Abstract: A siphon freeze drain valve for an underground water sprinkling system including a line operating under water pressure, the drain valve being a U-shaped tube, one end of which is passed through a hole in the top of the line, the other end of which is outside the line at a lower level than the first end. A clamp and a seal holds the tube in the line against the force of the water in the line and prevents leaking around the tube. A check valve is in the end of the tube outside the line, the check valve selectively opened and closed to control flow through the tube and for establishing a siphon for draining the line.

Abstract: An asymmetrical check valve has an inlet end, a transition part and an outlet end, with a pair of vertical lips facing one another. The lips may be flat or they may be curvilinear. The check valve is asymmetric about a horizontal longitudinal plane through the check valve. The bottoms of the transition part and outlet end may be aligned, with a major portion of the lips extending above the horizontal plane. It is thus possible to install conventional or wide bill check valves in installations with little or no clearance between the outlet end and ground level.

Abstract: A check-valved pouch has a main pouch body, and a check valve attached to the main pouch body. The main pouch body is formed of plastic film and defines an opening for receiving a substance. The check valve is formed of plastic film also, and includes a flat valve body defining an upper opening, with opposte sides and a lower end closed, and an inner passage for discharging gases toward the upper opening. A check piece formed of plastic film is disposed in an upper half of the valve body. The check valve further includes a porous filtering film disposed on one surface in a lower half of the valve body. The filtering film includes a filter surface, and a releasing film formed on the filter surface. The check valve is attached to the main pouch body, with the filtering film inserted into the main pouch body and the upper opening exposed to ambient air, whereby an interior of the main pouch body is communicable with an exterior through the filter surface, inner passage and upper opening.

Abstract: A duckbill valve is provided based on a valve seal with a hollow cylindrical body with first and second ends, the first end having an open mouth, the second end having a closable mouth circumscribed by a pair of crescent shaped lips. One of the lips has a thinner width than the other. The cylindrical body flares outward in the direction from the first end towards the second end. In another aspect, the cylindrical body includes a posterior and an anterior section adjacent the respective first and second ends, the anterior section having an outer wall portion curvilinearly tapering toward the thinner lip. Valves of the present invention are particularly suitable for controlling flow of semi-solid substances because the mouth of the duckbill can open to a relatively large extent, the latter being off-center within a round collar fitting.

Abstract: A cut-off valve consists of a hollow rigid body and a flexible or supple forated plug. The plug defines a flow pate therethrough and is sealed in the rigid body between the rigid body's inlet and outlet to define a free volume in the rigid body between the inlet and the plug. The plug flexes or deforms in response to a differential pressure thereacross to collapse into the flow path when the differential pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold thereby stopping the flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-sealing flexible plastic valve for a non-latex balloon, to a balloon incorporating such a valve, to a method of manufacturing such a valve, and to a method of manufacturing a balloon incorporating such a valve. The valve is made from two flexible plastic strips, bonded together along the side edges to define a valve passageway or tube, and having an open inlet end and an open outlet end. The inlet end of one or both valve strips flares or otherwise curls outwardly to facilitate opening of the valve to insert a gas supply mechanism to inflate the balloon.

Abstract: A region in a thin plastic sheet is formed to include a series of corrugations. These corrugations are include alternating peaks or crests and roots or valleys. The plastic sheet is to be installed on a workpiece intermediate areas or zones periodically exposed to differential air pressures. Slit areas incorporated into adjacent crests of the corrugations to extend along a longitudinal portion thereof allow air flow passage therethrough in one direction while preventing air flow in the other direction.

Abstract: There is provided a self-sealing valve structure. The structure has a first sheet of thermoplastic material and a second sheet of thermoplastic material in face-to-face relationship with each other and are secured together along a portion of the longitudinal edges of the sheets and define a passageway therebetween. In one embodiment, the passageway has an air inlet end and an air outlet end. The air outlet end has at least a pair of air outlets located at each of the longitudinal edges of the valve and directing the incoming air through each of the longitudinal edges near the outlet end of said valve. The air outlets are formed by an air deflector blocking the end of the outlet which is preferably of a U-shape or a V-shape. In another embodiment, the passageway directs air through only one longitudinal edge of the valve.

Abstract: A fluid manifold includes a housing having a first inlet and an outlet and a plurality of inlets intermediate the first inlet and the outlet which are provided with check valve action to prevent retrograde flow through the valved inlets, yet allow individual inlets to pass fluid when the fluid pressure in any individual inlet exceeds that of the interior of the chamber by a predetermined cracking pressure, and retrograde flow through the first inlet is controlled by a flapper portion which may be biased to an open position to allow unrestricted flow from the first inlet to the outlet or configured so as to be in sealing contact with a valve seat in order to preferentially inhibit flow.

Abstract: A venting cap assembly is secured to a specific part of a component for masking the specific part. The cap assembly includes a closed first end, an open second end and a sidewall extending between the closed first end and the open second end forming an interior cavity for the specific part. At least one vent track extends along the sidewall within the cavity. The at least one vent track terminates at a pressure reservoir. A sealing and venting assembly periodically relieves air pressure within the pressure reservoir when an excessive amount of air pressure develops.

Abstract: A needleless connector includes a two-part housing with an inlet, an outlet, and a conical chamber therebetween that compressibly receives a resilient conical valve head. The conical valve head includes a stationary base, and a tip portion movably extending into the inlet. The conical valve head is concentrically positioned against the valve seat to form a seal. When the male fitting of a syringe, or some other device, is inserted into the inlet, it pushes a tip portion of the resilient valve head inwardly, so that the valve head is deformed away from the valve seat to break the seal. The needleless connector employs only three separate parts--the two-part housing, and the valve head--so that it is very economical to manufacture.

Abstract: A Luer-activated valve constructed of a single-piece valve element with integral biasing base and ventilated riser disposed within a valve housing providing a valve seat and buttress for the biasing base.

Abstract: A check valve for pistons of hydraulic self-adjusting devices comprises a flow body (10) formed by a frustoconical portion linked at the smaller diameter end thereof with a cylindrical portion the free end of which is attached to the inner end of the rod of the device, and by a stopper body coaxial with said rod and which may freely slide on said cylindrical portion. The axial bore of the stopper body has at the end thereof facing the flow body a seal seat of progressively increasing size dimensioned to mate with the sealing gasket of the flow body. The configuration of the seal seat and of the sealing gasket cause progressive closing of the valve when the rod is pulled, which allows during closing the flow of fluid between both half-chambers of the main body.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intravenous fluid flow regulator 10 for controlling the I.V. administration of medical fluid to a patient. The fluid flow regulator 10 provides a housing 12 having a top 18 and a bottom 20. A flexible diaphragm 14 is positioned within housing 12. A diaphragm holder 16 is provided inside housing 12 for holding a sealing edge 56 of flexible diaphragm 14 in fluid sealing engagement with diaphragm holder 16. The housing 12 and flexible diaphragm 14 define an inlet fluid reservoir 62 and an outlet fluid reservoir 64. The diaphragm holder 16 defines a by-pass fluid channel 54 from inlet fluid reservoir 62, around diaphragm 14, to outlet fluid reservoir 64. The flexible diaphragm 14 being flexible to alternatively move into inlet fluid reservoir 62 and outlet fluid reservoir 64 depending on a fluid pressure differential between inlet fluid reservoir 62 and outlet fluid reservoir 64. A fluid inlet 24 is connected to housing top 18 to provide an inlet fluid passage 27 from an I.V.

Abstract: The invention relates to a check valve, particularly for sanitary water fittings, whereby preferably the valve closing member (11) is composed of a cone (4) and a cone cap (5), which is provided in the closing direction of the check valve with a dome-like attachment (12) wherein the valve closing member 98) of a pressure-relief valve is located, while the cone (4) has in the opening direction of the check valve a tubular extension (14) with a lateral inlet opening (13), the upper end of this extension forming a valve seat (15) for the valve closing member (8) of the pressure-relief valve (10), whereby this valve closing member (8) on its side facing away from the valve seat (15) rests on the top (16) of the attachment (12).

Abstract: A flow control device in which a flow channel includes a flow control member in the form of a domed disk with legs by which the disk is seated to seal the channel. The control member can be acted upon by an internal actuator or plunger that extends into the flow channel where the plunger can be engaged by an external member such as a Luer fitting. The actuator or plunger may be of rigid or flexible construction.

Abstract: A reliable and economical one way fluid flow check valve fabricated from two thin sheets of plastic is described. One or more half cylindrically shaped depressions are vacuum formed across one or both sheets of plastic, and a 1/2 funnel shape fluid entrance can be simultaneously vacuum formed in one or both sheets. The two sheets are than heat sealed together at their longitudinal edges to form the complete check valve. The check valve is preferably in the form of a truncated V. The check valve can be heat sealed into a variety of devices such as toy balloons, cushions, mattresses, inflatable boats, and the like. Various modifications are described for light or heavier fluid pressure applications.

Abstract: A container-mounted dispensing pump incorporates elastomeric duckbill valves for controlling the flow into and from the pump chamber. A mechanism within the pump employs hinged leaves which cooperate with the pump plunger to effect a pinching and closing one of the duckbill valves when the plunger is disposed in a depressed, shipping position. With the pump plunger held in the shipping position, the closed duckbill valve will preclude leakage of the container contents through the pump.

Abstract: A method of producing flexible closing members, especially artificial heart valves, and a flexible closing member, especially an artificial heart valve, which can be produced according to such a method. According to the method of producing the housing of the closing member is radially expanded, the closing element of the closing member is formed as substantially plane two-dimensional element, and the plane two-dimensional element is connected to the housing in the expanded condition of the same. This method is preferably realized as dip method according to which the closing element is shaped and formed to the housing in a single working step. The described flexible closing member is an artificial three-sail heart valve which is characterized by a special shape of the three closing elements.

Abstract: A needleless access device and method of using the device is disclosed. The needleless access device has a housing having an inlet opening and an outlet opening and a channel formed therethrough. Movably friction fitted in the channel adjacent the inlet opening is a piston. The piston is biased upwardly by a stretchable element. The stretchable element allows the top of the piston to be depressed by a syringe to a level adjacent internal flow channels to permit injection and aspiration of fluids through the device.

Abstract: Adjustable components for swimming pool cleaners or other devices are disclosed. The components, when forming part of a fluid-interruption cleaner, can accommodate a variety of diaphragms (valves) of different lengths. The exterior of the cleaner's inner tube, to which the diaphragm is attached, includes a series of spaced, concentric ribs, any selected group of which may be gripped by a cantilever ring positioned between the inner tube and the cleaner body. Because the inner tube may be alternatively positioned relative to the cantilever ring and body, it can accept and accommodate diaphragms of varying lengths. The components also facilitate removal of the diaphragm and inner tube from the cleaner for inspection or, for example, when repair or replacement is desired.

Abstract: A control valve includes a tubular member and a truncated conical helix spring received in the tubular member. A diverging open end of the helix spring is fixed adjacent to a first open end of the tubular member. The helix spring has a truncated tapered open end opposed to the diverging open end. A plug member is fixed in the truncated tapered open end in order to close the truncated tapered open end. The truncated conical helix spring confines a truncated cone-shaped chamber and is formed of a plurality of turns which are wound in a watertight manner. The helix spring extends and forms a plurality of clearances among the turns under a predetermined axial tension force. The tubular member has two connecting outlet ports which are to be connected respectively to the ends of a transducer in order to measure the differential pressure and thereby measure the flow rate of the fluid which passes through the tubular member.

Abstract: A two-way draining valve for coffee making machines includes an L-shaped housing containing a chamber, an inlet opening for delivering water to the chamber from a pump, an outlet opening arranged in an upper leg of the housing for delivering water from the chamber to a boiler inlet, and a draining bore arranged in a lower leg of the housing and communicating with the chamber. A spherical rubber valve ball is arranged within the chamber and is movable with respect to the draining bore in response to changes in pressure in the chamber. The ball opens and closes the draining bore in accordance with the chamber pressure to enable excess steam and water from the boiler and the pump, and excess air from the pump to exit the chamber via the draining bore. Thus, pressure within the boiler is controlled to prevent dripping of the coffee making machine.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for an improved one-way valve comprising a base for mounting in a chamber with a valve surface engaging with a sealing surface to close an input aperture of the chamber. A flexible web is interposed between the base and the valve surface for resiliently biasing the valve surface into engagement with the sealing surface thereby closing the input aperture. When a fluid pressure from the input aperture exceeds the resilient bias of the flexible web, the valve surface is displaced from the sealing surface for opening the input aperture to permit the flow of the liquid from the input aperture through the chamber into an output aperture. Upon a sufficient fluid pressure within the chamber, the valve surface engages with the sealing surface for closing the input aperture to inhibit the flow of fluid from the chamber into the input aperture.

Abstract: A thin film beam spring valve is provided for use in a squeeze pump package. The squeeze pump package includes a resilient outer bottle and an inner flexible bag with a rigid fitment. An apertured diptube is utilized to enable substantially all of the product within the bag to be dispensed. The outer bottle of the package has a substantially cylindrical finish which includes an aperture therethrough and an internally extending ledge at its lower end. The thin film beam spring is located above the ledge in a cavity created between the bottle finish and the rigid fitment of the inner bag. The central portion of the beam spring is located adjacent to the aperture of the finish such that the beam spring will seal the aperture upon exposure to a positive dispensing pressure within the bottle. The beam spring will allow air to enter the bottle upon the application of negative pressure within the bottle.

Abstract: A container (10) for compressed gas with a pressure relief member (18) made from a bimorph shape memory material. The bimorph (18) is impermeable by the gas. The bimorph (18) assumes a shape which changes depending on temperature. Below a critical temperature, the bimorph (18) lies in a first (deformed) state, and reverts to a second (remembered) state thereabove. The gas is entrapped within the container (10) when the bimorph (18) assumes the first state. When pressure rises due to temperature increase above the critical temperature, gas may escape from the container (10). This is because the bimorph (18) reverts to its second state, in which a relief gas passageway is opened, thereby relieving gas pressure.

Abstract: A fluid end for use in high-pressure, reciprocating, fluid pumps has a cylinder with a bore therethrough in which a plunger reciprocates. A valve body is disposed at one end of the bore and includes suction valve seat and a discharge valve seat, which are substantially coaxial with the axis of the bore in the cylinder. The suction and discharge valves include elastomeric, abrasion-resistant seal members. The valve body is provided with at least one fluid flow passage positioned about the periphery of the suction valve seat to permit purging of entrapped gas from the pressure chamber defined in the cylinder bore between the plunger and the valve body. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the suction and discharge valves are identical and interchangeable, and the valves are provided with urethane seal members to increase the abrasion resistance of the valves.

Abstract: An improved check valve assembly of the type having a relatively flexible disc member retained between relatively rigid inflow and outflow housing portions. The inflow and outflow housing portions are removably threadably interengaged to permit serviceability of the check valve and the relatively flexible disc member has a generally perpendicular stem extending into the bore of one of the housing portions to avoid misalignment of the disc with the housing. A tongue and groove means circumferentially seals the housing portions together by deforming to a common taper angle between the tongue and groove to provide sealing therebetween.

Abstract: A drain valve modifiable for use under different water pressures by merely changing the material of valve member within the drain valve. The drain valves are used in a fluid system to produce a fluid system that respond to local water pressure conditions. In one embodiment the drain valves include an extended inlet port that project into the water supply line to prevent complete drainage of the irrigation system and thus conserve water from one watering cycle to the next. Another embodiment of the drain valve includes multiple resilient members for sequence action in opening and closing of the drain valve. Still another embodiment permits a user to change the size of the drain passage by placing an insert in the drain passage of the drain valve.

Abstract: A one-way flow device (10) for use in a passageway (18) is provided. The device (10) comprises first (12) and second (14) walls attached together to form a passageway (18). A flexible diaphragm (20) having at least one orifice (24) extends across the passageway (18). The diaphragm (20) flexes between open and closed positions responsive to flow conditions in the passageway (18). In the open position, the orifice (24) is exposed, allowing fluid flow. In the closed position, the orifice (24) is sealed by the first sheet (12), substantially preventing fluid flow.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for internally sealing and sculpturing an elastic membrane expandable container is provided. One end of a generally hollow tubular insert extends into the container and stretches the elastic membrane of the container from the inside so that such end is sealed by the elastic force of the membrane. Another end of the insert extends out of the container with the container sealed therearound. The container may be pressurized by forcing materials such as fluids into the insert outward end and through the hollow insert so as to cause the elastic membrane to unseat from the sealed end thereof, thereby inflating the membrane. Once the pressure source is removed from the insert outward end, the elastic force of the membrane will cause it to contract and reseat against the tubular insert, thereby resealing it.

Abstract: A manually operable discharge pump for media is operable in a normal position and in an inverted position. A duct means 57b carries the medium. At least one valve 12b substantially closes and opens at least one duct 57b, and the valve 12b has a deformable valve body 44b cooperating with a valve seat 45b, the valve body being arranged between the valve seat and an opposite facing support face 56. The valve body 45b opens by a deformation motion providing an opening position and a closing position of the valve 12b. The valve body 54b is provided by a disk-like spring washer inserted between the valve seat 45b and the facing support face 56.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device of tubular means having fluid input means and fluid output means connected by a bore constituting a flow channel, means for maintaining the bore in a normally closed position, the bore being forcible to an open position in response to insertion of a medical device into the fluid input means and past the maintaining means, the maintaining means being constructed and arranged to return the bore to the closed position when the medical device is removed therefrom; and means for prevention of fluid reflux or blood from the fluid output means toward the fluid input means when the bore is in the open position.

Abstract: A drain valve modifiable for use under different water pressures by merely changing the material of valve member within the drain valve. The drain valves are used in a fluid system to produce a fluid system that respond to local water pressure conditions. In one embodiment the drain valves include an extended inlet port that project into the water supply line to prevent complete drainage of the irrigation system and thus conserve water from one watering cycle to the next. Another embodiment of the drain valve includes multiple resilient members for sequence action in opening and closing of the drain valve. Still another embodiment permits a user to change the size of the drain passage by placing an insert in the drain passage of the drain valve.

Abstract: A flow control device in which a plurality of flow channels converge in a two-part housing containing a free-floating and pre-biased flow control diaphragm and an injection site. The free-floating diaphragm is at the entry position of an intermediate channel which extends to an output channel of the injection site. The control diaphragm is pre-biased by a prong which extends from a base portion of the two-part housing.

Abstract: A device is disclosed that causes phase separation of whole blood, using much lower centrifugal forces. As a result, lymphocytes are separated from blood cells having specific gravities of 1.08 g/ml or higher. The device features a separation chamber arranged so that its long dimension or axis is parallel, not perpendicular, to the spin axis, and a valve that allows automatic removal of the lighter phase(s). The valve is constructed to respond only to the head of liquid pressure generated by an increased centrifugal force, and not to that increased force alone.

Abstract: Apparatus for evacuating a rigid container using a two-stroke reciprocating-piston pump having an air evacuating vacuum cup which is to be applied to the container lid. The pump cylinder houses a reciprocating piston-check-valve. An adhesive-tape check valve is applied to a container access opening in the lid; and the vacuum cup is seated over the adhesive-tape check valve to evacuate the rigid container. An alternative embodiment employing a vacuum probe having an in-line check valve is inserted into an otherwise plugged opening in the pump cylinder wall to evacuate a deformable container. In the second embodiment, the adhesive-type check valve is eliminated. The two check valves employed in each embodiment alternate open and closed states during piston reciprocation.

Abstract: A center flow check valve of the diaphragm type is inexpensive to manufacture and has reliably great sensitivity in both forward and reverse flow. The valve includes an imperforate diaphragm that is loose, e.g., is not affirmatively held in place by a pin or the like, and the center portion of the diaphragm as well as the periphery move axially in various modes of operation. Various elements help to keep the diaphragm centered. A reverse flow path directs back flow to the center of the downstream surface of the diaphragm. The back flow lifts the diaphragm from support edges about which it flexes during forward flow and seals it against a concave sealing surface. The diaphragm is protected against strong pressure in the forward direction by a flow deflector and against strong back flow pressure by the concave sealing surface.

Abstract: A check valve that allows flow in one direction only and is suitable for controlling corrosive, chemically active or sensitive fluids comprises a body formed of a suitably inert substance defining inlet and outlet flow passages with a central chamber between the flow passages and an elastomeric disc traversing the central chamber. Centrally located disc stops bias the disc against an annular valve seat comprising a ridge surrounding the flow path and the sealing engagement of the disc and the valve seat prevents flow through the valve. An increase of the pressure differential across the disc sufficient to overcome the resilience of the disc causes the disc to deform whereby the perimeter of the disc lifts off the valve seat and allows flow through the valve. Support stops are provided at the inlet end of the central chamber to prevent the disc from being forced into the inlet flow passage upon exposure to a high back pressure differential.

Abstract: A medical liquid administration set is provided with a check valve which is configured to relieve excess pressure downstream from the check valve. The check valve includes a resilient valve disc and a valve seat, which engages the disc when the valve is closed. The administration set includes primary and secondary liquid sources connected through a Y-connector to a pump, which pumps liquids sequentially from the first and second sources to a patient. The check valve is disposed in the set between the Y-connector and the primary liquid source and is in its closed position with the valve disc on the valve seat when the liquid level in the secondary liquid source is higher than the liquid level in the primary source to thereby prevent backflow of liquid from the secondary source into the primary. The check valve is in its open position, allowing flow from the primary source to the patient when the liquid level in the secondary source has fallen to the level of liquid in the primary source.

Abstract: A check valve comprises a valve body and a plurality of blades--all made of plastics and integral with one another. The blades extend straight in the axial direction of the valve body. The blades undergo elastic deformation when pushed onto a tapered inner surface of a stopper at their free ends, thereby biasing the valve body onto a valve seat.

Abstract: A one-piece valve for a closed enclosure. The valve is formed in the thickness of at least a part of the wall of the enclosure. The valve comprises an inside cavity communicating with the outside of the enclosure by means of a first hole, and with the inside of the enclosure by means of at least one second hole. The valve element is an integral part of the enclosure and occupies the central part of the cavity of the enclosure. The valve can be used for closing inflatable enclosures, particularly balloons, which can be inflated or deflated at will by the user.

Abstract: A drainage valve for use in pressure systems where pressure surges occur for draining an underground water system when the water pressure in the underground water system is off and for sealing the drainage valve against drainage when the water pressure is on comprising a housing having a first annular support and sealing surface and a second annular support and sealing surface for supporting a member that is nonextrudable through a drain passage in the drainage valve under normal operating pressures and surge pressures encountered in water supply systems and to permit said nonextrudable member to open said drain passage when the water pressure is off.

Abstract: An improvement in a pipe flushing device is provided. The device includes a hollow, elastomeric tubular member expandible by water pressure and having open opposite ends. A hose connector is connected to the inlet end thereof and a valve connected to a transverse groove in the outlet end thereof. The valve includes a hollow cylindrical cage with open sides and front and a rear transverse closure plate sealing the rear end thereof. The plate may have a peripheral flange and in any event seats in the transverse groove. An elastomeric sheath which is both flexible and resilient forms the improvement. The sheath removably covers the exterior of the rear closure plate and helps seal the valve in the groove to prevent fluid by-pass except when the tubular member is expanded. The sheath may have a roughened slip-resistant exterior surface or striations in the exterior thereof to improve the seal and may enclose a portion of the sides of the cage.

Abstract: An administration set which is suitable for giving an infusion of liquid to a patient by gravity flow from a container of liquid through the set and to the patient comprises a fluid reservoir, a flow regulator and a barostat device which compensates for changes in fluid pressure during the infusion. The fluid reservoir is positioned upstream of the flow regulator and the barostat device is downstream of the flow regulator. In a preferred embodiment a piercing needle connects with a closable tube and injection site which enter the main body of the reservoir by a secure seal. One side of the top of the reservoir extends in a curving manner to be in front of the closable tube and joins an air channel that leads to an airtight chamber which holds the barostat device. An outlet passage leads from the bottom of the reservoir to a collapsible region and descends to an outlet tube which leads via the regulator to the barostat device.

Abstract: An all-plastic check valve is incorporated into a molded plastic surgical or medical device. A tubular arm of the device serves as a barrel of the one-way check valve and has a unitarily molded seat or sealing ring and a plurality of protuberances or keeper bumps. A hollow cone-shaped or bullet-shaped stopper permits fluid flow in one direction, but in the back direction lodges against the sealing ring or seat. The material of the stopper is softer than the material of the tubular portion. At least limited flexing is possible without breaking the seal.

Abstract: A charging valve consisting of a valve sleeve and a valve stem fixed in the interior thereof comprises a valve which acts by compression and tension, the tension or compression being exerted by resilient parts of the valve stem adjacent to both valves.

Abstract: A method for preventing the introduction of air into the vascular system of a patient during intravenous or intra-arterial procedures, as well as for preventing the reflux of fluids into the body of a patient. Also, novel fluid directing means and catheters which include integral or attached fluid flow control means for use in this method.

Abstract: A relief/check valve for venting an electric storage battery comprising essentially an annular sealing member having an elastomeric skirt engaging the sloping exterior surface of a valve seat. The skirt flares outwardly from the seat in direct proportion to the pressure in the battery such as to prevent excessive build up of pressure in the battery when the gassing rate is high. The skirt quickly returns to a sealing condition when the pressure within the battery drops below the opening pressure of the valve.

Abstract: A snap-on valve sleeve for a check valve designed to be rigidly and sealingly secured within the end of an elastomeric tube. The sleeve includes a plurality of inwardly disposed barb segments positioned in mating alignment with an annular protrusion positioned about the outer surface of the valve body. The annular protrusion comprises an upward rearwardly sloped surface and a flat step surface perpendicular to the outer surface of the valve body. The check valve is inserted into the end of the tube. The outer edge of the end of the tube slides over the step surface positioning the tube along a partial length of the valve body. The sleeve is positioned over the forward end of the valve body and forced along the length of the valve body until the barb segments ride up the upward rearwardly sloped surface and then snap over the sloped surface to compress and seal the tube between the valve body and sleeve.