Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed to automatically maintain a desired back pressure on a slurry to facilitate the proper operation of pumping equipment and to eliminate or diminish scaling or other buildup in piping and related equipment.

Abstract: A fluid delivery and control system is provided for a fluid delivery line having elastic components. The system includes a pressure sensor, an electronically controlled valve, processing circuitry, and computer program code logic. The pressure sensor is operative to detect fluid pressure within a fluid delivery line. The electronically controlled valve includes an adjustable flow regulating aperture disposed in the line, interposed along a linear flow axis, and operative to regulate fluid flow through the line. The processing circuitry communicates with the pressure sensor and the electronically controlled valve. The computer program code logic is executed by the processing circuitry and is configured to generate an output signal. The output signal comprises an operating parameter of at least one of the pressure sensor and the electronically controlled valve to adjust flow capacity of the flow regulating aperture of the valve to dissipate pressure oscillations within the fluid delivery line.

Abstract: A bioinert implantable shunt device useful for controlling internal pressure includes a valve apparatus, a device for attaching the valve apparatus and an inlet tube. The valve apparatus includes an inlet port, an outlet port, a flexible tube connected therebetween and a pressurized enclosure. The flexible tube is positioned inside the pressurized enclosure whereby fluid flow from the inlet port to the outlet port is dependent on a differential pressure between a pressure in the flexible tube and a pressure outside the flexible tube in the pressurized enclosure. The inlet tube is connected to the inlet port of the valve apparatus. The pressurized enclosure may include a housing and a semi-permeable membrane in a wall of the housing whereby fluid can pass through the semi-permeable membrane into the pressurized enclosure thereby increasing the pressure in the pressurized enclosure. The implantable shunt device may be for use in the treatment of glaucoma.

Abstract: A flush valve assembly includes a resilient pinch tube disposed in a conduit between a pressurized water source and a toilet flush tank and is pinched closed by a piston disposed in a cylinder formed in a bracket mounted on the conduit. The piston is engageable by a float which moves it between closed and open positions with changes in water level. A tube connects the source to the cylinder. When the float moves to the closing position it closes a drain port in the cylinder so that water pressure in the cylinder assists the piston. A manually adjustable screw on the float cammingly engages a bead on the conduit to yieldably arrest upward float movement and provide snap-action shutoff of the valve.

Abstract: A pinch valve includes a body containing an elastic tube, a cylinder body having a first cylinder portion at the upper interior part and a larger diameter second cylinder portion at the lower interior part, a first piston sliding on the inner periphery of the first cylinder portion, and a second piston sliding on the inner periphery of the second cylinder portion. The first piston is installed with a first interlocking rod having a first pressing piece at its lower end and the second piston is provided with second interlocking rods having a second pressing piece at their lower ends. The pressing pieces press the tube body from the upper and lower sides, a spring is disposed between the second piston and the first pressing piece, and an opening in the cylinder body communicates with a space enclosed by the pistons and the cylinder body.

Abstract: A pinch valve of the invention comprising an elastic tube body 1, a cylinder body 4 having a cylinder portion 2 and a cylinder cover 3, a piston 11 sliding on the inner periphery of the cylinder body, a pressing piece 15 fixed to a connecting portion 13 suspended from the piston, a body 16 joined to the cylinder body and having a groove 17 receiving the tube body 1, a pair of connecting body carriers 20 engaged with grooves of the body and having a through-hole 26 receiving the tube body 1, a first and a second space portions 8, 7 formed above and under the piston 11, respectively, and a pair of air ports 10, 9 respectively communicating with the first and second space portions 8, 7.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A pinch valve according to the invention comprising a body 18 containing an elastic tube 1; a cylinder body 6 having a first cylinder portion 3 at the upper part of the interior thereof and a second cylinder portion 4 with a diameter larger than that of the first cylinder portion at the lower part of the interior thereof; a first piston 7 sliding on the inner periphery of the first cylinder portion; and a second piston 12 sliding on the inner periphery of the second cylinder portion; wherein the first piston is installed with a first interlocking rod 8 having a first pressing piece 10 at the lower end thereof, the second piston is provided with second interlocking rods 13, 13 having a second pressing piece 14 at the lower ends thereof, the first and second pressing pieces are arranged to press the tube body from the upper and lower sides, a spring 15 urging the first pressing piece is disposed between the second piston and the first pressing piece, and the cylinder body is provided with an opening 27 communic

Abstract: A flow-through pipe plug for conduits which permits controlled blockage of fluid flow in a conduit in which the plug is installed, the plug having a rigid cylindrical core on which are secured an outer bladder and an inner bladder, the bladders and core forming chambers between the bladders and the core, the core having pressurizable fluid supply pipes to the chambers with hose connectors for connecting the supply pipes to an auxiliary component for independent pressurization of the chambers and expansion of the respective bladders with the outer bladder expanding to the inner wall of the conduit in which it is installed and the inner bladder expanding to block passage through the core.

Abstract: The invention provides highly adaptable valves for providing hemostasis about minimally invasive surgical implements such as guidewires and endovascular prosthetic delivery catheters. The valves generally comprise an elastomeric sealing body which will maintain hemostasis by contacting a surgical implement traversing the valve over a very small contact area. Preferably, the orifice is formed in a thin membrane which extends radially inward from a torroidal balloon having a relatively rigid outer rim and a flexible inner portion. When a vacuum is applied within such a balloon, the flexible inner portion pulls the membrane radially outward to expand the orifice diameter. A positive pressure can be applied within the torroidal balloon so that the balloon expands radially inward to block access through the valve.

Abstract: A fluid-actuated squeeze valve is provided for use where leak-tight operation and/or very rapid valve closure characteristics are required. The valve comprises an annular valve body with a generally cylindrical open-ended bore for receiving the frusto-conical end portions of two, axially aligned, opposed end plugs. An annular clearance is provided between the end portions and the bore wall for receiving an elastomeric sleeve. Each end plug is provided with an axially extending bore for passage of process fluid which communicates with angled passageways extending from the bore to the slant surface of a respective frusto-conical end portion. The smaller truncated end surfaces of the two opposed end portions are spaced apart axially to define a narrow gap therebetween. Fluid pressure is exerted through an access port in the valve body to actuate the valve by causing the elastomeric sleeve to press against the end portions. Means for operating the valve in response to system pressure parameters are described.

Abstract: A packaging device for continuously forming and filling a package having a plurality of separate sealed cavities comprises a plastic film winding barrel, a vacuum cavity forming device, a filling means, an aluminum foil winding barrel, a pressing sealing means, and a cutting machine. The vacuum cavity forming device causes the plastic film to be formed with a plurality of cavities. The filling means pumps liquid material into each of the cavities holes. Aluminum foil is adhered to the strip plastic casing by a pressing sealing means. Finally, the cutting machine serves to the cut the strip casing to complete a packaging process.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: There is provided a fluidic pinch valve system 10 for interrupting the flow of material through a conduit assembly. The fluidic pinch valve system 10 generally includes a substantially rigid valve body 100; an axially extended tube member 200 disposed within the valve body 100; and, an injection mechanism 300 coupled to the valve body 100 for injecting a fluid therein. The valve body 100 includes first and second ends and a wall portion 110 extending therebetween. Within the wall portion 110 is formed a bore extending axially from the first end to the second end. An injection port 140 is formed through the wall portion 110 to be in open communication with the bore. The tube member 200 is disposed within the valve body's bore and is formed having distal first and second sealing portions 120a, 120b and a sidewall portion 210 extending therebetween to define an axial passage.

Abstract: A valve for a milk pipeline which includes an elastic, tubular sealing unit mounted between two connectors in the milk pipeline, and a housing surrounding the sealing unit so as to define a closed chamber therebetween. The sealing unit can be brought by an external over-pressure in the chamber into a fully collapsed and closed position. Also, the valve is provided with a structure which engages at least one section of the sealing unit and applies a force directed substantially radially outwardly, so that the sealing unit is at least partly collapsed in its non-actuated state. As a result, the valve can be reliably closed with a small external over-pressure in the chamber.

Abstract: A mud saver valve adapted to be connected below a kelly including an elastomeric sleeve that opens and closes within a housing, the sleeve defining a flow passage within it and closing against a barrier located within the flow passage, the sleeve closing against the core at low positive differential pressures.

Abstract: A fluid flow control sleeve valve having a generally concave cylindrical deformable sleeve sealing against a core in the flow passage at rest and defining an annular flow passage in the housing when deformed, including a pressure chamber defined between the sleeve and the valve housing, and preferably including integral longitudinal and circumferential sleeve ribs, a concave sealing surface on the core and fins adjacent the core downstream partially conforming to the shape of a portion of the non-deformed sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for variable flow control for precision applications, such as agrochemical applications. The invention is directed towards a flow control device comprising a metering rod moveably mounted within a housing. The position of the metering rod is controllable so as to control the flow rate, flow angle and/or droplet size of fluid passing through the flow control device of the present invention.

Abstract: A PCA device includes a fluid conduit having an upstream portion and a downstream portion, a first flow-restricting orifice in the upstream portion, a second flow-restricting orifice in the downstream portion, a pressure-responsive check valve in the downstream portion in parallel with the second flow-restricting orifice, and a bolus dose delivery mechanism including a chamber in fluid communication between the upstream portion and the downstream portion. Continuous flow is provided through the first flow-restricting orifice, the chamber, and the second flow-restrictive orifice, the continuous flow serving to fill the chamber at a controlled rate through the first flow-restrictive orifice. The bolus dose delivery mechanism is manually actuable to express the contents of the chamber through the check valve to supplement the continuous flow through the downstream portion. The bolus dose delivery mechanism includes a resilient diaphragm that forms a sealed closure for the chamber.

Abstract: A hemostasis valve including a collapsible membrane in a portion of a through-lumen. Fluid pressure in a chamber surrounding the collapsible membrane assists in sealing the collapsible membrane around an operating device inserted through the hemostasis valve. Different mechanisms for mechanically deforming the collapsible membrane to assist in sealing are disclosed. Also, a system for continuously flushing a vascular catheter connected to a hemostasis valve at a rate of 0.10 to 10.0 cubic centimeters per minute, and a hemostasis valve assembly including an expandable reservoir which stores liquid volume under pressure.

Abstract: A device for automatically producing periodical impulse changes in a pressure line is provided with an elastic intermediate member impacted by a control pressure. Pressurizing the exterior of the intermediate member produces a pulsating flow of the fluid in the pressure line, obviating the use of control members, flaps, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the required control pressure is drawn from a bypass in the pressure line. The present invention may be put to Advantageous use in numerous fields in pneumatic and in process engineering.

Abstract: Non-magnetic toner in an electrostatic imaging system, such as the MIDAX.RTM. electronic imaging system, is dynamically recycled. Wayward airborne toner particles in the imaging system are vacuum collected to provide an air stream with entrained toner particles, and a centrifugal separator separates the particles from the entraining air. The separated particles are then dynamically returned to the imaging system. At least one airlock, which may comprise at least first and second fluid actuated or mechanically actuated valves which are spaced from each other, is provided between the separator and a reservoir for toner particles to be supplied to a fluidized bed of toner particles in the imaging system. A distribution device for distributing the toner particles in at least two different horizontal paths, to return to the reservoir.

Abstract: A catheter introducer defines a tubular sheath with a housing on one end thereof, with the housing enclosing a fluid-filled, elastic-walled toroidal member defining a central aperture aligned with the tubular sheath axis. The central aperture is normally closed, being retained in the closed position by an elastic sleeve carried by the toroidal member. The central aperture is penetrable by a catheter in sealing manner as the catheter is advanced through the catheter sheath introducer.

Abstract: A flow control valve assembly having an outer housing and a valve member mounted within the housing. The valve member defines a flow channel and is composed of a compressible material which remains substantially in a non-compressed condition at fluid supply pressures below a predetermined range. At higher pressures, the valve member is compressed to reduce the flow channel so as to automatically control the flow rate through the valve assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for managing and controlling fluid flow through a plurality of fluid conduits includes a chassis, a plurality of conduit occluders mounted in the chassis, each occluder for association with at least one of the plurality of fluid conduits and each being selectively actuatable between an open position permitting fluid flow through a respective fluid conduit and a closed position obstructing conduit fluid flow. A single actuator is mounted in the chassis, the actuator for adjusting the plurality of occluders between the open and closed positions. A roller cage is also mounted in the chassis for mechanically interconnecting the actuator to the plurality of conduit occluders so that the single actuator is mechanically capable of maintaining one of the plurality occluders in the closed position while maintaining another of the plurality of occluders in the open position.

Abstract: A detergent dispenser that is coupled to a source of fluid and which has a chemical source in solid cast form. A spray generator is designed to generate a fluid spray bearing on the chemical source, the fluid spray generating a concentrated solution of the chemical. The concentrated solution of the chemical is discharged through a discharge conduit. A single valve controls a flow of fluid from the source of fluid. The valve has an inlet that is operably fluidly coupled to the source of fluid, an outlet that is operably fluidly coupled to the spray generator, and an outlet that is operably fluidly coupled to the discharge conduit. A metering device for selectively metering portions of the flow of fluid to the spray generator and to the discharge conduit is disposed within the valve and selectively fluidly couples the inlet to the outlet that is operably fluidly coupled to the spray generator and to the outlet that is operably fluidly coupled to the discharge conduit.

Abstract: An energy-efficient refrigeration system includes an electrically controlled thermal expansion valve disposed in the refrigerant piping so as to control flow of refrigerant in the refrigeration system, and an expansion valve controller coupled to the expansion valve to provide control signals to the valve. The controller includes a refrigerant temperature sensing device coupled to the refrigeration system so as to sense a flow control temperature corresponding to the refrigeration temperature at a flow measurement site so that the controller generates control signals to control valve position to provide optimum refrigerant flow for a particular operational mode of the system. The thermal expansion valve includes a heating element that is responsive to control signals from the controller and that is thermally coupled to a thermal expansion medium so that the medium expands upon application of heat from the heating element.

Abstract: The sleeve is inserted into the passage of the valve casing and fastened to the valve casing by means of a bayonet connection at one end and by means of a support arrangement at the other end. The fastening collar embedded in the sleeve body has projecting lugs. The latter can be moved through grooves on insertion with the sleeve into the valve casing. The holding collar has a flange which on the insertion of the sleeve comes to bear against the support surface of the valve casing. When the sleeve is then turned, the lugs engage behind the holding surface of the valve casing. This permits extremely simple installation and replaceability of the sleeve.

Abstract: A spray element for use with a mold sprayer of the type used to spray a mold prior to or between cycles of a manufacturing operation such as die-casting, drop forging or other operations involving the working of metals. The spray element includes a valve body having an internal elastic pretension. The valve body may be positioned in either an open or closed position in relation to a valve seat. A control pressure is applied, through a separate feed line, to the valve body to open and close the valve by forcing the valve body against or away from the valve seat. The spray element also includes a feed line supplying working air which cooperates with an atomizer attached to a feed line supplying a working medium to the atomizer to atomize the working medium when the valve body is actuated.

Abstract: A device and method, especially adapted for operating sprinklers, shower heads etc. at low flow, converts low continuous liquid flow to a high intermittent and pulsating flow. The liquid is introduced at a controlled low rate of flow, such as by the use of a pressure-compensated dripper in a liquid supply line. The liquid then flows into a chamber which is somewhat expandable in volume. The pressure increases in the chamber while outflow of the liquid is restricted until pressure created by introduction of the liquid is sufficient to eject the fluid intermittently at a higher flow. This is achieved by utilizing a pressure-responsive valve in the liquid exit of the container. The valve has a preset pressure response designed for quick response to create a water hammer effect. The valve has openings which create a pumping effect to admix air or another liquid with the effluent stream.

Abstract: A clamping device for obstructing the flow of fluid through a tube is disclosed which may be electrically or manually actuated in response to an electrical signal from a condition detection means associated with the tube. The clamping device may also be actuated to compress the tube gradually, providing incrementally decreasing flow through the tube.

Abstract: A system for pumping liquids that are subject to solidification in the line, uses a compressed gas as an expulsion medium for the liquid. A compound hose pipeline is used, having a variable volume gas chamber adjacent a transfer passage, extending the length of the line. The line may comprise an outer hose that provides an air annulus about a collapsible inner hose, through which the pumped liquid can flow. Air or other gas admitted to the annulus operates to expel the liquid from the inner hose, either upon the loss of pressurization of the liquid in the inner hose, or upon the application of adequate pressure within the gas annulus to discharge the liquid from the inner hose. A compartmented hose has a separating disphragm running the length of the hose, where admission of gas to one side of the diaphragm diminishes the adjoining chamber of the hose. When liquid is pumped, the diaphragm is displaced laterally, permitting full flow in the hose.

Abstract: There is provided a valve for use in regulating flow of fluid through a conduit having a deformably resilient valve sleeve, in which the valve includes a housing, and at least first and second opposing jaw members disposed transversely to the conduit for deforming the valve sleeve with the conduit sandwiched between the first and second opposing jaw members. The jaw members are movable between an open position, with the first and second jaw members spaced apart a distance sufficient to permit flow of liquid through the conduit, and a closed position, with the jaw members pinched together sufficiently to restrict or shut off the flow of fluid through the conduit. Inflatable diaphragms are provided to control movement of the jaw members between the open position, when the diaphragms are in a deflated configuration, and the closed position, when the diaphragms are in an inflated configuration.

Abstract: A safety sub is disclosed for retaining drilling fluid in the kelly or equivalent and other components of the mud system located above the drill string when pressure drops in the drill string, such as when the circulation pump is turned off in adding a new joint to the drill string. The safety sub includes a pressurized elastomeric cartridge with an elastomeric closure having an asymmetrical wall thickness, preferably achieved by the removal of a chord of material from its external circumference. When internal drilling pressure drops, the external pre-charge pressure closes the elastomeric material by inwardly collapsing the thinner wall portion of the closure. The metallic end pieces of the cartridge are bonded to the elastomeric material during the molding process.

Abstract: A valve assembly adapted for introduction of surgical instruments into a patient's body includes a valve body formed of a flexibly resilient material which defines an aperture for reception of the instrument. The aperture is configured and dimensioned such that insertion of the instrument into the aperture will cause the resilient material of the valve body to resiliently engage the outer surface of the instrument in a substantially gas tight manner. The valve assembly includes a biasing member for closing the valve body to form a gas tight seal prior to inserting the instrument therethrough.

Abstract: A safety sub is disclosed for retaining drilling fluid in the kelly or equivalent and other components of the mud system located above the drill string when pressure drops in the drill string, such as when the circulation pump is turned off in adding a new joint to the drill string. The safety sub includes a pressurized elastomeric cartridge having three or more depressions surrounding a central bore. When internal drilling pressure drops, the external pre-charge pressure closes the elastomeric material by creating a cusp opposite each depression, the cusps closing together. The metallic end pieces of the cartridge and parallel round connecting rods between these inserts are bonded to the elastomeric material during the molding process.

Abstract: The valve comprises a valve housing (39) and a valve member (28) which is tiltably arranged in the housing about a tilt axis (30) and which serves to close or free valve openings arranged on opposite sides of the tilt axis (30) in a flow passage leading from an inlet (46) to an outlet (48). The pressures which prevail in operation at the valve openings exert tilting moments on the valve member, and means (120, 138, 133; 122, 136, 133) arranged on both sides of the tilt axis are provided which exert compensating tilting moments on the valve member (28), with the said tilting moments and compensation tilting moments at least substantially cancelling one another in all positions of the valve member. An actuating device (12) is provided which controls the valve member and causes the valve member to execute a tilting movement.

Abstract: A flow measuring or flow metering device having a dynamically variable inner diameter. The flow device uses electrorheological fluid to support an inner flexible membrane. The quantity of electrorheological fluid is varied to change the inner diameter of the flexible membrane.

Abstract: The invention is a pressure sensitive valve that in different forms can be used to provide: an adjustable resistance to flow, adjustable positive or negative pressure relief, negative pressure isolation, isolation of pressure sensitive devices (e.g. pressure monitors) from blood and controlled recirculation between the inlet and outlet of pumps, particularly extracorporeal circulation. The construction of the valve is especially advantageous for extracorporeal circuits because the valve is made from one continuous length of tubing, thereby providing a valve that is more reliable, safer, and has fewer parts. A simple, compact and disposable system to adjust, regulate, and indicate negative or positive pressure applied to the valve is also described.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a spinning device, in particular a spinning or winding device. The device comprises a pressure circuit with a valve installed therein to control the pressure. The valve can be actuated pneumatically. A device for rapid aeration of the valve is provided with the valve. The valve is actuated by compressed air acting upon a side of a cup seal away from a pressure chamber, causing the cup seal to close off an aeration opening. The compressed air streams past the cup seal and fills the pressure chamber, whereby a passage cross-section of the valve is reduced or closed off by means of a closing element acting upon the pressure in the pressure chamber in opposition to a restoring force. As the pressure on the side of the cup seal away from the pressure chamber is reduced, the pressure on the side of the cup seal towards the pressure chamber is increased. As a result the cup seal moves in direction of lower pressure and the aeration opening is again opened.

Abstract: A control system for a dental handpiece, and the like, for supplying a pressurized drive fluid, pressurized air, and water to the handpiece, and which includes a holder for the handpiece having an internal pinch valve which is operated whenever the handpiece is inserted or removed from the holder. A control module is provided which actually controls the flow of the various fluids to the handpiece. The control module includes a pinch lever which engages the various tubes carrying the fluids to the handpiece, and it also includes a swell tube which responds to pressurized fluid from the handpiece holder whenever the handpiece is removed. A linkage system couples the swell tube to the pinching lever in the control module.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supplying two different components at two different flow rates to an extrusion head. A first component is delivered to an extrusion head through a first hose at a predetermined pressure. A second component is delivered to the extrusion head through a second hose at substantially the same predetermined pressure as the first component. The second hose extends partially through the first hose so that both components are delivered to the extrusion head at constant equal pressures.

Abstract: A fluid flow apparatus includes a peristaltic pump rotor mounted to a deck module assembly. A disposable software set is provided which includes a cassette which has a primary flexible tube and a pump platen adjacent to which the primary flexible tube resides. Tubing with blood processing bags are coupled to the manifold along with the input port of the rotor of a disposable blood processing centrifuge bowl. The cassette is removably secured to the hardware apparatus such that the flexible tube contacts both the platen of the cassette and the rollers of the pump rotor. The pump rotor is rotated to induce a fluid flow through the primary flexible tube. The software set also includes a three-to-one manifold which connects the primary tube to a plurality of secondary flexible tubes. Fluid flow through the secondary flexible tubes is controlled by a plurality of pinch valves which pinch the secondary tubes closed against closing surfaces on the cassette.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an improved diaphragm type mud saver valve, commonly referred to as a Kelley valve, which closes automatically to prevent loss and spilling of drilling mud. The improved valve can withstand very high drilling and pump pulsation pressures, for example, the pressures required for drilling wells over 20,000 feet in depth and mud pressures can exceed 15,000 p.s.i. The disclosure prevents the formation of gas pockets by providing gas escape openings and a clearance space between the support and backup element to prevent the extrusion of the diaphragm material through the small openings in a backup sleeve thus extending the life of the diaphragm and allowing proper diaphragm seating.

Abstract: A hose clamp (50) for a hose (18), inside which a different pressure prevails from that of its environment, and having two arms (28, 30) between which said hose (18) may be squeezed with different forces and thus the hose cross-section may be closed, is characterized in that the two arms (28, 30) are mutually movable transversely to the longitudinal axis of the hose (18), a bellows-like body (38) is arranged between the two arms (28, 30) in such a way that, by the expansion and compression of said body (38), the arms (28, 30) are movable in relation to each other and thus the hose (18) may be compressed to differing degrees, and the inside of the bellows-like body (38) may be connected to the hose (18) via a subsidiary line (48).

Abstract: A flow control valve assembly is provided which, when connected to a rotatable drill string, prevents drainage of fluid from a standpipe and rotary hose of a drilling rig when fluid flow through the drill string is interrupted. The flow control valve assembly comprises a tubular body member or housing having a fluid flow passage extensive therethrough and a flow control valve supported within the fluid flow passage of the tubular body member. The flow control valve, which is a self-contained pressurized unit, is provided with an annular pressure cavity so that the flow control valve can be selectively opened and closed in response to pressure differential between the annular pressure cavity and the pressure of fluid in the fluid flow passage of the tubular body member.

Abstract: Each of the washing units A and B comprises an openable and closable pinch valve unit 4 branchwise connected to a pipeline C, an autofeeder unit 5 for controlling the feed for advance and retraction movement of a high pressure hose 6 having rotatable nozzle unit connected to the front end thereof, and a hose reel unit 7 for winding and unwinding the high pressure hose. During washing operation, the nozzle unit enters the pipeline C through the pinch valve unit 4 now opened to wash the inner surface of the pipeline. During nonwashing period, the nozzle unit is moved rearward and completely isolated from the pipeline by the pinch valve unit 4 now closed. Therefore, the washing units A and B are completely separated from the pipeline C during nonwashing period.

Abstract: The invention is a pressure sensitive valve that in different forms can be used to provide: an adjustable resistance to flow, adjustable positive or negative pressure relief, negative pressure isolation, isolation of pressure sensitive devices (e.g. pressure monitors) from blood and controlled recirculation between the inlet and outlet of pumps, particularly extracorporeal circulation. The construction of the valve is especially advantageous for extracorporeal circuits because the valve is made from one continuous length of tubing, thereby providing a value that is more reliable, safer, and has fewer parts. A simple, compact and disposable system to adjust, regulate, and indicate negative or positive pressure applied to the valve is also described.

Abstract: A mud saver valve in which a cylindrical resilient sleeve is pressed against an inner tubular member by a pressurized gas to prevent flow from above the valve to below the valve at low pressures, and which is fully opened for free flow at higher pressures.