Abstract: A valve assembly is provided having two valve sections, each having a tubular passageway portion and when joined together, defining a ball cavity in communication with the tubular passageways. One of the body sections is provided with an inlet/outlet in communication with the ball cavity as well as a spindle flange. An elongate spindle extends through the spindle flange projecting into the ball cavity region to rotate a spherical ball element between an open and a bypass position. The ball valve has a primary elongate passage which interconnects the two tubular passage portions in the valve body sections when the ball valve is in the open position. When the ball valve is rotated to the bypass position, the tubular passage portion of one of the ball body sections is sealed closed while the other tubular passage portion communicates with an internal bypass port within the ball valve which in turn, communicates with the auxiliary inlet/outlet.

Abstract: Valve unit with a sliding throttle-chamber, comprising a valve body with an exchange or distribution chamber adapted to receive a sliding throttle-chamber of which the position of translation in the chamber defines ways of fluid communication between a primary inlet opening and at least two secondary outlet openings that can be selectively blocked or released by said throttle-chamber; the sliding throttle-chamber has a composite structure and consists of a first part controlling the fluid communication of said, at least, one secondary or radial outlet opening with the chamber and a second part controlling the fluid communication of the secondary or axial outlet opening with the chamber, the two parts of the throttle-chamber being linked together by a driving link in translation with a dead or non-driving area between the two extreme translation positions of said throttle-chamber.

Abstract: A luer activated device includes an inlet adapted to receive a male luer, an outlet associable with a fluid flow system, and a flow path defined therebetween. The inlet receives a resealable valve element having a aperture adapted to receive the male luer. The valve element is compressible, such that a male luer inserted into the aperture will cause the valve element to primarily compress, rather than stretching and deforming. One end of the aperture may include a pressure activated flow passage, which is adapted to open upon fluid flow through a male luer received by the aperture. Methods of using such luer activated devices are also provided.

Abstract: A portable receptacle is vacuumized for use in taking an air or gas sample for subsequent examination to determine type, origin, components of the air or gas. Critical to a long shelf life of the vacuumized receptacle is a valve which virtually seals the receptacle for months or years permitting storage of the receptacle in a state ready for immediate use at a site. The valve utilizes a positionable member plated with a noble metal. A filter serves to collect particulate from the air or gas flow into the receptacle. A funnel shaped collector aids in the collection.

Abstract: Needleless access port valves are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to needleless access port valves comprising a stretched body. In one aspect of the present invention, a plug is positioned inside a slip port. When the plug is pushed by a medical implement and moves to a second position, the plug abuts the valve body and stretches the valve body. When the medical implement is subsequently removed, the stretched body forces the plug back to its first position.

Abstract: The invention comprises a low cost method of sealing and resealing a microfluidic device before, during, and after communication of fluids into the microfluidic device. The invention includes a microfluidic device with fluid introduction ports substantially hermetically sealed with elastomeric plugs, wherein the plugs can be penetrated by hollow needles to introduce fluids such as air, water, ethanol, or other chemical or biological reagents into the device while maintaining a substantially hermetic seal. The invention includes a method for introducing fluids into a microfluidic device from an external source. The method comprises the steps of penetrating fluid introduction ports substantially hermetically sealed with elastomeric plugs with hollow needles connected to a fluid source, pumping fluid into the device, and removing the hollow needle from the plug, whereupon plug self-reseals to form a substantially hermetic seal.

Abstract: A valve assembly provides the ability for internal tank operations providing novel and unique methods for intricate measurement, monitoring, sampling, mixing, isolation, evaluation or other tasks desired inside tanks, vessels, piping or flow applications. The valve assembly is supported by the sidewall of the vessel and extends into a cavity of the vessel. The valve assembly including a barrel and a valve member. The barrel has a wall defining a chamber. The wall has at least one opening. The valve member is movable between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: A hydraulic fluid cam providing variable valve actuation in an engine is disclosed. In one embodiment, the hydraulic fluid cam is adapted to vary valve timing while holding valve displacement constant. In another embodiment, the hydraulic fluid cam is adapted to vary valve displacement, while holding valve timing constant. Some embodiments are adapted to vary both valve timing and displacement simultaneously to optimize engine performance.

Abstract: A gas valve assembly for a shock absorber includes a first portion of a first material and a second portion of second material which is less rigid than the first material. The first portion defines a rigid valve assembly body having a threaded portion to mount the valve to the shock body. The second portion is resilient and defines an integral plug and annular seal interconnected by a connecting member. The annular seal is molded adjacent a step engagement surface to seal the gas valve assembly to the shock body. A head having a tool engagement surface compresses the annular seal when the gas valve assembly is threaded in place.

Abstract: Needleless access port valves are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to needleless access port valves comprising a resilient valve body. The resilient valve body includes a tapered set port that stretches when a plug is pushed by a medical implement which in turn pushes the set port. Pushing the plug against the set port opens fluid communication between the inlet port and the outlet port. Upon removal of the medical implement, the resilient valve body pushes the plug back to its closed position.

Abstract: A removable particle collector for an apparatus which separates metal particles from lubricating oil. A valve assembly has a bore that provides a passage into the reservoir from outside. A valve element is normally biased against a valve seat to close the bore. A plug has a stem which when inserted into the valve assembly bore forces the valve element away from the valve seat. A portion of the stem is magnetized to attract ferromagnetic particles in the reservoir. A plurality of balls rotatably project from a surface on either the valve assembly or the plug and are received in a plurality of locking grooves in the other of the valve assembly and the plug to secure those components together. The balls are lubricated by fluid from the reservoir and can rotate to reduce wear which could loosen the components.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a device for regulating the flow rate of an intravenous medical solution during an injection using an intravenous drip unit. The device has a housing (10) mounted to a hose (300) to allow the flow of the solution from a solution container (200) into the vein, and a control member (20) rotatably assembled with the housing to regulate the flow rate of the solution. The housing has first and second seats (11, 12) communicating with inlet and outlet ports, and the control member has first and second bosses (21, 22) seated in the first and second seats. An arc-shaped solution path (23), a radial channel (24) and an annular groove (25) are formed on the control member to regulate the flow rate of the solution in accordance with an adjusted angle of the control member relative to the fixed housing.

Abstract: An endoscopic liquid feed device to be fitted on a mouth piece of a liquid feed port which is provided on a casing of a manipulating head assembly of an endoscope in communication with an internal liquid feed passage leading to a liquid injection port at a distal end of an insertion tube of the endoscope for injecting a liquid into a body cavity. A liquid feed adaptor is detachably fitted on the mouth piece of the liquid feed port. The liquid feed adaptor is largely constituted by a Luer-Lok member having a check valve member fitted on a fore end portion thereof, a stopper ring fitted on the outer periphery of the Luer-Lok member, and a nut member rotatably fitted on the Luer-Lok member for axial displacements between the stopper ring and a flange portion provided at the outer proximal end of the Luer-Lok member. The nut member is threaded on an external screw provided on the outer periphery of the mouth piece.

Abstract: Injection port valves are generally discussed herein and more particularly to port valves that have a valve housing with a nozzle having an inlet opening, a body section, a skirt section, an interior cavity, and a valve seat at an intersection of the first nozzle and the body section in the interior cavity. A piston may be positioned within the interior cavity of the valve housing having a body section having an exterior surface, an upper piston section, a seal surface, and a piston cavity, and wherein the body section includes a wall layer that emits lubricant from within the wall layer to the exterior surface. A nut, which may be a Luer nut, having a flow passage in communication with a discharge nozzle having a discharge lumen may be attached to an end of the skirt section of the valve housing to thereafter connect to an infusion line.

Abstract: An anode stream recirculation system for a fuel cell, the fuel cell including an anode gas input and an anode gas output, the anode stream recirculation system comprising: an anode gas supply; a switch connected with the anode gas supply; a pressure regulating device connected between the switch and the anode gas input of the fuel cell; a diaphragm pump connected between the anode gas output and the anode gas input of the fuel cell thereby forming an anode gas recirculation; wherein the diaphragm pump has at least a sensor electrically connected with the switch.

Abstract: A medical fluid flowline connector comprised of axially aligned relatively rotatable male and female Luer parts and an axially compressible elastomeric seal therebetween. An elastomeric stopper may be provided in the female Luer, the stopper having a swabbable end urged outwardly of the female Luer. The stopper is guided on an axially extending elongated flow conducting insert which has an end which contacts a deformable slit in the swabbable end of the stopper to ensure deformation and opening of the slot as a male Luer at the end of a fluid flowline is pushed against the stopper. The stopper skirt is deformed and displaced into annular space between the female Luer and the insert, the stopper having bellows like walls which engage the female Luer and insert.

Abstract: There is provided a plug 13 for a fluid pipe connector 11 for connecting fluid pipes to each other or for connecting a fluid pipe to a storage tank or a processing unit. The plug 13 includes a plug portion 6, a fixing portion 78 for sandwiching a flange 87 of a pipe between itself and the end face of the plug portion 61 to fix and support the flange 87, a cylindrical support 80 which is integrally formed with the fixing portion 78 for supporting the pipe 60, and a fixing nut for covering and fixing the plug portion 61 and the fixing portion 78. Between the fixing portion 78 and the remainder of the cylindrical support 80 is provided an engagement surface 79 for a lock lever 52. On the distal end of the plug portion 61, is provided a valve 62 for engaging a valve 20 of a member which is to be connected to the plug 13, to establish a fluid communication. On the outer peripheral surface of the fixing nut 64, a long groove 83 is provided for properly aligning the plug 13.

Abstract: A gravity dispensing flow lubricator for a drive chain operated vehicle, such as a motorcycle, and a method of lubricating the vehicle. The device, mounted on the vehicle, provides a cylindrical container which dispenses lubricant by a manually operated flow valve therein providing a flow orifice which aligns the flow of lubricant to an adjustable flexible flow line which is fixedly set to dispense the lubricant to various areas of the drive chain. The discharge of specific amounts of lubricant by the flow valve is controlled by a spring pressured ball bearing frictionally engaging a plurality of indented seats in the unit.

Abstract: A valve assembly apparatus includes a main body portion which includes a top main body portion and a bottom main body portion. The bottom main body portion includes a container connector portion. A one-way vent valve is in air way communication with the bottom main body portion. A one-way liquid flow valve is supported by the main body portion. A tubing adaptor is connected to the top main body portion. The valve assembly apparatus can be used to direct urine from a urinary drainage tube into a urine reception container. The one-way liquid flow valve prevents urine from flowing backward up into the urinary drainage tube, and the one-way vent valve prevents urine from leaking from the urine reception container if the container is tipped over.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting a vacuum line to a body such as an autoclave to be evacuated, the coupling comprising a first part adapted to be sealingly engaged by welding upon the wall of the autoclave about an aperture therein, and having an internal bore which thus communicates with the interior of the autoclave, and a second part also having an internal bore for communication with the bore of the first part. The second part thus serves as a removable cartridge which is slidably engaged within the first part with sealing rings radially and axially sealing the two-parts together to prevent fluid leakage therebetween. The cartridge includes a spring-loaded valve. A circlip enables separation of the cartridge from the first part, and a circlip enables removal of the valve parts from the cartridge.

Abstract: An aseptic connector comprises a first member and a second member. The first member preferably includes a resilient septum, and the second member preferably includes a penetrating member. Preferably, the septum is formed from an elastomeric material such as a silicone elastomer. The penetrating member preferably includes an extending penetrating element to penetrate the resilient septum. The aseptic connector further comprises a resilient sealing element that contacts the penetrating member and one of an inner wall of the first member and an inner wall of the second member to create a seal between the penetrating member and one of the inner wall of the first member and the inner wall of the second member. The seal created is suitable to withstand relatively high pressures (for example, those experienced during the injection of contrast media in CT procedures). A fluid delivery system comprising at least a first aseptic connector as described above is also provided.

Abstract: An automatic manifold for a catheter assembly. Valve means automatically open and close flow between a liquid supply port for connection to injection means and a liquid delivery port for communication with the catheter assembly. A pressure sensor is integrated into the manifold. The manifold also includes a quick-disconnect coupling mechanism for a liquid supply port.

Abstract: A ball detent fluid coupling for liquid and gas applications has a ball-retaining sleeve on the socket that is retractable by hand for joining and for separating the socket and plug and is characterized by a pressure-actuated check valve mounted on a valve guide within the flow path to preclude backflow into the supply side of the coupling. The valve also operates to shut off the flow when the mating parts of the coupling are disconnected or when flow through the coupling is shut off. A conventional valve can be mounted in the fluid flow passageway opposite the pressure-actuated check valve to urge the mating plug and socket to decouple when the sleeve releases the ball detents from engagement with the plug and to stop flow in the discharge line. The coupling will typically be used at pressures of from about 5 to 130 psig.

Abstract: An improved luer lock receiving septum having a configuration which provides rapid and tight resealing and yet allows penetration of the septum by the luer tip with a low penetration force. The elongated septum includes an upper portion of enlarged diameter having a target surface, a central slit, and a central, lower septum extension projecting about the slit below the upper portion and into a housing so that following luer insertion there is provided sufficient room for both the laterally displaced extension of the septum, the luer taper, and the housing to be received into a conventional luer lock connector. The septum is further preferably configured to minimize or eliminate the negative pressure deflection normally associated with the withdrawal of the large diameter luer cannula from an enclosed fluid filled lumen or chamber, by substantially isolating the lumen or chamber from the septum material displacement resultant from luer insertion.

Abstract: A gas valve apparatus is configured to receive a gas specific adapter. The apparatus includes a gas valve body having a first keying mechanism, and a cap coupled to the gas valve body. The cap includes a keyed front face having a gas outlet configured to receive the gas specific adapter. The cap also includes a second keying mechanism configured to mate with the first keying mechanism on the gas valve body to permit the cap to be coupled to the valve body.

Abstract: An aseptic connector comprises a first member and a second member. The first member preferably includes a resilient septum, and the second member preferably includes a penetrating member. Preferably, the septum is formed from an elastomeric material such as a silicone elastomer. The penetrating member preferably includes an extending penetrating element to penetrate the resilient septum. The aseptic connector further comprises a resilient sealing element that contacts the penetrating member and one of an inner wall of the first member and an inner wall of the second member to create a seal between the penetrating member and one of the inner wall of the first member and the inner wall of the second member. The seal created is suitable to withstand relatively high pressures (for example, those experienced during the injection of contrast media in CT procedures). A fluid delivery system comprising at least a first aseptic connector as described above is also provided.

Abstract: A self-sealing hemostasis valve having a first membrane with an opening offset from the center and a second membrane with an opening offset from the center in a direction opposite of the offset in the first membrane. The two membranes are joined about their outer edges. Access through the two elastomeric membranes without tearing is available at the intersection of the openings in the membrane assembly when the two membranes are deformed by an instrument being inserted through the hemostasis valve.

Abstract: A probe comprising of a probe body, a probe post positioned in the probe body and having a forward end with a forwardly tapering front face and a rearwardly tapering probe post seat. A probe seal is provided within the probe body having a forward end with a rearwardly tapering probe seal opening forward end of the probe seal has a seal face. The forward end is movable rearwardly from a closed position sealingly mating against the probe post seat to close the probe seal opening to an open position in which the probe seal face is spaced from the probe post seat to allow fluid to pass through the probe seal opening and hence through the probe. A first resilient means for urging the forward end of the probe seal into the closed position.

Abstract: A check valve having a function of adjusting a flow rate of a fluid and comprising a flat body composed of a plastic film; and a fluid take-out appliance inserted into a duct of the body. The fluid take-out appliance comprises a guide pipe; a flow pipe longer than the guide pipe and shorter than the body and reciprocatively inserted into the guide pipe; a duct-opening member thin rectangular solid-shaped and provided on the flow pipe at a front end thereof; a gripping flange provided on the flow pipe at a rear end thereof; an inlet provided on the flow pipe; one or more engaging grooves provided on the guide pipe at a front end thereof; and a convexity provided on an outer surface of the flow pipe and engaging the engaging grooves of the guide pipe. In this construction, the fluid take-out appliance is inserted into the duct of the body, with an outer surface of the guide pipe in close contact with the duct of the body at a rear side thereof.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for connecting and disconnecting aligned hubs of a first and a second pressure vessel is provided. The clamping assembly includes a pair of clamp segments and at least one cam in operable engagement with the clamp segments. The clamp segments are movable between a closed position to engage the hubs and an open position to disengage from the hubs. The movement of the clamp segments from the closed position to the open position operates the cam to separate the hubs.

Abstract: A filter system for a liquid, which system has a base with an inlet for incoming unfiltered liquid and an outlet for outgoing filtered liquid and a filter subassembly having a filter unit and structure for removably maintaining the filter unit in an operative position on the base. There is a first lead-in port on the base in communication with the base inlet and a first lead-out port on the base in communication with the base outlet. There is a second lead-in port on the filter unit and a second lead-out port on the filter unit. The filter unit further has structure for filtering liquid communicating between the second lead-in port and the second lead-out port.

Abstract: A pipe union assembly with embodiments which are capable of use over a very wide temperature range and which may be cycled through temperatures varying widely from the ambient assembly temperature and also over a wide range of pressures without the need to be retightened. Embodiments of the invention also include structures to automatically check the flow of fluids from the components of the pipe union upon disassembly of the union. The pipe union generally comprises one or more fitting members and a sealing member. The sealing member receives a ridge formed on each fitting member in a sealing fashion. One or more external sleeves hold the fitting member and the sealing member in sealing engagement. The materials from which each fitting member and sealing member are fabricated may be chosen so as to exhibit the proper hardness characteristics and thermal expansion coefficients. A compensating washer is also provided to increase compensation for thermal contractions at low temperatures.

Abstract: The tap includes a lower body adapted to slide radially onto the neck of a container and lock beneath a lip on the neck. Connected pivotally to the lower body is an upper body having means for opening valves in the neck when the upper body is swung downwardly relative to the lower body to a tapping position. A releasable latch is carried by a handle on the upper body and automatically latches the upper body downwardly against the lower body when the upper body reaches its tapping position.

Abstract: A shutoff valve (26) including a plunger (28) slidably mounted in a housing (30). The plunger (28) being slidable between an open and a closed position. The plunger (28) having a front end and a back end and defining a path flow of fluid therethrough. A back end (32) of the plunger (28) having inclined surfaces (50). Projections (34) extend from the back end (32) of the housing (30) and cooperate with the inclined surfaces (50) to bias the plunger (20) into the closed position.

Abstract: A blood collecting valve (10) is provided with a structural input part (11.1) with a half moon shaped separating wall opening (18) as well as a structural output part (12.1) which is rotatable with respect to the structural input part with a seal face opening (23). Both are disposed outside of the rotational axis of the associated structural parts. Thereby, it is possible to bring the two opening into congruence with each other by rotating around the rotational axis or to again sealingly separate the same from each other.The mentioned common rotating of the structural input part and the structural output part and thereby the opening and closing of the blood collection valve may be performed by rotating a blood collecting cylinder (16) being inserted into the structural output part with an application conus (15). Hence, no separate manual handling is required for using the blood collection valve.

Abstract: Several embodiments are disclosed of an automatic shutoff valve apparatus for permitting removal, repair, or replacement of a control valve from a mounting base without deactivating a complete system. In addition, a redundancy arrangement is disclosed wherein the shutoff valve apparatus and at least two control valves are employed in parallel so that the device activated by the control valves can be maintained operative when one control valve malfunctions or is removed, repaired, or replaced.

Abstract: For freeze protection of a water line, a T fitting in the line is provided with a removable threaded bushing having a plug with radially projecting balls which engage J-shaped slots in the bushing to provide a bayonet joint. The plug is released when freezing conditions threaten by retraction of the balls in response to movement of a cam inside the plug by a thermal actuator also inside the plug. A check valve in the T fitting is closed automatically when the threaded bushing is removed. Modified versions include a plug having dual actuators in series, a plug combined with a flanged bushing for use in freeze protection of a compressor head, a plug combined with a valve to provide a snap-action drain valve with a more easily replaceable actuator assembly, and a plug using a water-filled glass vial as an actuator. A building protection system and a locomotive coolant system, both use freeze protection devices in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: A vapor/fuel seal for a fuel tank filler tube. The vapor/fuel seal includes an expansible seal member having inlet and outlet ends. The inlet end is sealingly mountable on the inlet end of the vehicle filler tube. The outlet end is normally closed and yet is expansible to receive the end of a dispensing fuel nozzle therethrough. Intermediate between the inlet and outlet ends of the seal member is an expansible fluid flow body portion which is expansible to receive and yet remain in sealing contact with the periphery of a fuel dispensing nozzle when the fuel nozzle is inserted therethrough.

Abstract: A toner bottle for resupplying toner to a copying or reproduction machine having an iris type closure in the bottle mouth to control discharge of toner therefrom and prevent spilling, the iris closure consisting of a first iris member located in the bottle mouth with a second cooperating iris closure integral with a cover for the bottle, projecting tabs on the first and second iris members cooperating with the machine toner hopper to establish relative rotation between the first and second iris members on rotation of the bottle while locking the bottle in place on the machine.

Abstract: A compressed air coupling with a coupling socket and a valve sleeve displaceable therein and lockable by a catch in the socket, and a nipple insertable into the valve sleeve and lockable by a ball catch in the valve sleeve. The valve sleeve (40) together with the nipple (16) is displaceable from its inner end position, while closing the connecting passage (58,64) to a predetermined intermediate position in which a passage (62,64,54,56) is opened between the nipple locked in the valve sleeve and the free atmosphere to release residual compressed air in the nipple.

Abstract: A closure and valve for liquid containers comprises a valve body and a plug body insertable and rotatable therein. Discs are seated within the valve body which have off-center holes which are aligned or misaligned by stems depending from the bottom edge of the plug and which register with notches in the edges of the disc. A non-rotating disc having corresponding off-center holes is placed between the rotating discs. The valve is opened and closed by rotating the plug, after placement in the valve body, which rotates the rotatable discs with respect to the fixed disc.

Abstract: A fluid hose connector capable of resisting transverse forces to avoid inadvertent disconnection from a mating connector includes an elongated hollow body which includes a first portion that provides an extending collar to restrain the lateral movement of a mating connector and a second portion which provides for connection to a source of fluid. The body portion includes a hollow coupling for removably retaining a mating connector and a hollow plunger which is adapted to be slidably received within the coupling. The plunger is provided with a first disconnect position which prevents fluid flow through the body and a second position which permits fluid to flow therethrough. A spring disposed within the body urges the plunger to the first or disconnect position so that when the connector is not mated, it prevents fluid flow therethrough as well as providing a dust cover for the connector opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying fluid under pressure, such as compressed air, to movable using devices, includes a feed line having tap points spaced along it, with a tap valve at each tap point. A connection unit for connecting the feed line to the user is movable along the feed line and can receive fluid at any tap point. As the connection unit slides into place at the tap point, the tap valve automatically opens to supply fluid. Each valve has a rotary or slide-type valve member movable between open and closed positions, which is always exposed to equal fluid pressure all about it so as to require only a small force to actuate the valve. The valve member is tubular and open-ended and extends parallel to the feed line. Both mechanical and magnetic means for actuating the valve member are disclosed.

Abstract: It is intended to a probe, an apparatus for parenteral or enteral infusion.Two bodies (1, 2) are nested one into the other. They comprise each an inner cylindrical flowing means (4, 11) engaged one into the other by one of the ends thereof (4b, 11b) until the respective closing plates thereof (8, 14) are in contact. The outer casings (3, 10) co-operate by the ends thereof (18, 20) so as to keep the two bodies (1, 2) in an engagement relationship. The two bodies (1, 2) rotatingly move one with respect to the other and hence allow to regulate the flow by variable juxtaposition of the half-moon openings (9, 15) arranged in the closing plates (8, 14).

Abstract: The automatic check valve is proposed to be used with male luer fittings which are the standard on many medical applications. The valve body is a piece of resilient tubing into which a stopper having an oval sealing ring is placed. Inserting the round male luer fitting causes the tube to be made round releasing the seal of the stopper at two points on the minor axis of the oval shape.

Abstract: A device for detachably coupling the orifice of a branchline to a conduit carrying a pressure medium having a plurality of discharge valves disposed spaced apart from each other along said conduit. Each of the valves has a discharge opening, and a closing element for each of said openings. A coupling device has the orifice disposed therein and is longitudinally displaceable along the conduit and connectable with the conduit by opening one of the discharge valves. The coupling device has a coupling element which is guided on the conduit and an automatically sealing coupling in the coupling position with the discharge valve at the pressure side for an automatic alignment with the orifice, and an actuator effective to actuate a respective one of the discharge valves in the coupling position of the coupling element.

Abstract: A breakaway pipe coupling which, in use, is located in the pipeline extending between a movable tanker, such as a sea vessel, and a storage tank. The purpose of the coupling is to provide a weakness in the pipeline so that a pull be exerted on the pipeline which exceeds a predetermined value, the coupling will break and quickly close off the pipeline to prevent spillage.The coupling includes a main body portion (31) and a breakaway portion (20), valve means (60) in the main body for closing the conduit (14) passing through the coupling, actuation means (70) being provided for operating the valve means to close the conduit (14) on removal of the breakaway portion from the main body portion and dampening means (76, 80) for controlling the rate at which the valve means closes the conduit.

Abstract: A water discharge valve designed to be coupled by means of an automated irrigation system. The water discharge valve comprises an enlargement having spherical surfaces at the upper end of a vertical riser and housing a ball that opens or closes the valve in response to the water or in response to an actuating member mounted on the movable irrigation system.

Abstract: A valve for an inflatable prosthesis of the type which comprises a fluid-containing envelope with an aperture closed by a valve through which a desired amount of fluid can be filled or withdrawn. The valve comprises a flat elongated conduit having a pair of sealed edges, and between said edges a pair of flat flexible wall members facing each other to form a fluid seal when they bear against one another. The conduit is open at one end. At the other end it is closed except for a slit formed in one of the walls without removal of material. The valve tends to remain closed both as a consequence of inherent closure of the slit and also as a consequence of pressure of the walls against one another.