Perpendicularly Reciprocating Tube Contacting Element Patents (Class 251/7)
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Patent number: 6755389Abstract: A flow regulating valve comprises a casing 1; a tube 10 which has elasticity and the both ends thereof are opened to an exterior, and is inserted and installed in the casing 1; and a pushing member 20 which changes an area of an aperture of the tube 10. The tube 10 has a double layered structure which is composed by unifying an inner tube 11 which is made of tetrafluoroethylene and an outer tube 12 which is made of teflon™ by adhesives. Furthermore, the pushing member 20 has diaphragms 21 and 22 provided in the casing so as to face with the tube 10, and a fluid pressure supplying portion 23 which moves the diaphragms to the tube side by supplying fluid pressure to one of surfaces of the diaphragms 21 and 22.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2002Date of Patent: June 29, 2004Assignee: Surpass Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroki Igarashi
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Patent number: 6736163Abstract: The invention relates to a pinch valve comprising a housing (1), a sleeve (2), an actuator means (3), pinching jaws or the like valve-closing means (6). The invention is characterized in that the pinch valve has an indicator system adapted thereto for detecting a sleeve damage. The indicator system. comprises an electrode or the like indicating sensor element (10) embedded in the structure of the sleeve (2), or integrally forming a part thereof, having an area that covers the inner perimeter area of the sleeve (2) by its major parts.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2002Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Larox Flowsys OyInventor: Jarmo Partanen
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Patent number: 6695818Abstract: The invention relates to a device for handling a catheter. The inventive device is provided with a valve body (1). A lever arm (31) for actuating a pressure piston (9) and a flexible locking component (44) are mounted on said valve body. The lever arm (31) is interlocked with one of several detent noses (49) using the locking component. The lever arm (31) can thus be held in an interlocking position respectively. The locking component (44) is also provided with an actuating wing (50) which can be actuated with a little finger and is oriented in the direction of extension of the lever arm when the lever arm is in the interlocking position. Clamping forces which are exerted on a sealing plug (7) and serve for clamping the catheter can thus be variably adjusted with one hand by means of the pressure piston (9).Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2002Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Helmut Wollschläger
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Patent number: 6695180Abstract: A lifting and closing device for a beverage bottle comprises a stopper made of elastic material, a clamping mechanism which clamps the stopper closed in the neutral position, a handle, and a trigger integrated into the handle for actuating the clamping mechanism for the temporary opening of the stopper.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: RMD Engineering AGInventors: Martin Rohrer, Roy Schaerer
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Patent number: 6695278Abstract: A proportional flow control valve, for controlling fluid flow through a flexible tube, includes first and second jaws on opposing sides of the tube. An actuator drives one of such jaws for adjusting the separation distance therebetween. When the valve is open, the separation distance is small enough to partially deform the tube without significantly restricting fluid flow. When the valve is closed, the separation distance is just small enough to essentially block fluid flow. A control system controls the actuator to determine such separation distance. Such valve can be used within a level control system for controlling the thickness of a work material in a slurry form cast upon a moving belt. A fluid reservoir is disposed above the belt, and the control valve adds slurry to the reservoir. A lens disposed near the moving belt and above the reservoir is coupled by fiber optics to a remote sensor for detecting the height of the slurry.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Assignee: Credence Engineering Inc.Inventor: James Edward Ellis
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Patent number: 6676104Abstract: The present invention relates to a device containing a tube for a varied flow, comprising a tube being fixed in both its ends, whereby the tube is arranged to be stretched or shortened by longing or shortening of the distance between said attachment points.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2002Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Premetec ABInventor: Hans Tillander
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Patent number: 6648017Abstract: A valve arrangement for stopping fluid passage through at least one flexible tubing is provided with a camshaft having at least one control cam which is designed as a sink in an otherwise closed circular surface of the camshaft for moving a press member which is retracted into an inactive relative position when radially aligned with the sink and which is protruded into an active relative position by the circular surface of the camshaft for then squeezing the associated portion of the flexible tube which is passed through a housing of the valve arrangement in a direction normal with respect to a longitudinal bore rotatably supporting the camshaft and also normal with respect to a radial bore which is arranged for radially guiding the press member.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2002Date of Patent: November 18, 2003Assignee: Ferton Holding S.A.Inventors: Gustavo Lamas, Lutz Beerstecher
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Publication number: 20030197139Abstract: A valve for use in microfluidic structures. The valve uses a spherical member, such as a ball bearing, to depress an elastomeric member to selectively open and close a microfluidic channel. The valve may be operated manually or by use of an internal force generated to shift the spherical member to its activated position.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2003Publication date: October 23, 2003Applicant: Micronics, Inc.Inventor: Clinton L. Williams
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Publication number: 20030189309Abstract: A valve assembly for controlling the flow of fluid through a tube by pinching the tube to prevent fluid flow. The valve assembly includes a valve that receives the tube in a passage between a plunger and a bar. A spring urges the plunger toward the bar to pinch the tube closed. The bar focuses the pinching force of the plunger to reduce the pinching force required to prevent fluid flow. The valve assembly also includes a caliper for opening, locking open and closing the valve and that is attached to the valve with a cable. To open and close the valve, a main lever and lock lever, respectively are rotated in the same direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2002Publication date: October 9, 2003Inventor: Ronald Anthony Schmaltz
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Patent number: 6623463Abstract: A vacuum system for applying vacuum to the body cavity of a patient where a flow switch is provided that is located upstream of a vacuum regulator that can be adjusted to establish the level of vacuum desired to be applied to the patient. The flow switch provides an easy device for the caregiver to activate to fully and positively occlude the vacuum line to the patient. In one embodiment, the flow switch is constructed integral with a regulator having an rotatable actuator having a knob that is rotated to adjust the level of vacuum to the patient such the a caregiver can simply push the actuator knob inwardly to occlude the flow in the patient line and thereafter rotate the actuator knob to establish the desired level of vacuum to the patient.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2001Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Datex-Ohmeda, Inc.Inventors: Thomas C. Jones, David A. Gloyd
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Patent number: 6595484Abstract: A wall structure forms a fluid flow channel and includes a deformable multi-wall area for varying a cross-section of the flow channel. The wall structure comprises a homogeneous material. The wall structure is made by sequentially applying layers of a material to one another such that in a region of the wall structure corresponding to the multi-wall area layers do not adhere to one another, to form individual walls disposed adjacent one another in the direction of the thickness of the wall structure.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Inventor: Heinz Gross
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Publication number: 20030116731Abstract: An access valve (2) for a laparoscopic device or a intraluminal deployment device has a cylindrical diaphragm (8) with a longitudinal aperture (3), a flexible member (14) is passed circumferentially around the cylindrical diaphragm and an extension arrangement to pull the flexible member radially and/or tangentially to constrict the diaphragm to at least partially close off the longitudinal aperture. A rotary actuator may be used (12).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2002Publication date: June 26, 2003Applicant: William A. Cook Australia Pty Ltd.Inventor: David Ernest Hartley
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Patent number: 6581899Abstract: A valve for use in microfluidic structures. The valve uses a spherical member, such as a ball bearing, to depress an elastomeric member to selectively open and close a microfluidic channel. The valve may be operated manually or by use of an internal force generated to shift the spherical member to its activated position.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2001Date of Patent: June 24, 2003Assignee: Micronics, Inc.Inventor: Clinton L. Williams
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Patent number: 6554589Abstract: A pinch mechanism suitable for use as a valve or as part of a pump. The pinch mechanism comprises a housing (11) within which an elongate conduit element (12) is located. A conduit engagement member (13c) is retained within the housing (11) to be movable transverse to a longitudinal axis of the conduit element (12). The engagement member has an end portion (13d) which engages with the conduit element (12), this end portion (13d) having a cross-sectional dimension less than the lateral inner dimension of the conduit element (12), this lateral dimension being at right angles to the direction of movement of the engagement member (13c).Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1999Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Precision Dispensing Systems LimitedInventor: Robert Donald Grapes
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Publication number: 20030071233Abstract: A fine flow pinch adjust has a T shaped fluid communication path. A flexible tube is inserted within the fluid communication path in other than a straight path. A screw is inserted in one branch of the T unoccupied by the flexible tubing such that the screw cooperatively engages threads on the opening wall and such that the screw can engage the tubing when turned sufficiently in a known direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: Neil G. Stewart, Gordon M. Day
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Patent number: 6539973Abstract: A flush valve assembly includes a resilient pinch tube disposed in a conduit between a pressurized water source and a toilet flush tank and is pinched closed by a piston disposed in a cylinder formed in a bracket mounted on the conduit. The piston is engageable by a float which moves it between closed and open positions with changes in water level. A tube connects the source to the cylinder. When the float moves to the closing position it closes a drain port in the cylinder so that water pressure in the cylinder assists the piston. A manually adjustable screw on the float cammingly engages a bead on the conduit to yieldably arrest upward float movement and provide snap-action shutoff of the valve.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2002Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: George S. Cole & Associates, IncorporatedInventor: Harry W. Edwards
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Patent number: 6536738Abstract: A pinch valve includes a body containing an elastic tube, a cylinder body having a first cylinder portion at the upper interior part and a larger diameter second cylinder portion at the lower interior part, a first piston sliding on the inner periphery of the first cylinder portion, and a second piston sliding on the inner periphery of the second cylinder portion. The first piston is installed with a first interlocking rod having a first pressing piece at its lower end and the second piston is provided with second interlocking rods having a second pressing piece at their lower ends. The pressing pieces press the tube body from the upper and lower sides, a spring is disposed between the second piston and the first pressing piece, and an opening in the cylinder body communicates with a space enclosed by the pistons and the cylinder body.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Asahi Organic Chemicals Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Wataru Inoue, Shigenobu Furukawa
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Patent number: 6505810Abstract: The present invention is a pinch valve for connection between an upstream pipeline and a downstream pipeline. The pinch valve includes a fixed conical reducer having an inlet end, an outlet end and an inside surface with an inside diameter which gradually reduces from the inlet end to the outlet end, resulting in a substantially conical-shaped inside surface. The inlet end of the fixed conical reducer attached to the upstream pipeline. The pinch valve also includes a flexible full port sleeve having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end of the flexible full port sleeve attached to the outlet end of the fixed conical reducer and the outlet end of the full port sleeve attached to the downstream pipeline. The pinch valve further includes a pinching mechanism positioned adjacent the flexible full port sleeve and configured to constrict the flexible full port sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2001Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Inventor: Andre T. Abromaitis
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Patent number: 6494225Abstract: A proportional flow control valve having at least one pinch jaw that is movable between open and closed positions for engaging a fluid flow line passing through the valve. The valve includes a valve actuator generally formed from a shape memory alloy that engages and moves at least one movable pinch jaw. As an electrical current is applied to the shape memory alloy, the shape memory alloy exerts a moving force on the pinch jaw so as to move the pinch jaw into or out of engagement with a flow tube for controlling the opening and closing of the valve.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2001Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: ECP Family PropertiesInventors: Tadeusz Olewicz, George Alan Price, Elvin C. Price
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Patent number: 6481462Abstract: A valve apparatus is provided that includes a housing having proximal and distal ends and defining a passageway therethrough. An access port of the housing defines a bore configured for selective communication with the passageway. The valve apparatus includes a hollow insert which is disposed in the distal end of the passageway and includes a portion that is disposed beneath the bore defined by the access port. The housing additionally includes retention tabs on the distal end that engage corresponding openings in a fitting that is attached to the housing and includes a nipple slidingly received within the insert. A seat on the nipple contacts a flange of the insert to form a substantially leak proof connection. A substantially identical fitting engages corresponding retention tabs on the access port and is configured to slidingly receive a plunger, disposed in the bore, within a passage defined by the nipple.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2001Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: NeoSci Medical, Inc.Inventors: David J. Fillmore, Matthew S. Longson
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Publication number: 20020158217Abstract: A pinch valve according to the invention comprising a body 18 containing an elastic tube 1; a cylinder body 6 having a first cylinder portion 3 at the upper part of the interior thereof and a second cylinder portion 4 with a diameter larger than that of the first cylinder portion at the lower part of the interior thereof; a first piston 7 sliding on the inner periphery of the first cylinder portion; and a second piston 12 sliding on the inner periphery of the second cylinder portion; wherein the first piston is installed with a first interlocking rod 8 having a first pressing piece 10 at the lower end thereof, the second piston is provided with second interlocking rods 13, 13 having a second pressing piece 14 at the lower ends thereof, the first and second pressing pieces are arranged to press the tube body from the upper and lower sides, a spring 15 urging the first pressing piece is disposed between the second piston and the first pressing piece, and the cylinder body is provided with an opening 27 communicType: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2001Publication date: October 31, 2002Inventors: Wataru Inoue, Shigenobu Furukawa
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Patent number: 6454742Abstract: The present invention relates an anti-free flow valve for a fluid administration systems having a tube assembly with a lumen formed through therethrough coupled to a pump. The anti-free flow valve comprises a body including a cylindrical portion having an opening and a tapered portion which has opposing beveled surfaces with ends that form a slit bounded by side walls. The opening communicates with the slit through a passage formed through the body which is adapted to receive the tube assembly therethrough. Fluid free flow through the tube assembly is prevented by the slit being placed in the closed position when the ends of the opposing beveled surfaces are urged together when the tube assembly is in a relaxed condition. However, when a tensile force is applied along the tube assembly the inner diameter of the lumen decreases which urges the ends of the opposing beveled surfaces away from one another and places the slit in the open position, thereby permitting fluid flow through the body.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2000Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Sherwood Services, AGInventors: Angela M. Noecker, Glenn G. Fournie, John P. Moran
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Publication number: 20020128611Abstract: Improved fluid delivery apparatus for use in a variety of medical catheterization procedures, such as angiography are disclosed. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a manifold having a lumen and a first port connected to the lumen. The first port has a first branch for connecting to a first fluid reservoir and a second branch for connecting to a second fluid reservoir which is usually radiopaque material (dye fluid). The apparatus also includes a shutter assembly that facilitates control of fluid flow from the first fluid reservoir, from the second fluid reservoir, and through the lumen. In another aspect, the fluid delivery apparatus includes a manifold having a lumen with a first end for connecting to a catheter and a second end for connecting to a syringe. The manifold also has a first port proximate the catheter with a first end connected to the lumen and a second end for connecting to a pressure measuring means.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2000Publication date: September 12, 2002Inventor: Naji Kandalaft
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Publication number: 20020088954Abstract: A pinch valve for pinching closed a tube is comprised of a linear actuator connected pivotally a pointer. The linear actuator is parallel to the tube and the end of the pointer that engages the tube is made to follow a path that is perpendicular to the tube when the valve is closed. When the pinch valve is closed, the pointer is perpendicular to, and supported by, both the linear actuator and the tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2001Publication date: July 11, 2002Inventor: Wayne L. Miller
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Patent number: 6402726Abstract: A catheter movement control device is presented having therein a resilient biasing member and a tube gripper which mount on a catheter tube. The biasing member and tube gripper are contained within a housing having a shoulder proximate the catheter tube. As the catheter tube is free to move in a forward direction through the housing, upon attempted rearward movement the biasing member engages the tube gripper causing it to pivot against a shoulder within the housing. Upon pivoting the tube gripper tightly engages the catheter tube preventing any further rearward movement of the catheter tube.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2001Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Medical Technologies of Georgia, Inc.Inventor: Joseph N. Genese
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Patent number: 6394411Abstract: An extractor valve assembly for controlling fluid flow in a fluid flow path. The extractor valve assembly has an elastic valve conduit having an outer surface with a pair of grooves. The pair of grooves are formed on opposite sides of the outer surface and intersect a pinch circumference of the elastic valve conduit, and are parallel to a central axis of the elastic valve conduit. When the elastic valve is pinched along the pinch circumference by pinch blades, pinch corners are formed at the pair of grooves, such that the pinching action completely blocks fluid flow. Additionally, first and second pairs of symmetric tabs are formed on the elastic valve on opposite sides of the pinch blades, to reduce stress along the portion of the pinch perimeter which comes in contact with the pinch blades.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2000Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: AcornVac, Inc.Inventors: V. Walter Hafner, Ron Hahn
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Patent number: 6386505Abstract: A clamping apparatus for clamping off a hose in a fluid system for biological liquids, in particular blood, which has a movably arranged closing member having a closing piece for clamping off the hose, having permanent magnetic holding device which is arranged and designed in such a manner that it can hold the closing member against a force in two different stable equilibrium positions, namely an open position and a closed position, without it being necessary to supply energy to the permanent magnetic holding device for the holding in the respective equilibrium position, and having actuation means in order to move the closed member out of the open position into the closing position.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2001Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Levitronix LLCInventor: Reto Schöb
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Publication number: 20020047099Abstract: A pinch mechanism suitable for use as a valve or as part of a pump. The pinch mechanism comprises a housing (11) within which an elongate conduit element (12) is located. A conduit engagement member 14 (13c) is retained within the housing (11) to be movable transverse to a longitudinal axis of the conduit element (12). The engagement member has an end portion (13d) which engages with the conduit element (12), this end portion (13d) having a cross-sectional dimension less than the lateral inner dimension of the conduit element (12), this lateral dimension being at right angles to the direction of movement of the engagement member (13c).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 1999Publication date: April 25, 2002Inventor: ROBERT DONALD GRAPES
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Patent number: 6367502Abstract: A flow control device has a body (41), a plurality of elastic flow control tube (51-54) provided in the body (41), a single fluid path (55) in communication with the flow control tube (51-54), a slider (56) slidable relative to the body (41), and a valve mechanism (71) for selectively pressing and shutting the flow control tube (51-54) in accordance with a slide position of the slider (56).Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2000Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Assignee: Aubex CorporationInventors: Masahiro Kanai, Etsumi Nagaya
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Patent number: 6361016Abstract: A pinch valve comprises a flexible tube member as a portion of a fluid line which for a flow control is arranged on a separate insert member made of a rigid material and provided with two axially aligned adapter pieces of the fluid line for being pinched by an actuator which directly contacts the flexible tube member at a control position of its cross-sectional area.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2000Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Assignee: Ferton Holding S.A.Inventor: Manfred Schulz
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Publication number: 20020014607Abstract: The present invention is a pinch valve for connection between an upstream pipeline and a downstream pipeline. The pinch valve includes a fixed conical reducer having an inlet end, an outlet end and an inside surface with an inside diameter which gradually reduces from the inlet end to the outlet end, resulting in a substantially conical-shaped inside surface. The inlet end of the fixed conical reducer attached to the upstream pipeline. The pinch valve also includes a flexible full port sleeve having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end of the flexible fill port sleeve attached to the outlet end of the fixed conical reducer and the outlet end of the full port sleeve attached to the downstream pipeline. The pinch valve further includes a pinching mechanism positioned adjacent the flexible full port sleeve and configured to constrict the flexible full port sleeve.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2001Publication date: February 7, 2002Applicant: Red Valve Company, Inc.Inventor: Andre T. Abromaitis
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Patent number: 6340096Abstract: An inverting spring assembly (10) including a housing, a resilient member (12), and an actuator (14). The housing includes a first support (16), a second support (18) opposite the first support, a third support (20), and a fourth support (22) opposite the third support. The first support and second support are a distance Y from another. The resilient member has a first end and a second end and is longer than Y. The resilient member is spaced between the first support and the second support with one end of the resilient member supported by the first support and the other end supported by the second support. The actuator is connected to the housing and appplies force to the resilient member in two directions causing the resilient member to be movable between a first position and a second position.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2000Date of Patent: January 22, 2002Assignee: Z-Man CorporationInventor: Gerald B. Zerfas
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Patent number: 6279869Abstract: A proportional flow control valve having at least one pinch jaw that is movable between open and closed positions for engaging a fluid flow line passing through the valve. The valve includes a valve actuator generally formed from a shape memory alloy that engages and moves at least one movable pinch jaw. As an electrical current is applied to the shape memory alloy, the shape memory alloy exerts a moving force on the pinch jaw so as to move the pinch jaw into or out of engagement with a flow tube for controlling the opening and closing of the valve.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 1999Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Inventor: Tadeusz Olewicz
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Patent number: 6261262Abstract: A peristaltic pump is provided with a housing, a pump head in the housing, and a receiving path defined along a housing and pump head for receiving tubing. A door is pivotable about an axis between a closed position covering the receiving path and an open position exposing the receiving path. A carrier is provided on the housing for holding an anti-free flow slide clamp on the tubing in the receiving path. The carrier is movable relative to the housing so as to automatically effect closure of the tubing by the slide clamp when the door is opened.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1997Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: Abbott LaboratoriesInventors: Kenneth D. Briggs, Allen C. Hall, Russel M. Sampson
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Patent number: 6164564Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning or de-icing a vehicle window, including a reservoir for containing therein a washing fluid, a vessel having an inlet through which the washing fluid is received from the reservoir and an outlet through which the fluid is discharged for cleaning a vehicle window, and a first heating element disposed in the vessel for heating the fluid in the vessel, characterized by an auxiliary heating element being disposed in the vessel for heating the fluid in the vessel, wherein the auxiliary heating element is disposed at a bottom portion of the vessel and is operative to heat a quantity of fluid which is not necessarily sufficient to cover the first heating element.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1998Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Assignee: Micro-Heat, Inc.Inventors: Shlomi Franco, Vychislav Ivanov, Joseph Rogozinski, Uri Arkashevski, Hain Levy
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Patent number: 6164921Abstract: A curvilinear peristaltic pump for facilitating the pumping of a liquid through a length of resilient tubing. The pump comprises a housing having a platen member attached thereto and a rotatable cam disposed therewithin. Also disposed within the housing is a drive unit of the pump which is mechanically coupled to the cam such that the activation of the drive unit results in the concurrent rotation of the cam in a first direction and the deactivation of the drive unit maintains the cam in a set position. Movably attached to the housing are a plurality of pump fingers of the pump, each of which has a first end which is cooperatively engaged to the cam and a second end which is disposed in spaced relation to the platen member. The cam is configured to sequentially move the pump fingers radially outwardly toward and inwardly away from the platen member when rotated in the first direction by the drive unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1998Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Inventors: Ahmad Maher Moubayed, Oscar E. Hyman, Robert L. Jones, David Norman White
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Patent number: 6125882Abstract: A variable volume fluid storage tank or reservoir and related fluid transfer system are provided for storing and transferring volatile or hazardous fluids, particularly such as fuel in an aircraft fuel supply system. Each fluid storage tank comprises a tank body in combination with a movable base wall defining a variable volume internal chamber for receiving and storing fluid. Each storage tank further includes a dispense port for dispensing the fluid, e.g., to a manifold or the like for supply to one or more aircraft engines, with the base wall moving relative to the tank body during fluid dispensing to substantially preclude any residual air or vapor space within the storage tank. A fluid level sensor unit mounted outside the tank chamber tracks displacement of the base wall to provide an indication of the fluid volume remaining within the storage tank.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1998Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Inventor: Carl Cheung Tung Kong
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Patent number: 6095492Abstract: A valve (1) for an explosion protection apparatus comprises a pipe element having a pipe wall (11). Two slides (15, 15') can be pushed from the outside into the pipe element, through in each case one opening (111, 111') in the pipe wall (11). An expandable diaphragm (14) is arranged on the inside of the pipe wall (11) and forms an inner pipe which can be closed by means of the slide (15, 15') by mutually opposite diaphragm regions being pressed against one another. The expandable diaphragm which forms an inner pipe does not provide any accretion points for solid particles of product-loaded gas flow to collect on.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 1999Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Assignee: Rubitec AGInventor: Christoph Rubitschung
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Patent number: 6079691Abstract: The improved pinch valve assembly (10) functions to control the flow of fluids on a fluid system. The improved pinch valve assembly (10) controls plurality of fluid containing tubing (16). When the solenoid coil (22) is energized the plunger (28), which is securely attached to the shaft (31) which has a first pin (18A) and a second pin (18B) securely attached perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft (31), moves forward. The forward motion of the shaft (31) causes the first pin (18A) to decompress the first tubing (16A) and the third tubing (16C) permitting fluid to flow therethrough. The forward motion of the shaft (31) further causes the second pin (18B) to also move forward compressing the second tubing (16B) and the fourth tubing (16D) stopping fluid flow. The forward motion of the shaft (31) still further causes the third pin (18C) to compress the helical spring (13).Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1998Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Inventor: Rocco V. Dragone
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Patent number: 6068751Abstract: A microfluidic delivery system (20) and microfluidic system (100) control flows of a liquid or a gas through elongated capillaries (62, 126) that are enclosed along at least one surface by a layer (42, 114) of a malleable material. An electrically-powered actuator included in the systems (20, 100) extends toward or retracts a blade from the layer (42, 114) of a malleable material to either occlude or open capillaries. Reservoirs (46, 124) included in a pouch (22, 108) together with the capillaries (62, 126) supply fluids whose flow is controlled by movement of the blades. The microfluidic system (100) permits dispensing at will, under microprocessor control at predetermined flow rates, liquids, samples, chemicals, reagents and body fluids, and mixing them together and/or reacting for diagnostic medical or analytical tests, DNA sequencing etc.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1996Date of Patent: May 30, 2000Inventor: Armand P. Neukermans
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Patent number: 6056260Abstract: This invention relates to a seamless system for controlling the flow of fluids, such as liquids or compressed air, through a non-fragmented length of flexible tubing. It incorporates into a single system a number of functions currently performed with separate valves within conventional dental handpiece fluid flow control units. The invention can be fitted to an existing flexible fluid supply line, within a dental delivery system without destructive insertion or removal of any intermediary parts and without contact with the fluid medium itself. The invention is conceived to accommodate from the outside, three contiguous portions (a first, an intermediate and a second portion) of a non-fragmented length of flexible tubing.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1998Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignee: FlexcorpInventors: Neil G. Stewart, Gord M. Day
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Patent number: 6036166Abstract: A valve having a linear actuator operating a tube compression rod. The rod is held in a common axial orientation with a section of flexible tubing that runs through the valve and is rigidly held therein between the compression rod and a tube platen. The flexible tube section is fluidly connected on one end thereof to a pump that delivers a viscous material thereto from a source thereof. The opposite end of the flexible tube section is fluidly connected to a dispense point. In operation, the linear actuator is operable between an extended position wherein the compression rod moves to partially occlude or compress the flexible tube section against the tube platen, and a retracted position wherein the flexible tube section is not compressed. Dispensing of the viscous substance is commenced by actuation of a switch operating the pump. During operation of the pump, the chamber valve is in its extended position wherein the flexible tube section is partially occluded.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1998Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Assignee: IMI Cornelius Inc.Inventor: David L. Olson
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Patent number: 6012342Abstract: A plunger assembly for obstructing the flow of fluid through a flexible tube is provided. The assembly comprises a plunger sleeve member having a first open end and a compression mechanism for selectively contacting and compressing the flexible tube. The compression mechanism has a contacting portion for contacting the flexible tube and an extending portion with the extending portion being slidably receivable within the plunger sleeve member through the first open end of the plunger sleeve member. A spring mechanism is mounted about the extending portion of the compression mechanism and between the contacting portion of the compression mechanism and the first open end of the plunger sleeve member for providing selective movement to the compression mechanism relative to the plunger sleeve member.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1997Date of Patent: January 11, 2000Assignee: Cobe Cardiovascular Operating Co., Inc.Inventors: David D. Blight, Frank L. Caruso, Stephan L. Williams
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Patent number: 6007516Abstract: An access port comprises a base and a flexible conduit. The port is subcutaneously implanted and the conduit is attached directly or indirectly to a blood vessel or other body lumen or cavity. An actuator mechanism is provided with a linkage which opens a valve in the port in response to percutaneous insertion of a needle into the access port. In particular, insertion of the needle opens the clamping mechanism to permit flow through the conduit between the blood vessel and the needle.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1997Date of Patent: December 28, 1999Assignee: Vasca, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey H. Burbank, C. David Finch, James M. Brugger, Hendrik E. Kuiper
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Cooling system filling aid and method of filling the cooling system of an internal combustion engine
Patent number: 5992481Abstract: A filling aid for field filling the engine cooling system of automotive vehicles with cooling liquids. For field service, the filling aid is mounted in a stabilized upright orientation by an integral fluid sealing connection to a filler neck of the deareation chamber of a coolant bottle of the system so that it extends above the bottle. Coolant is added into the cooling system through the filling aid until the filling aid and deareation chamber are filled with coolant. Because a taller column of coolant has been established by use of the filling aid, potential energy is increased and coolant is quickly fed by increased pressure and force into the engine cooling system. When sufficient coolant fills the system, any coolant left in the filling aid may be released by removing a closure clamp previously installed on an overflow tube leading from the deareation chamber so that it drains with no spills from the filling aid to an overflow chamber of the coolant bottle.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 1997Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: Chrysler CorporationInventor: Gary M. Smith -
Patent number: 5992818Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1994Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignees: Fred J. Martin, Edward W. RauschInventors: Gary Lee Jones, Dale Everett Fagaly
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Patent number: 5967484Abstract: A flexible tube occluder has a body portion and a slider portion which act to occlude a tube to prevent unwanted flow of fluid to a patient. The body portion and slider portion are engaged such that slider portion can move relative to body portion. The body portion extends the full range of slider portion's motion and thus the occluder allows for stable occluding and open positions. The slider portion has a slot of varying size which is used to occlude the tube by pressing the tube within the surface of the slot and to allow free flow of fluid through the tube.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1995Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: Alaris Medical Systems, Inc.Inventor: Matthew G. Morris
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Patent number: 5964738Abstract: An infusion set (10,12) comprises a first part (10) housing a pump and control means and a second part (12) housing a replaceable infusate reservoir (14) with an integral infusion line (16). An anti-freeflow sliding member (26) has an opening (28) through which the infusion line (16) passes, and is slidable between a first open position and a second closed position by detaching the parts.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 1997Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Assignee: Sims Graseby LimitedInventors: David G. Hilborne, Roger O'Brien
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Patent number: 5947348Abstract: A beverage tapper shut-off mechanism includes a double acting solenoid, a locking mechanism, a dispensing tube, and a housing. The locking mechanism has a cam actuator, an upper thrust arm, a lower thrust arm, and a tube crusher. The lower thrust arm is pivotally connected to the tube crusher and the upper thrust arm. The double acting solenoid is fastened to the housing, and the upper thrust arm is pivotally connected to the housing. The cam actuator is fastened to an actuation rod of the double acting solenoid. The cam actuator has an internal cam surface which controls the movement of the tube crusher. A modified dispensing tube has two sides which are molded to be substantially squeezed together. The double acting solenoid is operated by a control circuit. When a particular amount of beverage is needed, a button is pushed on the operational circuit. A pulse of current is sent to the double acting solenoid.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1997Date of Patent: September 7, 1999Inventor: Richard J. Briski
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Patent number: 5925023Abstract: A multi stage type flow rate switching device is provided which simplifies switching of flow paths and which rarely causes erroneous operation. The multi stage type flow rate switching device includes a liquid medicine flow inlet port 1 having branch paths 11, 12 and 13 on a downstream side, a liquid medicine flow outlet port 2 having branch paths 21, 22 and 23 on an upstream side and constant flow rate paths 31, 32 and 33 for connecting respective branch paths, and arranged in a housing 4 comprising a lid 41 and a housing main body 42. In the housing 4, there is provided clamping means 5 capable of selectively blocking the constant flow rate paths 31, 32 and 33.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 1997Date of Patent: July 20, 1999Assignee: Nissho CorporationInventor: Katsuhiro Hiejima