Abstract: A fastener is provided, including: a driven end including an engaging hole which includes three slots recessed radially and angularly arranged in intervals, each of the three slots being formed as a part of a rectangle and including two right angles, every adjacent two of the three slots defining a rib therebetween.

Abstract: A screw has a screw head and a shank extending downwardly from the screw head. The shank has a threaded segment, a cutting segment, and a tapered segment sequentially arranged downwardly, a thread spirally surrounding an external surface of the shank from the threaded segment to the tapered segment, multiple cutting ribs arranged around the external surface of the shank on the cutting segment of the shank, and multiple chip recesses formed between the cutting ribs. Each of the cutting ribs has a rounded crest to enlarge a drill hole and to reduce a resistance formed between the cutting ribs and the workpiece during drilling. The screw can be easily screwed into the workpiece with less driving force.

Abstract: The invention concerns a unit (210) for a locking device, comprising: a nut (212) comprising two coaxial taps in opposite directions; and a ring (213); said ring including a third tap (38); the first (18) and third (38) taps being capable of engaging with a single first thread (22); said ring including a second thread (40) capable of engaging with the second tap (20) of the nut. The unit further comprises a washer (214) configured (274) so as to be inserted around one (212) of the nut and the ring, the washer comprising an elastic engagement means (272) for engaging with the other (213) of the ring and the nut in an installation position of the unit, so as to prevent the ring and the nut from rotating relative to each other.

Abstract: A captive screw, comprising: a screw; a press fit nut, to connect to an opening on a device and to accept a screw, including: a bottom portion, to extend through the opening; a top portion; and a middle portion, wherein the middle portion is smaller in circumference than the top portion and the bottom portion; and a sleeve including a protrusion, wherein the sleeve fits over the screw and attaches to the press fit nut via the protrusion.

Abstract: Wall anchors and positioning aids disclosed herein grant a user the ability to temporary hang or otherwise mount heavyweight objects, while also allowing for adjustment of at least one of the location and orientation of the assembly via the direct manipulation of the object.

Abstract: A carabiner apparatus includes a carabiner body, the carabiner body having a first portion and a second portion, the first and second portion defined by a G-arm, the first portion including a carabiner opening, the G-arm adjacent to the carabiner opening. The carabiner further includes a first gate, the first gate oriented to close and open the carabiner opening. The carabiner further includes a second gate, the second gate extending from the G-arm to a portion of the carabiner body, the second gate when closed separating the first portion of the carabiner body from the second portion of the carabiner body.

Abstract: A snap hook with front and rear locks that must be disengaged for the gate to open. The body has a base and a J-shaped hook. A gate has two parallel, spaced fingers extending from an end of a gate arm. As the gate pivots between open and closed positions, a stop pin extending between the arms and through a curved slot in the body slides within the curved slot. A front lock pivots between a locking position, where shoulders in the gate arms abut an edge on the front lock, preventing the gate from pivoting open, and an unlocking position, where the shoulder does not abut the front lock edge. The rear lock pivots between a locking position, where the curved slots on the rear lock are not aligned with body curved slot, and an unlocking position, where the curved slots are aligned, and the gate can pivot open.

Abstract: A connecting rod assembly has a connecting rod with a large end and a small end, a piston wrist pin, and fasteners to connect the connecting rod to the piston wrist pin and optionally one or more shims in between the connecting rod and piston wrist pin. A notch on the wrist pin allows for the seating of a flat surface on the small end of the connecting rod in the connecting rod assembly. Side walls on both the notch and the small end of the connecting rod limit twist. The connecting rod assembly allows for the adjustment of piston location in a cylinder while limiting connecting rod twist.

Abstract: A blender assembly includes a blender jar having a bottom wall. The bottom wall includes first and second surfaces opposing one another and an interior edge defining an opening. A bearing housing is positioned at least partially within the opening and is spaced apart from the first surface of the bottom wall and the interior edge of the bottom wall. A nut is operably coupled with the bearing housing and is spaced apart from a second surface of the bottom wall. A gasket assembly is positioned to maintain a spacing of the bearing housing and the nut relative to the bottom wall. The gasket assembly is positioned over the interior edge of the bottom wall.

Abstract: A rotation induction device for a vehicle, includes an upper case member, a lower case member, a center plate, and an inflow prevention part. The upper case member has a piston rod disposed therethrough. The lower case member, disposed under the upper case member, has the piston rod disposed therethrough. The center plate, disposed between the upper and lower case members such that the piston rod passes through the center plate, is configured to induce either one or both of the upper and lower case members to rotate. The inflow prevention part, formed in the upper and lower case members, is configured to block the inflow of foreign matters. Each of the upper case member, the lower case member, and the center plate is composed of a synthetic resin material.

Abstract: A rotation induction device for a vehicle includes an upper case member, a lower case member, a center plate, and a lubricant storage part. The upper case member has a piston rod disposed therethrough. The lower case member, disposed under the upper case member, has the piston rod disposed therethrough. The center plate, disposed between the upper and lower case members such that the piston rod passes through the center plate, is configured to induce either one or both of the upper and lower case members to rotate. The lubricant storage part is formed in the center plate and configured to store lubricant therein. Each of the upper case member, the lower case member, and the center plate is composed of a synthetic resin material.

Abstract: A sliding member includes a resin overlay layer on a sliding surface side coming into sliding contact with a mating member. The resin overlay layer has a surface roughness parameter Rk satisfying 0.4?Rk?1.2, and a surface area ratio S=S2/S1 calculated when an area of an arbitrary measurement field of view is designated by S1 and a surface area of the measurement field of view is designated by S2 satisfies 2.5?S?4.5.

Abstract: The method provides for the manufacturing a sensor bearing unit including a bearing having a first ring and a second ring capable of rotating concentrically relative to one another, and an impulse ring provided with a target holder secured to the first ring and with a magnetic target mounted on the target holder. The method further includes securing the target holder to the first ring and magnetizing the magnetic material of the magnetic target after the step of securing the target holder to the first ring.

Abstract: The method provides for the manufacturing a sensor bearing unit including a bearing having a first ring and a second ring capable of rotating concentrically relative to one another, and an impulse ring provided with a target holder secured to the first ring and with a magnetic target mounted on the target holder. The method further includes securing the target holder to the first ring and magnetizing the magnetic material of the magnetic target after the step of securing the target holder to the first ring.

Abstract: A method for packing rolling elements in a bearing providing using a bearing ring fixing component to fix a first bearing ring, preventing it from shifting when subjected to radial compression; inserting two first packing supports between a first bearing ring raceway and a second bearing ring raceway at a predetermined circumferential angle, the two first packing supports dividing the bearing in a circumferential range into a compression zone lying and a warping zone lying outside the range of the circumferential angle; and using a bearing ring compression component to apply a compressive load to a circumferential portion of the second bearing ring. The compressive load directed towards the first bearing ring in a radial direction, to force a radial gap between the first bearing ring raceway and second bearing ring raceway to decrease, such that a window suitable for packing the rolling elements is formed in the warping zone.

Abstract: A drive shaft assembly for a downhole drilling motor includes a drive shaft having a first end portion engaging a first housing and a second end portion engaging a second housing. The first end portion and the first housing form the first constant velocity joint and the second end portion and the second housing form the second constant velocity joint of the drive shaft assembly. Each end portion including a base surface having a pair of prongs extending away from the base surface and a cylindrical side wall having a plurality of ball bearings held in a plurality of circumferentially spaced pockets. Each housing includes a cavity to retain respective end portions of the drive shaft. An inner side wall of each housing includes a plurality of cylindrical grooves to receive the plurality of ball bearings to transfer torque.

Abstract: A mechanical joint for transferring rotational motion between shafts at an angle and related assemblies. The assemblies can include both fixed and adjustable-angle joint housings for providing high torques in hard to reach areas. Other assemblies include improvements in inboard marine drives that correct the prop angle to generally align with the direction of travel of the boat and outboard marine drives with improved drive trains.

Abstract: A universal joint shaft with universal joint shaft protection comprises at least one shaft element for transmitting torque, at least one protective tube element arranged around the shaft element, and an intermediate bearing, by means of which the shaft element is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation (L) in the protective tube element, wherein the intermediate bearing comprises an outer ring fixed to the protective tube element and an inner ring fixed to the shaft element, which are rotatable relative to each other, and a clamping mechanism by means of which the inner ring is fixed on the shaft element.

Abstract: In an aspect, a power transfer device, such as a decoupler, is provided for transferring torque between a shaft and a belt. The device includes: a hub configured to couple to the shaft, a pulley rotatably coupled to the hub that includes a power transmitting surface configured to engage the belt, an isolation spring to transfer a rotational load from one of the pulley and the hub to the other of the pulley and the hub, optionally a one-way clutch to permit overrunning of one of the pulley and the hub relative to the other of the pulley and the hub in a first direction, and a damping member positioned to be driven into frictional engagement with a friction surface by a force from the isolation spring acting on the damping member that varies based on the rotational load transferred by the isolation spring.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a clutch assembly for a manual transmission of a motor vehicle, having an axially running transmission input shaft which, by way of a clutch having a central release mechanism disposed on the transmission input shaft, is able to be coupled to a motor output shaft. The transmission input shaft has at least one ferromagnetic measuring portion. The magnetization of the ferromagnetic measuring portion is able to be influenced in a magnetoelastic manner by a torsion of the transmission input shaft. Portions of the central release mechanism surround the at least one measuring portion and has a sensor device which is specified for measuring a variable as a function of the magnetization of at least one measuring portion.

Abstract: Provided is a caliper brake pad spring applying load to a brake pad in a set position. A spring mounting unit is mounted on a window of a caliper body. Spring pressing units extend from both sides of the spring mounting unit in one direction to apply load to a brake pad by pressing the brake pad.

Abstract: A brake rotor having first and second panels and first and second sets of mounting flanges. The first set of mounting flanges may extend from the first panel and may be spaced apart from the second panel. The second set of mounting flanges may extend from the second panel and may be spaced apart from the first set of mounting flanges.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical brake and a vehicle including the same are provided. As an electro-mechanical brake according to an aspect of the present invention, an electro-mechanical brake including a pair of brake pads disposed on both sides of a disc, may include a motor that provides a rotational driving force; a rotating screw that rotates about a second rotating shaft parallel to a first rotating shaft of the motor; a power transmission unit that transmits the rotational driving force of the motor to the rotating screw; and a piston that is coupled to the rotating screw to be able to move forward and backward to press the disc with the brake pads.

Abstract: A system, and associated method, for reducing oxidation of a friction disk may include a braking assembly comprising the friction disk and a coolant loop coupled to the braking assembly, with the coolant loop being configured to circulate liquid coolant from the braking assembly. That is, the coolant loop may be configured to reduce the temperature of the braking assembly, thus reducing the rate/extent of oxidation of the friction disks and potentially enabling the concentration of oxygen around the braking assembly to be reduced.

Abstract: The reverse input cutoff clutch includes: a pressed member having a pressed surface around the inner peripheral surface; an input member coaxially arranged with the pressed surface and having an input-side engaging portion arranged on the radially inner side of the pressed surface; an output member coaxially arranged with the pressed surface and having an output-side engaging portion arranged further on the radially inner side than the input-side engaging portion; and an engaging element arranged so as to be movable in a first direction as a direction toward or away from the pressed surface on the radially inner side of the pressed surface. The engaging element has a main engaging element body having a pressing surface and a pivot-support shaft, and a link member. The link member has a first end portion pivotally linked to the pivot-support shaft, and a second end portion pivotally linked to the input-side engaging portion.

Abstract: Improved equipment bases and methods for making and using same are disclosed herein. The equipment base can include a first coated substrate including a first part having a first thickness sized to provide the load-bearing support for the equipment, a first elastomer coating the first part, a second coated substrate positioned adjacent to the first coated substrate, the second coated substrate including a second part having a second thickness sized to provide the load-bearing support for the equipment, and a second elastomer coating the second part. A first seam can be formed between the first and second coated substrates to allow for moisture to pass between the first and second coated substrates so that moisture is allowed to seep away from the bottom of the equipment.

Abstract: A supporting device including an installation assembly; a first supporting arm assembly having a longitudinal direction, a first end, and a second end; a switching bracket; a bearing unit pivotally connected to the switching bracket; and at least one gas spring is provided. The first end is pivotally connected to the installation assembly. The switching bracket is pivotally connected to the second end of the first supporting arm assembly. The gas spring is disposed in the first supporting arm assembly and is respectively connected to the switching bracket and the installation assembly to provide a supporting force. Each gas spring has a hollow tube, a piston rod, and a compression spring. The piston rod is slidably disposed through the hollow tube and has a head. The head may be varied between maximum and minimum protruding positions relative to the hollow tube. The compression spring is sleeved on the piston rod.

Abstract: A damper valve with an adjustable effective stiffness of a shim. The damper valve includes a piston. The piston has a fluid path formed therethrough. A shim is disposed proximate the fluid path formed through the piston. A stiffness adjustment feature is coupled to the shim, and the shim is disposed between the piston and the stiffness adjustment feature. The stiffness adjustment feature is configured to adjust the effective stiffness of the shim without affecting a preload applied to the shim.

Abstract: A valve includes: a valve case; and an annular valve body, one of the inner circumference end and the outer circumference end of the valve body being formed as the free end capable of moving towards both sides in the axial direction with respect to the valve case. The valve case has the annular opposing surface capable of opposing to the free end so as to form the gap therebetween, and the guide surface that is positioned on one side of the opposing surface in the axial direction, the guide surface being continuous with the part of the opposing surface in the circumferential direction. The guide surface is inclined in the direction away from the valve body as the distance from the opposing surface is increased.

Abstract: A hydraulic shock absorber includes a piston, a damper tube, a suspension spring, a plunger, a jack chamber, a pump case, a pump piston, a screw shaft, and a drive unit. Both end surfaces of the pump piston in a reciprocating direction are a first end surface demarcating the pump chamber, and a second end surface demarcating the gas chamber, the second end surface having a screw hole into which the screw shaft is screwed. The pump piston includes a space portion between a bottom plate defining the first end surface and the screw hole. The screw shaft has a through-hole connecting the gas chamber with the space portion.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension damper including: a cylinder; a piston assembly; and an adjuster, wherein the piston assembly compresses fluid as it moves within the cylinder and the adjuster obstructs fluid flow from a first side of a damping piston of the piston assembly to a second side of the damping piston.

Abstract: A parameter setting method includes a parameter value changing step of, when the magnitude of a deviation that is a difference between a command position and an actual position of a movable portion is greater than or equal to a prescribed value during operation of an active damper, selecting an unselected set of candidate values from among a plurality of sets of candidate values and changing the values of respective types of parameters of the active damper to the selected set of candidate values, and when the magnitude of the deviation is less than the prescribed value, not changing the values of the respective types of the parameters. After the parameter value changing step is finished, the parameter value changing step is repeated until the magnitude of the deviation becomes less than the prescribed value.

Abstract: A device for holding onto a rope to form a loop that can be tighten about two objects. The device including a base portion having at least one hole for securing one end of the rope. A clamping portion slidably engages a plurality of posts enabling the clamping portion to slide between a clamp position and release position for securing a portion of the rope therebetween. A clamp/release mechanism provides a means to clamp and release the clamping portion onto from the posts. The clamp/release mechanism includes a plurality of levers to selectively engage a respective post to clamp the clamping portion onto the posts when in a clamp position and disengage the at least one post to release the clamping portion from the posts when in a release position.

Abstract: A powershift transmission for an agricultural machine includes a transmission housing, an input shaft unit and an output shaft, wherein the input shaft unit and the output shaft extend at least in sections within the transmission housing. An auxiliary shaft is arranged parallel to but offset between the input shaft unit and the output shaft. The input shaft unit and the auxiliary shaft are connected to one another via a front-mounted range unit, and the auxiliary shaft and the output shaft are connected to one another via a rear-mounted range unit. The front-mounted and rear mounted range units each includes at least two gear wheel pairs, the at least two gear wheel pairs being individually coupled or decoupled. The auxiliary shaft unit includes a first auxiliary shaft and a second auxiliary shaft, where the first and second auxiliary shafts are coupled to one another via a reduction gear unit.

Abstract: A belt tensioning device includes a first tensioning arm mounted on a base body pivotably about a first pivot axis and includes a rotatable first tensioning roller. A second tensioning arm is pivotably mounted relative to the base body about a second pivot axis and includes a rotatable second tensioning roller. Via a spring arrangement between the first tensioning arm and the second tensioning arm, the first and second tensioning arms are resiliently supported against one another in the circumferential direction. A damping mechanism is operatively arranged between the base body and the first tensioning arm for damping relative rotational movement between the first tensioning arm and the base body. The damping mechanism generates a varying damping torque dependent on the rotational position and/or rotational direction of the first tensioning arm relative to the base body upon pivoting of the first tensioning arm relative to the base body.

Abstract: A modular telescopic arm by motor control includes a knuckle module, a telescopic module, an outer sleeve module and an inner sleeve module. The telescopic module is disposed to one end of the knuckle module. The telescopic module includes a ball screw assembly. The ball screw assembly has a screw shaft, and a nut disposed around the screw shaft. The nut is able to slide along the screw shaft. The outer sleeve module is mounted around the one end of the knuckle module. The screw shaft is longitudinally mounted in the outer sleeve module. The inner sleeve module is disposed to the one end of the knuckle module, and the inner sleeve module surrounds a part of the telescopic module. The outer sleeve module surrounds the inner sleeve module. One end of the inner sleeve module is fastened around the nut.

Abstract: An actuator and a transmission structure thereof. The transmission structure (3) includes a screw nut (31) and a ratchet guiding sleeve (32). The screw nut (31) includes one or a plurality of pawls (311). The ratchet guiding sleeve (32) is mounted on the screw nut (31), and the screw nut (31) is able to rotate relative to the ratchet guiding sleeve (32). The ratchet guiding sleeve (32) includes a ring ratchet (321) disposed on an inner circumference thereof and a plurality of track slots (322) disposed on an outer circumference thereof. One or a plurality of pawls (311) abut against the ring ratchet (321), thereby achieving the effect of smooth movements of the actuator (10) and the transmission structure (3).

Abstract: A work vehicle includes a hydrostatic stepless speed changer device configured to speed-change driving power of an engine steplessly, a plurality of planetary gear speed changer devices configured to speed-change the driving power speed-changed by the stepless speed changer device, a plurality of clutch mechanisms corresponding to the plurality of planetary gear speed changer devices in order to take off the driving powers from these plurality of planetary gear speed changer devices individually, and a traveling speed changer device for speed-changing and transmitting the driving powers transmitted from the plurality of clutch mechanisms to a traveling mechanism. The plurality of planetary gear speed changer devices the plurality of clutch mechanisms and the traveling speed changer device are accommodated in a transmission case.

Abstract: Piston ring arrangement (40) with a piston ring (50) encircling a main axis (X), the piston ring (50) having a sealing surface (58) directed radially outward and a contact surface (55) directed radially outward, the sealing surface (58) being radially outside of the contact surface (55). To improve the service life of piston rings for reciprocating compressors, the piston ring arrangement (40) has a retaining ring (70) encircling the main axis (X) with a retaining surface (72) directed radially inward, the piston ring (50) and the retaining ring (70) being situated such that the retaining surface (72) and the contact surface (55) are adjacent in the radial direction.

Abstract: A seal ring is an annular seal ring which is configured to be interposed between first and second members, and seals a gap between the first and second members. The second member is inserted into the first member, and reciprocates in its axial direction with respect to the first member. The seal ring includes an annular base part, an annular innermost end part, and a widening protrusion part. The annular base part has a radially exterior end to contact the first member. The annular innermost end part is integrally formed with a radially interior end of the base part to contact the second member. The widening protrusion part is integrally formed with the innermost end part, and protrudes with respect to the base part in the axial direction of the second member.

Abstract: A sealing ring includes: a first axial leg; and a sealing leg with a sealing lip. When viewed in cross section, the sealing ring is in a shape of a seven. The sealing leg is connected to a first end face of the first axial leg by a first joint. The sealing leg has, on a side facing axially toward the first end face, a dirt lip with at least one sealing edge and a radially internal first boundary surface and a radially external second boundary surface.

Abstract: A radial lip seal includes a sealing lip body having a contact point defining an inner diameter of the radial lip seal, and a heelstock body defining an outer diameter and having a supporting section arranged radially inwardly relative to the outer diameter and extending along a boundary of the sealing lip body toward the contact point. The heelstock body is formed of a heelstock material that is flexible, and the heelstock material is stiffer relative to a material of the sealing lip body.

Abstract: A fuel system having a fuel tank, a filler pipe for adding liquid fuel, a carbon canister for collecting fuel vapors from the fuel tank during a refueling operation, a stepper motor and a stepper driven valve for controlling fluid communication between the fuel tank and the canister, where the valve is configured to be positionable in a closed position, an open position creating a passageway with a first size, and one or more intermediate positions each creating a passageway with a size which is smaller than the first size and having a moving element, movable relative to a valve opening between a closed position and an opened position, the moving element having: a sealing means for making a leak tight seal and, a deflecting means for controlling the fluid flow, where the deflecting means protrudes inside the valve opening and is adapted to be located upstream relative to sealing means.

Abstract: A valve has flow trim assembly that can be quickly and efficiently removed and repaired or replaced. A body section having a central through bore defines an inlet, an outlet and inner chamber or space. An upstream cap and inlet hub are disposed at the inlet of the body member, while a downstream cap and outlet hub are disposed at the outlet of the body member. An actuator stem extends into the inner chamber, while a gear train can transfer torque force applied to the actuator stem to a rotator. A first (movable) trim member is attached to the rotator and can be selectively rotated relative to a second (fixed) trim member. The first and second trim members cooperate to adjust flow opening through the valve.

Abstract: An adjustable cage assembly for a flow control device can include a first cage body and a second cage body. The first cage body can be rotationally fixed relative to the second cage body at a plurality of alignments to provide a flow opening of variable size for adjustable control of fluid flow areas through the adjustable cage assembly.

Abstract: A valve assembly is adjustable in three independent ways allowing it to provide a variable input volume. The valve assembly has a base and an entrance plate. An outer guide, an inner guide and a shaft, each with a passage, are held together and the shaft is rotatable between the guides. The valve is open when the passages of the inner guide plate and shaft are aligned and closed when the passages are not aligned. The shaft RPM determines how many times per minute the valve opens. The open/closed ratio of the valve assembly determines how long the valve is open during each half revolution. The location of the shaft up or down in relationship to the inner guide determines what percentage of possible flow passes through the valve during each half revolution. The valve assembly can be used with either a gas or liquid medium.

Abstract: A pinch clamp device for a flexible tube is disclosed, the pinch clamp device comprising a first part (2) and a second part (3) that are movable with respect to each other, wherein the first part (2) comprises a first conduit (5) for housing a flexible tube and the second part (3) comprises a second conduit (6) for housing the same flexible tube, wherein the first part (2) and the second part (3) are arranged in an interacting manner such that the pinch clamp device can be present in a first position or in a second position, wherein a flow of a fluid within a flexible tube arranged inside the first conduit (5) and the second conduit (6) is enabled in the first position, and wherein a flow of a fluid within a flexible tube arranged inside the first conduit (5) and the second conduit (6) is prevented in the second position. According to an aspect of the invention, the first part (2) and the second part (3) are designed axisymmetrically.

Abstract: A multi-port valve assembly, which includes a housing, a rotor disposed in the housing such that the rotor is operable for being placed in a plurality of positions, and a first channel integrally formed as part of the rotor. The multi-port valve assembly includes various ports which are all integrally formed as part of the housing. The rotor is rotated such that the multi-port valve assembly is placed in one of a plurality of configurations having two or more flow paths, providing fluid communication between the various ports. The rotor may include a first side channel, a second side channel fluidically isolated from the first side channel, and where the first side channel and the second side channel are fluidically isolated from the first channel. The rotor may also a first channel and a second channel, and the second channel is fluidically isolated from the first channel.

Abstract: A backflow prevention assembly is disclosed including a backflow prevention valve having a valve housing including a valve inlet end and a valve outlet end; a spool spacer of predetermined length having a first end and a second end; an inlet shut-off valve; and an outlet shut-off valve, wherein the spool spacer extends between the backflow prevention valve and one of the inlet shut-off valve and the outlet shut-off valve. The entire assembly, including the backflow prevention valve, the spool spacer, the inlet shut-off valve, and the outlet shut-off valve, is a certified assembly, certified by a certifying authority prior to installation. Methods of manufacturing a backflow prevention assembly and replacing a backflow prevention assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve (1) for mounting to a surface (2) and for use in a flow path, which flows through said surface (2), for permitting flow in said flow path in a first direction and for preventing flow in said flow path in a second direction being opposite to the first direction. The valve (1) comprises: one or more ports (21) defined by a plurality of lips (22), wherein each lip (22) is resiliently deformable from a first position, in which the lips (22) are in contact with one another in order to close the respective port (21), to a second position, in which the respective port (21) is opened in order to permit flow in the first direction, and one or more contacting structures (30) arranged to mechanically contact the surface (2), when the valve is mounted to the surface (2), such that the one or more contacting structures (30) bias the lips (22) into the first position.