Abstract: A fuel device FS includes a discriminating portion 50, an operation member, an abutting member 57 and an open/close member 70. The discriminating portion 50 includes an discrimination opening GL formed of a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is an opening corresponding to an external diameter of a small-diameter nozzle FNS. The second portion is an opening having a shape corresponding to an external diameter of a large-diameter nozzle FNL compatible with the fuel device. The operation member 51 of the discriminating portion 50 guides the small-diameter nozzle intended to insert into the second portion to be inserted into the first portion. The abutting member 57 prevents a tip of the small-diameter nozzle from passing the first portion. The open/close member 70 is caused to enter an open state by the large-diameter nozzle passing through the second portion of the discrimination opening GL.

Abstract: A liquid container having an integrated flask is defined by an outer wall having a recess. A flask is configured to fit within the recess. Tabs for lips extend partially over the recess from the outer wall of the bottle and secure the flask with in the recess by a snap fit. The flask may be removed from the bottle and filled with a lesser amount of liquid and used when traveling.

Abstract: A dispensing system comprises a first electronic sensor and a controller. The first electronic sensor may be configured to detect a first change from a first amount of a fluid product in a dispensing system reservoir to a second amount of the fluid product in the dispensing system reservoir. The controller may be coupled to the first electronic sensor and configured to receive a first signal from the first electronic sensor indicative of the first change. The dispensing system reservoir may be disposed in the dispensing system. A method for determining a remaining service interval for a dispensing system reservoir is also provided.

Abstract: A filler neck for filling fuel into a vehicle tank includes a closure flap mounted for pivot between a closed position closing the filler neck and an open position releasing the filler neck and which is prestressed into the closed position by spring prestressing and is pivotable into the open position from the closed position by a fuel pump nozzle being hooked into a hooking-in position in the filler neck. A liquid outlet opening permits liquid accumulating in the filler neck when the closure flap is closed to drain out of the filler neck. A closure element is prestressed into an open position releasing the liquid outlet opening. The closure element is arranged and designed in such a manner that, by the fuel pump nozzle being hooked into the hooking-in position, the closure element is moved counter to the prestressing into a closure position closing the liquid outlet opening.

Abstract: A connector unit for a blood treatment machine connects the blood treatment machine to an external container. The connector unit includes a machine-side line which is designed for being fluid-connected to the blood treatment machine, a container-side line which is designed for being fluid-connected to the container, and an attachment tightly connected to the machine-side line and to the container-side line which is designed for being detachably mounted on a connecting nozzle of the external container so as to fluid-connect the external container to the blood treatment machine. The connector unit can be included on a blood treatment machine.

Abstract: A capless refueling port attached to a fuel tank of a vehicle is presented. In one example, the capless refueling port includes a main opening, an articulating unitary plug mounted within a nozzle chamber of the fuel port, and a drain tube. The articulating plug is configured to partially or fully close an inlet of the drain tube connected to the fuel port during refueling; the articulating plug is further adjusted to open after refueling, allowing the fuel port to dissipate any residual pressure in the nozzle chamber to the atmosphere.

Abstract: An object is to suppress excessive insertion of a fueling nozzle during fueling. A nozzle guide configured to form a nozzle guide path that guides a fueling nozzle is placed inside of a filler neck main body configured to include a fuel passage that introduces a fuel supplied from the fueling nozzle toward a fuel tank. This nozzle guide comprises a first projection for nozzle restriction provided on a nozzle guide end opening portion at an end of the nozzle guide path along a nozzle guide direction and protruded from an end opening circumferential wall of the nozzle guide end opening portion to narrow at least part of a diameter of the nozzle guide path; and a second projection for nozzle restriction provided on a downstream side of the first projection along the nozzle guide direction and protruded from the end opening circumferential wall to narrow at least part of the diameter of the nozzle guide path.

Abstract: A misfuelling prevention device for preventing inappropriate fuel from being added to a vehicle utilizes a diameter difference between a gasoline gun and a diesel gun in order to prevent misfuelling. The misfuelling preventing device is constructed such that when the diesel gun having a relatively larger diameter is inserted, a locking button is not pressed while a flapper is opened, whereas when the gasoline gun having a relatively smaller diameter is inserted, the locking button is pressed while the flapper is not opened. As a result, misfuelling of the vehicle with inappropriate fuel is fundamentally prevented.

Abstract: A fuel tank apparatus is adapted to conduct fuel toward the fuel tank of a vehicle. The fuel tank fill apparatus includes a fuel-tank filler neck for conducting fuel to the fuel tank and a capless closure assembly the couples to the fuel-tank filler neck in such a way so as to be removed for serviceability.

Abstract: A package that is configured to store and dispense fluids. The package includes a container and a dosing dispenser for closing an opening to the container. The dosing dispenser includes a body portion having a syringe receiver and a valve assembly that is configured to permit the flow of fluid from the container to the syringe.

Abstract: A refueling portion structure of a fuel tank includes: a refueling pipe that has a refueling port into which a refueling nozzle is to be inserted, and that communicates with a fuel tank; an opening/closing valve that is provided on a flow path within the refueling pipe and closes the flow path, and that, when pushed by the refueling nozzle, opens the flow path; and a valve opening/closing device that, in a case in which a tank internal pressure of the fuel tank exceeds a set value that is set in advance, restricts or inhibits opening operation of the opening/closing valve, and, in a case in which the tank internal pressure is less than or equal to the set value, permits the opening operation of the opening/closing valve.

Abstract: A reusable aseptic connector is provided. The connector may be used to provide fluid communication between a bag-in-box (BIB) container and a beverage dispenser. The connector may provide aseptic properties of the connection by insulation of an inner volume of a first part and an inner volume of a second part, with the beverage component kept from contacting any of the part of the connector structure that are exposed to the environment and have a risk of induced contamination. The connector may comprise a resilient membrane and a sliding tube wherein the sliding tube is configured to have a portion move toward and through the resilient membrane to establish fluid communication between the first part and the second part, and for the portion to move away from the resilient membrane to destablish fluid communication between the first part and the second part when desired.

Abstract: A fuel filler assembly for a vehicle includes a main flap unit connected to a fuel filler pipe adjacent a filling end thereof and a main flap pivotally disposed on the main flap unit for selectively closing access to the filling end of the fuel filler pipe. The fuel filler assembly further includes a shutter unit connected to the fuel filler pipe adjacent the filling end thereof and engaging the main flap unit, and a shutter pivotally disposed on the shutter unit for selectively closing access to the filling end of the fuel filler pipe. Cooperative engagement (e.g., an interference fit) between the main flap unit and the shutter unit seals the main flap unit and the shutter unit together and prevents fuel from leaking therebetween.

Abstract: A device, system and/or method for dispensing a fuel additive to a fuel tank that employs a fuel additive delivery device secured to an opening of the fuel tank. The delivery device is fluidly coupled to a fuel additive reservoir. The delivery device includes a cap that automatically opens or closes fluid communication with the fuel additive reservoir. The delivery device also includes a bore defined through the delivery device configured to receive a fuel filler spout with a fuel passageway outlet positioned in the bore such that, as fuel passes through the bore and into the fuel tank, the bore is configured to create a suction at the fuel additive outlet to pull fuel additive from the reservoir, through the delivery device, and into the fuel tank with the fuel.

Abstract: A reusable aseptic connector is provided. The connector may be used to provide fluid communication between a bag-in-box (BIB) container and a beverage dispenser. The connector may provide aseptic properties of the connection by insulation of an inner volume of a first part and an inner volume of a second part, with the beverage component kept from contacting any of the part of the connector structure that are exposed to the environment and have a risk of induced contamination. The connector may comprise a resilient membrane and a sliding tube wherein the sliding tube is configured to have a portion move toward and through the resilient membrane to establish fluid communication between the first part and the second part, and for the portion to move away from the resilient membrane to destablish fluid communication between the first part and the second part when desired.

Abstract: An air flow controller for a pneumatically operated watercraft lift has a valve for opening and closing the air line to the pontoon and a manifold with a gate. The gate is biased to a first orientation in which air from the pontoon can be exhausted only to the atmosphere when the lift blower is switched “off.” When the blower is switched “on,” air flow from the blower moves the gate into a second orientation in which the blower can force air only into the pontoon. This configuration prevents flow of water into the blower during lowering of the pontoon while using relatively few and simple valve system components.

Abstract: A fill control system includes a fuel storage vessel, a fuel inlet in fluid communication with the fuel storage vessel to provide fluid communication between a fuel source and the fuel storage vessel, and a fill control valve disposed between and in fluid communication with the fuel inlet and the fuel storage vessel, an actuation of the fill control valve causing a pressure level upstream thereof which emulates a full condition of the fuel storage vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tank venting system for a fuel tank (12) of a vehicle, having a vent line (14) for discharge of gaseous hydrocarbons from the fuel tank (12) during refueling thereof. Gaseous hydrocarbons originating from the fuel tank (12) can be introduced in a filler pipe (20) of the fuel tank (12) via a recirculation line (24). A control device (34) controls a proportional valve (32) and changes in this way a pass-through cross section of the recirculation line (24). In this way, a load of an activated charcoal filter (16) which is coupled with the vent line (14) can be minimized. The control device (34) can especially determine a pressure in the fuel tank (12). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of venting a fuel tank (12) during refueling thereof.

Abstract: A method for venting of a liquid tank with a valve, a primary compartment and a secondary compartment which are connected together via a bridge. The valve includes a chamber provided with a cover, which extends at least partly into the tank and is connected via an upper venting aperture to a venting circuit. A first device monitors a level of liquid in the primary compartment. A second device monitors a level of liquid in the secondary compartment. The valve configured to be closed when the first device detects that the level of liquid in the primary compartment is equal to or higher than a first predetermined filling level, and the second device detects that the level of liquid in the secondary compartment is equal to or higher than a second predetermined filling level.

Abstract: A vehicle having multiple isolated fluid circuits configured to be filled through a common fill port includes a first fluid circuit disposed within the vehicle, the first fluid circuit having a first fill port, a second fluid circuit disposed within the vehicle, and a conduit defining a fluid passageway between the first fluid circuit and second fluid circuit, the conduit including a valve. The valve is configured such that the first and second fluid circuits are fluidly coupled via the passageway when the valve is open, and are fluidly isolated when the valve is closed.

Abstract: A method of refilling coolant from a fluid cooling system of an engine, where the fluid cooling system has a surge tank or pressure cap, includes the steps of sealingly connecting a storage tank of a coolant management tool to a drainage port of the cooling system, wherein the drainage port is located at the bottom of the fluid cooling system. The storage tank stores the coolant to refill the cooling system. The method includes installing a vacuum module to the surge tank or pressure cap. The method also includes the steps maintaining a vacuum while drawing at least a portion of the coolant from the storage tank up through the drainage port, up through the cooling system, and to a level just upstream of the vacuum module.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing assembly, including a valve, a housing, a user interface, and a fitting to couple to a fluid source. The valve may include a first sensor detecting proper placement of the fluid container based on a magnetic material positioned at the bottom of the fluid container, a plunger having a plunger shaft coupled thereto, the plunger selectively placing the valve in fluid communication with the fluid container, and a solenoid coupled to the plunger shaft and moving the plunger shaft to transition the plunger between an open position and a closed position. The user interface may be coupled to the valve to enable selection of at least a fluid container size and a dispensing mode.

Abstract: An apparatus diverts the flow of bulk solids into a bin from a discharge of a bulk solids conveyor. The apparatus contains a fitting that attaches to the discharge, a frame with a vertical conduit, at least two baffles that pivot on rotating shafts and are capable of variable positioning between a substantially vertical position that opens the vertical conduit of the frame and a substantially horizontal position that substantially closes the vertical conduit of the frame, and a drive motor to rotate the baffles.

Abstract: A drain system for a food preparation machine includes a preparation area drain tray; a rinsing station including a water source; a water collection tray disposed below the rinsing station so as to collect water supplied from the water source; and, a passage from the rinsing station to the preparation area drain tray directing water to flush the preparation area drain tray with water supplied from the water source.

Abstract: A fuel tank for vehicles has a filler tube and a filling level limiting device, with the filler tube comprising, in the interior of the fuel tank, a closing device which interacts with an actuating device which is composed of: a) a frame which is fastened in the interior of the fuel tank and which has a force store which actuates the closing device; b) a locking arrangement which holds the force store in the stressed state; c) a release mechanism which is operatively connected to a float; and d) a stressing mechanism for stressing the force store. The actuating device ensures that a flap closes precisely when a nominal filling level is reached, and does not open again even under intense fluctuation of the liquid level.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for filling a receptacle (200) with carbon nanotubes from another receptacle (106) whereby the CNTs are passed from one receptacle to the other by means of a coupling (300) comprising a double-valve device (30), each valve being coupled to one of the receptacles, the valves (31, 32) closing independently and tightly and being openable only when they are coupled to one another.

Abstract: Provided herein are complementary couplers useful in providing a coupling through which liquids may be transferred from a first storage reservoir or tank to a second storage reservoir or tank, which can be an on-board fuel tank of a motorized vehicle. There is provided a first coupling which is configured to be in fluid communication with the interior of a vehicle's fuel tank, and a second coupling which is intended to be in fluid communication with the contents of a remote fuel storage reservoir. The disclosure also includes a process for charging a fuel reservoir on board of a motorized vehicle from a remote reservoir, wherein the vapor in the fuel reservoir is displaced by an equal volume of fuel delivered from said remote reservoir, and wherein the vapor in said fuel reservoir is simultaneously caused to be transferred to said remote reservoir, thus permitting no escape of the vapor from said fuel reservoir to the surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: Adapters are provided for establishing fluid communication between an anesthetic agent container and an anesthetic vaporizer having a fluid port. The adapter may be mountable on the vaporizer to cooperate with the spout of an anesthetic agent container or may be mountable on an anesthetic agent container to cooperate with the fluid port of an anesthetic vaporizer to provide a sealing and/or retaining relationship therebetween.

Abstract: A liquid container includes a liquid chamber, and a liquid supply chamber at least partially defined by at least one wall having a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening formed therethrough. A method of filling such a liquid container includes the steps of closing the third opening, positioning the liquid container in a predetermined orientation, and introducing liquid into the liquid supply chamber via the second opening. The method also includes the step of introducing liquid into the liquid chamber after the step of introducing liquid into the liquid supply chamber.

Abstract: An adapter to be pressed into the neck of a bottle to receive a syringe for accessing the bottle contents by a syringe. The adapter has a distal end that extends into the bottle and a normally closed valve located at that distal end to prevent the contents from leaking out of the bottle if the bottle is inverted. An upper flange of the adapter seats against the top of the bottle and is recessed into the top of the bottle to prevent easy access to pry the adapter out of the bottle. A cap is also disclosed that is adapted to be pressed into the neck of a bottle. The cap has an upper lid that is hinged to a lower body to allow the upper hinge to move between a closed position sealing the bottle and an open position where the bottle is accessible by a syringe.

Abstract: A multiple sump fuel sampler with catch can that includes an upper fuel sampling and testing reservoir with integral lower catch can reservoir arranged such that a self-closing valve is placed between the upper sampling reservoir and the lower catch can. This self-closing valve can be easily opened and closed by a user to allow fuel in the upper sampling reservoir to drain down into the lower catch can reservoir. Embodiments of the invention include a means of spill-free dumping of fuel accumulated in the lower catch can reservoir via an integral no-drip pour spout.

Abstract: Filling element for filling containers with a liquid charge, having at least one liquid channel, which is formed in a filling element housing and in which, in the direction of flow of the charge, at least one liquid valve actuated by an actuating mechanism is provided upstream of a dispensing opening, specifically for dispensing the liquid charge in a controlled manner through the dispensing opening into the respective container. The liquid channel is designed with a venting system.

Abstract: Provided is a refill cap cartridge engageable with a bottle during usage thereof. The refill cartridge includes an upper body and a lower body defining a cartridge reservoir. The upper body is configured to be engageable with the body, while the lower body is configured to be insertable within the bottle opening. The refill cartridge additionally includes a plug having an upper plug portion defining an upper plug head and a lower plug portion defining a flared end portion. The plug is engageable with the cap and is moveable relative to the cap between a sealing position and a dispensing position.

Abstract: The invention comprises a hydrogen source, a detachable connecting port to which a hydrogen storage container is connected in order to store hydrogen supplied from the hydrogen source, a container cooling unit (an air blower) for cooling a hydrogen storage container connected to the connecting port, a container connection recognition unit (a limit switch, a controller) for recognizing connection of a hydrogen storage container to the connecting port, and a fill-up detection unit (a pressure transmitter, a hydrogen remaining sensor, a controller) for detecting that the hydrogen storage container connected to the connecting port is filled up with hydrogen. Consequently, it contributes to simple and safe hydrogen filling in the general public.

Abstract: A refueling nozzle is inserted into a fuel filler tube of the vehicle, refueling is carried out in the normal manner. However, during retraction of the nozzle, when the nozzle is prone to drip, a specially designed valve is caused to open and a vacuum canister draws in a rush of air and captures the dripping gas. During normal vehicle operation, the captured fuel in the vacuum canister is drawn into the engine intake manifold to be burned through the engine and the vacuum in the canister is replenished for the next refueling stop.

Abstract: A device and method for preservation of an oxidizable substance, e.g. a liquid such as a beverage of which wine is an example, is described. In a first aspect, a device is described for controlling the delivery of a predetermined amount of inert gas into a container with a single opening such as a wine bottle at a pre-determined pressure, suitable for an efficient delivery of the inert gas, with a simultaneous displacement of the air present in the top space of the container or bottle, in a simple actuation. In a second aspect, an improved container or bottle stopper is described with simple features that allow easy and cheap manufacture significantly reducing the cost of the stopper. In a third aspect to an efficient and cost-effective method is described for the preservation of a degradable substances especially liquids such as beverages of which wine is an example.

Abstract: A lyophilization device configured for use in a lyophilization process has a body defining a chamber for receiving a liquid to be lyophilized, and a stopper creating a liquid-tight seal between the chamber and ambient atmosphere to form a sealed, empty sterile chamber. The stopper is adapted so that the chamber may be sterile filled with the substance through the stopper. A fluid passageway is formed through the stopper, through which the chamber is evacuated. The substance is lyophilized, the fluid passageway is closed, and the lyophilized substance is hermetically sealed within the chamber.

Abstract: A bottle or container filling system for unpressurized hot filling of beverage bottles or containers in a bottle or container filling plant. The bottle or container filling system comprises an unpressurized hot liquid reservoir, at least one filling element, and a controller.

Abstract: A vehicle having multiple isolated fluid circuits configured to be filled through a common fill port includes a first fluid circuit disposed within the vehicle, the first fluid circuit having a first fill port, a second fluid circuit disposed within the vehicle, and a conduit defining a fluid passageway between the first fluid circuit and second fluid circuit, the conduit including a valve. The valve is configured such that the first and second fluid circuits are fluidly coupled via the passageway when the valve is open, and are fluidly isolated when the valve is closed.

Abstract: A bottle assembly is provided having a body portion defining a cavity therein, a top lid assembly connectable to the body portion, which includes a selectively deployable and retractable spout, a spout bottom lid; and a resilient tube having a lumen therethrough, wherein the lumen is occluded when the spout is retracted and the resilient tube is kinked, and wherein the lumen is opened when the spout is deployed and the resilient tube is not kinked; a trigger assembly for selectively moving the spout between a deployed and a retracted condition; and a bottom lid assembly selectively connectable to a bottom end of the body portion, the bottom lid assembly including a valve assembly to open and close a fluid path into the cavity of the body portion.

Abstract: Device and method for lyophilizing a substance within the device and storing therein the lyophilized substance. The device defines a chamber for receiving therein the substance to be lyophilized, a penetrable and resealable portion of the device is penetrable or pierceable by a needle for filling the device with the substance, and a resulting hole therein is resealable by transmitting radiation from a radiation source thereon. A filter is connectable in fluid communication between an interior and exterior of the chamber for permitting fluid to flow therethrough in a direction from the interior to the exterior of the chamber, and for substantially preventing contaminants from flowing therethrough in a direction from the exterior to the interior of the chamber.

Abstract: A foam transfer device is described, for use with aerosol canister apparatus for producing a sclerosant foam for the treatment of, inter alia, varicose veins. The device enables diversion of an initial quantity of below-specification foam from the canister to waste, e.g. to an integral waste chamber, before dispensing a further quantity of foam for use in treatment. The switching of the flow from the waste chamber to a different outlet for use is accomplished without interrupting the flow from the aerosol canister since this would cause the foam to drop below specification again. The waste chamber may be transparent so that the foam entering it can be observed and a decision made by a user when to stop diverting foam to waste. Alternatively, the foam may be diverted automatically e.g. when a set time has elapsed or a set volume of foam dispensed. The foam for use is normally dispensed into a syringe for subsequent injection into a varicose vein of a patient.

Abstract: The invention refers to a filler neck for the fuel tank of a vehicle that encompasses a refueling channel (2), a first opening (3) and below it, arranged in a transversal wall (11), a second opening (7) that can be closed by a closing device. In a longitudinal section (27) of the refueling tank (2) that extends between the transversal wall (11) and the first opening (3), ends a drainage channel (10) via a drainage opening (12). In addition, a closing element (15) has been arranged in the longitudinal section (27), movable between a position that closes the drainage opening (12) and one position that releases it.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tank venting system for a fuel tank (12) of a vehicle, having a vent line (14) for discharge of gaseous hydrocarbons from the fuel tank (12) during refueling thereof. Gaseous hydrocarbons originating from the fuel tank (12) can be introduced in a filler pipe (20) of the fuel tank (12) via a recirculation line (24). A control device (34) controls a proportional valve (32) and changes in this way a pass-through cross section of the recirculation line (24). In this way, a load of an activated charcoal filter (16) which is coupled with the vent line (14) can be minimized. The control device (34) can especially determine a pressure in the fuel tank (12). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of venting a fuel tank (12) during refueling thereof.

Abstract: A filling method for filling a reservoir (10) of variable working volume with a fluid, the method being characterized in that the reservoir (10) is firstly emptied of any content, such that its working volume is substantially zero, and the fluid is then injected into the reservoir, thereby increasing the working volume of the reservoir (10).

Abstract: An adapter includes a base connectable to an anesthetic agent container, a spout that extends from the base and defines at least one flow path therethrough, and a valve assembly disposed within the at least one flow path, the valve assembly being moveable between a first open position and a second closed position. The adapter also includes a radially expandable seal disposed about the spout, the seal having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate region between the first and second ends that expands radially outward relative to a longitudinal axis of the spout. The valve assembly has a surface that cooperates with the seal, wherein the cooperation between the surface and the seal expands the intermediate region radially outward relative to the longitudinal axis with the valve assembly in the first position.

Abstract: In order to create a simply designed actuating device with a reliable handling for a rapid coupling (10) for transferring gaseous and/or liquid fluids, comprising a tubular housing (11) and a slide (41), which is mounted in a manner that enables it to be displaced relative to the housing and which is coupled to a lever mechanism (42), the invention provides that the lever mechanism (42) has at least one pivoting lever (43) laterally mounted inside said housing (11).

Abstract: A bag-on-valve aerosol valve system in a container is provided. Propellant is pressure filled around the valve stem, outwardly over the stem gasket and down into the container space outside the bag. Product is filled through the valve stem into the bag. The valve stem has an exterior intermediate frusto-conical annular surface and the valve housing has an interior frusto-conical annular surface, with both surfaces engaging in annular sealing contact to block propellant access to the bag when the valve stem is deeply depressed to a first predetermined position for propellant pressure filling. A stem exterior surface indent interacts with radially-biased spring-loaded slides to lock the stem in a second less depressed predetermined position for product filling through the stem down into the bag.

Abstract: The invention discloses a powder filling device and method which is capable of making stable powder flow rate, preventing powder from being leaked or dispersed during filling operation, and filling the powder in a short time in a new powder filling system filling the powder from a measuring tank to a powder filling container. The powder filling device comprises a measuring tank having a powder discharge port and a filling amount control unit disposed near the powder discharge port, and an auxiliary container having an opening disposed on the underside of the powder discharge port of the measuring tank which faces downward.

Abstract: Filling valve (5) including: a hollow housing (11) having a valve seat (25); a moving valve rod (14) slidingly mounted in the housing (11) and having a sealing surface (23), the moving valve rod (14) and the hollow housing (11) together defining a liquid chamber (18); a liquid inlet (26) for putting the liquid chamber (18) into communication with a liquid supply pipe (6); a device for putting the valve rod (14) in a first, full-open position, in which the sealing surface (23) is spaced from the valve seat (25), thereby forming a passage (27) for the liquid; a device for putting the valve rod (14) in a second, closed position, in which the sealing surface (23) is in sealing contact with the valve seat (25), thereby closing the passage (27), and a device for putting the valve rod (14) in a third, predetermined, semi-open position in which the sealing surface (23) is spaced from the valve seat (25) but closer to the same than in the full-open position.