Abstract: A valve device includes a tubular member fitted into an inflatable article, a flexible diaphragm having a peripheral region which engages a valve seat of the tubular member through a mounting support and an intermediate surrounding region which has a portion that can be flexed to deflect a corresponding portion of the peripheral region from the valve seat, and a positioning member which is actuated to be displaced between normally-closed and deflating positions so as to bring an engaging end thereof to be proximate to or distal from the valve seat. In the deflating position, the flexed portion is vested with an increment of biasing force that is counteracted by a resisting force at an actuated end so as to keep the peripheral portion in a deflected position for maintaining the valve device in an open state.

Abstract: The present invention relates a sealing apparatus with interlocking air inflation device for wafer carrier and a sealing method thereof, wherein the sealing apparatus is disposed between a wafer container and a cover of a wafer carrier, used for sealing the cover and the wafer container when the cover is closed to the wafer container. The sealing apparatus comprises: at least one latch set, at least one interlocked cam, an air inflation sealing member, and at least one air intake/outtake valve, wherein the interlocked cam is adopted for connecting an interlocking device having an air inflation member, and the interlocking device can be used to drive the interlocked cam for making the latch set bolt the cover and the wafer container, and inflate the air inflation sealing member through the air inflation member thereof and the air intake/outtake valve in order to inflate and expand the air inflation sealing member.

Abstract: An inflatable device, comprising a substantially fluid impermeable bladder, a fluid controller coupled to the bladder and including an electrically powered pump is disclosed. In one embodiment, the pump is positioned at least partially within a profile of the bladder, and the fluid controller is adapted to permit air to exit the bladder through the fluid controller and to be provided to the bladder through the fluid controller.

Abstract: The invention is based on a valve with a valve body (1) having: an air duct (5) which penetrates the valve body (1), in particular in the axial direction (3), and a valve foot (7) which is formed, in particular in one piece, with the valve body (1), on an end (9) of the valve body (1) which is proximal with respect to a rim edge in the installed position, wherein a distal end (8) of the valve body (1) is provided to engage through a valve hole in the rim edge, and the valve foot (7) is provided for arrangement on a tyre-side side of the rim edge.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a valve is provided for an inflatable device that is shaped and configured to support at least a portion of a user where the valve includes a base including a first region configured to seal to a fluid impermeable wall of a bladder of the inflatable device, a cap including a rim, and a seal. According to some embodiments, the base includes a second region that defines an orifice for exhausting fluid from an interior of the inflatable device, the second region configured to provide a sealing surface. Further, the rim can include a generally circular peripheral region including at least one rib located about an underside of the peripheral region and a cavity defined in part by at least one wall located radially inward of the rib. Still further, the seal can include a first end region secured to the cap within the cavity between the at least one wall and the at least one rib and a second end region configured to freely move with the at least one first end region secured to the cap.

Abstract: An inflation device includes a central tube, a first mounting unit mounted onto an outside of a reception end of the central tube and a second unit connected to a connection portion on the other end of the central tube. The first mounting unit includes a first casing and an end cap, and the reception end includes a valve mouth and a core tube received therein. The second mounting unit includes inner threads that are connected with the connection portion. A groove is defined in the second mounting unit and an O-ring is engaged with the groove. The first and second mounting units can be connected with an American style tire valve and a French style tire valve, respectively. The first and second mounting units each have outer threads with the same diameter so as to be connected with a tire pump.

Abstract: A dispensing head for an air pump includes a sleeve connected to the air pump and a chamber is defined in an end of the sleeve. The end having the chamber of the sleeve is received in a housing and a mount piece is securely received in the housing. A first seal ring is mounted to the mount piece and in contact with an inner periphery of the chamber. The mount piece includes a plurality of inner threads defined axially in a central passage in the mount piece, so that the threaded section of a French valve is threadedly connected to the inner threads. A second groove is defined in the mount piece and a second seal ring is engaged with the second groove. The second seal ring is mounted to a neck of the French valve.

Abstract: An animal restraint system for use during the transportation of animals comprising a region in which an animal is confined, one or more inflatable restraining means located within the region, at least one regulator for selectively increasing and/or decreasing the size of the one or more restraining means, and wherein a preselected value of inflation or deflation of the restraining means is maintained by the regulator.

Abstract: An inflation nozzle of a tire pump having air sealing function includes a casing, a valve plug seat, a valve plug and a locking ring. The valve plug seat includes a head portion at one end and a groove defined annularly on an outer periphery thereof. A sealing ring is engaged with the groove. The sealing ring protrudes radially beyond the head portion so as to be in contact with an inner circular periphery of the casing when the valve plug is installed in the valve plug seat and the casing is connected with a locking ring. The sealing ring ensures that no leakage between the valve plug seat and the casing.

Abstract: A self-sealing valve comprises a valve housing having a fluid conduit, a valve seat, a diaphragm and a support member. The valve housing is configured to pass fluid through the fluid conduit. The diaphragm provides a self-seal of the fluid conduit. The support member is configured to retain a portion of a diaphragm. The support member and diaphragm are configured to position the flexible diaphragm against the valve seat to seal the fluid conduit in a closed position of the self-sealing valve, and to facilitate movement of the diaphragm under a bias in a first direction away from the valve seat to an open position.

Abstract: An inflation nozzle for inflating an inflatable structure. The inflation nozzle includes a nozzle body, a probe, and a connection portion. The nozzle body defines a nozzle channel therethrough, and the channel has a channel outlet for expelling a fluid therefrom. The probe extends from the nozzle body adjacent and beyond the channel outlet, and is configured and dimensioned to facilitate positioning an inflation aperture of the flexible structure onto the nozzle body for directing fluid into the inflation aperture. The connection portion associates with the nozzle body for fluidly connecting the channel to a fluid source for delivering fluid through the channel to inflate the flexible structure.

Abstract: A self-sealing valve comprises a valve housing having a fluid conduit, a valve seat, and a retaining member, the valve housing being configured to pass fluid through the fluid conduit, and a flexible diaphragm comprising a flexible material having resiliency, wherein the retaining member and the flexible diaphragm are configured so that the retaining member retains a portion of the flexible diaphragm so as to use the resiliency of the flexible material to bias the flexible diaphragm against the valve seat to a closed position of the self-sealing valve to provide a self-seal of the fluid conduit, and to facilitate movement of the flexible diaphragm under a fluid bias against a first side of the flexible diaphragm in a first direction away from the valve seat to an open position, and wherein the retaining member and the flexible diaphragm are configured so that the self-sealing valve can be contacted to move a portion of the flexible diaphragm away from the valve seat to the open position.

Abstract: An inflation device for inflating containers with non-rigid walls such as bags, which includes a body having a venturi shaped air channel. First and second air inlets lead into the air channel, with an outlet being adapted to allow air to exit from the air channel for inflating a container when joined to the outlet. The second inlet is adapted to be closed by a self-closing valve if air does not flow through the air channel. A sensor associated with the body is adapted to detect when a container, such as a bag, joined to the body has been filled to a predetermined degree and then causes the flow of air through the air channel to be interrupted.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire valve device is constructed and arranged for attachment to a tire to change the tire pressure. The device includes a tire valve body housing, tire closing valve, and control piston. The housing defines a control piston channel that spans between a pressure pipe intake opening and a bleeding outlet and a tire intake opening that intercepts the control piston channel. The tire closing valve is positioned in the tire intake opening and is operable between an open position wherein air flows into or out of the pneumatic tire and a closed position wherein air is blocked from flowing into or out of the pneumatic tire. The control piston is positioned in the control piston channel and is operable between an idle position wherein air is blocked from flowing out of the bleeding outlet and a tire ventilation position wherein air flows out the tire and the bleeding outlet.

Abstract: An air valve connecting device includes a mouth attached to one end of a housing and having a compartment for engaging with a U.S. type valve, and having a bore for engaging with a French type valve, a barrel engaged onto the mouth, an actuator engaged in the housing and having a shank for engaging with the barrel for selectively receiving the French type valve, a tube engaged in the actuator for engaging with the French type valve, and the tube is extendible into the mouth for selectively engaging with the U.S. type valve, a handle includes a cam member for forcing the actuator to secure either the French type valve or the tube to the actuator, and for forcing the barrel and the mouth to engage with either the French type valve or the U.S. type valve.

Abstract: A disposable toilet seat cover apparatus is for use on the existing seat of a toilet. The apparatus is provided in a textured biodegradable water soluble material and resists slippage on the seat. A pull tab provides for the gas chamber within the valve assembly of the initially compactly folded apparatus to release a compressed gas to fill the seat cover/cushion. After use, the apparatus' biodegradable makeup provides for either discarding in a trash bin or for deposit into the bowl water, where the apparatus quickly deflates and dissolves. Any of the apparatus not immediately dissolved in the bowl water is easily flushed.

Abstract: To better position an ultrasonic transducer typically used in non-invasive fetal monitoring during labor, the present invention consists of a transducer-aligning device having a plurality of selectively fillable chambers, each chamber having a resiliently deformable side-wall. A fluid, such as air, can be selectively pumped or released into any combination of the chambers. When coupled to an ultrasonic transducer, the selective use of air pressure in the bladder more precisely aligns and positions the fetal monitor transducer to improve imaging. In a second embodiment, the present invention includes a solid wedge-shaped protrusion extending below the bottom surface of the housing and adapted to rotate about 360-degrees to enable a care-giver to selectively position the wedge and thus align the associated transducer for optimal readings of fetal heart rate.

Abstract: A method for detecting decompression of tires based on the rotational speed of wheels mounted on a vehicle, comprising the steps of: detecting the rotational speed of each of the above-mentioned wheels, determining the speed against ground of the vehicle, calculating the speed information of a fixed wheel from the rotational speeds of said wheels, calculating the judgment value of the wheel position by comparing the speed information of the wheels with the speed against ground of the vehicle, comparing the judgment value of the wheel position with the basis value of the wheel position obtained by preliminarily comparing the speed against ground of the vehicle with the speed information of the wheels at prescribed inner pressure, and judging decompression of tires based on relation between the comparison value of the basis value with the judgment value and a fixed threshold. A region of judging decompression of tires can be broadened and the accuracy of reduced pressure judgment can be improved.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an inflatable apparatus is provided. In an embodiment, an apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a top surface. The apparatus also includes a bottom surface connected to the top surface in a substantially airtight manner. The top surface and the bottom surface collectively define a substantially airtight chamber. The substantially airtight chamber generally has an exterior shape of a star. An internal wall extending from the top surface to the bottom surface is also provided. The internal wall is attached to the top surface and to the bottom surface in a substantially airtight manner. The internal wall, top surface and bottom surface collectively define a void. The void is contained within the bounds of the airtight chamber, the top surface and the bottom surface. The exterior shape of the apparatus includes a central portion and a plurality of lobes. The central portion includes the void. Each lobe of the plurality of lobes extends radially from the central portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for actively manipulating fluid flow over a surface using synthetic pulsators. Synthetic pulsators produce pulsed jet operable to manipulate the primary fluid flow proximate to the synthetic pulsator. The synthetic pulsator includes a synthetic jet actuator(s) located within an ambient pressure chamber, wherein the synthetic jet actuator is operable to produce an oscillatory flow. The oscillatory flow of the synthetic jet(s) produces the pulsed jet operable to manipulate the primary fluid flow. These synthetic pulsators may then be actively manipulated to control the flow behavior of the ducted fluid flow, influence the inception point and trajectory of flow field vortices within the fluid flow, and reduce flow separation within the primary fluid flow.

Abstract: An inflation/deflation assembly, which can be mounted upon the inflation valve assembly of an inflatable bag, so as to permit both the inflation and deflation of the inflatable as may be desired. The inflation/deflation assembly comprises an outer housing, and a control rod is rotatably disposed within the housing so as to be rotatably movable between two positions angularly spaced apart from each other. When the control rod is disposed, for example, at a first one of the two positions, the inflatable bag can be inflated, whereas, when the control rod is disposed at the second one of the two positions, the inflatable bag can be deflated.

Abstract: A floor pump comprises a base means; a cylinder means having a first end coupled to the base means and a second end, with a cross-sectional area of the first end of the cylinder means larger than the second end of the cylinder means; a linkage means partially disposed in the cylinder means and communicating with the base means; and a hose having a first end, which is coupled to the base means and communicating with the linkage means, and a second end coupled to a thing desired to be inflated.

Abstract: A tire-repair bottle includes a latex bottle, a balloon mounted in an inlet of the bottle, a connector fastened to an extension tube at the inlet of the bottle and connected to an air compressor through an air hose, a connector fastened to an extension tube at an outlet of the bottle to hold a one-way valve and to secure a fluid hose for connection to a tire to be repaired. When the balloon is inflated by the air compressor to increase the pressure inside the bottle, the one-way valve is opened for enabling latex to flow out of the bottle through the flow guide into the tire that is connected to the connector at the outlet of the bottle, and the balloon explodes when inflated to a predetermined status to touch a sharp point of the bottle, for enabling compressed air to enter the tire.

Abstract: A hooded valve and valve assembly for use in inflatable objects, especially inflatable balls with an internal bladder that are inflated through insertion of an air needle, are disclosed. The valve includes an exterior chamber for easy insertion of the needle, a closed central portion for retention of air once the needle is removed, and a flexible interior chamber for enabling air to flow from the needle and to prevent the needle from puncturing the ball or the bladder.

Abstract: A valve device for an inflatable object includes a seat body, a valve body with a deformable surrounding wall which is movable between a vaulted position, where inflating air is admitted through an inflating port, and a depressed position, where the inflating port is closed by a tubular plug member of the seat body, a check valve unit which is disposed in the tubular plug member to be closed and opened by virtue of a pressure differential established between an internal air pressure within the inflatable object and a back pressure of the inflating air, and a plunger rod which extends from a valve disc of the check valve unit and which is operable to cause the check valve unit to open so as to allow a small amount of air to escape from the inflatable object.

Abstract: The present invention is a valve for use in a central tire inflation system including a casing securable to the rim of a vehicle in communication with the tire that houses a main body connectable to a pressurized fluid supply of the central tire inflation system, and a valve member moveable within the main body to control the flow of air through the valve. The valve can be mounted flush on the exterior surface of the rim or in a recessed position within the rim, and can be connected to a manifold that is able to control the flow of pressurized fluid from the central tire inflation system to each valve and tire connected to the valve. The operation of the manifold and pressurized fluid supply can be controlled utilizing a controller operably connected to the manifold and fluid supply.

Abstract: A support cushion for fast inflation and deflation comprises an air pouch and an air valve located on the air pouch. The air valve includes a valve base, a valve cover, a valve pillar and a locking member. The valve base has at least one air vent leading to the air pouch. The valve cover is coupled on the valve base to form an accommodating trough to accommodate the valve pillar. The valve pillar has a first opening and a second opening communicated with each other. The valve pillar also has a first position relative to the valve base to allow air to pass and a second position to block the airflow. The locking member can receive a turning force to drive the valve pillar to switch between the first and second positions. Operation is simpler and faster switch can be achieved, and leakage of air can be avoided.

Abstract: A valve for a ball includes a casing and a core. The core is arranged at least partially inside the casing. The core comprises a first sealing area with a plurality of sections which have alternating concave and convex curvatures.

Abstract: An inflating nozzle assembly has a housing, two nozzles and a pushing device. The housing has two nozzle chambers and two outlets. The nozzles are mounted respectively in the first nozzle chamber, and one of the nozzles has a nozzle body, a nozzle rod and a spring. The nozzle body has at least one inlet. The nozzle rod is movably mounted in the nozzle body and has a sealing protrusion to divide two communication segments in the nozzle body. The spring is connected to the nozzle rod to keep one of the communication segments of the axial hole from communicating with the at least one inlet in the first nozzle body. Accordingly, an airflow led through the outlets of the housing can be automatically switched by inserting different types of air valves into the corresponding outlets.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly comprising an electromechanical device and a self-sealing valve, and in particular, to any inflatable device that includes the assembly. In one embodiment, the assembly comprises a valve housing defining an opening through which fluid can be provided to the inflatable device, a flexible diaphragm assembly that is configured to self-seal the opening with sufficient fluid pressure in the inflatable device and to open under sufficient fluid pressure from a fluid moving device, to provide fluid through the opening to and seal the inflatable device. The assembly further comprises an electromechanical device including an actuating arm, having a first position in which the actuating arm urges open the self-sealing valve and a second position in which the actuating arm does not act upon the self-sealing valve, so as to regulate an amount of fluid within the inflatable device. With this arrangement, a small, low power, low duty cycle electromechanical device can be used.

Abstract: An inflatable structure may be formed from a single piece of flexible film using a provided method of manufacturing. The inflatable structure may include quilting seals which divide the inflatable chamber. The inflatable structure may also include an external valve opening extending through multiple layers of the flexible film. The external valve opening may further be partially defined by edge portions of the flexible film formed by folding the flexible film. The external valve opening may be configured to align with an opening in a container or an inflation aperture in a pouch so that the inflatable structure can be inflated while inside the container/pouch. A corresponding inflation device fills the inflatable structure with air and may do so without requiring heat sealing or contact between the inflatable structure and outlet of the inflation device. A hinged plate apparatus may assist in directing air into the external valve opening.

Abstract: An air bladder valve arrangement includes a tube having a cavity therein, the cavity having a plurality of chambers, each chamber being associated with one or more air bladder chambers, a stem positioned within the tube, the stem having a plurality of plungers, each plunger being positioned within a chamber of the cavity of the tube, each plunger being configured to selectively open and close communication of air between adjacent chambers of the cavity of the tube, wherein the stem is movable relative to the tube to position each of the plurality of the plungers to selectively open and close communication of air between adjacent chambers.

Abstract: An inflatable structure generally includes a valve formed between a pair of edge portions and an internal edge portion formed of a flexible film such that an enclosed chamber of the inflatable structure substantially envelops the internal edge portion. The valve and remainder of the inflatable structure can be formed from a single piece of flexible film using a method of manufacturing an inflatable structure from a continuous web of flexible film. A corresponding inflation device fills the inflatable structure with air and may do so without requiring heat sealing or contact between the inflatable structure and outlet of the inflation device. The inflation device may include a mechanical registration device which can engage an optional locator aperture in the inflatable structure such as to assist in temporarily locating the outlet of the source of pressurized air proximate to the valve in the inflatable structure.

Abstract: Pump connector for Presta valve is disclosed in which one end of a pump connector valve seal is formed with a hollow chamber, and is disposed inside a space of a cap having a channel. The hollow chamber is assembled with a valve seal insert which includes a through hole. The second end of the through hole is formed with an inner edge corresponding to the shape of the shoulder section of the Presta valve. An end cap is assembled with the cap for preventing the pump connector valve seal from separating from the cap. Accordingly, the Presta valve can be screwed together with a first internal thread of the cap, and at the same time the shoulder section of the Presta valve is tightly fitted to the inner edge of the valve seal insert for direct inflation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly comprising an electromechanical device and a self-sealing valve, and in particular, to any inflatable device that includes the assembly. In one embodiment, the assembly comprises a valve housing defining an opening through which fluid can be provided to the inflatable device, a flexible diaphragm assembly that is configured to self-seal the opening with sufficient fluid pressure in the inflatable device and to open under sufficient fluid pressure from a fluid moving device, to provide fluid through the opening to and seal the inflatable device. The assembly further comprises an electromechanical device including an actuating arm, having a first position in which the actuating arm urges open the self-sealing valve and a second position in which the actuating arm does not act upon the self-sealing valve, so as to regulate an amount of fluid within the inflatable device. With this arrangement, a small, low power, low duty cycle electromechanical device can be used.

Abstract: An air nozzle for an automatically inflatable air cushion includes a mounting seat, a connecting pipe having a first end mounted on the mounting seat and a second end formed with a passage connected to the mounting seat, a control valve including a valve body movably mounted on the connecting pipe and a valve cap mounted on the valve body and provided with a protruding seal portion that is movable to seal the passage, and an elastic member to push the seal portion outwardly relative to the passage. Thus, the air nozzle can be locked quickly and exactly to interrupt the air flow to prevent the air flow from being returned into the automatically inflatable air cushion.

Abstract: A cargo or dunnage air bag inflation and deflation system comprises an inflation-deflation valve member, a cap-type plug member, and an air gun implement having a fill nozzle and an exhaust nozzle mounted upon opposite ends thereof for respective connection to the valve member in order to perform inflation and deflation operations. The valve member comprises a flapper or check valve element pivotally mounted upon the valve member so as to permit inflation or deflation of the cargo or dunnage air bag when the flapper or check valve element is moved away from its valve seat, and to substantially maintain the cargo or dunnage air bag in its inflated state when the flappper or check valve element is effectively seated upon its valve seat.

Abstract: An air pump nozzle includes a housing with an inflation hole. An inner space of the housing lodges a block assembly seat having a compartment at an end. The compartment lodges a block member having an insertion hole. A needle tube with an air outlet is inserted through the insertion hole and is retained to avoid being disaffiliated from the block member. The design of separate needle tube and block assembly seat can simplify the manufacturing procedure and product assembly, as well as reduce the manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A valve stem assembly for clamping tire pressure detector has a valve stem and a fastener. The valve stem has an outer section and an inner section. The inner section has a distal end, an outlet hole, a sidewall and a side fixing hole. The distal end has a domical surface. The outlet hole is centrally formed through the domical surface. The side fixing hole is formed in the inner section, is oblique to the outlet hole and communicates with the outlet hole inside the inner section. The fastener corresponds to the outlet hole and the side fixing hole and is selectively and detachably and selectively screwed into the outlet hole or the side fixing hole to hold a tire pressure detector on the valve stem assembly.

Abstract: An automated system for inflating balloons. A balloon inflator comprises an electronic control system that activates the pressurized gas source to inflate a balloon. The balloons are fed through the inflator on a belt and, at the appropriate time as governed by the electronic control system, pressurized gas is emitted into a balloon. Once the balloon bursts or is removed from the inflator, the belt is advanced and that the next balloon is inflated. In the preferred embodiment, the system comprises multiple inflators and the electronic control system is operated remotely using radio frequency signals.

Abstract: A rapid inflation device for connecting a forced air supply source to the air nozzle of a tire that has an air valve mounted therein for controlling input and output of air is disclosed to include a casing for connection to the air nozzle, an air intake connector rotatably mounted on the casing for the connection of the forced air supply source, and a valve pickup device for carrying the air valve away from the air nozzle to let forced air pass from the forced air supply source into the inside of the tire freely or to let tire air be discharged out of the tire through the same circulation path. By means of rotating the air intake connector forwards or backwards, the forced air supply source is connected to or disconnected from the rapid inflation device.

Abstract: A valve connector of an air pump includes a case with a channel and a guiding room therein. The channel is communicated with the guiding room. Two valve connector assemblies are provided in the case, each of which has a tunnel communicated with the guiding room, wherein the tunnels form apertures on a sidewall of the guiding room. A switching device is received in the guiding room and pivoted on the sidewall of the guiding room. The switching device has two arms on opposite sides of a pivot axle thereof. The arms are moved toward or away from the apertures respectively when the switching device is swung to close or open the apertures.

Abstract: A method for detecting decompression of tires based on the rotational speed of wheels mounted on a vehicle, comprising the steps of: detecting the rotational speed of each of the above-mentioned wheels, determining the speed against ground of the vehicle, calculating the speed information of a fixed wheel from the rotational speeds of said wheels, calculating the judgment value of the wheel position by comparing the speed information of the wheels with the speed against ground of the vehicle, comparing the judgment value of the wheel position with the basis value of the wheel position obtained by preliminarily comparing the speed against ground of the vehicle with the speed information of the wheels at prescribed inner pressure, and judging decompression of tires based on relation between the comparison value of the basis value with the judgment value and a fixed threshold. A region of judging decompression of tires can be broadened and the accuracy of reduced pressure judgment can be improved.

Abstract: A connector with a screw valve is described that attaches to the end of the outlet tube, remains closed unless it is completely screwed onto a tire valve and then opens when it is screwed directly onto a valve, such as a tire valve.

Abstract: A valve for an inflatable includes both inflation/deflation and pressure release functions. The valve has a housing which receives a core, a spring, and a nut. The nut is threadably received by the core and slidably received by the housing, and holds the core and spring in place within the housing. The inflation function includes a one way valve, and the release pressure of the pressure release function may both be adjusted and disabled.

Abstract: A purge block comprised of latex and, mandrel dip molded in a continuous piece, with a housing bulb on one end of an elongated hollow tube capable of withstanding minimal inflation to fill the chamber in varying tube diameters, sealed at the end of the tube with a “Schrader” valve insertion, sealed with heat shrink tape, and capped with a hard rubber cap to prevent damage to metal tube. The valve and elongated tube or carriage serves as the conduit to inflate the bulbous end with argon or another inert gas. Upon inflation, the block serves to isolate small, purgable tube areas for tie in work and final welds, frequently at valves, and valves adjacent to curved tubing.

Abstract: A valve assembly for a dunnage bag wherein in one embodiment of the valve a valve diaphragm is mounted on a shaft and is supported by a mounting bar such that the valve diaphragm may be reciprocally moved from the closed position to the open position by a simple axial push on the valve shaft. The valve shaft is retained in the mounting bar in an orifice and the shaft diameter is enlarged at its end distant from the valve diaphragm so as to generate a frictional force fit or lock in the open position to facilitate the removal of air from the bag. The valve may be released form the friction lock by the air pressure of a recharged bag and/or by the manual movement of the valve diaphragm and shaft axially toward the open end of the valve assembly. In an alternate embodiment, the valve diaphragm is mounted to a valve stem that it rotationally and axially moveably connected to the valve body.

Abstract: A tire, the tread comprising rubber compounds and including a wear limit surface. At least one wireless temperature measurement system based on surface acoustic wave or bulk acoustic wave technology is embedded in a region of a rubber compound, said region being radially to the outside of a surface radially to the inside of the wear limit surface and the surface radially to the inside of the wear limit surface being, in the unworn state, at a distance from the outer surface of the tread of at most 95% of the thickness of the tread.

Abstract: An air valve device is adapted to be fitted into an opening of an inflatable article, and includes a valve seat formed with a valve body that is disposed between an inflating port and a conduit, an axially movable member having a valve disc which is disposed in the conduit to be moved between open and closed positions, and a plunger which is connected to the valve disc and which has a head end disposed in the inflating port, a biasing member disposed to bias the valve disc to the closed position, and a releasably retaining mechanism disposed between the valve seat and the plunger to arrest axial movement of the movable member against the biasing action of the biasing member when the valve disc is in the open position, thereby facilitating inflation and deflation of the inflatable article.

Abstract: A check valve that reduces leakage caused by flapping is disclosed. The shape of the heat seals focus the flow of gas in the valve so that the flapping that results from using elongated parallel heat seals is reduced. Alternative embodiments also enable tying of balloons while reducing the risk of leaking. Balloons can also be inflated at a greater rate without risk of leakage thereby reducing labor costs and the reduction in leaks also reduces the return of faulty products.