Abstract: Check valves are described herein. A check valve includes an inlet body, an outlet body, a valve body, a valve member, and a wiping extension. The inlet body defines an inlet portion. The outlet body defines an outlet portion. The valve body is coupled between the inlet bod and the outlet body. The valve body defines a valve cavity. The valve cavity is in fluid communication with the inlet portion and the outlet portion. The valve member is disposed within the valve cavity. The valve member is configured to permit flow from the inlet portion to the outlet portion and prevent flow from the outlet portion to the inlet portion. The wiping extension extends from the valve body toward the valve member. The wiping extension is movable relative to the valve member to dislodge particulate from the valve member.

Abstract: A sealing disc for vacuum closure suitable for using in reciprocating movement to an open position or a closed position to open or seal a valve port of an all-metal valve is disclosed. A sealing plate of the sealing disc is formed with a first sealing surface. When the sealing disc is in the closed position, the first sealing surface directly abuts against the valve port of the all-metal vacuum valve. A vacuum sealability can be improved and a service lifetime can be prolonged through compensating movement and adjusting movement between two metallic sealing surfaces abutting each other.

Abstract: A mechanical seal assembly with an electronically controllable carrier load. The assembly includes a magnetic ring affixed to the carrier and driven by a solenoid. The solenoid can apply an axial force to the carrier. The carrier load can be controlled to prevent or reduce friction between the primary ring and mating ring in slow-roll running conditions by partially or completely compensating a spring force provided by a biasing mechanism. The carrier load can further be controlled to inhibit seal hang-up. In embodiments, desired the carrier load can be determined by rotational speed. In embodiments, carrier load can be determined based on sensor signals.

Abstract: An apparatus for temporarily blocking fluid flow through a pipe comprises a housing configured to enclose a portion of a pipe and a flow blockage device. The housing includes a first part defining a housing chamber for receiving the pipe, and a second part defining a stowage space adjacent the housing chamber. The flow blockage device is movable through an aperture formed in one side of the pipe to an installed position in the housing chamber. The flow blockage device includes an outer sealing part that is configurable between an unexpanded configuration allowing the flow blockage device to pass through the aperture and allowing fluid flow through the pipe and an expanded configuration configured to block fluid flow through pipe by substantially preventing passage of fluid between outer side surfaces of the flow blockage device and inner surfaces of the pipe.

Abstract: A control valve configured to set a process fluid stream of a processing plant can include a valve housing, a valve component, an annular-groove-shaped seal reception, and a seal. The valve housing can include an inlet, an outlet and an aperture extending between the inlet and the outlet along a longitudinal axis. The valve component can be mounted on the valve housing and can be a valve seat and/or a valve cage. The annular-groove-shaped seal reception can be confined by the valve component and the valve housing. The seal can be fit into the seal reception. The valve component and the valve housing can each form a respective ledge protruding in a radial direction to define the annular-groove-shaped seal reception. The ledges can each be configured to confine the seal reception in a respective axial direction.

Abstract: A substrate support in a substrate processing system includes a baseplate, a ceramic layer, and a bond layer. The ceramic layer is arranged on the baseplate to support a substrate. The bond layer is arranged between the ceramic layer and the baseplate. A seal is arranged between the ceramic layer and the baseplate around an outer perimeter of the bond layer. The seal includes an inner layer formed adjacent to the bond layer and an outer layer formed adjacent to the inner layer such that the inner layer is between the outer layer and the bond layer. The inner layer comprises a first material and the outer layer comprises a second material.

Abstract: A dual seat valve assembly includes a first valve and a concentric second valve which together form a tight seal valve assembly. The valves open and close sequentially. A quick disconnect rupture disc assembly may be used in conjunction with the valve assembly to provide a required safety feature for testing high pressure fluid ruptures that include a dump valve.

Abstract: A turbocharger waste gate valve includes an elastically deformable sealing member formed by sheet metal, the sealing member being carried on one of the poppet valve member and the valve housing and being arranged to be under compression between the valve seat and the valve member end face when the poppet valve member is in the closed position so as to be elastically deformed into a compressed state, and to be released from said compression so as to return to an uncompressed state when the poppet valve member is in the open position. The sealing member in the compressed state contacts the valve seat about a full circumference thereof and contacts the valve member end face about a full circumference thereof so as to substantially seal any gap between the valve member end face and the valve seat.

Abstract: A valve seat at least partially formed of a ceramic material for use in a fracturing pump includes a first body and a second body. The first body is configured to be inserted into a fluid passageway of the fracturing pump. The first body has an outer diameter, D1. The second body extends radially from the first body and has an outer diameter, D2, greater than the outer diameter, D1, of the first body. The second body is at least partially formed of the ceramic material.

Abstract: An object is to provide a backup ring manufacturable with an angle of a cut portion set to a standard cut angle even in the case of a product having a small diameter etc. due to dimensional limitation of a device used therewith, and is solved by a sealing device characterized in that a backup ring 1 is disposed in an annular gap 4 formed by disposing a sloped surface 20 on a member surface of one of two members, i.e.

Abstract: A valve seat apparatus for use with fluid valves is described. An example valve seat apparatus includes a seat ring having an outer surface that includes a first annular recess and a second annular recess adjacent the first annular recess to form a stepped profile. A seal assembly is disposed within the first groove and a retainer is disposed in the second annular recess to retain the seal assembly in the first annular recess of the seat ring.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve for cryogenic service includes: a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; a nozzle disposed within the fluid inlet, said nozzle having a nozzle groove radially formed on an exterior cylindrical surface of the nozzle and an outwardly disposed ledge having a lower ledge surface comprising a portion of an exterior surface of the nozzle groove and an upper ledge surface comprising a seat; a substantially cylindrical closure disc with a lower portion including a groove formed on an exterior radial surface of the cylindrical body, an outwardly disposed lip having an upper surface comprising a portion of an interior surface of the groove, said lip of the closure disc having a lower closure surface. The lip of the closure disc being adapted to deflect downward and inward in response to a cryogenic thermal gradient applied across the lip.

Abstract: A valve for controlling delivery of fluid includes a valve seat comprising a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a conical well having an opening, a beveled surface and a bottom, and a valve membrane comprising a conical portion having a base and a tip. The conical portion is configured to fit within the conical well of the valve seat. The valve membrane is configured to fluidly connect the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet when the valve membrane is in an undeformed position and fluidly disconnect the fluid inlet from the fluid outlet when the valve membrane is in a radially deformed position.

Abstract: A solenoid valve has a valve seat, a valve element, and a tappet which is shiftably mounted within the solenoid valve and can urge the valve element against the valve seat in which a line perpendicular to a plane defined by the valve seat can be oriented at an angle that is non-zero in relation to the direction of movement of the tappet, the valve seat being oriented obliquely to a center axis defined by a magnetic coil.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and systems are provided for sealing the door of a slit valve. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a seal, adapted to extend along a perimeter of a slit valve door; and a hard stop, disposed between the seal and an outer edge of the slit valve door, and adapted to extend along the length of the seal, wherein the hard stop and elastomer seal fill at least a portion of a gap between the slit valve door and an insert leading to a process chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to align a seat ring in a valve are described. An example fluid valve includes a valve body having a curved internal surface to receive a seat ring and a seat ring having a sealing surface to receive a movable control member and a curved surface opposite the sealing surface to engage the curved internal surface of the valve body.

Abstract: A valve stem-plug and seal assembly includes a valve stem-plug having first and second axially spaced peripheral shoulders forming a groove there between. A floating seal gasket is arranged in the groove. The floating seal gasket is an annular ring with a central opening through which the valve stem-plug extends. Further, the outer surface of the floating seal gasket includes an upper and a lower circumferential extending segment, wherein the segments are arranged for sealing against a valve seat and thereby forming a double-contact seal. The outer surface of the floating seal is concave between the upper and lower circumferentially extending segments such that a leakage chamber is formed between the valve seat and said upper and lower circumferentially extending segments when the double-contact seal is formed. The floating seal gasket itself and a valve assembly in which the valve stem-plug and seal assembly is used are also disclosed.

Abstract: Tunable fluid ends reduce valve-generated vibration to increase fluid-end reliability. Tunable fluid end embodiments comprise a family, each family member comprising a fluid end housing with at least one installed tunable component chosen from: tunable check valve assemblies, tunable valve seats, tunable radial arrays and/or tunable plunger seals. Each tunable component, in turn, contributes to blocking excitation of fluid end resonances, thus reducing the likelihood of fluid end failures associated with fatigue cracking and/or corrosion fatigue. By down-shifting the frequency domain of each valve-closing impulse shock, initial excitation of fluid end resonances is minimized. Subsequent damping and/or selective attenuation of vibration likely to excite one or more predetermined (and frequently localized) fluid end resonances represents further optimal use of fluid end vibration-control resources.

Abstract: Tunable check valves reduce valve-generated vibration to increase the reliability of tunable fluid ends. Selected improved designs described herein reflect disparate applications of identical technical principles (relating to, e.g., the vibration spectrum of an impulse). Tunable check valve embodiments comprise a family including, but not limited to, tunable check valve assemblies, tunable valve seats, and tunable radial arrays. Each such tunable embodiment, in turn, contributes to blocking excitation of fluid end resonances, thus reducing the likelihood of fluid end failures associated with fatigue cracking and/or corrosion fatigue. By down-shifting the frequency domain of each valve-closing impulse shock, initial excitation of fluid end resonances is minimized.

Abstract: Plungers and plunger assemblies for a diaphragm-sealed valve are provided. Each plunger is adapted to be received in a passage of the valve body and includes a base member and an upper member having a transversal play in this passage with respect to the base member. A resilient middle element is provided between the upper and base member. The base member is connected to a plunger actuating mechanism within the valve body. The upper member may therefore be self-aligning within the passage.

Abstract: Tunable fluid ends reduce valve-generated vibration to increase fluid-end reliability. Tunable fluid end embodiments comprise a family, each family member comprising a fluid-end housing with at least one installed tunable component chosen from: tunable check valve assemblies, tunable valve seats, tunable radial arrays and/or tunable plunger seals. Each tunable component, in turn, contributes to blocking excitation of fluid end resonances, thus reducing the likelihood of fluid end failures associated with fatigue cracking and/or corrosion fatigue. By down-shifting the frequency domain of each valve-closing impulse shock, initial excitation of fluid end resonances is minimized. Subsequent damping and/or selective attenuation of vibration likely to excite one or more predetermined (and frequently localized) fluid end resonances represents further optimal use of fluid end vibration-control resources.

Abstract: A valve for controlling a medium, e.g., a gaseous medium, includes: a valve support having at least one passage aperture; a closing element which is configured to open and to close the at least one passage aperture; and a valve seat including at least one area projecting in the axial direction of the valve, the projecting area being coated with an elastomeric sealing element, and the elastomeric sealing element being exclusively situated on the projecting area of the valve seat.

Abstract: A microfluidic device including a microvalve includes a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate, an elastic film between the first and second substrates, a microfluidic channel on the second substrate, a valve seat of the second substrate protruding in the microfluidic channel, and a fine structure on a surface of the elastic film, facing the valve seat and which contacts the valve seat when the microvalve is operated.

Abstract: A nozzle of a valve includes a nozzle edge limiting a nozzle opening with a sealing surface that can be sealed or released by a nipple. Spaced apart from the nozzle edge at least one supporting surface for the nipple is provided on the nozzle. The supporting surface is spaced apart from the nozzle edge by a distance area.

Abstract: Tunable fluid end embodiments comprise a family, each family member comprising a pump housing with at least one installed tunable component chosen from: tunable valve assemblies, tunable valve seats, tunable radial arrays and/or tunable plunger seals. For example, a tunable valve assembly or tunable radial array selectively attenuates valve-generated vibration at its source, thus reducing the likelihood of fluid end failures associated with fatigue cracking and/or corrosion fatigue. Adding tunable valve seats and/or tunable plunger seals to a fluid end facilitates optimal damping and/or selective attenuation of vibration at one or more predetermined (and frequently localized) fluid end resonant frequencies. Thus, the likelihood of exciting destructive resonances in a pump's fluid end housing is further reduced.

Abstract: Tunable fluid end embodiments comprise a family, each family member comprising a pump housing with at least one installed tunable component chosen from: tunable valve assemblies, tunable valve seats, tunable radial arrays and/or tunable plunger seals. For example, a tunable valve assembly or tunable radial array selectively attenuates valve-generated vibration at its source, thus reducing the likelihood of fluid end failures associated with fatigue cracking and/or corrosion fatigue. Adding tunable valve seats and/or tunable plunger seals to a fluid end facilitates optimal damping and/or selective attenuation of vibration at one or more predetermined (and frequently localized) fluid end resonant frequencies. Thus, the likelihood of exciting destructive resonances in a pump's fluid end housing is further reduced.

Abstract: A tunable valve assembly reduces valve-generated vibration. One embodiment comprises a valve body and valve seat having substantially collinear longitudinal axes. A rebound characteristic frequency is associated with rebound of the elastic valve body base plate from forceful contact with the valve seat. A central cavity in the valve body encloses a spring-mass damper optionally immersed in a dilatant liquid and having a damper resonant frequency approximating a pump housing resonance. A lateral support assembly adjustably secured to the valve seat has a support resonant frequency designed in conjunction with the rebound characteristic frequency and the damper resonant frequency. Combined hysteresis heat loss associated with the above three vibration frequencies is reflected in lower closing energy impulse amplitude and damping of associated vibrations.

Abstract: A tunable valve assembly reduces valve-generated vibration. One embodiment comprises a valve body and valve seat having substantially collinear longitudinal axes. A rebound characteristic frequency is associated with rebound of the elastic valve body base plate from forceful contact with the valve seat. A central cavity in the valve body encloses a spring-mass damper optionally immersed in a dilatant liquid and having a damper resonant frequency approximating a pump housing resonance. A lateral support assembly adjustably secured to the valve seat has a support resonant frequency designed in conjunction with the rebound characteristic frequency and the damper resonant frequency. Combined hysteresis heat loss associated with the above three vibration frequencies is reflected in lower closing energy impulse amplitude and damping of associated vibrations.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling a pressurized fluid. In accordance with some embodiments, a valve assembly includes a piston moved between closed and open positions. A sealing member is disposed within an annular recess of the piston and characterized as an endless annular ring extending about a central axis of the piston. The sealing member has an elongated circle cross-sectional shape when the sealing member is in an uncompressed state prior to installation in said recess. The cross-sectional shape is defined by parallel top and bottom surfaces having a length L in a direction perpendicular to and intersecting the central axis, and having opposing inner and outer surfaces of a radius R, the inner and outer surfaces respectively facing toward and facing away from the central axis, and wherein the dimensional value of L is at least five times greater than the dimensional value of R.

Abstract: Tunable valve assemblies attenuate valve-generated vibration at one or more predetermined assembly resonant frequencies which are typically altered to correspond to specific pump housing resonant frequencies. Each tunable valve assembly comprises a valve body having a peripheral groove spaced radially apart from a central reservoir. An adjustable flange may be coupled to the valve body for imposing a predetermined shear preload by partially constraining a viscoelastic element in the reservoir. One or more valve assembly resonant frequencies are thus predictably altered. Further, the associated valve-generated vibration spectrum is narrowed, and its amplitude is reduced through hysteresis loss of closing impulse energy at each predetermined assembly resonant frequency. Assembly resonant frequencies are additionally or alternatively altered through choice of viscoelastic elements and inclusions (e.g., shear-thickening materials) in the reservoir and/or peripheral groove.

Abstract: A tunable valve assembly comprises a valve body, an adjustable preload flange centrally coupled to the valve body, and a viscoelastic element; the assembly attenuates valve-generated vibration transmitted to a pump housing. The vibration spectrum is narrowed and its amplitude reduced through hysteresis loss of closing impulse energy. The viscoelastic element comprises a peripheral groove portion coupled to a central reservoir portion via a plurality of fenestration portions. At least a first predetermined assembly resonant frequency is achieved by changing valve assembly compliance (with associated hysteresis loss) through adjustment of annular shear preload applied by the flange to the viscoelastic element reservoir portion. Such preload adjustment effectively maximizes hysteresis loss at the resonant frequency. At least a second predetermined assembly resonant frequency is achieved through choice of a circumferential shear-thickening material within the viscoelastic element groove portion.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to a slit valve door assembly for sealing an opening in a chamber. A slit valve door that is pressed against the chamber to seal the slit valve opening moves with the chamber as the slit valve opening shrinks so that an o-ring pressed between the slit valve door and the chamber may move with the slit valve door and the chamber. Thus, less rubbing of the o-ring against the chamber may occur. With less rubbing, fewer particles may be generated and the o-ring lifetime may be extended. With a longer lifetime for the o-ring, substrate throughput may be increased.

Abstract: A valve including an elastically deformable component is disclosed, wherein the elastically deformable component is disposed in one of a valve head and a valve body, and wherein the elastically deformable component is elastically deformed when the valve is in a closed position to facilitate a substantially fluid tight seal between the valve head and the valve body.

Abstract: A tunable valve assembly attenuates valve-generated vibration at one or more predetermined assembly resonant frequencies. The assembly comprises a valve body having a peripheral groove spaced radially apart from a central reservoir. An adjustable preload flange is centrally coupled to the valve body for changing assembly compliance and for imposing a shear preload by partially constraining a viscoelastic element in the reservoir. Assembly resonant frequencies are thus predictably altered. Further, the vibration spectrum is narrowed and its amplitude reduced through hysteresis loss of closing impulse energy at each such altered resonant frequency. At least a first predetermined assembly resonant frequency is achieved through adjustment of shear preload, and at least a second predetermined assembly resonant frequency is achieved through choice of a viscoelastic or composite element in the peripheral groove.

Abstract: A valve seat assembly for a pressure relief valve in which a valve member is biased against a valve seat to a closed position and movable away from the valve seat to an open position when inlet fluid pressure reaches a predetermined threshold value, the valve seat assembly having a seat body with an internal bore and positioned to abut the valve member when moved by the spring to the closed position. An insert member is disposed in the seat body to extend between an upper end of the seat body and a resilient member supported by the seat body for resiliently pressing against the insert member, the upper end of the insert member supporting the valve seat to seal with the valve member.

Abstract: A valve assembly controls the flow of fluid at very low pressures of about 5 psi or less to and from inflatable chambers. Each valve assembly has a plurality of valves that operate between a closed and an open position. A first conduit or channel directs the fluid to each of the valves; and a plurality of second conduits each associated with one of the plurality of valves communicates with an inflatable chamber. Each of the valves has a valve seat and a valve stem with a head that seats on or with the valve seat to effect a seal in the closed position. The valve stem has a portion positioned to be moved by the solenoid when activated. The separate valves also act as relief valves. A vent valve is also provided and configured to operate between open and closed positions.

Abstract: A vascular access device may include a gas chamber housed between a body and a septum, and a receptacle in communication with the gas chamber. A method of displacing gas in a medical device may include transferring gas between a gas chamber of a vascular access device and a receptacle housed within the vascular access device.

Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed herein having a valve member and a valve seat body. The valve member is reciprocatingly movable into and out of engagement with the valve seat body. The assembly further includes at least one deformable seal positioned to be at the situs of engagement of the valve member with the valve seat body. The at least one seal is preconfigured with a recess facing the situs to form a pocket to trap fluid therein as the valve member approaches the engagement, which reduces the velocity of the valve member moving toward the engagement and reduces the impact force of the valve member on the valve seat body. Furthermore, the fluid disposed within the pocket also reduces the axial load on the valve member and valve seat body.

Abstract: A pump assembly with valve-seat interface architecture configured to extend the life of pump components and the assembly. A valve of the pump assembly is equipped with a conformable valve insert that is configured with a circumferential component having the capacity to reduce the radial strain of its own deformation upon its striking of a valve seat at the interface within the pump assembly. The circumferential component may include a concave surface about the insert, a rounded abutment at the strike surface of the insert, or a core mechanism within the insert that is of greater energy absorbing character than surrounding material of the insert. Additionally, the valve seat itself may be configured for more even wear over time and equipped with a conformable seat insert to reduce wear on the valve insert.

Abstract: An impulse tolerant valve body is longitudinally deformable, acting through its convex valve seat interface and a concave valve seat to beneficially reduce closing energy impulse amplitude, increase impulse duration, damp induced resonance vibrations, and narrow the characteristic vibration spectrum. Elastic longitudinal valve body deformability results from elasticity in valve body construction materials and, in certain embodiments, from at least one fluid-filled internal elastic space in fluid communication with at least one internal surge chamber via at least one fluid flow restrictor. Fluid flow from elastic space to surge chamber allows substantially central longitudinal valve body compression, followed by elastic valve body rebound with reverse fluid flow. Beneficial effects are achieved through dissipation of impulse energy as heat lost through fluid flow friction and valve body hysteresis.

Abstract: An impulse tolerant valve body has at least one internal variable-volume space capable of elastic longitudinal compression and rebound. Each such space is filled with incompressible fluid and has fluid communication with at least one internal surge chamber. A closing energy impulse due to valve closing causes elastic longitudinal compression of at least one variable-volume space, with consequent flow of incompressible fluid to at least one surge chamber via at least one fluid flow restrictor. During subsequent elastic rebound, incompressible fluid flows from at least one surge chamber to at least one variable-volume space, again via at least one fluid flow restrictor. A portion of valve closing impulse energy is thus redistributed as heat generated due to fluid friction losses and valve body hysteresis loss. Valve closing energy impulse amplitude is thereby reduced, impulse duration is increased, vibration spectrum is narrowed and induced resonance vibrations are damped.

Abstract: A fuel shut-off valve includes a casing, an ascendable and descendible float, and an upper valve element, which is actuated by the float to open and close connector passage that communicates the inside of fuel tank with the outside, and which includes a valve body and a ring-shaped seat member. The ring-shaped seat member makes a connector bore, which communicates with the connector passage, therein, and includes a base, a holding portion, a seating portion, a lip-shaped portion, and a thin-film-shaped portion. The seating portion opens and closes the connector passage, and defines an opening of the connector bore. The lip-shaped portion seats on and separates away from the float, and defines the other opening of the connector bore. The thin-film-shaped portion is disposed between the base and the lip-shaped portion, and is deformable elastically upon being pressed by the float when the float seats on the lip-shaped portion.

Abstract: A terminal valve having a cone (9) that communicates with a valve seat (10) of a seat ring (19) and cooperates with a veil (12) to control flow. The valve seat (10) and the veil (12) together form a sealing element, which seals against the cone (9) as well as the valve body (1). The cone (9) has a cylindrical portion (46) with slits (49, 50) that form a flow passage area which allows a flow that corresponds to a modified logarithmic function.

Abstract: Charge valve for gas, in particular for carbon dioxide, comprising a seat, drilled with a passage, a shaft movable inside the passage against the compression of a return spring bearing against the seat and an elastomeric seal compressed between the seat and the shaft to close the passage when the shaft is moved into a first closed position, called low-pressure position, wherein a thermoplastic seal comprising a polymer that is deformable but has a hardness higher than that of the elastomeric seal, is added onto the seat or onto the shaft to close the passage when the thermoplastic seal is compressed between the seat and the shaft in a second closed position, called high-pressure position, against an additional compression of the elastomeric seal.

Abstract: A valve seat apparatus for use with fluid valves is described. An example valve seat apparatus includes a flexible seal disposed between a cage and a valve body such that an outer seating surface of a closure member slidably coupled to the cage slidingly engages the flexible seal to prevent fluid flow through the valve body when the valve is in a closed position and an end of the closure member is not driven into abutting engagement with another seating surface when the valve is in the closed position.

Abstract: A valve for controlling delivery of fluid includes a valve seat comprising a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a conical well having an opening, a beveled surface and a bottom, and a valve membrane comprising a conical portion having a base and a tip. The conical portion is configured to fit within the conical well of the valve seat. The valve membrane is configured to fluidly connect the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet when the valve membrane is in an undeformed position and fluidly disconnect the fluid inlet from the fluid outlet when the valve membrane is in a radially deformed position.

Abstract: A thin disk portion, which extends radially, and a rib provided in an outer circumference part of the disk portion are formed in a valve body. A ring-like seal projection to be pressure-contacted with the disk portion to seal a valve is formed in a case. Because the disk portion is thin, deformation occurs along an end surface of a seal projection when the valve is sealed. Even when the seal projection is deformed due to fuel swelling or the like, sealing is enabled along the entire circumference thereof. High sealability is achieved even when the resin components are pressure-contacted with each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multilayer protective enclosure for protecting humans, animals or perishables from hazardous agents in the environment. The enclosure contains a porous adaptive membrane structure that has movable membranes with insertable protrusions. The structure can be made to change its gas, liquid or particulate permeability in response to surrounding environmental conditions. Hence, the enclosure is highly breathable in a non-hazardous environment but impermeable or only semipermeable in a hazardous environment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to align a seat ring in a valve are described. An example fluid valve includes a valve body having a curved internal surface to receive a seat ring and a seat ring having a sealing surface to receive a movable control member and a curved surface opposite the sealing surface to engage the curved internal surface of the valve body.

Abstract: An apparatus to control blood flow through an intravenous catheter in accordance with the present invention may include an intravenous catheter adapter and a blood control valve. The blood control valve may be retained within a hollow interior region of the intravenous catheter adapter, and may include a resilient outer shell and an inner valve portion extending inwardly therefrom. The inner valve portion may include a slit configured to open, coin-purse style, upon radially compressing the resilient outer shell. In some embodiments, a compression feature may be integrated into the intravenous catheter adapter to radially compress the resilient outer shell. A Luer device, for example, may be inserted into the intravenous catheter adapter to translate the blood control valve to a position substantially corresponding to the compression feature, thereby actuating the compression feature to open the slit.