Abstract: Bite-actuated mouthpieces and drink vessels including bite-actuated mouthpieces are disclosed. Bite-actuated mouthpieces comprise a body comprising a dispensing wall, one or more sidewalls extending from the dispensing wall that with the dispensing wall define an internal volume, and an inlet to the internal volume. The self-sealing exit is biased toward a closed configuration and is configured to be selectively reconfigured from the closed configuration to an open configuration responsive to user-applied compressive forces to opposing bite regions. The dispensing wall has a dispensing face opposite the internal volume, and in some examples, the dispensing face is concave.

Abstract: A gate valve for a pressurized pipe includes a paddle member with a lower proximal portion and a pair of spaced-apart and leg portions that form an outer edge and an inner edge. A cartridge includes a valve stem channel extending through a distal portion and through a conduit and terminating at a proximal opening in a proximal portion of the cartridge. The proximal portion of the cartridge includes a slot for accommodating the inner edge of the paddle member. In a pre-compression configuration, the inner edge of the paddle member is spaced-apart from the proximal opening of the conduit and in a post-compression configuration, the inner edge of the paddle member engages and seals the proximal opening resulting in a built-in check-valve that is open when the paddle member is in the pre-compression configuration and closed when the paddle member is in the post-compression configuration.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment, a fluid connector may include an inner face, outer face, annular groove extending below the inner face and the outer face, and annular seal installed in the groove. The groove may include an inner wall, bottom wall, outer wall, and lip. The annular seal, in an undeformed state, may include a first convex surface, a second concave surface, a third convex surface, and a fourth concave surface. The second surface may be positioned radially inward of the first surface and radially outward of the third surface. The third surface may be between the second surface and a fourth surface, radially inward of the first surface. The fourth surface may be positioned radially outward of the third surface and radially inward of the first surface.

Abstract: A system may include a seal including a seal body having an exterior with a seal interface. Additionally, the system may include a core disposed internally within and surrounded by the seal body. A gas permeability of the core may be less than a gas permeability of the seal body, a coefficient of thermal expansion of the core may be less than a coefficient of thermal expansion of the seal body, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a main valve for a hydrant including an internal rigid structure including a top surface, a bottom surface, and a locating feature, the locating feature defined in a one of the top surface and the bottom surface; and an outer shell at least partially enclosing the internal rigid structure and interacting with the locating feature.

Abstract: A sewer cleanout level indicator for use with a retrofitted conventional sewer cleanout cap. The indicator provides a visual indication of whether a sewer lateral line is blocked on the residential or private side, or the government side. The indicator includes an elongated tubular member which is slidably received by the retrofitted conventional sewer cleanout cap. The tubular member has an upper end having a circular cap attached thereto. The circular cap has a flexibly-compressible annular flange contiguously carried therebelow. A bulbous float is fixedly attached to the lower end of the tubular member. The float is responsive to a change in a level of fluid or waste water present within the cleanout riser of a conventional sewer lateral line.

Abstract: A fitting, such as an anti-blowback fitting, that includes a friction reducing device that enables easy removal of the fitting from a high pressure connection such as one associated with an HVAC unit. When used in connection with refrigeration, anti-blow back fittings function to keep the refrigerant in the hose to which it is connected in order to minimize or prevent the refrigerant from escaping to the environment. In certain embodiments, a friction reducing device is positioned in the fitting, and decreases the load on the rear housing, which enables easy rotation of the outer or swivel housing of the fitting to remove the same from the high pressure connection. In certain embodiments, the friction reducing device is a thrust bearing.

Abstract: A fluid delivery valve and system including a neck portion adapted to connect to a fluid delivery tube; a head portion comprising a dispensing face with a perimeter and a slit; and a compression member disposed in the head portion which is adapted to apply a force to the slit.

Abstract: Valve members include a metal he body having a head. with a circular-shaped side section extending axially therefrom. A composite seal is adjacent the side section, and extends circumferentially therearound. The composite seal has an elastomeric body with an inner diameter in contact with the side section, and an outside surface extending away from the side section. A non-elastomeric material is attached to the elastomeric body.

Abstract: A microfluidic valve includes: a first structural layer and a second structural layer; a microfluidic circuit having a first microfluidic conduit and a second microfluidic conduit, which are defined in a superficial portion of the first structural layer, are adjacent, and are separated by a wall; a membrane set between the first structural layer and the second structural layer and delimiting the microfluidic circuit on one side; and a recess containing a gaseous fluid in the second structural layer. The membrane is movable in response to an actuation stimulus between a closed position, in which the first and second microfluidic conduits are fluidly decoupled, and an open position, in which the membrane is at least in part retracted into the recess and the first and second microfluidic conduits are fluidly coupled by means of a fluidic passage defined between the wall and the membrane.

Abstract: Diaphragm valve with internal leak detection and improved external leak sealing performance. In diaphragm valves comprising diaphragms that have shields and backings, a rigid seal plate interposed between the shield and backing prevents peripheral regions of the shield from cold-flowing into the backing, despite the compression forces produced by tightening the fasteners that secure the diaphragm to the valve's bonnet assembly and body. An access port passing through the seal plate provides an interface between a void located between the shield and the backing and a breach detector. The breach detector is configured to detect pressure, volume, moisture or mass deviations in fluid disposed in the void, and the deviations indicate whether there's a rupture in the shield or the backing. The breach detector can be connected to an alarming device or signaling system to provide warnings and alerts to valve operators, process control panels or data communication networks.

Abstract: A method for the production of a valve is provided comprising molding a valve body with a first mold, preloading the valve body with a second mold, molding a sealing portion in an open position onto the valve body, and releasing the preloaded valve body. The sealing portion enters a closed position when the preloaded valve body is released. When the valve is in use, the sealing portion opens when under a fluid pressure, and closes when the pressure is released.

Abstract: There is provided a valve membrane including: a thin film member; a first opening and closing member formed by a first cutting line to cut one part of the thin film member and opened by a fluid moving in a first direction; and a second opening and closing member formed by a second cutting line to cut the other part of the thin film member and opened by a fluid moving in a second direction.

Abstract: A weir-type diaphragm valve a valve body with a fluid channel and a weir having a weir sealing portion; and a diaphragm with two or more diaphragm portions, including a diaphragm weir sealing portion at the weir to respond to one force and travel against the weir sealing portion to close the weir-type diaphragm valve and stop fluid flow through the fluid channel, and respond to a second force and travel away from the weir sealing portion to open the weir-type diaphragm valve and allow fluid flow through the fluid channel, a center flexing portion off the weir configured to experience convex and concave flexing extremes when the weir-type diaphragm valve is closed and opened, and an outer sealing portion configured to be fully constrained between components, one of which includes the valve body, when the weir-type diaphragm valve is closed and opened.

Abstract: Provided are a diaphragm, a diaphragm valve, and a method of manufacturing a diaphragm capable of increasing a flow rate (Cv value) of gas without degrading long-term durability even when a displacement amount is increased. A diaphragm (1) has an outer diameter ? of 10 to 35 mm and includes a dome portion (1D) in a dome shape and a flange portion (1T) formed continuously at a peripheral edge of the dome portion (1D) via a boundary portion (1K), the boundary portion (1K) has a radius of curvature R of 0.6 mm or more on a convex side of the dome portion (1D), and the diaphragm is formed of a cobalt-based super-alloy.

Abstract: A valve assembly preferably including a housing having a recess and a flange face and a valve sleeve disposed within the recess. The sleeve preferably includes an annulus having an outer surface and an inner surface that defines a passageway about a central axis, the outer and inner surfaces being radially spaced from one another to define a wall. The wall has a first end portion and a second end portion axially spaced from the first end portion, and homogenous material properties from the first end portion to the second end portion. Preferably, the first end portion defines a lip for supporting the annulus in the recess and further defines a first chamber that encases at least a portion of a first support member. The second end portion preferably defines a flange portion along the outer surface for engaging the flange and further defines a second chamber that encases at least a portion of a second support member.

Abstract: A solenoid valve may include a housing, a solenoid coil, and a plunger. The solenoid coil may be disposed about an external portion of the housing and the plunger may be slidably disposed within the housing. The plunger may include a recess in a first end thereof having a seal assembly located therein and including a pin member inserted into the recess and an elastomeric sealing element molded around the pin member while inserted into the recess of the plunger.

Abstract: A valve assembly preferably including a housing having a recess and a flange face and a valve sleeve disposed within the recess. The sleeve preferably includes an annulus having an outer surface and an inner surface that defines a passageway about a central axis, the outer and inner surfaces being radially spaced from one another to define a wall. The wall has a first end portion and a second end portion axially spaced from the first end portion, and homogenous material properties from the first end portion to the second end portion. Preferably, the first end portion defines a lip for supporting the annulus in the recess and further defines a first chamber that encases at least a portion of a first support member. The second end portion preferably defines a flange portion along the outer surface for engaging the flange and further defines a second chamber that encases at least a portion of a second support member.

Abstract: A valve is disclosed including a body, a bonnet, a flexible diaphragm adapted to be positioned between the bonnet and the body, and an actuator mechanism. The flexible diaphragm has a central portion and a peripheral portion surrounding the central portion, wherein the peripheral portion includes a substantially rigid ring extending continuously through or on the peripheral portion. The body has an input port, a central portion, and an output port. The actuator mechanism is operatively coupled to the diaphragm for moving the diaphragm between an open configuration wherein the input port and output port are in fluid communication with each other, and a closed configuration wherein the diaphragm blocks the central portion and prevents fluid flow between the input port and the output port. The bonnet is adapted to house the actuator mechanism, and the actuator mechanism is positioned in the bonnet.

Abstract: A gate valve has support members that are attached to a main body structure of the gate valve adjacent to the valve gate opening. These support members are affixed on both sides of the valve gate opening radially around a gate sleeve.

Abstract: A solenoid valve may include a housing, a solenoid coil, and a plunger. The solenoid coil may be disposed about an external portion of the housing and the plunger may be slidably disposed within the housing. The plunger may include a recess in a first end thereof having a seal assembly located and retained therein through a mechanical engagement therewith.

Abstract: A diaphragm valve for use in an irrigation system is disclosed that is adapted to reduce the water hammer effect, reduce debris in a flow path through a valve seat, improve bleed operation and/or reduce manufacturing and materials costs.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a non-return valve comprising a sealing piston which is biased against a valve seat in the basic position inside a valve housing, and which is manufactured by a plastics injection molding technique.

Abstract: A valve housing has a bottomed hollow cylindrical main body and a boss projecting from and smaller in diameter than the main body. The main body has a tapered surface circumferentially along a joint where a side wall and a bottom wall of the main body are joined to each other. A plurality of inlet ports are defined in the tapered surface. The boss has an outlet port for discharging a fluid introduced into the main body. When a valve head coupled to the movable member is displaced and a seating ridge of a resilient member mounted on the valve head is seated on a valve seat surface, the inlet ports and the outlet port are brought out of fluid communication with each other.

Abstract: The present invention is a method where a one-piece throttle valve is fastened to a throttle valve shaft in a first step. In another step, at least one elastic compensating element is placed onto the throttle valve. In another step, the elastic compensating element is pressed against the inner wall of the throttle valve housing by an expanding tool. In another step, the elastic compensating element pressed against the inner wall of the throttle valve housing is joined to the throttle valve.

Abstract: A valve body having at least one internal hollow or space comprises two separately formed portions joined by at least one cylindrical web. Internal space may communicate with space outside the valve body via a fluid passage, and internal space may be filled with a substantially incompressible flowable substance to facilitate pressure equalization across the valve body. Forging or casting valve body portions to near-net-shape prior to joining minimizes machining necessary to achieve a final desired shape. Increased valve durability and reduced metal wear arise from the reduced valve body weight and correspondingly reduced impact loading as the valve body moves to seal against a valve seat. A single-durometer or dual-durometer elastomeric seal may be cast and cured in place in a peripheral integral seal retention groove, coupled thereto in part through welding flash protruding into the groove and/or through at least one serration in the groove.

Abstract: A nozzle and the method for manufacturing thereof are disclosed. The manufacturing method includes the following steps: 1. forming a base with a closure and a supporting frame with two corresponding shafts on the top thereof via extruded hard plastic; 2. inserting a central mold into the supporting frame such that the shafts on the top of the supporting frame may be slightly outward; 3. secondly applying extruded plastic on the top of the supporting frame to form a mouthpiece; and 4. thirdly applying extruded plastic on the bottom of the supporting frame to accomplish a nozzle with excellent touch feeling and firm structure. By way of the above steps, the nozzle according to the present invention presents a soft touch feeling and would not easily fall off of the conduit of the water bag due to the sucking of the user.

Abstract: In sealing elements (3, 3?, 3?) for automatic compressor valves, composed of synthetic material (12) having embedded fiber reinforcement (11), the fiber reinforcement (11) and/or the surrounding synthetic material (12) in the finished sealing element (3, 3?, 3?) has an inhomogeneous distribution and/or locally different material characteristics under consideration of different local requirements.

Abstract: A large diameter check valve has an upstream inlet part mountable on a discharge end of a conduit, a downstream outlet part adapted to prevent backflow of fluid through the check valve, and a transition part located between the upstream inlet part and the downstream outlet part. A support is included in the check valve to prevent drooping of the check valve via a cantilever effect. A method for supporting a check valve is also disclosed.

Abstract: A valve 6 fixed on a tip 5a of a rod 5 as a moving part, abuts a sealing part 9 of a fluid passage 8 when the rod 5 moved to the left, and interrupts a flow of fluid, is made, for instance, of elastic materials such as rubber. This absorbs an impact generated when the valve is sealed (at the time of collision), and reduces loudness of an actuating sound caused by a collision between the valve 6 and the sealing part 9.

Abstract: The diaphragm valve uses a metal dish-type diaphragm set to control the inflow and outflow of fluid. The metal dish-type diaphragm set is above an air flow channel to control the stem above the metal dish-type diaphragm set, and the air will be blocked by pressing the metal dish-type diaphragm to make it fit the metal valve base in the air flow channel; this non-metal valve base is fixed in the air flow channel by a fixed shrunk ring with a taper cross section, and the in-between metal diaphragm in the metal dish-type diaphragm set is annular in the center to reduce the metallic friction between metal diaphragms, to increase application times and to lower the leakage rate of the diaphragm valve.

Abstract: A needle valve having a soft tip adapted for sealing an annular valve seat of a body port. The soft tip may be defined as two dissimilar circular rod sections of ductile plastic with the larger diameter having a conical taper. The soft tip is pressed into a mating hole in the metal portion of stem up to its annular seat. A thin metal tubular section of the metal stem is cold formed over the soft tip to retain it in place. The metal retainer secures the soft tip in the axial direction and limits the radial expansion of the soft tip while it is cold formed over the annular valve seat of the body port. The metal retainer also limits the axial movement of the stem to its maximum operating position. Under high axial forces, the soft tip does not rotate relative to the valve seat. A resilient high-pressure seal is achieved with this arrangement.

Abstract: A hard and soft plastic integral nozzle structure includes a built-in supporting frame member which is made of hard plastic, and at least having a left and a right clipping rod. A soft nozzle is formed integrally by inrection to wrap the the left and right clipping rods with a soft plastic. A taper board and a peripheral groove are provided in the center of the nozzle. The elasticity of the two clipping rods of the supporting frame made of hard plastic material brings an excellent anti-leaking effect for the water outlet crevice(s) at the center of the nozzle, as well as a fully open status thereof.

Abstract: A hard and soft plastic integral nozzle structure includes a built-in supporting frame member which is made of hard plastic, and at least having a left and a right clipping rod. A soft nozzle is formed integrally by inrection to wrap the the left and right clipping rods with a soft plastic. A taper board and a peripheral groove are provded in the center of the nozzle. The elasticity of the two clipping rods of the supporting frame made of hard plastic material brings an excellent anti-leaking effect for the water outlet crevice(s) at the center of the nozzles as well as a fully open status thereof.

Abstract: A closed system suction catheter has a catheter enclosed within a flexible envelope secured between a patient end fitting and a machine end fitting. The patient end fitting has a cleaning chamber with a valve at its patient side and is normally closed so that the cleaning chamber is isolated from the patient. The valve has an outer rigid housing enclosing a one-piece elastomeric moulding of tubular shape. The elastomeric moulding has two pads projecting externally through openings in the outer housing. The elastomeric moulding also has a web extending internally across its diameter with a diametrically-extending slit aligned with the pads. A collar mounted on the housing is slidable along the housing to engage the pads so as to apply pressure across the web and open the slit, thereby allowing the catheter to be advanced to the patient.

Abstract: A composite diaphragm for diaphragm pumps comprises an elastomer body and a polytetrafluoroethylene (PFTE) coating on its back side. The elastomer body has a shape of a circular dish that has an edge region with a clamping area, a bottom and a flexible section of the diaphragm that connects the edge of the dish with the bottom. The flexible section of the diaphragm comprises a multitude of naps forming elevations on the elastomer backside of the elastomer body. The PFTE coating is a plane ring surface with the area of the flexible section of the diaphragm.

Abstract: In sealing elements (3, 3′, 3″) made of synthetic material (14) having embedded fiber reinforcement (11), as it has been used for some time for automatic compressor valves, the fiber reinforcement (11) consists of at least one piece of an essentially flat, non-woven fiber fabric (12), which has, at least in its plane, a directionally independent (random) fiber orientation. Disadvantages of short-fibered reinforced synthetic materials can thereby be avoided, as well as the ones for synthetic materials reinforced by means of long-fibered fabrics, and sealing elements (3, 3′, 3″) may be obtained thereby having a very high durability.

Abstract: In sealing elements (3, 3′, 3″) for automatic compressor valves, composed of synthetic material (12) having embedded fiber reinforcement (11), the fiber reinforcement (11) and/or the surrounding synthetic material (12) in the finished sealing element (3, 3′, 3″) has an inhomogeneous distribution and/or locally different material characteristics under consideration of different local requirements.

Abstract: A hard and soft plastic integral nozzle structure includes a built-in supporting frame member which is made of hard plastic, and at least having a left and a right clipping rod such that both the left clipping rod and the right clipping rod of the frame member in the injected mold being propped by a propping member to open outward, and forms an integrally wrapped nozzle. After the propping member in the mold retracts and separates from the mold, the contraction of the elasticity for the two clipping rods of the supporting frame member made of hard plastic material gives an excellent anti-leaking effect for the crevices at the center of the nozzle.

Abstract: A combination valve including a metal sleeve and a valve body. The valve body is formed of a resilient material and insert bonded or vulcanized to the metal sleeve and includes a cylindrical elongated member defining a passageway therethrough and an annular umbrella portion integrally extending from the elongated member. The elongated member is disposed within the metal sleeve and has converging flexible lips. The metal sleeve includes a plurality of prongs at one end and the valve body includes a top surface. The prongs of the metal sleeve extend to the top surface of the valve body, whereby the valve can be press-fitted into location without damaging the valve body. Between the prongs of the metal sleeve are gaps which permit the molding material to flow from the umbrella portion to the elongated member during the molding of the combination valve.

Abstract: A seat cup seal for a valve includes a base portion and a nipple portion projecting outwardly from the base portion. The nipple portion and said base portion define a blind bore about a longitudinal axis that opens in the base portion. The nipple portion defines a transverse end wall at an outermost end relative to the base that is adapted for sealingly engaging an associated valve seat. A flexible shoulder portion interconnects the base portion and the nipple portion so that said nipple portion is selectively movable between a first, relaxed position where the transverse end wall is spaced a first distance from the base and a second, retracted position where the transverse end wall is spaced a second distance from the base, with the second distance being less than the first distance. A plurality of biasing ribs projects outwardly from and extending between the base portion and the nipple portion.

Abstract: An improved plug valve assembly having polymerically encapsulated seats and a machined inner surface is provided. The valve assembly comprises a valve body having an internal chamber, a plug disposed within the internal chamber and seat members supporting and sealing the plug. The seat members comprise a support frame which is completely encapsulated in a polymeric material. The process for encapsulating the seats includes providing a mold having, among other features, pins which position the support frame to provide for even application of the polymeric material to the support frame.

Abstract: A valve comprises a valve body including a valve cavity with an inlet and an outlet. The valve body has a valve seat in the valve cavity. The valve seat has a flow passage disposed between the inlet and the outlet. A valve stem is movable in the valve cavity between an open position and a closed position. The valve stem includes a substantially rigid shaft and a resilient shell. The resilient shell is generally tubular, and is injection molded around a portion of the shaft. The resilient shell includes a sealing surface which is spaced from the valve seat with the valve stem in the open position and which is pressed against the valve seat to block the flow passage between the inlet and the outlet with the valve stem in the closed position. The resilient shell includes a spring cavity. A resilient spring hat has a spring seat. The resilient spring hat is disposed in the valve cavity with a press fit against an inner surface of the valve cavity to seal the valve cavity against leakage.

Abstract: A device for controlling fluid or liquid flow which comprises: a.) a metallic fill tube which is tapered at one end and has an opening at said end and has an internal profile and an outer profile; b.) a metallic tip and elastomeric assembly within said metallic fill tube; and which forms a seal with the internal profile of said fill tube upon contact with said internal profile; c.) a nozzle which at one end is attached to said metallic tip; and wherein the opening of said metallic fill tube has approximately the same radius as the metallic tip and elastomeric assembly, is described.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a valve rotor with a wear-resistant, low-friction surface, wherein a disk having angled edges and a shape which correspond with the surface of the rotor is formed from a sheet of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The disk is placed at the bottom of a mold cavity, and a plastic material is injected in the mold. The plastic fills the mold cavity surrounding and covering the angled edges of the disk. Once hardened, the plastic is locked together with the angled edges of the PTFE disk. In a preferred embodiment, a method of manufacturing a water treatment valve rotor with a PTFE rotating surface is shown.

Abstract: A fluid flow control sleeve valve having a generally concave cylindrical deformable sleeve sealing against a core in the flow passage at rest and defining an annular flow passage in the housing when deformed, including a pressure chamber defined between the sleeve and the valve housing, and preferably including integral longitudinal and circumferential sleeve ribs, a concave sealing surface on the core and fins adjacent the core downstream partially conforming to the shape of a portion of the non-deformed sleeve.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve with a housing, which is made of a plastic material, and with at least two fluid connections and a valve element arranged movably in the housing. A valve of this kind must on the one hand be able to withstand a sufficient pressure and on the other hand the production of the valve must be inexpensive. For this purpose the housing is surrounded by a metal sheet enclosure having at each fluid connection an opening, which is surrounded by a metal sheet wall projecting from and connected with the metal sheet enclosure.

Abstract: A pinch type control valve uses an elastic sleeve having main flanges at each end of a center pinch section with flange gasket extensions on each end. The flanges of the flange gasket extensions project through metal backing flanges and each cooperates with a machined countersunk annular face groove on such metal backing flanges to pull the flange of the gasket extension radially outwardly as it is compressed. Offset annular beads on the opposite faces of the flange of the gasket extension help in achieving the required radial tensioning regardless of the type of flanging of the system. The annular face groove in the metal flange readily accommodates either flat or raised face pipe flanging. The metal backing flange fits between the main flange and the gasket flange and doesn't require the presence of the valve housing. This enables the sleeve to be tested without complete assembly.

Abstract: A check valve or backflow preventer has a valve mechanism mounted to a valve cover for removal and replacement as a unit. The valve clapper is resiliently supported to accommodate variations in tolerance. The valve seat is removably secured within the valve body by compression of a resilient seal ring to engage opposed walls of the seat and body. A spring pretensioning member facilitates safe replacement and removal of the valve mechanism.

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.