Valve Rotatably Or Hingedly Mounted Patents (Class 251/149.2)
  • Patent number: 11793986
    Abstract: A catheter assembly may include a catheter adapter, a septum housing, and a septum. The catheter adapter may include a distal end, a proximal end, an inner wall extending between the distal end and the proximal end, and a lumen formed by the inner wall. The septum housing may include one or more protrusions and may be secured to the inner wall by one or more of the following: an interference fit between the one or more protrusions and the inner wall, a snap fit between the one or more protrusions and the inner wall, and bonding between the one or more protrusions and the inner wall. The septum may be at least partially disposed within the septum housing and configured to at least substantially seal the lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Jonathan Karl Burkholz, Daniel Kirk Hyer, Bin Wang, Tyler Warner, Ralph L. Sonderegger, Eric Davis, Carl Ellis
  • Patent number: 11274523
    Abstract: A flapper valve assembly including a tubular forming an interior passageway; a valve seat forming a portion of the interior passageway; a flapper plate that is pivotably mounted to the tubular at a pivot point such that the flapper plate is pivotable between a valve closed and a valve open position; and a spring engaging the flapper plate such that the flapper plate is biased towards the valve closed position; wherein, when the flapper plate is in the valve open position, the spring engages a top of the flapper plate at a first distance from the pivot point; wherein, when the flapper plate is in the valve closed position, the spring engages the top of the flapper plate at a second distance from the pivot point; and wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Abram Serda Galindo, James Dan Vick, Jr., Leo Guadalupe Collins, Russell Irving Bayh, Jimmie Robert Williamson
  • Patent number: 11208870
    Abstract: A flapper valve assembly that includes a tubular forming an interior passageway and comprising an internal shoulder; a valve seat forming a portion of the interior passageway and spaced from the internal shoulder to form a flapper chamber; a flapper plate that is pivotably mounted to the tubular at a pivot point and positioned within the flapper chamber; wherein the flapper plate is pivotable within the flapper chamber between a valve closed and valve open position; and a first spring extending within the flapper chamber and engaging the flapper plate such that the flapper plate is biased towards the valve closed position; wherein the first spring comprises spaced right and left arms that are in contact with the flapper plate; and wherein, when the flapper plate is in the valve closed position, each of the right and left arms extends away from the flapper plate and towards the internal shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Abram Serda Galindo, James Dan Vick, Jr., Leo Guadalupe Collins, Russell Irving Bayh, Jimmie Robert Williamson
  • Patent number: 11191940
    Abstract: Disclosed is septum arrangement having a pierceable septum. The pierceable septum has first and second surfaces positioned opposite to one another and a peripheral surface. A compression element has at least two compression members that partially or fully surround the peripheral surface and has at least two gripping members. Each compression member is connected to at least one gripping member, and the gripping members extend from the compression members towards a common axis (A) which intersects the first surface. A resilient element exerts a biasing force on the pierceable septum that is directed towards the common axis (A). The gripping members define an aperture between them such that introduction of a needle into the aperture exerts a force on the gripping members that counteracts the biasing force and moves the gripping members apart from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Roche Diabetes Care, Inc.
    Inventor: Olaf Lebau
  • Patent number: 11013902
    Abstract: A vascular access site management system includes a stabilization body and a flow housing that is rotatable relative to the stabilization body. The flow housing may have a flow path extending through it to allow fluids to be introduced into or extracted from a patient via a catheter connected to the vascular access site management system. The vascular access site management system may also include a needle free connector fluidly connected to the flow housing via a section of tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: NP MEDICAL INC.
    Inventors: Todd M. Chelak, John Damarati, Nicholas Dennis, Nicholas Illsley
  • Patent number: 10941890
    Abstract: The present invention provides a socket compatible with multiple types of plugs having front end portions varying in length and a pipe connector having this socket. The socket 10 of the present invention mainly includes a base portion 18, first steel balls 22 and second steel balls 24 housed in housing holes of the base portion 18, an outer support portion 26 supporting the first steel balls 22 and the like from the outer side, and an inner support portion 25 supporting the first steel balls 22 and the like from the inner side. The socket 10 includes first housing holes 50 in which the first steel balls 22 are housed and second housing holes 52 in which the second steel balls 24 are housed and which are longer than the first housing holes 50 in an axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: DAISEN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Taguchi, Toshiharu Horikoshi
  • Patent number: 10921070
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a connector assembly for a liquid manifold within a server rack. The connector assembly includes a pipe configured to connect to the liquid manifold. The pipe has a flexible portion configured to accommodate at least one of lateral or vertical manipulation of the pipe while the pipe remains connected to the liquid manifold. The connector assembly further includes a first connector and a second connector configured to form a liquid-tight connection when coupled together. One of the first connector and the second connector is connected to a distal end of the pipe. The other of the first connector and the second connector is configured to connect to a component within the server rack, for supplying coolant from the liquid manifold to the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: QUANTA COMPUTER INC.
    Inventors: Chao-Jung Chen, Chih-Hsiang Lee, Chih-Ming Chen, Yen-Yu Liu
  • Patent number: 10473251
    Abstract: Connector for fluid, connectable by a remotely operated vehicle, ROV, includes a first part including a first cam element including an opening and a cam for engagement of a protrusion, the first cam element and the cam being rotably arranged relative to the first part; a second part includes a second cam element for insertion into the opening, the second cam element including the protrusion for the cam; a clutch between the first cam element and a handle to be held by the ROV; an indicator on the first part to indicate correct position for connecting, and disconnecting, the first part with, or from, the second part with the first and second cam elements; and an emergency release mechanism to disconnect the first part from the second part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: CEJN AB
    Inventor: Leif Nyfelt
  • Patent number: 10344882
    Abstract: A check valve comprises a valve housing defining an unobstructed valve opening and a pair of flapper elements each having a proximal end and a distal end. The flapper elements are pivotally mounted to the valve housing at opposed sides of the valve opening at their proximal ends for pivotal movement between a closed position, in which together they block the flow of fluid through the valve opening and an open position in which they permit the flow of fluid through the valve opening. The valve further includes a bumper element arranged at the proximal end of each flapper element for engagement with the valve housing when in the open position for limiting the angle of rotation of each flapper element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventor: Pawel Skorupa
  • Patent number: 10111809
    Abstract: A method for forming an aseptic connection includes inserting an end of a sealed fill connector into a receptacle of an aseptic connector assembly; moving a pivot portion of the aseptic connector assembly relative to a body portion of the aseptic connector assembly so as to sever a portion of the fill connector, the pivot portion being at least partially disposed within the body portion; and advancing a conduit portion of the aseptic connector assembly into the fill connector so as to form an aseptic connection therebetween, the conduit portion being at least partially disposed within the pivot portion or the body portion of the aseptic connector assembly after advancing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Advanced Scientifics, Inc.
    Inventor: Rudolf Pavlik
  • Patent number: 10071026
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for delivering nutrients to a patient are provided. A gastrostomy feeding device includes a device housing having a proximal portion having an opening therein, a channel operably connected to the opening in the proximal portion, a distal portion having an opening therein, a lumen operably connected to the opening in the distal portion, and a cavity formed within the device housing. The device also includes a rotatable member positioned completely within the cavity and that is rotatable within the cavity relative to the housing. The rotatable member includes a first opening and a second opening and a lumen extending therebetween. The rotatable member is rotatable from a closed configuration to an open configuration where the second opening of the rotatable member is operably connected to the lumen of the device housing. The device further includes an expandable member positioned on the distal portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Wen Hong Neoh
  • Patent number: 9878140
    Abstract: A surgical access device includes a seal housing and a roller disposed in the housing and defining a working channel. The roller may be stationary or moveable within the seal housing to form both a zero seal in the absence of an instrument, and an instrument seal in the presence of an instrument. Rotation of the roller is contemplated and low-friction surfaces are discussed to reduce instrument insertion forces. Multiple rollers, wiper elements, low-friction braid, pivoting elements and idler rollers are contemplated. The rollers will typically be formed of a gel material in order to facilitate the desired compliance, stretchability and elongation desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Scott V. Taylor, Henry Kahle
  • Patent number: 9878746
    Abstract: A diffuser arrangement (1, 101, 201) for a motor vehicle has an air inlet region (3, 103, 203) and a diffuser channel (2, 102, 202, 303, 403). A first adjustable control element (4, 104, 204, 301, 401) and a second adjustable control element (5, 105, 205, 302, 402) are arranged in the diffuser channel (2, 102, 202, 303, 403). The first adjustable control element (4, 104, 204, 301, 401) controls the air flow through the diffuser channel (2, 102, 202, 303, 403). The second adjustable control element (5, 105, 205, 302, 402) selectively blocks the air inlet region (3, 103, 203) of the diffuser channel (2, 102, 202, 303, 403).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: DR. ING. H.C.F. PORSCHE AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Thomas Weiss
  • Patent number: 9610395
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for reversing the blood flow for an extracorporeal blood treatment device, comprising an extracorporeal blood circuit (I), which includes an arterial blood line (108A) leading from a patient to a blood treatment unit (204) and a venous blood line (106A) leading from the blood treatment unit to the patient. Furthermore, the invention relates to an extracorporeal blood treatment device with a device for reversing the blood flow, and to a method for determining the reversal of the blood flow during an extracorporeal blood treatment. The device for reversing the blood flow for an extracorporeal blood treatment device according to the invention comprises two valve bodies (102, 104) which are rotated relative to one another for reversing the blood flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Maierhofer, Malte Gross
  • Patent number: 9456920
    Abstract: A waste management system includes a waste transport device and a waste collection device. The waste transport device includes a collection member, a retention cuff disposed about an outer surface of the collection member, a first connector, and a proximal end opening biased in a sealed position. The waste collection device includes a second connector and an opening biased in a sealed position. Securing the first connector to the second connector enables transitioning the proximal end opening of the waste transport device and the waste collection device opening to unsealed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Vasu Nishtala, Michele G. Davis, Ronald L. Bracken, Robert M. Hine
  • Patent number: 9016334
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Indrani Deo, Dmitry Falkov, Igor Kachko, Georgy Martsinovskiy, Vladimir Vasiliev, Mikhail Verbitsky
  • Patent number: 8998170
    Abstract: A filler neck adapter to be inserted through the open fuel mouth of a capless filler neck of a fuel tank of a motor vehicle. The adapter has a hollow flow body to create a continuous flow path between a source of pressure or vacuum and the fuel tank to enable the fuel tank to be tested for leaks. A resilient seal surrounds the flow body of the adapter so as to lie between movable and stationary seal stops. A force-generating member is moved along the flow body to push the movable seal stop and the seal towards the stationary seal stop. Accordingly, the seal is compressed between the movable and stationary seal stops so as to bulge outwardly towards and thereby create an air-tight seal against the fuel mouth of the filler neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: STAR EnviroTech, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory Michael McCollom
  • Patent number: 8998171
    Abstract: A control valve for connection unit for flexible pipes, comprising a plurality of sectors, (slices or petals), rotatable between a complete opening position and a complete closing position is described. The aforesaid plurality of rotatable sectors comprises at least two series of rotating sectors of different shape and dimensions disposed in an alternate way along the circumference of the connection unit. The smaller sectors can be controlled in such a way to close slower than the bigger ones. The shape and dimensions of the rotational sectors are such to consent a partial overlapping of the borders of the adjacent sectors for a better tightness between the sectors themselves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: MIB Italiana S.p.A.
    Inventor: Lorenzo Bormioli
  • Patent number: 8991782
    Abstract: A device for automatic closure of control valves in separable connection units for flexible pipes is described. The device comprises, for every sector of the control valve, a slidable body operating on the valve sector to cause closing and opening rotation thereof, elastic means housed within a first chamber to activate the sliding body to cause the closing rotation of said valve sector, a braking fluid housed in a second chamber to brake the movement of said sliding body in the closing direction and fluid dynamic communication means between said chambers to permit the controlled transfer of the braking fluid from the second chamber to the first chamber during the movement of the sliding body in the closing direction. The fluid dynamic communication means comprise a passage duct with an enlarged part and a cartridge with external grooves of variable length inserted in said enlarged part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: MIB Italiana S.p.A.
    Inventor: Lorenzo Bormioli
  • Patent number: 8968261
    Abstract: A medical valve has an open mode that permits fluid flow, and a closed mode that prevents fluid flow. To that end, the medical valve has a housing with an inlet portion and an outlet portion, a rotating member having a protruding member, and a resilient member with a complimentary surface that mates with the protruding member. The inlet portion and outlet portion of the housing compress the protruding member into the resilient member to bias the valve to the closed mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: NP Medical Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Kimball, Todd S. Vangsness, Jeffrey F. Kane
  • Patent number: 8911688
    Abstract: A microvalve for controlling fluid flows, and a sealing device for sealing cavities in a microfluidic system, particularly in a lab-on-a-chip system, and a method for the production thereof. A sealing surface of a valve body, or a sealing element, respectively, rests on a sealing surface of a substrate and is pressed against the sealing surface of the substrate in a fluid-tight manner by means of a clamping element. The clamping element and/or the valve body, or the sealing element, respectively, are at least partially elastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der Angewandten Forschung E.V.
    Inventors: Rainer Gransee, Eva Schaeffer, Klaus-Stefan Drese, Silvio Kraus, Tobias Baier, Felix Schmitz
  • Publication number: 20140291565
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for reversing the blood flow for an extracorporeal blood treatment device, comprising an extracorporeal blood circuit (I), which includes an arterial blood line (108A) leading from a patient to a blood treatment unit (204) and a venous blood line (106A) leading from the blood treatment unit to the patient. Furthermore, the invention relates to an extracorporeal blood treatment device with a device for reversing the blood flow, and to a method for determining the reversal of the blood flow during an extracorporeal blood treatment. The device for reversing the blood flow for an extracorporeal blood treatment device according to the invention comprises two valve bodies (102, 104) which are rotated relative to one another for reversing the blood flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Andreas Maierhofer, Malte Gross
  • Patent number: 8647310
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a luer connector comprising a housing having a hollow bore therethrough, a first end, and a second end, a male luer tip supported by the housing configured to rotate with respect to the housing, the luer tip having a first open end and a passageway through the luer tip in fluid communication with the first open end, and a substantially rigid internal member extending into the passageway of the luer tip toward the first open end of the luer tip. In some embodiments, at least one of the luer tip and the internal member can be axially moveable between a first closed position and a second open position relative to the other of the luer tip and the internal member. Further, the luer tip and the internal member can cooperate such that rotation of the luer tip in a first direction relative to the housing increases an axial displacement between the first open end of the luer tip and an end portion of the internal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas F. Fangrow, Jr., Bruce Hubrecht
  • Patent number: 8459511
    Abstract: A valve (100) comprising a tubular body (110) closed at a proximal end (111) and open at a distal end (112), outer sealing surfaces (120, 130) provided at the proximal and distal ends for sealing against an inner surface of a tube, the body comprising a flexibly mounted leg (150) between the proximal and distal ends, the leg configured to flex outwards from the body on engagement of the open distal end with a spigot so as to open a fluid flow path through the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: DS Smith Plastics Limited
    Inventor: Ian Darby
  • Patent number: 8382565
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to ventilation systems and methods, and more particularly to selectively configurable climate control systems and methods for use in data centers and the like. A device includes a support element and a plurality of ducts connected to the support element. The device also includes a manifold in fluid communication with each one of the plurality of ducts and a plurality of valves. Each respective one of the plurality of valves is associated with a respective one of the plurality of ducts. Moreover, there is at least one actuator operatively connected to the plurality of valves, which is structured and arranged to individually actuate each one of the plurality of valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher J. Dawson, Vincenzo V. Diluoffo, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Michael D. Kendzierski
  • Patent number: 8100869
    Abstract: A medical valve transitions between an open mode that permits fluid flow, and a closed mode that prevents fluid flow. To that end, the valve has a housing with an inlet and an outlet, and actuator moveable distally within the housing. The medical valve also has a resilient member with an aperture. The distal movement of the actuator opens the aperture within the resilient member, thereby transitioning the medical valve from the open to the closed mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Nypro Inc.
    Inventors: Todd S. Vangsness, Jeffrey F. Kane, Ian Kimball
  • Patent number: 8002758
    Abstract: When a patient is fitted with an external gastrostomy connection to the stomach, ingested food can be removed through the gastrostomy connection using a pump-based or siphon-based system to achieve weight loss. The process of removing ingested food can be improved by alternating the infusion of liquid into the stomach with the removal of material from the stomach. Optionally, stomach acid may be captured and returned to the stomach. Optionally, nutritional supplements or medicines may be added to the infused liquid. Optionally, a flush mount connectorized system with a built in valve may be used to simplify the interface with the gastrostomy hardware that remains installed in the patient. Optionally, the system may be configured to disable itself from further use after a triggering event (e.g., the passage of time or a predetermined number of uses) has occurred.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Aspire Bariatrics, LLC
    Inventors: Dean Kamen, Kevin L. Grant, Eric M. Soederberg, David E. Altobelli, David Flynn, Kenneth S. Solovay, Samuel Klein
  • Patent number: 7992588
    Abstract: A valve device includes a tubular member fitted into an inflatable article, a flexible diaphragm having a peripheral region which engages a valve seat of the tubular member through a mounting support and an intermediate surrounding region which has a portion that can be flexed to deflect a corresponding portion of the peripheral region from the valve seat, and a positioning member which is actuated to be displaced between normally-closed and deflating positions so as to bring an engaging end thereof to be proximate to or distal from the valve seat. In the deflating position, the flexed portion is vested with an increment of biasing force that is counteracted by a resisting force at an actuated end so as to keep the peripheral portion in a deflected position for maintaining the valve device in an open state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventors: Rong-Jyh Song, Tsung-Ping Yen
  • Patent number: 7971804
    Abstract: A channeled shaft check valve assembly includes a conduit with an internal valve seat with a central opening. An actuating member is contained inside the conduit between an outlet fixture and the valve seat. A valve member mounted within the sleeve includes a disc on the opposite side of the valve seat from the outlet end of the conduit and a channeled shaft extending outward from the center of the disc and through the central opening in the internal valve seat. The opposite end of the channeled shaft may also have a disc mounted thereto, allowing for a three position valve. The valve is urged closed under pressure unless an outlet fixture urges the valve open allowing fluid flow along the channeled shaft and through the central opening in the valve seat. In a two disc valve member, the valve may have two closed positions and one open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: James C. Roberts
  • Patent number: 7967026
    Abstract: A coupling/decoupling assembly of a pipe which can selectively open/close a flow channel of the pipe is provided. In the coupling/decoupling assembly of the pipe, a first valve and a second valve are respectively joined with each end of a first pipe and a second pipe. A first driving axis and a second driving axis are respectively joined with each end of the first valve and the second valve. An outer surface and an inner surface of the first and second valves are formed in a spherical body, and the inner surface of the first valve and the outer surface of the second valve are overlapped with each other to close the flow channel of the pipe, and the inner surface of the first valve and the outer surface of the second valve having an identical radius of a curvature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignees: Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seok Kyu Chang, Sang Ki Moon, Seok Cho, Bok Deuk Kim
  • Patent number: 7874313
    Abstract: At least one coupling member (2) has a slide valve holder (42) that is pushed in by the other coupling member (3) when coupled to the coupling member (2). The coupling member (2) further has a rotary valve (41) rotatably supported by the slide valve holder. The slide valve holder has a through-hole (425) constituting a flow path. A valve seat (26) is provided around the through-hole. The rotary valve (41) has an outer peripheral surface portion that slidingly engages the valve seat. One end of a fluid passage (411) extending through the rotary valve is open on the outer peripheral surface portion. The rotary valve is displaceable toward the valve seat and is urged toward the valve seat by a spring member (64). Thus, the outer peripheral surface portion is pressed against the valve seat. When a fluid pressure acts in the coupling member (2) when the coupling members (2, 3) are not coupled to each other, the fluid pressure presses the rotary valve toward the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Kouda
  • Patent number: 7866628
    Abstract: A pipe coupling member has a tubular body (20) and a valve unit (22) slidably set in the through-hole of the tubular body. The valve unit has a valve holder (26) and a rotary valve member (30) supported by the valve holder so as to be rotatable about a pivot axis perpendicular to the axis of the through-hole. The valve holder comprises a valve seat portion (26-1) and a valve support portion (26-2) that are separately disposed in series in the axial direction or the direction of the axis of the though hole. The valve support portion rotatably supports the rotary valve member. When the valve holder moves axially in the through-hole, the rotary valve member is rotated by a cam mechanism (32) and displaced between a closed rotational position and an open rotational position while its spherical outer peripheral surface sliding relative to an annular valve seat of the valve seat portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Kouda
  • Patent number: 7857284
    Abstract: A medical valve has an open mode that permits fluid flow, and a closed mode that prevents fluid flow. To that end, the medical valve has a housing with an inlet and an outlet, and a movable member with a member channel therethrough. The member channel extends between a proximal opening and a distal opening of the movable member. The movable member is movable in a given direction to cause the valve to transition from the closed mode to the open mode. The distal opening of the member channel has a given dimension that is generally parallel with the given direction, and a second dimension that is generally orthogonal to the given dimension. The given dimension is smaller than the second dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Nypro Inc.
    Inventors: Ian Kimball, Todd S. Vangsness, Jeffrey F. Kane
  • Patent number: 7815168
    Abstract: A medical valve transitions between an open mode that permits fluid flow, and a closed mode that prevents fluid flow. To that end, the valve has a housing with an inlet and an outlet, and a rotating member with a member channel. The rotating member is rotatable to cause the valve to transition from the closed mode to the open mode after insertion of a medical implement into the inlet. The member channel fluidly communicates the inlet and the outlet when in the open mode. The medical valve also has a resilient member biasing the rotating member toward the closed mode. The rotating member slides along the resilient member when rotating between the open mode and closed mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Nypro Inc.
    Inventors: Todd S. Vangsness, Jeffrey F. Kane, Ian Kimball
  • Patent number: 7789563
    Abstract: A bag evacuation valve mechanism which can be used with suction devices having suction nozzles of different diameters and does not damage tightly closed bag stacked thereon to form a flat and stable shape of packing. A suction connector attached to the outer surface of a bag having a hole formed therein, and having a vent formed in its center has a generally flat shape, and a valve base on the inner surface of the bag has a recessed shape in cross-section. Such a valve mechanism can be used with suction devices having different nozzle diameters by placing the nozzle in contact with the suction connector to covering its vent, and as it has no projection on the outer side of a tightly closed bag, it does not damage any other, for example, tightly closed bag stacked on its outside or placed adjacent to it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Ad Japan Corporation
    Inventor: Mihara Kiyoo
  • Patent number: 7686235
    Abstract: A check valve assembly has a valve seat for positioning in a passageway between a water supply and an outlet device such as a sprinkler head or a pipe section. A disc valve is located on the water supply side of the valve seat, and a separate actuator is movably mounted on the opposite side of the seat for movement between an operative position extending through the valve seat to hold the valve in the open position, and an inoperative, retracted position. The disc valve is moved by the actuator into the open position when the sprinkler head is located at the outlet. Release or removal of the actuator as a result of removal of the sprinkler head or other outlet device will allow fluid pressure at the fluid supply end of the passageway to urge the valve into the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: James C. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20090205726
    Abstract: A pipe coupling member has a tubular body (20) and a valve unit (22) slidably set in the through-hole of the tubular body. The valve unit has a valve holder (26) and a rotary valve member (30) supported by the valve holder so as to be rotatable about a pivot axis perpendicular to the axis of the through-hole. The valve holder comprises a valve seat portion (26-1) and a valve support portion (26-2) that are separately disposed in series in the axial direction or the direction of the axis of the though hole. The valve support portion rotatably supports the rotary valve member. When the valve holder moves axially in the through-hole, the rotary valve member is rotated by a cam mechanism (32) and displaced between a closed rotational position and an open rotational position while its spherical outer peripheral surface sliding relative to an annular valve seat of the valve seat portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Kouda
  • Patent number: 7562671
    Abstract: A valve connector of an air pump includes a case with a channel and a guiding room therein. The channel is communicated with the guiding room. Two valve connector assemblies are provided in the case, each of which has a tunnel communicated with the guiding room, wherein the tunnels form apertures on a sidewall of the guiding room. A switching device is received in the guiding room and pivoted on the sidewall of the guiding room. The switching device has two arms on opposite sides of a pivot axle thereof. The arms are moved toward or away from the apertures respectively when the switching device is swung to close or open the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Inventor: Lo-Pin Wang
  • Patent number: 7503902
    Abstract: A blood flow reversal valve useful in hemodialysis having rotational detent features enabling audible and tactile feedback to a clinician and alignment features such as visible indicators associated with the blood lines on either side of the valve to confirm normal or reverse flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Mel Jensen, Lynn E. Jensen, Thomas I. Folden, John Oliver, Olli Tuominen
  • Patent number: 7481243
    Abstract: An innovative method and apparatus for disposing of waste fluids, especially human body fluids such as are generated during surgery, into a hospital's sanitary sewer system is provided. A conduit system is adapted to transport waste fluid from a receptacle to a sanitary sewer using an eductor having a venturi device. The conduit system includes first and second conduits. First and second connectors are used to easily connect the first conduit to the second conduit. The second connector includes a flap that acts as a check valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Allegiance Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas L. Michaels, Kenneth Horton, Jr., Shannon C. Ingram
  • Patent number: 7476368
    Abstract: A system for microbially deactivating items. The system includes a circulation system for circulating a microbial decontamination fluid through a deactivation chamber that forms a part of the circulation system. A container for holding items to be deactivated is provided. The container has a sealable cavity in which the items to be deactivated may be placed, and at least one valve element that is movable between an open and a closed position to regulate fluid flow into the cavity. An actuator in the deactivation chamber is operable to move the valve element to an open position when the container is disposed within the deactivation chamber, wherein the cavity within the container is in fluid communication with the circulation system when the valve element is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Donald A. Sargent, Christopher A. Jethrow, Jude A. Kral, Karl F. Ludwig, Victor Selig
  • Patent number: 7293721
    Abstract: A check valve assembly has a coupling sleeve with a first end for connection to a pop-up or fixed sprinkler head and a second end for connection to a water supply, the coupling sleeve incorporating a valve seat. A disc valve is retained below the valve seat, and a separate actuator is movably mounted above the seat for movement between an operative position extending through the valve seat to hold the valve in the open position, and an inoperative, retracted position. The disc valve is retained against the valve seat around its peripheral edge, and has a central portion which is moved by the actuator into the open position when the sprinkler head is properly connected to the coupling sleeve. Release or removal of the actuator as a result of removal of the sprinkler head will allow fluid pressure at the second end of the coupling sleeve to urge the valve into the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Inventor: James C Roberts
  • Patent number: 7163282
    Abstract: The pressure of a pressure chamber decreases as liquid is ejected from an ejecting head. A valve element of a valve unit is provided inside the pressure chamber. The valve element has a power point part, fulcrum part and application point part. The power point part is subject to a pushing force in accordance with a decline in the pressure of the pressure chamber. The fulcrum part supports the valve element with respect to a wall surface defining the pressure chamber such that the valve element rotates. The application point part separates from the valve seat as the valve element rotates. The fulcrum part is not fixed to the wall surface. Hence, the valve unit operates favorably in accordance with the pressure of ink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Toshio Kumagai, Atsushi Kobayashi, Yoshiharu Aruga
  • Patent number: 7118089
    Abstract: A fluid coupler has a female coupler member and a male coupler member which can be connected to the female coupler member by simply being inserted into the female coupler member. The female coupler member includes a first locking ball, a second locking ball and a locking ball confining ring. The confining ring has a first slanted inner surface engaging the first locking ball to partly project the first locking ball into a male coupler member receiving hole of the female coupler. The confining ring further has a second slanted inner surface and a locking ball pressing surface extending in parallel with an axis of the male coupler member receiving hole. In an insertion operation, the male coupler member first engages the first locking ball to press it against the first slanted surface, thereby axially moving the confining ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Mikiya, Toru Kohda
  • Patent number: 7070164
    Abstract: A coupling member comprises a spherical rotatable valve member installed in a fluid passage thereof, in which the fluid passage is maintained open when a through hole of the valve member is aligned with the fluid passage, while the fluid passage is maintained closed when the through hole of the valve member not aligned with the fluid passage. An annular sealing convex portion is arranged on the outer surface of the valve member, which has larger radii relative to a pivotal axis A than the outer surface, so that the sealing convex portion is fully engaged with an end-opening peripheral edge of the fluid passage only when the valve member is placed in the closing rotational position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Kohda
  • Patent number: 7028982
    Abstract: A coupling member has a spherical rotatable valve member is operatively installed therein so as to be movable in an axial direction of the coupling member, and so as also to be rotatable between the opening rotational position and a closing rotational position under a control of a cam mechanism comprising a pin and a cam hole formed in the rotatable valve member and slidably engaged with the pin. The coupling member further comprises a stopper to be engaged with the rotational valve member to hold it into the opening rotational position and a spring member for urging the rotatable valve member against the stopper via the pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toru Kohda
  • Patent number: 6978844
    Abstract: A disclosure is provided describing a filling and circulating tool and method of use. The filling and circulating tool comprises a tubular housing having a first fluid passage and a longitudinal axis, a movable seal coupled to an exterior of the housing, the seal adapted to substantially block a flow of fluid through the first fluid passage when the seal is in a closed position and to allow the flow of fluid when the seal is in an open position, and an actuating device coupled to the movable seal such that in response to insertion into the casing, the actuating device causes the movable seal to move from the closed position to the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: LaFleur Petroleum Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Karl K. LaFleur
  • Patent number: 6938636
    Abstract: A breakaway coupler for coupling upstream and downstream hose includes one or more locking balls carried by a downstream coupling member. An upstream flapper is pivotally secured with respect to an upstream housing. A pushrod is axially movable in response to engagement by the downstream coupling member. A pry recess on the downstream coupling member is spaced between the downstream housing and the upstream housing, such that a tool inserted into the pry recess is leverageable to move the downstream coupling member to unlock the breakaway coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: PGI International, Ltd.
    Inventor: Spencer M. Nimberger
  • Patent number: 6899132
    Abstract: A fluid coupler comprises a ball valve a through hole provided between a female coupler body and a valve holding casing connected to the female coupler body and surrounding the ball. The ball valve has a first flat sliding surface formed on a spherical outer surface of the ball valve which extends in a direction normal to a rotational axis of the ball valve, and a flat stop surface raised from the first flat sliding surface and reaching said spherical outer surface of said ball valve, the first flat sliding surface and the flat stop surface together defining a recess. The valve holding casing has an alignment portion formed on and raised from an interior surface thereof. The alignment portion has a second flat sliding surface slidably engaged with said first flat sliding surface. The flat stop surface is adapted to engage with the alignment portion to limit the rotational movement of the ball valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshio Mikiya, Hiroyuki Kitagawa
  • Patent number: 6840277
    Abstract: A breakaway coupler for coupling upstream and downstream hose includes one or more locking balls carried by a downstream coupling member. An upstream flapper is pivotally secured with respect to an upstream housing. A pushrod is axially movable in response to engagement by the downstream coupling member. A pry recess on the downstream coupling member is spaced between the downstream housing g and the upstream housing, such that a tool inserted into the pry recess is leverageable to move the downstream coupling member to unlock the breakaway coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: PGI International, Ltd.
    Inventor: Spencer M. Nimberger