Abstract: An apparatus capable of moving a shiftable valve member into a closed position, the shiftable valve member mounted in a valve housing having a bore and being moveable between at least one open and at least one closed position relative to the bore, includes at least one elastically deformable member that extends at least partially around the circumference of the bore and is disposed at least partially in a cavity in the valve housing. Each elastically deformable member is elongated, has first and second ends and is connected to the shiftable valve member at one location and to the valve housing at at least one other location. Each elastically deformable member is torsionally loaded to provide biasing, closing force to the shiftable valve member to assist in moving the shiftable valve member into a closed position and retaining it in the closed position.

Abstract: A vertical shock responsive fluid valve assembly capable of automatically closing a fluid valve in response to earthquake forces or other shock forces of a predetermined magnitude. The vertical shock responsive valve assembly has a flow control mechanism having a cradle that holds a movable ball in a recess at a point perpendicular in relation to a horizontal base plate, where the ball can be rotated 360° in any direction during seismic actions or other shock forces and rolls out of its recess at a predetermined force such that it ricochets off a housing cover covering the cradle and pushes a trip fork mechanism having elongated walls to provide additional leverage when the force strikes the trip fork mechanism that is mounted on a pivoting mechanism, thereby releasing a swing arm which has a disc on the end that functions as a plug for the hole in the valve body to interrupt gas or fluid flow therein.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of moving a shiftable valve member into a closed position, the shiftable valve member mounted in a valve housing having a bore and being moveable between at least one open and at least one closed position relative to the bore, includes at least one elastically deformable member that extends at least partially around the circumference of the bore and is disposed at least partially in a cavity in the valve housing. Each elastically deformable member is elongated, has first and second ends and is connected to the shiftable valve member at one location and to the valve housing at at least one other location. Each elastically deformable member is torsionally loaded to provide biasing, closing force to the shiftable valve member to assist in moving the shiftable valve member into a closed position and retaining it in the closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of moving a shiftable valve member into a closed position, the shiftable valve member mounted in a valve housing having a bore and being moveable between at least one open and at least one closed position relative to the bore, includes at least one elastically deformable member that extends at least partially around the circumference of the bore and is disposed at least partially in a cavity in the valve housing. Each elastically deformable member is elongated, has first and second ends and is connected to the shiftable valve member at one location and to the valve housing at at least one other location. Each elastically deformable member is torsionally loaded to provide biasing, closing force to the shiftable valve member to assist in moving the shiftable valve member into a closed position and retaining it in the closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of moving a shiftable valve member into a closed position, the shiftable valve member mounted in a valve housing having a bore and being moveable between at least one open and at least one closed position relative to the bore, includes at least one elastically deformable member that extends at least partially around the circumference of the bore and is disposed at least partially in a cavity in the valve housing. Each elastically deformable member is elongated, has first and second ends and is connected to the shiftable valve member at one location and to the valve housing at at least one other location. Each elastically deformable member is torsionally loaded to provide biasing, closing force to the shiftable valve member to assist in moving the shiftable valve member into a closed position and retaining it in the closed position.

Abstract: A dispensing valve includes a platform, a product inlet supported on the platform, and a product outlet supported on the platform. A flow rate controller receives product from the product inlet and communicates product to the product outlet. A paddle arm disposed at an outlet from the flow rate controller moves from a closed position stopping product flow to an open position allowing product flow. The paddle arm includes a base and a seal mounted on the base. The base includes a lever portion, a seal-retaining portion, and a seal retaining support ridge disposed on the lever portion. The seal includes an outer sealing member supported on the base at the seal retaining support ridge and an inner sealing block supported on the seal-retaining portion. An actuator moves the paddle arm to its open position, while a biasing mechanism returns the paddle arm to its closed position.

Abstract: A simple and inexpensive self-closing spring-loaded ball valve assembly that can be latched in the valve open position and consequentially triggered to automatically close and shut off the flow of fluid therethrough.

Abstract: A vertical shock responsive fluid valve assembly capable of automatically closing a fluid valve in response to earthquake forces or other shock forces of a predetermined magnitude. The vertical shock responsive valve assembly has a flow control mechanism having a cradle that holds a movable ball in a recess at a point perpendicular in relation to a horizontal base plate, where the ball can be rotated 360° in any direction during seismic actions or other shock forces and rolls out of its recess at a predetermined force such that it ricochets off a housing cover covering the cradle and pushes a trip fork mechanism that is mounted on a pivoting parallelogram lever mechanism, thereby releasing a swing arm which has a disc on the end that functions as a plug for the hole in the valve body to interrupt gas or fluid flow therein.

Abstract: A vertical shock responsive fluid valve assembly capable of automatically closing a fluid valve in response to earthquake forces or other shock forces of a predetermined magnitude. The vertical shock responsive valve assembly has a flow control mechanism having a cradle that holds a movable ball in a recess at a point perpendicular in relation to a horizontal base plate, where the ball can be rotated 360° in any direction during seismic actions or other shock forces and rolls out of its recess at a predetermined force such that it ricochets off a housing cover covering the cradle and pushes a pipe that is mounted on a pivoting parallelogram lever mechanism, thereby releasing a swing arm which has a disc on the end that functions as a plug for the hole in the valve body to interrupt gas or fluid flow therein.

Abstract: A valve system for the pre-engagement unit of a vehicle braking pressure modulator contains solenoid valves, which are controlled by an electronic braking system. Pneumatic pressure is fed into a brake cylinder on the vehicle wheels via a pressure regulating channel of the pre-engagement unit. The solenoid valves are configured as cartridge solenoid valves, so that assembly is simplified, and utilization of elastic tolerance compensating elements is unnecessary. A preferred embodiment includes three cylinder bodies connected end-to-end with no increase in cylinder diameter. This embodiment enables the use of identical armatures and identical magnet coils for different valve types, such as 3/2-way solenoid valves or 2/2-way solenoid valves. Also, these valves may be configured as normally open or normally closed, with identical outside dimensions. As such, three cartridge solenoid valves can be combined into a compact triple valve cartridge unit that further simplifies the assembly process.

Abstract: A linkage assembly including a crank arm, first and second elongated links, and first and second springs. Ends of the links are adjacent one another and overlap. The first spring is held within this overlapping portion. The second spring is held about an unoverlapped portion of the second link. In a neutral position, the first and second links are balanced in force. In an open position, the first and second links are moved away from one another, causing the second link to be less compressed than the first link. In a back pressure position, the first and second links are moved toward one another, causing the first link to be less compressed than the second link. The first and second springs are held such that they are balanced in the neutral position and provide a restorative force in the open and back pressure positions.

Abstract: The improved shock actuated sensor is used with shock activation valves which have a shock activation control mechanism. The control mechanism includes a pedestal with a vertical tube disposed thereround and a weight in the form of a ball supported on the pedestal upper end. When a shock or vibration force is experienced the ball is displaced horizontally from a rest position to a side of the control mechanism where it engages the vertical tube that causes the valve to close. The improvement includes a pedestal upper end with a circumferential step to aid the ball in engaging the vertical tube to activate the valve closing. The step allows gravity, in addition to the shock force, to urge the ball to move the vertical tube. The pedestal upper end may also have a recess in the form of an open cylindrical recess to support the ball.

Abstract: A torsion spring return system for a valve closure member, preferably for downhole use in an SSV, is described. The closure member or flapper uses torsion springs which can be wrapped circumferentially within the body of the downhole tool, generally following the periphery of the flapper. Downward rotation of the flapper stresses the torsion springs so that subsequently, when a flow tube or other device holding the flapper in one position is released, the torsion springs return the flapper to its seat. The connection between the torsion springs and the pin supporting the flapper is either a universal joint or involves an alignment rod running through the torsion spring, as well as other mechanisms which facilitate stress relief in the connection between the torsion spring and pivot pin.

Abstract: A flow controller is provided for use with a pool cleaner, particularly of the type powered by a suction or vacuum source via a flexible vacuum hose or the like connected to the suction side of conventional pool water filtration equipment, wherein the flow controller maintains the suction pressure applied to the pool cleaner at a substantially constant and adjustably preset level consistent with substantially optimized pool cleaner operation. The flow controller comprises a generally tubular housing mounted at a location submerged within the pool water, preferably by installation in-line along the vacuum hose coupled to the pool cleaner. The flow controller includes a pivotally mounted flap valve biased by a spring for normally closing a bypass relief port. The flap valve is drawn by suction pressure toward a modulated open position to prevent the suction pressure from exceeding a preset threshold level.

Abstract: To simplify the structure of a hopper side of a weighing apparatus, brackets 24, 34 are fitted to gates 22, 32 of pool hoppers 8 or weighing hoppers 9 and rollers 28, 38 are rotatably provided on extensions 24a, 34a thereof. On a body B side of the weighing apparatus, there are provided operating arms 44, 64 having a forked tip portion, and the rollers 28, 38 fitted to the body B side are engaged so as to be held by the operating arms 44, 64. When the operating arms 44, 64 are rocked about support shafts 43, 63, the gates 22, 32 of the hoppers 8, 9 are rocked about support shafts 25, 35 through the rollers 28, 38 to selectively open and close lower portion discharge openings 21b, 31b.

Abstract: A unique valve assembly is disclosed which has particular utility in scroll compressors. The valve assembly includes a relatively thin valve plate formed of reed valve steel. The valve plate is less than 0.05 inch, and is elastically deformable upon application of fluid pressure. Thus, the pressure fluid in a chamber formed above the valve plate deforms the valve plate to conform to the valve seat. In embodiments a clip holds the valve plate on the valve seat. The clip provides a stop surface for the valve seat, and is also formed of thin resilient steel. Thus, when the valve plate is driven to its open position, the steel valve plate contacts the steel clip such that there is a spring back effect in response to rapid movement of the valve plate to its open position.

Abstract: A tubing retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve 106 is adapted to be positioned in a well tubing string 102 to control the flow through the tubing string. The safety valve includes an annular housing or body 200 defining a fluid passageway through which fluids and/or gasses may flow to the surface. The safety valve is equipped with a valve closure member such as flapper 252, positioned in the fluid passageway which is moveable between an open and closed position. The valve closure member is engaged and actuated by a longitudinally extending operator 242 that engages the valve closure member 252. In one embodiment, the longitudinally extending operator 242 may be a tubular member longitudinally moveable within the valve body. The longitudinally extending member 242 is operatively coupled to a spring guide 226. A biasing spring 222 is positioned in a spring chamber 120 defined by a spring housing 228 and the spring guide 226. A spring 256 biases the closure member 252 in the closed position.

Abstract: A concrete boom discharge valve apparatus 10 for controlling the flow of concrete from the discharge end 101 of a concrete boom 100 including a nozzle member 20 operatively connected on one end 21 to the discharge end 101 of the boom 100 and having the other end 24 of the nozzle member 20 defining a contoured valve seat 25 which is operatively associated with a spring biased gate face element 31 of a gate valve member 30 for controlling the flow through the nozzle member 20.

Abstract: An in-line, lever actuated valve for use in a liquid filling apparatus includes a valve body having an outer surface and defining an inlet region, an outlet region and a flow chamber intermediate the inlet and outlet regions. The valve body defines a cone opening in a side wall of the valve intermediate the inlet and outlet regions. A pivotable cone member having a plunger, a lever arm and a cone shield intermediate the plunger and lever arm, is positioned with at least a portion of the cone member traversing through the cone opening and positioned within the flow chamber. The cone shield engages the outer surface of the valve body to form a seal therewith. The cone member is pivotable through an angle of about 20.degree. from an opened position to a closed position wherein the plunger forms a seal across the flow chamber. The cone shield is positioned on the lever so as to define a base angle that is about one-half of the angle that the valve cone pivots from the closed position to the opened position.

Abstract: A valve flapper door return spring mechanism for an automotive HVAC housing is modified so as to compensate for tolerance variations, so that the door is held in a substantially rattle free return position regardless. One of a pair of resilient spring fingers sits in a V shaped notch created by the intersection of a pair of spring finger stop surfaces that are opposed in slope. The one spring finger can therefore continually seat itself into an equilibrium position at the bottom of the V, and always make solid contact.

Abstract: In order to ensure transmission of low amplitude back-and-forth movements between, for example, the non-aligned control member (46) of an actuator (42) and the sealing flap (34) of a valve, a lever (30) mounted on a body (10) by means of a flexible strip (32) is used. Said flexible strip lies in the longitudinal axis of the lever (30) and is fastened inside a tubular section (22) of the body (10) at two diametrically opposed points. The sealing flap (34) is fitted to one end of the lever (30) and the control member (46) actuates the other end of the lever.

Abstract: A mass fluid flow controller has a valve which is controlled by a controller rod structure which is substantially pivotally mounted on a metallic diaphragm which stretches and unstretches with the movement of the rod structure. In the relationship between the controller rod structure and a ball which acts as a gate-member for the valve, an elongated stem rod having a sleeve about it may be used in fixing the ball to the controller rod structure. The stem rod may be mounted by fixing it to the elongated sleeve, a distance from the gate-member side of the controller rod structure that is substantially greater than the distance of the position of the ball from the gate-member side of the controller rod structure.

Abstract: A motor damper arranged in a passage in a refrigerator through which the cold air flows comprises a frame constituting a part of the passage, a cold air gate formed at the center of the frame, a baffle rotatably secured on a rotation shaft formed on the frame for opening and closing the cold air gate and a rotation mechanism for swinging the baffle between open and closed positions of the cold air gate. The baffle is arranged to enclose a neighboring region by the frame at the position it closes the cold air gate. The rotation mechanism includes a motor arranged outside the frame and in the vicinity of the rotation shaft of the baffle. The motor damper also includes an output shaft of the motor which is rotatably secured to the rotation shaft of the baffle.

Abstract: A mass fluid flow controller has a valve which is controlled by a controller rod which is substantially pivotally mounted on a metallic diaphragm which stretches and unstretches with the movement of the rod. The actuation of the rod movement is by the expansion and contraction of an actuator wire which is heated for the expansion and allowed to cool for the contraction. The primary fluid flow path through the controller is straight. A sensor conduit, providing a parallel sensor fluid flow path, is connected in position using metallic sealer members which extend into openings to the primary fluid flow path and which are rounded along the direction through such openings. The pressure drop, along the primary fluid flow path, to create flow through the sensor conduit, is provided by a fluid flow restrictor having a core and having lengths of wire along the core which are squeezed between the core and a tapered fluid flow path wall in the vicinity of the sensor conduit input and output connections.

Abstract: An alternate valve assembly for a smoke re-combustion device of a engine includes a pair of alternate valves which are symmetrically installed at each inlet of filters connected with branches of an exhaust manifold.

Abstract: A shutoff valve with a spring-loaded valve disk. The spring, designed as a tension or pressure spring is arranged outside of the valve housing, where a pivoting arm is attached to the actuating shaft. One end of the arm remote from the shaft is engaged by the spring. The other end of the spring is supported on an abutment mounted on the outside of the valve housing. The driver and the abutment are arranged in such a way that in the closed position, an imaginary connection line extends between the abutment and the driver with a lateral displacement transverse to the longitudinal shaft axis extending in the direction of closing the valve. The operational state of the spring is always visible so that a damage or defect can be readily identified.

Abstract: A valve for sealing a pipe opening with a seal plate movably attached to the pipe opening and a valve body fixed to the pipe opening. Moving the seal plate towards the pipe opening closes the valve, and moving the seal plate away from the pipe opening opens the valve. The valve body includes a plate stop to limit the movement of the seal plate relative to the pipe opening. For instance, the seal plate, when forced fully away from the pipe opening, is forced to define an oblique plane that is oblique to the plane of the pipe opening. A method of sealing and then unsealing a pipe opening incorporating such a seal plate is also included.

Abstract: A linear control valve that includes a flexible cantilevered beam having a seal mounted thereon that is arranged to open and close against a fluid port as the beam is flexed. The free end of the beam is in contact with a motor driven deflector and the amount of flexure controlled by selectively positioning the motor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a surgical cannula that has a simple ball valve assembly comprising a ball, rotatably mounted on an axle extending between opposing legs of a pivotable yoke, which engages a seat to seal the instrument inlet to the cannula passageway when a trocar instrument is removed and moves out of the path of the instrument during insertion thus avoiding wear and strain on the valve and the instrumentation.

Abstract: A two-part plastics ventilator comprises a housing defining a ventilation opening, a flap pivotal to open and close the opening, and spring legs integral with the housing to bias the flap to the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A refrigerator system, a control device therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the control device comprising a housing having a valve seat and a movable valve member being adapted to open and close the valve seat, the housing having a substantially straight angled edge and the valve member having an end edge that is adapted to pivot on the angled edge, the end edge of the valve member comprising a pair of pivot parts respectively disposed at the opposite ends of the end edge thereof in spaced apart relation and being the only parts of the end edge thereof that engage the angled edge of the housing to pivot thereon.

Abstract: An exhaust tube having an internal butterfly valve is coupled to the exhaust end of a conventional exhaust pipe extending from an internal combustion engine. The valve plate is mounted for swinging about an axis offset from the axis of the exhaust tube. The valve plate is spring-biased to a normal position substantially obstructing the exhaust tube. At high exhaust flow conditions, the valve plate is automatically swung to an open position in which flow through the exhaust tube is essentially unrestricted. Under back pressure conditions, the valve plate swings oppositely but still constitutes a substantial obstruction to exhaust flow. Consequently, the valve automatically opens at high flow conditions and automatically closes at low flow and back pressure conditions for more efficient operation of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a quick-acting gate valve for installation on intake and exhaust openings of ventilation systems, in particular, of rapid railway vehicles, comprising a frame containing at least one passage slot provided with an adjustable closure element which relative to the passage slot can be placed into closed and open positions by a servo drive controlled in response to air pressure. In order to permit actuation of a quick-acting gate valve of this type substantially in a friction-free manner during opening and closing, the valve, in the practice of the invention, is so designed that the edges laterally confining the at least one passage slot relative to the in-flow direction are of a convex curvature. Behind the edges, the closure element is designed and arranged in the form of a similarly convex yet lesser curved leaf spring, the length of which corresponds at least to the length of the convex-curved edges of the passage slot.

Abstract: A subsurface safety valve has a valve seat and an upwardly closing flapper plate whose sealing surfaces each have a matched spherical radius of curvature. The sealing surface of the valve seat is a concave spherical segment and the sealing surface of the flapper plate is a convex spherical segment. The matching spherical surfaces are lapped together to provide a metal-to-metal seal along the interface between the nested convex and concave sealing surfaces. This permits angular displacement of the flapper plate relative to the valve seat without interrupting positive sealing engagement. The concave spherical seating surface of the safety valve seat will tolerate a limited amount of misalignment of the flapper plate which sometimes occurs during operation of the safety valve under high flow rate, high differential pressure conditions.

Abstract: A game apparatus including a pump carried in a housing and having a chamber with air inlet and air outlet and a piston sliding in the chamber, a release valve, an inflation nozzle for a balloon, and a pipeline in the housing connecting the chamber air outlet, the release valve, and the inflation nozzle. A release valve for the game apparatus including a valve seat, a deflate arm pivotally mounted on the housing, a valve carried on the deflate arm, and a spring engaging the deflate arm and housing for urging the valve onto the valve seat in sealing condition.

Abstract: A flapper valve assembly for use in a flow conduit in a subterranean well, the assembly having a valve closure member pivotally connected to a floating hinge assembly that slidably engages a sleeve comprising the valve seat. A strut assembly comprising circumferentially spaced struts pivotally connected to the valve closure member away from the floating hinge member and pivotally connected to a spring guide surrounding the flow conduit is also provided, and is biased to force the valve closure member toward the closed position.

Abstract: There is provided a valve damper which is pivotally suspended and may in its closing position cooperate with a seat, e.g., formed in a ventilating channel, and wherein an annular seal may be placed on the damper and/or seat. In order to achieve a smoke-tight closure of the damper, the latter is connected to a pivot shaft via resilient carriers, the attachment points thereof on the damper being displaced in relation to the axis of the pivot shaft.

Abstract: There is disclosed a subsurface tubing safety valve of the type having a flapper swingable between an open position to one side of its bore and a closed position over a seat about its bore. A seal ring retained in a groove about the seat has a protruding lip which is initially engaged by the flapper as it is swung toward the seating surface of the seat.

Abstract: A suction cleaner includes a floor nozzle and a handle pivotally connected to the floor nozzle. A suction creating device is located in one of the handle and the floor nozzle and a filter bag is secured to the handle. A first passageway leads from the floor nozzle to the filter bag. A first valve member is located in the first air passageway. A cleaning tool hose is secured to the handle. A second air passageway leads from the cleaning tool hose to a filter bag. A second valve member is located in the second air passageway.

Abstract: The invention provides an irrigation and aspiration device for use in laparascopic and other types of surgery. When connected to existing irrigation and suction sources, the device provides fingertip control of the fluid connections between the sources and a tube. The device comprises a valve housing with two valve assemblies inside, mounted and configured to take advantage of the static pressure supplied by the sources for increasing seal integrity of the valves. The internal chambers of the valve housing are also configured such that when one valve is open, the pressure differential across the other valve is increased, further increasing its seal integrity.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed, precision fluid valve assembly including a ball valve element is disclosed. The assembly includes a valve element retainer comprising a thin, flexible member having a first portion operatively associated with the valve element and a second portion, extending from the first, secured to the body of the valve assembly. The valve element retainer guides the motion of the valve element and is designed to reduce friction and eliminate the generation and entrapment of contaminants, thereby minimizing hysteresis in the operation of the valve.

Abstract: A valve is in the form of a valve body having a valve inlet, a valve outlet and a valve seat disposed between the inlet and the outlet. A valve closure member is movable between a first, closed position in abutment with the valve seat and a second, open position in which it is displaced from the valve seat.A shaft is pivotally mounted within the valve body and one end is connected to an actuating handle, by means of which it is pivotable. An arm is connected to the shaft and to the valve closure member, whereby movement of the actuating handle causes opening and closing of the valve.The positioning of the pivoting portions of the valve and the spring within the valve body (i.e. in an aperture actually within the material forming the valve body) means that the only item other than the valve closure member in the path of the material being discharged is the arm, and that when in the open position the valve closure member causes no constriction of the bore.

Abstract: A casing shut-in valve system (74) having a flapper valve assembly (34) and a shift head assembly (76); the flapper valve assembly (34) having an upper body member (36), lower body member (38), flow sleeve (40), valve seat sleeve member (42), flapper (54), flapper hinge assembly (56), and a plurality of spring strut assemblies (58) disposed on opposite sides of the flapper hinge assembly; the shift head assembly (76) having key housing (134) with bit sub (144) rotatably mounted in bearing (152), a plurality of outwardly biased shift keys (80), and a load equalizer plate (138) at each end of the key housing; the shift head assembly (76) being adapted to selectively open or close the valve by engaging and moving the flow sleeve (40) between defined upper and lower positions, thereby controlling the movement of flapper (54) through an angle (128) of rotation that is less than 90 degrees, and preferably about 45 degrees.

Abstract: A subsurface safety valve has a valve seat and an upwardly closing flapper plate whose sealing surfaces each have a matched spherical radius of curvature. The sealing surface of the valve seat is a concave spherical segment and the sealing surface of the flapper plate is a convex spherical segment. The matching spherical surfaces are lapped together to provide a metal-to-metal seal along the interface between the nested convex and concave sealing surfaces. This permits angular displacement of the flapper plate relative to the valve seat without interrupting positive sealing engagement. The concave spherical seating surface of the safety valve seat will tolerate a limited amount of misalignment of the flapper plate which sometimes occurs during operation of the safety valve under high flow rate, high differential pressure conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of being installed onto an existing single spout of a plumbing system wherein the spout receives tap water from valves that adjust flow rates from separate lines of hot and cold water utilizes a control valve that attaches to the single spout. The control valve is operated by a foot pedal which communicates with the control valve by a cable whose path is constrained by guides and rollers.

Abstract: A subsurface safety valve has a resilient valve seat and an upwardly closing flapper plate whose sealing surfaces each have a match spherical radius of curvature. The sealing surface of the valve seat is a concave spherical segment of elastomer material and the sealing surface of the flapper plate is a convex spherical segment. The matching spherical surfaces are lapped together to provide a metal-to-metal seal along the interface between the nested convex and concave sealing surfaces. This permits angular displacement of the flapper plate relative to the valve seat without interrupting positive sealing engagement. The concave spherical seating surface of the resilient valve seat will tolerate a limited amount of misalignment of the flapper plate which may be caused by operation in low differential pressure, sandy well conditions.

Abstract: The device comprises a housing with a circular passage orifice, a pivoting closing element in the form of a spherical dome and a circular gasket surrounding the said orifice and mounted on an annular support axially displacable towards the closing element under the action of a pneumatic fluid, the said annular support possessing for this purpose a passive annular surface exposed to the pressure in the said housing, the active surface of the support being larger than its passive surface.

Abstract: The diaphragm comprises an outer flexible part and a central part in which is overmoulded a rocking lever. The rod portion of said rocking lever is at right angles to the diaphragm plan and intended to be received in a recess of a sliding sleeve. The diaphragm rocking lever assembly is linked to an axle passing through the rocking lever and bearing on the valve body. The microvalve may be used in chemical and medical analysis devices.

Abstract: A selector valve is disclosed for a breath sampling apparatus which comprises a pair of plate-like members that have a connection with one another for relative edgewise swinging about an axis. Each of the plate-like members has an outer surface and an inner surface which is flat and normal to the axis and which slidably opposes the inner surface of the other member. Each of the plate-like members has a port through it, the ports in the two members being spaced at like distances from said axis. A stop is provided on said members defining a first position wherein the ports are in register with one another, and a second position wherein the ports are spaced apart and wherein the port in said one plate-like member is blocked by the other plate-like member with the port in the other plate-like member open to atmosphere. A biasing spring is provided to bias the plate-like members to one of the positions. A spring bias force selector is provided to adjustably vary the force of the biasing spring.

Abstract: An isolation valve used in a single crystal pulling apparatus, having a frame (11), a vertical passageway for communication between a main chamber and an upper pull chamber of the single crystal pulling apparatus, a shaft (13) capable of turning about its axis and reciprocating vertically, a lever (20) for turning the shaft, a drive means (18) for reciprocating the shaft (13), an arm (14) fixed to the shaft (13), a circular shutter (15) held by the arm (14) for closing and opening the vertical passageway, and a flange (9) defining a hole which communicates the passageway with the main chamber, wherein a cylindrical cavity is made in the bottom of the circular shutter (15); the flange (9) has a circular raised rim (9b) extending upward whose outer diameter is slightly smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical cavity of the shutter; and an endless circular seal means (17) is embedded partially in either the external vertical wall of the raised rim (9b) of the flange or the internal vertical wall of the shutt