Abstract: A combination valve and clamping device is provided in which a flexible elastic inner lining is secured in a tubular outer shell having a port for introducing a fluid therebetween. A source of pressure such as a hypodermic syringe is used to cause the inner elastic sleeve to collapse and deform internally upon itself to surround and form a seal about a catheter located therein, positioning it within the shell. Alternatively, if nothing is present in the shell, the sleeve is collapsed on itself to prevent leakage of a fluid through the valve mechanism.

Abstract: A pinch valve control system for regulating the flow of water through the water distribution network of a building. Remote-controlled, fluid-operated pinch valves are spaced at various locations throughout the water distribution network of the building and may be selectively operated from a remote station to stop the flow of water in any pipe throughout the building's water distribution network. The use of pinch valves permits water flow to be increased or decreased gradually and reduces or eliminates water hammer. The pinch valve is operated by compressed fluid which enters the sleeve around the pinch valve to stop the flow of water in the pipe. To resume the water flow, the fluid in the pinch valve is released.

Abstract: An electronically driven control valve, in particular for refrigeration, comprises a main pipe (2) with two end pieces (4, 6) which can be made into inlet and outlet and an elastic center piece (8) which can be loaded externally with pressure to change its shape and hence its flow cross-section. The main pipe is surrounded in the zone of the elastic center piece by a perforated support tube (10) which in turn is surrounded at a distance by an enclosing tube (12), whereby an impermeably sealed enclosing space (16) is formed between the center piece (8) and the enclosing tube (12). A filling medium (18) in the saturated state is present in that enclosing space. This filling medium can be heated by a heater element to generate a desired vapor pressure and to change the shape of the elastic center piece. The change in shape of the elastic center piece is sensed using an inductive or capacitive pickup (25). The measurement signals from the pickup are analyzed to drive the control valve.

Abstract: A pinch valve control system for regulating the flow of water through the water distribution network of a building. Remote-controlled, fluid-operated pinch valves are spaced at various locations throughout the water distribution network of the building and may be selectively operated from a remote station to stop the flow of water in any pipe throughout the building's water distribution network. The use of pinch valves permits water flow to be increased or decreased gradually and reduces or eliminates water hammer. The pinch valve is operated by compressed fluid which enters the sleeve around the pinch valve to stop the flow of water in the pipe. To resume the water flow, the fluid in the pinch valve is released.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the production of foamed material in which the material and foam are delivered to a mixer (12) in predetermined relative proportions. The apparatus comprises a mixer (23) for mixing a foam solution and air together, and a foam generator (26) for conditioning the air and foam solution mixture and delivering the resultant foam to the mixer. The foam generator (26) comprises a plurality of foam generating chambers connected in parallel, valves (28) being provided to control the flow of air and foam solution mixture through each of the generator chambers. The volume flow rate at which foam is delivered to the mixer (12) is monitored, and the valves are controlled to direct the air and foam solution mixture through one or more of the generator chambers in dependence upon the volume flow rate such that the flow velocity of the air and foam solution mixture within the chamber or chambers is within predetermined limits.

Abstract: A valve for controlling the level of fluids in basins, such as stands for cut trees, aquariums, or hydroponic plant basins. The valve 6 includes a rigid fluid conduit 26 passing through the wall of a float chamber 16, in order to transmit fluid into a flexible tubing 28 connected to the portion of the rigid fluid conduit 26 inside the float chamber 16. In the valve's open position, the flexible tubing 28 is maintained in a partially bent postion, riding on the upper end of a float 30 contained within the float chamber 16. As the fluid enters the float chamber 16, and exits into basin 8, the fluid level rises causing the float 30 to rise in float chamber 16. The rising float further bends the flexible tubing 28, causing it to collapse and block the flow of fluid therethrough. As the fluid in basin 8 falls, the flexible tubing 28 returns to its original position, and the flow of fluid through the valve resumes.

Abstract: A flow control device has a body having a fluid holding chamber and an inlet port and two outlet ports which are adapted to removably receive valve cartridges. Each valve cartridge has a body having an inlet, an outlet and a fluid flow passageway extending therebetween. A collapsible tubing is mounted in the fluid flow passageway of the valve cartridge body. A piston movably mounted in the fluid flow passageway in the valve cartridge's body is moved into and withdrawn from the inlet of the collapsible tubing to selectively block and unblock the inlet of the collapsible tubing. The blocking of the inlet of the collapsible tubing causes a pressure decrease in the collapsible tubing downstream of the inlet which causes fluid pressure in the fluid flow passageway surrounding the collapsible tubing to collapse a portion of the collapsible tubing around the piston to further block fluid flow through the collapsible tubing.

Abstract: A drop tube assembly for feeding particulate material such as tablets or capsules between an upper level and a lower level is disclosed. The assembly employs a pair of vertical tubes, including an outer tube and a flexible inner tube. The flow of particulate material is controlled by introducing air under pressure between the tubes so as to reduce the diameter of the inner tube and thus constrict the vertical passageway interior of the inner tube. The flexibility of the inner tube and the pressurized air flow are controlled to allow the passageway to be closed initially along approximately 80 to 90 percent of the length of the tube. Air may be exhausted to open the passageway. The length and number of tubes in series can be varied depending on the length of the drop as well as the fragility of the material.

Abstract: A pressure-actuated valve for sealing a flow conduit. The valve comprises a housing, and a tubular resilient valve carried within the housing. The tubular valve defines a lumen extending through the housing. Means are provided for varying the pressure in the space within the housing but outside of the tubular valve. Thus, the tubular valve can be urged to collapse inwardly by specific pressure applied.

Abstract: A valve comprising a rigid tube in which a flexible tube is situated with the two ends of the flexible tube being connected in sealed manner to the ends of the rigid tube, a control orifice being provided through the wall of the rigid tube in the vicinity of its middle region, and a core also being disposed inside the flexible tube, the core being smaller in cross-section than the inside section of the tube when in the rest state, wherein the core has a calibrated internal passage. The valve is suitable for preventing hammer in an installation having two zones at different pressures P1 and P2.

Abstract: An anti-return safety apparatus for an installation comprising a vacuum vessel connected to a vacuum pump having an oil seal, wherein the apparatus comprises a valve constituted by a rigid tube having a flexible tube situated therein with the two ends of the flexible tube being fixed in sealed manner to the ends of the rigid tube, a control orifice being provided through the wall of the rigid tube in the vicinity of the middle thereof, the valve being connected between the vessel and the suction inlet to the pump, and in that a slide valve suitable for establishing two different communication paths is provided suitable for establishing a connection between a common outlet C and one or other of two distinct inlets a, and b, the common outlet C being connected to the control orifice of the valve having the flexible tube, the inlet a being connected to the suction inlet of the pump, and the inlet b being opened to atmospheric pressure, the slide valve being electromagnetically controlled by a coil, itself contro

Abstract: A hose clamp having a pair of jaws between which a hose is clampable. One jaw is a rotatable cam jaw that automatically applies a greater clamping force under the influence of differential pressure in a hose on opposite sides of the jaws, and under the influence of impending sliding movement of the clamp along a hose.

Abstract: A valve structured for attachment in-line with a conduit containing a fluid under pressure. The valve provides a flow path for the fluid, with the flow path including an area whereat all of the fluid passing through the valve must pass between a stationary surface and an interior surface of an elastic tubular member. A liquid filled chamber of the valve is isolated from the flow path, and in communication with an exterior surface of the elastic tubular member. A first pipe is attached to the valve in open communication with the liquid filled chamber. The other end of the first pipe is connected to a pressure vessel. A flexible diaphragm is affixed within the pressure vessel to divide the interior cavity thereof into a first and a second chamber. Both the first chamber and first pipe are completely filled with liquid and in communication with each other.

Abstract: A valve for use e.g. as a pilot valve in an offshore water deluge fire fighting system has a ported cylindrical body and an elastomeric sleeve defining between them an annular passage for flow between the various ports. Selected ports can be closed by means of captive balls which are cammed out by a central spool to deform localized areas of the sleeve into sealing contact with the housing wall surrounding the port openings. In this way the moving parts of the valve are isolated from the fluid by the sleeve and problems of sticking, e.g. caused by salt deposits when used with seawater, are avoided. In another embodiment, a flat pad of elastomeric material is used to the same effect in a ported body defining a planar flow passage.

Abstract: A miniature compound lever fluid-operated pinch valve/regulator in which a swell tube is sandwiched between a rectilinearly movable planar member and a frame, and in which the swell tube responds to pressurized fluid to displace the planar member from the frame. A spring-biased lever engages the planar member to collapse the swell tube in the absence of the pressurized fluid. A pinch lever is also mounted in the frame and is engaged by the spring-biased lever. The result is a compound lever mechanism which responds to the swelling and collapse of the swell tube in response to a pressurized fluid introduced into the swell tube to cause the mechanism to perform a pinching function on a resilient fluid-carrying tube passing through the valve/regulator.

Abstract: A flow control device, such as a valve, has a valve body which has a fluid holding chamber therein. An inlet in the valve body couples the chamber to a source of pressurized fluid. An outlet in the valve body couples the chamber to downstream devices such as sprinkler heads. The outlet has an outlet opening which opens to the valve chamber. A collapsible tubing is sealingly attached at a first end to the outlet opening. The collapsible tubing has an opposite end which extends into the chamber. The opposite end of the collapsible tubing has an inlet which opens into the chamber. A mechanism is provided for blocking and unblocking the inlet of the opposite end of the collapsible tubing to cause the collapsible tubing to collapse and uncollapse to block and unblock fluid flow from the chamber through the outlet. The mechanism has a piston for insertion into and withdrawal from the inlet of the collapsible tubing to block and unblock the inlet.

Abstract: A self-contained, implantable device for controlling passage of material through internal body conduits, and in particular to control the material passage through a closure point commonly referred to as a sphincter, such as flow through the urethra from the bladder, movement through the bowel, or flow of medications from an artificial conduit that is implanted. The magnetic occluding device comprises a fixed magnetic pressure plate assembly, positioned on one side of a conduit, and a permanent magnet on an opposite side of the conduit. The permanent magnet can be moved so that the magnetic force between the pressure plate and the magnet can be altered from a position wherein the attraction between the movable magnet and the pressure plate carries the conduit between the magnet and the pressure plate to collapse to close off flow through the conduit, to a position wherein the conduit can open.

Abstract: A mold fill coupling combined with a pinch fill valve and an overflow valve permits filling of a mold at one station and disconnecting the fill valve without rotating the mold.

Abstract: A mud saver valve for automatically closing to prevent loss and spilling of drilling mud. The valve contains a diaphragm, rigid backup means and diaphragm support means so that the valve can be used in high pressure wells.

Abstract: A flow control device, such as a valve, has a body with two portions which define two valve chambers, an inlet, which is coupled to a source of pressurized fluid and which opens into one of the valve chambers, and an outlet coupled to downstream devices, such as sprinkler heads, and which opens into the other valve chamber. A piece of collapsible tubing couples the two valve chambers. A shaft extends into the valve and is provided with a mechanism for pinching the collapsible tubing shut which causes the collapsible tubing to collapse due to the pressure exerted on its exterior by the pressurized fluid surrounding it. A coil spring is attached to the shaft and the valve body. When the valve is closed, i.e., the collapsible tubing collapsed, the coil spring is biased to cause the shaft to rotate if released. The shaft is prevented from rotating by a fusible link. When the temperature to which the valve is exposed reaches or exceeds a predetermined temperature, the fusible link melts.

Abstract: This invention relates to an air trap for shutting off flexible plastic tubing, particularly infusion tubing, for instance, during a transfusion of blood the air trap will reliably shut off the supply of blood when air bubbles are contained in the liquid entering the infusion tubing. This is ensured in that the air trap for shutting off flexible plastic tubing, particularly infusion tubing, comprises a flat head (mushroom-shaped head), which on one side bears on a ciaphragm, which defines a pressure chamber, and on the other side is provided with a guide stem, which is provided with means for squeezing a flexible plastic tubing in a receptacle and is operable to release the tubing in the receptacle under the action of a gas pressure in the pressure chamber and is spring-biased to cause said squeezing means to squeeze the flexible tubing in the receptacle when the pressure chamber is pressure-relieved.

Abstract: An elastomeric sleeve is placed under axial compression in a pinch valve assembly. The axial compression of the sleeve eliminates any crevices with end members that engage opposed end walls of the valve body. Further, axial compression extends cycle life of the valve by maintaining the sleeve in a non-tensile relationship. Mechanical gripping of enlarged flanges defined at opposed ends of the sleeve is also enhanced through axial compression of the sleeve. A positive, visual indication of valve open and closed positions is provided by an indicator stem extending outwardly from an actuator body. In an alternate embodiment, the flanges are reinforced. Additionally, a casting member is interposed between the valve body and sleeve for ease of replacement and maintenance. In still another embodiment, a vent opening in the valve body eliminates pneumatic closure forces on the elastomeric sleeve that can arise when the pinch valve is heated.

Abstract: A flow control device has a body with side walls which define a fluid holding chamber, an inlet for allowing fluid to enter the chamber, and at least one outlet for allowing fluid to exit the chamber. A length of collapsible tubing is sealingly attached to each outlet and extends into the fluid holding chamber. A mechanical device is provided for selecting collapsing the tubing at a point which is spaced apart from the side walls of the chamber. When the tubing is collapsed at this point, the downstream pressure in the outlet decreases and the pressure of the fluid in the chamber causes the tubing between the location of the mechanical device and the side walls to collapse. The tubing is formed from a material having a durometer hardness rating selected on the basis of a fluid characteristic or on the basis of a characteristic of particle carried in the fluid. In the latter case, the tubing is selected to the soft enough to encapsulate and seal around particles in the collapsed seal area of the tubing.

Abstract: A foldable container for tickets, and the like, purchased in advance and for advertisement and promotional materials for goods and services of the ticket purchaser's interests. The foldable container includes a plurality of panels of paper, paperboard, or similar material suitable for printing joined by a weakened hinge line, such as by perforation, embossing or scoring, one panel having a flap at its bottom edge and being larger in width than the adjoining panels. The adjoining panels progressively decrease in width from the panels to the right and left side of the one panel having a flap to the outermost panel at each side which are the smallest panels in the progression. One or more sides of the panels are printed with advertisement or promotional material, which may contain coupons. The panels are detachable from each other along the weakened hinge lines.

Abstract: An inflatable valve member includes a valve body received in a fluid line and defining a generally annular flow passage therewith. A flexible member disposed on the valve body is selectively inflated to open and close the flow passage. A filter is interposed between the valve body and flexible member. The filter prevents injection of the flexible member in a pre-cured state into an internal passage provided in the valve body. A bonding material is provided between the flexible member and the valve body to provide a secure mechanical engagement therebetween as the material is cured to a cross-linked polymer state. The bonding of the flexible member also eliminates crevices in the final assembled valve member. The fluid line also includes a linear portion at the outlet to facilitate drainage of the valve.

Abstract: There is disclosed a tub diaphragm valve for controlling hydraulic flow therethrough. The valve includes a diaphragm composed of innermost and outermost layers formed of elastic resiliently distortable fluid tight material and an intermediate layer of mesh material of relatively limited stretchability being unbonded to the innermost and outermost layers.

Abstract: An improved pressurized fluid check valve is provided which, when incorporated into a drill string powered by a rotary table of a drilling rig, prevents drainage of fluid from the stand pipe and rotary hose when the flow of fluid through the drill string is interrupted, such as during the attachment of another section of drill pipe to the drill string. The improved pressurized fluid check valve comprises (a) a tubular body member having a bore extensive therethrough between first and second end portions thereof, the bore having an enlarged medial portion forming a valve chamber; (b) a flow restricting assembly supported within the valve chamber of the tubular body member for selectively closing the valve chamber to fluid flow in a pressurized mode; and (c) a loading valve supported in an access bore formed through the side wall of the body member so as to communicate with the valve chamber.

Abstract: A tube valve, an actuator mechanism for a tube valve, a jaw for a tube valve, and a tube valve assembly including all of them. In one embodiment the tube valve has a valve body and a jaw movably mounted thereon, the jaw suitable for holding hollow flexible tubing and moving it into operative contact with a valving member for providing valving action of closing-off and opening-up the tubing to the flow of fluid therethrough. The valving member may be movably disposed through the valve body so that it can be moved into and out of operative contact with the tubing while the jaw is in position about the plunger. A latch assembly may be provided for holding the jaw in position about the plunger. In one embodiment the latch assembly includes a neck and a shaft attached thereto, the neck pivotably mounted to the valve body so that it can be pivoted to move the shaft into a holding recess in the jaw. The actuator mechanism has a lever member pivotably mounted to a housing.

Abstract: An elastomeric sleeve is placed under axial compression in a pinch valve assembly. The axial compression of the sleeve eliminates any crevices with end members that engage opposed end walls of the valve body. Further, axial compression extends cycle life of the valve by maintaining the sleeve in a non-tensile relationship. Mechanical gripping between enlarged flanges defined at opposed ends of the sleeve is also enhanced through axial compression of the sleeve. A positive, visual indication of valve open and closed positions is provided by an indicator stem extending outwardly from an actuator body.

Abstract: A pop up sprinkler utilizes a diaphragm valve oriented in a vertical manner within the sprinkler water inlet. The valve has a circular bellows surrounding a core and is movable between an expanded position embracing the core and a relaxed position displaced from the core. In the displaced position water flow through the sprinkler is allowed, such flow passing about the core in a manner which creates minimal pressure loss in the valve.

Abstract: A fluid flow regulator 10 comprises a body 11 defining three converging flow passages A, B and C between inlets 14, 13 and 12 respectively, and outlet 15, which is connectable to a suction source. Passages A and B each includes a valve. Turbine 16 in passage C drives actuating means periodically to operate the valves thereby to cause passages A and B periodically to be opened and closed in tandem. The regulator may be employed to suck predetermined quantities of fluid from two sources connected to inlets 14 and 13, respectively. Another embodiment serves as displacement apparatus for a submersible cleaner. With passage B open to admit water to drive a propeller 34 for displacing the apparatus and cleaner, passage A is closed to reduce suction at the cleaner. With passage B closed, passage A is open to transmit suction to the cleaner for it to be propelled by its own driving mechanism.

Abstract: A self clearing bladder valve is provided by concentric flexible and expandable bladder sleeves, the inner sleeve defining the passage through the valve. Flushing fluid is directed into an annular chamber between the bladder sleeves and through apertures through the inner sleeve into the passage for material passing through the valve to lubricate the passage and tend to force material out of the passage. The flushing fluid is delivered to the chamber between the bladder sleeves more quickly than it escapes through the apertures to the pressure in the annular chamber increases forcing the inner sleeve into the passage to restrict same as it is being flushed by fluid. Normally the flushing fluid will be directed into the annular chamber and through the apertures into the passage immediately before the valve is fully closed.

Abstract: A portable self-deflating fluid inflatable bladder adaptable to use as a damper for control of fluid flow in fluid supply systems and more specifically for control of air flow in heating and air conditioning ducts such as may be effectively used in zone controlled air conditioning systems. The bladder is an assembly of two layers of sheet material sealed together, one layer being a flat base sheet of semi-rigid flexible material having an internal memory causing it to return to its flat shape upon removal of flexing forces, the other layer being a flexible conformable material without shape memory so that it responds to make space for the volume of air pumped between the layers by way of a connection thereto. Inflation stresses on the base sheet cause it to be self-deflating and enables the bladder to be closely regulated in size for corresponding close control of air flow through an air passage in which the bladder is installed.

Abstract: A pressure regulation device utilized in an irrigation system. The pressure regulation device includes an inflatable air bladder within a housing in which a flow-through egress bladder connected to the irrigation site is placed. An operator may inflate the air bladder which is in contact with the egress bladder to restrict the flow of irrigation fluid to thereby increase the fluid pressure at the irrigation site such as a joint capsule. Once the fluid pressure in the egress bladder displaces air in the air bladder an equilibrium is reached between the air pressure in the air bladder and fluid pressure in the egress bladder and joint capsule. The operator may control the fluid pressure in the joint capsule by controlling the air pressure in the air bladder. To reduce pressure at the irrigation site, the operator deflates the air bladder to allow for increased fluid flow through the egress bladder.

Abstract: A swimming pool cleaning device including a head with a valve automatically operable therein by the flow of water induced by the suction of the swimming pool filtration equipment. The valve is in the form of a pair of jaw-like members resiliently biased to a open position preferably by resilient membranes between the sides of the jaws.

Abstract: The valve includes a housing with inlet and outlet members joined by a resilient flexible valve closure. An annular chamber that does not communicate with the inlet or outlet surrounds the valve closure. When a flow of fluid is desired through the valve closure, a pressurized fluid is introduced into the annular chamber to deform the valve closure enabling the closure to open. Reduction or elimination of the pressure for deforming the valve closure permits the valve closure to assume its normal closed position, thereby permitting a shut off of fluid flow. Variable flow rates can be accomplished by obtaining predetermined deformations of the valve closure corresponding to predetermined levels of the pressurizing fluid which cause such deformation.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a liquid beverage concentrate comprises a concente reservoir, a resilient dispensing tube having one end in communication with the reservoir via a non-return valve opening into the tube and having an opposite dispensing end provided with a non-return valve opening outwardly, and a pressure fluid device for squeezing a portion of the dispensing tube so as to force a quantity of concentrate through the dispensing end of the tube, the pressure fluid device including a deformable sleeve loosely fitting over the tube and separating the tube from the pressure fluid.

Abstract: A choke valve specially used for regulating the flow volume and with it the back pressure of liquids or gas while drilling through shallow gas bearing formations from an off-shore drilling platform. The valve comprises a flexible cylindrical valve element (8) positioned in the valve housing (1) flow passage and where the valve is so designed that the valve element's (8) flow area can be reduced by a radial reduction of the valve element. The flow area of the valve element (8) is equal to or larger than the remaining flow area of the valve. The valve has devices (10;22) for constricting the end of the valve element (8) being nearest to the outlet opening (3) of the valve. The valve element (8) is so long that it is possible to compensate for the wear to which the end is exposed by sliding the valve element against the constricting devices (10:22) or by moving the latter along the valve element as the wear proceeds.

Abstract: A valve acting as a gate valve or as a cock, whose body is divided into two chambers that communicate respectively with the inlet and the outlet. A fixed tubular sealing element is arranged therein, which consists of a flexible sleeve that, when in its swollen configuration, seals the holes of a riddled hollow cylinder in which it is housed, said sleeve acting thus on the flow from the first chamber to the second one through said holes. A third chamber is obtained within said tubular sealing element, a small part of the total flow passing through said chamber; thus, by the regulation of the flow rate of said mirror flow, by means of a stem valve assembly, the automatic regulation is corresondingly obtained of the main flow passing to the outside part of said sleeve, so that the regulation is obtained of the whole fluid stream.

Abstract: An intravenous system is provided which includes a source of intravenous fluid, a needle or catheter for insertion into the vascular system of a patient, a pump for pumping the intravenous fluid via the needle or catheter into the patient and catheters coupling the pump to the source and to the needle. The pump includes an arrangement to terminate pumping upon an opening upon one of the catheters to ambient atmosphere. A flow control is provided in at least one of the catheters to prevent movement of air through the corresponding catheters into the patient.

Abstract: A pinch valve includes a housing with a quarter-turn closure mechanism disposed within the housing for adjustment of a spool-sleeve. The mechanism consists of two cam members rotatably supported in the housing on the opposite sides of the sleeve and connected to a hub via drive links. The hub is disposed proximate an opening in the housing and is rotated manually by a handle, or automatically by an actuator. Each cam member includes a first portion which is rotatable across the sleeve and a shank portion which is eccentrically disposed on the first portion and traverses the sleeve profile. As the cam members are rotated the shank portions move transversely of the sleeve longitudinal axis, toward and away from one another for pinching the sleeve and thereby selectively throttling or stopping the flow through the system.

Abstract: A sleeve valve comprising an elastomer sleeve folded onto itself, the two peripheral ends being fixedly held so that an integral control chamber is created, an opening being provided in said chamber for connecting it to a control pressure source, no housing being required.

Abstract: A molded flexible fluid conduit and a make/before break pinch valve including a slidably movable pressure member spring biased normally against said conduit in closed condition of the valve, said conduit including a pair of elongate longitudinal unitary purchase formations capable of cooperating with slots carried by the valve whereby the conduit forcibly is pulled or stretched in diametrically opposed directions upon actuation of the valve subsequent to periods of closure so as to force the conduit open to permit flow.

Abstract: An axial flow valve has its cage bolt replaced by a sonic nozzle. This device may then be permanently installed in a pipeline in series with a meter to provide the facility for on site calibration of the meter.

Abstract: This invention relates to a valve assembly including a hollow body housing a tubular flexible diaphragm therein to provide a passage for fluid flow through the body. The assembly includes means whereby pressures within the diaphragm and in the chamber between the diaphragm and the hollow body are controlled so that, in use with fluid flowing through the diaphragm, it will be caused to automatically and repeatedly contract and expand. This will result in a pulsating flow of fluid through the assembly. Such a valve assembly finds particular application in a swimming pool cleaner operating off the reduced pressure provided by the pump for the conventional pool filtration plant and this invention includes a cleaner of this type including a valve assembly as set forth.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for effecting shut-off of flow through a tube formed of flexible material. The device includes a block having a bore through which the tube extends and having a resilient sleeve surrounding the tube in the bore and further including a plunger adapted to project through an aperture in the bore wall to engage the resilient sleeve and pinch the tube within the sleeve.

Abstract: A pinch valve in which a sleeve is contained in a housing, the motive fluid is sealed between the sleeve and the housing interior, and the sleeve is fixed in position in the housing. Also, the process fluid can be sealed between the sleeve and the line piping.

Abstract: A mixer-ejector with jet effect incorporates inductor nozzles opening into a venturi profile conduit having in succession a highly convergent suction sleeve, a coupling wall and a diffuser. The coupling wall is a variable-profile venturi part, consisting of a hollow sleeve made of a distortable elastic material in a casing with leaktight sealing and incorporates means for introducing a fluid into the enclosure formed by the sleeve and the casing.

Abstract: A high performance pinch tube valve for accurate, reliable, high speed and precise control of relatively low viscosity fluids. The valve is particularly adapted for use in apparatus for controlled pattern dyeing of textile material, such as carpet, with liquid dye streams. The valve includes a valve block having a bore receiving a flexible tube, and a passageway communicating with and disposed generally transversely to the bore, the intersection of the bore and the passageway defining a pinch chamber. A tube pinch off member is selectively reciprocal within the passageway into the bore for forcing the flexible tube closed. The tube pinch off member comprises a piston rod and a freely-floating ball disposed between the end of the rod and the flexible tube. The pinch chamber has a flattened wall portion formed in the bore opposite the communicating passageway. Additionally, the communicating passageway has a larger diameter than the bore.

Abstract: A device for regulating the flow or outflow of liquids comprises an outer encasing tube, having a feed tube connected to an inlet and in which is a cylindrical hose coupling is disposed, which is tightly connected to an outlet. The liquid acts indirectly from the outside on the hose coupling via a gas cushion, so that a pressure difference occurs within the hose coupling, which leads to a bulging, and consequently, a cross-sectional reduction of hose coupling. The complete arrangement is arranged on the dry side of a container wall.