Having Expansible Port Patents (Class 137/844)
  • Patent number: 11795892
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a combustion engine, a fuel tank connected to the combustion engine, a fuel vapour canister connected to the fuel tank and configured to store fuel vapour from the fuel tank and a fuel vapour canister heating system, wherein the fuel vapour canister heating system comprises a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger fluidly connected in series to the first heat exchanger, wherein the first heat exchanger is configured to pick-up heat from a surroundings of the vehicle, such as heat from the sun, and the second heat exchanger is configured to transfer heat picked-up by the first heat exchanger to the fuel vapour canister to heat the fuel vapour canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Ningbo Geely Automobile Research & Development Co.
    Inventors: Magnus Nilsson, Ronja Rignäs
  • Patent number: 11746914
    Abstract: An anti-overflow pipe, comprising a pipe wall and a valve; on a plane perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the pipe wall, the cross-section of the inner side wall of the pipe wall is oval, and the cross-section of the outer side wall of the pipe wall has a closed ring shape; in a plane where the major axis of the elliptical shape of the inner side wall and the lengthwise direction of the pipe wall are located, the cross-section of the valve is in a V-shaped structure and the valve is connected with the inner side wall, and the valve is provided with a slit for unidirectionally conducting fluid. The valve with a V-shaped structure is provided on the pipe wall having an oval cross-section, so that the fluid is sucked out under the action of suction, preventing waste of fluid, and scalding and wetting of a user, ensuring personal safety of a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Beijing Shenchuang Century Information Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hao Wang
  • Patent number: 11644114
    Abstract: The present utility model shows a sleeve (M?) that is designed so as to be completely closed in its normal position, which is pressed to prevent opening by means of a roller stem that stops the fluid from leaking; the present model makes it possible to avoid strain in the closing of the valve caused by overstretching which causes a shorter useful life and leaks in the seal. It also avoids excessive strain between the face of the sleeve (M) and the flange or body (C), avoiding breakages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: PESSA S.A.
    Inventor: Gabriel Eliceo Madariaga Elgueta
  • Patent number: 11559676
    Abstract: In various examples, a hub for a medical device includes a hub housing including a passage from a proximal end of the hub housing to a distal end of the hub housing. A valve is disposed within the hub. The valve is configured to allow passage of an insertable device through the valve while inhibiting leakage of fluid from the valve. A cap is engaged to the hub housing. The cap includes an opening therethrough sized and shaped to allow passage of the insertable device through the opening. The opening allows access to the passage of the hub housing. An angled sidewall is disposed within the hub. The angled sidewall is configured to retain and deform the valve into a curved shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Greatbatch Ltd.
    Inventors: Hans P. Rieckmann, Hans Pflaumer, Grant A. Scheibe, Biswa P. Das, Joseph E. Lesser, Thomas E. Bailey
  • Patent number: 11204100
    Abstract: A fluidic device comprises a channel, a gate, and one or more additional elements. The channel is configured to transport a fluid from a source to a drain. The gate includes a chamber with an adjustable volume that affects fluid flow within the channel by displacing a wall of the channel toward an opposite wall of the channel based in part on fluid pressure within the chamber exceeding a threshold pressure. A high pressure state of the gate corresponds to a first chamber size and a first flow rate of the fluid. A low pressure state of the gate corresponds to a second chamber size that is smaller than the first chamber size and a second flow rate that is greater than the first flow rate. The additional elements are configured to reduce the threshold pressure past which the chamber decreases the cross-sectional area of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Jason Keller, David R. Perek, Tristan Thomas Trutna, Garrett Andrew Ochs, Nicholas Roy Corson, Raymond King, Jack Lindsay, Riccardo DeSalvo, Joseph Minh Tien, Matthew Robert Schwab
  • Patent number: 11058536
    Abstract: A method for implanting a replacement heart valve within a diseased valve includes accessing a patient's heart by piercing a myocardium, advancing a guidewire into the patient's heart, and installing an access device in a wall of the heart. The access device preferably has at least one valve mechanism. A valve delivery device is advanced over the guidewire and through the access device. The valve delivery device has a replacement heart valve disposed along a distal end portion thereof. The replacement heart valve preferably includes an outer support structure and a leaflet valve disposed within the outer support structure. The replacement heart valve is radially expanded within the diseased valve. During implantation, the outer support structure conforms to a diameter of the diseased valve and the leaflet valve expands to a fixed size having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the diseased valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: Edwards Lifesciences CardiAQ LLC
    Inventor: Christoph Hans Huber
  • Patent number: 11015727
    Abstract: Fluid apparatus and related methods are disclosed. An example fluid apparatus includes a body defining a fluid flow path between an inlet and an outlet. A flow control member is positioned in the fluid flow path. The flow control member has a base pivotally coupled to an inner wall of the body defining the fluid flow path. The flow control member has an annular tip that is to flex between an open position to allow fluid flow through the fluid flow path and a closed position to prevent fluid flow through the fluid flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventors: Christopher C. Veto, Michael S. Karapetian
  • Patent number: 10624670
    Abstract: A sealing device for sealing a lead-through for a medical instrument that includes a fastening region for fastening the sealing device on a tube or other medical device, a ring-like supporting region which is connected to the fastening region, and an annular sealing lip with an outer edge which is connected to an inner edge of the support portion, and an inner edge which is provided and designed to fluid-tightly abut at an outer surface of a shaft inserted in the sealing device. The difference of the average diameter of the inner edge of the support portion and the mean diameter of a shaft of a medical instrument, for which the sealing device is provided and designed, is not larger than the difference of the average diameter of the shaft and the mean diameter of the inner edge of the sealing lip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG
    Inventors: Felix Teufel, Annika Mueller, Sebastian Wagner
  • Patent number: 10550954
    Abstract: A check valve includes a tubular sleeve bounding a longitudinally-extending flow-through passage for fluids, a disc having a first material affixed along a first portion of its periphery to a flexible hinge member, and a bill affixed at a first end to one or more of the sleeve, the flexible hinge member, and the disc. The check valve also includes one or more of the following of (i), (ii), and (iii): (i) at least one groove, rib, insert, or combination thereof that extends longitudinally along a length of the disc, the bill, or both the disc and the bill; (ii) at least one groove, notch, rib, insert, or combination thereof that extends laterally along a width of the bill; and (iii) at least one ripple that extends longitudinally along a length of the bill and, optionally, longitudinally along a length of the disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Red Valve Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Duer, Chris Raftis, Andre Thomas Abromaitis
  • Patent number: 10525925
    Abstract: A door assembly includes a door trim panel, a first airbag coupled to the door trim panel and inflatable to an inflated position, a second airbag coupled to the door trim panel and spaced in a vehicle-rearward direction from the first airbag and inflatable to an inflated position, and an inflator in simultaneous fluid communication with both the first and second airbags when the first and second airbags are in the inflated positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Zhibing Deng, Krish E. Aekbote, Deepak Patel
  • Patent number: 10502327
    Abstract: A fluidic device comprises a channel, a gate, and one or more additional elements. The channel is configured to transport a fluid from a source to a drain. The gate includes a chamber with an adjustable volume that affects fluid flow within the channel by displacing a wall of the channel toward an opposite wall of the channel based in part on fluid pressure within the chamber exceeding a threshold pressure. A high pressure state of the gate corresponds to a first chamber size and a first flow rate of the fluid. A low pressure state of the gate corresponds to a second chamber size that is smaller than the first chamber size and a second flow rate that is greater than the first flow rate. The additional elements are configured to reduce the threshold pressure past which the chamber decreases the cross-sectional area of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Sean Jason Keller, David R. Perek, Tristan Thomas Trutna, Garett Andrew Ochs, Nicholas Roy Corson, Raymond King, Jack Lindsay, Riccardo DeSalvo, Joseph Minh Tien, Matthew Robert Schwab
  • Patent number: 10443752
    Abstract: An anti-drip device, such as for use in a faucet or water supply line, that includes a support having at least one water outlet and an elastic lip member disposed inside each water outlet. Each elastic lip member has an open state and a closed state inside the associated water outlet, and each elastic lip member is capable of switching between the open state and the closed state. When the elastic lip member is in the open state, the water outlet is open; and when the elastic lip member is in the closed state, the water outlet is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: SHANGHAI KOHLER ELECTRONICS, LTD.
    Inventor: Jundong Guo
  • Patent number: 10371269
    Abstract: A sleeve for use in a pinch valve, the sleeve comprising a resilient and at least substantially tubular element having opposite ends and capable of being compressed for reducing or restricting a flow therethrough; a pair of annular end flanges, each annular end flange being mounted on each of the opposite ends and extending radially outwardly from the tubular element for sealingly engaging a valve rim; a pair of annular grooves, each of the annular grooves being defined between the annular end flange and an annular projection, the annular projection extending radially outwardly from the tubular element, and a pair of annular railings inserted within the annular grooves, the annular railings being dimensioned for receiving a valve flange for retaining engagement therewith and comprising a railing base having an innermost diameter and an outermost diameter, the outermost diameter being greater than an outermost diameter of a section of the tubular element adjacent to the annular projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: PROTO FUSION INC.
    Inventor: Patrice St-Laurent
  • Patent number: 10302090
    Abstract: Apparatus for providing liquid from a reservoir of liquid contained in a vehicle/vessel or other equipment, featuring a pump for pumping liquid having a pump housing outlet nozzle; and a back flow preventer assembly having an inlet end to couple to the outlet nozzle, having an outlet end to couple to an outlet hose for connecting to an outlet exiting a wall of a vehicle, vessel or other equipment, and having a duckbill-type check valve to provide liquid being pumped in one direction from the reservoir of the vehicle, vessel or other equipment to the outlet exiting the wall of the vehicle, vessel or other equipment via the outlet hose, and also configured to prevent residue liquid left in the outlet hose from flowing back into the pump and returning to the reservoir once the pump has completed pumping if the outlet exiting the wall of the vehicle, vessel or other equipment is above the outlet nozzle, so as to prevent on an on/off oscillation of the pump depending on the volume of residue liquid left in the out
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Flow Control LLC.
    Inventors: Randall H. Moormann, Todd R. Raabe
  • Patent number: 10201425
    Abstract: The invention provides prosthetic venous valves, and method of use thereof, for the effective treatment of individuals with venous reflux in chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). The development of such prosthetic venous valves in the areas of valve design, design specifications, verification and/or validation testing, computational analysis, valve placement and clinician guidance and procedure are provided. Manufacturing the prosthetic venous valves of the invention is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Inventors: David N. Ku, Daniel Tanner
  • Patent number: 10099443
    Abstract: A press is used to extract juice from food matter contained within a cartridge. The cartridge is compressible by the press and juice can be expelled through a cartridge outlet extendible through the press region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: Fresh Press LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Evans, Paul Katz
  • Patent number: 9956937
    Abstract: An airbag includes a first side panel, a second side panel, a middle panel, and at least one extension. In the inflated position, the first side panel and the second side panel are spaced from each other by the middle panel, the middle panel having a top and a bottom, and a centerline between the first and the second side panels. The at least one extension is connected to at least one of the first side panel and the bottom of the middle panel, and is extendable in a direction away from the top of the middle panel in a deployed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Pardeep Kumar Jindal, Djamal Eddine Midoun, Edward Joseph Abramoski, Rahul Makwana, Dev Tiwari
  • Patent number: 9549814
    Abstract: Described herein is a prosthetic valve device having an optimized valve component for durability and functionality of the collapsible leaflets. Specially designed commissures contribute to the optimization along with identified parameters. In other embodiments, the invention is a frame formed from a unique cutting pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Thubrikar Aortic Valve, Inc.
    Inventors: Mano J. Thubrikar, Yogesh Darekar
  • Patent number: 9126686
    Abstract: A draining system having an odor seal for a vacuum toilet drain system in which a flexible hose acts as an odor seal. As a result of the flexible hose, propagation of odors can be prevented when the hose collapses flat, for example as a result of its intrinsic weight, and consequently there is no longer a flow-through cross section, wherein, however, drainage of liquids remains possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Christian Seibt
  • Patent number: 9010378
    Abstract: The present application relates to fluid liners. One example includes first and second recycled geosynthetic sheets having overlapping portions. A heat welded splice is formed along the overlapping portions creates a fluid seal between the first and second recycled geosynthetic sheets so that the first and second geosynthetic sheets collectively function as a fluid liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: James F. Young
  • Publication number: 20140326347
    Abstract: A pressure relief valve for containers suited for the pneumatic loading of loose solid products, in particular silos. The valve comprises a valve body having a first end, which pneumatically communicates with the inside of the container, and a second end, which is associated to a flow control organ, which is subject to the action of corresponding closing membrane. The flow control organ periodically establishes a fluid communication between said valve body and a duct that communicates with the outside. The valve is characterised in that at least one portion of the duct that communicates with the outside is suited to be elastically deformed by the pressure difference existing between the inside of said container and the inside of the duct itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Vainer Marchesini, Luca Golinelli
  • Publication number: 20140290777
    Abstract: The backflow prevention device consists of a funnel-shaped membrane and a clamping device for mounting in a pipe. The clamping device consists of a spread member expanding the membrane to the pipe cross section and pressing it against the pipe wall, and a support member supporting the spread member against the pipe wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: Lasso Technik AG
    Inventors: Daniel Rohrer, Roger Waser
  • Patent number: 8720468
    Abstract: A pouch air valve includes a hollow tube, a first suction plate, a second suction plate and an air valve. The hollow tube has a central passage running through two sides thereof. The air valve fills and seals the central passage. The first and second suction plates encircle the outer wall of the hollow tube and suck the sealed pouch respectively to couple each other. A method for using includes the following steps: preparing a pliable sealed pouch and forming on the sealed pouch an aperture smaller than suction areas of the first and second suction plates; running the hollow tube through the aperture and positioning the first and second suction plates at two sides of the sealed pouch to couple each other. Air can be sucked out from the sealed pouch for vacuuming or fresh-keeping gas can be injected into the sealed pouch to meet requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Wei-Ling Chen
  • Patent number: 8701704
    Abstract: The invention concerns a manifold comprising: an auxiliary block (3) having cassette feed ports (20) and cassette filtrate return ports (21) each emerging through a bearing surface (7) and, on a counter-bearing surface (8) situated on the opposite side to the bearing surface (7), first recesses into each of which emerges a cassette filtrate return port (21); a main block (2) on which is fastened the auxiliary block (3), having an inlet conduit (14) and a filtrate outlet conduit (15), cassette feed intermediate ports which communicate with the inlet conduit (14) and with a cassette feed port (20), conveying cut-outs each facing a recess, and cassette filtrate return intermediate ports which communicate with the filtrate outlet conduit (15) and with a cassette filtrate return port (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Sebastien Cirou, Jean-Louis Weissenbach, Rene Reinbigler, Jean-Luc Beulay, Frans Mels, Cecile Delbos
  • Patent number: 8684041
    Abstract: A control valve (14) for a device (1) for altering the valve timing for gas exchange valves (110, 111) of an internal combustion engine (100) is provided. A non-return valve (54) is located within an annular groove (44) formed on one of the components of the control valve (14) and pressurized medium flows through the annular groove. The assembly of the device is facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Konias, Jens Hoppe
  • Patent number: 8636034
    Abstract: A one-way pressure relief valve having an integrated filter. One-way pressure relief valves may be applied to a product package to evacuate gas from the package. The integrated filter prevents materials within the package from interfering with closure or operation of the pressure relief valve. Certain pressure relief valve embodiments can be configured for optimal valve operation without need for a wetting agent while other pressure relief valve embodiments operate optimally with a wetting agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Plitek, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Karl K. Hoffman, Keith P. Hoffman, Robert C. Larsen, John Ozcomert, Douglas A. Wielunski
  • Patent number: 8622090
    Abstract: A blocking plumbing fitting; said fitting comprising a flexible cup element adapted for insertion into a pipe element; said fitting further comprising a one way valve element depending from said flexible cup element, wherein said one way valve element permits liquid to pass through said pipe element; said one way valve element preventing passage of odors, soapsuds, vermin, noise and other undesirable elements issuing from said pipe element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Larkin & Shoshani Solutions Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Anthony William Larkin, Ronnie Shoushani
  • Publication number: 20120281933
    Abstract: A one-way valve is mounted over a vent hole in a flexible package to enable gases to vent. The valve has a flexible base layer, a flexible cover layer and an interposed layer of oil. Each layer has an opposed pair of side edges. The cover layer is thinner than the base layer and is secured to the base layer along respective contiguous portions of the side edges to form an openable channel. The oil layer is located in the channel between the base layer and the cover layer and over the hole to form a bond holding the cover layer on the base layer until pressure within the package causes the bond to break, whereupon the cover layer to lift ups and opens the hole valve. Methods of making the package and valve are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: FRES-CO SYSTEM USA, INC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey Scott Beer
  • Patent number: 8196894
    Abstract: In accordance with different embodiments of the present invention, duckbill check valve 10, having an orifice 11, and conical check valve 12, having an orifice 13, are responsive to the differential pressure of fluid F as it flows between inlet 14 and outlet 16. In an innovative aspect of the invention, orifice 11 and orifice 13 each have a variable effective diameter. In one embodiment, the duckbill check valve 10 and conical check valve 12 have a conical end that is aligned with the direction of fluid flow. In another embodiment, the duckbill check valve 10 can have a conical end that faces the direction of fluid flow. A pin may traverse orifice 11 or 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Societe BIC
    Inventors: Paul P. Spahr, Andrew J. Curello
  • Patent number: 7997463
    Abstract: A nozzle, which is for in at least one embodiment a hot glue gun, has a resilient cap that is positioned within the nozzle's conduit. The resilient cap has at least one slit that serves as a check valve. The invention solves the problem of resilient caps in hot glue guns becoming unseated and wedging in the tapering section of the glue gun nozzle conduit by adding a collar inside the conduit that prevents the base section of the resilient cap from wedging in deeper into the nozzle's conduit, which would otherwise make the valve fail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Gerald W. Quinn, Gerald P. Schouten
  • Publication number: 20110017330
    Abstract: This hydraulic valve (1) comprises a valve body (2), an inlet mouth (3) of flow into the valve body (2), provided with a substantially non-deformable two-dimensional section, and a selective passage port (4) of flow in the valve body (2) having a linear section widenable under the flow pressure. The valve body (2) is formed with two sheets (21, 22) made of deformable material, adjacent to each other at the selective passage port (4), sealed together at their respective external edges (23, 24) extended from the inlet mouth (3) to the selective passage port (4) and sealed together around the inlet mouth (3). The structure with the two adjacent sheets (21, 22) guarantees an ideal closure of the selective passage port (4) when the delivery pressure is lower than a preset value, in that the selective passage port is formed with an intrinsically linear shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventor: Vincenzo Di Leo
  • Patent number: 7828325
    Abstract: An air-bag (1) is provided with a vent aperture (2). A membrane (3) extends across the vent aperture, the membrane defining a smaller aperture (4) than the vent aperture (2). The periphery of the aperture is defined by a thickened part of the membrane. The membrane is formed of an elastic material such as a silicone rubber material. When a very high pressure exists in the air-bag the vent becomes deformed, thus increasing the size of the aperture defined by the membrane, permitting a relatively large flow of air from the air-bag to reduce the pressure within the air-bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Antonella Pittiglio, Alan Bradburn, Hugh Finn, Jack Johansson, Marc Phillips
  • Publication number: 20100200076
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a method to purge air or liquid from a powered injection system. In this embodiment, the method includes driving a first pumping device in a first operational mode to inject an amount of a first liquid medium through disposable tubing and a disposable valve, driving the first pumping device in a second operational mode to deform the disposable valve, and driving a second pumping device to inject an amount of a second liquid medium through the disposable tubing and the deformed valve. In one embodiment, the first pumping device comprises a first syringe, the second pumping device comprises a second syringe, and the disposable valve comprises an elastomeric valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: ACIST Medical Systems , Inc.
    Inventors: Martin G. Hieb, Khader Mohiuddin, Sidney D. Nystrom, Robert F. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7637893
    Abstract: A valved sheath introducer for venous cannulation, including a valve, sheath, handle and cap. The valve is configured to permit safe introduction and removal of medical instruments through the sheath introducer. The valve may have one or more anchoring members and a thickened central portion through which a slit is formed. The central portion may have one or more concave surfaces and the slit can be angled with respect to the top surface of the valve. The cap is attached to the handle, compressing a portion of the valve therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Christensen, Steven M. Smith, Walter Shang, James D. Beal
  • Patent number: 6854484
    Abstract: A valve for a slurry outlet opening in an installation for chemical mechanical polishing, in particular of semiconductor wafers in DRAM production, includes an elastic diaphragm, which covers the slurry outlet opening and has at least one self-closing opening. It is possible for the opening to be moved into a feedthrough position for the slurry by flowing slurry and to be automatically moved into a blocking position for the slurry when the slurry is not flowing. A CMP installation having such a valve is also provided. This creates a simple way of preventing particle agglomerations in the region of the fluid outlet opening of a CMP installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Stefan Geyer, Andreas Fischer
  • Patent number: 6834677
    Abstract: An over-molded fluid control value for use in fluid delivery systems. An embodiment of the fluid control valve includes a rigid substrate having a opening defined therein, and a valve structure fabricated of an elastomeric material. The valve structure is over-molded over at least a portion of the rigid substrate and including a valve portion extending over the opening, the valve portion movable in response to a differential fluid pressure to allow fluid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Louis C. Barinaga, Daniel D. Dowell
  • Publication number: 20040144435
    Abstract: A check valve has a resilient diaphragm that has top and bottom surfaces that terminate in a perimeter. A curved slit is cut through both the top and bottom surfaces. A flex line is formed between the ends of the curved slit, the curved slit and the flex line together defining a valve actuation area. The curved slit is cut at an angle to form a valve seat surface under the valve actuation area, and to form a diaphragm seat surface adjacent the valve actuation area. The valve actuation area is able to flex, generally along the flex line, from a sealed position wherein the valve seat surface contacts the diaphragm seat surface and seals the check valve, to a flow position wherein valve seat surface and the diaphragm seat surface are exposed and the curved slit allows flow through the check valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Richard C.G. Dark
  • Patent number: 6745763
    Abstract: In existing vaporizers the medication passes through unsterilized passages which preclude heir use to administer sterile medications. The present invention therefore provides a device for dispensing a vaporized spray of sterile medicated liquid. It uses a combination atomizing and pressure release valve in which there is a flexible membrane with an aperture, and a plug extending upwardly through the aperture and having a surface against which the membrane is biassed in the closed position, the membrane lifting off the surface of the plug in the open position to thereby open the aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Inventor: Garth T. Webb
  • Patent number: 6544208
    Abstract: A bioinert implantable shunt device useful for controlling internal pressure includes a valve apparatus, a device for attaching the valve apparatus and an inlet tube. The valve apparatus includes an inlet port, an outlet port, a flexible tube connected therebetween and a pressurized enclosure. The flexible tube is positioned inside the pressurized enclosure whereby fluid flow from the inlet port to the outlet port is dependent on a differential pressure between a pressure in the flexible tube and a pressure outside the flexible tube in the pressurized enclosure. The inlet tube is connected to the inlet port of the valve apparatus. The pressurized enclosure may include a housing and a semi-permeable membrane in a wall of the housing whereby fluid can pass through the semi-permeable membrane into the pressurized enclosure thereby increasing the pressure in the pressurized enclosure. The implantable shunt device may be for use in the treatment of glaucoma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Inventors: C. Ross Ethier, Arthur J. Sit, Molly S. Shoichet
  • Publication number: 20030024582
    Abstract: A valve for a slurry outlet opening in an installation for chemical mechanical polishing, in particular of semiconductor wafers in DRAM production, includes an elastic diaphragm, which covers the slurry outlet opening and has at least one self-closing opening. It is possible for the opening to be moved into a feedthrough position for the slurry by flowing slurry and to be automatically moved into a blocking position for the slurry when the slurry is not flowing. A CMP installation having such a valve is also provided. This creates a simple way of preventing particle agglomerations in the region of the fluid outlet opening of a CMP installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Stefan Geyer, Andreas Fischer
  • Patent number: 6453941
    Abstract: A pipe element possessing a longitudinal axis (2) along which a rigid tubular part (3) and a flexible tubular part (4), together constituting a single piece, extend. The rigid part (3) has one end presenting a substantially radial connection surface (8) for connection to an end portion (11) of the flexible part (4), and an additional connection surface (10) on the radial connection surface (8) connecting to the end portion (11) of the flexible part (4), at least a part of the additional connection surface (10) extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Nobel Plastiques
    Inventors: Pierre Milhas, Stéphane Jung
  • Patent number: 6322541
    Abstract: A vascular introducer sheath including a tubular shaft and a hemostasis valve assembly connected to the proximal end thereof. The hemostasis valve assembly includes a hub, a cap and a normally-flat gasket disposed therebetween. Both the hub and the cap include continuous curved contact surfaces facing the top and bottom surfaces of the gasket. The continuous contact surfaces may be flat or gently curved and may be smooth or include a means to grip the gasket. At least one of the contact surfaces is formed at an angle to cause the gasket to become convex or concave in response to compression between the hub and the cap. The continuous contact surfaces uniformly distribute forces onto the perimeter of the gasket to avoid stress concentration points that may compromise gasket integrity. In addition, the continuous contact surfaces reduce the amount of pressure necessary to impart the curved shape of the gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: SciMed Life Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald L. West, Mark H. Van Diver
  • Patent number: 6196260
    Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is a flow control valve including a first sheet having a hole therein and a second sheet secured to said first sheet at a plurality of separate seal locations along a periphery of the first and second sheets. The seal locations define at least one channel between the seal locations. The second sheet has an aperture therein in fluid communication with the hole and selectively in fluid communication with the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Dielectrics Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Pekar
  • Patent number: 6176234
    Abstract: A mouth piece exhalation valve for a nebulizer or breathing circuit. The nebulizer has an internal passageway containing an offset causing an inspiration mist flow to bypass the exhaust valve without impingement. The offset includes a deflector which aids in the deflection of the inspiration mist flow away from the exhaust valve. The deflector is also utilized for directing the exhaust flow upon expiration by a patient through the exhaust valve. The exhaust valve design includes a flap or disc having leaves formed by peripheral arcuate cuts to facilitate the opening and the closing of the leafs in accordance with the expiration and inhalation of a patient respectively. The cuts also aid in the re-introduction of any accumulation of fluid on the external surface of the disc and valve back into the inspirational cycle so as to minimize any external buildup of fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Salter Labs
    Inventors: Peter W. Salter, James Chua, Walter Van Horn, Duane D. Kazal, Laurence McGann
  • Patent number: 6148860
    Abstract: A vacuum tank assembly has a low volume configuration so that it can be used in boats and recreational vehicles where space is at a premium. A stack of components, with a waste tank at the bottom, then a vacuum tank with directly connected vacuum pump, and one or more fresh water tanks, is located remote from a vacuum toilet, with a discharge from the toilet (below a vacuum-tight ball valve) connected to the vacuum tank, which is in turn connected to the vacuum pump, in turn connected to the waste tank. A submersible centrifugal pump may be provided mounted to a cap of the water tank, with an anti-siphon device associated with it. The vacuum tank is of high density polypropylene having flat walls, with no continuous flat surface more than 80 square inches. Lipless duckbill check valves are provided on opposite sides of the vacuum pump, the valves of elastomeric material having a ratio of the wall thickness to thickness of the sealing edges of about 1:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Assignee: Sealand Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Sigler
  • Patent number: 6092551
    Abstract: A duckbill valve is provided which includes a hollow cylindrical elastomeric body with first and second ends. The first end has walls parabolically tapering to an elongate slit, the slit being surrounded by an upper and lower lip. The second end has a non-uniformly round (e.g. oval) outer wall terminating in an open mouth. When inserted into a perfectly round apertured fitting, the non-uniformly round outer walled elastomeric body is bowed to form-fit the round configuration thereby forcing shut the lips and slit. Upon increased air pressure within the elastomeric body, the slit is forced open. In a second embodiment, the inner wall of the second end may be non-uniformly (e.g. oval) round. Insertion of a round tubular fitting within the non-round inner wall of the elastomeric body also achieves a bowed form-fit configuration which forces shut the lips and slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Chesebrough-Pond's USA Co., division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Alfread Bennett
  • Patent number: 6085769
    Abstract: The present invention relates to environmental control apparatus for telecommunications equipment, and in particular, relates to a radio telecommunications electronics enclosure drain valve. A base station antenna electronics enclosure typically comprises antenna arrangements and associated control cabinets. Whilst ideally the internal space within an electronics enclosure is hermetically sealed, this is not generally possible due to, inter alia, the differential expansion of the different components within the enclosure, the need for access for maintenance purposes, the electrical performance characteristics and so on. The antennas are contained within an antenna enclosure--the enclosures on masts visible to the public. In order to provide a sufficient field of coverage, the antenna should be placed at a height above ground level, typically upon a building or a mast, extending 15 m or more. In such a position, an antenna enclosure is subject to extremes of temperature, windage and moisture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Northern Telecom Limited
    Inventors: Julian Russell Poyner, John Andrew Durban
  • Patent number: 6042448
    Abstract: An inventive valve member, and associated method of making, for use in a bag for holding a gas or liquid, the bag including a main body having a stem portion, the main body defining an interior space and formed from a front and back sheet sealed together about a peripheral edge. The stem defines an inlet aperture at a free end thereof. A valve member has a width dimension positioned in the stem for use in inflating the main body, the valve member including a flexible front layer and a flexible back layer. The front layer is adjacent to the front sheet, and the back layer is adjacent to the back sheet. Both the front and back layers define opposing elongated edges. The front and back layers are attached together along the elongated sides to form a seal. The valve member has an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end is adjacent to the inlet aperture, and the outlet end is positioned in communication with the interior chamber of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Pro-Pak Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Littlehorn
  • Patent number: 5931197
    Abstract: An asymmetrical check valve has an inlet end, a transition part and an outlet end, with a pair of vertical lips facing one another. The lips may be flat or they may be curvilinear. The check valve is asymmetric about a horizontal longitudinal plane through the check valve. The bottoms of the transition part and outlet end may be aligned, with a major portion of the lips extending above the horizontal plane. It is thus possible to install conventional or wide bill check valves in installations with little or no clearance between the outlet end and ground level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Red Valve Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Spiros G. Raftis, Michael J. Duer, A. Thomas Abromaitis
  • Patent number: 5924452
    Abstract: A valve assembly for permitting fluid flow in a first direction and for preventing fluid flow in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The valve assembly includes an upper housing, a lower housing coupled to the upper housing to form a generally axially extending housing assembly, and a valve seating section defined within an inner peripheral portion of the lower housing. The valve seating section includes an axially extending inner peripheral surface and a transversely extending surface substantially normal to the axially extending inner peripheral surface. A valve member is seated within the valve seating section of said lower housing. The valve member includes a flange that extends from the valve member in a transverse direction and defines an axially oriented outer peripheral surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Szpara, Sarah L. Corbin, James C. Richardson, Lewis E. Daniels, Jr.