Abstract: The present disclosure describes a microfluidic chip for culturing and in vitro testing of 3D organotypic cultures. The tests may be performed directly on the organotypic culture in the microfluidic chip. The microfluidic chip includes at least one microfluidic unit which includes two fluidic compartments, such as upper and lower, separated by a permeable supporting structure, one or more access opening for the fluidic compartments, and a set of lids interchangeable with a set of insets. The permeable support structure serves as a support for the organotypic culture. The upper and lower compartments may include inlets and outlets which allow fluids to be perfused into the lower compartment and fluids to be perfused into the upper compartment. The access opening may be closed with a lid or accommodate an inset.

Abstract: Check valve inserts define a valve seat for an open position of a check valve and have an outer support seatable in an internal chamber of the check valve and have an inner annular ring spaced radially inward from the outer support by a rib that angles axially toward a central longitudinal axis to position an upper surface of the inner annular ring a distance axially beyond an upper surface of the outer support. Check valves have a housing defining an inlet port, an outlet port, and a chamber in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet ports, have the check valve insert seated with the chamber, and have a seal disc moveable within the chamber between the open position defined by the inner annular ring of the check valve insert and a closed position. The seal disc is translatable in response to a pressure difference across the seal disc.

Abstract: A collapsible valve comprising a first portion with at least one dimple in a side thereof, and a second portion, the second portion being narrower than the first portion and arranged along an axial dimension of the first portion, the second portion including a cut therein.

Abstract: A method for applying a rupture element to a housing part of a battery cell, more particularly to a housing part provided for sealing a battery cell, includes the following steps: providing the housing part, wherein the housing part has an inner side facing the interior of the battery cell and an outer side facing the exterior of the battery cell. A hole is provided in the housing part, through which in the event of a malfunction, in which pressure in the battery cell reaches an inadmissably high level, pressure can escape into the surrounding area. A plate-shaped rupture element is provided, which is at least slightly larger than the hole. The plate-shaped rupture element is applied to the hole from the outer side such that it fully covers the hole and an edge region of the plate-shaped rupture element is joined all around to an edge region of the housing part, which extends around the hole, such that the plate-shaped rupture element fluidically seals the hole.

Abstract: The application relates to a connecting element, in particular for connecting vessels and for producing a fluidic connection between vessels or elements joined to the connecting element. The invention also relates to an elastic spring element as a valve element.

Abstract: A patient interface includes a mask body, an elbow, a connector and a conduit. Any one or more of the mask body, the elbow, the connector and the conduit includes a bias flow vent. The bias flow vent is configured to deform with the application of pressure but not fully collapse such that an orifice size defined by the bias flow vent can vary with the application of pressure.

Abstract: A drawn and wall ironed beverage can body, method for forming same, and a sealed and filled can, include a through-hole or aperture in the base. A grommet for charging a propellant in can is located in the aperture. The aperture has a burr that is located on the inboard side of the rim of the aperture. A method of forming a valve in the drawn and ironed beverage can body includes positioning a first tool in an interior of the can body, contacting an exterior surface of the base with a second tool such that the first and second tools are aligned, forming the aperture in the base, and inserting the grommet into the aperture.

Abstract: Examples of apparatus, methods, and compositions for endodontic treatments are described. The apparatus can include a fluid platform configured to substantially retain fluid in a tooth chamber during treatment. The fluid platform can help maintain fluid circulation in the tooth chamber as fluid flows into and out of the tooth chamber. The apparatus can also include a pressure wave generator configured to generate acoustic waves that can be used for cleaning root canals and tooth surfaces in the tooth chamber. Examples of pressure wave generators include a liquid jet, an electromagnetic energy delivery device, and an ultrasonic device. The fluid can include antiseptic or antibacterial solutions to assist in tooth cleaning. The fluid may be degassed to have a reduced dissolved gas content (compared to non-degassed fluids used in endodontic treatments), which may improve the effectiveness of the pressure wave generation or the cleaning.

Abstract: A check valve structure includes: a valve casing communicating with each of inflow and outflow paths for a fluid; and a valve element which is disposed in the valve casing and configured of an elastic material. The valve element has a thin portion, and a thick portion protruding from the substantial center of one surface of the thin portion. The valve casing has: a valve element support portion including an annular bottom portion capable of supporting an outer edge of a bottom portion of the thick portion, and a peripheral wall portion continuing to an outer peripheral edge of the annular bottom portion; and a valve seat portion including a valve element contact portion which is in contact with a vicinity of an outer peripheral edge portion on the other surface side of the thin portion, and a valve seat surface which can be in contact with the thin portion.

Abstract: Examples of apparatus, methods, and compositions for endodontic treatments are described. The apparatus can include a fluid platform configured to substantially retain fluid in a tooth chamber during treatment. The fluid platform can help maintain fluid circulation in the tooth chamber as fluid flows into and out of the tooth chamber. The apparatus can also include a pressure wave generator configured to generate acoustic waves that can be used for cleaning root canals and tooth surfaces in the tooth chamber. Examples of pressure wave generators include a liquid jet, an electromagnetic energy delivery device, and an ultrasonic device. The fluid can include antiseptic or antibacterial solutions to assist in tooth cleaning. The fluid may be degassed to have a reduced dissolved gas content (compared to non-degassed fluids used in endodontic treatments), which may improve the effectiveness of the pressure wave generation or the cleaning.

Abstract: An inlet check valve for controlling fluid from a supply into a variable cam timing phaser includes a double flapper check valve assembly with an open position and a closed position, which includes a housing having a body forming at least two stoppers, a flapper valve comprising at least two flexible flaps received within the housing and aligned with the at least two stoppers, and a valve seat received within the housing, the valve seat defining openings aligned with the at least two flexible flaps, axially opposite the two stoppers. In another embodiment, the stoppers are on a stopper piece separate from the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a fluid path, a coupling, and a nozzle. The fluid path is to carry a fluid including one or more microparticles. The coupling is located in the fluid path. The nozzle is located in the fluid path to move the fluid through a stagnant region located near the coupling.

Abstract: A collapsible valve for use in a needleless access connector to reduce the priming volume of the needleless access connector. A needleless access connector with a small priming volume. A method of connecting a first medical device to a second medical device with a needleless access connector with a small priming volume.

Abstract: Check valves, Venturi devices and engines having such check valves, define an internal cavity having a first port and a second port, a first seat and a second seat, and a translatable seal disk. The check valves have an outlet conduit extending from the second port and/or the first seat has a first annular seal bead and a second annular seal bead disposed radially inward of the first annular seal bead with a plurality of ribs extending between the first annular seal bead and the second annular seal bead within the fluid flow path of the first port. The outlet conduit defines an outlet passageway having a restrictor profile that is circular in a transverse profile, and the ribs decrease the flow area of the fluid flow path of the first port by about 10% to about 60%.

Abstract: An inflatable structure may be formed from a single piece of flexible film. The inflatable structure may include quilting seals which divide the inflatable chamber. The inflatable structure may include a one-way valve including an internal valve opening, a channel, and an external valve opening. A locator aperture positioned in the channel may be surrounded by a valve position-retention seal. A corresponding inflation device fills the inflatable structure with air and may do so without requiring heat sealing or insertion into the one-way valve. The inflation device may include a mechanical registration device configured to engage the locator aperture and position the one-way valve at a desired position with respect to an outlet of a source of pressurized air. The inflation device may detect when the inflatable structure is filled with a desired amount of air and automatically shut off the source of pressurized air.

Abstract: Check valves, Venturi devices and engines that include the check valves are disclosed. The check valves define an internal cavity having a first port and a second port, a first seat and a second seat, and a translatable seal disk. The first seat is proximate the first port and has a first annular seal bead, and a second annular seal bead radially inward from the first annular seal bead. The seal disk has a first sealing portion seatable against the first annular seal bead and a second sealing portion seatable against the second annular seal bead (both of a first thickness), an intermediate portion between the first and second sealing portions of a second thickness, and a lip portion defining the outer periphery of the seal disk of a third thickness. The second thickness is greater than the first thickness, and the third thickness is less than the first thickness.

Abstract: Bypass check valves, suitable for bypassing a Venturi gap, are disclosed and include a housing defining an internal cavity having a first seat and a second seat, and a seal member within the internal cavity translatable between a closed position against the first seat and an open position against the second seat. The second seat defines a support structure having a middle region of a predetermine height and a downstream side having a height that is shorter than the predetermined height of the middle region. The seal member is seatable against the second seat with a downstream portion thereof a further distance from the first seat than an upstream portion thereof.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a push-type dispenser that is simple in structure and yet capable of surely preventing liquid leakage even when it topples over.

Abstract: A flow system for medical lines includes a flow component having a main duct and at least one lateral tubular fitting with a female luer cone communicating with the main duct) through a valve. The valve includes a transverse diaphragm normally kept in fluid-tight contact against an annular valve seat of the lateral tubular fitting, which can be moved away from this into an opening position following upon insertion of a male luer-cone introducer of fluid into the lateral tubular fitting. The diaphragm is prearranged for being pushed into the opening position directly by the introducer, and the lateral tubular fitting is configured to couple in a fluid-tight way with the introducer before the latter comes into contact of thrust with the diaphragm.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve for a cam phaser including a valve housing with a longitudinal axis and a valve piston that is axially moveable along the longitudinal axis, wherein the valve piston opens and closes a first operating connection of the valve housing and a second operating connection of the valve housing, wherein the first operating connection and the second operating connection are axially offset from one another; and a supply connection of the valve housing which is used for supplying the hydraulic valve with a hydraulic fluid fed by a feed device, wherein the hydraulic valve is configured to be flowed through by the hydraulic fluid on different paths controlled by a flow permeable channel system of the valve piston, and wherein a check valve opening and closing an inflow channel is arranged in the hydraulic valve in the inflow channel of the valve housing.

Abstract: A one-way valve for medical infusion lines includes a first tubular connector and a second tubular connector, which define, respectively, an upstream passage and a downstream passage, which are coaxial and set transversely between which is a diaphragm made of elastically deformable material co-operating in a fluid-tight way with an annular seat to keep the valve normally closed. A filter, integrated in the valve, is axially clamped and blocked between the first tubular connector and the diaphragm.

Abstract: An electromagnetic pump includes a coil configured to conduct an alternating current, a cylinder, and a piston assembly. The piston includes a cavity configured to receive fluid and an aperture defined in a first end thereof The piston is arranged within the cylinder to define an interface between the piston and the cylinder, and the piston is configured to move linearly between a first position and a second position within the cylinder. The piston is positioned in the electromagnetic pump such that it is within a magnetic field which is generated by the coil when the coil conducts a current.

Abstract: A check valve includes connected first and second bodies respectively disposed on upstream and downstream sides. A valve plug is disposed displaceably in a communication chamber formed in the interior of the first body. A skirt urges a main body portion of the valve plug in a direction for seating the main body portion on a valve seat surface, and is provided on the valve plug such that the main body portion is seated on the valve seat surface by an elastic force of the skirt. By supplying a pressure fluid to the first body, the valve plug is displaced in opposition to the elastic force of the skirt, whereby the interior of the first body and the interior of the second body are placed in communication and the pressure fluid is allowed to flow therethrough.

Abstract: A metering end cap provided to the neck of a flexible container containing a fluid and intended to transfer, at will, an amount of fluid from an upstream space towards a downstream space, this end cap including a chamber in which is disposed a movable valve normally biased towards a rest position and operationally moved towards an end position. The valve isolates the upstream space and the downstream space from each other in its end position and only in this position, and the outlet of the chamber communicates with the upstream space for any position of the valve other that its end position.

Abstract: A check valve is provided. The check valve includes a position limiting member, a back-flow preventing member and a lid body. The back-flow preventing member is disposed between the position limiting member and the lid body, and a blocking portion of the back-flow preventing member is flexible. When the blocking portion is impacted by an external water source, a gap will be formed between an external peripheral verge of the blocking portion and a stepped portion of the position limiting member to allow the water source to flow through the position limiting member. When the blocking portion is impacted by a reverse water source, the external peripheral verge of the blocking portion is abutted against the stepped portion to unallow the water source to flow through the position limiting member.

Abstract: A medical valve having a valve inside housing and a valve core. The valve core is installed within the housing. The housing is preferably an integrally-formed hollow cylindrical structure. An annular protrusion may be arranged on the outer surface of the housing and a seal ring may be arranged in the center of the inner wall of the housing. The valve core can be made of an elastic material as an integrally-formed cylindrical structure. A lock ring matched with the seal ring of the housing may be arranged on the outer surface of the valve core, and the lock ring can be integrally formed with the valve core. The medical valve inside disclosed by the invention is widely applied to the medical fields such as cushion mask, trachea cannula and laryngeal mask, No metal member is preferably employed, so with magnetic resonance imaging examination without causing interference.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flow volume regulator (1) having at least one throttle body (2) which is composed of elastically deformable material and which is arranged in the throughflow duct (3) of a regulator housing (4) and which delimits a control gap (5) between itself and a regulating profiling provided on an inner circumferential and/or outer circumferential duct wall, the clear throughflow cross section of which control gap (5) can be varied as a result of the throttle body (2) which can be deformed under the pressure of the medium flowing through, with the regulating housing (4) bearing on its outer circumference a clamping edge region for clamping the flow volume regulator (1) between two line sections or line components which are connected to one another.

Abstract: The restraining function of support structure airbags in particular and mechanical airbags should be able to be specifically guaranteed in a simple manner. To this end, an air cushion for an airbag of a motor vehicle is provided, having a sleeve with at least one opening and a closure element arranged on the at least one opening in order to at least partially prevent air from flowing from a first direction, Furthermore, the closure element is flexible and has a channel-shaped design at least upon the flow of air from a second direction opposite the first direction. The closure element thus has the effect of a check valve.

Abstract: The valve unit includes: a body having a charging passage; a supply-side joint that connects a supply pipe; and a check valve that is disposed in the gas passage, and that inhibits gas from being discharged from the gas tank to the outside of the body. The check valve includes a check valve seat, a check valve element that comes into contact with or moves away from the check valve seat, and a positioning member that fixes the position of the check valve seat in the charging passage. The body has a fitting hole which is communicated with the charging passage and in which the supply-side joint and the positioning member are fitted. The positioning member is fitted in a second fitting hole so as to fix the position of the check valve seat even when the supply-side joint has not been fitted in a first fitting hole.

Abstract: A microvalve, in particular for a micropump, is described, which includes a valve member which is adjustable between an open position and a closed position, in contact with a valve seat in its closed position. The valve seat is made of a polymer material. A micropump and a manufacturing method are also described.

Abstract: A non-spill valve for the neck of a liquid container. The invention also relates to a non-spill valve for the nipple of a feeding bottle, to a teat which is provided with such a nipple and to a feeding bottle which has such a teat. The valve has a tube which is open at one end and upstands from a support, which is complementary with interior element so that it forms a partition and permits the passage of liquid from an aperture in the support only into the tube interior, wherein the other end of the tube is closed except for an incision which separates the closed end from an adjoining side wall portion. The incision defines a flap that can permit liquid to reach from the tube interior to the mouth of the neck or spout or nipple.

Abstract: A uni-directional valve for an air path of a ventilation device. A flexible valve element is held biased in a housing of the uni-directional valve to close at least one air passage located in a sealing section and with a sealing portion to at least partially open the air passage if the valve element is impinged by a sufficient air pressure against the bias. The valve element is designed as cylinder and the sealing portion is located on the lateral surface of the cylinder. The sealing portion is located opposite to a support portion located on the lateral surface of the cylinder. The support portion interacts with a support section of the housing. The distance between the support section and the sealing section of the housing is smaller than the distance between the support portion and the sealing portion in the unbiased state of the valve element.

Abstract: A pressure controlled valve having a housing with a first pressure chamber for communication to a pneumatically pressurized control source. The housing has an inlet for communication with a pneumatic supply source and outlet selectively in fluid flow with the inlet. A movable valve selectively opens and closes with respect to a valve seat for selectively opening a pathway from the inlet to the outlet and closing the pathway between the inlet and outlet. The pressure chamber may be sealingly and fluidly separated from the pathway between the inlet and the outlet. The pressure chamber provides a closing biasing force on the movable valve and a resilient spring mounted in the housing provides an opening biasing force on the movable valve.

Abstract: A valve apparatus and methods associated thereof are provided. The valve apparatus includes a valve housing structure. A first valve portion is connected to the valve housing structure, wherein the first valve portion has a sealing edge. A second valve portion is positioned at least partially within the valve housing structure. A constrictable membrane has a pressurizable interior compartment, wherein the constrictable membrane supported by the second valve portion and positioned proximate to the first valve portion, wherein at least a portion of the constrictable membrane is movable to engageable with the sealing edge of the first valve portion.

Abstract: Non-return valve, in particular for medical purposes, consisting of a first hose connection housing and a second hose connection housing and a membrane disk which is made from flexible material, is arranged between the two hose connection housings, and can be raised up from an annular valve seat which results in an inlet space which is connected to an inlet passage. A medium-permeable formation which faces the membrane disk is arranged on the inlet side into the inlet space, which formation supports the membrane disk against overextension in the case of high return pressures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a one-way valve wherein an affixed flexible film device, a downstream edge control means, a channel surface and the motive force of a controlled directional pressurized fluid flow automatically permit forward fluid flow yet check reverse fluid backflow.

Abstract: A nipple assembly is removably attachable to a baby bottle via a retainer ring and comprises a nipple having a flow aperture through one end, and a nipple flange structured to support the nipple. A flow control valve assembly is mounted to the nipple flange and extends inwardly from an inner surface of the nipple flange, the flow control valve assembly is structured to allow pressures to equilibrate between the inside and outside of the baby bottle, without allowing fluid to leak therethrough. A training cup spout assembly is removably attachable to a cup and comprises a spout having a spout channel extending therethrough. The spout channel has a dual valve assembly mounted therein to permit flow for drinking, as well as to prevent leakage of fluid from the cup. A flow control valve assembly is mounted to the training cup spout assembly to permit pressure equilibration.

Abstract: A deformable small packaging structure for free-flowing products has a valve-like closure (10) produced by a two-component injection molding process and including a dimensionally stable carrier element (11) and an outer jacket (12) which envelopes the carrier element (11) at least in part and has a flexible squirt-nozzle (16) with slotted openings. The outer jacket (12), in relation to the withdrawn squirt-nozzle (16), has a meander-shaped configuration adjacent to the squirt-nozzle (16). The squirt-nozzle (16), in relation to the withdrawn state, is configured as a pot-shaped recess. The outer jacket (12) has an inner annular flange (17) which engages in a recess of the carrier element (11) and is firmly connected therewith. Further, the outer jacket (12) has adjacent to the inner annular flange (17) a circumferential web (18) which engages in a groove of the carrier element (11) and is also firmly connected therewith.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a micropump having a first body portion including an inlet aperture and a second body portion including an outlet aperture. The first and second body portions may each have a mating surface disposed about a membrane-receiving inner surface in sealed relation with one another. A substantially dome shaped membrane having a reinforcement annulus located around an outer edge may be received by the first body portion membrane-receiving inner surface. A portion of the membrane may be moveable between a closed position in sealable communication with the inlet aperture and an open position spaced apart from the inlet aperture, and biased in a closed position. Operation of the micropump may cause fluid to flow through the first body inlet aperture, move the membrane to the open position, and flow around the edge of the membrane through the second body outlet.

Abstract: A check valve (10), including a valve membrane (12), which includes an umbrella-like closing body (14), which in a closed position abuts a housing body (5) in such a way that the closing body prevents the passage of a medium through passage holes (26) provided in the valve body (16), the closing body lifting off the housing body in an open position in order to allow a medium to pass through the passage holes. In the open position and/or closed position the closing element is clamped between the valve body and the housing body at least at one point (31, 32).

Abstract: This invention relates to a flexible membrane separation valve, comprising a housing (120), the lateral surfaces of which are provided with slits (121), within which housing (120) a flexible membrane (122) with cylindrical symmetry is housed, within which an insert (130) having a body (131) with cylindrical symmetry is in turn housed, the insert (130) comprising a proximal end (132) having a proximal apex (133) spaced along the longitudinal axis of the insert (130) from a base (134) with cylindrical symmetry, through which the proximal end (132) joins to the body (131), the proximal apex (133) being joined to the base (134) through a continuous surface, the valve being characterised in that the proximal end (132) has an axial section such that tangent lines to the proximal apex (133) form an angle containing the longitudinal axis of the insert that is lower than or equal to 90°. The invention further relates to an apparatus for mixing a liquid comprising such a flexible membrane separation valve.

Abstract: Multi-layer fabrics and products incorporating the same are described in which the fabrics are configured to provide asymmetric resistance to liquid flow from one side of the fabric to the other. In garments or other products worn by a user, the effect can be utilized to prevent penetration of liquids (e.g., rain droplets) and contact of liquids from the exterior with the user's skin while allowing for extraction of droplets (e.g., sweat) in contact with an inner layer of the fabric out of contact with the skin and accelerating their evaporation. Medical and industrial applications of the fabric are contemplated as well.

Abstract: A check valve which is positioned in the vacuum air line of an internal combustion engine. The check valve includes a single-piece valve body having an outlet port and two or more inlet ports, with one outlet port located substantially in line with the inlet port and connected by a venturi tube. The second inlet port is separated from the main air flow line by the valve stem and a diaphragm which allows communication there between and prevents back pressure. The second inlet port communicates with the outlet port through the valve stem and a second venturi tube which provides a vacuum boost to a device, usually vehicle brakes, connected to the inlet. The use of seal diaphragms having a non-constant radius allows for faster recovery time for replenishment than prior art devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-layer control device and method of making that may be attached to a receptacle that provides a hermetic and/or water, fluid resistant seal but allows for the expulsion of air pressure from the interior of a receptacle. The multi-layer control device, more specifically a valve, has a fluid layer such as a low viscosity fluid that is applied during the manufacturing of the valve and incorporated into the layer of the valve. The valve includes a base layer that is provided over a first adhesive layer, a second adhesive layer is provided over the base layer, a fluid layer, a third adhesive layer and a cover layer. The second adhesive and fluid layers are discontinuous and are applied to the perimeter of the base layer, respectively. The base layer, first adhesive layer, and material layer have at least one aperture to facilitate the release of gas or fluid from the interior of a receptacle.

Abstract: A backflow-prevention system that substantially prevents contaminant backflow at a treatment site. The system includes a fluid ejector tube for insertion into the patient's mouth and a backflow prevention device that receives fluid from the fluid ejector tube. The backflow prevention device includes an internally positioned valve member. The valve member limits contaminant backflow. The valve member is movable between open and closed positions based on a vacuum pressure condition in the system.

Abstract: A spout for a spill-proof beverage container has a side wall defining an outer surface and an inner surface defining a discharge passage. A valve in the discharge passage includes two flanks formed integrally with the side wall and projecting from opposite sides of the inner surface of the spout. The front end faces of the flanks mate with one another along a slit that extends generally parallel to the longer axis of the spout. At least the front portions of the flanks are inclined away from the mouth of the spout such that pressure within the container acts to urge the flanks against one another so as to maintain the slit closed. Deformation of the side wall when the spout is held between the lips of a drinker acts to open the slit and create an opening between the flanks to allow the beverage to be discharged.

Abstract: A gas release device that includes a reservoir of pressurised gas and a passageway from said reservoir to an outlet. There is an elastic gas permeable membrane in the passageway that allows gas release only via the membrane. A gas impermeable member is provided in the passageway that includes an interface positioned to contact said gas permeable membrane. Displacement of the gas permeable membrane is responsive to the pressure of the gas in the reservoir such that there is a greater interfacial contact between the gas impermeable member and the gas permeable membrane at a higher gas pressure than at lower pressure to thereby vary the exposed cross sectional area of the permeable membrane available to the flow in an inverse relationship to pressure.

Abstract: A closure assembly for a container includes a closure cap having an open ended body with a peripheral wall and a top wall provided with a dispensing passage which is defined by a collar arranged to the top wall. A self closing valve is arranged in the closure cap. The valve includes a slit central portion and a skirt extending downwardly from the central portion, which has an outwardly extending flange. The skirt is arranged in the collar and the flange is located below the collar and extends radially outwardly beyond it. On a lower surface of the top wall, a plurality of lips is formed outward from the collar. The lips are folded over the flange such that the latter is partly enveloped between the lips and the top wall so as to secure the valve in the closure cap.

Abstract: A fluid filter is described, comprising a filter body defining a cavity for a filter element, a first end cap for fitting on one end of the filter body, having an integrated single piece anti drain back valve and seal, and a second end cap for fitting on an opposite end of the filter body, having an integrated two part relief valve and supports for the filter element, formed by a relief valve body and a relief valve disc.

Abstract: Earpieces and expandable insertion devices are provided. An earpiece includes an ambient sound microphone (ASM); an ear canal microphone (ECM); an ear canal receiver (ECR); and an inflatable sealing section. The sealing section includes at least one pressure valve. The at least one pressure valve opens when the pressure in the sealing section is greater than an ambient pressure.