Abstract: A valve (120) for controlling fluid flow therethrough in downhole applications is disclosed. The valve (120) comprises a valve housing having a valve closure mechanism (122) and a valve seat (124) disposed therein. The valve closure mechanism (122) has sealing surface (128) and a secondary load bearing surface (142). The valve seat (124) has a valve seat sealing surface (126) that mates with the sealing surface (128) of the valve closure mechanism (122). The secondary load bearing surface (142) of the valve closure mechanism (122) mates with a valve secondary load bearing surface (134) which may be supported by the valve seat (124).

Abstract: A self sealing valve includes a diaphragm (602) positioned within a valve housing (606) by a movable hanger arm (610) which suspends the diaphragm from a mounting point (612) in the center of an air inlet (614). The hanger arm (610) is a rotating diaphragm hanger that has one end secured adjacent to an inner wall (618) of the air inlet (614) by a pair of pins (634). There is a contoured section (648) between the hinge pins (634) of the inner wall which interfaces with a contoured end (650) to provide for at least four distinct interaction possibilities. A first retains the hanger arm (610) in a valve closed position. A second causes the valve to exhibit a biased closed condition. A third locks the valve open and a fourth facilitates assembly.

Abstract: An inventive dual plate check valve is provided which comprises a central anchoring fixture and an elastomer hinge fixed to the central anchoring fixture by a center post clamp. Two opposing sections of the elastomer hinge are formed on opposing sides of the center post clamp, and at least one disc member is attached to each opposing section of the elastomer hinge to form a valve plate which is pivotable about the center post clamp. In one embodiment, the central anchoring fixture forms projections on opposing sides of the center post clamp such that the lower edges of the valve plates are prevented from sliding off of the upper surface of the central anchoring fixture. In another embodiment, a stop pin is provided which extends vertically between the valve plates.

Abstract: A flapper valve assembly (110) having a biasing flapper closure assembly (102) is disclosed. The flapper valve assembly (110) comprises tubular valve housing (94) having a hinge (100) and a longitudinal hole (104). A valve seat (92) is mounted within the housing (94) having a flow passage therethrough. A flapper closure plate (86) is rotatably disposed within the housing (94) about the hinge (100). The flapper closure plate (86) is rotatable between a valve open position and a valve closed position. The flapper closure plate (86) has a notch (132) on the side opposite its sealing surface (114) that is spaced a distance (136) from the hinge (100).

Abstract: A flapper valve assembly (120) for controlling fluid flow therethrough is disclosed. The flapper valve assembly (120) comprises a tubular valve housing having a valve chamber. A valve seat (124) is mounted within the housing. The valve seat (124) has a valve seat sealing surface (126). The valve seat (124) also has an internal load bearing shoulder (134). A flapper closure plate (122) is rotatably disposed within the valve chamber. The flapper closure plate (122) is rotatable between a valve open position in which the flapper closure plate (122) is removed from the valve seat (124) and a valve closed position in which the sealing surface (128) of the flapper closure plate (122) sealingly engages the valve seat sealing surface (126) for preventing flow through the flapper valve assembly (120). The maximum travel of the flapper closure plate (122) in the closed position is defined by the internal load bearing shoulder (134) of the valve seat (124).

Abstract: A backflow prevention assembly has a unitary housing with a passage therethrough, two threaded regions formed in an inner surface of the unitary housing, and two valve assemblies positioned in the passage to prevent fluid flow in a direction. Each valve assembly has an annular mount having a threaded outer surface that engages one of the threaded regions on the inner surface of the housing. The threads can be formed by placing a die having a thread on an outer surface thereof in contact with an inner surface of the unitary housing, and pressing on the outer surface of the housing.

Abstract: A check valve device for a scroll machine is used to automatically maintain a unique flow direction of the working media. The check device is mounted on the neck of the non-orbiting scroll member of the scroll machine, in which the neck has an axle hole for defining a first passage for flowing the working media. The check valve includes a housing and a valve member. The housing has a through second passage, and couple with the neck in such a manner that a through passage is formed for connecting the first passage of the neck and the second passage of the housing. The valve member is located inside the second passage of the housing, and is formed as a plate with a pivot means to rotate along. While the scroll machine is in stop operation, the valve member is at a close position that the valve member can substantially block the flow of the working media inside the second passage.

Abstract: A check valve includes: a valve body having an inlet, an outlet, and an internal cavity, wherein the inlet, outlet and cavity are in fluid communication and define a flow path; a disk positioned within the cavity, a hinge pin assembly pivotally interconnecting the valve body and the disk; a biasing device associated with the disk for biasing the disk toward the closed position; and an indicator associated with the hinge pin assembly and attached to the valve body. The disk pivots about a pivot axis between a closed position, in which the disk contacts a seat surface within the cavity, thereby preventing fluid flow along the flow path between the inlet and the outlet, and an open position, in which the disk does not contact the seat surface, thereby enabling fluid flow along the flow path between the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: A device for visually indicating a position of a check valve disc within the check valve is provided. The indicating device has an exposed element extending outside of the valve body to provide a visual indication of a position of the valve disc, an engaging element, connected to the exposed element, positioned within the valve body to engage the valve disc, a movable seal member to provide an interface between an interior of the valve body and an exterior of the valve body, with the engaging element and the exposed element being connected to the seal member, and a mechanism to hold the engaging element in contact with the valve disc. An electrical switch may be provided for detecting the position of the exposed element and for transmitting an appropriate signal.

Abstract: A unique valve assembly is disclosed which has particular utility in scroll compressors. The valve assembly includes a relatively thin valve plate formed of reed valve steel. The valve plate is less than 0.05 inch, and is elastically deformable upon application of fluid pressure. Thus, the pressure fluid in a chamber formed above the valve plate deforms the valve plate to conform to the valve seat. In embodiments a clip holds the valve plate on the valve seat. The clip provides a stop surface for the valve seat, and is also formed of thin resilient steel. Thus, when the valve plate is driven to its open position, the steel valve plate contacts the steel clip such that there is a spring back effect in response to rapid movement of the valve plate to its open position.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for varying the flow area of a conduit (12). The apparatus comprises a flap (14) mounted in said conduit (12) which is off-center pivotally mounted to pivot in response to flow of fluid (F) through said conduit (12). The apparatus (10) also includes biasing means associated with the flap to rotationally urge the flap against the action of the flow (F).

Abstract: For a pipe check valve of a known construction involving a peripheral extending rubber seal and known to be installed by being manually urged through ascending movement in the pipe, the newly added recess below the peripheral seal to receive thereinto a fold-down of the seal during the ascending movement to obviate abrasion of the seal as might contribute to leakage of the check valve during use.

Abstract: A drain system includes a drainpipe and a valve. The valve includes a first and second body and a counterweight assembly. The first body has a passage formed therethrough and is fluidically coupled to the drainpipe. The second body is pivotally coupled to the first body and is moveable between a first generally sealed position and a second unsealed position relative to the drainpipe. The second body has a top surface adapted to receive waste fluid thereon. The counterweight assembly is coupled to the second body and is positioned to produce a force urging the second body toward the first position. The second body is free to pivot toward the second unsealed position in response to the weight of the waste fluid exceeding the force applied by the counterweight assembly.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve includes a flap pivoting around an axis parallel to the plane of the flap. A holder holds the flap in the closed position, which exerts a predetermined force in opposition to the force exerted by the pressure on a sealing side. The sealing side of the flap carries a skirt that extends toward the seat of the valve and cooperates with the periphery of the seat. The skirt is at a predetermined height such that the valve moves out of its initial position by a predetermined value while maintaining the seal. The holder has a mass movable relative to the flap. The mass moves from an initial position to an inactive position when the flap moves from its closed position to its open position, in order to change the flap's center of gravity and thereby reduce the force exerted by the holder.

Abstract: A check valve assembly mounted for engagement with a valve seat includes a flapper valve and a lever arm. The flapper valve includes a bracket pivotably mounted along a first hemisphere of the valve seat, a valve plate mounted to the bracket along a region generally spaced from a periphery of the valve plate, and a mounting assembly adjustably joining the valve plate to the bracket. The flapper valve has a closed position with the valve plate in sealing engagement with the valve seat about the periphery of the valve plate. The lever arm is pivotably mounted to the valve seat along a second hemisphere of the valve seat opposite the first hemisphere. The lever arm includes a lever surface disposed for moving contact with an engagement surface of the bracket and a biasing means for biasing the lever surface toward contact with the engagement surface.

Abstract: A resilient disc check valve with a spring return mechanism is provided. The spring return mechanism is contained entirely within the valve body. The spring return mechanism is in the form of a leaf spring or similar structure which engages a back side of the disc and does not require any attachment to the disc by way of fasteners or other mechanisms.

Abstract: The present invention provides a check valve including a seal door which is normally spring biased towards a closed position but which is responsive to a flow of fuel for displacing to an open position to allow fuel to pass in a first direction and for thereafter preventing passage of liquid fuel or fuel vapors in a second direction. According to the invention, the check valve is disposed at a lower end or in the midsection of a fuel tank filler pipe. The check valve includes an annular housing having a concentric annular valve seat portion including a frustoconical valve seat facing toward the lower end of the filler pipe. A seal door attached to a hinge member is resiliently biased toward engagement with the valve seat by a spring member. The inflow of fuel overcomes the bias of the spring member which causes the seal door to displace to an open position to allow passage of fuel to the fuel tank.

Abstract: Rotatable valve assembly includes a mounting mechanism for rotatably mounting the valve in a housing, the mounting mechanism including a shaft having an outside end extending through the housing. A conversion mechanism converts fluid pressure in the housing into torque exerted on the shaft. A release mechanism is located outside the housing for preventing rotation of the shaft and valve when the torque exerted on the shaft is below a selected magnitude. The release mechanism allows the shaft to rotate when the torque exerted on the shaft exceeds a selected magnitude. A seal is provided for sealing the gap between the housing and the valve in the closed position. The seal has a first portion secured to the housing on a first side of the rotational axis of the valve, a second portion secured to the valve on a second side of the rotational axis, a first transitional portion coinciding with the rotational axis, and a second transitional portion coinciding with the rotational axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanical heart valve for artificial blood pumps and conduits. An occluder is located in a flow channel with an S-shaped center line and with a cross sectional area which decreases in the flow direction. The occluder is made in the form of a rotational body which can be turned around a pivot or virtual axis, which is located outside the center of gravity of the rotational body.

Abstract: The present invention, a pressure relief valve includes a valve body having, a valve seat and a flap valve pivotally mounted on said valve body, wherein said flap valve sealably co-operates with said valve seat in a closed position thereby sealing off said pressure relief valve, wherein the valve flap pivots about a pivot axis between a closed position and fully opened position. The pressure relief valve also includes a coil spring operably connected to said flap valve for applying a continuously increasing spring force as said valve pivots from the closed position to the fully opened position. The pressure relief valve further includes a pivot arm rigidly connected to said flap valve at one end and pivotally connected to a link arm at the other end, wherein said link arm is operably connected to said springs, such that the biasing force of the springs is communicated to the flap vale through said link arm and said pivot arm.

Abstract: A valve, includes a housing formed with a valve seat and having an inlet port and an outlet port; and a shut-off member positioned in a passageway between the inlet port and outlet port and so adjustable as to enable a separation of the inlet port and the outlet port from one another when seated on the valve seat, wherein the valve seat exhibits a seat surface which is so inclined in circumferential direction that intersections of diametrically opposed tangents constructed on the seat surface of the valve seat define an area.

Abstract: A plate-type valve and method of using same to control fluid flow are disclosed, wherein the plate-type valve contains:a first valve plate having a first channel formed therein;a second valve plate having a second channel formed therein and a valve seating portion;a flexible member having a movable free end and being disposed between the first channel and the second channel, the movable free end of the flexible member being disposed for movement onto and off of the valve seating portion by means of an actuating force such that movement of the movable free end onto the valve seating portion prevents fluid flow between the first channel and the second channel and movement of the movable free end off of the valve seating portion allows fluid flow between the first channel and the second channel.

Abstract: A check valve using a valve element (2) which is so constructed that the valve element comprises three members: a cover (4); an annular packing (5) and a pressing plate (6), the pressing plate (6) is provided with a snap fit claw (7), a flexible flange (12) pressed to the peripheral edge of a valve seat (11) when the valve element (2) is put in the valve closing state is formed on the outer periphery of the annular packing (5), a peripheral stepped part (13) to which the outer periphery of the pressing plate (6) is fitted is formed on the inner periphery thereof, the cover (4) is provided with a fitting hole (8) for the snap fit claw (7) and a peripheral wall (14) formed on the outer periphery thereof, to which the main body part of the annular packing (5) except the flange (12) is fitted, the annular packing (5) is fitted to the cover (4), the pressing plate (6) is fitted to the annular packing (5), and the snap fit claw (7) is fitted in the fitting hole (8), thereby clamping the annular packing (5) with the

Abstract: A check valve assembly mounted for engagement with a valve seat includes a flapper valve and a lever arm. The flapper valve includes a bracket pivotably mounted along a first hemisphere of the valve seat, a valve plate mounted to the bracket along a region generally spaced from a periphery of the valve plate, and a mounting assembly adjustably joining the valve plate to the bracket. The flapper valve has a closed position with the valve plate in sealing engagement with the valve seat about the periphery of the valve plate. The lever arm is pivotably mounted to the valve seat along a second hemisphere of the valve seat opposite the first hemisphere. The lever arm includes a lever surface disposed for moving contact with an engagement surface of the bracket and a biasing means for biasing the lever surface toward contact with the engagement surface.

Abstract: A bileaflet prosthetic valve has leaflet pivots symmetrically or centrically located, thereby providing a central opening about twice the size of the two lateral openings. The valve opens from the center outward to provide nonturbulent central flow. The laminar leaflets are curved in cross-section so that the downstream edges of the leaflets are closer to the centerline of the cylindrical support ring when the leaflets are in an opened configuration. This position disposes the leaflets to favor valve closure when reverse flow of blood occurs. As the leaflets move toward a closed position, upstream edges of the leaflets begin to close the lateral openings, but this movement is opposed by blood flowing through these openings thereby providing a force to decelerate the leaflets and cushion their final closing.

Abstract: A printing press including a device for feeding a viscous fluid, such as a lacquer or varnish. The viscous fluid, such as a lacquer or varnish, can be taken from a cartridge and be distributed to a printed sheet or other suitable medium. In the manner of a pendulum, a pipe can be mounted on a carriage by means of a pivoting bearing. Via a lever, in both pivoting directions, The pivoting bearing can be supported on compression springs and at the upper end of the pipe, there can be disposed a sealing body which corresponds to a sealing surface provided on the carriage. The lower end of the pipe can determine the height of the fluid level in the fluid reservoir so that, with the pipe being in a perpendicular position, the feed opening formed in the carriage coincides with the feed opening of the pipe such that fluid is fed, whereas the feed can be interrupted when the pipe in in an oblique position.

Abstract: A submersible cleaner adapted for travelling across surfaces of swimming pools and which avoids significant wear on an associated suction pump includes a housing with a forward edge, a suction chamber within the housing and a vibratory oscillator positioned within the suction chamber to continuously vibrate the cleaner during operation. A shoe member is removably fitted to the bottom of the housing and has rows of segmented tread elements which are elongated in a direction parallel with the front edge of the housing and which are angled rearwardly from the bottom with respect to the direction of travel in order to cooperate with the vibratory movement and urge the cleaner along the direction of travel.

Abstract: A swing-check valve for controlling fluid flow includes a valve housing and a valve assembly connected to a removable cover of the valve housing for rigid positioning of the valve assembly within the interior of the valve housing. Moreover, the valve assembly includes as a modular unit a valve seat subassembly in addition to a clapper subassembly and a spring subassembly. The valve seat subassembly includes a valve seat that is frictionally disposed within a port of the valve housing for controlling fluid flow therethrough when the cover is fastened to the valve housing. The clapper subassembly includes a clapper pivotal between a first position in engagement with the valve seat for blocking fluid flow through the port and a second position for permitting fluid flow through the port. The spring subassembly includes a spring and a spring base engageable with the clapper subassembly for urging the clapper into the first position.

Abstract: In a reciprocating compressor, a piston reciprocates to compress a gas, and the compressed gas communicates with a discharge opening formed in a valve plate to force open a discharge valve apparatus mounted on the valve plate. The discharge valve apparatus includes a discharge valve and a stopper disposed behind the discharge valve. The discharge valve includes a fixing or anchoring portion and a movable portion which is flexibly movable relative to the fixing portion for opening and closing the discharge opening. The stopper limits the opening angle that can be achieved by the movable portion of the valve. The stopper forms a corner that bears against the valve. The corner extends at an oblique angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the valve in order to attenuate vibration in the movement portion of the valve before it reaches the fixing portion, thereby stabilizing the valve.

Abstract: The invention has its object to radically resolve an untapped technical issue in a non-water hammering check valve device, in which a valve disc, a valve seat and a surrounding flow passage are configured such that the valve disc is substantially seated on the valve seat at the time when input to a pump is shut off and a discharge flow in the flow passage loses inertia to stop, and to provide a reasonable non-water hammering check valve device of a simple and clear construction which suffers a small resistance loss of a valve at the time of a predetermined maximum flow rate, can readily accommodate an abrupt change in a flow state without delay in valve closing operation and provides a uniform and close seating on the valve seat at the time of valve seating to prevent water hammering.

Abstract: A check valve for preventing water hammer in which a valve element is adapted for quick initiation of a valve closing motion without delay in response to an abrupt change in fluid flow resulting from stoppage of a pump, and which is seated on a valve seat when the inertial flow of the fluid in the discharge direction stops, without generating a water hammer and impulse noise. The valve element and the valve seat are constructed so that the valve element follows the motion of the flowing fluid and is interlocked with a braking device by a linear motion transmitting mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in conjunction with a multi-dose inhaler which includes a novel valving mechanism and an expansion chamber which permits medication to be delivered to the patient without the need for precise timing of canister actuation. The apparatus also includes a filter unit for filtering the patient's exhaled breath and also includes a unique baffling arrangement which functions to decrease average aerosol particle size for better targeting the desired lung area. In one form of the invention, the valving mechanism comprises an apertured elastomeric valve member having a top pivot bar which uniquely pivots on a pair of pivot posts provided on proximate the upper margin of a novel valve member engaging, generally planar base.

Abstract: A hermetic type compressor includes an exhaust valve installed in a reentrant groove formed in a head for opening or shutting an exhaust hole, a valve spring for elastically supporting the exhaust valve, a retainer for restricting the exhaust valve and valve spring by a constant position, and a valve fixing device for fixing the exhaust valve in a fixing part, wherein the valve spring and valve fixing device are integrally formed between the head and head cover. Thus, the structure of the device is simplified, thereby improving the productivity and saving the manufacturing cost. Also, since the exhaust valve and valve spring are strongly fixed, thereby efficiency of the compressor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a check valve assembly comprising an upstream body member and a downstream body member which are joined in sealing engagement to thereby form a closed body; a generally ring-shaped seating member formed from a unitary piece of material and comprising a flat base surface positioned in said closed body with said flat base surface facing upstream, a flat top surface parallel to said flat base surface, a flow passage extending from said base surface to said top surface and a bore extending into said top surface toward said base surface, said bore defining an annular lip surrounding said flow passage and a recessed upward-angled planar top sealing surface; said seating member further comprising a cut-out segment formed in said lip which defines two extensions projecting axially from the top sealing surface and a transverse hole in each extension through which a hinge pin is received to connect a movable flapper lid to said seating member; said flapper lid comprising a flapper s

Abstract: A butterfly valve adapted to be arranged in a pipe through which fluid can flow, the pipe having an axis and an outlet end, the valve comprising a valve shaft having an axis eccentric to the pipe axis, and a valve element integrally supported by the valve shaft. The valve is opened by a fluid pressure acting on the valve element. A part of the valve element on one side of the valve shaft has a tip portion bent along a pleat line substantially parallel to the shaft axis toward the upstream side of a fluid flow. The valve is arranged at the outlet end of the pipe to form a clearance between the valve element part around the pleat line and the outlet end of the pipe, to thereby allow the fluid to flow out through the clearance, when the valve opens from a closed position thereof.

Abstract: A fire service meter that includes a strainer, a high flow water meter, a low flow water meter and a check valve fluidly coupled together. The check valve includes a sealing member or clapper adapted to seal against a valve seat. A shaft is secured to the clapper via a pivot arm. The shaft has a portion that extends externally of a body of the check valve. A bracket is secured to the external portion of the shaft. Two springs are provided each having one end attached to the bracket and their opposite ends attached to the body. The springs are arranged so that in a first position both springs apply a closing moment to the bracket so as to force the clapper in a closed position. As a pressure differential increases across the clapper and forces the clapper to move away from the valve seat, the position of the springs change so that one of the springs applies an opening moment to the bracket so as to decrease the amount of head loss associated with the opening of the clapper.

Abstract: The heart valve prosthesis comprises a substantially annular valve body having leaflets pivotally mounted to the valve body to be pivotable between respective open positions, in which blood is permitted to pass through the valve, and respective closed positions in which blood flow through the valve is substantially inhibited. The valve body is constructed of at least two part-annular elements and each respective leaflet is provided with at least two spaced pivot formations, each arranged to engage with a respective complementary pivot formation provided on a different part annular element. The annular body is assembled from the sub-elements and secured around the leaflets to provide a rigid annular body without the need for deformation or deflection of the annular body on assembly.

Abstract: A cleaner for swimming pools includes a housing having a pressure differential chamber with an opening defined by opposing walls and an oscillator pivotally mounted within the opening on a pivot axis extending between the walls. A seal is loosely fitted within a recess along a side of the oscillator for movement outwardly across a gap between the oscillator and the wall of the opening to close the gap when necessary for purposes of starting the oscillator and for opening the gap when required to allow grit, leaves and the like to pass through.

Abstract: A swimming pool cleaner comprising an operating head providing two inlet openings and passages therethrough connecting to a single outlet is disclosed. The cleaner includes a valve to close intermittently in one passage and, optionally, a restriction valve in the other passage operable between greater and lesser degrees of restriction to enhance the smooth, consistent, and continual collection of dirt and debris from the pool surface.

Abstract: A check valve assembly, including a check valve and an associated check valve mounting flange. Additionally, a backflow preventer is shown, which uses a pair of check valve assemblies transversely positioned within a tubular housing. Also disclosed is a method for installing a downstream check valve to a mounting flange, located within a remote, outlet chamber of the backflow preventer housing. The check valve has an elongated base plate, generally elongated in shape. The mounting flange is provided with an elongated hole, sized and configured to pass a properly oriented downstream check valve during installation and removal procedures. The location and design of the downstream check valve assembly ensures that during backflow conditions, the check valve compresses against the mounting flange in sealing engagement.

Abstract: An integral dual containment valve system for dual containment piping having inner carrier pipes for fluid and outer carrier pipes. The dual containment valve system includes an inner carrier housing connectable to the inner carrier pipes. A valve controls flow of fluid through the inner carrier housing. An outer containment housing surrounds the inner carrier housing and surrounds the valve. The outer containment housing connects to the outer containment pipes. The outer containment housing provides sealable access to the valve.

Abstract: A backflow preventor which permits adjustment of the outflow direction is provided. A conduit provides fluid communication between the two valves of the backflow preventor. The conduit can be separated, e.g., by cutting along a groove, leaving annular flat regions. The annular flats are configured to engage with a coupler to provide leak-free connection between the separated portions of the conduit. The separated portions of the conduit can be rotated to adjust the outflow direction. Preferably, an infinite number of outflow directions are possible, all of which lie in a plane parallel to the inflow direction.

Abstract: A compressor is provided with a check valve which is disposed in a suction chamber adjacent a suction port opening. The check valve provides fast response and enhanced operating characteristics for preventing reverse refrigerant flow and reverse scroll operation during compressor shutdown. During normal compressor operation the check valve is open to allow communication of refrigerant into the suction chamber where the refrigerant is acted upon by the scroll mechanism and discharged through a discharge port. A positive pressure differential exists between the discharge port and the suction port which unimpeded causes reverse scroll operation upon compressor shutdown. The positive pressure condition in the suction chamber forces the check valve to pivot to a closed position whereby it covers and substantially seals the suction port. By preventing reverse refrigerant flow through the suction port the check valve effectively eliminates the pressure differential and thereby prevents reverse scroll operation.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis has a substantially annular valve body and two leaflets which are disposed in the valve body and, be means of a hinge mechanism, are pivotable between an open position and a closed position. The leaflets are substantially semicircular and evenly curved in two perpendicular directions, one direction being perpendicular to the diameter of the semicircle, so as to bulge outward, as seen from the center of the annulus. The leaflet edges closest to the diameter of the semicircle are so curved that they, when the valve is closed, are applied against one another along their entire length. Further, two projections are provided on the inside of the annulus, entirely within the width thereof, the corner portions of the leaflets being applied against these projections.

Abstract: The cardiac valve prosthesis comprises a circular body (1) accomodating a locking element in the form of two folds (2) mounted pivotable in relation to the body (1). The internal surface of the body (1) is made concave and suhstantially spherical, while the side surface of each fold (2) is made convex and substantially spherical, the center (0) of the spherical surfaces lying on the central axis (5) of the prosthesis. The folds (2) are pivotable around an axis extending in the plane of the cross-section of the prosthesis and intersecting its central axis (5). The prosthesis is intended for use in cardiosurgery for replacement of affected natural aortic and mitral valves of the human heart.

Abstract: An artificial heart valve is the combination of curved wings and a ring inside of which the curved wings are hinged. The ring extends between an inlet and an outlet end, which ends are bisected by a center plane. The ring has diametrically opposed shoulders on the inlet end, and each shoulder is formed with a pair of hemispherical cavities. Each curved wing has a pair of opposite hemispherical enlargements shaped to cooperate with the hemispherical cavities in the shoulders such that spaced pivot axes are defined for the curved wings. The hemispherical enlargements are arranged on the wings and the hemispherical cavities are correspondingly arranged on the ring such that the curved wings, when in an extreme open position of approximately at least 85 degrees to the center plane of the ring, project minimally beyond the outlet end of the ring. Preferably, any length of the curved wings that would project beyond the outlet end would be less than an axial length of the ring.

Abstract: An exhaust gas pressure modulation valve for a diesel engine vehicle combines the functions of an exhaust brake and a warm-up valve and has a single butterfly valve (12) to close the exhaust passage. The butterfly is reactive and opens automatically at a predetermined back pressure to prevent engine damage. The butterfly includes a small bypass passage or aperture (29) to permit a low throughput of exhaust gas when closed.

Abstract: A metal plate 20 for a dual plate wafer check valve.A central portion 36 of the D shaped plate 20 is reinforced such as by means of a raised area 36 on either or both sides of the plate to resist deformation when subjected to reverse pressure in the valve closed position, while the D shaped edge portion 32 of the plate is made sufficiently flexible to maintain or improve sealing engagement with a valve seat even when the valve seat is distorted by the effect of reverse pressure in the valve closed position.

Abstract: A backflow preventor which permits adjustment of the outflow direction is provided. A conduit provides fluid communication between the two valves of the backflow preventor. The conduit can be separated, e.g., by cutting along a groove, leaving annular flat regions. The annular flats are configured to engage with a coupler to provide leak-free connection between the separated portions of the conduit. The separated portions of the conduit can be rotated to adjust the outflow direction. Preferably, an infinite number of outflow directions are possible, all of which lie in a plane parallel to the inflow direction.

Abstract: A submersible suction cleaner includes a chamber, an oscillator pivotably mounted within the chamber for movement to and fro with a gap between an edge of the oscillator and a wall of the chamber through which water containing grit flows during operation. The chamber wall or the oscillator has a slidable, retractable seal operable to open when grit lodges between the oscillator and the chamber wall to thereby open the gap and allow the passage of grit therethrough.