the flow of fluid in response to a control lever. The spray nozzle adapter has an intake coupler having an axially extending cylindrical wall defining an intake orifice constructed to couple to the spray nozzle, a shaft coupled to the intake coupler and a valve assembly coupled to the nozzle plug and disposed in the fluid passage of the first shaft for controlling the flow of fluid from the spray nozzle in response to movement of the spray nozzle control lever. The valve assembly includes a valve and a lever coupled to the valve. The valve has a plug for controlling the flow of fluid from the outlet orifice. The lever is securely coupled to the nozzle plug of the spray nozzle to relay the movement of the nozzle plug to the valve. The spray nozzle adapter also has a cone-shaped deflector mounted to the intake coupler to substantially surround the shaft.

Abstract: A connection arrangement for a toilet system having an emptying tube connected to a closed sewage collection tank. The emptying tube has an end portion that extends through a wall and has a free end that projects from the wall for receiving in a socket of a coupling hose. A cover is attached to the wall and is moveable relative to the wall between an open position, in which the cover allows free access to the free end of the emptying tube for emptying the sewage collection tank, and a closed position, in which the cover protects the free end of the emptying tube against contamination and damage. A plug is attached to the cover and engages the free end of the emptying tube when the cover is in the closed position and is disengaged from the free end of the emptying tube when the cover is moved from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: A retractable garden hose apparatus (10) comprising a reel assembly (12) mounted to a ceiling joist (14) within a basement (16) adjacent an exterior wall (18) of a building (20). A facility (22) is for fluidly coupling a first end of a garden hose (24) in the reel assembly (12), when the garden hose (24) is wrapped within the reel assembly (12). A funnel shaped sleeve (26) is connected between the reel assembly (12) and an aperture (28) in the exterior wall (18) of the building (20), so that the funnel shaped sleeve (26) will guide the garden hose (24) through the aperture (28) in the exterior wall (18) of the building (20). An outdoor enclosure (30) is mounted to the exterior wall (18) of the building (20) at the aperture (28). The enclosure (30) has a rear opening (32) in alignment with the aperture (28) in the exterior wall (18), so that a second free end of the garden hose (24) extending therethrough will be covered by the enclosure (30).

Abstract: A safety cap for preventing unauthorized access to a refrigerant valve is described. The safety cap has a locking piece that attaches to the valve's threaded portion and covers the valve's access port. A collar surrounds the locking piece and is mechanically decoupled therefrom, so that motion is not communicated therebetween. The locking piece has a topographic feature such as a number of asymmetrically placed holes. A special releasing tool that has complementary protrusions for interfacing with the holes is required in order to decouple the locking piece from the valve.

Abstract: A refueling check valve assembly which provides for rapid, efficient, and safe refueling of compressed natural gas powered vehicles is provided and includes a receptacle adapted to mate with a fuel supply nozzle and a valve body having first and second gas flow passages therethrough. The respective first ends of the first and second gas flow passages communicate with the receptacle, while the respective second ends of the first and second gas flow passages are adapted to communicate with a fuel storage vessel, typically through a fuel supply line. A check valve is positioned in the first gas flow passage of the valve body and is normally biased into a closed position to prevent the flow of gas through the first gas flow passage. The check valve opens in response to a flow of fuel under pressure, permitting the flow of gas to the fuel storage vessel. A by-pass valve is also provided in the second gas flow passage in the valve body for depressurizing the fuel system prior to servicing.

Abstract: A bleed screw cap for hydraulic equipment including a holding ring made of an elastic material which has high axial compressibility, an elastic cap, a cylindrical shaped skirt portion attached to the elastic cap, and a seal member attached to the skirt portion so as to cover an upper surface of the holding ring.

Abstract: An apparatus for fluid transfer including a valve assembly, receivable by a container, having a check valve for unidirectional flow of material, and a release valve having a closed position, and an open position, a coupler, receivable by the valve assembly to move the release valve to an open position, having a sliding valve.

Abstract: A suction control valve is disclosed which includes a primary suction device access and an ancillary suction device access. The valve includes an actuator which is linearly movable between a first position in which the primary access is closed against suction pressure therethrough, to a second position in which the primary access is open to suction pressure therethrough. The valve also includes a rotatable valve core which can be rotated by the actuator to a third position to disable its linear movement and to open the ancillary access port. When the actuator is in the first position, atmospheric air can pass through the valve and into the suction pressure source in such a manner that a "hissing" auditory signal is generated, indicative of the presence of suction pressure within the valve. When the actuator is in the second or third positions, the "hissing" is prevented.

Abstract: A stopcock with a locking connector protective assembly for selectively controlling the passage of sterile medicinal fluids from a plurality of sources and comprising a body having a plurality of input arms with male or female locking connector tips, an output arm with a male locking connector tip, a rotor located inside the body and having a handle and rotatable about an axis in the body and having a rotor lumen and having channels or holes that may be aligned with the arm lumens as indicated by pointers. A self-sealing injection port is provided which covers the rotor lumen. A locking connector protective assembly is mounted on the input arms to prevent touch contamination and may be retrofitted to current stopcocks, and retained by the locking connector tip. A telescoping resilient coil variably expands to enclose the locking connector tip when the tip is not in use and retracts sufficiently to allow access to the locking connector tip for connections to a complementary locking connector tip.

Abstract: An apparatus for fluid transfer having a housing adapted to be mounted on a container adapted to house fluid, a valve mounted with the housing operable in a normal first attitude to seal the container therethrough and adjustable to a second attitude to permit fluid to pass through the valve and a mechanism engageable with the valve to move the valve to the second attitude for the transfer of the fluid therethrough and wherein the housing is recessed within a portion of the container so as to protect it from damage.

Abstract: A dust cover is provided with a transverse hook such that when the dust cover is secured in place on the first stage of a scuba regulator, the regulator assembly can be handled and hung by the hook without damage to the regulator or damage or kinking of regulator hoses. Embodiments for both American and European (DIN) configured regulators are enclosed.

Abstract: A fire hydrant cap and actuating tool for use therewith provide enhanced security for fire hydrants and increased safety when using the tool. The cap is forged of 8620 carbon steel; is provided with an internal steel lock washer of cadmium plate steel, and includes thereon a forged, external slip ring of 8620 carbon steel with lubrication between the slip ring and cap. The tool which is used in combination with the cap includes a gripper which fits under the slip ring to prevent the tool from slipping, a spanner wrench and a hexagonal socket with a screw for gripping rounded-off valve stems.

Abstract: A cover for an outside pipe assembly having a molded fiberglass cover portion connected to a molded fiberglass base portion. The base portion is secured to the ground surrounding the pipe assembly, and a layer of insulation is provided on the interior wall surfaces of the base portion and cover portion to thereby prevent damage to the pipe assembly due to freezing or vandalism.

Abstract: A mechanism for covering and protecting operating parts of a mixing faucet that has a bidirectional control lever 10 which extends through an opening in its cover 11 and moves about a single center. A semi-spherical surface 11a of the cover abuts a thin semi-spherical cap 15 having an exterior and interior surface 15a and 15b having the same center of rotation as the lever. The cover is semi-spherical surface substantially corresponds to the semi-spherical cap's interior surface. The semi-spherical cap 15 covers the opening 10 and is able to slide over the semi-spherical surface of the cover due to its identical spherical curvature. Structurally the cap is separate from the control lever and is transverse to it. The cap 15 makes contact with a rim of the window 17 of an outer hood 16. The hood 16 is mounted about the cover 11 and able to slide thereagainst and into the space underneath the hood. Cap 15 and the hood 16 can be economically produced and mounted onto the valve.

Abstract: A spill containment device for the fill tube of a liquid storage tank, particularly an underground, liquid storage tank. The containment device has a spill container with a bottom opening for receiving the tank fill tube in liquid sealing relation to the container wall and a top opening through which the fill tube is accessible for filling the tank, whereby the container contains any liquid spill during filling of the tank. The container top opening is closed by a removable cover which cooperates with a water drain arrangement to vent liquid vapor from the container while preventing rain and other ground surface water from entering the container. A drain valve operable from a position adjacent the container top opening is provided for draining liquid spill from the container to the tank.

Abstract: A brake bleeder valve includes a spring biased ball check valve which allows bleeding of brake wheel cylinders by a single individual. The brake bleeder valve has an elongated generally cylindrical body terminating at a lower end in a conical tip dimensioned for engagement in a complementary formed valve seat in a brake wheel cylinder. An intermediate portion of the body has external threads for engagement with complementary formed threads in a brake wheel cylinder. An upper end of the body terminates in a frusto conical hose fitting and an enlarged hexagonal wrench flat portion is formed between the hose fitting and the intermediate threads. An enlarged diameter spherical seat is formed within the hose fitting and movably receives a spherical spring urged check ball. An O-ring around the body portion prevents air leakage past the threads. The central bore has a laterally extending outlet adjacent the conical tip portion.

Abstract: A spill containment device for the fill tube of a liquid storage tank, particularly an underground, liquid storage tank. The containment device has a spill container with a bottom opening for receiving the tank fill tube in liquid sealing relation to the container wall and a top opening through which the fill tube is accessible for filling the tank, whereby the container contains any liquid spill during filling of the tank. The container top opening is closed by a removable cover which cooperates with a water drain arrangement to vent liquid vapor from the container while preventing rain and other ground surface water from entering the container. A drain valve operable from a position adjacent the container top opening is provided for draining liquid spill from the container to the tank.

Abstract: An improved needle valve having a protective cap. The valve is of the type having an adjustable needle valve held in a housing connected to an air line. The needle valve meters air flow into a line and the improved valve has a cap with slits in the side thereof. The cap is oriented so that the slits face downwardly and, thus, any water or debris falling on the valve is conducted away from the air inlet portion of the valve. The valve is mounted so that it may be rotated 360 degrees about its point of mounting.

Abstract: A combination gladhand and dirt protection plug includes a gladhand body with a chamber within the body. There are a pair of air ports in communication with the chamber, with one of the ports functioning as an air inlet. A seal is positioned in one of the air ports and there is a dirt protection plug movable in the chamber toward and away from the seal to open and close said one port. A spring is positioned within the body to bias the plug toward a port closing position. The plug has a surface in communication with the air inlet, with air pressure at the inlet, applied to the plug surface, causing the plug to automatically move against the spring and away from the seal to an open position.

Abstract: A combination gladhand and dirt protection plug for use in gladhand coupling applications, for example with a tractor and/or trailer. There is a gladhand body with an air inlet and an air outlet. A seal member is positioned at the air outlet and there is a chamber in the body connecting the inlet and the outlet. A dirt protection plug is positioned within the chamber and there is a handle for moving it reciprocally or coaxially in the chamber between positions opening and closing communication between said inlet and outlet. The dirt protection plug carries a nose portion which penetrates the outlet seal in the closed position of the gladhand to prevent dirt and other foreign matter from entering the gladhand body chamber. The dirt protection plug carries a closing seal which is in sealing engagement with the chamber walls to close communication between the inlet and outlet in the closed position of the plug.

Abstract: A fillbox system to prevent water from entering the below ground level inlet of an input stand pipe for an underground fuel storage tank. The system includes a fillbox about the inlet stand pipe which extends upwardly therein and a fillbox cover having a downwardly extending skirt which extends almost to the bottom of the fillbox. The skirt, generally has the same outer shape as the inner sides of the fillbox but a slightly smaller dimension than that of the fillbox adjacent the cover. The skirt has a small inward draft angle as it extends downwardly about the stand pipe so that when placed on the fillbox, the cover is guided by the skirt into a proper seating relationship. At the same time, the skirt and cover trap enough air therewithin so that the level of water seeping in the fillbox can never exceed a volume that would produce a water height above the inlet with the cover removed to leak into the underground storage tank when the inlet is opened.

Abstract: A flexible cap, made of soft vinyl or rubber, slides over the ramp of the bleeder valve hex and grips tightly on the bleeder valve threads. The cap has matching threads molded into the cap inner wall. The cap is pushed over the bleeder valve and then screwed tightly against the brake housing face. Serrations on the cap sealing face may be filled with liquid sealant compressing against the casting. Vertical serrations are formed on the outer surface of the cap to provide a hand grip for screwing the cap in place.

Abstract: A faucet plug is disposed in a housing transversely to a tank wall so as to be rotatable about its longitudinal axis and is fixedly connected with its end portion outside of the tank to a bent discharge pipe, and a through-passage extends in the longitudinal axis of the faucet plug and terminates in a radial inlet portion which, when the discharge pipe is turned downwards, merges into the inlet opening of the housing. Preferably, at least one of the functional components is made of a self-sealing slidable plastics material and the other one is made of metal.

Abstract: A sealing device for use with a bleed screw of an hydraulic system comprises a one-piece moulding of rubber or plastics material. The sealing device comprises a sealing ring of frusto-conical outline, an end cap, and a flexible strip interconnecting the ring and the cap. In its position of use the sealing ring is clamped between a shoulder on the bleed screw and a plain face on a caliper which surrounds a threaded bore into which the bleed screw is screwed. This prevents foreign matter from entering the screw threads externally. The end cap is detachably deformed over a bead at the free end of the bleed screw to prevent moisture or foreign matter from entering the bore through a bleed passage in the bleed screw.

Abstract: A protective cover device for use in maintaining the inlet and/or outlet valves mounted in a wall of a liquid storage tank in a contaminant-free state during periods of both use and non-use and wherein the tank valve projects outwardly from a wall on the tank coaxially through a mounting flange mounted thereon in surrounding relation to the projecting valve.

Abstract: The guard comprising a curved housing fixedly mounted to the concrete curb of a tie stall or comfort stall barn overlying the mild valve on a low line installation in such a barn. The guard has a hinged cover which can be opened to provide access to the milk valve and can be swung to a closed position when the valve is not in use. The guard protects the milk valve from possible damage which could be caused by cows hoofs contacting the valve and also inhibits contamination from hay, other feed and bedding materials which might otherwise contact the valve.

Abstract: A valve assembly is described for closure of resilient tubes and protection of the ends of such tubing from contamination when the valve is in its closed position. The valve assembly is fabricated from two trough-like members which are connected by a linkage having bi-stable characteristics to facilitate one-handed operation. The assembly is particularly useful when employed at the end of drainage bag outlet tubes in hospital applications, where the likelihood of contamination of the tube end must be minimized.

Abstract: A combination gladhand and shutoff cock includes a dust cover attached to the shutoff cock operating handle and closing the gladhand body air outlet when the shutoff cock is in a closed position. There is a latch effective between the shutoff cock handle and the gladhand body holding the shutoff cock in a closed position and a further latch between the shutoff cock handle and the gladhand holding the handle in an open position.

Abstract: A sanitary milk inlet valve for a pipe line milker includes a two-part valve housing with the valve parts having laterally extending flanges which are secured together by bolts to clamp the valve housing at a selected position on a milk pipeline. One valve part encloses a rubber seal which partially surrounds the inlet pipe and which includes a rubber boss with a through aperture which seals the inlet pipe extending into the pipeline or manifold line. The inlet pipe is easily inserted and removed for cleaning purposes. The valve housing part which receives the inlet pipe also includes a spring biased cover which moves under force of a spring to a closed position to seal the inlet pipe opening when not in use. The cover also carries a neoprene rubber seal to seal the opening. When the inlet pipe is inserted in place the cover is displaced and a concave recess in the cover engages the inlet pipe and secures the pipe in place and provides a fluid seal.