Abstract: A surge prevention valve may be used to prevent the formation of an initial surge of high pressure. The valve may be located, for example, between a high pressure oxygen cylinder and a medical pressure regulator. The valve also may be used for other purposes. The surge prevention valve may have a housing with an inlet and an outlet. A seal unit may be used to close the main flow path from the inlet to the outlet, and a bleed passageway may be provided in the seal unit to bypass the main flow path. The valve may have an actuator for opening the bleed passageway and for moving the seal unit to open the main flow path. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a manual push-then-turn operation is used to open the valve. The actuator may be used to threadedly move the seal unit toward and away from the valve seat to close and open the main flow path. In addition, a valve rod may be provided for closing the bleed passageway.

Abstract: A device for protecting a gauge includes a base portion for attachment to a surface, and a cover portion attached to the base portion for shielding the gauge from impact. In one embodiment, the base portion has legs defining a saddle-shaped surface matching the surface to which the gauge protector is attached. The cover portion may have a sight glass positioned such that the gauge face is visible even though the entire gauge is enclosed. The device may be used to protect a pressure gauge for a regulator for a portable oxygen bottle.