Abstract: A fountain applicator handle is disclosed for providing a continuous supply of a liquid coating to an applicator head for application onto a surface. The fountain applicator handle includes an elongated hollow reservoir with a sliding displacement piston disposed therein. A valve body is attached thereto and adapted for attachment to a coating supply, with the valve body allowing the communication of the coating into the reservoir while preventing the outflow of the coating to the applicator, and controllably communicating the coating from the reservoir to the applicator. Specifically, a fill tube is insertable through a check valve and sealable in a tapered segment in the fill channel of the valve body. In the most preferred form, the check valve is biased in a closed position independent of back pressure of the liquid coating.

Abstract: A gas-inflatable bladder toy is disclosed, in which a plurality of films are stacked with their peripheral edges being sealed for forming a bladder to be inflated by filling a required pressure gas therein, said bladder being adapted to be fed with an external gas and provided with an air valve in a flat double cylindrical form for checking an internal gas, or alternatively in which the same construction of the bladder contains a plurality of receiving bags separately receiving certain foaming agents which are chemically reacted upon mixing to produce a gas, these filling bags being broken by an external force. In accordance with the gas-inflatable bladder toy of the invention, the shape of the receiving body containing the preexpanded bladder 1 may be quite different from the shape of the expanded bladder 1 after opening the receiving body 7 and expanding to the given shape, thereby to provide an exciting bladder toy with a surprising effect.

Abstract: A check valve comprising a fluid pipe of a plastic film formed in a flat shape, and at least one valve body of a rectangular plastic film disposed in said fluid pipe, said valve body being bonded at the longitudinal edges thereof to the longitudinal edges of said fluid pipe, the tip end of said valve body in the fluid flowing direction being bonded to the inner side of one of the upper and lower flat surfaces of said fluid pipe to form a closed portion and an open portion, the base end of said valve body being not bonded to said fluid pipe to form openings between said valve body and the flat upper and lower surfaces of said fluid pipe, whereby a fluid can flow in a gap between one of said openings at the base end of said valve body and said open portion at the tip end thereof.

Abstract: An improved sprinkler head (2) having a hollow housing (4) has a fluid inlet (5) for admitting water into housing (2). A drain valve (40) comprises an elongated flexible nipple (34) having an open upper end (35) and a closed lower end (36) having a normally closed drain passage (42). Nipple (34) is mounted in any drain port in housing (4). Whenever fluid pressures inside housing (4) increase above a first level, nipple (34) will have its walls bowed outwardly until the drain passage (42) is opened. Preferably, drain valve (40) is part of a check valve (30) which incorporates into it the structure of nipple (34).

Abstract: A ventilator device for a vehicle comprises a ventilation frame including a shutter-like grille and a side wall rearwardly extending therefrom and a valve member including a bill-shaped check valve projecting toward the grille. An end of the periphery of the valve member is engaged with an end of the side wall.

Abstract: A check valve for an air chamber of an air suspension mechanism in which a shock absorber is surrounded by a housing and an elastic body to form the air chamber, includes an air supply tube, a connector welded airtightly to the housing and having on an outer peripheral surface a first thread and on an inner peripheral surface a second thread respectively, a valve body formed of a rubber to converge inward of the housing and having in an inner end a slit, a nut screwed onto the first thread of the connector to fix the valve body to the connector and a mounting nut screwed into the second thread of the connector to removably connect the air supply tube to the connector. The slit of the valve body is expanded by the air supply tube after a thread of the mounting nut is engaged with the second thread of the connector in one or a few screw threads.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing fluids comprising a container, a cap for the container, a first cylinder integral with the cap having a portion within the container and a portion outside the container, a spout assembly attached to the latter portion of the first cylinder, a coaxial second cylinder disposed around the lower exterior portion of the first cylinder, reed valves coaxially disposed in the lower portions of each cylinder, and means to move the second cylinder upwardly relative to the first cylinder.

Abstract: An introducer sheath includes a connector body having an inlet and an outlet; a flexible tube for intravenous use at the outlet, including a helical coiled spring having a plurality of coils, each coil spaced from an adjacent coil, and a thin cylindrical wall prepared from a protective coating composition completely surrounding the spring to define an inner and an outer wall surface, the portion of the cylindrical wall surrounding each coil having a first thickness and the portion of the cylindrical wall between the spaced coils having a second, smaller thickness, with the inner and outer wall surfaces being indented thereat, the coating composition comprising a thermoplastic polymeric material dissolved in a solvent solution, the composition having a solids content ranging from about 4% to about 18%, and said solution comprising a solvent selected from the group consisting of tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, methyl ethyl ketone, dimethylformamide, cyclohexane, and mixtures thereof, formed on a helical coiled spring

Abstract: The piston cylinder type damper comprises a cylinder connected to either member of the pair of a main body and an openable object, and a piston connected to the other member of the pair and adapted to fit into the cylinder and the piston incorporates therein a check valve adapted to allow the air in the cylinder to escape from the cylinder interior while the piston is driven into the cylinder by the movement of the openable object.

Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed for permitting relatively free flow in a first direction and for preventing flow in the path in a second, opposite direction. The assembly includes a resilient flow regulator including a pair of lips arranged to define a normally closed slit at the outer ends of the lips. An annular flange extends outwardly about the opposite end of the regulator. A housing outlet portion defines a housing interior having an outlet port and an open sealing end, with an annular collar disposed outwardly about the sealing end. The regulator is disposed within the housing outlet portion with the flange contained within the collar. A cover plate is attached to the collar for securing the regulator and for sealing the housing. The housing outlet portion defines a first sealing ring and the cover plate defines a second sealing ring such that the first and second sealing rings are disposed on opposite sides of the flange.

Abstract: A tide gate valve has staggered pads embedded therein to provide sufficient strength to resist sagging and inversion, and to provide sufficient flexibility to promote an easy opening of the valve.

Abstract: An inversion-resistant tide gate valve includes a multiple-ply sleeve, and a rigid support member embedded therein to prevent the sleeve from sagging and to impart strength to the sleeve to prevent inversion.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing flowable material from a flowable material source comprises a dispensing means for receiving and dispensing the material under pressure and conduit means in communication with the dispensing means for receiving the dispensed material. A self-closing elastomeric flap valve surrounds and is sealed against the conduit means. The flap valve has a closure portion which is pre-stressed to remain closed when no pressure is applied to the dispensed material and which opens to prevent the free flow of material therethrough upon the application of pressure sufficient to force the dispensed material through the closure portion. A clamping means may be employed for securing the flap valve to the conduit means.

Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed for permitting relatively free flow in a flow path in a first direction and for preventing flow in the path in a second, opposite direction. The assembly includes a resilient flow regulator including a pair of lips arranged in a converging relationship to define a normally closed slit at the outer ends of the lips. An annular flange extends outwardly about the opposite end of the regulator. A housing outlet portion defines a housing interior approximating the shape of the regulator. The housing outlet portion further includes an annular collar disposed outwardly adjacent the base of each planar surface. The regulator is diposed within the housing outlet portion with the flange contained within the collar, and with the lips being adjacent to but not in contact with the interior housing surface. A cover plate is attached to the collar for securing the regulator and for sealing the housing.

Abstract: A valve assembly for permitting relatively free flow in a first direction and for preventing flow in a second, opposite direction in a flow path includes a housing having first and second ports and defining a housing interior having an interior surface. A resilient flow regulator includes a pair of lips arranged in a converging relationship to define for the regulator an open end and a normally closed end. At the normally closed end, the lips are disposed adjacent each other to define a normally closed slit therebetween, and to define inner and outer surfaces for the lips. The regulator further includes at least one side wall interconnecting the lips. The regulator is secured within the housing interior so that flow in the first direction is from the first port, through the open end, through the normally closed end, and to the second port.

Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed for use within a flow path for permitting relatively free flow in said flow path in a first direction and for preventing flow in said path in a second, opposite direction. The assembly includes a resilient flow regulator including a pair of lips arranged in a converging relationship to define a normally closed slit at the outer ends of the lips. An annular flange extends outwardly about the opposite end of the regulator. A housing outlet portion defines a housing interior approximating the shape of the regulator, having a pair of planar surfaces corresponding to the pair of lips. The housing outlet portion further includes an annular collar disposed outwardly adjacent the base of each planar surface. The regulator is disposed within the housing outlet portion with the flange contained within the collar, with the lips being adjacent to but not in contact with the planar surfaces. A cover plate is attached to the collar for securing the regulator and for sealing the housing.

Abstract: A normally closed duckbill valve for controlling the direction of fluid flow in a fluid-conducting conduit and a method of manufacturing the valve are provided. The valve is formed of elastomeric material and comprises a generally cylindrical body member provided with an axial fluid passageway having an inlet end and an outlet end provided with an outlet slit, and progressively narrowing in cross-section from the inlet end to the outlet end to define a pair of opposed sealing lips at the outlet slit. Means for normally urging the sealing lips into a closed position are provided and comprise widened lip margins disposed at opposite ends of the outlet slit. The valve is formed by molding the elastomeric material into the preferred shape and then providing the widened lip margins with a closing bias by causing a greater amount of shrinkage in the lip margins, relative to the remaining portions of the sealing lips, during curing of the molded material from an elevated curing temperature to room temperature.

Abstract: A unitary air bleed device of an elastomeric deformable material and has an integrally formed head portion with a vent hole and a cylindrical portion with a connecting passage formed therethrough. The connecting passage communicates with the vent hole of the head portion. The deformation of the air bleed device permits the air bleed device to be mounted to an enclosed housing by press fitting. When mounted, the cylindrical portion extends into the housing in such a direction to prevent the oil entry into the connecting passage.

Abstract: A safety tank for hazardous fluids having a check valve is provided with a filler pipe inserted through a grommet providing a passage for fluids to the interior of the tank. A check valve integral with the grommet prevents reverse flow of the fluid out of the tank as might occur in an accident where the filler pipe or cap is forcibly removed. The tank can be applied to various uses, and existing tanks can be modified by the inclusion of a check valve to encompass the safety features of the present invention. Other embodiments of the tank are provided that include check valves which fit various tank inlet configurations.

Abstract: In the particular filling method disclosed in the specification a side valve type packaging bag is filled by inserting a filling tube into the bag valve, expanding a rubber tube surrounding the filling tube to form a seal with the valve opening, supplying particulate material to the interior of the bag and rotating the filling tube to distribute the particulate material within the bag, and then wetting an adhesive in the valve before withdrawing the filling tube from the bag. The filling apparatus according to the invention includes a filling tube which is mounted for rotation about its axis on a support plate and has a pouring spout directed at an angle to its axis and a pneumatic piston connected to the filling tube to rotate the tube about its axis and weighing mechanism for detecting filling of the bag.

Abstract: A rubber or elastomer gravity dump valve for an air cleaner is provided with an internal bracing strut to control the compliance of the valve discharge lips. The strut extends across the valve at or adjacent to the point of lip initiation.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis incorporating a dynamic stiffener element is disclosed. The prosthesis is adapted for securement to the annulus of an atrioventricular valve and has the characteristic of allowing normal movement of the annulus during the cardiac cycle while providing mechanical support to the valve annulus so as to maintain the valve leaflets in proper physiological alignment. The stiffener element has a plurality of reciprocating members allowing it to be modifiable in shape so as to be capable of assuming the optimum shape for a particular heart valve.

Abstract: A method for reducing the risk of freezing of surface-water pipe-line systems of the kind comprising a plurality of drains and other inlets, such as rain-water drains, manholes and inlets from terrace and roof guttering, etc. Means are provided which prevent or reduce air currents in at least one of the drains and other inlets through which the flow of air would otherwise be excessive. The means is designed to permit water to flow therethrough without appreciable gathering of water therein.

Abstract: An integral air inlet which in use admits filtered gases into a fluid container, especially infusion fluid containers, comprises a needle sealed to a housing which is closed by an air filter, the housing having disposed within it a duck bill valve which permits gas to flow from the outside and into the fluid container. The presence of the duck bill valve prevents fluid contacting the air filter thereby reducing the risk of bacterial contamination the fluid when gas is admitted.

Abstract: A plastic vent valve apparatus for use in connection with storage containers provides for equalization of the internal pressure of the container. Air is admitted into the container in response to a partial vacuum, while fumes or fluid contents of the container are expelled in response to over-pressurization of the container to prevent explosion of the container. Moderate over-pressurization resulting from normal expansion of the contents is relieved by venting of the fumes or liquid contents by means of a valve mechanism. Severe over-pressurization requiring rapid venting is better accommodated by ejection of a thin-walled break-away portion of the upper housing defining a large unobstructed vent aperture. Finally, under severe fire conditions the melting of the plastic valve components may provide a yet larger aperture for maximum venting.

Abstract: A bi-directional pressure relief valve includes a cylindrical main body portion defining a flow path through the valve and terminating in an asymmetrical lip portion having a curved contour about an axis of curvature extending perpendicularly to the flow path and a linear contour which is substantially normal to the curved contour. The lip portion has a normally closed slit formed through it and expands to open the slit to permit flow in one direction in response to pressure differentials across the lip portion above a first pressure differential, regains its undeformed shape to close the slit and check flow at pressure differentials below the first differential and above a second pressure differential, and collapses in a predictable and repeatable manner to open the slit to permit flow in an opposite direction at pressure differentials below the second pressure differential.

Abstract: A head of an air pump for inflating pneumatic tires having a motorcycle valve comprises a pot-shaped housing defining a pressure space. The housing is arranged to be connected to an air pump defining a piston space so that the pressure space and the piston space are in communication with one another. A projection is formed integral with the pot-shaped housing and defines a cavity appliable upon a motorcycle valve including a valve body and a spring-biased check valve. A partition is provided between the cavity and the pressure space, the cavity of the projection communicating by at least one air duct passing through the partition with the pressure space. A check valve is provided in the cavity of the projection and is defined by a seal arranged around a lifting pin projecting from the partition into the cavity and leaving free between itself and the lifting pin a connecting duct.

Abstract: A flexible one-way valve is produced by cutting two flexible members having identical peripheral configurations and a maximum width intermediate opposite ends and the peripheral edges are secured to each other to produce valve portion having an inlet opening along the point of maximum width, an outlet opening at one end. The remainder of the peripheral edges are left unattached so that the unattached portions define a support which can extend perpendicular to the axis of the valve. The valve portion preferably has a reduced area opening or throat between the inlet opening and the outlet opening.

Abstract: A filler sleeve is disclosed for use in conjunction with a bag adapted to contain a powder, fibrous, flake or granular product. More specifically, a filler sleeve is disclosed comprised of an elongated tubular member which is connected to the top end of the bag. The tubular member includes an open end which is contiguous with a filler opening provided in the top end of the bag. The opposed end of the tubular member is heat sealed or locked by folding. A longitudinally extending slit is provided in the tubular member disposed on the bottom surface thereof. In use, when the bag is filled by introducing the product by air flow or by gravity, through a filler nozzle which is inserted into the filler opening and into the tubular member, the product is deflected downwardly into the bag thereby inhibiting the likelihood of blowout of the side panels.

Abstract: A connector which is adapted to be connected to a plastic cannula or a vein catheter comprises a tubular and/or conical portion that is adapted to be tightly joined to a parenteral solution supply needle and/or to a hose provided with a cone fitting. To ensure that a metal cannula or a vessel catheter can be pushed through the connector without obstruction and that the connector closes automatically as soon as the metal cannula or the catheter or the cone fitting of a supply hose has been pulled from the connector, the body of the latter is provided with a receptable, which is radial with respect to the flow passage, and a disc consisting of elastomeric material and having a central slit is held in said receptacle and blocks the flow passage.

Abstract: A non-return valve comprises a valve body 1 which supports the upstream end of a valve closure means 2 formed by a sleeve of flexible but impermeable material. Closure support means 3 of a skeletal structure are positioned within the valve closure means 2. Forward flow through the valve is relatively unimpeded, but reverse flow causes the valve closure means 2 substantially sealingly to collapse upon the closure support means 3. In one of the principal applications of this non-return valve, the valve body 1 is the efflux duct of a fan.

Abstract: A combination check-overpressure relief valve includes a cylindrical main body portion defining a flow path through the valve and terminating in a curved lip portion having a radius of curvature extending perpendicularly to the flow path. The curved lip portion has a normally closed slit formed through it which opens to flow in one direction but checks flow in an opposite direction until a certain pressure is exceeded, at which the valve relieves to allow flow in the opposite direction. The valve will thereafter automatically reset to its original checking position once the pressure has dropped sufficiently. If desired the pressures at which flow can occur through the valve may be increased by providing the valve with stiffening ribs projecting radially outwardly of the main body portion.

Abstract: Mitral heart valve comprising a stent including a circular base and a pair of upstanding diametrically opposed struts, separating a pair of diametrically opposed arcuately shapes depressed reliefs, each such relief being bounded by a smooth curve interconnecting the struts to the circular base. A flexible, durable, biocompatible covering is secured to the stent and provides two equal opposed preset flappably movable valve cusps secured along the smooth curve defining the perimeter of the reliefs. The valve cusps each are preformed and preset so that the perimeter of the biocompatible covering along the free edge of each of the cusps between the tips of each associated strut is so related to the circumference of the circular base that, when the valve is in its forced open position, the cross-sectional area of the exit is substantially equal to the cross-sectional area of the inside of the circular base.

Abstract: A fuel system particularly useful with diesel fuel. The fuel is picked up through a fuel strainer system and pumped through a supply line to the engine. Excess fuel is returned to the fuel tank through a fuel return line. Since any water in the fuel separates from diesel fuel and settles in the bottom of the tank, the water must at times be removed. By extending the fuel return tube to the bottom of the tank a syphon tube is provided which can be connected to a pump to pump out the water. If the water in the bottom of the tank freezes, a bypass valve in the upper portion of the fuel return line, but within the tank, operates so that returned fuel may still be discharged in the tank. Two flexible bypass valve arrangements are shown, both using variations of a duckbill valve to provide a closed valve when syphoning or pumping of the water takes place.

Abstract: An improved tennis ball having an integrally molded valve in the sidewalls thereof for assuring constant pressure within the ball and, therefore, constant playing characteristics. The valve is characterized by being of unitary construction and having a normally open and a normally closed portion. The valve is constructed of a tapered deformable elastomeric material such that the normally closed portion seals the ball against low initial internal pressures sufficiently to allow the internal pressure within the ball to deform the normally opened portion into wedged engagement with the passageway through the wall of the ball containing the valve. As thus configured, increased internal pressure wedges the normally opened portion increasingly tightly into the passageway to provide a tight seal which is resistant to opening upon impact of the ball. The normally opened portion is provided with knife edges and a polished surface on the interior to provide leak-free sealing.

Abstract: An artificial, triple-lobed semilunar valve is disclosed for replacing the aortic or pulmonary valve in the heart. The valve includes a flexible suture ring which conforms to the shape of the aortic root and three flexible pockets which are mounted within the suture ring. When fluid flows through the suture ring in one direction, the pockets bend outwards to the vessel wall and lie free-floating in the fluid, thereby permitting fluid to flow through the valve. However, when the fluid begins to flow in the opposite direction, the pockets open and contact one another to close the valve thereby preventing fluid flow in the opposite direction.

Abstract: Drain/check valve of soft elastomer for floor of vehicle, resembles a musom. Top surface of mushroom head has radial grooves. Central passage through head terminates in a tapered flat edge of mushroom stem which is normally closed. Head is peripherally grooved in grommet-like fashion to yieldably accept edges of hole-defining floor surface or similar panel. With valve in place, elastomer between radial grooves extends radially inward beyond walls of passage below head, thus forming narrowest part of passageway. Passage diverges downward, when wide open, and passage in its preformed state is progressively larger in overall perimeter and towards the terminal lower end thereof.

Abstract: An improved check valve is disclosed primarily for use in game balls such as tennis balls, racquet balls, footballs, basketballs, and the like. The valve is adapted for molding into the shell of the game ball upon initial manufacture or for insertion therein as part of a valve insert subsequent to manufacture. The valve is characterized by being of unitary construction and having a normally open and a normally closed portion. The valve is constructed of a tapered deformable elastomeric material such that the normally closed portion seals the ball against low initial internal pressures sufficiently to allow the internal pressure within the ball to deform the normally open portion into wedged engagement with the passageway through the wall of the ball. As thus configured, increased internal pressure wedges the normally open portion increasingly tightly into the passageway to provide a tight seal which is resistant to opening upon impact of the ball.

Abstract: A self-adjusting rear disc brake assembly provided with a parking brake to mechanically actuate the disc brake, as well as having hydraulic service brake actuation, has a confined air space between the outer piston and the inner piston. The two-way check valve embodying the invention operates to maintain the confined air space substantially at ambient air pressure while preventing contamination of the brake actuating mechanism by air borne contaminants normally encountered in the area of a vehicle rear brake mechanism.

Abstract: A dispensing container has a spout formed of opposing walls of supple, imperforate material joined along their side edges with at least a portion thereof being formed over a curved surface. The aforementioned portion of the spout is thus set in a curled condition in the direction of discharge with the walls in face-to-face contact to effect a valving action. The spout can include a metering chamber to permit a desired quantity of fluid contents to be separated and milked through the curled portion to the discharge end of the spout. If desired, the entire dispensing container can be similarly formed over a curved surface so that the empty end of the container opposite the spout will also assume a curled conformation as the container's contents are discharged through the spout.

Abstract: A self-sealing cap for squeeze-type containers formed from a moldable material which includes a body portion defining an opening therethrough. One end of the body portion is securable to the squeeze-type container and the other end of the body portion is extended into side walls and end walls which are connected together to form an extension of the opening. The side walls terminate into resilient lip portions which, in turn, terminate into sharp biting edges which are abutting to define a narrow slit. Upon the application of the squeeze pressure to the container, the contents move the lip portions away from one another to form an outlet and upon cessation of squeeze pressure on the container the lip portions return under normal permanent set to close the fit while biting off the contents.

Abstract: A miniature valve for use with a catheter or the like in which a cylindrical valve body is made up of a male member and female member telescoped together so as to define opposed annular seats surrounding a through-opening. A disc of rubber having a central domed portion containing an axial slit is mounted between the seats, the male and female members being detented so that the periphery of the disc is pinched thereby displacing rubber radially inwardly to keep the slit normally sealed against flow in either direction. The valve body has a female leur type connection adjacent the underside of the dome and a male leur type connection adjacent the top of the dome. The female connection is so spaced with respect to the disc that when a cooperating leur type male connector is inserted into the female connection the tip of the male connector engages the underside of the domed portion of the disc to open the slit to permit straight axial flow through the through-opening in either direction.

Abstract: A control circuit is disclosed for a sleeve-type pinch valve and which control circuit utilizes an internal vacuum condition in a main supply line in which the valve is disposed to retain the elastomeric sleeve of the valve open. A check valve is provided in the control circuit to prevent backflow of material from the main supply line into the control circuit and pinch valve. A unique check valve disclosed for this purpose includes an expandable tubular diaphragm of elastomeric material normally closed at one end and which opens cylindrically so as to impose no restriction to one-way flow of material therethrough. The one end collapses when flow is interrupted, thus to prevent backflow through the valve.

Abstract: An adapter for a humidifier is provided that mounts on a sealed container of purified or sterile water and connects usually to a flowmeter which is attached to a pressurized gas container. The adapter includes a spike member to pierce the container wall, a pressure chamber defined between the inner wall of the adapter and the spike member, and port means in the adapter wall establishing communication between the pressure chamber and the outside atmosphere. An audible relief valve means is located in the port to effect audible pressure relief under above normal pressure conditions in the pressure chamber during the humidifying process while pressurized gas is being introduced into the water to moisten the gas.

Abstract: A catheter including a flexible hose attached to one end of a rigid tube through which fluid pressure may be applied to invert said hose from an invaginated position within said tube to an exserted position extending outwardly of said tube has formed at the distal of said hose a valve which remains closed when the hose is in the invaginated position and which opens with the hose in its exserted position. The valve is formed integrally by portions of the hose distal end by cutting the distal end along a plane extending obliquely of the axis of the hose and forming the distal end walls of the hose in an abutting configuration defining therebetween an orifice which tends to remain closed by abutment of the distal end walls against each other when the hose is in its invaginated position, and particularly when fluid pressure is applied within the tube, with the abutting wall portions between which said orifice is defined tending to separate to open the orifice when the hose is exserted from the tube.

Abstract: A water closet made up of a toilet bowl having flush nozzles around its rim and a flexible tube supported in the outlet pipe hanging down therein with a loose lower end for assisting in the flushing of the water closet. A separate behind valve supplies water to the rim and to the outlet.

Abstract: A fluid transfer device is provided for administration of medicament to a patient. The device includes a plastic housing having a first inlet, a second inlet and an outlet, and an umbrella check valve coupling the inlets and outlets. The umbrella check valve is positioned so as to permit flow from the first inlet to the second inlet and from the second inlet to the outlet, but to block flow from the second inlet to the first inlet and from the outlet to both the first inlet and the second inlet.

Abstract: A push-fit inlet valve assembly for the opening into the fuel chamber, such as in a lighter, consists of a flexible valve member and a rigid stem fitted into a bore in the valve member. The valve member, tightly secured in the fill opening, normally effects the closure of the opening preventing any escape of the pressurized fuel. To add fuel, the stem is pressed inwardly and displaces the valve member from sealing contact with the opening and affords communication between the interior of the chamber and the ambient atmosphere. Such communication between the chamber and the atmosphere is provided by a groove formed in the outer surface of the valve member which is opened to the chamber when the stem presses the valve member inwardly.

Abstract: An integrally molded plastic lubricant fitting which has the check valve at the outlet of the fitting instead of at the inlet, and where hydrostatic pressure from the lubricant within the body of the fitting maintains the fitting in an operative position. The latter is further assured through the provision of circumferential ribs on the outer surface of the body of the fitting, such coacting with the inner surface of a predrilled fitting hole in a positive manner.

Abstract: A pneumatic retard, of the type used to achieve time-delayed actuation of water-flow alarms or other devices, has a pneumatic chamber from which air is slowly discharged under the pressure applied by a spring-driven plunger. The chamber has an air discharge valve, which also serves as an inlet valve. When the actuating plunger has been released and has traveled to a position at which much of the air has been exhausted, the discharge valve is opened, releasing the remaining air pressure. This releases the plunger to travel from that point onward with a rapid actuating stroke.