Abstract: A drinking straw may include an outer layer defining an exterior of the drinking straw and an internal space of the drinking straw. The drinking straw may also include an upper end and a lower end. Each of the upper end and the lower end may define a respective opening. The drinking straw may further include a movable cover disposed within the internal space at the lower end covering the opening at the lower end.

Abstract: A valve assembly for an exhaust system of a vehicle comprises a housing defining an inlet, an outlet, and a longitudinally extending exhaust gas passageway in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet. The valve assembly further comprises a valve flap disposed in the housing and rotatable between a first position restricting exhaust gas flow through the exhaust gas passageway, and a second position whereat exhaust gas flow through the exhaust gas passageway is less restricted. A mass damper is disposed within the exhaust gas passageway and attached to the valve flap. The mass damper includes end portions and an intermediate portion disposed between the end portions with the intermediate portion having a thickness that is greater than a thickness of the end portions. The mass damper is positioned proximate an inner surface of the housing and positioned between the valve flap and the housing when the valve flap is at the second position.

Abstract: A ventilating device for ventilating a vehicle includes a frame defining an opening and a closing device including at least one closing flap extending in a general direction in the opening. The closing device is movable between open and closed positions such that a passage surface for the air through the ventilating device is smaller than the passage surface for the air when the closing device is in the open position. The flap is movable between open and closed positions and is mounted pivotably on the frame in order to pivot between the open and closed positions. The closing device includes a guide system for guiding the flap, which is arranged between two ends of the flap and includes a guide slot and a pin moving in the guide slot between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: Barrier (1) for being installed at least partly within a sewage pipe, wherein said barrier (1) comprises two support wings (4) forming an outer shell of said barrier, one or more shutters (6), at least one shutter guide mechanism (7), and a mounting tube (8), and wherein said barrier (1) having a pipe shaped outer shell installable in the sewage pipe, and said barrier having a longitudinal axis X along said pipe shaped outer shell, wherein said shutter (6) is partly covered by said support wings (4), and wherein said support wings (4) are placed along the longitudinal axis X, wherein said support wings (4) are adapted to pivot about a wing hinge (10) positioned on a frame housing (9) of said barrier, wherein said barrier is adapted for having said shutter (6) capable of pivoting about a shutter hinge (15) provided in said frame housing (9) of said barrier, where said shutter (6) having a closed position and a more or less open position, where the shutter (6) is capable of pivoting from a substantially vertica

Abstract: A butterfly valve has a rod connected to a DD motor and disposed along a direction orthogonal to a flow path, and a butterfly valve body that is linked to the rod and that opens and closes the flow path due to the rod being rotated by the DD motor, wherein a linking body center of gravity, which is the center of gravity of a rotating liking body having at least the rod and the butterfly valve body as constituent members, is positioned on an axial line of a rotating shaft of the DD motor.

Abstract: A housing has a housing main body and an outlet port. The housing main body includes a cylindrical housing inner wall that defines an internal space therein. The outlet port fluidly connects the internal space and an outside of the housing main body to each other. The valve has a valve body rotatable about an rotation axis along a rotation axis of the cylindrical housing inner wall. The valve is configured to selectively open and close the outlet port depending on a rotation position of the valve. The housing inner wall is formed such that a distance between the housing inner wall and the axis of the housing inner wall varies in a circumferential direction.

Abstract: A flapper valve comprising a generally rigid flap which is mounted within a flexible body coating. The hinge in the flexible body is formed by using an internal reinforcement material having a permeated structure which allows for the body material to penetrate through the reinforcement material during the valve formation. This provides for a more sturdy hinge which better resists wear.

Abstract: A pneumatic ABS valve device for a pneumatic brake system of a vehicle comprises a check valve mechanism for enabling a supply air flow from a supply port to a delivery port and blocking an air flow in the reverse direction. The check valve mechanism comprises a quick release insert disposed in an insert chamber, the quick release insert being placeable in a basic position for providing a chamber passage in the insert chamber enabling the supply air flow. The quick release insert is displaceable by an air pressure difference from the basic position into an activated blocking position, in which the chamber passage is at least diminished with respect to its basic position, in order to block an air flow from the supply port to the delivery port and enabling exhaust air flow.

Abstract: A valve assembly for an exhaust system of a vehicle. The valve assembly includes a housing, a valve flap and a mass damper. The housing defines an inlet, an outlet, and a longitudinally extending exhaust gas passageway in fluid communication with the inlet and the outlet. The valve flap is disposed in the housing and is rotatable between a first position restricting exhaust gas flow through the exhaust gas passageway, and a second position whereat exhaust gas flow through the exhaust gas passageway is less restricted. The mass damper is disposed within the exhaust gas passageway. The mass damper is attached to the valve flap and comprise of a material having a high density. The mass damper is shielded from the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust gas passageway when the valve flap is in the second position.

Abstract: A blow case with an inlet pipe positioned to gravity direct debris to an outlet pipe. The inlet pipe having a discharge end sealed by gravity open clapper style check valve that is closed by activation of pneumatic pressure through a float style pneumatic valve. The check valve has a top mounted access port and aperture allowing for direct above ground servicing access to both the clapper inside the valve and has a removable clapper and access port for servicing the outlet pipe. The float style pneumatic valve is also top mounted for ease of service and removal and is remotely positioned from the outlet pipe to allow for removal of the valve for flushing of the debris from the blow case.

Abstract: A damper valve assembly for an exhaust system of a vehicle includes a valve housing and a valve flap. The valve housing is adapted to be attached to a pipe of the exhaust system and defines an opening. The valve flap is rotatable relative to the valve housing and about a pivot axis between a first position whereat fluid flow through the opening of the valve housing is restricted and a second position whereat fluid flow through the opening of the valve housing is allowed. The valve flap includes a body and a mass damper. The mass damper is integral with the body and includes a plurality of segments that are folded so that the plurality of segments are in a stacked arrangement.

Abstract: Valve assemblies include a valve body having a fluid passage through the valve body and a valve member disposed in a chamber of the valve body. The valve assembly further includes a first seat and a second seat, where both seats are configured to contact and provide a seal between the valve body and the valve member to at least partially inhibit fluid flow through the fluid passage. Methods of providing a seal in a valve include forcing a primary seat into a seat portion of a valve body to provide a seal between a valve member and the valve body with the primary seat and deflecting at least one arm of a secondary seat to provide another seal between the valve member and the valve body with the secondary seat.

Abstract: A valve assembly adapted for use in oil and gas operations. In one aspect, the valve assembly includes a valve body defining an internal region, an inlet passageway, and an outlet passageway, the inlet and outlet passageways extending into the internal region; a valve seat connected to the valve body and defining a fluid passageway; a clapper extending within the internal region and defining an annular groove; and a seal extending within the annular groove of the clapper and adapted to sealingly engage the valve seat. In an example embodiment, the clapper is actuable between an open configuration, in which fluid flow is permitted through the fluid passageway; and a closed configuration, in which the seal sealingly engages the valve seat to at least partially restrict fluid flow through the fluid passageway.

Abstract: Curtain wall based drain opening apparatus comprises a drainage element extending outwardly from, and in fluid communication with, a concealed horizontal water flow channel associated with a stationary first frame element of an inwardly pivotable window assembly and adapted to receive infiltrated water, wherein the drainage element passes through a second frame element which is laterally spaced from two adjacent fixed panels of a curtain wall and is exposed to atmospheric air.

Abstract: A one continuous resilient plastic moldable piece, intended to promote: a secure “Snap-on” connection to the outflow end of a corrugated plastic drain pipe, toward an unobstructed flow of effluent from, and toward a deterrence to rodent entry into same.

Abstract: A check valve comprises a valve housing defining a valve opening and a pair of flapper elements pivotably mounted to the valve housing for rotation relative to the housing between an open position in which they permit fluid flow through the valve opening and a closed position in which they prevent fluid flow through the valve opening. Each flapper element comprises at least one bumper element arranged to engage a stop when in the open position, the bumper element comprising an elastically deformable tongue extending from an upper surface of the flapper element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flap (214) for an air extractor (210), in particular of a motor vehicle, said flap comprising a rigid or semi-rigid wall (242), articulation means (240) to allow a pivoting of the flap about an axis (A) substantially parallel to the wall, and at least one counterweight at a distance from said wall and removably connected to said wall (242). It also relates to an air extractor (210), in particular of a motor vehicle, comprising a support (212) having at least one window (218) defining an opening for the passage of air and at least one flap as described above and movable between a position of closure of the opening and a position of opening up this opening.

Abstract: A valve assembly for an exhaust system includes a conduit, a valve flap disposed within an exhaust passageway for controlling exhaust flow through the exhaust passageway, a shaft supporting the valve flap in the exhaust passageway for rotation about a pivot axis, and a mass damper disposed external to the conduit and coupled to the shaft. The mass damper includes a longitudinal segment coupled to the shaft. The mass damper also includes a first damping mass that is disposed proximal to a first end of the longitudinal segment and is linearly movable along a centerline axis to a first distance with respect to the pivot axis. The mass damper further includes a second damping mass that is disposed proximal to a second end of the longitudinal segment and is linearly movable along the centerline axis to a second distance with respect to the pivot axis.

Abstract: A liquid container lid assembly includes a straw having an internal one-way valve and a grommet seal for sealing against the straw. As a result, the disclosed liquid container lid assembly allows a consumer (such as a child) to drink from the straw while preventing accidental spillage without the need for the child to manipulate any part of the lid assembly (such as a lock or valve release). In other words, the liquid container lid assembly is always in a no-spill configuration while simultaneously allowing a consumer to drink from the straw.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flap (14) for an air extractor (10), in particular of a motor vehicle, said flap comprising a rigid or semi-rigid wall (42) and articulation means (40) to allow a pivoting of the flap about an axis (A) substantially parallel to the wall, wherein the articulation means are located on a single edge (44) of the wall. The articulation means are spaced from said wall and comprise a swivel element (40). The swivel elements are preferably spherical or rod shaped. It also relates to an air extractor (10), in particular of a motor vehicle, comprising a support (12) having at least one window defining an opening for the passage of air and at least one flap (14) as described above and movable between a position of closure of the opening and a position of opening up this opening.

Abstract: High pressure loop exhaust gas circulation is achieved in an exhaust system (10) of an engine (12) by providing an adjustable valve (100) in an exhaust passage (18) of the engine (12). The valve (100) is configured to control fluid flow through the passage (18) and generate pressure to drive the high pressure exhaust gas recirculation. The valve (100) includes a valve inner surface (110) that has a curvilinear profile when viewed in longitudinal cross section. An actuator (140) is connected to the valve (100), and is configured to move the valve (100) relative to the exhaust passage (18) so as to control exhaust gas pressure within the exhaust passage (18). In some embodiments, a pilot tube (280) is used in combination with the valve (100) to generate high pressure exhaust gas recirculation at the engine (12) intake.

Abstract: A valve assembly adapted for use in oil and gas operations. In one aspect, the valve assembly includes a valve body defining an internal region, an inlet passageway, and an outlet passageway, the inlet and outlet passageways extending into the internal region; a valve seat connected to the valve body and defining a fluid passageway; a clapper extending within the internal region and defining an annular groove; and a seal extending within the annular groove of the clapper and adapted to sealingly engage the valve seat. In an example embodiment, the clapper is actuable between an open configuration, in which fluid flow is permitted through the fluid passageway; and a closed configuration, in which the seal sealingly engages the valve seat to at least partially restrict fluid flow through the fluid passageway.

Abstract: A check valve comprises a valve housing defining a valve opening. A pair of mounting posts is arranged on opposite sides of the opening. A pair of flapper elements is pivotably mounted for rotation between an open position and a closed position. The flapper elements are mounted to hinge pins mounted to respective mounting posts. A base portion of the hinge pins is formed with a sleeve having a bore which is slidably mounted on a hinge pin mounting portion of a respective mounting post.

Abstract: The present subject matter describes a suturing ring for a prosthetic heart valve. The suturing ring has a variable annular thickness reducing continuously from a mid-circumferential plane of the suturing ring towards a top peripheral edge and a bottom peripheral edge of the suturing ring.

Abstract: An extrusion for a multiple configuration window base frame is disclosed. In one aspect, the frame includes a main body defining an interior-side surface and an opposite opening-side surface extending between first and second ends. To facilitate use with different window types, part or all of the opening-side surface can be formed in a parallel arrangement with the interior-side surface. The frame can include a first attachment arrangement located proximate the main body first end that is configured for attachment to one or more cladding members. In one aspect, the first attachment arrangement includes a first clip member having a first outer portion and a first inner portion that define a first female receiving area and having a first overhang portion extending at least partially across the female receiving area to enable a snap-fit connection between the main body and the cladding member.

Abstract: A grate (111)-covered gutter (110) of a paved part of the earth's surface (100) is temporarily closed off by means of a closing organ (130), the gutter (110) being connected to a sewage pipe (120). Thus, the draining away of contaminating liquid can be prevented. The closing organ (130) includes a valve (131 fitted rotatably in the gutter (110). The valve (131) can be in a first stable position wherein the valve (131) seals. The valve can also be in a second stable position in which the valve (131) releases the gutter (110) for the discharge of liquid (rainwater) to the sewage pipe.

Abstract: A blow case with an inlet pipe positioned to gravity direct debris to an outlet pipe. The inlet pipe having a discharge end sealed by gravity open clapper style check valve that is closed by activation of pneumatic pressure through a float style pneumatic valve. The check valve has a top mounted access port and aperture allowing for direct above ground servicing access to both the clapper inside the valve and has a removable clapper and access port for servicing the outlet pipe. The float style pneumatic valve is also top mounted for ease of service and removal and is remotely positioned from the outlet pipe to allow for removal of the valve for flushing of the debris from the blow case.

Abstract: Pick hole guards are provided for use in guarding pick holes on manhole covers. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the pick hole guards can have a base, biasing member, and guard member. The biasing member can be attached to the base and guard member, and can bias the guard member toward a pick hole on the manhole cover to guard the pick hole. In other embodiments, the pick hole guards do not have movable guard members, but instead have retaining surfaces to serve as a receptacle for catching waste disposed through a pick hole.

Abstract: A coating applicator vehicle is configured to selectively discharge a flow of liquid emulsion and aggregate onto a roadway. The vehicle includes a rolling chassis and a powered spraying assembly supported by the chassis. The spraying assembly includes a spray bar assembly including a shiftable spray boom and a plurality of spray nozzles.

Abstract: A mist-generating device that can be connected to a vehicle's Low Direct Current Voltage (LDCV) power supply is disclosed. The device can be used to treat mold, bacteria and clean or remove odors on exposed and hard-to-reach surfaces of the interior of a car. The device can include a unique filling system that can be used to prevent foreign materials from entering into the unit, including fluids or substances that would deteriorate the performance of the unit or the components of the device itself. The inside of the device can include an internal anti-foam and anti-splash structure designed to keep electronic components dry and reduce the foaming and turbulence of the fluid being misted. Further, the inside of the device in one embodiment is split into three adjacent areas, which govern efficient flow of air and atomized chemicals through the device.

Abstract: A check valve housing for a check valve is provided and includes check valve housing body. First and second hinge supports extend from the check valve housing body. A stop is coupled to the first and second hinge supports. The first hinge support includes a first hinge pin interface having a first hinge pin hole to receive a hinge pin. A ratio of a diameter of the first hinge pin hole to a thickness of the first hinge pin interface is between 2.44 and 2.66.

Abstract: A fluid control drinking device is provided for reducing the backflow of fluid from a drinking straw into a larger container after a user has ceased drawing a vacuum on the outlet end. The device comprises a fluid conduit and a check valve. The conduit may be a standard drinking straw or similar structure. The check valve is a one-way hinge closure which acts as a sealing flap. Suction is applied by a drinking user, which results in the sealing flap rotating upwardly about its hinge. In this open position, liquid is allowed to flow through the conduit and past the sealing flap so that a user may drink from the straw outlet end. Cessation of suction causes the flap to return to a resting state, sealing off the fluid conduit and preventing fluid from returning to the container. In this way, the straw is continually filed with liquid, illuminating large pockets of air that the user ingests upon a subsequent suction.

Abstract: An insert is provided for insertion through an opening in the surface of a conduit, the insert comprising an insert body having first and second open ends defining an axis of flow therebetween. The insert further comprises a valve flap connected to the insert body. The valve flap is movable between a closed position in which it creates a closure, thereby preventing flow along said axis, and an open position in which the valve flap allows flow along the axis. The valve flap is arranged so that, when in the open position, it is substantially U-shaped in side cross-section and is oriented with respect to the insert body so that said U-shape arches over the axis of flow.

Abstract: A non-return valve mechanism comprises a tubular member (1) having a substantially constant external diameter whereby the tubular member can be inserted into a pipe (5) from an open end thereof. A pivotable closure member (9) is provided at one end of the tubular member for closing the end of the tubular member, the closure member being adapted to be positioned externally of the pipe. At least one seal (3) extends around the external periphery of the tubular member for sealing with an internal surface of the pipe into which the tubular member is inserted.

Abstract: A valve assembly, including a seat and a flapper complementarily formed with respect to the seat for creating a seal at an interface therebetween. At least one shim is operatively disposed in the valve assembly for altering a position of the flapper relative to the seat in at least one direction for aligning the flapper and the seat at the interface. A method of aligning the flapper and seat of a valve assembly is also included.

Abstract: A differential dry pipe valve is provided having a body including an inlet chamber having an inlet port, an exit chamber having an exit port, and a gasket flange positioned between the inlet and exit chambers facing the exit port, the inlet and exit ports being substantially aligned. The valve also includes a gasket attached to the gasket flange and an openable cover hingedly attached to the body. The gasket has an inner water lip in fluid communication with the inlet chamber and an outer air lip surrounding the water lip. The spacing between the water lip and air lip varies. The air and water lips are coaxial. The cover is configured to be sealingly engaged with the seal when in a closed position and to be sealingly disengaged in an open position when the pressure in the exit chamber is lower than the pressure in the inlet chamber. When the cover is in the open position, a direction of a path between the inlet and exit ports is substantially unaltered.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a backwater valve assembly comprising a main valve body, a flapper sub-assembly, and a cap. The main valve body has an inner wall that can define a recess into which the flapper sub-assembly can be removably secured. The flapper sub-assembly includes at least one flapper element that can pivot between an open position, in which the flapper element allows fluid to flow through the backwater valve assembly, and a closed position, in which the flapper element prevents fluid from flowing in the opposite direction. The flapper sub-assembly can be removably coupled to the cap to allow the flapper sub-assembly and cap to be installed in or removed from the main valve body together as a unitary assembly.

Abstract: A system and a method for actuating a sealing element (101) of a check valve (100) are shown wherein the sealing element (101) is forced to a non-sealing position corresponding to an opening degree of the valve (100) equal to or higher than a first predefined opening degree when the increase of the opening degree with respect to the sealing position (T) is equal to or higher than a predefined threshold. In this way, the problem of vibration or “chattering” of the sealing element of the valve is efficiently prevented.

Abstract: An anchor valve for security is disclosed. The anchor valve includes a check valve with a flapper for preventing a contaminant from entering the fluid supply system. Contaminants that are outboard of the anchor valve are unable to pass by and are expelled when the fluid supply valve is opened. The anchor valve may include an access cover for maintenance and inspection of the flapper and the check valve.

Abstract: In a device for discharging tire sealing agent from a container which can be connected to a pressure source and to a tire valve, a check valve is provided in the connection to the pressure source and/or in the connection to the tire valve.

Abstract: An insert is provided for insertion through an opening in the surface of a conduit, the insert comprising an insert body having first and second open ends defining an axis of flow therebetween. The insert further comprises a valve flap connected to the insert body. The valve flap is movable between a closed position in which it creates a closure, thereby preventing flow along said axis, and an open position in which the valve flap allows flow along the axis. The valve flap is arranged so that, when in the open position, it is substantially U-shaped in side cross-section and is oriented with respect to the insert body so that said U-shape arches over the axis of flow.

Abstract: Apparatus useful for allowing the flow of liquid down through a pluming fixture to a destination below it and limiting or preventing the backflow of gas from the destination up into the pluming fixture includes a frame and a disc pivotably connected thereto. The disc is biased in a closed position and pivotably moveable into an open position upon the application of sufficient forces acting on the upper surface thereof caused by fluid from the plumbing fixture.

Abstract: A transport and storage container for fluids having a check valve that allows the contents of the storage container to be substantially completely emptied. A valve housing of the check valve has a valve face against which a valve flap rests against in its closed state.

Abstract: An electronic device includes an air dam module. The air dam module includes a frame and a rotating member. The frame defines a vent. The rotating member is received in the vent and includes a pivot rotatably connected to midpoints of opposite sides of the frame, a first shield plate extending up from a top side of the pivot, to vertically block an upper half of the vent. In addition, a second shield plate heavier than the first shield plate and extending down from a bottom side of the pivot, to vertically block a lower half of the vent by gravity.

Abstract: An electronic device includes an air dam module. The air dam module includes a frame defining a vent, a first rotating member, a second rotating member, and two third rotating members. The first rotating member is rotatably connected to a surface bounding the vent, to vertically block a lower half of the vent by its gravity. The second rotating member is rotatably connected to the surface bounding the vent. The third rotating members are rotatably connected to opposite ends of the second rotating member. The second and third rotating members vertically block an upper half of the vent by their gravities.

Abstract: A valve assembly, including a seat and a flapper complementarily formed with respect to the seat for creating a seal at an interface therebetween. At least one shim is operatively disposed in the valve assembly for altering a position of the flapper relative to the seat in at least one direction for aligning the flapper and the seat at the interface. A method of aligning the flapper and seat of a valve assembly is also included.

Abstract: Improved flow control assemblies for fluid systems (e.g., industrial and/or commercial systems) are provided. More particularly, the present disclosure provides for advantageous wafer check valve assemblies for fluid systems (e.g., piping systems or the like). The present disclosure provides for advantageous wafer check valve assemblies that include an angled sealing surface, which allows the disc member to seal even with the valve assembly in the horizontal position, and/or to seal without the aid of a spring. Improved, convenient, low-cost and/or effective systems and methods for utilizing improved wafer check valve assemblies in fluid systems (e.g., piping systems or the like) are provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed toward a novel pressurized vapor cycle for distilling liquids. In some embodiments of the invention, a liquid purification system is revealed, including the elements of an input for receiving untreated liquid, a vaporizer coupled to the input for transforming the liquid to vapor, a head chamber for collecting the vapor, a vapor pump with an internal drive shaft and an eccentric rotor with a rotatable housing for compressing vapor, and a condenser in communication with the vapor pump for transforming the compressed vapor into a distilled product. Other embodiments of the invention are directed toward heat management, and other process enhancements for making the system especially efficient.

Abstract: In a water flow detection device in which signals are output in response to movement of a detection rod that rotates in conjunction with the opening of a valve body, a pin that supports the detection rod is capable of being provided so as to be constantly parallel to a valve shaft of the valve body, and a water flow is capable of being accurately detected by the rotation of the detection rod while the detection rod contacts the valve body without being inclined, the detection rod rotating in response to opening and closing of the valve body. Accordingly, the water flow detection device includes a retainer and an extended block as holding members that hold the pin of the detection rod such that the pin is parallel to the valve shaft of the valve body, the retainer having a bearing for the pin, and the extended block holding the retainer to fix the retainer to the main body with a bolt.

Abstract: A top entry check valve including a valve body with an access port and clapper assembly with a compressible hanger positioned in alignment with the access port. The compressible hanger comprises a plate member stamped from a sheet of metal having at least one dimple formed in one of the upper side and the lower side and a corresponding protuberance formed on an opposing side so as to define a compressible area. A clapper is connected to the hanger so that the clapper is movable between a closed position and an open position. A closure member has an abutment surface engaging the hanger so that the hanger body is compressed between the closure member and the valve body.