Abstract: A check valve includes a tubular sleeve bounding a longitudinally-extending flow-through passage for fluids, a disc having a first material affixed along a first portion of its periphery to a flexible hinge member, and a bill affixed at a first end to one or more of the sleeve, the flexible hinge member, and the disc. The check valve also includes one or more of the following of (i), (ii), and (iii): (i) at least one groove, rib, insert, or combination thereof that extends longitudinally along a length of the disc, the bill, or both the disc and the bill; (ii) at least one groove, notch, rib, insert, or combination thereof that extends laterally along a width of the bill; and (iii) at least one ripple that extends longitudinally along a length of the bill and, optionally, longitudinally along a length of the disc.

Abstract: A check valve nozzle having at least two discharge ports and providing improved mixing between the discharged fluid and the receiving fluid. The check valve nozzle may be of a “duckbill” type or a “pancake” type. The “duckbill” type may have discharge ports that vary in size, orientation with respect to the longitudinal centerline of the check valve nozzle, and/or construction materials. The “pancake” type may discharge the fluid from the check valve nozzle in a perpendicular, forward, or rearward direction. The check valve nozzle assembly contains a number of check valve nozzles that can vary in size, orientation with respect to the longitudinal centerline of the end cap of the assembly, and/or construction materials.

Abstract: A check valve includes a tubular sleeve bounding a longitudinally-extending flow-through passage for fluids, a disc having a first material affixed along a first portion of its periphery to a flexible hinge member, and a bill affixed at a first end to one or more of the sleeve, the flexible hinge member, and the disc. The check valve also includes one or more of the following of (i), (ii), and (iii): (i) at least one groove, rib, insert, or combination thereof that extends longitudinally along a length of the disc, the bill, or both the disc and the bill; (ii) at least one groove, notch, rib, insert, or combination thereof that extends laterally along a width of the bill; and (iii) at least one ripple that extends longitudinally along a length of the bill and, optionally, longitudinally along a length of the disc.

Abstract: A cosmetic product including a pressed cosmetic powder cake is provided. The pressed cosmetic powder cake includes depression formed therein for receiving a liquid to facilitate use of the cosmetic product. The pan defines a recess therein for holding the powder cake. The cosmetic case includes a base portion for receiving the pan and a lid that may be coupled to one another by a hinge.

Abstract: A cosmetic product including a pressed cosmetic powder cake is provided. The pressed cosmetic powder cake includes depression formed therein for receiving a liquid to facilitate use of the cosmetic product. The pan defines a recess therein for holding the powder cake. The cosmetic case includes a base portion for receiving the pan and a lid that may be coupled to one another by a hinge.

Abstract: A cosmetic product including a pressed cosmetic powder cake is provided. The pressed cosmetic powder cake includes depression formed therein for receiving a liquid to facilitate use of the cosmetic product. The pan defines a recess therein for holding the powder cake. The cosmetic case includes a base portion for receiving the pan and a lid that may be coupled to one another by a hinge.

Abstract: A check valve nozzle having at least two discharge ports and providing improved mixing between the discharged fluid and the receiving fluid. The check valve nozzle may be of a “duckbill” type or a “pancake” type. The “duckbill” type may have discharge ports that vary in size, orientation with respect to the longitudinal centerline of the check valve nozzle, and/or construction materials. The “pancake” type may discharge the fluid from the check valve nozzle in a perpendicular, forward, or rearward direction. The check valve nozzle assembly contains a number of check valve nozzles that can vary in size, orientation with respect to the longitudinal centerline of the end cap of the assembly, and/or construction materials.

Abstract: A half-sleeve pinch valve includes a first body member and a second body member. The first body member and the second body member are connected to define a passage. A semi-circular sleeve is positioned within the passage such that a middle portion of the sleeve is adjacent either the first body member or the second body member, defining a fully open state. A port is located in either the first body member or the second body member adjacent the sleeve and is in fluid communication with the passage. A closing fluid is introduced through the port into the passage, thereby displacing the middle portion of the sleeve into the passage to move the sleeve from the fully open state through a partially open or partially closed state to a fully closed state. A method for controlling the flow in a passage is also disclosed.

Abstract: A half-sleeve pinch valve includes a first body member and a second body member. The first body member and the second body member are connected to define a passage. A semi-circular sleeve is positioned within the passage such that a middle portion of the sleeve is adjacent either the first body member or the second body member, defining a fully open state. A port is located in either the first body member or the second body member adjacent the sleeve and is in fluid communication with the passage. A closing fluid is introduced through the port into the passage, thereby displacing the middle portion of the sleeve into the passage to move the sleeve from the fully open state through a partially open or partially closed state to a fully closed state. A method for controlling the flow in a passage is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pinch valve for connection between an upstream pipeline and a downstream pipeline, the pinch valve including a body having a fixed upper pinch bar and a moveable lower pinch bar, an elastomeric sleeve, wherein the elastomeric sleeve is situated between the fixed upper pinch bar and the moveable lower pinch bar, and means to raise and lower the moveable lower pinch bar. A method of regulating fluid flow is also disclosed.