Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve has a frame including a plurality of strut members, an inflow end, and an outflow end. A leaflet structure is situated at least partially within the frame, and a covering is disposed around an exterior of the frame. The covering includes a cushioning layer, and a first strip member folded over an inflow circumferential edge portion of the cushioning layer to form a first protective portion. A second strip member is folded over an outflow circumferential edge portion of the cushioning layer to form a second protective portion. The first strip member and the second strip member are spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal axis of the prosthetic heart valve.

Abstract: A self-closing dispensing valve is made of an elastic material and includes a valve head with a dispensing orifice, a circular peripheral retaining flange spaced apart from the valve head in an axial direction, and a connecting sleeve integrally connected with the valve head on one end and the retaining flange on another end. The dispensing orifice is formed by at least three slits in the valve head, where the slits converge at a centre of the valve head and are angularly evenly distributed around the centre of the valve head. The valve head includes a number of lobes, where in each of the lobes at least one of the slits is formed. Each of the lobes has a tip region on a radial outer end of the lobe, where the tip regions of the respective lobes lie approximately on an imaginary circle.

Abstract: A stent graft delivery system for delivering an aortic prosthetic device includes a handle, an internal lead screw assembly within a track of a handle body of the handle, a lead screw nut that extends about the handle body and threadable engaged with the threaded portion of the internal lead screw assembly, a support member fixed to the handle body, a sheath extending about a portion of the support member and fixed to the internal lead screw assembly, and a hemostasis valve about the supporting member and between the sheath and the lead screw assembly.

Abstract: A hemostasis valve for use with catheters in intravascular procedures. The hemostasis valve comprising a sealable fluid channel that bifurcates from a single distal lumen to two proximal lumens. An upper proximal lumen may include a funnel shaped opening to improve aspiration potential. Rotating locking mechanisms are attachable at the ends of the hemostasis valve to interlock coaxial devices or to form seals around coaxial devices. Injection molding may be used to manufacture a hemostasis valve and its components. A mold and core pins may impart external and internal shapes to a molten polymer. Once the polymer has cooled, the molded component is separated from any pins or molds and attached to other molded components to form an assembled hemostasis valve.

Abstract: A receptacle for minimizing evaporation of a fluid includes a single-piece body, a fluid-tight seal, a penetrable septum, and a lid. The body includes a chamber having an opening. The fluid-tight seal is affixed to a surface of the body that defines the first opening. The fluid-tight seal covers the opening and is frangible. The septum covers the opening and the fluid-tight seal. The septum includes at least one slit forming slats. The lid has an opening axially aligned with the opening and is coupled to the body such that at least a portion of the septum is disposed between the lid and the fluid-tight seal.

Abstract: A safety valve for a housing, for releasing a housing opening of the housing if a defined burst pressure is reached or exceeded in the housing. It is provided here that in a base body of the safety valve including an elastomer, a receptacle groove that is continuous in the circumferential direction is formed for the formfitting accommodation of a retaining web of the housing. The disclosure furthermore relates to an energy accumulator for storing electric energy.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve may include a collapsible and expandable stent, a cuff attached to an annulus section of the stent, and a plurality of leaflets attached to at least one of the cuff or the stent within an interior region of the stent. The stent may have a plurality of cells connected to one another in a plurality of annular rows around the stent. The leaflets together may have a coapted position occluding the interior region of the stent and an open position in which the interior region is not occluded. Each leaflet may include a flat mesh of braided wire material having a plurality of pores extending therethrough. The leaflets may be devoid of biological material at a time of implantation.

Abstract: A fuel system includes a fuel reservoir configured to be located within the fuel tank such that the fuel reservoir defines a fuel reservoir volume which is a subset of a fuel tank volume; a fuel pump configured to pump fuel from within the fuel reservoir volume to the fuel consuming device through a fuel supply line; a jet pump configured to 1) receive excess fuel, through a fuel return line, which had been supplied to the fuel consuming device through the fuel supply line and 2) aspirate fuel into the fuel reservoir volume from the fuel tank volume; and a valve which allows fuel flow in both directions between the fuel return line and the jet pump when a differential pressure across the valve is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A check valve has an inlet end, a transition part and an outlet end, with a pair of vertically orientated lips. The transition part is twisted about the axis extending from the inlet to the outlet. As fluid passes through the check valve, the twisted portion of the check valve will impart a swirling motion to the fluid as the fluids leaves the check valve via the outlet end.

Abstract: A one-way plug includes a housing including a plate, an upper stopper having an overlap part extending downward from a side of the plate, and a lower body having a sealing surface part formed to extend in a cylindrical shape with a hollow downward from the plate, and a valve body provided in the hollow of the lower body and configured to cover the hollow, and having a wing part elastically deformed and configured to open the hollow.

Abstract: A kit of parts includes a urological device and a catheter. The urological device has a stem defining a lumen, a valve connected to a proximal portion of the stem and located in the lumen, and a head part connected to the stem and extending radially around the valve. The catheter is adapted to insert the urological device into a urethra of a user.

Abstract: A valved trocar cannula for insertion into an eye includes a trocar cannula having a distal end configured to be positioned within the eye and a proximal end configured to be positioned outside the eye. An elastomeric membrane or seal is attached to the trocar cannula at the proximal end thereof and restricts a free flow of fluid from within the trocar cannula to outside the proximal end of the trocar cannula. The elastomeric membrane includes at least one slit extending therethrough and is arranged to permit the passage of a surgical instrument through the membrane and into the trocar cannula. The slit may through the elastomeric membrane at an oblique angle along a least a portion of the slit. Pressure applied across a first surface or a second surface of the elastomeric membrane in a vicinity of the slit tends to keep the slit in a closed position.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement comprising a carrier element connecting to a first bearing part, wherein the carrier element further includes an elastic element that includes a sealing lip, and a cavity between the first bearing part and a second bearing part, wherein the cavity is delimited by the carrier element, wherein the carrier element includes at least one aperture at a radial level of the cavity and the at least one aperture is sealed by a diaphragm connected to the carrier element, wherein at least one protective lip is provided on an opposite side of the diaphragm, and wherein the at least one protective lip is formed at the elastic element.

Abstract: A cannula assembly includes an outer tube having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a lumen. The outer tube defines a longitudinal axis. An inner tube is disposed within the lumen of the outer tube. A cap is connected to the proximal portion of the outer tube. The cap has a recessed portion that defines an interior wall. The recessed portion extends proximally from the lumen of the outer tube. A stopper is configured to be slidably received in the recessed portion of the cap. The stopper has a through hole located on the longitudinal axis and configured to receive the inner tube. An inner seal is interposed between the stopper and the inner tube. An outer seal is interposed between the stopper and the interior wall of the cap.

Abstract: A hemostasis valve body provides strong sealing around a medical device during insertion of the medical device into a blood vessel, low forces for tearing, and stability during insertion of the medical devices as well as during peel away. The valve body comprises a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, an edge, helical slits, and a pair of longitudinal cuts. The helical slits are positioned at a center of the valve body and traverse the first surface to the second surface. The helical slits provide a seal around the medical device. Each respective longitudinal cut extends from the first surface partially through the valve body to a depth short of the second surface for at least part of a length of the respective longitudinal cut. The longitudinal cuts facilitate a separation of the valve body into two parts during a peel away action.

Abstract: A cannula and instrument guide assembly includes a cannula with a proximal portion and a tube. An instrument guide is removably inserted into the proximal portion of the cannula and extends through the cannula to a distal end of the tube. The proximal portion of the cannula has an insufflation port. The instrument guide provides at least one interior passageway to support a shaft of a surgical instrument that passes through the instrument guide. One or more channels on an outer surface of the instrument guide provide a passage for insufflation gas received from the insufflation port to the distal end of the tube. The one or more channels have a first cross-sectional area at a proximal end and a second, larger cross-sectional area at a distal end. The one or more channels may have the first cross-sectional area along a majority of the length of the channels.

Abstract: Needle assemblies and related methods are disclosed having a needle hub with a needle, a catheter tube with a catheter hub and having the needle extending through the catheter tube; and a valve positioned in an interior cavity of the catheter hub, the valve having a first section with a first chord, a second chord, and a plurality of slits defining a plurality of flaps, a second section attached to the first section, and a third section attached to the first section; an inside edge formed on the second section and pressed against the first section; an inside edge formed on the third section and pressed against the first section; and wherein a first flow path is provided adjacent the first chord and a second flow path is provided adjacent the second chord.

Abstract: A packaged personal cleansing product includes a package with a small fixed orifice or an orifice with a valve, wherein the wherein the package has a peak dispensing velocity of 50 cm/s or more; and a composition including from about 18% to about 70%, by weight of the composition, of surfactant; wherein the composition has a low shear viscosity of 100 Pa*s or more and a high shear viscosity 18 Pa*s or less.

Abstract: A polymeric valve which may include a heart valve, and also may include a trileaflet heart valve includes a stent having a base and a plurality of outwardly extending posts from the base and equidistant from each other. A plurality of leaflets each connected to a corresponding one of the posts at one end, and each of the leaflets connected to the base. Each of the leaflets having an operative end opposite the end connected to the post, and the operative ends of the leaflets being biased in a closed position such that the operative ends abut each other. The operative ends are configured to rhythmically open and close in relation to each other, and the leaflets include multiple cross sectional thicknesses at different portions of the leaflets.

Abstract: A stent with a one-way sock valve comprises a stent portion and a one-way valve portion. The one-way valve portion comprises a heel portion. The heel portion prevents solids and liquids from entering an opening in the one-way valve portion. Solids and liquids enter the one-way sock valve in a first direction through the stent portion and exit an opening transversely to the longitudinal axis of the stent portion. The sock valve folds, closing the sock valve to any reverse flow in a second direction opposite of the first direction.

Abstract: A rolling bearing device includes a rolling bearing partially submerged in lubricating oil stored in an oil pocket provided in a vertically lower portion of a housing to a level corresponding to a part of an annular space, an annular shielding member, and an annular seal component. The shielding member has an oil drain portion for drainage of the lubricating oil in the annular space to the outside of the rolling bearing at a vertical level above an oil level of the lubricating oil stored in the oil pocket when the rotary shaft is stationary. The oil drain portion has an inclined groove having an inclined surface inclined away from the rolling bearing and an opening provided in an outer end portion at a distal end of the inclined surface. The inclined groove is tapered toward a vertical top of the shielding member when viewed in the axial direction.

Abstract: A compact back-flow stopper using an elastic flexure mechanism for a cooling fan is shown and described. The backflow stopper assembly comprises a frame configured to structurally support a fin array when coupled to a fan. The fin array comprises a plurality of flexural deformation elements and associated fin elements arrayed in a radial arrangement to establish a pathway for airflow, each of the flexural deformation elements configured to move an attached fin element responsive to airflow impacting the attached fin element. Flex limiter elements are coupled to the frame and configured to limit flexure of the fin elements beyond a predetermined flexure in relation to the frame to stop backflow of air through the fin array. A fan assembly with a backflow stopper is shown and described. Also, a data storage assembly using fan assemblies with backflow stoppers is also shown and described.

Abstract: A method of formulating a personal cleansing product that will adhere to skin, includes: combining a cleansing composition with from about 18% to about 70%, by weight of the composition, of a surfactant; wherein the composition has a low shear viscosity of 100 Pa*s or more and a high shear viscosity 5 Pa*s or less; and a package with an orifice, wherein the package has a dispensing velocity of 50 cm/s or more.

Abstract: Ports, such as the ports of ported catheters or of female luer fittings, can be configured to include an antimicrobial septum for disinfecting devices that are attached to the ports. The antimicrobial septum can be positioned within the lumen of the port. The lumen can include an annular recess for securing the antimicrobial septum in place during use. The antimicrobial septum can include an antimicrobial lubricant which transfers onto a device, such as a male luer, as the device passes through the septum thereby killing any microbes that may be present on the surfaces of the device. The antimicrobial septum can be configured in various shapes including a continuous disk shape, a ring shape, or an elongated ring or tube shape. When configured as a ring or tube shape, the inner surfaces of the antimicrobial septum may contain slits or grooves.

Abstract: A hemostasis valve includes a longitudinal valve housing, a gasket, a grip assembly and an interference element. A x-valve includes a valve housing, at least one sealing component and a support layer. Stent graft delivery systems include a handle, an internal lead screw assembly, a lead screw nut, a support member fixed to the handle body, a sheath and a hemostasis valve.

Abstract: A downhole assembly can include plates in series along a length of a tubular member. Plates can include particulate-blocking areas and pass-through areas. A pass-through area of a plate can be angularly offset from a pass-through area of another plate in the series. The plates may be angled so that particulate carried by fluid from a wellbore may be trapped by particulate-blocking areas that may be tilted away from the fluid source.

Abstract: A valve for controlling material flow through a catheter, comprises a first flexible member including a first moveable element, wherein, when the first moveable element is in the open position, material may flow past the first flexible member through a first lumen of the catheter and, when the first moveable element is in the closed position, flow through the first lumen is prevented and a first biasing member coupled to the first flexible member for biasing the first moveable member toward the closed position.

Abstract: A cannula seal is presented. The cannula seal includes a cross-slit seal that can include a side wall that includes folded sidewalls; slits that are formed by the folded sidewalls when the cross-slit seal is in a closed position; and a concave end surface at the slits. The cross-slit seal can include energizing ribs formed to close the seal. The instrument guide includes a pyramidal shaped seal that seals against doors when no instrument is inserted and seals against an instrument when the instrument is inserted.

Abstract: A housing having an overpressure protection includes a pressure relief opening with a diaphragm sealing plug to be closed in a fluid-tight manner. The diaphragm sealing plug has a central portion and an angled free peripheral portion. The free peripheral portion in the non-pressurized operating state extends away from the central portion in the direction of the housing external side. The central portion, by way of an increasing housing internal pressure in the axial direction, is deformable in such a manner that the peripheral portion by way of a tension stress that is derived from the deformation of the central portion in a manner proportional to the pressure is releasable from the housing wall in the axial direction in a progressive manner from the inside to the outside such that the diaphragm sealing plug releases the pressure relief opening when a predefined maximum housing internal pressure is reached or exceeded.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to laminated sealing members for prosthetic valves and methods of making the same. In a representative embodiment, an implantable prosthetic valve that is radially collapsible to a collapsed configuration and radially expandable to an expanded configuration comprises an annular frame having an inflow end and an outflow end, a leaflet structure positioned within the frame and secured thereto, and a laminate sealing member comprising an encapsulating material. The laminate sealing member has a main portion that encapsulates at least a portion of the frame and an end portion extending from the inflow end of the frame, and the end portion of the laminate sealing member is folded to form a cuff adjacent the inflow end of the frame and secured to the main portion of the laminate sealing member.

Abstract: The present invention includes a dispensing system for dispensing a packaged product, e.g. a condiment, including a pouch (60) having the product therein cooperates with a dispensing gun (30) to dispense a dose of product. In various aspects the invention includes a packaging system that includes a container (40) and a flexible package (50) with a frangible seal (70), and a flexible pouch (60); a dispensing assembly (100) for dispensing a product from the package; a dispensing gun system; a method of making a package; and a method of dispensing a product. The packaging system includes a container such as a rigid sleeve, and a flexible pouch positioned within the container interior, and also includes a valve that enables the product to exit the pouch interior and be dispensed. An optional diffuser coordinates with the valve to dispense product from one or more product outlets.

Abstract: An apparatus for a urinal is described. The apparatus comprises a plate member adapted to form a seal with a urinal outlet, the plate member defining a throughbore permitting the passage of liquid, in use, from the urinal to a soil pipe and a diaphragm located in the plate member throughbore, the diaphragm adapted to permit the passage of liquid through the throughbore in one direction only from the urinal to the soil pipe.

Abstract: A seal assembly establishes sealing engagement with a plurality of differently dimensioned instruments passing through a trocar. The seal assembly is a caged seal assembly movably disposed within the trocar and includes at least two seal segments disposable into and out of a sealing orientation relative to the instrument. A cage structure of the seal assembly includes at least two cage segments each connected to a seal segment, a biasing assembly connected to the cage structure and disposed and structured to normally bias the seal segments into sealing orientation.

Abstract: A repeatable use valve in a tennis ball that uses a common sports ball inflation needle inserted into and through the valve to increase or decrease the pressure inside the ball. The increase or decrease in pressure will cause the ball to have respectively higher or lower bounce. The valve can be installed in new tennis balls at the time of manufacture. The valve can also be installed in used tennis balls, including used tennis balls that have lost some or all of their original factory pressure.

Abstract: Systems and methods are adapted for treating the carotid artery. The systems include interventional catheters and blood vessel access devices that are adapted for transcervical insertion into the carotid artery. Embodiments of the systems and methods can be used in combination with embolic protection systems including blood flow reversal mechanisms, arterial filters, and arterial occlusion devices.

Abstract: A sealing device for a medical instrument includes a fastening area and a sealing area designed to either bear on the circumference of a medical instrument inserted into the sealing device or to close the sealing device when no medical instrument is inserted. The sealing device further includes a first elastic wall enclosing the sealing area in a ring shape, with an annular first edge, which is connected to the sealing area, and an annular second edge, and a second elastic wall which encloses the first wall in a ring shape and is spaced apart there from, with an annular first edge and an annular second edge, which is connected to the fastening area.

Abstract: Disclosed are a low-resistance general sealing apparatus for a trocar and a trocar. A sealing ring (3) is compressed between an upper guiding mechanism (1) and a lower guiding mechanism (2). A smooth transition between the upper guiding mechanism (1) and the lower guiding mechanism (2) minimizes the contact area between the sealing ring (3) and a surgical instrument, which not only provides a guiding function when different forms of surgical instrument are inserted or removed, but also maximally transforms a “soft-hard” friction area between the sealing ring (3) and the surgical instrument into a “hard-hard” friction area between the plastics of upper and lower guiding mechanisms and an outer metal sheath of the surgical instrument, thereby greatly reducing the motion resistance, and meanwhile, having an excellent sealing effect. The sealing apparatus and the trocar are also applicable to instruments with diameters between 5 mm and 12 mm.

Abstract: An active bolster for an automotive vehicle includes a bladder that inflates an interior trim area of the vehicle to provide a cushion to an occupant during an impact. The bladder has a first wall and a second wall cooperatively defining an interior cavity. The bladder has a two stage vent for venting inflation gas supplied into the cavity during an impact event. The vent has a first aperture defining a first predetermined flow area when a pressure difference across the vent is substantially zero. A bendable member defines at least in part the first aperture. A weakened seam joins the bendable member to an adjacent feature of the bladder. When there is a predetermined pressure difference across the vent, the weakened seam is ruptured and the bendable member deflects to a second position defining a second flow area greater than the first flow area.

Abstract: A urological device comprises a urological valve having a plurality of valve leaflets with a region of co-aption between the valve leaflets. The valve has a normally closed configuration in which the valve leaflets are engaged at the region of co-aption and an open configuration in which the leaflets are separated at the co-aption region for fluid flow through the valve. The valve is automatically movable from the closed configuration to the open configuration in response to applied urological pressure.

Abstract: A hemostasis valve includes a longitudinal valve housing, a gasket, a grip assembly and an interference element. A x-valve includes a valve housing, at least one sealing component and a support layer. Stent graft delivery systems include a handle, an internal lead screw assembly, a lead screw nut, a support member fixed to the handle body, a sheath and a hemostasis valve.

Abstract: An instrument seal of a surgical access device is provided and includes a plurality of nested coaxial seals arranged to cooperate and form a complete, circumferential seal around an inserted instrument.

Abstract: A surgical valve includes a housing with a proximal housing portion and a distal housing portion cooperating to define a gel cavity. A seal material is disposed in the gel cavity and includes a gel having flow characteristics and incompressible characteristics. A distal guide tube is provided to facilitate retrograde insertion of a surgical instrument into the seal material. During assembly, pressure is applied by the housing portions to the seal material in order to form a circumferential seal and to close an instrument channel. Manufacture can be facilitated by use of a mandrel for maintaining the structural elements in axial alignment. Complimentary screw threads disposed between the first and second housing portions can be used to pressurize the gel and thereby create a locking force on an inserted instrument. Detented tabs can be provided to facilitate control of this locking force.

Abstract: A valve (9) for integrating into a sanitary appliance e.g. a urinal (1), including two lug-type elements (21) that are arranged parallel to each other on the lower end of a funnel-shaped inflow section (17). The elements (21) are interconnected on the ends of the lower edge (23). Slits (33) can also be made in the elements (21), enabling the escape of liquid when there is a large amount of throughflow.

Abstract: A hemostasis valve for a vascular introducer includes a valve body having a seal region with opposed substantially planar proximal and distal end surfaces and a central axis extending through the seal region perpendicular to the proximal and distal end surfaces. The seal region has a first grouping of circumferentially arranged and equidistantly spaced linear cuts extending radially outward from the central axis, and through the seal region from the proximal end surface to the distal end surface. The seal region has a second grouping of circumferentially arranged and equidistantly spaced linear cuts in the distal end surface extending tangentially outward from the first grouping of linear cuts, and partially from the distal end surface to a depth short of the proximal end surface to facilitate passage of a variety of sizes of medical devices through the seal region.

Abstract: An embodiment includes a drain pipe waste water closure protection device which allows passage of fluids through a drain into a pipe waste water closure and a waste water pipe while preventing backflow of fluid or gas from the waste water pipe and pipe waste water closure, as well as preventing evaporation of a water-containing pipe waste water closure located below the drain pipe waste water closure protection device in the waste water pipe. Embodiment drain pipe waste water closure protection devices are easily installed in existing or new drains. Embodiments have two radial disc seals which insure a strong seal between the drain pipe waste water closure protection device and the drain wall. Embodiments include a reinforcing band embedded below the radial disc seals which prevents failure of the radial disc seals. Embodiments include a quadruple pressure accumulating seal which protects against the flow of gas or fluid from the waste water pipe.

Abstract: A method for the production of a valve is provided comprising molding a valve body with a first mold, preloading the valve body with a second mold, molding a sealing portion in an open position onto the valve body, and releasing the preloaded valve body. The sealing portion enters a closed position when the preloaded valve body is released. When the valve is in use, the sealing portion opens when under a fluid pressure, and closes when the pressure is released.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint may include a joint chamber and a cover defining a bore and configured to seal the joint chamber and prevent lubricant from leaving the joint chamber. A vent valve may be disposed within the bore and define at least one opening. The opening may be a one-way valve configured to exhaust gas from the joint chamber and while maintaining lubricant within the joint chamber.

Abstract: A slot valve (20) for use in the pneumatic switching circuit of a respirator, wherein said slot valve is designed to act bidirectionally and to pass over into the opened state to make possible the flow of a fluid at different pressure threshold values depending on the direction of flow of a fluid.

Abstract: An edible product is made from a castable mass such as chocolate in a casting device that includes a container for receiving the castable mass and a metering unit. The metering unit has a nozzle block having nozzles facing away from the container and a valve block facing the container. The volume of a metering chamber between the nozzle block and the valve block can be changed by moving the nozzle block relative to the valve block. The casting method comprises steps of a) filling the mass container with the castable mass; b) drawing the mass into the metering chamber by enlarging the metering chamber volume by a first relative motion between the nozzle block and the valve block, and c) discharging the mass from the metering chamber by reducing the metering chamber volume by a second relative motion between the nozzle block and valve block.

Abstract: The invention relates to a casting machine (1) for casting a flowable mass (M), in particular a flowable mass with suspended solid particles. Said casting machine comprises a mass container (2) for receiving the flowable mass and at least one valve (32, 42; 50; 60; 70; 80; 90; 100; 110; 120) that is fluidically connected to the inner area of the mass container. When the pressure changes in the direction of the valve along the valve passage, said valve is in the open state and in the absence of a pressure change in the direction of the valve passage, said valve is in the closed state. The casting machine also comprises pressure generating means (3, 4, 5, 6, 32, 42) for generating a change in the pressure in the direction of the valve passage.