Abstract: A system including a pressure accommodating assembly having a body with a first side and a second side. The assembly further includes a gas permeable membrane coupled to the body and configured to allow gases to permeate therethrough to thereby move from the first side to the second side. The assembly also includes a pressure relief valve coupled to the body, wherein the pressure relief valve is biased to a closed position to generally block a flow of gases therethrough and is configured to move to an open position when there is a predetermined pressure differential thereacross to allow gases to flow therethrough to move from the first side to the second side. The pressure accommodating assembly is configured to maintain its structural integrity after being exposed to a temperature of about 500° C.

Abstract: An elastomeric check valve that may be installed within pre-existing process lines or plumbing that includes an internal bore. In various aspects the disclosed check valve has a stem or stem assembly configured to engage the bore to retain the check valve in place and an elastomeric sealing disk or member. At least a radially outer portion of the elastomeric sealing disk or member is biased or biasable in a selected direction away from a plane that is coincident with a central portion of the elastomeric sealing disk. Fluid may flow through a channel in the stem through a stem assembly and around the elastomeric sealing disk in the selected direction, but is substantially prevented from flowing around the elastomeric sealing disk in a direction opposite to the selected direction, when the check valve is installed within the bore.

Abstract: A check valve assembly having a reduced net impact upon hemolysis, where the valve assembly has an elongated valve body including an inlet port, an outlet port, and an internal channel communicating between the ports, with each port disposed about and generally aligned with a central longitudinal axis of the body. The inlet port includes an umbrella-type check valve, and the internal channel is defined by three annular wall portions: a first annular wall portion aligned generally perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis to form a valve seat, a second annular wall portion that is generally concave, and a third annular wall portion that is generally convex, with the first, second and third annular wall portions forming an adjoining and essentially continuously curved, contiguous interior surface which smoothly redirects fluid flow toward the central longitudinal axis of the body and the outlet port.

Abstract: A fluid check valve incorporating a temporary elastomeric functional barrier membrane, the check valve having a sealing member comprising a first elastomer and a barrier membrane comprising a second elastomer, different from the first elastomer, disposed directly upon the surface of the sealing member so as to form a continuous layer over at least a seal opening of the sealing member. The barrier membrane may include a photoinitiator and coagent which aids in the ultraviolet (UV) curing of the second elastomer after application upon the first. The barrier membrane may applied as a solution of monomers, photoinitiator, and optional coagent, the solvent evaporated, and the deposited solutes exposed to ultraviolet so as to form the barrier membrane material.

Abstract: A solenoid fluid control valve having a valve body containing a solenoid coil, a fluid channel, and a seat, each coaxially disposed about a central longitudinal axis of the body, and a one-piece armature of MRE material. The armature is disposed within the fluid channel and magnetically actuable to seal against the seat, with operation of the solenoid coil actuating the armature with respect to the seat to alter the closure state of a fluid port. Also, a fluid check valve having a first valve body part defining a seat, a fluid port, and a first portion of a fluid chamber, with the seat including a permanent magnet element disposed adjacent the fluid port proximate the fluid chamber. A one-piece armature of MRE material is disposed across the fluid port and magnetically sealable against the magnet element. The armature and magnet element are configured to create a preselected magnetization offset pressure portion of a valve cracking pressure.

Abstract: A solenoid fluid control valve having a valve body containing a solenoid coil, a fluid channel, and a seat, each coaxially disposed about a central longitudinal axis of the body, and a one-piece armature of MRE material. The armature is disposed within the fluid channel and magnetically actuable to seal against the seat, with operation of the solenoid coil actuating the armature with respect to the seat to alter the closure state of a fluid port. Also, a fluid check valve having a first valve body part defining a seat, a fluid port, and a first portion of a fluid chamber, with the seat including a permanent magnet element disposed adjacent the fluid port proximate the fluid chamber. A one-piece armature of MRE material is disposed across the fluid port and magnetically sealable against the magnet element. The armature and magnet element are configured to create a preselected magnetization offset pressure portion of a valve cracking pressure.

Abstract: An umbrella valve includes an umbrella-valve body having a stem, a flexible umbrella, and a flange. The umbrella and the flange are each attached to, and extend radially outward from, the stem. The flange has at least one fluid passage. The umbrella valve can be placed in a valve housing having a sealing-surface portion. The umbrella, when the umbrella-valve body is placed in the valve housing, is pushed away from the sealing-surface portion under a forward fluid flow and is pushed against the sealing-surface portion under a reverse fluid flow. An umbrella-valve assembly includes the umbrella valve and the valve housing.

Abstract: A combination valve including a valve body having an inverted bi-directional valve portion and an umbrella portion is disclosed. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a combination valve includes a valve body with a substantially cylindrical portion defining a flow path, a resilient umbrella valve portion extending annularly from the valve body and an inverted bi-directional valve portion provided in the flow path. The inverted bi-directional valve portion includes an interior surface, an exterior surface and at least one normally closed slit extending therebetween, wherein the exterior surface of the inverted bi-directional valve portion includes a generally concave curved portion when the slit is closed.

Abstract: A first expression of a flow-control valve assembly includes a valve body and a resilient flow control positioned in the valve body. The valve body has a valve seat including a radially-inner valve seat portion, a radially-outer valve seat portion and a bypass-flow-channel exit located between the two seat portions. The flow control has a top surface, a bottom surface, and a through passage. The bottom surface is spaced apart from the radially-inner valve seat portion under a lower fluid pressure against the top surface exposing the bypass-flow-channel exit. The bottom surface seats against the radially-inner valve seat portion under a higher fluid pressure blocking the bypass-flow-channel exit. A second expression of a flow-control valve assembly includes a valve body having a bypass-flow-channel exit and includes a resilient flow control which has a substantially-constant-diameter outer cylindrical surface and which has a bottom surface devoid of any protrusion.

Abstract: A flow control including an annular flexible member and an internal post disposed downstream of the flexible member is described. The annular flexible member has a deflectable inner edge that defines a passage channel and the annular flexible member and internal post define a control gap therebetween wherein the deflectable inner edge of the annular flexible member deflects axially under increasing fluid pressure to reduce the control gap and consequently control fluid flow.

Abstract: Adhesion of rubber to a variety of metals (aluminum, stainless steel, mild steel and brass) is effectively achieved by the application of an organofunctional silane (I) and a non-organofunctional silane (II) to the requisite surface. Preferably, the organofunctional silane (I) is a vinyltrialkoxysilane with the non-organofunctional silane (II) preferably comprising an alkoxylated substituted alkyl silane. The silanes (I) and (II) are at least partially hydrolyzed and are normally provided in the form of a EtOH/H2O solution. Bonded joints formed by these adhesive treatments can withstand fuel degradation tests indicating that the treatments can be used, for example, to bond metal and rubber surfaces in automotive and other environments in which the joined parts will be contacted by fuels, oil and/or organic solvents.

Abstract: A hemostasis valve assembly adapted for use within a catheter introducer is disclosed. The valve assembly includes first, second and third sealing members wherein the second sealing member comprises a guide wire seal. The guide wire seal includes a plurality of lip members defining two pairs of diametrically opposed slits and an aperture intersecting at least one of the slits. The aperture is adapted to sealing engage a small diameter guide wire for preventing fluid flow out of the catheter introducer through the valve assembly, while the slits allow for the passage of a large diameter elongated member or catheter. Two pairs of diametrically opposed pre-load ribs extend radially towards the aperture for pressing the lip members together in sealing engagement. A substantially spherical inner surface is provided for guiding the guide wire to the aperture.

Abstract: A check valve including a housing formed by a base portion and a cap portion positioned in telescoping relation with each other. A disc shaped valve member is positioned within the housing and is defined by opposing first and second planar sides. The valve member includes a spherical portion located centrally thereon and which is captured between first and second valve supports supported on the base portion and cap portion, respectively. The valve supports hold the valve member in engagement with a valve seat, and the valve member moves out of engagement with the valve seat in response to a fluid pressure applied at a fluid inlet in the base portion to permit forward fluid flow while preventing fluid flow in the reverse direction.

Abstract: Polymeric coupling agents incorporate within their structures co-vulcanizable groups such as alkenyl, epoxide, acrylate and/or acrylamide, and metal-complexing groups such as carboxylic, oxime, amine, hydroxamic and/or iminodiacetic groups. The polymeric coupling agents are useful in the adhesion of certain substrates and are particularly useful as adhesives for the adhesion of rubbers with metals. Snytheses of the novel polymeric coupling agents are provided.

Abstract: Fluid flow control devices such as drip irrigation or micro-sprinkler valves and emitter unit membranes are constructed of an elastomeric composition selected from the group consisting of (1) a halogenated butyl elastomer, and (2) a diene nitrile elastomer and mixtures of (1) and (2). An ethylene propylene diene elastomer EDPM can also be incorporated into the composition. Use of the compositions inhibits valve and membrane swelling that would otherwise occur when such valves and membranes are contacted by water sources comprising organic and inorganic impurities.

Abstract: A dual valve assembly for use with a dispensing apparatus including a pump and a plurality of fluid containers. The valve assembly includes a housing containing an elastomeric regulator wherein the regulator includes a diaphragm portion for controlling fluid flow through the housing, and a vent valve structure for opening and closing air passages to supply air to the containers. The diaphragm portion includes an orifice, and the diaphragm portion is movable into and out of contact with a seat defined on the housing to control fluid flow from the containers and through the orifice during actuation of the pump. In addition, the vent valve structure includes a pair of vent membranes which open vent openings to the containers in response to negative pressure applied from the pump.

Abstract: A ball check valve including a housing and a ball element movably positioned in the housing. An insert member is located at an inlet port of the housing, and an elastomeric element is molded directly onto the insert member and is positioned facing toward an outlet port of the housing for engagement with the ball element. A ball seat is ground into the elastomeric element at a precise angle matching a tangential angle of contact with the ball element such that engagement of the ball element with the ball seat forms a seal preventing fluid flow from the outlet port through the inlet port.

Abstract: A jet pump for use in a fuel tank wherein the jet pump includes a flexible venturi. The flexible venturi provides a variable area orifice to accommodate a large range of flow rates while providing a venturi effect throughout the range of flow rates. In addition, the flexible venturi is preferably a duckbill valve such that the venturi provides a check valve function for preventing reverse flow through the venturi. The duckbill valve is also preferably provided in combination with an umbrella valve wherein the umbrella valve provides a pressure limiting function for a fluid supply line connected to the venturi.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning equipment surfaces using a laser. A barrier layer is provided at a surface to be cleaned prior to being impinged by light from a laser in order to avoid degradation in the form of oxidation of the surface. The laser light causes residual material on the surface to be removed while the barrier layer ensures that energy from the laser light is evenly distributed. In addition, the barrier layer shields the surface from oxygen to thereby prevent oxidation of the surface.

Abstract: A system for cleaning molds within presses is disclosed wherein the system utilizes a light source including a laser to clean surfaces within the mold. The light source is aligned with an opening in the mold and light from the laser is directed onto the mold surfaces to vaporize residual material thereon to thereby clean the surfaces. The light source may be formed as a portable unit movable between different presses, or the light source may be in the form of a single laser with a plurality of light paths leading from the laser to individual presses such that light may be selectively conveyed along the light paths to clean the molds within the presses.