Abstract: A valve seal structure 20 seals an opening in a reservoir 10? of a fuel delivery module. The reservoir is constructed and arranged to be mounted with respect to a bottom of a fuel tank of a vehicle. The reservoir has wall structure 15 coupled with a bottom 14 to define an interior space 17. The bottom 14 has the opening 12 therein. The valve seal structure includes reservoir surface feature structure 22 disposed about a periphery of the opening 12 in the reservoir 10? and extending upwardly from the bottom 14 of the reservoir. A valve 24 is associated with the opening 12 and includes valve surface feature structure 28 extending towards the reservoir surface feature structure 22. A seal disk 26 is disposed between the reservoir surface feature structure 22 and the valve surface feature structure 28.

Abstract: An exhaust system and a mini-exhaust static pressure controlling apparatus thereof for controlling a process area. The mini-exhaust static pressure controlling apparatus has an exhaust chamber and an auto release damping device. The exhaust chamber has an air inlet connected to the process area receiving air exhaust from the process area, and an air outlet venting the air exhaust. The auto release damping device has a diaphragm pre-stressed in an arc shape with a coefficient of elasticity and an adjusting device for applying a stress on the diaphragm to maintain the arc shape of the diaphragm, and is disposed on the exhaust chamber to control static pressure of the air exhaust in the exhaust chamber.

Abstract: A valve apparatus is small, and regulates a fuel amount by restricting a lift amount of a valve. A columnar portion is formed on a pump body. The columnar portion is inserted into a check valve and a washer formed with a protruding portion which protrudes outward from a flange portion, and the check valve and washer are attached or fixed to the pump body by subjecting a tip end of the columnar portion to thermal caulking or the like. An outer diameter of the protruding portion is set to be relatively smaller than an outer diameter of the flange portion such that when the check valve is sandwiched between the protruding portion and pump body, the check valve contacts an outer peripheral edge of the flange portion when the check valve opens. As a result, a lift amount of the valve can be restricted, and a flow rate of fuel passing through a passage can be maintained at a constant level.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device (1) for associating with a fluid reservoir (3), the device including at least one check valve (12, 2) that is suitable for controlling the flow of fluid through the device, the check valve comprising a seat (12), and a movable valve member (2) that defines a contact zone that is suitable for bearing against the seat (12) in leaktight manner, the device including resilient prestress means (23) that urge the valve member in leaktight contact against its seat (12) at rest, the device being characterized in that the prestress means (23) are formed integrally with the valve member.

Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole and an upper with an exterior and interior surface, and one or more bladders which comprises at least one of the exterior or interior surfaces of the upper. The article of footwear also includes a inflation mechanism located under the foot of the wearer to be activated by the normal action of the wearer to inflate the one or more bladders. The inflation mechanism may be monolithic with the bladder or may be a satellite inflation mechanism coupled to the bladder. The article of footwear may also include a deflation mechanism. The deflation mechanism may include a release valve capable of remaining in a open position and/or an adjustable check valve. The deflation mechanism may also be a combination check valve and release valve accessing a single opening in the bladder.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve (12) for relieving air pressure from a passenger compartment (14) of a vehicle (10) includes a base (18) having a central portion (26) and a peripheral portion (28). A plurality of openings (46) extends through the base (18) and a plurality of flaps (60) closes the openings (46). Each flap (60) is associated with at least one opening (46). An inner end (66) of each flap (60) connects with the central portion (26) of the base (18). An outer end (68) of each flap (60) is movable relative to the central portion (26) of the base (18) and the other flaps for enabling airflow through the at least one associated opening (46). The pressure relief valve (12) further includes a connector (22) on the base (18) that is configured for securing the pressure relief valve (12) to the vehicle (10).

Abstract: An article of footwear including a sole and an upper with an exterior and interior surface, and a bladder which comprises at least one of the exterior or interior surfaces. The bladder comprising sheets of polyurethane attached together via welding. The bladder includes a medial compartment and a lateral compartment attached to each other under the foot of the wearer. The article of footwear also includes a inflation mechanism for selectively introducing air to the chambers. The inflation mechanism is located under the foot of the wearer to be activated by the normal action of the wearer.

Abstract: An umbrella valve includes an elastic cap, and an elastic stem formed integrally with the cap, having a center hollow portion, having an enlarged hollow portion proximate the cap, and having a bottom. The valve has a needle having an enlarged head at a proximal end thereof for being snugly secured in the enlarged hollow portion of the stem, having a lower lateral hole in a distal portion, having an upper lateral hole proximate the bottom of the stem, and having a lengthwise center passageway connecting the upper and lower lateral holes. A method includes providing a needle for being snugly secured in one of a plurality of elastic caps, the needle having a lengthwise center passageway connecting upper and lower lateral holes. The method includes selecting a cap from among the plurality of elastic caps by determining opening pressure factors.

Abstract: The fluid-dispensing pump 1 has an extendable/retractable member 10, an inflow valve mechanism 14 connected to the lower end of the extendable/retractable member 10, and an outflow valve mechanism 15 connected to the upper part of the extendable/retractable member 10. The outflow valve mechanism 15 includes a valve seat member 151 comprising a first valve seat portion 151a at the bottom of which an opening portion is formed and a second valve seat portion 151b which is located at the upper part of the first valve seat portion 151a and has a nearly cylindrical inner wall, a first valve member 152 configured to close the opening portion in the first valve seat portion 151a, and a second valve member 153 configured to contact the inner wall in the second valve seat portion 151b.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve (10) includes a housing (20) defining an air flow passage (34). A flap (90) overlies the air flow passage (34). At least a portion (92, 94) of the flap (90) is movable, in response to an air pressure differential acting on opposite portions of the flap, between an open condition venting air from one side (18) of the valve (10) to a closed condition blocking flow of air from a second side (19) of the valve. The flap (90) has a plurality of mounting openings (104, 106). The housing (20) has a plurality of generally T-shaped mounting posts (70, 72) projecting from the housing. A snap connection is provided between the flap (90) and the mounting posts (70, 72) to secure the flap to the housing (20) with the mounting posts extending through the openings (104, 106). The mounting posts (70, 72) are the only structure holding the flap (90) on the housing (20).

Abstract: A shaft part is coaxially provided within a pressure release port provided in a sealing plate sealed to an opening portion of a case for a condenser or a battery, a valve body closely fitted and fixed within the pressure release port has a seal lip which is directed toward the outside of a pressure container and is closely contacted with an outer peripheral surface of the shaft part with predetermined tensional force, and in the case that internal pressure of the case is increased more than a predetermined value, the seal lip is operated so as to open the valve, thereby releasing the internal pressure to the atmospheric air.

Abstract: A valve is provided that includes a body portion defining a conduit and a control element coupled to the body portion and configured to selectively engage the body portion adjacent the conduit. The control element is configured to be axially repositioned based on axial movement of the body portion.

Abstract: A vent valve for use in a constant velocity joint having a vent aperture in communication with a joint chamber comprises a body having a first end and a second end and at least one flat extending therebetween; and an umbrella shaped flexible retention cap disposed adjacent the first end of the body and the at least one flat. The retention cap is operative in a normally closed position to cover the at least one flat and seal the joint from external contaminants, and in response to internal pressure created in the joint cavity, functions to bellow outward and expose the at least one flat to permit air to escape from the chamber. The at least one flat includes a straight-line vent to clean the grease off and away from the vent valve. The vent valve can be made from single or multiple materials, having porous and non-porous properties.

Abstract: A self-sealing valve comprises a valve housing having a fluid conduit, a valve seat, a flexible diaphragm and a support member. The valve housing is configured to pass fluid through the fluid conduit. The flexible diaphragm provides a self-seal of the fluid conduit, and comprises an area larger than an area of the fluid conduit and a periphery. The support member is configured to retain a portion of a flexible diaphragm. The support member and flexible diaphragm are configured to position the flexible diaphragm against the valve seat to seal the fluid conduit in a closed position of the self-sealing valve, and to facilitate movement of at least a part of the periphery of the flexible diaphragm in a first direction away from the valve seat to an open position.

Abstract: A dye applicator that has an elongated container that doubles as a handle and a comb assembly with an internal longitudinal cavity along its spine. The container is removably connected to the comb assembly to permit the dye to pass through the cavity and to the longitudinal and transversal opening in each tooth. The dye goes out to the user's hair through opening terminations on each of the transversal conduits. The container assembly is deformable to squeeze out the dye and a one-way valve is used to permit the air to replace the dye that is released.

Abstract: A water control valve of a faucet comprises a water control body; a water-stop ring having a water outlet slot; a water guiding disk having a round shape; a lateral surface of the water guiding disk being formed with a protrusion for resisting against a lower annular surface of the water control body; a water inlet seat being at a lowest end of the water-control valve; the water inlet seat having a recess; a through hole being formed in a center of the recess and a plurality of water inlets being positioned around the through hole; and a water-stop unit having a base and a tapered rod extends from a center of the base; the base resisting against a bottom of the recess and located upon the plurality of water inlets; and an annular flange being formed on the tapered rod near the base.

Abstract: A novel fluid delivery system includes a mounting panel, where the mounting panel includes channels that define the flow of fluid between any flow-control components mounted on the mounting panel. The mounting panel comprises a top plate and a bottom plate, and the channels are carved out of the underside of the top plate and are enclosed by the bottom plate. In a complex fluid delivery system having many fluid channels, the mounting panel may include one or more interior panels with additional channels carved out of the interior plates to accommodate all routing paths. The channels run in two or more directions to connect two or more gas/channel sticks together.

Abstract: An ON/OFF valve (1,1?,1?) that has an outer body (3) defining a fluid flow cavity (2) divided by an intermediate surface (8, 21) into a first and a second chamber (2a, 2b) communicating with each other via an opening section (6, 28) in the intermediate surface (8, 21). A flexible shutter (7) has on the side facing the first chamber (2a), a membrane portion (17) that cooperates elastically, by virtue of a fluid pressure, with the intermediate surface (8, 21) and with the opening section (6, 28) to separate the first and second chamber (2a, 2b) hermetica1ly. Fluid leakage generating members (20, 27) are located between the membrane portion (17) of the shutter (7) and the opening section (6, 28), and are active when the pressure in the first chamber (2a) exceeds the pressure in the second chamber (2b) by an amount equal to or less than a threshold value (P) other than zero.

Abstract: A diaphragm pump comprises a two part casing formed of a front cover (10) and a back cover (12). A diaphragm plate (14) extends across the covers (10,12) and is secured therebetween when the covers (10,12) are fastened together. The diaphragm plate (14) has a plurality of similarly defined circular regions (16). The front cover (10) has substantially axially aligned inlet and outlet ports (18), each leading to mutually exclusive inlet and outlet chambers (22,24) respectively. A valve housing (26) is securable inside the front cover (10) and has defined therein an outlet dished valve seat (28) with a correspondingly concave resilient valve (30) seated therein. The outlet valve seat (28) has fluid passages therethrough. A plurality of inlet valve seats (34) is provided, equal in number to the number of regions, each being similarly dished and having a correspondingly concave resilient valve (36) seated therein. Each inlet valve seat (34) has fluid passages therethrough.

Abstract: A one-way valve allows air to be drawn from a collapsible, flexible, air-tight bag using a vacuum source. When the vacuum source is removed, the one-way valve prevents air from re-entering the bag. A filter is placed on the valve body to prevent small particles from the bag from clogging the valve or the vacuum source.

Abstract: A constant velocity joint vent for use in a constant velocity joint of automotive vehicles. The constant velocity joint vent includes a flapper valve generally having a circular shape. The constant velocity joint vent also includes a first and second assembly post extending from an inside surface of the flapper valve. A circumferential compression limiter is also located on an inside surface of the flapper valve. The flapper valve also includes a sealing bead located at the outer periphery thereof. The flapper valve is connected via the first and second assembly post to a cover that includes an orifice for venting of high pressure gas to the outer atmosphere while also repelling contaminants from entering the constant velocity joint.

Abstract: A valve for controlling flow of fluid through an aperture in a barrier comprises a valve body including a pin and having a continuous sealing surface surrounding at least one opening through the valve body, and a diaphragm of resilient material. The diaphragm has an opening surrounded by an inner margin and is disposed with the pin extending through the opening and with a main surface presented towards the continuous sealing surface of the valve body. The inner margin of the diaphragm is in a state of tension around the pin of the valve body, whereby the diaphragm is prestressed to a condition in which the main surface of the diaphragm engages the sealing surface of the valve body.

Abstract: A valve installed at the inlet of a thermostatic mixing device for automatically stabilizing the operation of the thermostatic device by maintaining the pressure within the thermostatic mixing device close to the water supply pressure, thereby making the thermostatic device response to small pressure changes while maintaining the fluid flow through the device. The valve comprises a tubular body inserted within the water supply line, a holding seat within the tubular body, a cursor that moves within the valve body with respect to the seat, the cursor moving between a first position where the seat is partially occluded and a second position where the seat is substantially clear. The cursor is subjected to the pressure existing inside the thermostatic mixing device, and a spring positioned with the valve body that acts upon the cursor to urge the cursor towards the first cursor position.

Abstract: A freezeless wall hydrant has a fluid inlet end connected to a source of pressurized water, and a fluid outlet end. A check valve is placed in the bore of the valve body and is spring loaded to open only when extreme water pressure within the inlet valve lifts a spring loaded piston element to permit the highly pressurized water to move through the bore in the valve body and be relieved as it escapes rearwardly into the original source of pressurized water.

Abstract: A self-sealing valve for controlling the volume of fluid within an inflatable device. The valve includes a housing having a fluid conduit, a valve seat and a valve assembly that selectively seals the fluid conduit to provide a self-seal. The valve assembly includes a support member and a mounting device that holds a portion of a flexible diaphragm in a closed position, and that facilitates movement of at least part of the periphery of the diaphragm away from the valve seat to an open position and towards the valve seat to the closed position. The support member may be manually moved to any of the multiple open positions, either to enable fluid release or to enhance fluid injection. With the injection of fluid, the diaphragm assumes an open position, allowing fluid influx.

Abstract: A vacuum demand valve for delivering a flowable material is disclosed. The valve has a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, an intermediate segment therebetween defining a passageway wherein the flowable substance can flow from the proximal end to the distal end. The housing can be a tubing. A valve member is located along the intermediate segment. The valve member has a closed condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is stopped and an open condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is unstopped. The valve member is biased in the closed condition and is responsive to a partial vacuum provided by the user through the passageway for placing the valve member in the open condition.

Abstract: A valve element may be configured to be mounted in an air intake passage of a container. The valve element may be at least partially elastically deformable. The valve element may include a valving member configured such that, when vacuum pressure inside the container is less than a predetermined threshold differential from atmospheric pressure, the valving member is in sealed contact with a seat formed on the container. The valving member may also be configured such that the valving member moves away from the seat when the predetermined threshold differential is reached, so as to allow air to be taken into the container. By elastic return, the valving member may return to a position in sealed contact with the seat when the vacuum pressure inside the container drops back to less than the predetermined threshold differential. The valve element may be placed in a functional configuration via an elastically irreversible modification thereof during mounting.

Abstract: An air valve assembly has a valve block that is permanently secured to an article and has a passageway through which air can pass. The assembly further includes a valve body made from a flexible material defining a through bore, and having a wall with an inner annular indent. The assembly also includes an air block made from a rigid material. The air block has an outer wall with a flange provided on the outer wall, and a plurality of air holes and a central passageway. The flange is fitted inside the indent to attach the air block to the valve body. The assembly also has a valve flap having a disk and a shaft, with the shaft inserted through the central passageway of the air block.

Abstract: A non-return valve for a fuel tank, the valve comprising a substantially tubular body and a deformable shutter member fixed to said body, said shutter member being formed integrally by molding a plastics material and being shaped in such a manner as to return under its own elasticity into a shut position, with the valve body serving as a seat, whenever the shutter member is at rest and the pressure of fuel is no longer sufficient to overcome the elastic return action of the shutter member.

Abstract: A one-way valve allows air to be drawn from a collapsible, flexible, air-tight bag using a vacuum source. When the vacuum source is removed, the one-way valve prevents air from re-entering the bag. A filter is placed on the valve body to prevent small particles from the bag from clogging the valve or the vacuum source.

Abstract: A freezeless wall hydrant has a fluid inlet end connected to a source of pressurized water, and a fluid outlet end. A check valve is placed in the bore of the valve body and is spring loaded to open only when extreme water pressure within the inlet valve lifts a spring loaded piston element to permit the highly pressurized water to move through the bore in the valve body and be relieved as it escapes rearwardly into the original source of pressurized water.

Abstract: A vent valve for an air braking system of a vehicle comprises an elastomeric valve member (11) held in relation to a vent (17) and having a restricted vent passageway. A continuous depending rib (23) is engageable with a valve seat (28) to close the vent passageway as increasing pressure acts on the head (21) of the valve member (11). The valve member (11) permits a fluid chamber to be connected to exhaust until pressure in the chamber reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: A compressor valve comprising at least one valve port opening and a flexible valve member located over the at least one valve port for controlling gas flow therethrough, wherein the compressor valve is adapted to cause elements of the valve member to vibrate at least substantially out of phase during operation of the compressor valve.

Abstract: A self-sealing valve is used to fill, empty, and control the volume of fluid within an inflatable device. The valve includes a housing having a fluid inlet, a valve seat and a valve assembly that selectively covers the fluid inlet to provide a self-seal. The valve assembly includes a support member that suspends a flexible diaphragm in a closed position within the valve housing while allowing movement of at least part of the periphery of the diaphragm away from the valve seat to an open position and back towards the valve seat to a closed position. The support member may be manually moved to any of the multiple open positions, either to enable fluid release or to enhance fluid injection. With the injection of fluid, the diaphragm assumes an open position, allowing fluid influx. A fluid pressure created within the device assists in maintaining the diaphragm in the closed position.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a check valve assembly may include an in-channel check valve connected between the front and rear portions of a channel attached to a silicon substrate. The channel may have a width between about 10 &mgr;m and about 400 &mgr;m, and the check valve may have a width between about 50 &mgr;m and about 500 &mgr;m. The check valve may be generally circular in shape. The check valve may also be normally closed, that is, sealed in the absence of a pressure differential between the front and rear portions of the channel. The check valve may include a sealing cap that contacts a valve seat to seal the valve. The sealing cap and the valve seat may each be formed from Parylene C membranes that are about 1 &mgr;m to about 5 &mgr;m thick. The valve seat may include a metal layer to separate the contacting surfaces of the valve seat and the sealing cap in the closed position.

Abstract: A low profile inflation valve intended to be installed with an article to inflated with air, water or other fluid. The valve of the invention comprises a valve body which is sealed, such as by an adhesive, heat-sealing or RF sealing, to a corresponding opening in the article to be inflated. The body comprises a generally circular cylindrical configuration with internal threads for receiving a cap. The cap correspondingly comprises a circular cylindrical configuration having exterior threads for threaded engagement into the valve body. A flapper is affixed to the underside of the cap and functions as a one-way valve to prevent fluid from within the article from escaping therefrom when the cap is partially threaded within the body and yet which allows inflation of the article. Moreover, full tightening of the cap within the body sealingly entraps the flapper between the cap in a lower portion of the body so as to create an airtight seal and prevent further inflation (or deflation) of the article.

Abstract: A self-sealing valve is used to fill, empty, and control the volume of fluid within an inflatable device. The valve includes a housing having a fluid inlet, a valve seat and a valve assembly that selectively covers the fluid inlet to provide a self-seal. The valve assembly includes a support member that suspends a flexible diaphragm in a closed position within the valve housing while allowing movement of at least part of the periphery of the diaphragm away from the valve seat to an open position and back towards the valve seat to a closed position. The support member may be manually moved to any of the multiple open positions, either to enable fluid release or to enhance fluid injection. With the injection of fluid, the diaphragm assumes an open position, allowing fluid influx. A fluid pressure created within the device assists in maintaining the diaphragm in the closed position.

Abstract: A one-way valve allows air to be drawn from a collapsible, flexible, air-tight bag using a vacuum source. When the vacuum source is removed, the one-way valve prevents air from re-entering the bag. A filter is placed on the valve body to prevent small particles from the bag from clogging the valve or the vacuum source.

Abstract: A damping valve comprising a one-piece damping-valve body with axial through-passages for each direction of flow, at least one side of the damping-valve body having arranged on it at least one valve disk that at least partially covers an outlet opening of a through-passage, the damping-valve body having a radial inflow opening to the through-passages. The outlet openings of the through-passages for a first direction of flow on one side of the damping-valve body have a trapezoidal cross section, and the outlet openings of the through-passages for a second direction of flow on the other side of the damping-valve body open into a common encircling annular channel. The through-passages with outlet openings with the trapezoidal cross section are arranged on a larger pitch circle than the through-passages that open into the annular channel.

Abstract: A drip irrigation line includes a plurality of emitter units secured within a water supply tube such that each emitter unit defines with the tube a flow-control passageway having an inlet port communicating with the interior of the water supply tube and an outlet port communicating with a water discharge opening in the water supply tube. Each emitter unit includes a one-way valve at one of the ports. Such port has an opening circumscribed by a cylindrical boss, and the one-way valve thereat includes a cap having a skirt of elastomeric material normally engaging the outer surface of the cylindrical boss to block reverse water flow into the flow-control passageway, but is deformable under water pressure to permit forward flow from the tube interior into the flow-control passageway.

Abstract: A non-return valve for a fuel tank, the valve including a bistable closure member. The closure member is made of an elastomeric plastics material and in the closed position it has an umbrella-configuration, and in the open position it has an inverted umbrella-configuration.

Abstract: A self sealing valve includes a diaphragm (602) positioned within a valve housing (606) by a movable hanger arm (610) which suspends the diaphragm from a mounting point (612) in the center of an air inlet (614). The hanger arm (610) is a rotating diaphragm hanger that has one end secured adjacent to an inner wall (618) of the air inlet (614) by a pair of pins (634). There is a contoured section (648) between the hinge pins (634) of the inner wall which interfaces with a contoured end (650) to provide for at least four distinct interaction possibilities. A first retains the hanger arm (610) in a valve closed position. A second causes the valve to exhibit a biased closed condition. A third locks the valve open and a fourth facilitates assembly.

Abstract: A lubricant feeding system for shaft and hub profile assemblies that can move longitudinally along an axis. A first exterior assembly member (e.g., shaft or hub) encloses at least partly a second interior member (e.g., hub or shaft) along the circumference. At least one distributing channel, extending circumferentially over at least part of the inner circumference, is provided in the region of the profile base. This distributing channel is coupled with at least one lubricant feeding channel extending towards the external circumference of the assembly exterior member The invention includes a distributing member extending circumferentially over the length of the distributing channel, splits the distributing channel into a first partial area located radially outward and a second partial area located radially inward. The distributing member and the distributing channel are designed to form, when they co-operate, a plurality of valve areas between the first and the second partial of the distributing channel.

Abstract: A transfer valve comprising three ports including a first, second, and third ports 17, 18, and 19 includes a pilot supply channel 22 for supplying a pilot fluid to a pilot valve 13, and the pilot supply channel 22 is connected to the first and the third ports 17 and 19 via check valves 41, 42, and 43, respectively.

Abstract: A sealing device for a vacuum air opening (10) of a dust bag or other dust collecting container (5) for a vacuum cleaner, has an elastic membrane (1) deflected and centrally fixed in a vacuum air opening tube (4) by means of a fixing element (2). Deflection of the flexible membrane (1) produces forces acting upon a partspherical surface (7) of the vacuum air opening tube (4), sufficient enough to ensure tight sealing of the vacuum air opening (10) and preventing any spillage of dust through the opening (10). The elastic membrane (1) is protected by a dome (3) with an opening (6) for vacuum air flow. Alternatively the membrane (1) may be mounted on a stem element (9) extending from the dome (3).

Abstract: A transfer valve comprising a first port 17 for supplying and ejecting a pressurized fluid, a second and third ports 18 and 19 for output, and a fourth and fifth ports 20 and 21 for ejection and supply includes a pilot supply channel 24 for supplying a pilot fluid to a pilot valve 13. The pilot supply channel 24 is connected to the first, fourth, and fifth ports 17, 20, and 21 via check valves 38a, 38b, and 38c, respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas relief valve for a container for storing contents generating gases, having a support member having an aperture through which to discharge gases when they are filled in the container, when the gas relief valve is mounted on the container; an opening or closing member which closes the aperture of the support member in a normal state and which is caused to open by the gases discharged from the aperture when the gases filled in the gas relief valve reaches a predetermined inner gas pressure; and a pressing member disposed outside the opening or closing member so as to cause the opening or closing member to close the aperture of the support member so as to allow air outside the gas relief valve to fail to enter therein after the gases filled in the gas relief valve are discharged therefrom.

Abstract: A hermetic package for fine particulate material. The package is arranged to be filled and vacuumized to hold the fine particulate material therein and isolated from the ambient atmosphere. The package, which may be in the form of a pouch or a gussetted packages, is formed of a flexible material to have at least a front and a rear panel. At least one degassing valve is mounted in at least one of the panels to enable gas within the interior of the package to vent to the ambient atmosphere. A filter sheet, e.g., a spun-bonded plastic, such as Tyvek.RTM., is secured to the interior of the package over the valve to prevent the fine particulate material within the package from entering into the valve and clogging it. The filter sheet may cover only a small portion of one of the panels of the package or may cover a major portion of that panel, or even cover substantially the entire interior of the package. The package includes a top portion forming a mouth, which is arranged to be opened, e.g.

Abstract: A plastic sewage holding tank in a boat, associated with a toilet, includes a vent check valve assembly for providing vacuum relief. By mounting the vent check valve in the top of the tank, when the tank is being emptied by rapid pumpout implosion or other damage to the tank is prevented. The vent check valve assembly may include a valve body surface operatively connected to the tank and having a plurality of openings formed in it, and a flexible material diaphragm covering the openings adjacent the inside of the tank, and uncovering openings to allow air flow through the openings substantially only when a vacuum condition exists inside the tank. A plastic disk biases the diaphragm into its opening-covering position, but a partial vacuum of at least about 2-5 inches of water allows air to flow through the openings past the diaphragm.

Abstract: A fluid flow-sensor and valve apparatus includes a housing having an inlet for receiving a fluid from a fluid supply and an outlet for dispensing the fluid. The housing includes at least one main passage communicating with the outlet for conveying the fluid thereto and at least one secondary passage communicating with the main passage for sensing fluid flow through the main passage. Within the housing, a valve is arranged for controlling the fluid flow through the main passage. The valve includes a resilient section that, in a dynamic condition, flexes in response to a pressure differential across it exceeding a predetermined "cracking pressure," to thereby permit fluid flow through the main passage.