Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed that has a valve housing including a first axial end, a cap, a second axial end, and an airflow pathway extending from the first axial end towards the second axial end. The cap is positioned towards the second axial end. The valve housing includes an environmental opening configured for fluid communication with an outside environment, an enclosure opening towards the first axial end configured for fluid communication with an interior of an enclosure, and a film having an expansion diameter disposed in the valve housing laterally across the airflow pathway. The cap has an inner lateral surface and a piercing protrusion (having a piercing tip) extending from the inner lateral surface towards the first axial end. An axial distance is defined between the film and the inner lateral surface. A ratio of the axial distance to the film expansion diameter is at least 0.14.

Abstract: The present technology relates to a breather assembly. The breather assembly has an assembly body having a coupling structure configured to be coupled to a housing, an assembly opening, and an environmental opening. The assembly body is configured to define an airflow pathway between the assembly opening and an outside environment through the environmental opening. A conductive shield is coupled to the assembly body and disposed across the assembly opening. The conductive shield defines a portion of the airflow pathway. The conductive shield is configured to be in conductive communication with the housing in response to the coupling structure being coupled to the housing.

Abstract: The pressure relief assembly has a valve body constructed of breathable porous plastic. The valve body has an outer perimetric surface defining a detent mating surface and a sealing surface configured to form a seal around a valve opening. A first detent has a detent engagement surface configured to releasably engage the detent mating surface. The first detent is configured to release the valve body upon a minimum pressure differential across the valve body. The first detent is configured to extent laterally outward from the detent mating surface. The pressure relief assembly has a frame having a coupling structure configured to couple to an enclosure. The pressure relief assembly has a valve mounting surface and a valve opening within the valve mounting surface, where the valve body is sealably disposed on the valve mounting surface across the valve opening.

Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed that has a valve housing including a first axial end, a cap, a second axial end, and an airflow pathway extending from the first axial end towards the second axial end. The cap is positioned towards the second axial end. The valve housing includes an environmental opening configured for fluid communication with an outside environment, an enclosure opening towards the first axial end configured for fluid communication with an interior of an enclosure, and a film having an expansion diameter disposed in the valve housing laterally across the airflow pathway. The cap has an inner lateral surface and a piercing protrusion (having a piercing tip) extending from the inner lateral surface towards the first axial end. An axial distance is defined between the film and the inner lateral surface. A ratio of the axial distance to the film expansion diameter is at least 0.14.

Abstract: This disclosure describes an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) composite, methods of making the composite, and methods of using the composite. In some aspects, the ePTFE composite includes a first layer of ePTFE, a nonwoven layer, and a second layer of ePTFE, wherein a major surface of the first layer of ePTFE is in contact with a first major surface of the nonwoven layer, and wherein a first major surface of the second layer of ePTFE is in contact with a second major surface of the nonwoven layer.

Abstract: The present technology relates to an air reservoir for an enclosure where, upon submersion in water, the pressure differential between the water and the enclosure displaces air from the air reservoir into the enclosure to reduce the pressure differential.

Abstract: This disclosure describes an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) composite, methods of making the composite, and methods of using the composite. In some aspects, the ePTFE composite includes a first layer of ePTFE, a nonwoven layer, and a second layer of ePTFE, wherein a major surface of the first layer of ePTFE is in contact with a first major surface of the nonwoven layer, and wherein a first major surface of the second layer of ePTFE is in contact with a second major surface of the nonwoven layer.

Abstract: The present technology relates to an air reservoir for an enclosure where, upon submersion in water, the pressure differential between the water and the enclosure displaces air from the air reservoir into the enclosure to reduce the pressure differential.

Abstract: The technology disclosed herein relates to a tank vent having a housing and a pleated, vapor-permeable microporous membrane. The housing defines a first vapor passageway configured for direct communication with a tank interior and a second vapor passageway configured for direct communication with the atmosphere. The housing also defines a tank mounting surface is mountable to a tank housing and a media mounting surface. The microporous membrane is sealed to the media mounting surface and defines a tubular structure such that the first vapor passageway and the second vapor passageway are in communication through the microporous membrane. Other embodiments including methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The technology disclosed herein relates to a tank vent having a housing and a pleated, vapor-permeable microporous membrane. The housing defines a first vapor passageway configured for direct communication with a tank interior and a second vapor passageway configured for direct communication with the atmosphere. The housing also defines a tank mounting surface is mountable to a tank housing and a media mounting surface. The microporous membrane is sealed to the media mounting surface and defines a tubular structure such that the first vapor passageway and the second vapor passageway are in communication through the microporous membrane. Other embodiments including methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A particulate filter particularly suited for analytical gravimetric weighing applications is disclosed. The particulate filter includes a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) media supported by a ring and yields stable microgram and submicrogram weighing results. The support ring may be PTFE, metal foil, or another non-hygroscopic polymer such that the mass of the filter does not vary with changes in atmospheric moisture. The filter simplifies the discharge of electrostatic charge buildup such that when a conductive filter media is combined with a conductive ring device, the discharge may be accomplished by placing the filter on a grounded weighing pan or other surface. The particulate filter can simplify filter identification by including identification symbols imprinted on each side of the filter media.