Abstract: A delaminatable container is provided that includes a valve member allowing suppression of interference with the motion of a mobile part during use. The present invention provides a delaminatable container including an outer shell and an inner bag, the inner bag to be shrunk with a decrease in contents, wherein the outer shell includes a fresh air inlet communicating an external space with an intermediate space between the outer shell and the inner bag, the fresh air inlet has a valve member mounted thereto to regulate air communication between the intermediate space and the external space, the valve member includes a tube having a cavity provided to communicate the external space with the intermediate space and a mobile part movably stored in the cavity.

Abstract: A multi-component in-line thermal break including concentrical arranges, an outer thermally insulating body, an elongated axial insert incorporating integrated pipe fittings, and a thermally non-conductive fluid channel tube set within the elongated axial insert.

Abstract: A dispenser having a housing, a container disposed in the housing for holding a liquid, a nozzle, and a pump. The pump includes a pump inlet, a pump outlet, a pump chamber. The pump inlet is in fluid communication with the container and the pump chamber, and the pump outlet is in fluid communication with the pump chamber and the nozzle. The pump chamber is movable between an expanded position and a compressed position. A first check valve is disposed between the container and the pump, and the first check valve has a first cracking pressure. A second check valve is disposed between the first check valve and the pump, and the second check valve has a second cracking pressure. The first cracking pressure of the first check valve is greater than the second cracking pressure of the second check valve.

Abstract: A valve opening-closing timing control device includes a valve case in which an inner space is formed in a direction along a rotational axis, and a valve unit accommodated in the inner space so as to be coaxial with the rotation axis and controlling fluid to and from an advance chamber and a retard chamber. The valve unit includes a check valve on an upstream side to which fluid is supplied. The check valve includes a valve seat in which a flow passage hole through which the fluid flows is formed, and a valve body including a closing portion that can close the flow passage hole. The valve seat includes a first projection portion to surround the flow passage hole. The check valve is closed by the closing portion contacting against the first projection portion, and is opened by the closing portion being separated from the first projection portion.

Abstract: A sleep apnea device with bleed for exhaling including a peripheral wall formed with an interior through passage formed with a proximally facing seat, bleed passages in the wall bypassing the seat and a ball to close against the seat.

Abstract: A drive mechanism deforms two diaphragms to perform alternate increase and decrease in volume of a supply chamber. At this time, the two diaphragms are provided for the single supply chamber. This leads to possibility of suction and feed out of a desired amount of liquid even with limited deformation of the diaphragms. In addition, the two diaphragms achieve suppression in deformation thereof upon suction and feed out of a desired amount of liquid. This allows selection of the diaphragms each with a short stroke, yielding suppressed stagnation and quality degradation of the liquid.

Abstract: A replacement heart valve comprising a memory shape element. The various embodiments use internal body heat to seat and retain the valve within a blood passage. The element can be provided in a variety of shapes and sizes, and is at least partially encased within an inert and pliant encasing material. The encasing material is one that is adapted to be contiguous with the structure of the valve nozzle or backflow-resistant leaf structure, and may be used in combination with existing stents or an incorporated stent, including ones having a structure similar to conventional stents.

Abstract: A valve assembly for use in a fracturing pump including a valve member movable into and out of engagement with a valve seat body. The valve seat body includes an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface forming a fluid bore extending between a first end and a second end of the valve seat body. The body further includes a seating surface extending radially from the inner surface and facing the valve member, the seating surface having a recessed area. An insert is disposed in the recessed area forming at least a portion of the inner surface and at least portion of the seating surface. The valve seat body first end has a diameter different from a diameter valve seat body second. The difference between diameters allows the valve seat body outer surface to be supported by the fluid passageway.

Abstract: A top open cage may include a first outer diameter at a bottom portion, a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter at a middle portion, a third outer diameter smaller than the second outer diameter at a top portion, a chamber internal to the bottom portion and at least a portion of the middle portion, a first set of inlets from an outer surface of the middle portion to a middle section of the chamber, and a second set of inlets from an outer surface of the middle portion to the top end of the chamber. The chamber may be defined by a first inner diameter at a bottom end of the chamber and a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter at a top end of the chamber.

Abstract: A pressurized seat check valve including a flexible frustoconical seat having a back surface configured for exposure to upstream pressure, a closure member in sealable communication with the seat, the closure member being biased into contact with the seat and, in use, the seat being deflected toward the closure member by the exposure to upstream pressure.

Abstract: A ball seat is provided in a subterranean string for a preferably non-metallic ball. At least one barb is downwardly oriented toward the ball seat and disposed uphole such that as the ball passes the barb, a groove is worn or cut into the outer surface of the ball. When the ball is seated and motion of the ball stops, the end of the barb is at groove bottom of the ball. In that manner, the barb bears against the ball to keep the ball on the seat to prevent fluids from going further downhole as treatment takes place above the ball. The barb can have a variety of shapes that force the ball to be extruded over it to score the outer surface of the ball and keep the ball against the seat. Ultimately, the ball can be blown through the seat with enough pressure applied above it.

Abstract: A circular fluidizing bed combustion system with uniform airflow distributing device is provided. The system comprises a fluidizing bed and a uniform airflow distributing device. The fluidizing bed is comprised of a fluidizing bed boiler body, an airflow distributing plate and a plurality of air caps, wherein, the airflow distributing plate is provided inside the fluidizing bed boiler body and divides the inner space of the fluidizing bed boiler body into a fluidizing chamber which is located in the upper portion of the boiler body and an air chamber which is located in the lower portion of the boiler body, and the plurality of air caps are arranged on the airflow distributing plate for injecting the fluidizing air into the fluidizing chamber. The inner space of the air chamber is divided into a distributing chamber that is located under the airflow distributing plate and an air inlet chamber that is located on one side of the distributing chamber by means of a perforated plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a micro-valve (1) comprising a valve ball (2), a valve seat (3) and a nozzle (14). In said valve, the valve seat (3) comprises a sealing region (5) and an outlet region (6) and guide means (40) are provided on the valve seat. The guide element is configured in the valve seat (3) in the form of a guide region (4) or a one-piece guide element (40) located in the vicinity of the valve seat (3). The micro-valves according to the invention exhibit substantial improvements with respect to dynamics, life cycle and stream pattern, In first embodiments, increased wear-resistance is achieved by the integration of guide means, in the form of a guide region (4), into the valve seat, optimizing the dimensions of the transition angle, guide angle and discharge angle. In versions comprising a one-piece guide element (40), wear is reduced by the fact that the ball primarily carries out a sealing function and a guide function to a lesser degree.

Abstract: An apparatus to allow or stop an air or water passage into an enclosed environment comprises a housing, an air supply outlet, an air intake inlet, a ball, a gasket, an inlet air filter, an outlet air filter, wherein the ball is inside the housing and moves freely inside the housing, wherein the ball can reside on the gasket and temporarily forms seal to stop the air or water passage, and wherein the ball can be lifted by a lifting force to detach with the gasket when the lifting force is created by an pressure difference when ambient pressure above the gasket inside the housing is less than ambient pressure in the air intake inlet and when the lifting force is greater than the weight of the ball, wherein the air or water passage will flow through the housing and the air supply outlet when the ball is lifted.

Abstract: A system includes at least one fluid volume in which pressure varies, a retention volume for collecting a liquid used in operating the system; and a pump device in fluid connection with the retention volume and in operative connection with the fluid volume. The pump device includes a housing, a movable pressurizing mechanism within the housing and in fluid connection with the fluid volume, a biasing mechanism in operative connection with the pressurizing mechanism to bias the pressurizing mechanism in a first direction, and a pump volume within the housing. The volume of the pump volume is defined by a position of the pressurizing mechanism, wherein the position of the pressurizing mechanism is controlled by pressure within the fluid volume and the biasing mechanism. The pump device further includes an inlet port in fluid connection with the pump volume and an outlet port in fluid connection with the pump volume.

Abstract: The invention is related to an apparatus comprising a valve body comprising at least two inlet channels and at least one outlet channel and forming a central cavity connecting the at least two inlet channels and the at least one outlet channel, wherein the central cavity encloses a blocking assembly arranged for closing each of the at least two inlet channels by default and for opening an inlet channel when fluid pressure is applied from that inlet channel; wherein each of the at least two inlet channels is configured for fluid communication with a respective reservoir of at least two reservoirs. The invention is further related to a medical device for delivering at least two drug agents from at least two separate reservoirs comprising an apparatus of the aforementioned kind.

Abstract: The Invention provided is a hydraulic powered down hole reciprocating pump traveling valve component to provided lifting hydraulics on the down stroke using the derived motion and pressure of petroleum liquids and gasses, such as oil, water and natural gas and also utilizing the frictional traveling forces driven by the surface equipment. Designed to utilize the elements within the pumping apparatus to obtain the hydraulic power within and transfer the energy's force to the exposed bottom end of the pressure locked traveling ball valve adjacent within the ball valve containment cage, providing ultimate lifting power to open the ball valve on the initiation of the down stroke. The component consist of a Hollow Hydraulic Power Shaft, Hollow Pressure Motion House, and a Fluid Cavity Power Drag Plunger.

Abstract: Apparatuses for restricting fluid flow through a well conduit comprise a tubular member having a seat member disposed within the tubular member for receiving a plug element. One or both of the seat member or the plug element comprise at least one shape-memory material to facilitate the plug element being able to land on the seat and/or to facilitate the plug element to pass through a seat member or other restriction in the tubular member either before or after landing on a seat.

Abstract: A combination flow control and reverse flow check valve controls the flow of fluid in a desired downstream direction and limits undesired backflow of liquid in an upstream direction into a fluid source such as a reservoir. The flow control and reverse flow check valve may include a housing having a fluid conveying channel with an upstream end configured for mounting to the liquid source and a downstream end for discharging fluids, a flow control valve positioned between the ends, and a check element positioned in the channel between the flow control valve and the downstream end. The check element is advantageously positioned between the flow control valve and the downstream end of the housing to prevent possible contaminants in a backflow liquid from reaching the flow control valve.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a housing. A membrane supported by the housing such that the membrane covers a vapor passage defined by the housing. The membrane allows the passage of vapor through the membrane and prevents the passage of liquid through the membrane. A flow control feature is supported by the housing and at least partially controls flow of a vapor to the vapor passage. The flow control feature enables variable flow of vapor to the vapor passage.

Abstract: A device for filling containers, includes a storage container in which a fluid that is to be bottled in the containers can be accommodated, a filling device which fills the fluid into the containers, and a transport line for transporting the fluid from the storage container to the filling device. A valve device is arranged in the transport line between the storage container and the filling device, which valve device automatically switches between an open and a closed state depending on a flow rate of the fluid within the transport line.

Abstract: An insertable backflow preventer is presented. The backflow preventer is provided with a cylindrical housing. The housing has a flow transition zone, a proximal orifice/ball seat, a ball with a specific weight that equals or is close to the specific weight of the surrounding fluid, and a distal retaining screen. The housing can have a flange provided on the outside of the housing at one end to facilitate securing the valve in a pipe. The valve is self-cleaning, can be placed in any orientation in a pipe and has low hydraulic head-loss. The valve's unique cost-effective design provides for easy and relative quick installation, eliminates the need to reconfigure existing plumbing, and can be performance tested remotely. Properly installed, it can dramatically improve the security of, for example, potable water sources in a building or other context, and inasmuch as when installed it is not visible, it is tamper proof.

Abstract: A backflow capable ball check valve includes a valve body including a fluid flow passage and a ball seat within the fluid flow passage. A valve ball is within the fluid flow passage and is configured for seating on the ball seat. The valve ball is movable between a normal operation and backflow capable modes. A stem and saddle assembly is coupled with the valve body, and the stem and saddle assembly is configured to cup the valve ball. Movement of the stem and saddle assembly moves the valve ball from the normal operation mode to a backflow capable mode. In the backflow capable mode the stem and saddle assembly positions the valve ball away from the ball seat with the saddle cupping the valve ball in surface to surface contact, for instance according to pivoting at a movable joint.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reciprocating piston pump for delivering a liquid. The pump includes a solenoid with an actuator and an outlet port. A check valve with a seat body is assigned to the outlet port for keeping a return flow of the liquid out of the reciprocating piston pump. The seat body bears an impact damping face at a front face facing away from a valve seat of the check valve, and the valve seat of the check valve and the impact damping face are made from the same elastomer material.

Abstract: A relief valve for extracting sub-surface gas from beneath a geomembrane includes a valve body for permitting gas to flow therethrough and includes an inlet, an outlet, a vertical run communicating with the inlet, and a lateral run communicating with the vertical run and the outlet. A ball valve comprising a ball seat is positioned within the vertical run. A lightweight valve ball positioned within the vertical run. The valve ball is movable therewithin between a lowered position against a ball seat and an elevated position distal therefrom. The valve ball is lightweight enough that minimal upward gas flows within the vertical run cause the valve ball to rise and become unseated from the ball seat such that stoppage of such vertical flows or reverse flows cause the valve ball to drop back to its ball seat and seal against reverse flows through the ball valve.

Abstract: An insertable backflow preventer is presented. The backflow preventer is provided with a cylindrical housing. The housing has a flow transition zone, a proximal orifice/ball seat, a ball with a specific weight that equals or is close to the specific weight of the surrounding fluid, and a distal retaining screen. The housing can have a flange provided on the outside of the housing at one end to facilitate securing the valve in a pipe. The valve is self-cleaning, can be placed in any orientation in a pipe and has low hydraulic head-loss. The valve's unique cost-effective design provides for easy and relative quick installation, eliminates the need to reconfigure existing plumbing, and can be performance tested remotely. Properly installed, it can dramatically improve the security of, for example, potable water sources in a building or other context, and inasmuch as when installed it is not visible, it is tamper proof.

Abstract: The present invention is an air evacuation apparatus that prevents the accumulation of air inside a swimming pool or spa filter by allowing any air to be removed from inside the filter every time the swimming pool pump is turned on. By allowing air to be removed from the filter, the present invention prevents the build-up of dangerous levels of potential energy caused by compressed air inside the filter that can lead to the violent separation of the filter. More important, the air evacuation apparatus of the present invention allows air to be safely and automatically removed from inside of the filter without interfering with the functionality of the filter.

Abstract: A downhole pump has a barrel and a plunger. The barrel has a first one-way valve and the plunger has a second one-way valve. The plunger is of the box end type. The pump prevents or minimizes gas lock by achieving high compression in the compression chamber between the two valves. The second valve is located close to the bottom end of the plunger. In the second valve, the valve seat is in contact with the seat plug, which seat plug has a seal. Alternatively, the valve seat is incorporated into the seat plug, which seat plug also has a seal. The plunger lacks reliefs at the bottom end and thereby achieves tight tolerances with the barrel, further contributing to high compression.

Abstract: A Dual Action, Low Head Isolation Valve is a plumbing fitting that will isolate the interior pipes of a house from the exterior temperatures of summer and winter while allowing the passage of gasses through the system for venting. This valve would be installed at the top of the household plumbing drainage system, or the top vent, in the attic or above the roof. This valve will allow for the system to draw in air and exhaust the septic gasses, or respirate in both directions with very low head or resistance.

Abstract: A check valve construction is provided in which a moveable a movable ball having a convex surface resides in a cage having a conical frustum chamber and a seat for the ball. A fluid path between the ball and the cage is defined by the equation: G = D ? ? cos ? ( b - a ) 2 ? ? cos ? ? b - d 2 wherein G is the gap of the narrowest passageway of the fluid path, D is the diameter of the small end of the conical frustum chamber of the cage, d is the diameter of the convex surface of the ball, a is the angle between a vertical diameter of the ball and the position of the narrowest gap on the convex surface of the ball, and, b is the angle between the vertical diameter of the movable element and the position of the small end of conical frustum chamber of the cage.

Abstract: A switching valve, in particular for controlling a fluid subject to high pressure is described. The switching valve has at least one valve unit, which includes a valve seat element and a switching element guided movably in a guide element, wherein the valve seat element and the switching element interact to provide a switching valve function. The valve seat element and the guide element are provided in a housing. The valve seat element, the guide element and the housing form a through flow channel for the fluid to be controlled. An elastically and/or plastically deformable sealing body is provided in a fully enclosed space between the inner wall of the housing and the outer walls of the valve seat element and of the guide element. The sealing body can be subject to a predetermined pressure to seal off the through flow channel from the housing and subject the valve seat element and the guide element to an inward-directed preload.

Abstract: A valve cage device is adapted for use with a subsurface pump or the like. The valve cage includes a housing and an insert. The insert includes a cradle, a plurality of angled ribs, and a base. In one embodiment, the insert may also include an extended nose region. A ball and seat may be positioned in the valve cage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a filter case for a shower having a function of adjusting a quantity of outflow of a filling material, the filter case including: a cylindrical body having a predetermined length and one end portion opened, for containing a filling material into the interior thereof; and an outflow quantity-adjusting means having a fixing part having one or more communicating holes adapted to communicate with the interior and exterior of the body, the fixing part being fitted to one end portion opened of the body and a rotating part having a discharge hole formed at the inside thereof in such a manner as to be passed through the upper and lower surfaces thereof, the rotating part being screw-coupled to the inner periphery of the fixing part so as to block the communicating holes of the fixing part.

Abstract: A check valve includes a housing, a bore, and a liftably movable valve body which is spring-loaded at least after a small axial travel of the valve body and tightly contacts a valve seat. The bore is constructed as a stepped bore, the bore section of smaller diameter having the valve seat, and the bore section of larger diameter receiving the liftably movable valve member. A ball which is held captive by a holding element arranged in the bore is provided as valve body. The valve seat has a contour corresponding to the valve body in the area of the contact surface of the valve body.

Abstract: A check valve capable of improving the tightness between a sphere and a valve seat and suppressing the sinking is provided, so as to provide a liquid chromatography infusion pump enabling a high precision infusion even if in a low flow rate region. On a surface, contacted with the sphere, on the valve seat 10 of the check valve, a rim 10r is disposed around a through hole 10h in the center of the valve seat 10. The rim 10r is formed as a boundary between a concave spherical surface of a diameter ?1 and a concave spherical surface of a diameter ?2 disposed as concentric circles with the through hole 10h. When the sphere of a diameter ?B abuts against the valve seat 10, the sphere 15 abuts against the valve seat 10 at the annular rim 10r in a line contact according to a relation of ?1>?B>?2.

Abstract: A valve device is installed on a gas tank and opens and closes a gas filling passage. The valve device includes: a housing having a housing portion therein; a first check valve that is fixed to the housing and has a through hole, through which the housing portion and the filling passage communicate with each other; and a valve pressing member. The housing has a filling port, through which the outside and the housing portion communicate with each other. The housing portion contains a filter, disposed between the filling port of the housing and the through hole of a passage member, and a valve element that is moved between the filter and the filling port by the flow of gas. When the gas in the gas tank flows into the housing portion, the valve element moved toward the filling port seats on a valve seat and closes the filling port.

Abstract: A combination flow control and reverse flow check valve provides a compact valve unit for controlling the flow of fluid in a downstream direction and limiting undesired backflow of liquid into a source such as a reservoir. The flow control and reverse flow check valve may be provided as a unitary member having a housing with an upstream end configured for mounting to the liquid source, a fluid conveying channel within the housing, and a check element positioned in the channel between the flow control valve, such as a ball valve, and a seat which is complementally configured with the check element to normally seal against backflow. A blocking element may be provided to prevent interference of the check element with the operation of the flow control valve while permitting liquid to flow in an intended downstream direction.

Abstract: A hand piece for a surgical instrument is provided. The handpiece has an inlet, a chamber (with upstream and downstream portions), a flow control member, a pulse engine, and an outlet. The inlet communicates with the upstream portion of the chamber. The downstream portion of the chamber communicates with the engine. The engine communicates with the outlet. In a closed position of the member, flow from the inlet moves the member to the open position thereby allowing flow through the flow path. In the open position, pulses from the engine move the member to the closed position before pulses from the pulse engine can flow through the flow path, thereby preventing flow through the flow path.

Abstract: A check ball valve assembly is used to regulate fluid flow from two separate fluid sources to a single fluid outlet. The assembly utilizes a single check ball alternating between two check ball seats in two separate fluid passages. A check ball guide is installed at the intersection of the separate fluid passages and deflects the check ball from the pressurized passage to the non-pressurized passage to prevent backflow into the fluid source.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the removal of moisture from a compressed air tank has a tank with an interior volume, a tubular member positioned in communication with the tank and having an end adjacent the bottom of the tank, an air compressor interconnected to the tubular member for passing compressed air into the interior volume of the tank, a check valve positioned at an opposite end of the tubular member, a head pressure relief valve in communication with the tubular member, and a pressure switch cooperatively connected to the air compressor. The pressure switch opens the head pressure relief valve when an air pressure in the tank reaches a desired level so as to cause air and water in the tank to pass through the tubular member. The check valve serves to stop the passing of air and water after a period of time.

Abstract: A check valve unit is provided for a high-speed phase change ink image producing machine between a reservoir for receiving and holding a volume of melted ink from a source and a receiving unit, which may be a printhead system. The check valve unit includes a plurality of ball elements trapped between upper and lower housings defining a like plurality of inlet and discharge passageways. The passageways are configured to optimize flow of melted ink through the unit during charging of the secondary reservoir. The check valve unit is scalable as to size and number of reservoirs for a particular application. The unit further incorporates features that simplify the manufacturing and assembly process while maintaining optimal performance.

Abstract: In the valve according to the invention the supporting blind (6) of the deflected channel (5) is terminated at its free ends with the oblique surfaces (10), and the guiding rail (7) of the ball (4) is terminated with the supporting directional arrangement (8) directing the ball (4) toward the supporting blind (6) of the deflected channel (5), and the top (9), which is positioned closer to the valve outlet than to the inlet, and together with the oblique surfaces (10) of the supporting blind (6) of the deflected channel (5) produce a slot (11) widening itself to the direction of deflected channel (5) interior.

Abstract: An apparatus that can be inserted into the bottom end of liquid delivery tube for retaining fluid in the tube to aid in drinking, utilizing a ball valve that for the most part only allows unidirectional flow of fluid through the valve and into the tube to prevent the level of fluid in the tube from significantly dropping and also creates a fluid free space at the end of the tube to prevent spillage.

Abstract: In the non-return valve of this invention, at its outlet there is a blade gate (1) and at least a part of the body (2) makes for a uniform cast of the valve body (3).

Abstract: There is provided a seat assembly for use in a downhole oil pump ball valve. The assembly includes a seat, a seat rest, and a ball. The seat is used for seating the ball of the ball valve. The seat has an outer wall and a top surface and a curved shoulder surface between the outer wall and the top surface. The seat rest receives the seat, and the seat rest has a curved corner surface so that when the seat is assembled with the seat rest the seat and seat rest are in substantial contact at all points of the curved shoulder surface and the curved corner surface.

Abstract: An assembly is disclosed that includes a centerpost assembly and a fluid filter cartridge. The centerpost assembly includes a main body having an inlet flow opening, an open interior, and a radial flange. An interior shelf is positioned proximate the inlet flow opening of the main body. The interior shelf includes an interior flow opening. A check valve ball is movably positioned on the interior shelf to move between the inlet flow opening and the interior flow opening. A spring-loaded end cap is movably connected to an upper end of the main body and is configured to move between a compressed state and an uncompressed state. A blocking pin extends from a lower surface of the end cap. When the end cap is in the compressed state, the blocking pin prevents the check valve ball from blocking a flow of fluid from flowing through the interior flow opening.

Abstract: In various embodiments a fluid control device suitable for high pressure analytical instruments includes a housing having an interior surface with an end wall. The interior surface defines a chamber. A valve assembly disposed in the chamber controls the flow of fluid through the chamber. An end cap is disposed in the housing opposite the end wall to enclose the chamber. The end wall and end cap each have an opening to pass a fluid to the chamber or to remove a fluid from the chamber. The housing and end cap each has an abutment surface to receive the other abutment surface. At least one of the abutment surfaces has a plastic seal coating. A means of compression, such as a compression housing and compression sleeve, is included to engage the end cap to deform the plastic seal coating between the abutment surfaces and thereby seal the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to microfluidic systems, including valves and pumps for microfluidic systems. The valves of the invention include check valves such as diaphragm valves and flap valves. Other valves of the invention include one-use valves. The pumps of the present invention include a reservoir and at least two check valves. The reservoir may be of variable volume. The present invention also relates to a flexible microfluidic system. The present invention additionally relates to a method of making microfluidic systems including those of the present invention. The method includes forming a microfluidic system on a master, connecting a support to the microfluidic system and removing the microfluidic system from the master. The support may remain connected to the microfluidic system or the microfluidic system may be transferred to another substrate. The present invention further relates to a method of manipulating a flow of a fluid in a microfluidic system.

Abstract: There is provided, in one embodiment, a ball valve for regulating the flow of petroleum fluids therethrough. The ball valve is capable of transitioning between an open and a closed position. The ball valve includes in one embodiment a hydraulic piston, containment union, ported stem, containment cage and drag plunger, and is adapted to regulate the flow of fluid northward through the valve. A ball and seat should be positioned above these components, so that the hydraulic piston may extend therethrough. More specifically, during a pump downstroke, fluid enters the drag plunger, moves northward through the containment cage and into the interior of the ported stem, exits the interior of the ported stem and enters a plurality of angled veins, which impart cyclonic motion on fluid passing northward therethrough, assisting in the removal of debris. Also during the downstroke, a pedestal portion of the hydraulic unseats the ball from the seat.

Abstract: A valve cage device is adapted for use with a subsurface pump or the like. The valve cage includes a housing and an insert. The insert includes a cradle, a plurality of angled ribs, and a base. In one embodiment, the insert may also include an extended nose region. A ball and seat may be positioned in the valve cage. During pumping operations, the cradle retains the ball when the ball is unseated, thereby allowing fluid to pass freely through channels in the insert and around the ball. This eliminates violent action of the ball, thereby obviating a need for a hard liner to be included in the valve cage. A port in the cradle allows fluid to pass therethrough when the ball has been released from the cradle. The angular configuration of the ribs provides for a more laminar flow of fluid compared with prior art valve cages, thereby providing improved passage of fluid through the valve cage.