Abstract: A dispenser provides pulmonary delivery of a powder dose to a subject. The dispenser is adapted to be brought into connection with an actuator which introduces an amount of a gas for dispensing the powder dose. The dispenser includes a chamber for receiving the powder dose and a valve for permitting passage of the powder dose only when the actuator introduces the gas into the dispenser. The powder dose is passed from the dispenser for pulmonary delivery to the subject.

Abstract: In the case of a heat exchanger, in particular a cooling apparatus, having a housing and at least one ventilator for blowing the air which flows through the heat exchanger out through an outlet opening in the housing, there is arranged on the outside of the outlet opening (4) of the housing (1), in order to avoid energy losses upon defrosting and to save energy costs, a flexible flat piece (6, 15) which permits air to emerge unimpeded into the surrounding space when the ventilator is operating but which collapses when the ventilator is shut off and thereby covers the outlet opening of the housing so that, upon the defrosting, no moist and warm defrosting air can emerge through the outlet opening of the housing into the surrounding space.

Abstract: A valve (18) is disclosed for venting a liquid dispensing container. The valve comprises a valve body upper end (76), an intermediate portion (78) adapted to mourn through a sidewall aperture, and a semi-spherical lower end portion (80). An air passageway (96) extends into the valve upper end (76), and through the portion (78) to the lower portion (80). A slit opening (94) extends through the lower portion (80) and communicates with the passageway (96). The slit widens to equalize pressure in the container, and annular shoulder surfaces (92) and internal surfaces (62) of the container sidewall are compressed together. When equalization in pressure has been achieved, the lower valve portion (80) decompresses and resumes its normal configuration whereby causing the slit (94) to close. Surfaces (92, 62) have a complimentary downward angle to facilitate the return of the lower portion (80) into its semi-spherical shape.

Abstract: A non-stick treated valve including a pair of cooperating elastomeric surfaces positioned to engage each other to control fluid flow through the valve. A non-stick coating is applied to the cooperating surfaces to facilitate separation of the surfaces from each other during opening of the valve. The non-stick coating is in the form of an oily substance such as a fluid lubricant for forming a fluid film coating on the cooperating surfaces. In addition, the coating material is formed of a material which is dissimilar from the material forming the cooperating surfaces.

Abstract: An elastomeric valve assembly designed for use in an inflatable surgical implant to provide a self sealing means for filling the implant. The valve assembly incorporates vulcanized elastomeric strips molded between two larger silicone sheets, wherein the strips form a collapsible self-sealing channel through which a fill needle may be inserted through slits in the strips and sheets.

Abstract: Swimming pool cleaner components are provided to form a unitary combination of a body housing a diaphragm in communication with an inner tube and the body in communication with an outer tube around the inner tube and secured to the body to locate the diaphragm and inner tube with a rotatable coupling collar on the outer tube to position the components in an outer body of the swimming pool cleaner.

Abstract: The present invention is a discharge nozzle for flexible dispensing tubes containing paste-like or semi-liquid substances. It solves the problem of having to contact the discharge opening of the dispensing tube against a secondary surface to cut off the flow of substance. This is advantageous for eliminating the transfer of germs between the discharge opening of the dispensing tube and the secondary surface. Additionally, it solves the problem of eliminating unwanted accumulation of substance at the nozzle discharge, even when the dispensing tube is used in a repetitive manner, over a long period of time. The nozzle is small in size, has a symmetrical interior surface, and has a discharge portion formed at least partially from a material possessing a low coefficient of friction. This discharge portion has an elongated slit and is attached to a tubular neck. The elongated slit may be configured in the shape of an "I" to form two displaceable tongues.

Abstract: A compact manifold for distribution of fluids (gas or liquid or combination thereof). The manifold has a block having fluid channels provided therethrough between two faces of the block. Against one face, a plate is fastened which swages ferrules between the plate and the block to tightly connect fluid conduits through the plate to the block. On the opposite face of the block, a manifold plenum is formed in a groove between a manifold plate and an o-ring. The o-ring is pressed against the manifold plate by a back plate and both plates are securely fastened onto the block such that the holes in the manifold plate are aligned with the fluid channels in the block. Checkvalves are positioned between the block and the manifold plate to prevent backflow. The above-mentioned components are positioned into their respective places and are secured upon the tightening of the fasteners. The manifold is configured with at least two plenums each having a group of distribution outlets.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system for delivering sterile preservative-free solution is disclosed. The system uses double self-sealing valves mounted in series inside a tip compartment which fits on the outlet of a multiple dosage squeeze container to prevent undesirable retrograde flow of the dispensed liquid back into the bottle during the decompression cycle. The valves used are either positive acting, normally closed duckbill and/or umbrella valve(s) which open to express solution from the container when squeezing pressure is applied to the bottle and which automatically close when the pressure is released. The fluid dispensing system with an umbrella valve near the system outlet has close to zero dead space volume thereby practically eliminated possible contamination of the sterile fluid under the circumferential seal head portion of the umbrella valve and in the container. A hydrophobic filter is provided to sterilize the replacement air which enters the container upon release of the squeezing pressure.

Abstract: An intake valve for use in a thermoplastic fluid pump for inflatable bladders in which the valve is composed of superposed elastomeric layers and one of which is energy sealed at the center thereof to an inner wall portion of the pump about an inlet opening through said layer. The inlet opening is axially aligned with a hole through said pump wall so that ambient air may upon an expansion stroke of the pump enter the valve through said inlet opening and hole in the pump wall. Thereafter when the pump is compressed, air within the pump chamber will seal the inlet opening and force said air into the bladder through a check valve provided therefor. Thereafter when the pump is released, air will again be drawn into the pump chamber through the intake valve.

Abstract: A self sealing flexible elastomeric valve is disclosed. The valve can be used to seal a trocar device from loss of gas pressure during a laparoscopic surgical procedure when a surgical instrument is inserted therethrough as well as when no instrument is inserted. The preferred one piece valve includes a flange having an aperture, and a cylindrical wall section which extends to a pair of mutually opposed sealing wall sections defining a generally S-shaped slit. This slit configuration at the end of these wall sections define the sealing surfaces. The flange preferably includes a concentrically dome shaped region with the aperture centrally displayed. The valve also is preferably composed of a silicone rubber. The valve has the advantages of simplicity of manufacture and assembly and the ability to provide an adequate seal against the surface of any surgical instrument inserted through it.

Abstract: A non-symmetrical circular row of oil inlets are located in a circular manifold surrounding a squeeze film space in a squeeze film damper. The oil inlets are directed radially inwardly from said manifold to open into the squeeze film space. Certain cluster of inlets provide higher oil pressure to the squeeze film space than other inlets. All inlets are equipped with automatically closing synthetic rubber check valves.

Abstract: An automatic fluid valve which permits insertion of a surgical instrument therethrough is disclosed and includes an elastomeric slit valve with a plurality of raised surgical instrument engaging protrusions on a proximal surface thereof. Typically, the slit valve is a tricuspid valve, and three protrusions would be provided. The protrusions may take many forms, including barbells or other shaped elements which are insert molded into the slit valve, or bumps which are molded as part of the slit valve. If the protrusions are insert molded, the protrusions are preferably made of a material having a coefficient of friction lower than then the coefficient of friction of the elastomeric, typically silicone, member. If the protrusions are part of the valve, they are preferably coated with a slippery coating such as TEFLON. The faces of the protrusions may also take different forms such as hemispheres, or elongated ribs.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system for delivering sterile preservative free solution is disclosed. The system uses double self-sealing valves mounted in series inside a tip compartment which fits on the outlet of a multiple dosage squeeze container to prevent undesirable retrograde flow of the dispensed liquid back into the bottle during the decompression cycle. The valves used are positive acting, normally closed duckbill valves which open to express solution from the container when squeezing pressure is applied to the bottle and which automatically close when the pressure is released. A hydrophobic filter is provided to sterilize the replacement air which enters the container upon release of the squeezing pressure.

Abstract: A check valve comprises valve flaps formed by subjecting a front sheet and a rear sheet of synthetic resin, one of which is laid on top of the other, to heat sealing thereby sealing the same by thermal adhesion at the right and left sides thereof and at a plurality of curved heat sealings which are coupled to one another in such a way as to approximately form T-shapes at the junctions thereof so that the valve flaps have arabesque outlines. As a result, the lower parts of the heat sealings serve as fluid returning segments so as to improve the check valve in fluid sealing performance.

Abstract: A one-way valve assembly including an axially extending valve body having an inlet end and an outlet end and with an expandable elastomeric sleeve tightly fitted about the valve body. A cover member encloses the elastomeric sleeve and valve body and presses the sleeve into fluid-tight contact with the valve body at two axially spaced locations. Further, the cover member is fitted tightly onto the valve body adjacent its inlet end. A flowable substance flows from a source through the valve body passing to the outlet and cannot flow back to the source.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-whistling duckbill check valve for use in a fluid flow path for permitting relatively free flow of fluid in the path in a first direction from a first to a second end of the valve and for preventing fluid flow in the path in a second opposite direction. The check valve includes first and second lips extending in converging relationship to each other from a base portion of the valve. A vibration dampening rib is located on each of the lips wherein the ribs are configured to have a natural frequency substantially equal to the lips. The ribs vibrate out of phase with the lips such that the vibration of the lips is dampened.

Abstract: A miniature valve is provided for use in a medical administration set wherein the valve is designed to be fit into very small areas while operating with performance characteristics comparable to those provided by larger valves. The valve is formed as a duckbill valve having very thin substantially planar lips extending in converging relationship to each other. A slit is defined by the lips at an outlet end of the valve wherein the slit is movable to an open position as the lips pivot about a pivot point located on the lips in spaced relation to the outlet end. A support structure in the form of a sleeve is provided for ensuring that the contact surfaces remain in alignment with each other during operation of the valve and to prevent the thin, delicate lips from inverting when a large back pressure force is applied and for improving the inherent sealing characteristics of duckbill valves.

Abstract: A bi-directional vent and overpressure relief valve is disclosed including a housing enclosing a regulator member. The regulator member is biased into contact with a wall of the housing to prevent flow of gasses through the housing. A centrally located diaphragm on the regulator provides a venting function for permitting gasses to flow in either direction through the housing when predetermined minimum pressure differentials are produced across the housing. In addition, the regulator is adapted to move out of contact with the housing in the event that an overpressure condition exists in order to provide a pressure relief function permitting a high flow of gases through the housing.

Abstract: A balloon includes a pair of overlying valve film strips disposed between a pair of overlying balloon films, which include neck and body portions. The valve film strips extend at an angle to a central axis of the neck portions, and valve seals formed in the valve film strips direct incoming gas from an inlet adjacent the neck, to an outlet between the body portions. Methods of assembling the balloons by forming the valve seams and neck seams without moving the balloon films or valve film strips is also disclosed.

Abstract: A check valve for bags containing goods such as rice or other grains or foods. The valve is used to discharge excessive air from the bag while preventing outside air from entering the bag. The check valve is constructed of plural plastic films joined together.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a duckbill conservation vent valve comprising an elastomeric tubular body having an axial fluid passageway with an inlet and an outlet. The tubular body progressively narrows in cross section from inlet to outlet, forming opposed sealing lips at the outlet. The lips define a closed slit therebetween. The slit is opened in response to pressure exerted from the inlet in the direction of the slit. The slit is kept closed by means such as applying either external or internal force on opposing ribs which extend radially from the tubular body or by draping a long lip over a slit and a short lip, or by stretching a short lip to equal the length of a long lip and attaching the short lip to the long lip. The duckbill conservation vent valve is capable of being opened by pressure heads of less than about 2 inches of water.

Abstract: A breather valve connected to a breather passage for opening and closing a valve element to adjust the internal pressure of a sealed container corresponding to the pressure change inside the sealed container includes a valve bore, the valve element slidably fitted in the valve bore, a spring for pushing the valve element toward the sealed container, an elastic portion tapering toward the sealed container, a slit formed at the free end of the elastic portion, and a needle member extending from the side opposite to the sealed container toward the slit. Plastic deformation caused by pressure reduction inside the sealed container opens the slit while the needle member projects through and opens the slit when increase of the internal pressure of the sealed container pushes the valve element against the pressure of the spring.

Abstract: A cushioning package includes a barrel-shaped balloon body consisting of outer film formed of a material having no air-permeability and an inner film that is substantially similar in shape to the outer film and is formed of a material having no air-permeability and is placed on the inside of the outer film, the films being bonded together at the upper and lower edges such that an amount of air can be fed therebetween, and includes a check valve attached to the balloon body and formed by superposing two film pieces having no air-permeability one upon another and bonding them together along two linear seals, one of the linear seals extending at its lower end at an angle of 45.degree. or more with respect to the other linear seal and terminates at a position spaced several to a few tens mm space away from the linear seal, leaving an unbonded portion serving as an air passage.

Abstract: A backflow valve for use in a post-mix carbonator system for preventing the backflow of carbonated fluid, thereby preventing the contamination of the fresh water supply, and indicating when such a backflow condition has occurred. In a first embodiment the valve comprises a check seat body which houses an elastomeric valve member, and a sight glass body for viewing the position of the elastomeric valve member. The elastomeric valve member allows normal the flow of fluid from the supply to the outlet and prevents the reverse flow of fluid when the pressure at the outlet exceeds the pressure at the supply. As the pressure downstream increases, the elastomeric valve member is forced in the upstream direction over a plurality of steps in the check seat body. The position of the elastomeric valve member may be observed through a sight glass body which has a line marking the normal position of the elastomeric valve member.

Abstract: A check valve provides a one-way fluid passage from without to within a fluid bladder formed by a pair of plastic sheets sealed together about their periphery. The check valve is formed by a pair of superimposed films of thermoplastic material, generally equal in length, thermally bonded together at predetermined areas to define the fluid passage throughout the length of the valve. Each of the films, adjacent one end thereof, is sealed to one of the outer sheets where the valve enters the bladder by a seal line of wedge shape. Each of the films has a high-gloss, cohesive inner surface and a matte, non-cohesive, outer surface. At least one of the films includes, on its inner surface, a release material disposed at a location which corresponds to the area at the inlet end of the fluid passage through the peripheral seal of the bladder to prevent the fusing together of the films at that area of the seal. The seal in that area has a V-shape with apex pointing in a direction opposite the one-way fluid flow.

Abstract: In an ejector pump provided within a saddle-shaped fuel tank for an automotive vehicle to feed fuel from a subchamber to a main chamber through a suction pipe due to a vacuum generated by fuel returned from an engine to the fuel tank via a return pipe, the ejector pump comprises a return pipe connecting portion connected to the return pipe; a suction pipe connecting portion connected to the suction pipe; a nozzle formed at an end of the return pipe connecting portion; a pump housing coupled to the two pipe connecting portions, for forming a vacuum chamber and a throat portion; and in particular elastic reverse-conical shaped check valve provided within the return pipe connecting portion to prevent fuel from flowing reversely from the fuel tank in case of trouble. Further, since the check valve can be used in common with a sealing member and further with the nozzle, it is possible to simplify the ejector pump structure and assembly work without reducing the fuel tank capacity.

Abstract: A backflow valve for use in a post-mix carbonator system for preventing the backflow of carbonated fluid, thereby preventing the contamination of the fresh water supply, and indicating when such a backflow condition exists or has occurred. The backflow valve comprises a check seat body which houses an elastomeric valve member, and a sight glass body for viewing the position of the elastomeric valve member. The backflow valve also comprises top and base connectors for connecting the backflow valve to the fluid carrying line and a shut-off/flush valve for controlling the flow of fluid through the device. The elastomeric valve member allows the flow of fluid from the supply to the outlet when the fluid pressure at the supply exceeds the pressure at the outlet and prevents the reverse flow of fluid when the pressure at the outlet exceeds the pressure at the supply.

Abstract: A swimming pool cleaner relief valve comprising a body; a flow passage through the body having an inlet and an outlet for connection to a pipe having an induced flow therethrough; a bypass passage through the body connected to the flow passage and open to ambient conditions at a free end and having parallel ridges on its inner surface and a restriction at the free end; a flexible resilient diaphragm that slides coaxially within the bypass passage having a peripheral flange and a perforation permitting flow therethrough in only one direction and variable in size depending upon the degree of flexing of the diaphragm, and cooperating members movable in the parallel ridges to prevent complete withdrawal of the diaphragm from the bypass passage; and a collar having a ring with a recess that receives the flange and having serrated projections that engage the restriction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hemostasis valve which is formed of a longitudinally extended valve housing having a first opening and a central longitudinal passage communicating with an opposite second opening. A cap is provided for enclosing the first opening of the housing, said cap having a hole to permit insertion of a catheter. Also provided is a one-piece seal located within the longitudinally extended housing, said seal comprising a sealing neck having a relatively small opening therein, communicating with a sealing chamber having opposing sealing exit lips which are both readily expandable and support shoulders on the outside of said seal adjacent to the sealing neck to provide support for the seal.

Abstract: A device for establishing a fluid-tight seal around a rotatable drive shaft has a housing which is formed with a straight bore through which the drive shaft is positioned. The bore has a narrow portion, a wide portion and a tapered portion between the narrow and wide portions. A beveled annular seal is positioned in the wide portion of the bore around the drive shaft with the bevel abutting the side of the tapered portion of the bore. An actuator is engaged to the housing and is movable to urge the seal against the tapered portion of the bore to constrict the seal around the drive shaft and establish a fluid-tight seal between the drive shaft and the annular seal. The housing further includes an expanded conforming portion. A flexible seal valve is positioned in the expanded portion to receive the drive shaft. A seal valve has a deformable wedge-shaped portion terminating in a normally closed slit when the shaft is removed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a relief valve used where there is an induced flow through equipment. The relief valve controls the flow through the equipment at a uniform rate and also provides for pressure relief of the liquid used in the equipment. The valve comprising a body having a flow passage therethrough with an inlet and an outlet for connection into a pipe having induced flow therethrough. A bypass passage from the body between the inlet and the outlet and open to ambient conditions at the free end is also provided. There is a flexible resilient diaphragm in the bypass passage perforated to permit flow therethrough in one direction only and the perforation variable in size dependant on the degree of flexing of the diaphragm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a valve assembly for allowing fluid flow in a first direction and for preventing fluid flow in a second, opposite direction including a valve housing having first and second ports opening into the housing. A flow regulator is positioned within the housing and includes an outer wall which is formed as a substantially cylindrical member. The regulator includes a pair of semi-circular valve lips which are oriented in converging relationship to each other to form an outlet slit at one end of the regulator. The valve lips are connected to the outer wall by a pair of concave connecting walls wherein the lips and connecting walls form a pair of cavities on either side of the outlet slit. A pair of elongated projections are located along diametrically opposing sides of the outer wall for biasing the outer wall inwardly whereby a biasing force is applied to close the lips.

Abstract: An irrigation appliance uses a reservoir which inverts to form a cover and includes a simplified valve in the reservoir as well as a switching mechanism adapted thereto. Liquid delivered to the unit from the reservoir is controlled as to pressure by adjustment on a hand-held device remote from the unit. In the base unit are elements which regulate forward and backward flow in order to obtain outlet pressure control.

Abstract: A one layer self-sealing, self-regulating, two-way flat valve for fluid containers, such as toy balloons and the like formed of two heat sealed film layers, is provided. The container having two container film layers joined at the perimeters thereof, an exterior opening in one of the layers, and a valve film layer attached to an inner surface of the same container layer. The valve film layer forms an integral fluid channel through which fluid is guided into the container from the exterior opening such that as the container attains maximum fluid capacity, the fluid channel automatically collapses. Perpendicular creases which form along the container surfaces cross the fluid channel to effectively seal the container.

Abstract: A one-way valve comprising flat resilient members in face-to-face relationship which are bonded upon two generally parallel tracks defining a passageway therebetween, where the tracks have a tortuous profile along their inner edges.

Abstract: A normally closed check valve has an ephemeral seal on the entry side thereof which blocks fluid flow through the check valve at pressure differentials acting across the check valve which would normally open the check valve and cause fluid flow to occur through the check valve. The ephemeral seal is a high viscosity material which when heated to a temperature well above the normally encountered ambient temperature will become of sufficiently low viscosity to flow from the check valve entry and be removed from blocking the opening of the check valve. The ephemeral seal is usually so heated by operation of the mechanism in which the check valve and ephemeral seal are installed, such operation normally creating sufficient heat to heat the ephemeral seal to that temperature which causes it to be of sufficiently low viscosity to flow away from the check valve entry. The mechanism disclosed which uses the check valve and a preferred embodiment of the ephemeral seal is a disc brake caliper assembly.

Abstract: A one-way valve comprising flat resilient members in face-to-face relationship which are bonded upon two generally parallel tracks defining a passageway therebetween, where the tracks have a tortuous profile along their inner edges, and optionally, where the passageway is creased and/or wetted.

Abstract: A combined check valve and relief valve assembly for permitting the free of a fluid in a first direction and for selectively preventing backflow. Backflow occurs only upon depression of a compression spring-loaded cylindrical valve actuator housed within the valve body. The valve assembly comprises a valve body having an inlet and outlet port which are adjacent to an upper and lower cylindrical bore respectively, thus providing a flow path. A resilient duckbill valve is mounted within the cylindrical bores. A compression spring-loaded valve actuator is also received, lossely, within the valve body and is provided with a stem at the end of the valve actuator, proximate to the opening of the duckbill valve. Fluid passing through the upper cylindrical core around the valve actuator opens the lips of the duckbill valve permitting free passage therethrough. Back pressure seals the lips of the duckbill valve so that the valve becomes a check valve.

Abstract: An elastomeric piston member of a product dispenser for semi-viscous liquids includes integrally molded priming valve structure as well as check valve structure. The priming valve comprises a number of generally flat, triangular segments arranged around the periphery of an outlet conduit leading from a pumping chamber, and during a pumping stroke of the piston member, outermost tips of each segment deflect laterally to allow discharge of products from the chamber. The triangular segments are molded in an open or spaced apart orientation to facilitate manufacture, and are biased by ribs of a discharge spout toward a closed, inclined orientation in contact with adjacent segments once the dispenser is assembled.

Abstract: A pressure relief and vacuum vent valve includes a valve body defining a cylinder having an inwardly facing valve seat. A valve piston is positioned in the cylinder and includes an annular closure portion axially movable toward and away from the valve seat to close and open the valve. The piston has an axial bore. A spring, of considerable rate, urges the valve piston closure portion toward the valve seat. The piston is selectively movable axially against the spring to open the valve and release pressure from within the valve body. A flexible duckbill vent valve is integral with the valve piston within the bore and opens inwardly for venting fluid therethrough only in response to vacuum within the valve body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-sealing flexible plastic valve for a non-latex balloon. The valve is made from two flexible plastic sheets, bonded together to define a valve inlet, a valve outlet and a valve passageway. The inlet end of one sheet extends beyond the other to provide a positioning tab to be bonded to the balloon sheet such that the valve inlet is within the balloon stem. A bonding barrier at the inlet end avoids sealing during fabrication and facilitates automated insertion of the valve into the balloon.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hemostasis valve which is formed of a longitudinally extended valve housing having a first opening and a central longitudinal passage communicating with an opposite second opening. A cap means is providied for enclosing the first opening of the housing, said cap means having a hole to permit insertion of a catheter. Also provided is a one-piece seal means located within the longitudinally extended housing, said seal means comprising a sealing neck having a relatively small opening therein and communicating with a sealing chamber having opposing sealing exit lips which are both readily expandable to a diameter less than that of the valve housing upon insertion of a catheter.

Abstract: A backflow prevention device for use in wastelines and the like having a one piece yieldably deformable valving member which permits free flow of liquids in one direction but blocks the flow of liquids and gasses in the opposite direction. Fluid flow through the device is directly proportional to the fluid pressure exerted on the valving member.

Abstract: A brake bleeder valve which is adapted to be temporairily and releasably connected to a standard brake bleeder screw and/or to a threaded outlet opening in a master cylinder for quickly bleeding a wheel cylinder or caliper and/or the master cylinder is disclosed. The bleeder valve may be molded in one piece body of a flexible or resilient material, such as rubber or the like, and may utilize a duckbill type one-way valve formed therein to permit the flow of air and fluid from the item being bled, but prevent the return of any air. The bleeder valve is particularly useful in bleeding automotive, aircraft or other brake systems.

Abstract: The catheter insertion valve of the present invention comprises a central tubular body and a non-removable tubular cap that can be screwed onto the body wherein a bore extending through the body and the cap defines a pathway for a catheter. Such catheters are inserted into arteries, organs or body cavities for the purpose of introducing medications of instruments for treatment, diagnosis or the performing of in vivo procedures. A seal located within the central body of the valve is used to form a fluid-tight seal about the catheter, guidewire or other instrument extending therethrough. Alternatively, the seal can completely close off the pathway when it is not being used for catheter insertion thereby preventing air entrainment. The central body is provided with one or more seal position indicators to indicate to the operator that a seal has been formed about a catheter or guidewire of standard dimension. The seal is manually adjusted by rotating the non-removable cap.

Abstract: A bi-directional valve constructed and arranged for insertion into the esophagus in the vicinity of its lower gastroespohageal sphincter for permanent installation comprises an outer cylindrical housing that engages the inner wall of the esophagus and suspends a flexible conically or pyramidally shaped body having an open base facing the proximal (upper) end of the esophagus, a converging wall housing an upper open portion closable by an upper valve and a rounded apex having a lower slot valve facing the distal (lower) end of the esophagus.

Abstract: A valve for an inflatable body has the inside of a valve member within the body having opposed wall portions normally superposed on one another and movable upon forcible separation. The inside of the opposed wall portions are coated with a viscid, non-hardening material preferably a polyglycol which minimizes leakage of helium and a like gas through the valve when the body is inflated.

Abstract: A one-way valve for a leg urinal or similar container comprising a thin, elastic tube formed with a permanent spiral twist giving it a memory that positively closes the tube against liquid backflow. The tube is nonetheless highly sensitive to internal pressure and unwinds to open the tube and permit forward liquid flow or even tiny volumes of liquid. The tube is stretch fit on an inexpensively molded nipple member and the tube and nipple member form a unit that is readily operationally insertable into and removable from the container to be discarded and replaced or to permit easy access for cleaning the container.

Abstract: System for artificial vessel embolization comprising a catheter adapted to be inserted into the vessel and having a passage extending therethrough. A balloon delivery catheter is slidably mounted in the passage in the first named catheter. The balloon delivery catheter comprises a flexible elongate element having proximal and distal extremities. A detachable balloon is detachably secured to the distal extremity of the flexible elongate element. An adapter is carried by the proximal extremity of the flexible elongate element permitting inflation and deflation of the detachable balloon. The detachable ballon includes a cylindrical valve base having a bore extending therethrough and a self-sealing valve mounted on the valve base. The detachable balloon is mounted by a friction interference fit between the valve base and the distal extremity of the flexible elongate member. The size of the bore of the valve base is selected to provide the desired detachment force for the detachable balloon.