Abstract: In a prosthetic heart valve comprising a generally annular stent and at least two obturators mounted in the stent so as to be above to pivot between an open position and a closed position, the stent is provided with at least one element which projects inwardly of the stent itself, while each of the obturators has recesses which cooperate with the projecting element of the stent with clearance in a generally-hinged configuration which enables the obturators to pivot between the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: An artificial heart valve is designed to fit into a blood vessel when a patient is too weak to undergo open heart surgery. The valve has a disk shaped flap valve threaded on a bent wire which may be anchored in a blood vessel. One embodiment uses a clip anchor which is bent into somewhat the shape of a safety pin. Another embodiment uses a STENT as the anchor. The wire snags on the wall of the blood vessel in order to keep the valve from migrating through the blood vessel. The flap valve opens and closes under the pressure of blood which is ebbing and flowing responsive to a pumping heart.

Abstract: A check valve with a reduced hold-open pressure includes a biasing device, such as a spring, directly connected to a pivoting clapper at one end and to the valve body at the other end. No intervening pivoting links are used between the spring and the clapper. Preferably, the clapper is connected only by being pivoted to the valve body and by the spring connecting it to the valve body.

Abstract: A check valve having a plate comprising a sheet material body with at least one hinge lug for mounting the plate on a hinge and a valve face for engaging, in use, a valve seat of the valve.

Abstract: A butterfly-type check valve (30) employs a secondary check valve (38) that is carried on the valve plate (36). The valve plate (36) is revolvable and translatable relative to the pivot shaft (34). In operation, the check valve (30) opens in response to a change in aerodynamic forces which act on the valve plate (36), the change being effected as a response to the opening of the secondary check valve (38). As the valve plate (36) rotates to an open position, its revolutionary movement relative to the shaft (34) changes the location of pivot points (40) relative to the surface (62) of the plate. This changes the areas (42, 44) of the surface (62) on both sides of the pivot points (40) so that the aerodynamic forces cause the valve (30) to open still further.

Abstract: A subsurface well safety valve having a curved flapper closure member and method making. The curved flapper has a concave sealing surface coacting with a valve seat. A flow tube has a lower end contoured to the flapper sealing surface. A flapper can be made out of a tubular member in which the inside has been honed providing a flapper with a concave surface which forms a sealing surface.

Abstract: In a cardiac valve prosthesis, the journal pins, by which the closing body is supported to be swiveled in the valve ring, are received in through holes of the valve ring and can be moved into different positions in these through holes. Thereby, the journal pins are subjected to a circumfluent blood streams, reducing the danger of thrombi being formed at the supporting areas.

Abstract: A valve incorporating at least one rocking flap which is fixedly mounted to at least one elongated elastic element whose ends project outwardly with respect to the flap and are fixedly secured to a ring member and wherein the elastic element acts as a torsion bar which functions to return the flap to its original position after the flap has been pivoted with respect to the ring member.

Abstract: A check valve having a hollow cylindrical body with a ledge extending around its inner periphery between its ends. A bar extends across the hollow body and is attached at its ends to the ledge. A sealing surface is formed on the ledge and on the bar, both in the same plane. Spaced flat bottom lugs rest on the seating surface and have bores that receive the ends of an axle. Plate-like valve members are hinged to the axle and a spring on the axle urges the valve members to a closed position to seal on the seating surface.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve (valve) composed of a base ring adapted to house a suture ring in its exterior and two leaflets arranged to assume an open position and a closed position in order to regulate the blood flow in one direction, wherein the base ring is provided with two recesses with curved surfaces situated in diametrically opposite positions. Each of the recesses communicate with the exterior through a chimney-like aperture formed in the body of the base ring in correspondence with the recess. Each of the curved recesses has a substantially flat surface bounding its upper part and two spherical bottom surfaces in its lower part, separated by a separator body essentially in the shape of a semi-spherical-nail.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis having an annular valve body, a pair of leaflet occluders mounted therein for pivoting and translational movement between closed and open positions. The leaflet occluders have mating diametrical edges and arcuate edges which engage the valve body when the leaflets are closed. Generally part conical mounting ears extend outwardly from the leaflet edge, adjacent the diametrical edge thereof. The ears are received in crescent-shaped recesses formed in the annular body. The recesses have opposed upstream and downstream surfaces for guiding the mounting ears during opening and closing of the leaflet.

Abstract: The cardiac valve comprises an annular body, at one end of which there are pivoted valve members, adapted to operate as a closing element, the annular body consisting of an outer ring member and an inner ring member which are mutually coupled, one of the ring members defining the pivot seats of the valve members, whereas the other ring member is adapted to delimit these seats, in order to provide a stable pivoting coupling of the valve members to the annular body.

Abstract: A heart valve of the bi-leaflet or monoleaflet type having improved reductions in drag on blood flow through the fully opened heart valve. The leaflets are pivotally mounted in a heart valve body for movement between closed and opened positions. The leaflets have opposed inflow and outflow surfaces. The inflow surface includes a concave region located downstream of the leaflet pivot axis, and a convex region located downstream of the concave region. The outflow surface of the leaflets is generally convex, at least in that portion directly opposing the concave and convex regions of the inflow surface. The angle of leaflet opening is controlled to values ranging between 70.degree. and about 89.degree..

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis having an annular valve body, a pair of leaflet occluders mounted therein for pivoting and translational movement between closed and open positions. The leaflet occluders have mating diametrical edges and arcuate edges which engage the valve body when the leaflets are closed. Generally part spherical mounting ears extend outwardly from the leaflet edge, adjacent the diametrical edge thereof. The ears are received in crescent-shaped recesses formed in the annular body. The recesses have opposed upstream and downstream surfaces for guiding the mounting ears during opening and closing of the leaflet.

Abstract: The check valve includes a disc-shaped closure member mounted to the valve body for sealing engagement with an annular seat in the valve body. A stem is rotatably mounted to the valve body so that the closure member can swing into and out of engagement with the annular seat. The stem extends outwardly of the valve body and may be positioned on either side of the valve body so that a biasing or cushioning mechanism attached thereto may be positioned on either side of the valve body. An adjustment mechanism is provided for axially moving the stem with respect to the valve body, thereby laterally adjusting the position of the closure member with respect to the seat on the valve body to ensure reliable sealing engagement with the seat.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis having an annular valve body, a pair of leaflet occluders mounted therein for pivoting and translational movement between closed and open positions. Leaflet occluders have mating diametrical edges and arcuate edges which engage the valve body when the leaflets are closed. Generally frustoconical mounting ears extend outwardly from the leaflet edge, adjacent the diametrical edge thereof. The ears are received in recesses formed in the annular body. The recesses have an upper section extending in the direction of blood flow and a downstream section inclined thereto in a direction extending outwardly. The leaflets each have a flat upstream surface and a generally cylindrical downstream surface.

Abstract: A disc for a swing check valve where the body of the disc and the hinge pins are cast as one piece to facilitate the alignment of the hinge pins with the sealing face of the disc. The swing radius of the disc is at a minimum and a spring closure is provided.

Abstract: A clapper seal for a dry pipe valve wherein a disc-shaped, resilient, compressible sealing gasket is secured to the clapper valve body by an annular, metallic washer. The washer is disposed between inner and outer sealing rings or beads formed on the underside of the gasket. The sealing rings are generally circular and cross-section, thereby minimizing surface contact with the air and water ring seats. The axial thickness and radial dimension of the washer are such that the washer contacts the air and water rings creating a metal-to-metal seal, and preventing further deformation of the sealing rings, upon over-compression or long-term compressive set of the gasket.

Abstract: A flapper valve with a protective hinge pin sleeve. The valve includes a flapper assembly having a flapper with the protective hinge pin sleeve disposed through an ear of the flapper. The hinge pin sleeve is preferably made of a relatively harder material than the flapper to reduce wear on the flapper as the flapper assembly is pivoted on a pivot pin. One embodiment of a flapper valve for use in a down hole tool is disclosed.

Abstract: A disc for a swing check valve where the body of the disc and the hinge pins are cast as one piece to facilitate the alignment of the hinge pins with the sealing face of the disc. The swing radius of the disc is at a minimum and a spring closure is provided.

Abstract: A check valve is disclosed, which comprises a hollow cylindrical valve body and a pair of substantially semicircular symmetrical valve plates. The valve body has a pair of ear-like bearing projections projecting in a diametrically opposed relation to each other from an open end. The valve plates each have a straight edge with an integral pivot pin provided on one end portion and an integral bearing portion provided at the other end. The two valve plates are joined together by inserting the pivot pin of each of them through the bearing portion of the other. The pivot pins of the joined valve plates are fitted in the bearing projections of the valve body such that the valve plates can be pivotally moved when they are opened and closed.

Abstract: A horizontal check valve has a swinging clapper (16) eccentric with a tapered valve seat (14) and carrying a floating ring seal. There is clearance between the clapper (16) and the passage wall at the bottom so that reverse flow urges the ring seal into the taper. The clapper (16) abuts an abutment surface (15) formed by the valve body (10) around the valve seat so that the hydrostatic forces exerted on the clapper (16) by the reverse fluid flow are reacted by the abutment surface and not by the tapered seat (14).

Abstract: Two concentric vertical cylinders are separated by three radial partitions. An opening at the bottom of one of the partitions connects an air cell on one side of the partition with an outlet chamber on the other side of the partition. The two other partitions form sides of an inlet chamber, which receives fluid from outside the outer cylinder. The inner cylinder has a central pumping section positioned between upper and lower valve sections. In the valve sections ports extend through the inner cylinder wall to the inlet and outlet chambers. Spring loaded valves close the ports. Tension springs extend across the inlet chamber or compression springs extend across the inner cylinder to close the inlet valves. Tension springs extend across the inner cylinder to close the outlet valves. The elastomeric valve flaps have rigid curved backing members. A piston rod extends through one end cover to move a piston in the central section.

Abstract: A shutoff valve for use on sandblasting equipment wherein the valve provides a fail safe positive closure of air and sand pressure stream at the nozzle where the operator is. The sand and air pressure stream provides a positive force on the valve assisting the closure and maintaining a tight seal against air and sand infiltration to the nozzle.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to a check valve actuator for opening and closing a check valve, utilizing system pressure. The check valve actuator is comprised of a piston connected to a clapper assembly by a connecting rod. The piston is slideably received in a piston cylinder containing a control valve and a latching stem. A protective cage and a protective cover are mounted over the piston cylinder.

Abstract: A butterfly valve provided within a disconnect of a fluid flow line, such as in a fuel dispensing system, incorporating a pair of decoupling members, at least one or a pair of butterfly valves mounted within and in proximity with location for disconnection of the conduit, the butterfly valve incorporating a valve disk held by a retainer and which is spring biased for snapping into closure against its valve seat, when disconnection occurs, to prevent the further flow of fuel from the conduit, or in the instance where a pair of the butterfly valves of this design, are incorporated proximate each of the disconnect members, upon severance of the conduit or hose at this location, effecting an immediate closure of both butterfly valves, preventing the discharge of any further fluid from the remaining separated parts of the fluid conduit.

Abstract: A check valve is provided having a valve casing, at least one pivotable closure element and at least one movable control element connected with an operating rod which cooperates with said closure element. The operating rod extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of the valve casing and motion-translating coupling means are arranged between the operating rod and the closure element.

Abstract: A check valve comprising a valve body with a bore and a counterbore, an insert inside the counterbore, and a flapper with a flapper pin is disclosed. The flapper pin is mounted in a recess in the inside face of the insert. A spring for biasing the flapper toward the closed position is located in a recess in the counterbore face of the valve body.

Abstract: A check valve for cardiac surgery and the like has a hollow valve body supporting spring biased split leaflets hinged for swinging movement from the base thereof between normally closed position and open position wherein the leaflets form a continuation of one end of the hollow annular valve body. Out turned edges of the separable spring biased split leaflets are in sealed engagement with a seat on the valve body and terminate in longitudinal edges which are in sealed engagement with adjacent leaflet sealing edges in the normally closed position. Said longitudinal out turned edges provide braking action to slow the closing velocity of te leaflets during the closing portion of their cycle. Said longitudinal out turned edges are shaped to provide a cushioning effect at the instant of closure due to their resiliency and springiness thereby minimizing closing impact and blood cell damage.

Abstract: A valve closure is disclosed which comprises a bifurcated arm 14 pivotally coupled to a sleeve 34 by a connector 28 and a pivot pin 26. The sleeve 34 receives a rod 44 coupled to a base plate 46 for receiving a spring 42. The sleeve 34 also has a support plate 38 coupled thereto which receives the spring 42. When the valve element is in an open position the arm 14, sleeve 34 and rod 44 are a generally straight line so that the spring does not exert any torque on the valve element. However, when the valve element commences to close the arm 14 is moved relative to the sleeve 34 and the rod 44 so that the spring 42 causes torque to be exerted through the arm to assist closure of the valve element. In a second embodiment a tension spring 104 is provided which acts on lever 106 pivotally connected to a closure arm 108.

Abstract: A check valve mechanism providing a valve body and valve seat assembly having noncircular eccentrically located hinge pin receptacles with independently controlled X-axis and Y-axis hinge pin locating surfaces. A simple cylindrical hinge pin is supported in the receptacles and supports a check valve disc in such manner that both opening and closing movements have components of rotary and linear disc movement relative to the hinge pin and valve seat of the valve mechanism.

Abstract: A device for regulating the delivery of rotary compressors, such as screw-type compressors with oil injection, comprises a regulating valve for varying the cross-sectional area of a suction pipe and a non-return valve which closes said suction pipe. The two valves are disposed one behind the other in the flow direction within a casing incorporating a suction pipe. In order to provide a low resistance to flow and to simplify the construction, both valves are in the form of flap valves with the flap of the non-return valve arranged to close a valve seat provided in the casing and being pivotable against a resetting force about an axis extending outside the cross-sectional area of the valve seat.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve operable in large transient pressure conditions includes a valve body. A valve seat is movably mounted on the body. A valve disc or pallet is pivotally connected to the valve body by a valve arm and aligned to engage the valve seat in a valve closed position. The valve disc is secured to the valve arm by fasteners and shock absorbers are mounted between the arm and the valve disc. A resilient shock absorber is mounted between the valve seat and the valve body to absorb shock resulting from engagement of the valve disc with the valve seat. Absorption of shock resulting from opening of the valve is accomplished by a shock absorber including a lever mounted on the valve body. At least one shock absorber is mounted on the lever aligned to be engaged by the valve disc upon opening. A second shock absorber may be included to engage the side of the conduit or housing within which the valve is mounted.

Abstract: This invention relates to a check valve having a straight-through flow passage wherein a ball-plug of a cylindrical geometry with a hemispherical end is pendulously confined in a cavity included in the valve body. The ball-plug has a through-hole with the central axis substantially passing through the center of a spherical surface including the hemispherical end of the ball-plug, which central axis substantially intersects the central axis of the ball-plug in an oblique angle. The ball-plug is pendulously confined in the cavity within the valve body by a trunnion in such a way that the ball plug is allowed to swing on a plane including the central axis of the flow passage of the check valve passing through the cavity confining the ball plug and the central axis of the ball plug. At one extreme position in the swinging movement, the through-hole included in the ball plug lines-up with the flow passage allowing straight-through flow for the fluid from one extremity to the other extremity of the check valve.

Abstract: Cardiac valvular prosthesis of mechanical type consisting of a sewing ring welded to a housing orifice where, in the absence of pins or hinges, two leaflets, preferably provided with a slight curvature, are free of moving with both rotation and translation movement. This is achieved through suitable metal structures, able both to permit the correct opening and closing of the leaflets (i.e. to act as rotation fulcrum) and to guarantee the guidance and the right positioning of the leaflets (i.e. to exert a constraint).The "rotation fulcrum" and the "constraint" structures can be separated and independent, or can form part of one structure devoid of discontinuity; this latter case is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 of the drawing. The leaflet thickness can also not be uniform, as well as the profiles of the two sides of each leaflet can be different.

Abstract: A modular air shut-off valve, particularly useful within the air conditioning environmental control system of an aircraft, is provided, which comprises a housing sized for insertion into a duct of the air conditioning system, a vane pivotally mounted within the housing for pivotal movement between open and closed positions and having flexible portions along its edges contacting the housing in the closed position for providing a resilient seal and to allow pressure relief in the event of overpressure within the duct.

Abstract: A flapper valve has integral, oppositely projecting hinge pins mounted in a recess provided between two abutting tubular housing members. The flapper valve is of cylindrical segment configuration so as to maximize the opening within a conduit in which it is mounted when the flapper valve is pivoted to its open position. The spring bias urging the flapper valve to the closed position is provided by helical springs mounted in surrounding relationship to the axis of the conduit and in an annular recess provided between two abutting tubular housing members. The bottom surface of the actuating sleeve for the flapper is contoured so as to exert a minimum unbalanced torque on the flapper valve during opening with the mechanical opening force being balanced by an opposing force exerted by fluid pressure.

Abstract: A pressure relief device for pneumatic conveying lines to serve as a safety device in the event of an explosion or sudden pressure increase within the conveying line. The device includes a pair of semi-cylindrical shells normally joined together by a shear pin or pressure sensitive key which ruptures when excessive pressure in the conveying line exerts excessive force on the shell sections. When the joining device ruptures, the shell sections open up to relieve line pressure. A suitable mounting arrangement is provided including guide bars for the shells, bumpers and spring return arrangement.

Abstract: A check valve having a removable seat portion with integral flapper (valving means) is disclosed. The seat portion can be removed through a port in the valve body without breaking any connection of the valve body to the associated fluid flow lines. The seat portion can comprise two sections that secure between them sealing means (e.g., an O-ring) for creating a fluid tight seal when the valving member of the check valve is closed against the seat portion. A fluid tight seal is created between the valve seat portion and valve body by tapers on the valve seat that cam against corresponding recesses of the valve body to force the valve seat portion against the valve body.

Abstract: A liquid flow control servo valve where the flow controlling element is a magnetically loaded hydrostatic step bearing. An electromagnet has a central liquid passage 3 through it, and flow from this passage 3 is closed off by a magnetically permeable flat plate which has a planar surface matching a corresponding planar surface of the electromagnet. Pressure from passage 3 floats the plate on a thin liquid film in the manner of a hydrostatic step bearing, and the film thickness of this liquid film rapidly adjusts until the hydrostatic bearing pressure force W balances the magnetic forces on the plate. This variation in film thickness adjusts flow rate past the plate. The flow and pressure drop across the hydrostatic bearing plate rapidly adjusts to coil current in the low hysteresis electromagnet, so that P across the plate varies nearly in proportion to coil current I.

Abstract: The flap for ventilation ducts, particularly for automobile air-conditioning systems, includes a flap member having opposite surfaces with a predetermined number of openings therein, a longitudinal bottom edge, opposite side edges and an upper edge. A pocket-shaped covering of foam material on the flap member is arranged in two layers which are folded around the longitudinal edge of the flap member onto the opposite surfaces of the foam material including foam sections extending beyond the opposite side edges and the upper edge of the flap member. The layers have a bond-activated foil covering which faces the perforated wide surfaces of the flap, the foil covering connecting the foam-material sections extending beyond the opposite side edges and the upper edge of the flap members. The band activated foil covering further connects the portions of foam-material lying opposite each other at the perforations in the flap member.

Abstract: An improved check valve which is particularly adapted for surgical implantation in the heart as a substitute for a natural heart valve. In one embodiment, the prosthetic valve (10) comprises a circular base (40) on which a pair of semiconical leaflets (42) are supported for pivotal movement between open and closed positions by T-shaped arms (60) and pin and slot connections. In a second embodiment (80), the semiconical leaflets (42') are supported and constrained for pivotal movement between open and closed positions by C-shaped arms (82) engaging apertures (84) and notches (86) on the leaflets. In the preferred construction, at least one of the leaflets (42, 42') can also translate for ease of operation.

Abstract: A prosthetic cardiac valve comprises a collar adapted to be secured in a blood-flow passage, a pair of pivots in the collar extending generally parallel to each other and spaced apart perpendicularly to the direction of flow through the passage, and respective flaps carried on the pivots and having inner edges. The flaps are pivotal on the respective pivots between closed positions transverse to and blocking the passage with the inner edges touching and lying between the respective pivot axes and open positions extending generally parallel to the flow direction downstream from the respective pivots. One of the flaps is constructed so that when closed it diverts flow in the passage at the other flap to move same into the open position. One of the pivot axes is downstream of the other axis and the respective flap is of substantially greater surface area than the other flap.

Abstract: An operably automatic valve assembly for being received in a cavity of a short drill string subassembly, preferably a kelly saver subassembly, for preventing mud spills when the kelly assembly is disconnected when adding additional sections of drill pipe. An eccentric butterfly disc across the valve opening is biased closed by suitable air spring action. Fluid pump pressure in excess of the bias pressure opens the disc and telescopes closed the air springs located on either side of the valve housing within suitable pockets. A stop on one air spring and not on the other causes a slight twist to the disc as the disc reaches its full open position and eliminates any operating flutter of the disc. Pressure within the stem in excess of the closing bias pressure provided by the air springs keeps the disc open even in the presence of back fluid pressure.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a check-valve construction which exhibits substantially elevated resistance to onset of unidirectional flow (i.e., to valve opening), as compared with conventional constructions. This elevated resistance to valve-opening is achieved through use of a knuckle joint, connecting the valve member to the valve body and spring-urged to its most-spread condition when the valve member is in its closed position. The invention is shown and described in connection with a check valve having two valve members, each of which derives materially enhanced resistance to valve-opening displacement, through use of a separate spring-loaded knuckle joint associated with each of the respective valve members.

Abstract: Heart valve prostheses have annular valve bodies with central passageways and valve members supported for pivotal and translational movement between open and closed positions. The occluders, which may be either of a bileaflet or single occluder design, are supported within the bodies by pairs of ears extending from opposite locations to interengage with corresponding arcuate depressions to guide the occluders between their closed positions where they seat against upstream protuberances of the valve bodies and their open position where they are positioned between the upstream protuberances and downstream protuberances.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved shuttering device for preventing back-flow in air conduits or the like. The device includes an attachment section and a frame section, the latter being provided with a series of elastic lamellae shiftable between blocking and unblocking positions within the frame, the frame having in addition guide plates extending axially of the conduit to prevent transverse currents.

Abstract: A heart valve having a pair of leaflets which are guided between their open and closed positions by guides extending outward and received in dog-leg shaped depressions. The depressions each have a downstream section, which angles outward from a centerline plane of the valve body and a connected vertical upstream section. In the closed position the guides reside in intermediate locations to unload the force between the guides and the depression walls.

Abstract: An improved flapper valve for installation for example, in a tubing string of a subterranean well is pivotally movable about a horizontal axis into a blocking position relative to the vertical fluid flow path of the tubing string. The flapper valve is circular and is formed from a tubular segment in such a manner that, when in the open position, its concave surface is substantially tangentially coincident with a projection of the cylindrical surface formed by the inside of the valve seat, and its convex surface prescribes a much larger chordal distance in a containing circle concentric with the valve seat than would a flat surface of the same diameter. Thus, a valve is provided wherein for a given housing diameter, the passageway through the valve can be proportionately larger.

Abstract: A swing check valve having a generally cylindrical body with a fluid passageway extending therethrough, an annular resilient seat molded in place within said passageway and oriented normal to the passageway axis, and a clapper assembly pivotally mounted for rotation about an axis normal to the passageway axis. The clapper assembly includes a spring biased pivoting arm and a generally circular valve loosely mounted to the arm and adapted to engage the seal. The arm and valve are connected by a threaded fastener fixedly mounted to the valve and extending through an oversized aperture near the free end of the arm, and an adjustment nut. During assembly the free movement of the valve with respect to the arm is adjusted by rotating the valve and fastener with respect to the nut until the desired amount of movement is obtained and then welding this nut to the fastener.