Tube Compressors Patents (Class 251/4)
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Patent number: 7350761Abstract: A pedal-operated valve is provided controls the rate of fluid flow in a soft hose. A cradle positions a section of the hose so that its cross-sectional area can be compressed by the hinged rotation of a pinchcock toward the cradle in response to a pedal force to reduce the rate of flow. The compressed cross-section expands in response to the internal fluid pressure of the hose upon release of the pedal force to increase the rate of flow. A latch secures the pinchcock in an angular orientation relative to the cradle to maintain the reduced cross-sectional area. A lever is pedal operated to disengage the pinchcock from the latch.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2006Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Inventor: John J. Stuart
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Patent number: 7322556Abstract: A pinch valve for regulating fluid flow includes a close mechanism for closing a sleeve by pinching its sides together. The pinch valve also includes an open mechanism integral with the close mechanism for opening the tube by urging the sides apart. The open mechanism pushes against the ends of the closure in the sleeve as the tube is being opened. In one embodiment of the invention open cams push against the end of the closure, and in another embodiment open followers, which are part of a four bar linkage, push against the sides of the sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2005Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Inventor: Robert E. Bernstein
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Publication number: 20070257067Abstract: A fluid dispenser head for mounting on an outlet from a fluid dispenser member such as a pump or a valve, the head comprising: an endpiece (1) that is adapted to be mounted on the outlet from the dispenser member; a fluid dispenser nozzle (2) through which the fluid leaves the head; and a flexible hose (3) connecting the endpiece (1) to the nozzle (2); the hose being injection-molded on the endpiece (1) and/or on the nozzle (2).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2007Publication date: November 8, 2007Inventors: Alexandra Parmentier, Sebastien Michaux
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Patent number: 7267686Abstract: A prosthetic valve for implantation within a fluid conducting lumen within a body includes an elongate generally cylindrical radially collapsible valve body scaffold defining a fluid passageway therethrough for retentive positioning within the lumen. A radially collapsible leaf valve member is supported by the scaffold includes a number of valve leafs deflectable between a closed position restricting fluid flow through the passageway and an open position permitting fluid flow through the passageway. The leaf valve member includes an interior leaf valve frame defining a valve leaf aperture which is sealed by a fluid impermeable non-thrombogenic lining to prevent fluid flow therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2004Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, IncInventors: Kristian DiMatteo, Peter Marshall
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Patent number: 7258285Abstract: An adjustable nozzle comprising a nozzle body with an inlet, an outlet, and a passageway having a smooth bore extending between the inlet and the outlet. The passageway has an inner dimension transverse to the central axis of the nozzle and a compressible wall wherein the inner dimension is adjustable to adjust the flow rate through the nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2005Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: Elkhart Brass Manufacturing Company, Inc.Inventors: Eric Combs, Todd Lozier
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Patent number: 7255322Abstract: There is provided a pinch valve system for controlling a fluid flow in a fluid flow path. The pinch valve system has an elastic sleeve member having a pair of outwardly extending elliptical folds on the circumference. The sleeve member is novel because the elliptical folds provide additional axial lengths that match the circumferential extension of the sleeve member when the sleeve member is in a pinched condition, thereby allowing the sleeve member always to be in a stress-free state. The sleeve member is novel because the inner surface is coated with a fluorocarbon material having superior chemical inertness and high operating temperature, thereby providing the elastic sleeve member with a long service life.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2006Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Inventors: John Tiwet, Rebecca Tiwet
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Patent number: 7059580Abstract: A pinch valve is described wherein the critical flow path is modified to form a space between two opposing metal disks that transition between an open and a closed state. The disks are characterized by a spring constant and act like a diaphragm. A closure force is applied externally to completely close the disks and truncate flow, while providing a substantially perfect seal. Removal of the external force enables the disks to spring open and initiate flow. The pinch valve advantageously eliminates valve bodies, dead space, moving parts and seals, such as elastomers, that are subject to wear and corrosion.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2004Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Inventor: Nicholas Gralenski
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Patent number: 7021604Abstract: An iris valve for controlling the flow of bulk solid materials includes a flexible cylindrical sleeve, a control ring, and a polymeric isolator disc, all sandwiched between upper and lower body members. Rotating the control ring twists the flexible sleeve in an iris pattern to close an opening through the valve. Clamp bands attached to the upper body member and control ring include a machined helical pattern to securely grip the ends of the flexible sleeve, and a threaded handle locks the control ring in place against the body members.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2004Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Salina Vortex CorporationInventors: Shawn Michael Werner, Harmon Lee Davis, Monty Richard Leach
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Patent number: 7011286Abstract: The bag valve comprises an open-ended sleeve of pliant impermeable material, one end of which is removably clamped around the down-stream open end of a conduit for fluids. The other end of the sleeve, the downstream end, can be gathered into a fully or partially closed configuration by a drawstring around the downstream sleeve end. A resilient stopper may be attached inside the downstream end of the conduit, against which the drawstring is biased when fully tightened, in order to minimize leakage from the sleeve. A cleat may be attached to the outside of the conduit for more easily securing the drawstring ends when the valve is partially or totally closed.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2004Date of Patent: March 14, 2006Inventor: Nelson Boice
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Patent number: 7007914Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the flow of a slurry is provided which includes using a constrictor valve on a mixing and dispensing apparatus. The constrictor valve includes a first guide plate and a second guide plate that are spaced a distance apart along the length of the conduit. Extending between the two guide plates, a plurality of elongate members have first and second ends engaged on the first and second guide plates. Upon rotation of at least one of the first and second guide plates, the elongate members are configured to impart pressure on, and constrict the conduit.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2004Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: United States Gypsum CompanyInventors: Bruce Lynn Petersen, Richard James Haszel, James R. Wittbold
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Patent number: 6976664Abstract: A gasketless, straight-through bore fluid flow pinch valve and flexible, removable tubing element for improved sanitary conditions in production facilities. The valve casing is joined by fittings that enable separation of the casing to remove and replace the flexible element, which includes all wetted surfaces. The fittings may be one or more hinges to permit partial separation of the valve casing, which permits the element to remain on-line while maintenance is performed on the valve. The flexible element is a silicone or PTFE-composite which is in an axially compressed state when locked into the valve by rigid, tolerance-fitted backup cups on the molded ends of the element, which increases the process life of the element.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2003Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: Mitos Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Steven D. Welch, Robert J. Elbich, Erik Zetterstrand
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Patent number: 6959905Abstract: The present invention discloses a pinch valve for replacing a diaphragm valve in a plumbing fixture. The plumbing fixture includes an inlet chamber defining a fluid inlet and in fluid communication with an inside chamber defining a fluid outlet. The pinch valve includes a cartridge member with a fluid inlet opening, a fluid outlet opening and a cartridge chamber defined by a cartridge chamber wall and in fluid communication with the fluid inlet opening and the fluid outlet opening. A flexible sealing member is positioned at least partially within the cartridge chamber and includes a wall with an inner surface defining an inner chamber and an outer surface defining an outer chamber between the outer surface of the flexible sealing member wall and the cartridge chamber wall. The inlet chamber of the plumbing fixture is in fluid communication with the inner chamber and the outer chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2003Date of Patent: November 1, 2005Inventor: Shawn D. Bush
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Patent number: 6948696Abstract: A pinch valve has a resiliently flexible tubular valve member folded upon itself at an intermediate portion of the length of the valve member to establish a folded configuration including a longitudinally extending folded portion, preferably in the form of folds, and an operator for selectively exerting a lateral force upon the valve member to unfold the folded portion, or folds, so as to restrict the flow of fluid through the valve member by closing down the valve member. Upon release of the lateral force, biasing forces established by memory characteristics in the construction of the valve member return the valve member to the folded configuration to open the valve member for unrestricted flow of the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2003Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Assignee: General Rubber CorporationInventors: Lloyd B. Aanonsen, Richard J. DiGiovanni
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Patent number: 6929235Abstract: A clamp having a first clamp body, a second clamp body, and a clamping structure coupled to at least one of the first and second clamp bodies. One or both of the clamp bodies form a channel adapted to receive a tube. The clamping structure is movable in the channel to control the flow rate of a fluid flowing through the tube. In one embodiment, the clamp is provided as a rotary clamp having clamp bodies that are adapted to be rotated relative to each other to control the flow rate of a fluid through a tube disposed in the rotary clamp. The rotary clamp has a substantially linear, or otherwise pre-determined, relationship between flow rate of a fluid flowing through the tube and rotation of the second clamp body.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2003Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Murray J. Height, Eun Young Hwang, Timothy J. Prestero
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Patent number: 6923421Abstract: A half-sleeve pinch valve includes a first body member and a second body member. The first body member and the second body member are connected to define a passage. A semi-circular sleeve is positioned within the passage such that a middle portion of the sleeve is adjacent either the first body member or the second body member, defining a fully open state. A port is located in either the first body member or the second body member adjacent the sleeve and is in fluid communication with the passage. A closing fluid is introduced through the port into the passage, thereby displacing the middle portion of the sleeve into the passage to move the sleeve from the fully open state through a partially open or partially closed state to a fully closed state. A method for controlling the flow in a passage is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2003Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: Red Valve Co., Inc.Inventor: Chris Raftis
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Patent number: 6869275Abstract: A piezoelectrically driven fluid pump includes a chamber having two opposite sidewalls formed by flexible membranes, and an inlet and an outlet each regulated by a valve. Separate piezo elements are fixed to each of the membranes, to flex the membranes and increase or reduce the chamber volume and thereby draw fluid into the chamber or expel fluid from the chamber. The valves are each formed by two adjacent piezo elements that are supported or flexibly joined together at two opposite ends. When actuated, the valve piezo elements flex outward between the two opposite ends, opening the valve to form an aperture between the two piezo elements. In another embodiment, a fluid pump includes a chamber having one flexible membrane sidewall. A valve-regulated inlet or outlet aperture through the membrane communicates with the pump chamber. A ring-shaped piezo centered around the aperture, on the membrane, flexes the membrane.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2002Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: Philip Morris USA Inc.Inventors: Henry M. Dante, Hector Alonso, A. Clifton Lilly, Jr.
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Patent number: 6860463Abstract: An access valve (2) for a laparoscopic device or a intraluminal deployment device has a cylindrical diaphragm (8) with a longitudinal aperture (3), a flexible member (14) is passed circumferentially around the cylindrical diaphragm and an extension arrangement to pull the flexible member radially and/or tangentially to constrict the diaphragm to at least partially close off the longitudinal aperture. A rotary actuator may be used (12).Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2002Date of Patent: March 1, 2005Assignees: William A. Cook Australia Pty. Ltd., Cook IncorporatedInventor: David Ernest Hartley
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Patent number: 6857617Abstract: An elongate pinch housing is provided which is U-shaped in cross-section with two sidewalls and with a web wall connecting these. A pinch roller is longitudinally displaceable in these sidewalls with an annular notch at its one circumferential corner region for forming the regulation cross-section of the flexible tubing. The pinch housing in its transition region from the web wall to that sidewall which is distant from the annular notch of the pinch roller is provided with an inner, elongate side guide surface for the flexible tubing. The side guide surface projects into the pinch housing and runs inclined to its longitudinal middle plane so that the flexible tubing inserted in the pinch housing is subjected to a transverse movement.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2004Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Inventor: Hans-Jürgen Forberg
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Patent number: 6840492Abstract: A slide clamp includes a slot formed in a plate though which a fluid tube is mounted. The tube may be moved to a flow section of the slot or to an occluding section of the slot. Interconnecting the flow and occluding sections is a pinch zone in which the slot is narrower than the occluding section. Because of this narrow slot, the pinch zone resists movement of the tube from either the occluding or the flow sections into another section. The pinch zone includes a pair of curved beams that are formed as a result of apertures formed in the plate at locations laterally outward from the slot of the pinch zone. As a tube is forced from the occluding section to the flow section the curved beams flex outwardly permitting the tube to pass. However, if enough force is not applied to the tube, it will not overcome the curved beams and they will stop movement of the tube. After the tube has passed, the curved beams resiliently return to their rest position once again providing a stop.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2003Date of Patent: January 11, 2005Assignee: Alaris Medical Systems, Inc.Inventor: David E. Boyne-Aitken
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Patent number: 6736163Abstract: The invention relates to a pinch valve comprising a housing (1), a sleeve (2), an actuator means (3), pinching jaws or the like valve-closing means (6). The invention is characterized in that the pinch valve has an indicator system adapted thereto for detecting a sleeve damage. The indicator system. comprises an electrode or the like indicating sensor element (10) embedded in the structure of the sleeve (2), or integrally forming a part thereof, having an area that covers the inner perimeter area of the sleeve (2) by its major parts.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2002Date of Patent: May 18, 2004Assignee: Larox Flowsys OyInventor: Jarmo Partanen
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Patent number: 6682044Abstract: A pinch valve for pinching closed a tube which has a linear actuator connected pivotally a pointer. The linear actuator is parallel to the tube and the end of the pointer that engages the tube is made to follow a path that is perpendicular to the tube when the valve is closed. When the pinch valve is closed, the pointer is perpendicular to, and supported by, both the linear actuator and the tube.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2001Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Inventor: Wayne L. Miller
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Patent number: 6676104Abstract: The present invention relates to a device containing a tube for a varied flow, comprising a tube being fixed in both its ends, whereby the tube is arranged to be stretched or shortened by longing or shortening of the distance between said attachment points.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2002Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Premetec ABInventor: Hans Tillander
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Patent number: 6602240Abstract: According to the present invention, improved methods and apparatus are provided for regaining hemostasis or otherwise minimizing leakage during endoluminal, surgical or percutaneous intraluminal procedures, and for providing a seal during laparoscopic surgical procedures where there is leakage of the CO2 insufflation, when the primary means of hemostasis or pneumatic CO2 seal is compromised or fails. More particularly the present invention relates to devices having a front hub and a rear hub, one or other of which is adapted to retain a compression seal such that when the front and rear hub are matingly engaged, axial and radial pressure is applied to the compression plug and any devices located therebetween, thereby achieving a seal. The compression device can be applied while a guidewire or additional devices remain within the leaking sheath or trocar, thereby allowing the physician to maintain hemostasis or adequate CO2 insufflation, without exchanging the introducer sheath or laparoscopic port.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2001Date of Patent: August 5, 2003Inventors: George D. Hermann, Bradley Hill, Thomas Howell, David Willis, Neil Holmgren, Joshua Whittemore
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Patent number: 6589197Abstract: A medical fluid passage switching apparatus comprising: at least, a rotatable shaft F; a cam C which is rotated in relation to the rotating movement of the shaft F to close and open divided tubes for determining a passage of a fluid; and a housing L having tube accepting holes I and so arranged to enable the holding of the cam C, is provided. More particularly, provided are such a medical fluid passage switching apparatus in a continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) system and a tube which is decreased in the diameter and/or thinned in the wall at a region where the cam or a combination of the cam and the clamp is engaged for closing and opening.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2001Date of Patent: July 8, 2003Assignee: JMS Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroyuki Doi, Kazuhiro Shinmoto, Zyunya Fujii, Seishin Tanaka
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Publication number: 20030116730Abstract: The present invention relates to a device containing a tube for a varied flow, comprising a tube being fixed in both its ends, whereby the tube is arranged to be stretched or shortened by longing or shortening of the distance between said attachment points.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2002Publication date: June 26, 2003Inventor: Hans Tillander
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Publication number: 20030085369Abstract: A proportional flow control valve, for controlling fluid flow through a flexible tube, includes first and second jaws on opposing sides of the tube. An actuator drives one of such jaws for adjusting the separation distance therebetween. When the valve is open, the separation distance is small enough to partially deform the tube without significantly restricting fluid flow. When the valve is closed, the separation distance is just small enough to essentially block fluid flow. A control system controls the actuator to determine such separation distance. Such valve can be used within a level control system for controlling the thickness of a work material in a slurry form cast upon a moving belt. A fluid reservoir is disposed above the belt, and the control valve adds slurry to the reservoir. A lens disposed near the moving belt and above the reservoir is coupled by fiber optics to a remote sensor for detecting the height of the slurry.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 6, 2001Publication date: May 8, 2003Inventor: James Edward Ellis
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Publication number: 20030057390Abstract: Devices for controlling the flow of fluid through plastic tubes, such as tubes which are part of a disposable blood donation tubing set are disclosed. The device comprises a clamp adapted for attachment with one or more other clamps to allow for easy flow control through two or more tubing segments.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2001Publication date: March 27, 2003Inventors: Bryan Blickhan, Ying-Cheng Lo
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Patent number: 6536739Abstract: An improved flow control device for regulating the flow of liquid or gas through a length of flexible-conduit using a generally enclosed rack and pinion assembly engaged by an external slidable assembly or switch. The case has a lower rack with a surface supporting a length of flexible conduit, opposing walls, and an upper surface. The lower rack has at least one rack track along which a pinion gear assembly may be engaged and rotated. The pinion gear assembly has a cylinder shaft capped on at least one end by a pinion gear with radiating teeth. The pinion gear assembly can be rotated along a portion of the flexible conduit, compressing it at one or more positions. Operation of the flow control device can be accomplished using a single hand, and the case remains enclosed without subjecting the pinion gear assembly to an external environment.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2001Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Fresenius USA, Inc.Inventor: Lynn E. Jensen
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Publication number: 20030025093Abstract: A valve for automatically modulating fluid flow includes a flexible flow adjustment member having a variable diameter passage therethrough and an outer surface and a shell surrounding at least a portion of the outer surface and creating a void between the shell and the outer surface. The shell is in contact with the flow of fluid. A thermally reactive material that expands when heated and contracts when cooled is a substantially non-volatile heat transfer liquid that does not undergo a phase change in use and contains inert particulate filler within the void and is in contact with the outer surface of the flexible flow adjustment member. The thermally reactive material exerts pressure on the adjustment member in response to heating the thermally reactive material to cause the passage to narrow and relieves pressure thereon in response to cooling the thermally reactive material to permit the passage to widen.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 24, 2002Publication date: February 6, 2003Inventors: Thomas M. Kenny, Peter Hoynash, Vincent F. Pettinato, Bruce S. Mitchell
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Patent number: 6505810Abstract: The present invention is a pinch valve for connection between an upstream pipeline and a downstream pipeline. The pinch valve includes a fixed conical reducer having an inlet end, an outlet end and an inside surface with an inside diameter which gradually reduces from the inlet end to the outlet end, resulting in a substantially conical-shaped inside surface. The inlet end of the fixed conical reducer attached to the upstream pipeline. The pinch valve also includes a flexible full port sleeve having an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end of the flexible full port sleeve attached to the outlet end of the fixed conical reducer and the outlet end of the full port sleeve attached to the downstream pipeline. The pinch valve further includes a pinching mechanism positioned adjacent the flexible full port sleeve and configured to constrict the flexible full port sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2001Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Inventor: Andre T. Abromaitis
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Publication number: 20020194933Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring a liquid flow through a tube, which tube, which has an inflow side and an outflow side disposed under said inflow side, is filled with said liquid, as a result of which a liquid column is formed in the tube, with human senses or sensors being used for measuring the liquid flow, and as well as applications therefor.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2002Publication date: December 26, 2002Inventor: Bernardus Johannes Gerardus Maria Roelofs
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Patent number: 6461345Abstract: There is disclosed a pinch valve for allowing access to a sterile reaction vessel using a cannula. The valve remains closed until a cannula is inserted. Upon removal of the cannula, the valve automatically closes maintaining the sterile or otherwise controlled conditions of the reaction vessel.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1999Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: Merck & Co., Inc.Inventor: Gary S. Kath
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Patent number: 6454742Abstract: The present invention relates an anti-free flow valve for a fluid administration systems having a tube assembly with a lumen formed through therethrough coupled to a pump. The anti-free flow valve comprises a body including a cylindrical portion having an opening and a tapered portion which has opposing beveled surfaces with ends that form a slit bounded by side walls. The opening communicates with the slit through a passage formed through the body which is adapted to receive the tube assembly therethrough. Fluid free flow through the tube assembly is prevented by the slit being placed in the closed position when the ends of the opposing beveled surfaces are urged together when the tube assembly is in a relaxed condition. However, when a tensile force is applied along the tube assembly the inner diameter of the lumen decreases which urges the ends of the opposing beveled surfaces away from one another and places the slit in the open position, thereby permitting fluid flow through the body.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2000Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Sherwood Services, AGInventors: Angela M. Noecker, Glenn G. Fournie, John P. Moran
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Patent number: 6428520Abstract: A closed system, spikeless, positive-flow valve device includes a body defining an internal cavity. At the proximal end of the body is an opening which is preferably sufficiently large to receive an ANSI standard tip of a medical implement. The valve includes a plastic, resilient silicon seal which fills the upper cavity and opening with an oval seal cap having a slit. The opening presses the oval seal cap to keep the slit closed in the decompressed state. The slit opens as the nose of the medical implement compresses the seal into the cavity and the seal cap is free from the opening. The housing also includes a fluid space which facilitates fluid flow between the medical implement and a catheter tip.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1999Date of Patent: August 6, 2002Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.Inventors: George A. Lopez, Thomas F. Fangrow, Jr., David C. Arnold, Bruce M. Hubrecht, Alison D. Brummett, Thomas J. Gustus, Dennis M. Bui
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Publication number: 20020070366Abstract: An extractor valve assembly for controlling fluid flow in a fluid flow path. The extractor valve assembly comprises an elastic valve conduit having an outer surface with a pair of grooves. The pair of grooves are formed on opposite sides of the outer surface and intersect a pinch circumference of the elastic valve conduit, and are parallel to a central axis of the elastic valve conduit. When the elastic valve is pinched along the pinch circumference by pinch blades, pinch corners are formed at the pair of grooves, such that the pinching action completely blocks fluid flow. Additionally, first and second pairs of symmetric tabs are formed on the elastic valve on opposite sides of the pinch blades, to reduce stress along the portion of the pinch perimeter which comes in contact with the pinch blades.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2000Publication date: June 13, 2002Inventors: V. Walter Hafner, Ron Hahn
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Patent number: 6402726Abstract: A catheter movement control device is presented having therein a resilient biasing member and a tube gripper which mount on a catheter tube. The biasing member and tube gripper are contained within a housing having a shoulder proximate the catheter tube. As the catheter tube is free to move in a forward direction through the housing, upon attempted rearward movement the biasing member engages the tube gripper causing it to pivot against a shoulder within the housing. Upon pivoting the tube gripper tightly engages the catheter tube preventing any further rearward movement of the catheter tube.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2001Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Medical Technologies of Georgia, Inc.Inventor: Joseph N. Genese
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Patent number: 6394411Abstract: An extractor valve assembly for controlling fluid flow in a fluid flow path. The extractor valve assembly has an elastic valve conduit having an outer surface with a pair of grooves. The pair of grooves are formed on opposite sides of the outer surface and intersect a pinch circumference of the elastic valve conduit, and are parallel to a central axis of the elastic valve conduit. When the elastic valve is pinched along the pinch circumference by pinch blades, pinch corners are formed at the pair of grooves, such that the pinching action completely blocks fluid flow. Additionally, first and second pairs of symmetric tabs are formed on the elastic valve on opposite sides of the pinch blades, to reduce stress along the portion of the pinch perimeter which comes in contact with the pinch blades.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2000Date of Patent: May 28, 2002Assignee: AcornVac, Inc.Inventors: V. Walter Hafner, Ron Hahn
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Patent number: 6371437Abstract: A valve for automatically modulating a flow of a stream of fluid, the valve including a housing having a wall defining an interior cavity. The interior cavity is in fluid communication with the stream of fluid. A modulator is mounted within the interior cavity and includes a shell in fluid communication with the stream of fluid and a flexible flow adjustment member within the shell. The flexible flow adjustment member has a variable diameter passage therethrough which is also in fluid communication with the stream of fluid. A circumferential void is located between the flexible flow adjustment member and the shell and a thermally reactive material is within the void and in contact with the shell for thermal communication therebetween. A tool is used to assemble the valve. The tool includes a base plate, and a receiver adjacent to the base plate. The receiver has an internal passage therethrough for receiving a segmented cone having at least one radial cut therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2000Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Assignees: Ogontz CorporationInventors: Thomas M. Kenny, Peter Hoynash, Vincent F. Pettinato
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Patent number: 6364279Abstract: The invention relates to a closure device for closing a hose by pinching, and in particular for closing a flexible tube or hose used in the medical field. Essentially, the device comprises a closure piece (62) provided with a circularly arcuate slot (70) which is extended by a circular orifice (76). The closure piece (62) can be rotated about a point O on a circle of radius (R) equal to the radius of the slot (70).Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2000Date of Patent: April 2, 2002Assignee: Debiotech S.A.Inventors: Frédéric Neftel, Bernard Bouvier
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Patent number: 6361016Abstract: A pinch valve comprises a flexible tube member as a portion of a fluid line which for a flow control is arranged on a separate insert member made of a rigid material and provided with two axially aligned adapter pieces of the fluid line for being pinched by an actuator which directly contacts the flexible tube member at a control position of its cross-sectional area.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2000Date of Patent: March 26, 2002Assignee: Ferton Holding S.A.Inventor: Manfred Schulz
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Patent number: 6270053Abstract: A catheter valve including a housing engaging at least a portion of a tubular member is provided. The tubular member having distal and proximal open ends defining a flow-through passage therebetween, the tubular member further having a proximal portion of a deformable and therefore twistable structure and a distal portion of a more rigid structure, the proximal portion being partially and circumferencially attached to an inner surface of the housing, wherein dimensions of the housing, of the proximal portion and of the distal portion are selected such that when the distal portion is rotated, the proximal portion is twisted so as to block passage of fluid through the tubular member and therefore through the catheter valve and the distal portion is secured by the housing so as to prevent self untwisting of the proximal portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2000Date of Patent: August 7, 2001Assignee: Eumedicaltech, Ltd.Inventor: Uzi Eshel
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Patent number: 6261269Abstract: The invention relates to devices for draining biological fluids. A first device comprises a housing (2) and a pinch valve (3) mounted in the housing, away from the walls of the latter. The housing includes an opening (11) arranged opposite the pinching means (6) of the valve. Another device (13) comprises a catheter section (7) of a drainage line and a member (12) for supporting the catheter, the catheter section passing into and emerging from the support member (12) at two points and forming a loop between these two points.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1999Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: NMT Neurosciences Implants S.A.Inventor: Alain Lecuyer
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Patent number: 6260818Abstract: The present invention discloses various embodiments of a thin film fluid control system (10, 110, 220) for controlling fluid flow through tubular conduits (24, 124, 224). The system is designed such that a shape memory alloy (14, 114, 214) is transformed between austenitic and martensitic phases to constrict or open the tubular conduit as desired.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2000Date of Patent: July 17, 2001Assignee: Board of Trustees Operating Michigan State UniversityInventor: David S. Grummon
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Patent number: 6138984Abstract: A sphincter valve for controlling the flow of fluid through a fluid delivery line has a body molded of a unitary piece of substantially flexible silicone material. The body is formed with an outer shell, and interior tube disposed within said outer shell, an end portion, and a pressure chamber defined between the outer shell and the interior tube. A separate end cap is secured to and closes the end of the body opposite the end portion thereof and a central passageway extends through the interior tube and through the ends of the valve. In use, the valve is spliced in a fluid delivery line and the pressure chamber is coupled to a source of selectively deliverable pressurized air. When pressurized air is forced into the pressure chamber, the inward force created by the pressure collapses the interior tube onto itself shutting off flow through the valve.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1997Date of Patent: October 31, 2000Assignee: Innovatek Medical CorporationInventor: Roy Abell
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Patent number: 6120001Abstract: A fluid regulator including compression member adapted to engage a fluid conduit, a biasing element operably connected to the compression member and producing a sufficient amount of biasing force to cause the compression member to deform the conduit to a substantially closed state, and a control device for applying a control force to the compression member. The control force may partially overcome the biasing force applied to the compression member and maintain the compression member such that the fluid conduit is maintained in a partially open state.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1998Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: Northrop Grumman CorporationInventor: Lawrence J. Donahue
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Patent number: 6089527Abstract: A molded squeeze clamp for tubing which comprises a strip of plastic having first and second ends, the strip being bent back on itself so that the ends are adjacent to each other in the manner of a Halkey-Roberts clamp. The first strip end defines a first latch, for engagement and releasable locking with the second end, and the second end defines a second latch for locking with the first latch. The first end also defines a first projection extending towards the second end to reduce or eliminate a gap between the first and second ends when the clamp is in its unstressed, as-molded, open configuration. The second end defines a second projection to facilitate manual opening of the clamp, the second projection extending in substantially longitudinal relation to the axis of tubing carried in the squeeze clamp.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 1997Date of Patent: July 18, 2000Assignee: Medisystems Technology CorporationInventor: David S. Utterberg
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Patent number: 6082702Abstract: A tubing pinch valve and mounting bracket assembly is disclosed, the valve having a cylindrical valve body, and the bracket having a flexible base with two upstanding jaws. The valve body and each jaw have releasably engagable retention members, such that upon flexing of the base, the retention members may be disengaged to permit assembly or disassembly from the valve to the bracket.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 1998Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Assignee: Flow-Rite Control, Ltd.Inventor: Daniel N. Campau
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Patent number: 6079691Abstract: The improved pinch valve assembly (10) functions to control the flow of fluids on a fluid system. The improved pinch valve assembly (10) controls plurality of fluid containing tubing (16). When the solenoid coil (22) is energized the plunger (28), which is securely attached to the shaft (31) which has a first pin (18A) and a second pin (18B) securely attached perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft (31), moves forward. The forward motion of the shaft (31) causes the first pin (18A) to decompress the first tubing (16A) and the third tubing (16C) permitting fluid to flow therethrough. The forward motion of the shaft (31) further causes the second pin (18B) to also move forward compressing the second tubing (16B) and the fourth tubing (16D) stopping fluid flow. The forward motion of the shaft (31) still further causes the third pin (18C) to compress the helical spring (13).Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 1998Date of Patent: June 27, 2000Inventor: Rocco V. Dragone
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Patent number: 6062490Abstract: A sprinkling apparatus constructed as a square sprinkler has a nozzle arrangement with a straight row of nozzles, whereof each has a nozzle inlet connected by a nozzle duct to a nozzle outlet. At least in a portion between the nozzle inlet and nozzle outlet, the nozzles are constructed as rubber-like water guidance ducts, which are disconnectable by a force action transversely to the water flow direction. For the disconnection of individual nozzles clamping sliders are provided and are displaceable transversely to the water flow direction against the rubber-like nozzles and in the case of a displacement in each case disconnect or release again a nozzle. This permits a very variable adjustment of the sprinkling pattern.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1998Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: Gardena Kress +Kastner GmbHInventors: Johann Katzer, Wolfgang Lindermeir
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Patent number: 6056260Abstract: This invention relates to a seamless system for controlling the flow of fluids, such as liquids or compressed air, through a non-fragmented length of flexible tubing. It incorporates into a single system a number of functions currently performed with separate valves within conventional dental handpiece fluid flow control units. The invention can be fitted to an existing flexible fluid supply line, within a dental delivery system without destructive insertion or removal of any intermediary parts and without contact with the fluid medium itself. The invention is conceived to accommodate from the outside, three contiguous portions (a first, an intermediate and a second portion) of a non-fragmented length of flexible tubing.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 1998Date of Patent: May 2, 2000Assignee: FlexcorpInventors: Neil G. Stewart, Gord M. Day