Abstract: A valve for an orifice in an inflatable body includes an outer plate which has a central gas passage and is attached to the outside of the body and extend across the orifice, an inner plate which defines a bore hole therein and is attached to the inside of the body around the orifice, a central valve body portion within the bore hole and attached to the inner plate by wings which define gas inlets therebetween, and a sealing ring positioned between the central valve body portion and the outer plate so as to close the central gas passage in the outer plate.

Abstract: A push up fluid dispenser having a fluid storage container and a vertically oriented plunger carried in the container, with the plunger being manually pushable upward for dispensing fluid from the container. The container includes a valve cylinder mounted in the container and having an upper opening and an interior passage for slidingly receiving the plunger, and the plunger having a fluid flow passage therein providing a flow path from the cylinder interior to the exterior of the dispenser. A first one-way valve is disposed for control of fluid flow into the cylinder interior through an upper opening and a second one-way valve is disposed for control of fluid flow from the cylinder interior into the plunger passage, with a spring between the cylinder and plunger urging the plunger downward.

Abstract: A surge reliever relief valve is provided in which a flexible membrane is maintained in a peripherally sealed relationship across a rigid grid. The grid bounds the laterally adjacent intake and output regions of the valve. Intake pressure extends the membrane allowing flow between intake and output. Extension of the membrane is limited by a retainer. Extension may be elastic or inelastic.

Abstract: The invention provides an automatic drain device with membrane for pneumatic circuits. A flexible membrane (11) which separates the opening (2) of a jar (1) from a drain pipe (6) is precurved in a top position against this opening and against a skull-cap (8) against which it bears, which skull-cap then closes a communication orifice (14) provided on one side of the membrane. Under the action of the pressure in the jar, the membrane moves down to come to bear against a discharge end-piece (5) freeing, during this movement, orifice (14) and making drainage possible.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device, comprises a displaceable valve member disposed within a chamber and including an inlet valve element on one side facing an inlet valve opening and movable to open and closed positions with respect thereto, an outlet valve element on the opposite side facing an outlet valve opening and movable to open and closed positions with respect thereto, a substantially rigid connection between the two valve elements, and a passageway extending through the rigid connection and the two valve elements. The outlet valve opening and the outlet valve element are larger than the inlet valve opening and inlet valve element, respectively, such that the fluid flow control device permits fluid flow only in the direction of the inlet to the outlet, and produces a reduction in pressure between the inlet and outlet having a constant ratio depending on the ratio of the areas of the inlet and outlet diaphragms.

Abstract: The non-return valve in the air inlet of a pulsating burner includes a flat circular ring of elastic steel. The outer edge of the ring is provided between annular abutment surfaces with a predetermined play. The inner edge of the ring is movable from a closed position to a fully open position in which it has the shape of a truncated cone. The angle between the conical surface of the frustrum and its base is small in the fully open position, on the order of 3.degree., and resistance to opening is extremely small to permit rapid changes between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A one-piece valve for a closed enclosure. The valve is formed in the thickness of at least a part of the wall of the enclosure. The valve comprises an inside cavity communicating with the outside of the enclosure by means of a first hole, and with the inside of the enclosure by means of at least one second hole. The valve element is an integral part of the enclosure and occupies the central part of the cavity of the enclosure. The valve can be used for closing inflatable enclosures, particularly balloons, which can be inflated or deflated at will by the user.

Abstract: An improved wheel end valve assembly (11) for a central tire inflation system (10) having a single connection (68) to a tire chamber (74) and a single supply connection (62) to a source (142) of pressurized fluid, which requires no venting other than through the single supply connection (62), is effective in response to pressurization and venting of the single supply connection (62) to open and close communication to the tire chamber (74), a second valve means (288) to isolate the tire chamber if inflation pressure thereof falls below a minimum reference pressure, and a third valve means (300 or 400). The third valve means comprises a controlled bleed of air between the single supply connection and an isolation circuit (264, 254, 256, 266-276) by an elastomeric one way valve.

Abstract: A one way valve for flexibly walled packages is disclosed. The valve comprises a unitary valve body having an outer face with a raised anvil having a first valve seat surrounding a central depression. A generally planar surface is provided adjacent the anvil forming a second valve seat. The second valve seat terminates in an outer wall which includes a first marginal portion extending towards the anvil and a second marginal portion extending away from the anvil. An elastic diaphragm is also provided which seats on the second valve seat with at least a part of the diaphragm being below the first marginal portion of the outer wall. At least one aperture is provided through the valve body from the outer face to an inner face. The aperture opens at one end onto the second valve seat and at the other end onto an indented portion of the inner face. A filter is housed in the indented portion across the other end of the aperture opening.

Abstract: An improved wheel end valve assembly for a Central Tire Inflation System having a single connection to the tire chamber and a single connection to the source of pressurized fluid, which requires no venting other than through the single supply conduit, is effective in response to pressurization and venting of the supply conduit to open and close communication to the tire, and to isolate the tire if inflation pressure thereof falls below a minimum reference pressure. A controlled bleed of air between the control circuit and the isolation circuit is provided by a elastomeric disk shaped, one way valve having an orifice formed therein which is self cleaning when the valve is actuated.

Abstract: A valve which works without friction is provided which includes a movable obturating member and an annular seat. The annular seat is secured to a base by means of a support. The obturating member, preferably a ball, is set in a support which is fixed in the central opening of a substantially flat circular flexible membrane. The circular membrane is secured in a prestressed condition, in a plane parallel to the plane of the annular seat with the obturating ball member coaxial to the seat, by welding the contour of the membrane to the base. The membrane is mechanically isotropic so as to be radially rigid in the plane thereof and deformable in the direction perpendicular to its plane. Deformation of the circular membrane in directions perpendicular to its plane cause the obturating ball member to move into and away from the annular seat to interrupt and allow fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: A disposable diaphragm pump cassette comprises a flexible diaphragm member comprising hinged, rigid plates hingingly mounted on an inflexible plate and opposed to a pumping chamber surface to form a pumping chamber. The pump includes check valve means comprising movable circular plates integrally connected with the inflexible plate by flexible, extendable webs. The flexible diaphragm member comprises at least three inflexible diaphragm plates with edges in a common plane, each diaphragm plate having at least two straight diaphragm plate hinge edges. Each diaphragm plate hinge edge is adjacent to and aligned with a second diaphragm plate hinge edge of an adjacent diaphragm plate. The adjacent edges of each diaphragm plate hinge edge and second diaphragm plate hinge edge are attached together by a flexible hinge strip.

Abstract: A back pressure regulator of the diaphragm type. A metal diaphragm is held in a cavity formed by opposed faces of top and bottom portions of the unit. The opposed faces are tapered so that the depth of the cavity is greatest in the central portion of the diaphragm, allowing for movement of the diaphragm. A fluid outlet leading into the cavity at the underside of the diaphragm is sealed by contact of the underside of the diaphragm with an O-ring which surrounds the fluid outlet and extends into the cavity. When the pressure of the fluid in the cavity above the diaphragm is greater than the pressure of the fluid beneath the diaphragm the diaphragm is maintained in contact with the O-ring to prevent flow through the outlet.

Abstract: An implantable valve for controlling the passage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a ventricle of the brain to a suitable drainage location in the body includes a movable diaphragm responsive to pressure differentials between the ventricle and the drainage location. When the pressure differential is below a minimum threshold level, the valve is closed and CSF flow is prevented. When the pressure differential increases beyond the minimum threshold, the valve operates in a constant pressure mode to maintain a first predetermined CSF pressure differential across the valve. When the differential pressure increases beyond an intermediate threshold level, the valve operates in a constant flow mode to maintain a desired constant CSF flow rate through the valve. When the pressure differential increases beyond a maximum threshold level, the valve operates in a constant pressure mode to maintain a second predetermined CSF pressure differential across the valve.

Abstract: An oscillatory pump includes a cylinder (9) having normally-closed valves (10,13) of flexible material fixedly located at the inlet (A.sub.c) and outlet (B.sub.c) ends of the cylinder (9), and a piston (1) having an inlet (A.sub.p) and an outlet (B.sub.p). The piston (1) is reciprocatable within the cylinder (9) and is provided with a further valve (6) of flexible material movable with the piston (1) and located at the outlet end (B.sub.p) of the piston (1). The piston (1) is constructed to allow fluid to pass from an inlet chamber (C1) formed between the inlet valve (10) and the inlet end (A.sub.p) of the piston (1) to an outlet chamber (C2) formed between the further valve (6) and the outlet valve (13) in response of the piston (1) within the cylinder (9). The valve includes a valve seat having a generally conical first surface portion and a second surface portion located radially inwardly of the first surface portion and extending generally parallel to the axis of the first surface portion.

Abstract: A disposable diaphragm pump cassette comprises a flexible diaphragm member comprising hinged, rigid plates hingingly mounted on an inflexible plate and opposed to a pumping chamber surface to form a pumping chamber. The pump includes check valve means comprising movable circular plates integrally connected with the inflexible plate by flexible, extendable webs. The flexible diaphragm member comprises at least three inflexible diaphragm plates with edges in a common plane, each diaphragm plate having at least two straight diaphragm plate hinge edges. Each diaphragm plate hinge edge is adjacent to and aligned with a second diaphragm plate hinge edge of an adjacent diaphragm plate. The adjacent edges of each diaphragm plate hinge edge and second diaphragm plate hinge edge are attached together by a flexible hinge strip.

Abstract: A hydraulic mount has a flexible decoupler with an opening therethrough and grooves intersecting therewith providing a controlled fluid connection between liquid filled chambers to control the damping. Fluid flow between the chambers is restricted as the flexible decoupler contacts one of two sandwiching valve portions, formed as part of a partition member, and further fluid flow is allowed only through the decoupler grooves.

Abstract: A non-aerosol liquid dispenser comprising a container having a preformed elastomeric diaphragm secured therein. The diaphragm stretches during filling of the container to create a return force which causes dispensing when a manually operated valve is actuated. The diaphragm includes a one-way valve which, during filling of the container, operates to permit air trapped beneath the diaphragm to enter the space above the diaphragm where the liquid is being supplied. The trapped air is expelled during the first actuation of the manually operated valve.

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: Disclosed is a vacuum breaker and backflow prevention device for a faucet comprising a body member having a tubular outlet portion integrally joined by a web to a tubular inlet portion of larger diameter than the outlet portion, the web having a plurality of vent holes therethrough and peripherally supporting a flexible, resilient diaphragm and overlying plate member. The plate member has an outer region provided with a plurality of through holes and a central depending shank portion extending through a central hole in the diaphragm. The tubular inlet portion has internal screw threads for attachment to a faucet outlet member whereby the plate and diaphragm are retained in the tubular inlet portion by the outlet member.

Abstract: A valve for use in medical applications is disclosed which is a highly precise, passive, one-way valve which makes an excellent inlet valve or outlet valve in a drug infusion pump. The valve operates with a very small forward pressure, requires only a small amount of fluid in the valve chamber, and operates in a positive and predictable fashion, even after an extended shelf life. The valve, may be inexpensively molded in one piece, thereby facilitating construction of a disposable pump, and may be installed with the portion of the pump housing contacting the top surface of the valve being flat, thereby further reducing manufacturing costs.

Abstract: An exhalation valve assembly for use in a volume ventilator circuit is disclosed that comprises a valve body defining a chamber with a gas inlet conduit and a gas outlet conduit, both in flow communication with the chamber. A diaphragm extends across the chamber and selectively closes off the gas inlet conduit. A concentric ring support structure is disposed concentrically about the gas inlet conduit and is configured so as to support a portion of the diaphragm over the chamber.

Abstract: A control valve for automatically maintaining a constant rate of flow of a fluid through a pipeline includes a housing having therethrough a passage including an inlet opening and an outlet smaller than the inlet opening. An orifice plate is positioned within the passage adjacent the outlet opening, the orifice plate having therethrough an orifice. A regulating diaphragm is positioned within the passage at a location upstream of the orifice plate. The regulating diaphragm has therethrough circumferential ports and a central opening smaller than the orifice.

Abstract: A mixing and proportioning device for flowing media, which has feeding lines equipped with a pressure reducer for each line that leads through a mixing chamber and a mixed gas discharge pipe is constructed so that the mixing device closes independently of the supply pressure in the feeding lines, as the pressure differential between the mixing chamber and gas discharge chamber drops below the initially set value. For this purpose, the mixed gas discharge channel is connected to a gas discharge chamber, which is separated from the mixing chamber by a pressure-sensitive spring-mounted device, and this device has a connecting channel equipped with a closing arrangement valve disposed between the mixing chamber and the gas discharge chamber.

Abstract: A modular tire valve assembly (11) for a central tire inflation system (10) comprising a valve body (212) having only a first (66) and a second (72) fluid connection from the exterior to the interior thereof is provided. The first fluid connection comprises a first port connected to a selectively pressurized and exhausted conduit (52) and the second fluid connection comprises a second port connected to the interior pressurized chamber (74) of an inflatable tire (12). The assembly includes first valve means (220) responsive to pressurization and exhausting of said selectively pressurized and exhausted conduit to establish or block, respectively, fluid communication between said first and second ports and second valve means (280) responsive to pressurization in said interior tire chamber to maintain said first valve means in the closed position thereof if said interior tire chamber is pressurized below a predetermined reference pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved valve. This valve opens and closes in response to a change in the physical environment of the valve. This valve is particularly suited as a relief valve in a microwave system-based, closed vessel digestion procedure. This valve includes a pressure-deformable, resilient wall member having a fluid vent port, and an obstructing member that cooperates with the wall member to open and close the valve. Also provided is a lidded vessel employing this improved valve, an apparatus that includes a microwave system and this lidded vessel, and methods using this improved valve.

Abstract: A valve, suitable for use in small medical devices and which can readily be made of medical grade materials, comprises an elastic diaphragm stretched over a protruding surface, preferably of spherical or convex shape. The diaphragm has a ring of holes concentrically around a hole in the protruding surface. A mating recess, connected to a conduit, fits over the protruding surface. The elastic material is held in place at or near the opening of the recess. The holding structure may also serve to seal the valve. A dual arrangement provides an input and an output valve in combination.

Abstract: A hand-held dispenser for a flowable product, including a container having a neck portion at its top, and a cap body having a discharge opening and a base portion cooperable with the neck portion of the container to mount the cap body thereon. The base and neck portions have cooperable automatic pressure-relief valving structures which are responsive to increased gas pressure in the container, for venting a limited quantity of gas when the container is in its upright position, so as to prevent possible explosion of the container and spillage or splattering of its contents. In one form, there is a first annular sealing surface on one portion and a cooperable annular sealing surface on a companion portion which is engageable with the first surface when the cap body is fully seated on the neck portion. A projection on one of the portions is located adjacent the sealing surface thereof, and is engageable with the cooperable sealing surface on the other of the portions.

Abstract: A degasifying valve for storage and/or transport containers especially for the storage and/or transportation of dangerous liquids has a base provided with a degasifying orifice which on the downstream side of this base is surrounded by at least one annular rib. Biased towards that rib or those ribs respectively, is a diaphragm-like spring element covering at least the area enclosed by the rib or the ribs, respectively.

Abstract: A filling nozzle valve structure, with a first housing member provided with a chamber-like recess terminating in an outlet bore, an annular diaphragm member in the bottom of the recess, a valving member operable to engage with the diaphragm, and a second housing member operable to be screwed together with said first housing member and holding said valving member in place within the recess; the valving member is provided with a central bore extending therethrough and with two annular diaphragm-engaging surfaces spaced in the radial direction and leaving therebetween discharge bores in communication with the central bore; the outer annular surface thereby engages with the outer area of the annular diaphragm member so as to prestress the same in the flow direction to thereby cause the inner area of the annular diaphragm to deflect in the opposite direction and thereby engage with the inner annular surface of the valving member whereby the valve structure is closed; a predetermined pressure on the diaphragm will

Abstract: The invention provides a device for performing chemical or immunochemical assays quickly and on site. The device comprises a plastic molded body which may be miniaturized. The device is provided with a plurality of tubes for containing assay reagents, a small bore tube in which the assay is carried out, a sample tube, and conduit and valve means from the various tubes to the assay tube. The device is insertable into a programmable apparatus which controls the flows of the various reagents through the assay tube by means of plungers acting on pistons located in each reagent tube.

Abstract: A simple, operationally reliable and not-overly-sensitive level control in a generally known form of self-pumping hydropneumatic spring leg or strut is of such a construction that a delayed adjust-down control action can be achieved when a control opening is opened upon reaching a certain level. For that purpose, a sleeve is fitted as or as part of a throttle arrangement between the control opening of a hollow pump rod and a suction valve arranged at the end of the pump rod, the sleeve allowing oil to flow with a delay from the high pressure chamber which controls the level, by way of the control opening of the pump rod to the pump rod bore, the bore communicating with a low pressure chamber from which oil is normally pumped to the high pressure chamber. By removing the throttling responsibility from the control opening, size restrictions on the control opening are removed, thus facilitating sizing the control opening so as to preclude clogging.

Abstract: Water is carbonated in a fast and efficient manner by causing a flow of carbon dioxide through the water being carbonated at a controlled rate through a small orifice until a predetermined pressure is reached in the carbonator and, upon reaching the predetermined pressure terminating flow through the orifice.

Abstract: A venting device for sanitary conduits comprising a first edge 12 and a second edge 10 bounding an air passage 7. One side of a valve 8 of flexible material is retained on the upper side of first edge 12, the other side provided with a downwardly extending ledge 13 moveably engages the top 15 of second edge 10. The valve 8 is provided with a thinned portion 9 near the first edge 12.

Abstract: A check valve is disclosed having a housing with first and second sides, the first side having an opening and the second side having an inner portion and an outer portion with openings within the inner portion, and a thin membrane within the housing and having an inner portion and an outer portion with holes within the outer portion such that, for air flows from the first side of the housing to the second side, the inner portion of the membrane will be pushed up against the inner portion of the second side of the housing to seal the openings in the inner portion of the second side and, for air flows from the second side of the housing to the first side, the membrane is pushed away from the inner portion of the second side for allowing air flow through the openings of the inner portion of the second side, through the holes in the membrane and then through the opening of the first side of the housing.

Abstract: A device is described, which is intended for the dosed diffusion of gases in liquids and which is used especially for small-scale application in the field of aquaria. The device consists essentially of a diffusor which can be filled with gas via an inlet device and round which liquid circulates and which is open in its lower region and is filled via an automatically regulating pressure-regulating valve.

Abstract: A turbocharger, supercharger or like apparatus for delivering pressurized airflow to an engine, with a housing and valve structure associated with the compressor for permitting selective recirculating flow from the high pressure compressor exhaust to the inlet thereof. A diaphragm acts both as the valve and to define a signal chamber.

Abstract: A printer head, for an ink-on-demand type ink-jet printer, squirts ink droplets onto a printing medium. The printer head includes a nozzle for delivering the ink droplets and a passage for supplying ink from an ink tank. The ink is pressurized in accordance with an electric signal which commands the delivery of the ink droplets. Fluid control valves are deformed under the action of the ink pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for metering fluids at high pressures of about 20,000 to 60,000 psi is disclosed. The apparatus includes first and second plates which are positioned adjacent each other to form a valve chamber. The plates are made of materials which have substantially equal elastic properties. One plate has a planar surface area, and the other a recessed surface area defined by periphery and central lips. When the two plates are positioned in adjacent contacting relationship, a valve chamber is formed between the planar surface area and the recessed surface area. Fluid is introduced into the chamber and exits therefrom when a deformation occurs at positions where they no longer form a valve seat. This permits the metering of fluids at high pressures and at slow variable rates. Fluid then exits from the chamber until an applied external force becomes large enough to bring the valve seats back into contact.

Abstract: An emergency air intake valve has a circular plate having a top and bottom and depending central portion adapted to be connected to a conduit. The plate and the depending portion have a vertical bore therethrough. A diaphragm overlies the top of the plate and has a central opening aligned with the bore. The diaphragm has an enlarged depending peripheral portion adjacent the diaphragm opening and adapted to contact the top of the plate adjacent said bore. A cap secures the outer edge of the diaphragm adjacent the outer edge of the plate and forms with the diaphragm a chamber above the diaphragm. The plate has at least one opening therethrough to provide communication between the bottom of the diaphragm and the atmosphere.

Abstract: A breathing valve for the selective entry of a gas to be inhaled and for the exit of exhaled gas, which utilizes a rolling diaphragm and flapper valves for its workings which are quiet and are constructed so as to be unlikely to freeze up or become sticky.

Abstract: A urine drainage device which provides reliable and effective bladder training is disclosed for use with a catheter connectable to the bladder and communicating with a collection bag. The device comprises a valve for controlling the connection between the catheter and the collection bag. The valve includes a normally closed inlet which is opened when a predetermined bladder fluid pressure is reached. A pressure substantially below the opening pressure of the valve is capable of maintaining the inlet in an open condition.

Abstract: A self-venting dispensing closure for fluid-tight engagement with a squeeze bottle includes a cap containing a fluid opening, a flexible disc on the cap containing a fluid bore which defines together with such opening a single fluid passageway through the closure, the cap including an annular wall defining a valve seat lying upstream of the fluid opening in the direction of product flow through the passageway, the disc having an annular valve thereon in engagement with the valve seat in a closed position of the passageway, and the valve being shiftable along the annular wall to positions respectively upstream and downstream of the valve seat in response to sub-atmospheric and super-atmospheric pressures within the bottle. In these shifted positions, the valve opens respectively into bottle venting and dispensing positions. An overcap in engagement with the cap may be provided for closing the fluid passageway in a non-use and/or storage condition of the bottle.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve includes a two-piece housing having therein a generally circular diaphragm backed by a spring biased plate. The outer edge of the diaphragm is captured between the two pieces of the housing and to provide a first sealing area. The central portion of the diaphragm has a circular opening therein with an annular sealing lip formed thereabout. The sealing lip provides a seal when the spring biased plate moves the diaphragm against a flat circular seat. When pressure at the inlet of the housing overcomes the spring biasing force, the diaphragm is moved away from the seat and the gas is relieved through an outlet in the housing.

Abstract: An adapter for connection between an oxygen flowmeter and a water bottle whose contents humidify oxygen fed to a patient. An audible duckbill valve is mounted on a valve seat transverse to the longitudinal axis of the connector. When oxygen pressure through the connector becomes excessive, the valve opens, producing an audible sound to alert an attendant to the condition.

Abstract: An annular fluid seal element for use in an air drier or condenser has a section which provides lips which, when assembled to an aperture in a member, lie to either side of the aperture, one shorter lip acting as a compression seal between the latter member and another and the other longer lip sealingly covering a plurality of passages on the member but permitting fluid flow via the passages in the event of pressure build-up inside them.

Abstract: In a one way non-return valve comprising a cylindrical duct, a cone in said duct with its apex pointing in the direction of flow and provided with a plurality of apertures, and a membrane lying on the downstream surface of the cone and clamped at the outer circumference, the membrane having a central aperture, the improvement which comprises employing a cone having an apex angle of about 140.degree. to 160.degree., the membrane comprising a disk of elastomeric material having a central circular aperture which engages the hollow cone under bias. Advantageously the apertures in the cone are a series of concentrically disposed, round or long-oval apertures, the hollow cone has an apex angle of about 154.degree. and the total area of the apertures in the cone is about twice as great as the area of the aperture in the membrane.

Abstract: A check and regulator valve, particularly for pipe lines carrying gaseous media, which includes an intake or inlet passage, a valve seat provided with open means for permitting a through flow of a medium, and a rubber-elastic setting member that closes off a compression or pressure chamber. The rubber-elastic setting member is sealingly connected by its edge with the valve seat and is adapted to be applied to the valve seat wholly or in part. The valve seat is constructed as a plate-shaped member and an elastically yielding disk member serves as a setting member. The disk member includes a through flow opening for the media at which is arranged an axially yielding tubular member connected to the input passage with the tubular member passing through the compression or pressure chamber.

Abstract: An appliance for making an aerated beverage, e.g. for domestic use, comprising a casing in which is mounted a pressurized container of carbon dioxide which is controlled by a manually operable valve, the operation of which is worked by a finger actuable lever. A nozzle is connected to the valve to receive carbon dioxide therefrom and inject it into water in a bottle when the bottle is mounted with the nozzle immersed in the water. A flexible diaphragm surrounds the upper end of the nozzle and carries a stopper which closes the neck of the bottle when so mounted.

Abstract: An exhalation valve assembly for use in a volume ventilator circuit is disclosed. The valve assembly comprises a valve body defining a chamber with a gas inlet conduit and a gas outlet conduit, both in flow communication with the chamber. A diaphragm extends across the chamber and selectively closes off the gas inlet conduit. Upwardly extending strut members are disposed on an inside surface of the valve body and are used to position a removable ring member adjacent the diaphragm. The ring member is configured so as to support a portion of the diaphragm over the chamber.