Abstract: A laparoscopy cannula reducer has at its proximal end a resilient end seal carrying a resilient tri-cuspid valve; the valve is passive, yet allows sealing of a body cavity in surgical procedures to prevent fluid flow between the atmosphere and the body cavity, both when an instrument is carried within the cannula and when the cannula is not being used for passage of an instrument to the body and the reducer has handgripping portions for applying and disengaging the reducer over a laparoscopy cannula.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying thick matter is provided including a delivery line, a thick matter pump connected to the delivery line for conveying thick matter from the pump through the delivery line in an output direction, and a restraining member positioned in the delivery line. The restraining member includes a first group of finger lamellae that are radially arranged and have openings therebetween. Each of the finger lamellae of the first group includes an end secured on the inner surface of the delivery line and an unattached end extending diagonally in the output direction and toward the inside of the delivery line. The finger lamella thereby define a pass-through opening therein for enabling flow of thick matter through the restraining member such that the pass-through opening increases in size when thick matter flows in the output direction and decreases in size when there is no flow of thick matter or when thick matter moves in a direction opposite to the output direction.

Abstract: A self-sealing cannula assembly for maintaining pressure in a body cavity during insufflatory surgery. A cap made of elastomeric material is fitted to an enlarged portion of a cannula and has means for simultaneous sealing and fastening the cap to the cannula. The endwall of the cap may be apertured to permit entry and exit of a trocar or other surgical instrument without interruption of the seal. Another embodiment provides an elastomeric adaptor cap arranged to be fitted to the exterior circumference of the above-mentioned cap for temporary insertion and withdrawal of instruments of relatively small diameter without removal of the original cap.

Abstract: A closed-end catheter having a flat-surfaced valve positioned in a recess about the distal portion of the catheter for preventing retrograde flow of blood therethrough when positioned in a blood vessel of a patient. The valve catheter comprises a flexible material, cylindrical tube having a semi-circular cross-sectional wall extending longitudinally about the distal portion thereof. The laterally facing valve is formed in a planar surface of a flexible material layer attached to the wall in the distal portion of the cylindrical tube. One or more passages extend through the cylindrical tube in which medicaments or fluids can be simultaneously injected or aspirated. The valve is formed by inserting one or more flat-surfaced rods in the passages of the tube to stretch the surrounding wall. A flat-surfaced layer of flexible material is applied over the flat-surfaced rod to the stretched wall.

Abstract: A valved cannula assembly having a gasket retaining collar positioned internally within a gasket receiving member, the gasket retaining collar having a recess to receive and retain in a fixed position an annular gasket, which acts in conjunction with either a flapper valve assembly or an inserted instrument to seal the axial bore of the cannula and prevent escape of fluids or gases. A plugging member forces the retaining collar against the gasket receiving member. The recess of the gasket retaining collar is preferably provided with annular ridges to secure the gasket and a conical shoulder to allow some deflection.

Abstract: A laparoscopic cannula having at its proximal end a resilient end seal carrying a resilient tri-cuspid valve. The valve is passive, yet allows sealing of a body cavity in surgical procedures to prevent fluid flow between the atmosphere and the body cavity, both when an instrument is carried within the cannula and when the cannula is not being used for passage of an instrument to the body.

Abstract: A self-sealing, penetrable, hemostasis valve for a catheter introducer or the like which comprises an elastomeric gasket member having first and second opposed faces adapted to be secured in a valve housing, wherein faces define generally concave surfaces to reduce the central thickness of the gasket member, and a pin hole or slits extending through the first and second opposed faces generally at or through the central region of the gasket member. The generally concave opposed face surfaces are molded to possess a pair of convex cusp-shaped surfaces, each lying in about one-half of the generally concave surfaces, each convex cusp having an edge thereof passing generally through the central region of reduced thickness. The pair of generally convex, cusp-shaped surfaces on the first face is disposed at a 90 degree angle to the pair of generally convex, cusp-shaped surfaces on the second face.

Abstract: A T-shaped fitting for a port in the wall of a closed fluid system includes a branched tubular body having a proximal end coupled to the wall in fluid-tight communication with the port and two distal ends and defining passages between the proximal end and each of the distal ends. A flexible resilient membrane closes one of the distal ends and has a normally closed slit therein adapted for removably receiving an associated probe therethrough in sealing engagement therewith, while an insect screen is disposed across the other of the distal ends. Caps, tethered to the body, are respectively threadedly engageable with the distal ends. Two elastomeric seals are provided between one of the distal ends and its cap, channel means being provided in that one distal end to permit venting when the cap is partially removed. The other cap is sealed by means of a tapered thread.

Abstract: A hemostasis cannula comprising a housing having a passage therethrough sized to receive a catheter and a valve body mounted in the passage. The valve body includes an opening in one side thereof which forms a seal around a catheter enclosed within the cannula. The opening includes a cylindrical recess and four tapered slits extending from the base of the recess to a point shaped opening at the other side of said valve body. The method of making the slits includes cutting them with a four sided pyramid shaped tool.

Abstract: A hemostasis valve comprises a housing defining a passage therethrough adapted to receive an elongated member such as a catheter in hemostatically sealed condition. An elastic gasket valve is carried in the housing having slit means capable of permitting the elongated member to extend through the housing and the gasket member in hemostatically sealed condition. By this invention the gasket member defines a pair of opposed sides with a first slit extending inwardly of the gasket member from one of the opposed sides. A second slit extends inwardly of the gasket member from the other of the opposed sides. Both of the slits are of a shape defining a plurality of radii extending from a common origin. The first and second slits extend inwardly at a depth to engage but not to intersect each other, and the radii of the first slit each define an angle of at least 10.degree. to each of the radii of the second slit at points of engagement. By this, an improved hemostasis valve is provided.

Abstract: The invention is a hemostasis valve having a main body, a proximal end cap, a register member, and a reinforcing member. The main body has a proximal end, a distal end, and a first bore having a proximal end at the proximal end of the main body and a distal end at the distal end of the main body. The first bore has a first flexure-receiving enlargement at its proximal end. The proximal end cap is joined to the proximal end of the main body and forms therewith a valve chamber. The proximal end cap has a second bore formed therethrough that is at least approximately an extension of the first bore. The register member is received in the valve chamber adjacent the proximal end cap. The register member has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion of the register member has a third bore formed therethrough that is at least approximately an extension of the first and second bores.

Abstract: A self-sealing, penetrable, hemostasis valve for a catheter introducer or the like which comprises an elastomeric gasket member having first and second opposed faces adapted to be secured in a valve housing, wherein faces define generally concave surfaces to reduce the central thickness of the gasket member, and a pin hole or slits extending through the first and second opposed faces generally at or through the central region of the gasket member. The generally concave opposed face surfaces are molded to possess a pair of convex cusp-shaped surfaces, each lying in about one-half of the generally concave surfaces, each convex cusp having an edge thereof passing generally through the central region of reduced thickness. The pair of generally convex, cusp-shaped surfaces on the first face is disposed at a 90 degree angle to the pair of generally convex, cusp-shaped surfaces on the second face.

Abstract: The invention is a hemostasis valve having a main body, a proximal end cap, a register member, and a reinforcing member. The main body has a proximal end, a distal end, and a first bore having a proximal end at the proximal end of the main body and a distal end at the distal end of the main body. The first bore has a first flexure-receiving enlargement at its proximal end. The proximal end cap is joined to the proximal end of the main body and forms therewith a valve chamber. The proximal end cap has a second bore formed therethrough that is at least approximately an extension of the first bore. The register member is received in the valve chamber adjacent the proximal end cap. The register member has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion of the register member has a third bore formed therethrough that is at least approximately an extension of the first and second bores.

Abstract: An arrangement in vertical sewage system pipes for preventing rodents, such as rats, from entering dwellings, living accommodation, office accommodation, and similar building structures. The arrangement includes a frame which is L-shaped in cross-section with an outwardly extending flange sealingly inserted in a joint between two mutually adjacent pipe sections and an axially extending flange to which are attached a plurality of springing wires or rods so as to form a wire cone which tapers in the direction of sewage flow. The springing wires or rods terminate at the apex of the cone in anear touching relationship. The wires or rods are made of stainless steel with a wire gauge of from 0.7 to 2.5 mm or of fiber glass with a wire gauge of from 0.8 to 2.0 mm.

Abstract: A container filling nozzle of rubber has a wide, substantially square, inlet opening and a cruciform outlet slit which, in the absence of external force, is maintained closed owing to the resilience of the rubber. In the zone of the slit, the internal surface of the nozzle wall is formed with protrusions which extend along both sides of each of the arms of the slit and constitute respective thickenings. The protrusions terminate short of the central ridge of the V-form lips of the nozzle. Thus, the lips have their outlet zones more rigid and yet retain the necessary flexibility, so that sealing of the slit is improved and yet the lips can open wide.

Abstract: A hemostasis valve comprises a housing defining a passage therethrough adpated to receive an elongated member such as a catheter in hemostatically sealed condition. An elastic gasket valve is carried in the housing having slit means capable of permitting the elongated member to extend through the housing and the gasket member in hemostatically sealed condition. By this invention the gasket member defines a pair of opposed sides with a first slit extending inwardly of the gasket member from one of the opposed sides. A second slit extends inwardly of the gasket member from the other of the opposed sides. Both of the slits are of a shape defining a plurality of radii extending from a common origin. The first and second slits extend inwardly at a depth to engage but not to intersect each other, and the radii of the first slit each define an angle of at least 10.degree. to each of the radii of the second slit at points of engagement. By this, an improved hemostasis valve is provided.

Abstract: A valve assembly comprising, a hollow body member having a cavity, a compression member received on one end of the body member and having an annular flange aligned with the cavity, a device for adjusting the position of the compression member relative to the body member, and a valve device for sealingly engaging against a catheter passing through the valve device, and responsive to compression by the compression member to immobilize the catheter in the valve device.

Abstract: A self-sealing percutaneous tube (e.g. catheter) introducer having a sealing mechanism to prevent blood or fluid leakage that includes spaced sealing gaskets adapted to surround the tube, a distal sealing element being planar and having a slit whereas the proximal sealing element being conical and having an annular opening at its distal and small end, the introducer optionally including a side arm flushing member and/or a female luer lock connection at its proximal end.

Abstract: A valve assembly comprising, a hollow body member having a cavity, a compression member received on one end of the body member and having an annular flange aligned with the cavity, a device for adjusting the position of the compression member relative to the body member, and a valve device for sealingly engaging against a catheter passing through the valve device, and responsive to compression by the compression member to immobilize the catheter in the valve device.

Abstract: A hemostasis valve is provided for catheters or the like, comprising an elastomeric partition valve secured in a housing. A linear slit extends through the partition valve between the major faces thereof. By this invention, the partition of the valve has at least one concave face through which the slit extends. Such a partition valve provides further improved sealing characteristics over a wide range of diameters of catheters, leads, or the like penetrating the partition valve, particularly reducing frictional resistance to catheter advancement and rotation through the valve and also reducing catheter collapse in the valve.

Abstract: A hemostasis valve is provided for catheters or the like, comprising an elastomeric partition valve secured in a housing. A linear slit extends through the partition valve between the major faces thereof. By this invention, the slit defines a line at each major face, with the respective lines at the major faces being in non-alignment and thus defining an angle with respect to each other. The slit defines at least one generally helical slit section between the lines of the major faces, within the partition valve. Such a partition valve exhibits better sealing characteristics over a wide range of diameters of catheters, leads, or the like penetrating the partition valve, as well as other advantages.

Abstract: An air spring for motor vehicles to absorb road shocks includes first and second axially spaced end members with an intervening flexible sleeve forming a fluid pressure chamber therebetween. An improved two-way damping valve connects the pressure chamber to a fluid reservoir and provides damping for the air spring by restricting fluid flow in one direction, either into or out of the pressure chamber, without materially effecting the fluid flow in the opposite direction. The valve includes a flexible diaphragm formed of reinforced rubber having slots which provide one or more flaps. The diaphragm preferably is mounted on a rigid annular washer having a predetermined size center opening forming a damping orifice. The flaps are drawn automatically into the washer opening to restrict the fluid flow through the orifice when the fluid moves in one direction, with the flaps moving away from the orifice to permit free movement of the fluid therethrough when the fluid is moving in an opposite direction.

Abstract: A resiliently deformable container having at least one discharge orifice equipped with a self-sealing dispensing valve, said valve having a resiliently deformable, concave shaped portion with its perimeter sealingly secured across the container's discharge orifice. The self-sealing valve is secured across the orifice so that it is inwardly concave when the container is in an undeformed condition. The concave shaped portion of the valve includes at least one substantially linear slit extending through the thickness of the valve. The valve requires the attainment of a threshold opening pressure to effect inversion from a concave at rest position in order to dispense the package contents.

Abstract: A check valve for a water bag, balloon toy, or the like, comprising a flat fluid pipe of plastic film open at its base end and its tip end. A flat valve body is disposed in the flat pipe and is closed along its lateral sides which are sealed to closed sides of the fluid pipe. The valve body is also closed at its side disposed towards the tip end of the fluid pipe but is open at its side disposed towards the base end of the fluid pipe. Fluid is able to flow inward in a direction from the tip end of the fluid pipe to the base end thereof through gaps between the inner surface of the fluid pipe and the outer surface of the valve body. However, fluid flow in the outward direction expands the valve body and closes the gaps to prevent outward flow.

Abstract: A coolant supply apparatus, and cutting tool incorporating such apparatus, wherein during a cutting operation coolant is supplied from a coolant supply means through a coolant supply member which is spaced from a tool shank mounted supply ring. A valve is included for preventing leakage at the space between the coolant supply means and the supply ring when the coolant is being supplied.

Abstract: A hemostasis valve for a catheter or the like may be a self-sealing, penetrable barrier which comprises an elastomeric partition made of an integral piece. A first slit is cut on the first side of the partition, while a second slit is cut in a second, opposite side of the partition. The first and second slits are in intersecting relation to each other, each slit having a depth sufficient to permit physical interaction with each other but insufficient to extend through the entire thickness of the partition.

Abstract: A pressure-responsive valve exhibiting unusual restoring force includes an elastically deformable diaphragm having a plurality of non-intersecting, non-meeting, separate arcuate slits, each slit having a base which is intersected by at least one other slit, and each slit being out of intersecting relation with its own base.

Abstract: A tide gate check valve in which at least three converging sides are provided at a tapered region of a flexible sleeve, so that on reverse back pressure build-up of fluid, reverse fluid flow is prevented, while the valve sleeve does not invert or collapse. The present configuration features embedded reinforcing elements for resisting inversion or collapsing when the back pressure builds up. This feature is especially important for large-sized conduits of 36" or 72" diameter, or even larger, such as are common in storm sewer applications.

Abstract: A check valve for controlling the flow of fluid through a pipe or other means defining a passageway. The valve comprises an elastomeric valve element that permits flow of fluid through the passageway in a downstream direction while preventing the flow of fluid in the upstream direction. The valve element has a base that is secured to the means defining the passageway, there being an opening in the base through which fluid can flow. Flow of fluid is controlled by vanes projecting downstream from the base, each vane being flexibly connected to the base and being movable about its line of connection with the base between an open position in which the vanes permit ready flow of fluid in a forward direction, and a closed position in which the vanes make sealing engagement with each other, thus preventing upstream flow of fluid.

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 molded one-piece, self-sealing gasket maintains its seal at all times including during insertion of a tube, such as a catheter, as well as after the tube is withdrawn.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve constructed of hemo-compatible materials that is anatomically and functionally similar to the natural aortic valve is disclosed which reduces or eliminates the occurrence of many of the complications found in the use of prior art prosthetic valves. The heart valve is a trileaflet type which has its formed leaflets heat set in a partially open position to reduce pressure required to open the leaflets in response to blood flowing therethrough.

Abstract: A polyurethane heart valve has a semirigid frame composed of a base ring and three struts, and an elastomeric membrane integral and unitary with the frame, the contours of which make up three leaflets of the valve. The leading edges of the leaflets which form the commissure line are reinforced with a narrow elastomer band. The leaflets are further reinforced by radiating lines projected from the frame into the leaflet and which simulate collagen formation in natural leaflets. In addition, the transition between the frame and the leaflets is tapered.

Abstract: Hydrocyclone apparatus having means for controlling the gravity of the discharging underflow. The means consists of a plurality of sectors formed of resilient material which are mounted below the apex opening of the hydrocyclone whereby when relaxed the apexes of the sectors terminate at the hydrocyclone axis and the side edges of each sector are in juxtaposition with adjacent sectors. When the hydrocyclone is in operation the discharging underflow material deflects the sectors downwardly and so controls the underflow as to maintain its density substantially constant irrespective of changes in the density of the slurry supplied to the inlet. Preferably the construction is such that an underflow shield is provided about the lower end of the hydrocyclone apex. The invention also includes the method employed by use of the apparatus.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser bottle of a resiliently flexible material has a relatively thin, resiliently flexible septum of circular planform seated on and spanning the dispenser outlet, peripherally sealingly clamped in place by a dispenser nozzle cap. The septum has a 90.degree. butt cut slit formation defining at least one resiliently flexible valve flap integrally joined along a hinge line area to the septum proper for outward deflection of the flap by internal liquid pressure when the dispenser is squeezed. The septum is also formed with at least one tiny hole, preferably on or in the vicinity of the hinge line area to increase flexibility of the valve flap, to serve as a vent to greatly accellerate relaxation and normalization of the squeeze bottle wall.

Abstract: A self-sealing paste discharge device for dispensing semi-liquid substances especially such as are contained in a collapsible tube in which there is an elastic neck having an elastic closure slitted, the neck presenting a helical path to the slitted closure end so that when paste under pressure is forced through the helical path of the neck, pressure on the opposite sides of the path will open the slit or slits in the closure for the discharge of the paste therethrough, the relationship of the relative elasticity of the neck and closure to the viscosity of the paste being such that when the pressure on the paste is released, the parts on either side of the slit will come together and seal the discharge path.

Abstract: A drain control device adapted to be installed in a floor drain or the like and includes a device which prevents the backflow of water or other flowable material up through the floor drain. An expandable annular member is sealingly engaged with a floor drainpipe and includes a depending generally conical body divided into a plurality of circumferentially spaced and longitudinally extending segments capable of extension and contraction to enable flow in one direction and prevent backflow. A funnel-shaped device is inserted into the upper end of the drain control for guiding material downwardly into the drain control and preventing such material from becoming lodged on the upper end of the annular, peripherally expandable resilient body.

Abstract: A closure plug is disclosed which is especially adapted for use in retaining insulation inside the cavities of refrigerators and like appliances. The plug includes a number of petal-like flaps which are conically arrayed and originally point relatively outwardly. When an insulation nozzle is pushed against the petal flaps, the flaps are forced inwardly, and splay apart to permit nozzle insertion through the plug. After the nozzle is withdrawn, the petal flaps return to form an inverted cone pointing relatively inwardly. Beveled petal flap sides provide planar inter-petal contact and structural conical strength to resist the outward flow of insulation. The plug is fastened to a cavity-defining wall by a base having a polygonal cross-sectional shape substantially coextensive with a polygonal wall aperture, and a head of polygonal cross-sectional shape at least congruent with the wall aperture but angularly offset with respect to and depending from the base to engage the wall and retain the plug on the wall.