Abstract: An umbrella valve includes an elastic cap, and an elastic stem formed integrally with the cap, having a center hollow portion, having an enlarged hollow portion proximate the cap, and having a bottom. The valve has a needle having an enlarged head at a proximal end thereof for being snugly secured in the enlarged hollow portion of the stem, having a lower lateral hole in a distal portion, having an upper lateral hole proximate the bottom of the stem, and having a lengthwise center passageway connecting the upper and lower lateral holes. A method includes providing a needle for being snugly secured in one of a plurality of elastic caps, the needle having a lengthwise center passageway connecting upper and lower lateral holes. The method includes selecting a cap from among the plurality of elastic caps by determining opening pressure factors.

Abstract: A high temperature resistant masking device (10) comprising a substrate having a top surface (26) and a bottom surface (28) with an adhesive applied to the bottom surface (28) of the substrate for removable attachment to a masking surface. The masking device (10) includes a pull tab (12) extending upwardly from the device's center portion for facilitating easy placement and removal of the masking device (10) from the masking surface. The masking devices (10) are die-cut into various shapes and sizes, and placed on rolls of release liner so that they may be readily applied to parts requiring masking during a painting or coating process.

Abstract: The invention disclosed and claimed is an improved plug with an internal anchor. The plug has particular utility in masking openings in parts to be coated. Generally, the plug comprises a compressible, resilient plug body and a compression mechanism. The compression mechanism compresses the plug body between an internal plug anchor and an opposed plug compression surface. The compressive force causes the plug circumference to increase forming a tight seal between the plug and walls forming the opening. The internal anchor design and absence of any axial opening through the entire plug body prevent fluids and other coating materials from passing through the internal plug body and into the interior of the part to be coated thereby avoiding costly damage to the part.