Abstract: Improved feeding set connectors and cassettes are disclosed for use with peristaltic infusion pumps for safely delivering enteral nutritional fluids to a patient. The connectors provide an easy to use “pump-to-set” integration or “keying” system for specific reusable infusion pumps and their matching feeding sets, and can be utilized by medical professionals having various skill levels. The inventive feeding set cassettes can prevent accidental free flow of enteral fluids into a patient, even upon inadvertent release of the connector from the pumping mechanism.

Abstract: Described is a catheter for being retained inside the body for extended periods, and a catheter mating device that can connect to the catheter to move the catheter inside of the body or remove it from the body. The catheter mating device has a stem with an apparatus at its distal end. The apparatus is moveable between a first position and a second position. When in its first position, the distal end is configured to fit in the proximal end of the catheter. When in its second position, the distal end engages the proximal end of the catheter and connects the catheter mating device to the catheter.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to an extended use systems and devices for management of bladder function for people with urinary dysfunction. The system includes a catheter and a valve that can control fluid flow. The catheter can be placed inside the bladder using devices that facilitate insertion and extraction. The placement of the catheter can be done by a trained individual such as a patient, as well as a clinician, a nurse, or a caretaker. Once placed inside the bladder, the catheter can be fully-internal, meaning no portion of the catheter is visible from outside of the patient's body.

Abstract: A spout (20) for a lid (10), where the lid (10) is constructed and arranged to fit over and close an open top of a container (150). The spout (20) has an elongated fluid conduit (22) having two ends (24, 25) and lying along a conduit longitudinal axis (23). The conduit (22) has a pair of opposed convex curved sidewalls (61, 63) that meet at two opposed locations (64, 65) at an angle of less than 180 degrees to define a generally elliptical cross-sectional shape that has a major axis (51) that passes through the sidewall meeting locations (64, 65).

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to an extended use systems and devices for management of bladder function for people with urinary dysfunction. The system includes a prosthesis which can include a retaining portion to prevent migration and a valve that can control fluid flow. The catheter can be placed inside the bladder using devices that facilitate insertion and extraction. The placement of the catheter can be done by a trained individual such as a patient, as well as a clinician, a nurse, or a caretaker. Once placed inside the bladder, the catheter can be fully-internal, meaning no portion of the catheter is visible from outside of the patient's body.

Abstract: A non-contact transfer hand includes a suction holding plate and a lid portion. The suction holding plate has a flat-shaped suction surface as a front surface, a non-suction surface as a back surface, and a chamber. The suction surface has a gas discharge groove. The non-suction surface has a gas supply groove that has a gas introduction port. The chamber communicates with an end of the gas supply groove. A wall surface of the chamber has an inlet. The gas supply groove is configured to supply gas from the gas introduction port toward the chamber. The gas discharge groove communicates with the chamber via the inlet, and is configured to discharge the gas in a direction apart from the chamber. The lid portion is fixed on the non-suction surface to cover the gas supply groove and the chamber.

Abstract: A fluid delivery valve and system including a neck portion adapted to connect to a fluid delivery tube; a head portion comprising a dispensing face with a perimeter and a slit; and a compression member disposed in the head portion which is adapted to apply a force to the slit.

Abstract: A filling channel opening and closing device, which is used in a liquid product filling apparatus, including an opening and closing control unit that includes a flexible tube and a chamber enclosing the flexible tube in a gastight manner, a gas supply and exhaust device that collapses and restores the flexible tube by supplying pressurized gas into the chamber and exhausting the gas from the chamber, and a control device that controls the timing of supply and exhaust of the gas of the gas supply and exhaust device.

Abstract: Further disclosed herein is a method for controlling fluid flow. The method includes, selectively deforming at least one selectively deformable member disposed between two tubular members that are radially aligned with one another, at least one of the at least one deformable member being positioned between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The method further includes regulating flow of fluid by deforming the at least one deformable member positioned between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet sufficiently to achieve a desired flow rate.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for preparation of purified water and medicaments for various uses including blood treatment are described. Methods, devices, and systems for creating multiple-treatment batches are described.

Abstract: An anti-free-flow mechanism includes an occluder mechanism which is disposed along a segment of tubing. The occluder mechanism is normally in a biased closed position, but may be moved into an open position by moving an engagement member into engagement with the tubing segment to deform the tubing segment and open a flow channel. Unless force is applied to keep the engagement member in contact with the tubing segment, the tubing will return to the first, closed position.

Abstract: An anti-free-flow mechanism includes an occluder mechanism which is disposed along a segment of tubing and a mounting structure. The occluder mechanism is normally in a biased closed position, but may be moved into an open position by placement in the mounting structure. However, unless force is applied to keep the occluder mechanism in the mounting structure, the occluder will move relative to the mounting structure and return to the first, closed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve structure for a microfluidic channel, where the valve serves the opening and closing of a channel (8) on a second level raised through channel pillars from the plane of the microfluidic channel network at the first level of a base plate (1), and where the channel wall is formed of a resilient material. The valve structure consists of a base plate (1) part, of protruding supporting walls (3, 3?) belonging to the base plate (1) and of a resilient part (7) between the supporting walls (3, 3?), within which the channel (8) is formed, and it consists furthermore of pressing appliances (9, 9?) situated on the two sides of the channel, as well as of displacement appliance (10) ensuring the movement of the pressing appliances in the direction of the mid-line of the channel (8).

Abstract: A flow control apparatus 1 including a tubular outside member 4, a tubular inside member 10 placed in the outside member 4, and a valve member 20 is used. The inside member 10 includes a through-hole 14 passing through a side wall in a thickness direction and a contact portion 11 that is in contact with the outside member 4, which are arranged in that order in a direction from one opening 16 to the other opening 17. The valve member 20 is placed in the opening 17 of the inside member 10. The valve member 20 passes only a fluid supplied at a set pressure or higher in a direction from the one opening 16 to the other opening 17. The outside member 4 is formed so as to form a gap communicating with the through hole 14 between the outside member 4 and the contact portion 11 due to elastic deformation caused by an external force. The gap forms a flow path of a fluid in combination with the through-hole 14.

Abstract: A bite valve for a hydration system includes a body, a sheath, a seal post, a first seal, and a second seal. The body includes a body channel configured to flow a fluid. The sheath is configured to attach to the body. The sheath includes a sheath channel extending from the body to a sheath opening. The seal post is positioned within the sheath channel and is configured to be movable with respect to the sheath and the body between a sealed position and an unsealed position.

Abstract: A vascular access device having a spring-biased septum is provided for preventing the leakage of blood during the placement and use of vascular catheters and similar devices. The structure of the device includes a housing with an internal channel. A spring-biased septum is placed securely within the channel such that it substantially blocks blood flow through the channel. The spring-biased septum includes an elastic plug having a pre-slit or pre-molded hole and a biasing element disposed about the elastic plug. A needle or other object may be withdrawn through the slit or hole, after which the biasing element forces the hole closed, preventing blood leakage.

Abstract: An iris arrangement has first and second annular carrier elements annular elements coaxially arranged and circumferentially interlocked with one another so as to be independently rotatable. A plurality of iris elements each have a first compliant beam element coupled at a first end thereof to the iris element and at a second end thereof to the first annular carrier element, and a second compliant beam element coupled at a first end thereof to the associated iris element and at a second end thereof to the second annular carrier element. Rotatory motion of the carrier elements relative to each other results in substantially radial displacement of each of the iris elements. The plurality of iris elements communicate with one another when disposed in a radially innermost position. A web covers a region between the plurality of iris elements and the circumference of the first and second annular elements.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a hose system for an injector for injecting contrast agents and saline solution into the human body. The hose system comprises a contrast agent conduit (106, 126; 206, 226; 306, 326; 401, 402,403, 404, 405, 421, 422, 423, 424, 425; 501, 502, 503, 504, 521, 522, 523, 524), a saline solution conduit (116, 216, 316, 411, 412, 413, 414, 415; 511, 512, 513, 515) a pump hose (132; 232; 332; 432; 532) and a frame (135; 235; 335; 435, 436; 535, 536, 537). The contrast agent and saline solution conduits are mechanically fixed at a least one position to the frame. The pump hose is fixed to the frame at least two positions. The invention further pertains to a squeeze valve and a pressure measuring interface.

Abstract: A hydration pack has a reservoir for holding fluid, a fluid conduit extending from the reservoir for passage of the fluid from the reservoir, and a bite valve connected to a distal end of the fluid conduit. The bite valve includes a deformable sleeve having an open end defining an inlet and a closed end. At least one outlet is formed between the inlet and the closed end. A sheath is shrouded over all of the outlets and seals the same. The closed end of the sleeve extends beyond the sheath to provide a bite engagement area for opening the valve. Deforming the sleeve at the bite engagement area moves at least one of the outlets away from the sheath to allow fluid flow through the outlet.

Abstract: A bite valve manufactured from a soft and flexible material includes a joining section, a liquid outlet section, and at least a pair of columns at an inner wall approaching the liquid outlet section to retain the bite valve and to prevent an inner channel of the bite valve from being closed, and an extension tube projecting from an outer periphery of the liquid outlet section and being capable of bending backward to accommodate around the outer periphery of the liquid outlet section. Wherein, the joining section is for joining with a liquid guide tube of a liquid container.

Abstract: A flow control valve (22) such as for a catheter (10) allows discharge of urine from a bladder (12) by manual actuation. The valve (22) may be a double-duckbill valve (22) with a single slit (62) at one apex (60a) thereof. An elastomeric band (66) is positioned in a groove (68) of the valve member (22). An isolation member such as a stem (72) spaces the valve (22) from the walls (34, 36) of the valve housing (32). Crush limiting structure, such as a tube (76) or blade (82), is provided within valve member (22), or stop elements (86 or 92) are positioned external to valve member (22).

Abstract: A nozzle and the method for manufacturing thereof are disclosed. The manufacturing method includes the following steps: 1. forming a base with a closure and a supporting frame with two corresponding shafts on the top thereof via extruded hard plastic; 2. inserting a central mold into the supporting frame such that the shafts on the top of the supporting frame may be slightly outward; 3. secondly applying extruded plastic on the top of the supporting frame to form a mouthpiece; and 4. thirdly applying extruded plastic on the bottom of the supporting frame to accomplish a nozzle with excellent touch feeling and firm structure. By way of the above steps, the nozzle according to the present invention presents a soft touch feeling and would not easily fall off of the conduit of the water bag due to the sucking of the user.

Abstract: A suction connector, comprising a fluid passage (31) having one end to be connected to a conduit and the other end to be connected to a suction source when in use and a ventilating passage (32) branched in the middle of the fluid passage and having an opening end (33), wherein a blocking plate (34) is disposed at least at a partial region on a fluid passage side inside the ventilating passage, the cross-section of the ventilating passage is divided by the blocking plate into a plurality of regions, and fluid advancing from the fluid passage into the ventilating passage is prevented by the blocking plate from flowing out from the opening end, whereby a sucking force caused by an releasing a negative pressure can be regulated sufficiently, spattering of fluid can be surely prevented to thus eliminate the danger of contamination and infection to an operator and assuring sanitation, and a structure is simplified.

Abstract: Shut-off valve, composed of a container (3) provided with valve seat (4), and also a valve body (2, 22, 42) that can be moved through the opening bounded by the valve seat (4), in order to provide a seal. The valve body (2, 22, 42) is provided with a conical or spherical shut-off edge and is connected to the container (3) by way of a flexible connecting part (5). This makes it possible to move the valve body (2, 22, 42) laterally, in other words perpendicular to the direction of closing, and in this way achieve an opening of the shut-off valve. The container (3) can comprise any construction known in the prior art.

Abstract: A bite valve for drinking liquids from a hydration system, the bite valve having a hollow deformable impervious body with a receiving opening fluidically connectable to an outlet of the hydration system for receiving liquids and a dispensing opening adapted to selectively dispense received liquids. A resilient piston positioned within the hollow deformable body, the resilient piston having a plug normally blocking the dispensing opening, and a resilient bifurcated member having a longitudinal dimension and a lateral dimension, adapted to shorten its initial longitudinal dimension when lateral force is exerted on its lateral dimension, and regain its initial longitudinal dimension when the lateral forces are not exerted, so when a lateral force is exerted on the resilient bifurcated member the piston is retracted inwardly allowing liquid to flow through the dispensing opening.

Abstract: Bite-valves are synonymous with personal hydration systems. Their action is to provide regulation of fluid that is drawn from the hydration reservoir by supplying a vacuum or by sucking like on a straw. Bite valves are placed in line and usually at the end of the line with the tube or hose that communicates with the reservoir. Bite-valves are normally closed and are opened when the person performs a biting action on the valve itself. Bite valves should provide the user with a perfect seal, high flow characteristics, and be small in size. Slit-type valves today are kinematically inefficient and as a consequence their flow rates are relatively slow compared to the inventor's bite-valve. This valve made of elastomeric material incorporates two angled slits along opposing vertical edges that are perpendicular to the biting direction or action. The general shape of the cross section at the site of the slitted septum is rectangular. The rectangular geometric shape is important in the flow dynamics of this valve.

Abstract: Bite-valves are synonymous with personal hydration systems. Their action is to provide regulation of fluid that is drawn from the hydration reservoir by supplying a vacuum or by sucking like on a straw. Bite valves are placed in line and usually at the end of the line with the tube or hose that communicates with the reservoir. Bite-valves are normally closed and are opened when the person performs a biting action on the valve itself. Bite valves should provide the user with a perfect seal, high flow characteristics, and be small in size. Slit-type valves today are kinematically inefficient and as a consequence their flow rates are relatively slow compared to the inventor's bite-valve. This valve made of elastomeric material incorporates two angled slits along opposing vertical edges that are perpendicular to the biting direction or action. The general shape of the cross section at the site of the slitted septum is rectangular. The rectangular geometric shape is important in the flow dynamics of this valve.

Abstract: A hard and soft plastic integral nozzle structure includes a built-in supporting frame member which is made of hard plastic, and at least having a left and a right clipping rod. A soft nozzle is formed integrally by inrection to wrap the the left and right clipping rods with a soft plastic. A taper board and a peripheral groove are provided in the center of the nozzle. The elasticity of the two clipping rods of the supporting frame made of hard plastic material brings an excellent anti-leaking effect for the water outlet crevice(s) at the center of the nozzle, as well as a fully open status thereof.

Abstract: A hard and soft plastic integral nozzle structure includes a built-in supporting frame member which is made of hard plastic, and at least having a left and a right clipping rod. A soft nozzle is formed integrally by inrection to wrap the the left and right clipping rods with a soft plastic. A taper board and a peripheral groove are provded in the center of the nozzle. The elasticity of the two clipping rods of the supporting frame made of hard plastic material brings an excellent anti-leaking effect for the water outlet crevice(s) at the center of the nozzles as well as a fully open status thereof.

Abstract: A drink valve including a housing, a valve member telescopically engaged within the opening of the housing with the housing and valve member being in fluid communication and including a flow path defined by openings of the housing and valve member, and an actuating mechanism including a deformable seal defined by a deformable sidewall of the housing, where the actuating mechanism includes a fluid tight seal that prevents fluid flow in a normally closed position and is actuatable into an open position to enable fluid flow through the flow path when the sidewall of the housing is deformed.

Abstract: An improved bite valve for use in personal hydration devices and other water dispensing systems. The valve has a flexible conduit sealed at an end by a cap. Fluid is blocked from flowing out of the conduit by the cap. The cap provides a fluid seal as a ring around an exterior surface of the conduit. Biting an end of the conduit, near the cap, radially separates the conduit from the cap, permitting fluid to flow into a person's mouth. The configuration of the valve permits a larger valve opening, and correspondingly improved fluid flow through the valve. A positive stop mechanism, to prevent undesired fluid flow, may also be provided in a valve.

Abstract: A diaphragm (12) for use with a fluid carrying condiuit (70) or outer body (14) where the diaphragm (12) has a convex outer surface (26), a concave inner surface (28), a slit (32) extending from surface (26) to surface (28), and a notch defined by two walls (40, 42) at outer surface (26). The walls (40, 42) preferably diverge towards the outlet end (20) so that upon deflection of diaphragm (12), a greater minimum gap (46) for fluid movement is created when compared to the minimum gap (48) of a diaphragm not having the notch. The notch may have a cross section shape of a “V”, a “U”, or a three section rectilinear form, and may be formed at either surface depending upon the direction of diaphragm deflection.

Abstract: An improved bite valve for use in personal hydration devices and other water dispensing systems. The valve has a flexible conduit sealed at an end by a cap. Fluid is blocked from flowing out of the conduit by the cap. The cap provides a fluid seal as a ring around an exterior surface of the conduit. Biting an end of the conduit, near the cap, radially separates the conduit from the cap, permitting fluid to flow into a person's mouth. The configuration of the valve permits a larger valve opening, and correspondingly improved fluid flow through the valve. A positive stop mechanism, to prevent undesired fluid flow, may also be provided in a valve.

Abstract: A drink valve including a housing, a valve member telescopically engaged within the opening of the housing with the housing and valve member being in fluid communication and including a flow path defined by openings of the housing and valve member, and an actuating mechanism including a deformable seal defined by a deformable sidewall of the housing, where the actuating mechanism includes a fluid tight seal that prevents fluid flow in a normally closed position and is actuatable into an open position to enable fluid flow through the flow path when the sidewall of the housing is deformed.

Abstract: A hard and soft plastic integral nozzle structure includes a built-in supporting frame member which is made of hard plastic, and at least having a left and a right clipping rod such that both the left clipping rod and the right clipping rod of the frame member in the injected mold being propped by a propping member to open outward, and forms an integrally wrapped nozzle. After the propping member in the mold retracts and separates from the mold, the contraction of the elasticity for the two clipping rods of the supporting frame member made of hard plastic material gives an excellent anti-leaking effect for the crevices at the center of the nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing free flow through an infusion set utilizes an occluder disposed within the infusion set to selectively prevent flow therethrough. The occluder may be responsive to a pressure differential within the infusion set or may respond to compression of the infusion set. When a pair of occluders are used in sequence, an inline pump may be formed.

Abstract: A flexible member is fabricated with side walls forming a chamber which is coupled to a liquid source on one side and has a slit through an end wall on the other side. The end wall is generally curved toward the chamber on its interior surface. The exterior surface of the end wall has ridges adjacent to the slit that extends through the end wall. Deformation of the side walls of the flexible member as by biting causes the end wall with the slit to deform and open the slit which otherwise is retained closed by the walls of the flexible member. This action establishes fluid dispensing from the source through the slit. The thickness of the end wall varies over its distance creating weaken areas in the end wall. These weakened areas create areas in which the end wall deforms opening the slit. In addition to the foregoing, the interior surface forming the chamber has a minimal surface area. The surface is smooth, allowing easier cleaning of the chamber.

Abstract: A diaphragm (12) for use with a fluid carrying conduit (70) or outer body (14) where the diaphragm (12) has a convex outer surface (26), a concave inner surface (28), a slit (32) extending from surface (26) to surface (28), and a notch defined by two walls (40, 42) at outer surface (26). The walls (40, 42) preferably diverge towards the outlet end (20) so that upon deflection of diaphragm (12), a greater minimum gap (46) for fluid movement is created when compared to the minimum gap (48) of a diaphragm not having the notch. The notch may have a cross section shape of a “V”, a “U”, or a three section rectilinear form, and may be formed at either surface depending upon the direction of diaphragm deflection.

Abstract: A flexible member is fabricated with four side walls forming a chamber which is coupled to a fluid source or reservoir on one side and has a slit through the end wall on the other side. The end wall is generally flat on its interior surface. Deformation of the side walls of the flexible member as by biting causes the end wall with the slit to deform and open the slit which otherwise is retained closed by the walls of the flexible member. This action establishes fluid dispensing from the source through the slit. The thickness of at least two of the side walls with respect to the slit containing end wall is greater than the end wall so that the pivoting hinge lines are established. Alternatively or in addition to the foregoing, a cut or groove into the interior of the end wall establishes a hinge line with cuts on either side of the slit thus establishing dual hinge lines.

Abstract: A flow control valve is made from a one-piece housing which defines a substantially linear flow path. The housing comprises deformable portions coupled to a valve seat and a poppet to allow relative motion therebetween for opening and closing the valve. The deformable portion may comprise a thinned section of a side wall of the housing.

Abstract: A portable drinking facilitation apparatus is useful for a bicyclist and provides a liquid reservoir and a reservoir delivery tube. The apparatus has a flexible drinking tube having a mounting end and a terminal end. The drinking tube is adapted for shaping, such that said ends are positioned as desired, and the drinking tube will hold the given shape until said ends are repositioned. In its preferred mode, the flexible drinking tube comprises a plurality of tube segments joined end-to-end to form an extended elongate tube. A bite valve is removably mounted at the terminal end of the drinking tube. The apparatus also has a base fitting for receiving the mounting end of the drinking tube. The base fitting is adapted for receiving an end of the reservoir delivery tube and the mounting end of the drinking tube. This arrangement allows water to flow from the reservoir delivery tube, through the base fitting, and into the drinking tube, from which it is dispensed to the user.

Abstract: An aerosol valve assembly(12) has a mounting cup(18) with an arcuate bottom portion(43) that distorts during pressurization to absorb some of the pressure shock to enable pressurization at higher levels and a valve stem(22) with grooves(25) that define passageways through a bore(21) within which the valve stem(22) is slideably mounted to eliminate leakage through the bore and to reduce back pressure to enable good flow rates at reduced pressures.

Abstract: A bite valve (12) for a hydration bladder (14) includes a deformable sleeve (34) and an elongate valve body (36) that is received within the deformable sleeve. The valve body includes an inlet (28) that is coupleable by a tube (26) to receive fluid (16) from the hydration bladder. The inlet has a first sealing surface (56) in sealing engagement with an inner surface of the deformable sleeve. The inlet has a flow channel (48) therethrough defined along a first axis (50). The valve body also includes an outlet (30) that is in fluid communication with the flow channel. The outlet is defined by a bulkhead flange (72) with a second sealing surface (78) that is normally in sealing engagement with the deformable sleeve. The outlet is longitudinally spaced apart from the inlet by a cylindrical stem (32). The cylindrical stem has an axis (71) that is substantially aligned with the axis of the flow channel.

Abstract: A fluid product valve in which an elastic member containing a normally closed slit is adapted to be selectively stretched by displacement of an actuating member, such as to stretch open the slit over the outlet end of a product discharge passage and allow fluid product to be dispensed therefrom, release of the actuating member allowing the elastic member, and hence the distorted slit, to return to its original configuration, thereby reclosing the outlet end of the passage.

Abstract: A valve in which an elastic member (26) containing a normally closed slit (28) is adapted to be selectively stretched by displacement of an actuating means, such as to stretch open the slit (28) over the outlet end (27) of a product discharge passage defined by a tube (24) and allow fluid product to be dispensed therefrom, release of the actuating means allowing the elastic member, and hence the distorted slit (28) to return to its original configuration, thereby reclosing the outlet end of the passage. The actuating means comprises a pair of relatively pivotable actuating members (30a, 30b) relative angular displacement of which is adapted to stretch open the slit (28) in the elastic member (26) over said outlet end (27) of the product discharge passage defined by the rigid tube (24).

Abstract: A fluid delivery valve for use in fluid conducting systems includes a rigid bracing member positioned within a hollow, flexible, resilient valve housing. By applying opposing lateral forces to the external surface of the housing near a widened portion of the bracing member, the valve housing deforms around the widened portion and the valve is actuated. Actuating the valve permits fluid communication between the inner chamber of the valve housing, and a channel which extends through an enlarged portion. The channels are sealed by the inner wall of the housing when the opposing forces are released. The fluid is thus selectively allowed to travel past the bracing member.

Abstract: An aim of the invention is to provide a simple and effective one-piece tap which can be readily and economically manufactured. A tap for a liquid container is made from natural or synthetic rubber or a resilient plastics material. It has a base portion 10 having an orifice 12 which serves as a liquid inlet therein, the base portion embodying a liquid exit means 14. It also has a resilient deformable closure portion 20, the closure portion being constructed to make a resilient snap-on connection with the periphery of the base portion, the closure portion being manipulatable and having a centrally located plug 22 extending towards the base portion. This plug can obturate orifice 12 thereby closing the liquid inlet.

Abstract: A valve apparatus employs a spherical sealing element disposed in resiliently deformable tubing. The dimensions of the sealing element are selected such that the valve opens when subjected to a cracking pressure that is greater than the head pressure developed in an IV set and less than the pressure generated by a peristaltic pump. The valve additionally has an actuator element associated therewith that may be applied to the tubing about the sealing element to cause free flow without the need for continuous manipulation.

Abstract: A liquid flow path selection device comprises a feed channel and a housing having a first and a second continuation channel. The device further comprises a flexible, sheet-shaped selection element having a first and a second side, opposite each other, wherein at least a portion of the selection element forms a partition between the first and the second continuation channel. The selection element is connected to the housing along at least a portion of its circumferential edge. The selection element and the housing have such dimensions relative to each other that the selection element is movable between a first and a second extreme position in such a manner that in a first extreme position, the first side forms a concave surface guiding a flow of liquid from the feed channel into the first continuation channel and in a second extreme position, the second side forms a concave surface guiding a flow of liquid from the feed channel into the second continuation channel.

Abstract: A hydration system for backpackers or other athletes including a bladder, a filling opening, an enclosing cover and filling opening, a flexible line and a deformable valve to be held in the user's mouth. The cover is of smaller volume than the bladder to protect the bladder from bursting upon overfilling. The valve is operated by pressure in the mouth, usually by the user's jaw and teeth to open a slit and allow potable liquid to flow from the bladder through the line and into the flexible valve for the user's consumption. The slit is located in the side wall of a membrane having a reverse fold whereby pressure from the bladder, in the absence of user applied valve deforming pressure tends to close rather than open the slit. The line includes a quick disconnect fitting to allow the filing of the bladder from the line as well as from its own filler opening.