Abstract: Cleanable filters and methods of cleaning filters are described in the present application. The cleanable air filter includes a housing and a filter element installed in the housing. The filter element is configured to filter an operating fluid in a given application. The filter element is cleanable in-situ in the installed condition in the housing. The cleanable air filter further includes a cleaning fluid applicator configured to apply a cleaning fluid to the filter element while the filter element is in the installed condition in the housing such that the filter element is cleanable without being removed from the filter housing.

Abstract: A system and method of inflating an airbag and trajectory control tube are disclosed. The system and method include detecting application of a force at at least one of a plurality of sensors, initiating an inflation system to cause inflation of the airbag and the trajectory control tube responsive to the detecting, inflating the trajectory control tube based on the initiating, inflating the airbag, and breaching the airbag and the trajectory control tube compartment. The system and method include guiding the airbag deployment trajectory via the trajectory control tube guides the airbag deployment trajectory. The system and method include the guiding occurs as the airbag begins to inflate, as the airbag inflates, after the airbag has inflated or before the airbag inflates.

Abstract: Microscale valves for use in, e.g., micropump devices, may be formed of a slitted diaphragm bonded o the interior of a valve tube. A bump in the diaphragm and/or a backward-leakage stopper may increase the breakdown pressure of the valve. A push-rod may be used to pre-load the valve membrane to thereby increase the cracking pressure.

Abstract: Devices and methods for engaging a gas cylinder with a gas dispenser, such as a beverage extractor, an inflation device, or other system that uses pressurized gas. A resilient element may be used to force a gas cylinder into engagement with a piercing element to pierce an outlet of the gas cylinder. The resilient element may deform elastically and/or plastically when applying force to the cylinder to pierce the outlet and sealingly engage the cylinder with a receiver. The resilient element may compensate for cylinders having different sizes and/or provide a consistent piercing or sealing force.

Abstract: A hair color delivery system includes a flexible bottle, a dispensing cap having a tapered nozzle, an asymmetric bi-directional valve assembly, and a dispensing tube. The valve assembly comprises a platform, and a pair of valves, comprising tapered extensions through which fluid may be expelled from the bottle and ambient air may enter the bottle. The valves are offset from each other so that they are not co-axial or rotationally symmetric. The delivery system enables a method of substantially continuous delivery of a fluid chemical, yielding a hair treatment that it is easy and safe to use in which the tapered nozzle stays fully charged with product as air can be admitted to a dispensing bottle through a different valve than that used for dispensing.

Abstract: A non-return device (10) for use with a waste trap is described. The non-return device comprises a sealing portion (12) having first and second sheet members (14, 16), a device inlet (18), a device outlet (20) and a transition portion (22) providing fluid communication between the device inlet and the sealing portion. The transition portion has a convex section of wall (24).

Abstract: A method and system for retrieving a fracturing ball in a wellbore casing. The system includes a wellbore retrieval tool comprising a tool body that is inserted into and transported along the wellbore casing. The tool is sized and configured to trap and hold the fracturing ball. When a hydraulic lock happens in the wellbore casing, the retrieval tool is lowered in a vertical section and the ball is flowed back along a horizontal section and captured by a trap in the retrieval tool. The retrieval tool may also be run in conjunction with a setting tool with a ball-in-place fracturing plug. In case of the hydraulic lock, the injection is tested following perforation with the retrieval tool still a location proximal to the ball, and the ball is immediately retrieved.

Abstract: A venting valve has a securing part and a valve body connected to the securing part and provided with at least one venting slot. A closure tension acts on the venting slot and is caused by a force generated within the venting valve after mounting. The venting valve is made of a unitary elastomer material.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump is provided that features a valve housing configured with inlet openings and outlet openings; inlet duckbill check valve assemblies, each configured to be arranged in a respective inlet opening; and outlet duckbill check valve assemblies, each configured to be arranged in a respective outlet opening; each duckbill check valve assembly comprising: a duckbill check valve seat configured with an end having a slit to open to provide the fluid and particulate, and to close to prevent the backflow of the fluid and particulate; and a duckbill check valve support having a base portion configured to be inserted inside the duckbill check valve seat, and having a W-shaped portion configured with an opening to pass the fluid and particulate through the duckbill check valve support to the duckbill check valve seat and also configured to provide support for walls of the duckbill check valve seat in response to back pressure caused by the fluid and particulate.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus featuring a check valve featuring a duckbill valve configured to provide fluid and particulate; and an insert having a base portion configured to seat the insert inside the duckbill valve, and a W-shaped portion configured with an opening to pass the fluid and particulate through the duckbill valve and also configured to provide support for walls of the duckbill valve in response to back pressure caused by the fluid and particulate.

Abstract: A reductant delivery unit (10) is provided for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) after-treatment for vehicles. The unit includes a solenoid fluid injector (10) constructed and arranged to be associated with an exhaust gas flow path (14) upstream of a SCR catalytic converter (17). The fluid injector has a fluid inlet (13) and a fluid outlet (15) with the fluid inlet being constructed and arranged to receive a source of urea solution and the fluid outlet being constructed and arranged to communicate directly with the exhaust flow path so as to control injection of urea solution into the exhaust gas flow path. An interface (24) is constructed and arranged to couple the fluid injector to the gas flow path. The interface defines a thermal barrier constructed and arranged to decoupled a body of the injector from exposure to heat in the exhaust gas flow path.

Abstract: A duck beak valve and/or pumps/pump systems that use such a valve are disclosed. The valve may include a flexible tube having an inlet portion and an outlet portion and a spigot having a spigot inlet portion and a spigot outlet portion. The inlet portion of the flexible tube is sealed relative to the spigot. Inner surfaces of the flexible tube outlet portion downstream of the spigot outlet portion close together when the valve is closed. At least one reinforcement engages the flexible tube and is adapted to pivot at an inlet end so that an outlet end of the reinforcement moves toward and away from a centerline of the flexible tube. The reinforcement reinforces the flexible tube against an externally applied backpressure when the outlet end of the reinforcement is disposed toward the centerline and the valve is closed.

Abstract: A non-return device (10) comprises a flat silicone rubber tubing (50) defining a pair of walls (70, 90) which separate to admit fluid in a forward direction but remain together to block fluid flow in a reverse direction. A tubular body (30) surrounds the tubing (50) and comprises an off-set outlet (34) to provide an uninterrupted fluid flow surface for use in a non-vertical orientation. The tubing (50) is mounted on a cartridge (130) which moves axially within the tubular body and compresses the tubing against the tubular body to effect a seal when the device is mounted on an outlet. The tubing (50) provides good operational characteristics and sensitivity as a consequence of having a wall thickness which is 0.3% to 3% of its width.

Abstract: A check valve (10) comprises, a flexible tube (11) having first and second end portions defining an inlet (13) and an outlet (14), respectively, and a rigid valve body (12) surrounding the flexible tube (11). The end portions of the flexible tube are sealingly fixed to the valve body (12) to define an enclosed space (17) between the exterior of the flexible tube and the interior of the valve body. A fixed volume of a substantially incompressible fluid is located in the enclosed space (17). When the pressure at the outlet (14) is greater than the pressure at the inlet (13), the flexible tube is substantially collapsed so as to close the valve or allow severely restricted flow. However when the pressure at the inlet is greater than that at the outlet, some of the fluid is displaced from the inlet area towards the outlet area so that the flexible tube (11) is expanded in the area adjacent the inlet and the tube is substantially open.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve for implantation within a fluid conducting lumen within a body includes an elongate generally cylindrical radially collapsible valve body scaffold defining a fluid passageway therethrough for retentive positioning within the lumen. A radially collapsible leaf valve member is supported by the scaffold includes a number of valve leafs deflectable between a closed position restricting fluid flow through the passageway and an open position permitting fluid flow through the passageway. The leaf valve member includes an interior leaf valve frame defining a valve leaf aperture which is sealed by a fluid impermeable non-thrombogenic lining to prevent fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: In existing vaporizers the medication passes through unsterilized passages which preclude heir use to administer sterile medications. The present invention therefore provides a device for dispensing a vaporized spray of sterile medicated liquid. It uses a combination atomizing and pressure release valve in which there is a flexible membrane with an aperture, and a plug extending upwardly through the aperture and having a surface against which the membrane is biassed in the closed position, the membrane lifting off the surface of the plug in the open position to thereby open the aperture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for admitting liquid from a draining surface into a drain conduit and for preventing discharge of waste gas from the drain conduit into the atmosphere in response to a higher pressure in the drain conduit than at the draining surface. The method and apparatus typically are for use draining floors, basements, roofs, countertops, exterior paved areas, and surfaces draining into line that could discharge waste gas back into the environment. The invention provides floor drain assemblies and check valves with good drainage performance with out the use of P or U-traps, and is particularly well suited for use when drainage occurs irregularly. Floor drains according to the invention comprise check valves adapted for disposition within floor drains, the check valves generally comprising spring-loaded stops, elastic diaphragms, or sheath valves. Check valves according to the invention are preferably installable in existing drain structures, and are easily removable.

Abstract: A support mechanism for a tide gate valve having an internal cavity, wherein the support mechanism includes a support body receivable in the tide gate valve cavity to help prevent the tide gate valve from collapsing in on itself when subjected to backflow pressure. The support mechanism is positioned adjacent to a pipe end and can take the shape of a ring having legs or flanges, a cage, a partial or more than partial cone, or other suitable shape. Moreover, arms can extend from the ring to provide further support and orifices can be added to the support mechanism to increase or decrease flow characteristics.

Abstract: A check valve having an upstream inlet part mountable on a discharge end of a conduit, a downstream outlet part adapted to prevent backflow of fluid through the check valve, and a transition part located between the upstream inlet part and the downstream outlet part. A longitudinal dimension of the downstream outlet part extending in a direction transverse to a direction of flow is at least approximately 1.57 times the diameter of the upstream inlet part.

Abstract: An improved priming assembly which maybe used for siphoning, includes a siphon tube comprising an inlet end and a discharge end. The discharge end may be connected to a discharge hose that leads to a discharge area. A one-way valve is inserted within the tube adjacent to the inlet end of the tube. The valve comprises a flexible rubber sheath a portion of which is sealed to the inner surface of the tube and which extends toward the discharge end. The sheath is movable from an open position to a closed position. When fluid is caused to flow from the inlet end to the discharge end, the sheath moves to its open position allowing fluid flow. When fluid is caused to flow from the discharge end toward the inlet end, the sheath collapses to the closed position such that it prevents flow of fluid toward the inlet end. Priming of the siphon is created when the sheath collapses into its closed position, under the weight of the fluid as the rigid siphon tube is thrust upwardly.

Abstract: A valve includes an inlet and outlet housing, a flexible one-way valve, and a collar. The flexible valve is locked between the housings. The collar is attached to the inlet housing and extends into the flexible valve. As fluid flows through the valve, the collar supports the flexible valve and prevents collapse due to back flow pressure.

Abstract: There is provided a self-sealing valve structure. The structure has a first sheet of thermoplastic material and a second sheet of thermoplastic material in face-to-face relationship with each other and are secured together along a portion of the longitudinal edges of the sheets and define a passageway therebetween. In one embodiment, the passageway has an air inlet end and an air outlet end. The air outlet end has at least a pair of air outlets located at each of the longitudinal edges of the valve and directing the incoming air through each of the longitudinal edges near the outlet end of said valve. The air outlets are formed by an air deflector blocking the end of the outlet which is preferably of a U-shape or a V-shape. In another embodiment, the passageway directs air through only one longitudinal edge of the valve.

Abstract: An inversion-resistant check valve or tide gate valve has a sleeve bounding a longitudinally extending, flow-through passage for fluids. The sleeve has an intermediate region and an upstream fluid inlet end region mountable on a discharge end of a conduit which is elongated along a longitudinal first axis of symmetry. The sleeve also has a downstream fluid outlet end region comprised of two or more thin and flexible lips which are opposed to each other and which are pre-formed to define a bill which is curvilinear. The lips are thinner and more flexible than the intermediate region. The curvilinear bill ensures sealing of the thinner, more flexible lips, allows easier opening of the valve, and reduces the likelihood of gapping in the lips. Unwanted backflow through the check valve is thereby prevented.

Abstract: An inversion-resistant check valve or tide gate valve which comprises a sleeve bounding in a longitudinally-extending flow-through passage for fluids. The sleeve has an upstream fluid inlet end region mountable on a discharge end of a conduit which is elongated along a longitudinal axis of symmetry. The sleeve also has a downstream fluid outlet end region comprised of two or more lips which are opposed to each other and symmetrically arranged relative to the axis, wherein the lips extend a defined length along the axis, the defined length being within the range of about 1:1.5 to 1:9 times the diameter of the conduit.

Abstract: An airblast fuel injector tip is provided for reducing fuel vaporization problems as a result of high fuel temperatures without adversely affecting the airblast operational characteristics of the injector tip. The injector tip includes a fuel receiving chamber and a fuel discharge orifice downstream thereof and an arcuate, distensible, tubular valve member having a discharge end movable relative to a valve seat in the fuel receiving chamber in dependence on the pressure of fuel in the valve member to meter fuel to the fuel receiving chamber for discharge through the discharge orifice into a combustor.

Abstract: A gas flow valve is provided in a pressure operated part to obtain an air flow velocity conforming to a change in pressure. A main body comprises a resilient member and is tapered from a base end to a distal end thereof to form a wedge-shaped portion at the distal end. In use, surfaces of the wedge-shaped portion serve as pressure-responsive surfaces, and gas is fed through a linear slit formed in the tip of the wedge-shaped portion and a passageway extending longitudinally within the main body and communicating with the slit. The slit is provided with a flapper comprising a thin sheet-like member formed to have a plurality of projections on a distal end thereof and oriented in such a manner that the projections are situated in the slit.

Abstract: An exhaust gas aftertreatment system having an air supply system is disclosed and includes an air feeding pump for selectively creating a flow of air through a flow passage which directs the flow of air to a regeneration system. A check valve is provided including a valve element having a circular base portion surrounding and supported by the flow passage, a flexing portion extending from the circular base portion and converging to form a diametrically extending tip, and a diametrical slit formed in the tip. Also, a support structure is positioned to extend into the valve element to a position adjacent the tip for supporting the flexing portion such that the valve element permits the flow of air from the air feeding pump in one direction and prevents the flow of exhaust gas in an opposite direction with the support structure preventing the valve element from collapsing when the air feeding pump is inoperable.

Abstract: An airblast fuel injector tip is provided for reducing fuel vaporization problems as a result of high fuel temperatures without adversely affecting the airblast operational characteristics of the injector tip. The injector tip includes a fuel receiving chamber and a fuel discharge orifice downstream thereof and an arcuate, distensible, tubular valve member having a discharge end movable relative to a valve seat in the fuel receiving chamber in dependence on the pressure of fuel in the valve member to meter fuel to the fuel receiving chamber for discharge through the discharge orifice into a combustor.

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

Abstract: A check valve for sealing a fluid supply while permitting selective withdrawal of fluid includes a tubular side wall defining an insertion end and a supply end. A diaphragm is connected to the side wall and extends across the tube interior to close the interior. The diaphragm defines a slit therein extending diametrically across the diaphragm. The diaphragm is defined as a concave surface toward the insertion end of the side wall. A housing secures the side wall, encloses the supply end thereof, and exposes the insertion end. A port extends through the housing to communicate with the supply end.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract: The present invention comprises a ball catcher having a housing which may contain a stinger, baffles, or both such features therein.

Abstract: A dispenser of liquid from an inverted rigid screw neck container, the dispenser comprising a base with an upwardly directed socket to receive the container neck in a liquid tight manner, a port to discharge liquid to a threaded nose to be coupled to a tap, an air bleed arrangement to deliver atmospheric air through a stem and a one way valve into a container when mounted on the base.

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