Abstract: The invention relates to a casting machine for producing a product intended for human consumption from a castable material, in particular a fat material such as chocolate, for example, having a heatable material container for receiving the castable material; at least one nozzle which is in fluid connection with the material container interior, and a pressure source for generating an overpressure in the material container interior. According to the invention, the nozzle has a nozzle orifice or a nozzle constriction, the open cross section or flow cross section of which is flexible. A process according to the invention for producing a product intended for human consumption from a castable material has the following steps: providing a heated castable material in a material container; generating an overpressure in the material container interior; forcing the material through a nozzle in fluid connection with the material container with simultaneous changing of the flow and/or open cross section of the nozzle.

Abstract: A valve formed from a frustoconical piece of foldable material, having folds extending from a closable end towards the other end that connects to a container of liquid, each fold having an inner crease extending into the interior region of the nozzle. The valve has a biasing mechanism that may include a spiral spring encircling a nozzle to bias the inner creases inward to cause them to abut each other at the closable end so that the valve is maintained in a closed position. When liquid is forced into the interior region under sufficient pressure it causes the nozzle to move from the closed position to an open position so liquid flows from the interior region out the closable end of the nozzle, and when the pressure on the liquid is removed, the biasing mechanism causes the nozzle to move back to the closed position.

Abstract: A check valve for one-way flow of a fluid comprises a valve body defining at least two pairs of axially-extending sidewalls, each pair of sidewalls having a pair of resilient lips defining slit opening at the outlet end of the valve. In one embodiment of the invention, the valve body defines three pairs of sidewalls and corresponding lips which are arranged one another so as to provide the check valve with an “I-beam” cross-sectional shape. The I-beam check valve has a compact cross-section, making it suitable for mounting either inside or outside a pipe. The I-beam shape provides support along the valve axis so that the valve does not require any supplemental support structure. In another embodiment, the valve body may define two pairs of sidewalls having a “T-shaped” transverse cross section.

Abstract: A hollow tubular element is inserted in the descending aorta. The caudad end contains a pressure sensitive passive or preferably, hydraulically or electrically activated, unidirectional valve. A flexible diaphragm situated in a rigid shell affixed over an opening in the element wall divides the shell interior into first and second variable volume chambers. The first chamber opens to the artery. A continuously operating electrical pump is connected to the second chamber through a closed hydraulic system including a multi-valve chamber. The valves regulate fluid flow to the second chamber in accordance with electrical signals from the heart. Fluid flow is directed to the second chamber during cardiac diastole and away from the second chamber during cardiac systole, causing the device to function in a counterpulsation mode. The work of the heart is decreased and coronary blood flow is increased to promote the formation of new coronary collateral channels and the perfusion of the heart itself.

Abstract: A vehicle component includes an opening that receives a plug. A relief valve is mounted to the plug and has at least one elongated passage extending through a flexible membrane that is movable between a venting position and a sealed position.

Abstract: A two-way damper is provided including a retaining member and a baffle. The baffle comprises a flexible member with a first portion secured and held in a fixed position by the retaining member and a second portion normally oriented in a first position, but free to move relative to said first position. The baffle also comprises a third portion, arranged between the first and second portions, being flexible and resilient and allowing the second portion to move to a second position relative to the first position upon the application of a pressure differential across the baffle above a threshold pressure and causing the second portion to return to the first position upon the application of a pressure differential across the baffle below the threshold pressure.

Abstract: The present invention is a pressure relief valve structure with pressure relief seam, which is composed of the pipe, and the elastic plug with the edge tightly attached on the pipe wall of the pipe, and the elastic plug is penetrated with slim seam. When the fluid is flowing to the elastic plug through the pipe, and the impact pressure from the fluid is larger than the slim seam of the elastic plug could resist, the intersection along the slim seam would be deformed as a hole to make the fluid flowing through the elastic plug and achieve the purpose of pressure relief.

Abstract: A valved sheath introducer for venous cannulation, including a valve, sheath, handle and cap. The valve is configured to permit safe introduction and removal of medical instruments through the sheath introducer. The valve may have one or more anchoring members and a thickened central portion through which a slit is formed. The central portion may have one or more concave surfaces and the slit can be angled with respect to the top surface of the valve. The cap is attached to the handle, compressing a portion of the valve therebetween.

Abstract: Duck-bill type check valves each include an inlet, an outlet spaced longitudinally from the inlet, and a bill adjacent the outlet and having at least one fold extending longitudinally along the bill for enabling unfolding of the at least one fold to open the outlet and permit the flow of fluid from the inlet for discharge through an opening at the outlet in response to minimum fluid forces upon the bill, and to provide the opening with an increased maximum available perimeter.

Abstract: A seal assembly adapted for use in conjunction with a trocar assembly includes a plurality of seal segments, each seal segment including a peripheral edge and a seam edge. Each seal segment further includes a first section and a second section with a vertical wall connecting the first section and the second section in such a way that the first section is displaced relative to the second section such that the first section of a first seal segment may be placed upon the second section of a second seal segment with the first sections of the first and second seal segments lying in the same plane and the second sections of the first and second seal segments lying in the same plane. The seal segments are assembled in an overlapping woven arrangement to provide a complete seal body without the need for a secondary seal.

Abstract: An automatic fire sprinkler having a variable orifice, the sprinkler having a variable orifice associated with the automatic fire sprinkler, and wherein the orifice is responsive to the water inlet pressure of the sprinkler.

Abstract: A flow control valve (22) such as for a catheter (10) allows discharge of urine from a bladder (12) by manual actuation. The valve (22) may be a double-duckbill valve (22) with a single slit (62) at one apex (60a) thereof. An elastomeric band (66) is positioned in a groove (68) of the valve member (22). An isolation member such as a stem (72) spaces the valve (22) from the walls (34, 36) of the valve housing (32). Crush limiting structure, such as a tube (76) or blade (82), is provided within valve member (22), or stop elements (86 or 92) are positioned external to valve member (22).

Abstract: A muffler is received in a passage of an end member connected to a handle of the staple gun and a fitting extends from the end member so as to be connected to a hose. The muffler includes a tubular body and a plurality of plates extend from an end of the tubular body. The plats extend toward an interior of the handle and form a bullet-head-shaped arrangement. Gaps are defined between the plates and become smaller when air goes outward from the handle so as to reduce noise.

Abstract: A valve for a slurry outlet opening in an installation for chemical mechanical polishing, in particular of semiconductor wafers in DRAM production, includes an elastic diaphragm, which covers the slurry outlet opening and has at least one self-closing opening. It is possible for the opening to be moved into a feedthrough position for the slurry by flowing slurry and to be automatically moved into a blocking position for the slurry when the slurry is not flowing. A CMP installation having such a valve is also provided. This creates a simple way of preventing particle agglomerations in the region of the fluid outlet opening of a CMP installation.

Abstract: A valve assembly is provided for permitting the introduction of a surgical instrument into a patient's body while providing a substantial seal about the instrument. The valve assembly includes a sealing gasket assembly providing a fluid tight seal before instrument insertion, and is configured and dimensioned for accommodating an instrument and providing a substantial fluid tight seal after insertion of an instrument. The valve assembly may further include a deformable sealing member having a substantially central aperture for accommodating the instrument. The sealing member provides a substantial seal about the instrument when the instrument is passed therethrough impeding the egress of fluids and gasses through the valve assembly.

Abstract: A valve for a vent. The valve includes an inner leaf having a closed state which covers the vent and blocks gas flow through the vent in a first direction, and an open state which opens the vent and allows gas flow through the vent in a second direction. The valve includes an outer leaf opposing the inner leaf. A method for controlling gas flow through a vent. The method includes the steps of moving an inner leaf and an outer leaf opposing the inner leaf on the vent from a closed state which covers the vent and blocks gas flow through the vent in a first direction to an open state which opens the vent and allows gas flow through the vent in a second direction with gas flow moving in the second direction through the vent. Then there is the step of stopping the gas flow in the second direction allowing the inner leaf and the outer leaf to each move to the closed state.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint vent for use in a constant velocity joint of an automotive vehicle. The constant velocity joint vent including a circumferential base and a cylindrical projection extending from one end of the base. The constant velocity joint vent further including a circumferential flange extending from the surface of the projection and a valve arranged on an end of the cylindrical projection opposite that of the base.

Abstract: A container equipped with a rupturable retaining seal which, when broken, forms a spout from which the contents of the container may be poured. The rupturable seal is secured along its peripheral edge to the top opening of the container and contains a pinpoint hole at its epicenter. Arranged serially about the pinpoint hole in spoke-like fashion, are an impressed pattern of separable incisions which, when pressure is applied, separate and form an opening from which the contents of the container can be poured.

Abstract: A combination valve including a metal sleeve and a valve body. The valve body is formed of a resilient material and insert bonded or vulcanized to the metal sleeve and includes a cylindrical elongated member defining a passageway therethrough and an annular umbrella portion integrally extending from the elongated member. The elongated member is disposed within the metal sleeve and has converging flexible lips. The metal sleeve includes a plurality of prongs at one end and the valve body includes a top surface. The prongs of the metal sleeve extend to the top surface of the valve body, whereby the valve can be press-fitted into location without damaging the valve body. Between the prongs of the metal sleeve are gaps which permit the molding material to flow from the umbrella portion to the elongated member during the molding of the combination valve.

Abstract: A noise shut-off device is provided for doors of an automotive vehicle to effectively prevent driving noises from being introduced to the vehicle interior through draining holes formed at the bottom of the vehicle door, while allowing the draining out of water through the draining holes. The device has an external cylinder member with an open part having a vertical cylindrical opening and a plurality of main capillary ribs protruding outward from the open part, and an internal cylinder member with a shaft part being vertically accommodated in the open part cylindrical opening and having a plurality of auxiliary capillary ribs extending outward from the external circumference of the shaft part.

Abstract: A check valve comprises a body of elastomeric material having a tubular inlet at a first end with a radial flange. The body has a side surround with three equi-spaced valleys tapering together towards a second end opposite to the first end and having thereat sealing edges in the form of a triskelion. An openable mouth is extendible between said sealing edges of substantially the same areal dimensions as the tubular inlet.

Abstract: A discharge flow control includes a plurality of flexible elongate elements adapted to be supported at one end from a discharge outlet to extend from the outlet in the direction of the discharge and across the flow path of the discharge outlet.

Abstract: A check valve comprises a body (10) of elastomeric material having a tubular inlet (12) at a first end with a radial flange (14). The body (10) has a side surround with three equi-spaced valleys (16) tapering together towards a second end opposite to the first end and having thereat sealing edges (22) in the form of a triskelion. An openable mouth is extendible between said sealing edges (22) of substantially the same areal dimensions as the tubular inlet (12).

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid includes a gravity sensitive valve for receiving fluid from a fluid flow passageway and a pressure activated valve located downstream from the gravity sensitive valve. The gravity sensitive valve interrupts flow of fluid when the apparatus is not in use to prevent inadvertent opening of the pressure activated valve.

Abstract: A hand held spray spout (10) has a basket filter (26) seated against an anti-siphon valve (24) proximate the base end of a water passage (12) within the spout. The filter has a plurality of protrusions (50) mounted within the inner diameter of the valve (24) and is also biased against the rim (52) of the valve. The filter has prongs (56) extending upstream from the basket section (40) to abut and be biased by a supply hose end which is mounted to the base end (14) of the hand held spray spout (10).

Abstract: A freeze-resistant hydrant (10, 110) extending between a first area having a temperature at least intermittently below freezing and a second area having a temperature constantly above freezing including, a heat-transfer tube (20, 120), a first end (21, 121) of the heat-transfer tube proximate the first area, a second end (22, 122) of the heat-transfer tube extending into the second area, a water line (35, 135) interposed within the heat-transfer tube from a location within the second area to the first end of the heat-transfer tube, a control valve (50, 150) on the, water line in proximity to the heat-transfer tube, and a heat-transfer fluid (R,R) in the heat-transfer tube for transferring heat from the second end of the heat-transfer tube to the control valve.

Abstract: A mouth piece exhalation valve for a nebulizer or breathing circuit. The nebulizer has an internal passageway containing an offset causing an inspiration mist flow to bypass the exhaust valve without impingement. The offset includes a deflector which aids in the deflection of the inspiration mist flow away from the exhaust valve. The deflector is also utilized for directing the exhaust flow upon expiration by a patient through the exhaust valve. The exhaust valve design includes a flap or disc having leaves formed by peripheral arcuate cuts to facilitate the opening and the closing of the leafs in accordance with the expiration and inhalation of a patient respectively. The cuts also aid in the re-introduction of any accumulation of fluid on the external surface of the disc and valve back into the inspirational cycle so as to minimize any external buildup of fluid.

Abstract: A vacuum tank assembly has a low volume configuration so that it can be used in boats and recreational vehicles where space is at a premium. A stack of components, with a waste tank at the bottom, then a vacuum tank with directly connected vacuum pump, and one or more fresh water tanks, is located remote from a vacuum toilet, with a discharge from the toilet (below a vacuum-tight ball valve) connected to the vacuum tank, which is in turn connected to the vacuum pump, in turn connected to the waste tank. A submersible centrifugal pump may be provided mounted to a cap of the water tank, with an anti-siphon device associated with it. The vacuum tank is of high density polypropylene having flat walls, with no continuous flat surface more than 80 square inches. Lipless duckbill check valves are provided on opposite sides of the vacuum pump, the valves of elastomeric material having a ratio of the wall thickness to thickness of the sealing edges of about 1:1.

Abstract: A vent disc for a container is provided. The vent disc has a concavely curved domed central panel with a plurality of perforations extending therethrough along radii that form the concave curvature of the domed central panel. The domed central panel can have a plurality of upwardly extending depressions therein that leave residual central panel above the depressions. The depressions have center lines that are coincident with radii that form the concave curvature of the domed central panel. The perforations extend through the residual of central panel material. Methods and apparatus are also provided for forming the vent disc with the perforations and depressions therein.

Abstract: Apparatus for delaying initiation of a successive flush cycle in a plumbing system utilizing a diaphragm flush valve having an improved relief valve assembly and/or an improved vacuum breaker assembly structured to delay after initiation of an initial flushing cycle the resetting of the relief valve sleeve member in a position for a successive operative contact by the flush valve plunger pin.

Abstract: A dispensing system is provided for dispensing liquid from a container. The system includes a discharge conduit defining a flow passage for establishing fluid communication with liquid from the container. A resilient valve is provided to extend across the discharge flow passage. The valve has an interior side for being contacted by the liquid and an exterior side exposed to ambient external atmosphere. The valve defines a dispensing orifice that opens when pressure on the valve interior side exceeds the pressure on the exterior side by a predetermined amount. A resilient baffle is located upstream of the valve.

Abstract: A surgical trocar assembly includes a disposable valve assembly, a cannula assembly, and a trocar with a handle. The cannula assembly includes a cannula base having a valve assembly coupling device at its proximal end, and a cannula extending from its distal end. The disposable valve assembly has a coupling device for removably coupling it with the cannula base. The valve assembly also includes a valve body with a fluid passage communicating with the hollow cannula when it is coupled to the cannula base. A slit or flapper valve and a universal washer are mounted within the valve body and allow the insertion of the trocar or other endoscopic instruments therethrough while providing a fluid sealing of the fluid passage. The valve assembly may be provided with a side port which optionally contains an automatic valve actuated by a luer coupling. Several different valve assembly-cannula base couplings are disclosed as well as several different types of trocars.

Abstract: A cannula includes a cannula cap connected to a proximal end of the cannula, which cap has cap body having a bore defining an instrument receiving passageway. A monolithic flapper valve is positioned within the cannula proximal end and adjacent the cap body. The flapper valve includes a flapper, a flapper mount positioned adjacent the cap body, and an integrally formed hinge connecting the flapper mount to the flapper for permitting the flapper to move to an open position when an instrument is positioned within the instrument receiving passageway and for biasing the flapper toward a closed position when the instrument is removed from the passageway. A sealing washer is carried by the flapper mount for positioning between the valve and the cannula cap enclosing the flapper valve within the cannula.

Abstract: The invention concerns a valve comprising a circular frame (1) whose inner edge narrows to form flexible areas (3) connecting the frame to triangular vanes (2). The areas (3) form articulations about which the vanes pivot when the valve opens or closes. In the closed position, the vanes bear against one another and the assembly adopts a pyramidal position. The valve can be produced by the injection of plastics. The entire valve may be produced in a single part.

Abstract: A pump comprises an inlet for pumping a liquid and an outlet nozzle for dispensing the pumped liquid. The outlet nozzle comprises an outflow opening which includes an outlet valve formed by a valve wall made of a flexible material. In a rest position, the valve wall closes the outflow opening. The valve wall comprises at least three cuts provided in the configuration of a star, each extending from a common point of the valve wall in a radial direction of the outflow opening. The pump further comprises an outlet valve energization element for pressing valve subwalls, formed between the cuts of the valve wall, from an inside of the outlet nozzle adjacent to the valve wall in a downstream direction of the outlet nozzle, whereby the valve subwalls are bent in the downstream direction and at the cuts between the valve subwalls flow passages are formed for opening the outflow opening for dispensing the pumped liquid.

Abstract: In a multiblower system for cooling electronic components, each blower has a backflow preventor. The backflow preventor has two pieces of flexible material and a screen attached to the intake side of the blower assembly. Each of the pieces of flexible material is scored through to form a petaled opening through which air may pass. The scores on one of the pieces of flexible material are out of alignment with the scores on the other piece when assembled together in the blower assembly. When the blower is running, the petals in the pieces of flexible material open to allow air to pass through the blower assembly. When the blower is stopped, the petals are closed against the screen due to the pressure differential between the inside of the enclosure and the outside of the enclosure caused by the effect of the draw of the other blowers in the system.

Abstract: A fluid-operated brake actuator having a check valve in the spring chamber to equalize the pressure on opposite sides of an operating movable diaphragm. The check valve being double redundant and tamper resistant and comprising a tubular body having a first one-way valve disposed and one end of the tubular body and a second one-way valve disposed at an opposite end of the tubular body. A support plate is mounted to the tubular body to support the second valve and prevents the easy removal of the check valve from the brake actuator.

Abstract: A surgical trocar assembly includes a disposable valve assembly, a cannula assembly, and a trocar with a handle. The cannula assembly includes a cannula base having a valve assembly coupling device at its proximal end, and a cannula extending from its distal end. The disposable valve assembly has a coupling device for removably coupling it with the cannula base. The valve assembly also includes a valve body with a fluid passage communicating with the hollow cannula when it is coupled to the cannula base. A slit or flapper valve and a universal washer are mounted within the valve body and allow the insertion of the trocar or other endoscopic instruments therethrough while providing a fluid sealing of the fluid passage. The valve assembly may be provided with a side port which optionally contains an automatic valve actuated by a luer coupling. Several different valve assembly-cannula base couplings are disclosed as well as several different types of trocars.

Abstract: A cannula cap embodiment includes a monolithic elastomeric cap body having a sidewall portion for engaging a proximal end of a cannula, and an end portion connected to the cylindrical sidewall portion. The cannula cap also includes a monolithic flapper valve positioned within an interior of the cap body. The monolithic flapper valve includes a flapper portion, a ringed-shaped flapper mounting portion connected to adjacent interior portions of the cap body, and an integrally formed hinge portion connecting the flapper mounting portion to the flapper portion for permitting the flapper portion to move to an open position when an instrument is positioned within the instrument receiving passageway, and for biasing the flapper portion toward a closed position when an instrument is removed from the instrument receiving passageway.

Abstract: A valve for controlling a port in an air bag comprises a circular valve disk secured over the port. The disk has a circular mounting ring. Flexible valve elements extend radially inwardly from the ring. Each valve element is in the form of a wedge-shaped leaf with opposite side edges tapering radially inwardly to a point at the center of the ring. The valve is closed when the side edges of adjacent leaves are in contact. When the air bag deploys, the pressure of air in the bag flexes the leaves outwardly to open the valve.

Abstract: A tank isolation valve assembly for use in an effluent discharge path to provide a vapor barrier to prevent back flow of gases while enabling fluid and solid substances to pass through in a desired flow direction. The assembly includes a main housing having an apertured outlet wall structure with an internal surface defining a valve receiving region, a second member coupled to the main housing and having an apertured wall structure with a valve member retaining surface facing the valve receiving region, and an isolation valve member. In one embodiment, the second member is a mating inlet housing with an inlet for connection to an effluent discharge port, and the main housing has an outlet port and a valve chamber. In another embodiment, the second member is a valve plate with a dished peripheral portion in sealed contact with a portion of the inner surface of the main housing. The isolation valve member is a flexible diaphragm mounted in the valve chamber in sealing relation therewith.

Abstract: A valve for a flexible liquid-container has a hollow cylindrical body including a bowl-shaped or trough-shaped diaphragm, circumferentially sealed to an inside wall of the tubular body. A convex side of the diaphragm faces an inlet side of the valve and a concave surface of the diaphragm faces an outlet side of the valve. The diaphragm has at least one slit extending therethrough. A cylindrical tube-spring of elliptical cross-section inserted into the tubular body exerts tension on the slit for holding the slit closed when the valve is not in use.

Abstract: A sound attenuating drain stop for an orifice in an automotive floor pan has a resilient plug portion disposed in the orifice and a drainage bore extending axially therethrough, an annular groove for receiving the body panel so as to secure the plug portion thereto, and a compliant element completely obstructing the bore and selectively unobstructing cross-sectional areas of the bore in response to weight variation of fluid thereabove. The compliant element has a resilient, three-legged bridge member spanning the bore and deflectable under the weight of a first predetermined quantity of fluid to drain fluid above the element, and three pie-shaped flexible flaps defined by the bridge member and extending from an interior surface of the bore to the bridge member, the flexible flaps deflectable under the weight of a second predetermined quantity of water when the bridge member is undeflected.

Abstract: A swimming pool cleaner comprising an operating head providing two inlet openings and passages therethrough connecting to a single outlet is disclosed. The cleaner includes a valve to close intermittently in one passage and, optionally, a restriction valve in the other passage operable between greater and lesser degrees of restriction to enhance the smooth, consistent, and continual collection of dirt and debris from the pool surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a multi-cuspid back-flow preventer in the nature of a check valve that has a generally annular body portion with axially spaced upstream and downstream ends. A substantially cylindrical passageway extends through the body portion, and a plurality of circumferentially adjacent valve cuspids are connected to the downstream end of the body portion for selectively opening and closing the passageway that extends therethrough. Each valve cuspid is marginated by a rib that extends into the passageway. Breather slots are provided between the successively adjacent valve cuspids, and a mounting flange may be provided at the upstream end of the body portion.

Abstract: A surgical trocar assembly includes a disposable valve assembly, a cannula assembly, and a trocar with a handle. The cannula assembly includes a cannula base having a valve assembly coupling device at its proximal end, and a cannula extending from its distal end. The disposable valve assembly has a coupling device for removably coupling it with the cannula base. The valve assembly also includes a valve body with a fluid passage communicating with the hollow cannula when it is coupled to the cannula base. A slit or flapper valve and a universal washer are mounted within the valve body and allow the insertion of the trocar or other endoscopic instruments therethrough while providing a fluid sealing of the fluid passage. The valve assembly may be provided with a side port which optionally contains an automatic valve actuated by a luer coupling. Several different valve assembly-cannula base couplings are disclosed as well as several different types of trocars.

Abstract: A one-way fluid valve formed of a parallel plurality of one-way valve cells, each cell comprising three flexible leaflets each bonded to 1/3 of the edge of a hexagonal opening in a frame, their free center edges joining to close upon pressure from one side and separating to open the valve upon pressure from the opposite side of the frame.

Abstract: A trocar sleeve for endoscopic operations has valve means and seal means on the end of the trocar sleeve remote from the patient. In addition to a seal with a large diameter, at least one support element for a further seal with a smaller diameter is provided.

Abstract: Valve apparatus and method with an elastomeric disk fixedly disposed between inlet and outlet members and being deformable to permit flow through the inlet to the outlet. Deformation of the disk in the direction of pressure through the outlet is limited. The elastomeric disk can be circular with a linear or non-linear slit and be clamped between the inlet and outlet members. The structure for limiting disk deformation can take the form of a pilot integrated into, and extending across, the inlet member in centrally or non-centrally apertured form.

Abstract: Access devices to facilitate the introduction of various surgical instruments into vessels, conduits, cavities, and other interior regions of the body are disclosed, which include a "duck bill" valve having at least three flexible fold sections or leaflets subtending 360.degree. degrees of the cylindrical wall portion. The valve is configured to provide reduced friction forces when an instrument is inserted, as well as zero closure characteristics when the instrument is removed.