Abstract: The present invention provides a device capable of reducing the resistance and increasing the ion exchange rate in an electrodialysis, electro-deionization, or capacitive deionization apparatus and a method for producing said device. More specifically, the device is an electrodialysis spacer designed to have an ionically conductive surface of either cationic nature, anionic nature or a combination of both, which act as conductive pathways for ions as they move towards their respective electrode. The method of producing said spacer involves coating a substrate, such as a woven mesh, expanded netting, extruded netting or non-woven material, with perm-selective ionomer solutions and applying that substrate to an inert spacer material that has undergone chemical or mechanical etching.

Abstract: A bathtub faucet water switching structure includes: a hollow water passage body with a water inlet and a water outlet; a switching lever longitudinally installed at the front of the water passage body and having an upper end protruded from the faucet body and a lower end linked with the center bolt; and a center bolt movably installed to the water outlet and having first and second shaft portions, and a water stop plate installed between the first and second shaft portions. The first shaft portion is corresponsive to the lower end of switching lever, and a spring is sheathed on the second shaft portion, and the center bolt is moved horizontally back and forth in the water passage body by the action of the switching lever and spring to drive the water stop plate and water outlet hole to connect or disconnect a water path.

Abstract: An O-ring retainer is disclosed that is integral with a valve stem of a valve. The valve is intended to move in a valve chamber, which valve chamber has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. When manually actuated, the valve moves between a first position, where it is seated against walls of the valve chamber and prevents flow through the chamber, and a second unseated position where it allows flow of the fluid through the chamber between the inlet and the outlet. An O-ring, used in conjunction with the valve and the valve chamber, is maintained in place by an outward projection from the valve stem, which projection is located just below the normally seated O-ring. Thus, if the O-ring becomes unseated, the projection, upon movement of the valve towards the seated position, bumps the O-ring back into its normal position.

Abstract: An improved faucet control valve has a valve seat, a spring, a one-piece valve stem, an expanded end, a flexible hooking portion and a control unit. The one-piece valve stem manufactured integrally enables to realize convenient manufacturing, cost reduction and structural simplification of control members. The one-piece valve stem is only required to penetrate the valve port of the valve seat from top to bottom, enabling engagement of the flexible hooking portion for simple and fast assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved retention of O-rings and easier O-ring replacement by using an O-ring retainer in a bar gun. Furthermore, the assembly of the butterfly plates of the bar gun is improved by using molded ball bearing clusters that fit in recesses in the butterfly plates, thus eliminating the welding of the balls to the butterfly plates and the need to purchase such precise and intricately small balls. The O-ring retainer and molded ball bearing cluster are preferably made from bearing quality acetal plastic materials.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a beverage, for use with pressurized sources of one or more fluids, includes a handle having one or more valve chambers; a fluid valve in each valve chamber; one or more butterfly plates, each configured to bias one or more of the valve stems of the valves towards a valve-open position when the butterfly plate is pressed, thus opening fluidic communication from each of the fluid sources to a corresponding discharge opening; and a ball bearing cluster which provides one or more pivot points for the butterfly plates. The ball bearing cluster includes a retainer and at least one ball-shaped projection projecting from the retainer. The ball-shaped projection remains in a substantially fixed position and orientation with respect to both the retainer and the handle when one or more of the butterfly plates is pressed. The ball bearing cluster and butterfly plate may be molded.

Abstract: A flow valve for faucets such as kitchen and bathroom faucets includes an inlet and outlet and a transverse valve mechanism where a valve element moves toward and away from a valve seat at least partly transverse to incoming inlet flow and/or outgoing outlet flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-closing water-saving device for a faucet which enables a user only not to use the both hands for constant times by holding up a lever in using water but also quickly select the lever operation of the faucet water opening or closing. And the present is minimized for a simple installation. The self-closing water-saving device which an end an end mounted to the faucet for controlling hot and cold water amount by connecting to a main pipe, and the other end for spouting water, the self-closing water-saving device comprises a lever for opening a water-path path when rotating the lever and closing after a constant time by an elastic force of an elastic member and oil flowing or friction; a water-saving means for closing the water-path when rotating the lever to the other side in the condition of opening the water-path; and a faucet-connecting member for connecting the water-saving means to the faucet.

Abstract: A water dispenser of a refrigerator which comprises a reservoir for storing water, and which is positioned in a pocket, a holding member for supporting the pocket, a valve assembly for supporting the holding member, and an opening section for operating the valve assembly. The holding member is inserted into the holding member upside down. The valve assembly includes an outlet conduit screw-coupled to the reservoir, through which the water contained in the reservoir is exhausted. The outlet conduit is opened and closed by a packing member, and the packing member is moved upward and downward by the valve rod. The valve rod is moved upward and downward by an opening section having a pair of opening protrusions. Also, a stopper obstructs the lever so that the lever cannot pivot. The water dispenser is simple in structure, increases efficient space use of the refrigerating compartment door, is convenient to use, and can be cleanly maintained.

Abstract: The spray, serving, in particular, as a dishwashing spray, exhibits, as essential elements, a connection stub (12), a handle (10), a shut-off valve (14) and a spray head (16). The shut-off valve (14) can be actuated, by means of a hand lever (18), counter to the force of the spring (14j). The handle (10), the shut-off valve (14) and the hand lever (18) are enclosed by an elastomeric covering (20) which is sealed towards the outside and provides the hand lever (18) with free play. Such a configuration is particularly hygienic since the covering (20) can be easily washed and it does not exhibit any inaccessible gaps in which contaminants can be deposited.

Abstract: A valve for controlling flow of air comprising in combination a valve housing having a chamber, inlet and outlet air flow paths communicating with the chamber adjacent oppositely facing sides thereof, and a valve seat arranged in one of the flow paths; a valve sleeve supported for rotation within the chamber and having a through opening provided with opposite ends arranged for placing the inlet and outlet air flow paths in flow communication; and a valve member having sealing and operating ends, the sealing end being arranged within one of the flow paths for removable engagement with the valve seat for selectively blocking and unblocking the flow of air through one of the flow paths, the operating end extending into the chamber from one of the flow paths and through one of the opposite ends for receipt within the through opening of the valve sleeve.

Abstract: A tapping faucet for dispensing beverages, in particular beer, includes a compensator arranged in a tapping faucet housing provided with a tapping faucet outlet and being a body which is conical at one end, and a closing seal operable via an actuating device, for example, a lever. The tapping faucet is characterized in that the compensator provided with a flow-through duct for the beer is installed in the beer conduit or shaft with its conical end in the direction of the front end of the tapping faucet housing, in which for forming an annular gap for the pressure compensation and for the opening and closing of the tapping faucet, a spring-loaded sealing and adjusting bushing provided with a corresponding conical cavity is arranged. The bushing is capable of being tightly pushed by the actuating device, for example, the lever, over the conical part of the compensator in the longitudinal direction, and away from the part for forming the annular gap.

Abstract: A valve for selectively dispensing contents of a bottle. The inventive device includes a mounting cap securable to a threaded neck of a bottle. A valve assembly is coupled to the mounting cap and can be selectively operated by an actuating assembly to effect dispensing of the contents of the bottle. The actuating assembly includes a lever arm extending proximal to the bottle for facilitating operation of the valve assembly with a single hand.

Abstract: A faucet for controlling the dispensing of liquids includes a valve body having a valve chamber with a valve element movable between first and second positions for controlling flow between an inlet and the outlet. An operating stem extends from the valve element to a position exteriorly of the body through a bonnet connected to the body. A safety-type cam actuator is joined to the stem and is pivotally movable to selectively move the valve element between the first and second positions if it is first moved inward radially of the stem. Wall forming portions extending outwardly from an insert located between the bonnet and the body to define guide surfaces closely adjacent the stem and the cam actuator to prevent undesired tilting of the stem and the cam actuator.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an inexpensive, compact vacuum release which can be operated with one finger. The vacuum release comprises a base which is affixed to the wall of a vessel, a plunger which extends through a channel in the base, a rocker which raises the plunger to an open position in response to finger pressure, and a spring which biases the plunger to a closed position. The plunger has multiple passageways in which air can flow from the atmosphere into the vessel when the plunger is in the open position, and an "O" ring which closes off the air flow when the plunger is in the closed position. Since the vacuum release need not be permanently affixed to the vessel, it can be used on a wide variety of new and existing vessels, and can be replaced at will.

Abstract: A fluid flow control valve according to the invention includes a base, a valve member, a trigger member and attachment means for attaching the trigger member to the valve member. The base includes a generally horizontal throat and a flange having an upwardly facing surface. The valve member has a stem, a flow level establishing member associated with the stem and biasing means for biasing the stem in a direction opposite to that in which the throat extends. The trigger member includes a pin configured to rotate against an inner end portion of the throat, a flange having a downwardly facing surface and an actuating portion. The biasing means acts in a direction through the attachment means to pull the actuating portion downwardly such that the flanges engage in order to retain the pin in the throat. In this manner, the valve may be assembled without the use of fasteners.

Abstract: A valve for use in a fluid dispensing system, the valve includes a valve body having a valve passage therein, having first and second ends, the second end including a valve seat. The valve also includes a valve stem having an end portion extending into the valve passage constructed to permit the flow of fluid through the passage past the end portion. The valve stem has sealing means for closing the second end of the passage, and is mounted for reciprocal movement in the valve passage between an extended position in which the sealing means on the valve stem engages the valve seat and closes the second end of the valve passage, and a retracted position in which the sealing means is spaced from the valve seat so that fluid can flow through the valve passage past the end portion of the valve stem. A spring resiliently biases the valve stem toward its extended position. The spring is protected from the fluid flow through the valve by a flexible annular sealing disk.

Abstract: A burner assembly includes a burner housing having a combustion chamber defined therein and a fuel injection nozzle secured to the burner housing and communicating with the combustion chamber. A fuel control device is provided for controlling the amount of fuel flowing through the nozzle. The fuel control device includes a valve chamber including a bore and a valve seat and a needle valve adapted to reciprocate in the valve chamber. An adjusting device is provided for adjusting a range of motion of the needle valve in the valve chamber. The adjusting device includes a control rod secured at one end to the needle valve and a bimetallic assembly for regulating the motion of the control rod. The bimetallic assembly includes a pair of legs which are operably connected to the control rod and are exposed to the heat produced by the burner assembly.

Abstract: An improved gate valve having a body with a chamber and an inlet and an outlet extending therethrough into said chamber, a gate mounted for reciprocation in said chamber between open and closed positions, a pressure responsive actuator having a housing, a piston, a connection to the gate and an actuating stem extending from the housing, a supplemental actuator having a connection to the actuator housing, an operating stem connected to the actuating stem, the operating stem having a shoulder facing in the direction opposite to the direction of closing movement of the gate, roller levers pivotally mounted to be in engagement with the exterior of the operating stem and a spring urging the roller levers into tight engagement with the operating stem, the roller levers pivoting on engagement with the stem shoulder to exert a closing force on the stem.

Abstract: An improved gate valve having a body with a chamber and an inlet and an outlet extending therethrough into said chamber, a gate mounted for reciprocation in said chamber between open and closed positions, a pressure responsive actuator having a housing, a piston, a connection to the gate and an actuating stem extending from the housing, a supplemental actuator having a connection to the actuator housing, an operating stem connected to the actuating stem, the operating stem having a shoulder facing in the direction opposite to the direction of closing movement of the gate, roller levers pivotally mounted to be in engagement with the exterior of the operating stem and a spring urging the roller levers into tight engagement with the operating stem, the roller levers pivoting on engagement with the stem shoulder to exert a closing force on the stem.

Abstract: A fluid flow control valve according to the invention includes a base, a valve member, a trigger member and attachment means for attaching the trigger member to the valve member. The base includes a generally horizontal throat and a flange having an upwardly facing surface. The valve member has a stem, a flow level establishing member associated with the stem and biasing means for biasing the stem in a direction opposite to that in which the throat extends. The trigger member includes a pin configured to rotate against an inner end portion of the throat, a flange having a downwardly facing surface and an actuating portion. The biasing means acts in a direction through the attachment means to pull the actuating portion downwardly such that the flanges engage in order to retain the pin in the throat. In this manner, the valve may be assembled without the use of fasteners.

Abstract: A package for dispensing a carbonated beverage pre-mix at a controlled flow rate in the micro-gravity conditions of outer space comprising a rigid outer container, a collapsible bag in the container, and an adjustable flow rate control valve. Positive pressure is applied to the collapsible container by CO.sub.2 gas in the container surrounding the bag to assist the dispensing of the pre-mix therefrom. The pre-mix is dispensed from a spout, directly into an astronaut's mouth upon actuation of a lever disposed on the top of the package.

Abstract: A valve apparatus for simultaneously shutting off or opening two gas supplies comprises two valve bodies for mounting a distance apart from each other. Each body has an internal conduit therethrough for the passage of gas. A lift valve within each conduit closes or opens the conduit with reciprocation of the valve. The lift valve has a valve stem engagable externally from each valve body. A pair of spaced-apart, parallel shafts are rotatably journalled at each end in apertures in the valve bodies and are axially slidable within the apertures, permitting the distance between the valve bodies to be varied. A first lever is connected to a first of the shafts and has a member connected thereto for engaging the valve stems, and a detent. A second lever is connected to a second of the shafts and has a notch for engaging the detent when the first lever is pivotted from a shut-off position to an open position where the member engages the valve stems to open the lift valves.

Abstract: A system for priming a carburetor for an internal combustion engine which includes a pulse pressure conduit leading from an engine crankcase to a significant portion of a carburetor and a cowl located manually operated valve for opening this conduit during cold starting of an engine. The valve is arranged to have at least three positive positions including "closed" and a plurality of regulated open positions.

Abstract: A combination pressure regulator and manual on-off valve for liquid spraying apparatus. A tubular member 31 has a lower end 31b which forms a valve seat which cooperates with a first valve member 32 actuated by a lever 35. The latter has a lug 35b which acts as a resilient attaching blade. The intermediate member further comprises a portion 31e, the periphery of which is in contact with the wall of a bore 23. A diaphragm 37 is clamped against portion 31e by means of a tubular screw 39. The diaphragm is solid with a second valve member 38.

Abstract: A cryosurgical instrument employing a standard, double-walled, metal vacuum bottle or dewer has a collar metallurgically bonded to the top of the dewer near the mouth thereof to provide machined threads for releasably engaging the delivery and control portion of the instrument to the reservoir portion of the instrument. The collar provides additional strength and support to the portion where the two walls of the dewer are joined to each other. A vent is provided in a bottom cap of the vacuum dewer. A valve directly in the cryogen delivery line is connected by a stem to a fulcrumed operating handle; a 360.degree. fulcrum is used, to permit rotating the handle for thumb or finger operation with either the right or the left hand, as desired; rotation of the handle also rotates the valve stem so as to assist in freeing it from crystalline adhesion which may result from moisture in the cryogen or in the ambient air. In one embodiment, the 360.degree.

Abstract: An airbrush of the double action type has an elongated unitary body having an axial passage for longitudinal movement of a needle supported therein. The rear end of the needle is carried by a guide slidably supported in the axial passage and normally urged by a spring in a direction such that the tapered front of the needle enters and closes the jet. A finger-operated lever formed of plastic and shaped to provide a "living hinge" is supported in the body and arranged to engage the guide and move the needle against the action of the spring to control paint flow, and at the same time to open a valve to allow entry of compressed air or other substance under pressure. The maximum paint flow at the fully-operated position of the control lever is predetermined by adjusting the longitudinal position on the body of a closure cap which limits the movement of the guide. The airbrush has a minimum number of easily assembled parts and features a relatively simple paint-to-air seal disposed within the axial passageway.