Abstract: An instrument for use with resilient tubing such as wound drainage tubing, catheters, chest tubing, common duct T tubing, I.V.

Abstract: A multi-port valve mechanism for fluids, especially compressed air, comprises a cylindrical (ring-like) housing. A motor drives a shaft centered in the housing which is rotatably supported by the housing walls. The shaft carries an arm having one, or two, rollers which pinch close a flexible and resilient elongated tube, which tube is secured to the inside wall of the housing. A series of port orifices are aligned and spaced along the tube; so that an inlet port is connected to outlet ports, one after the other, in sequence, as the pinch roller is moved along the tube by the arm.

Abstract: A flow regulator has a pair of side walls extending generally parallel to one another, a bottom wall connecting the side walls to one another and defining an elongate channel for receiving a compressible tube, a roller rotatably and shiftably mounted to the side walls for rolling along the tube in the channel and compressing the tube against the bottom wall. The bottom wall is provided with a formation which varies from a first end of the channel towards an opposite, second end thereof, whereby compressive force applied to the tube via the roller is different at different longitudinal positions of the roller along the channel. A bracket is disposed about the side walls at one end of the channel. The bracket is in contact with outer surfaces of the side walls only in regions of the side walls spaced from the bottom wall.

Abstract: A sewage treatment system includes a pair of substantially identical unitary fluid treatment modules, each module having a central sedimentation tank surrounded by a peripheral wetland. The sedimentation tanks are coupled through a dosing device to an input source of sewage and, as an outlet, to a leaching field. The dosing device includes a switching mechanism isolated from the fluids, which mechanism provides in one cycle for one treatment module to be filled with the incoming sewage while maintaining its outlet closed. When the liquid level in the sedimentation tank in the first treatment module reaches a predetermined level the dosing device switches the sewage input to the other treatment module, while opening the outlet from the first treatment module to the leaching field. The dosing device switching mechanism employs pinch valves arranged so that when the inlet on one treatment module is closed, the inlet on the other treatment module is substantially simultaneously opened.

Abstract: A liquid flow control attachment for a baby nurser to control flow of liquid contents contained in the baby nurser to a nipple adapted to be sucked on by an individual, having a self contained attachment unit with one end adapted to be connected to the baby nurser and another end adapted to be connected to a nipple, a colic control mechanism associated with the one end adapted to receive the liquid from the baby nurser and transfer it to the other end; a washer associated with the other end for transferring the liquid from the baby nurser to the nipple, and a flow rate control comprising a liquid path coupling the colic control mechanism with the washer, and an adjuster associated with the liquid path for adjustment thereof for controlling the quantity of liquid passing from the baby nurser to the nipple.

Abstract: A thermoformed bowl filled and sealed with a sample food product forms a sample package. The bowl is sized and shaped to the contours of and so as to nest upon the shoulders of a plastic one gallon jug or bottle. The package has a centrally located die-cut hole to lock under the bottle neck boss. Free samples of the food product can thus be distributed to accompany regular sales of one gallon plastic containers of milk.

Abstract: An adjustable control valve for flow regulation of gas or liquid includes a controlled hose clamp device, preferably with two clamping members disposed on respective sides of a hose for adjustable compression of the hose and thereby setting of the flow cross-section of the hose at a compression site between the clamping members. The control valve comprises further a movable cam disk, e.g. a rotatable eccentric sheave actuated by a shifting mechanism, preferably a step motor, disposed for variable compression of the hose in accordance with the position of the cam disk or eccentric sheave. For automatically controlled setting of the flow cross-section of the hose, the shifting mechanism may be arranged to be controlled from a measuring device mounted for gauging the flow in the hose downstream of the compression site (As).

Abstract: A catheter irrigation device, readily attached to a fluid supply line connected to an indwelling catheter, is used to dislodge clots or blockages at the distal end of the catheter. The irrigation device comprises a pair of opposing rollers configured and positioned such that the fluid supply can be interposed between the rollers. The irrigation device further includes a flexible linkage which supports the rollers and maintains the rollers about the fluid supply tube. The flexible linkage is configured to receive the fluid supply tube and configured to deflect to cause the rollers to pinch the fluid supply tube, thus creating an occlusion. The flexible linkage and roller are further configured to slide over the fluid supply tube, such that with the rollers creating an occlusion in the tube, the irrigation device is slid for a sufficient distance toward the catheter to sufficiently increase the fluidic pressure within the catheter to dislodge the blockage.

Abstract: Viscous active ingredients are introduced into the case of a galvanic cell by extrusion from a nozzle fed with the ingredients by a pumping device. The pumping device includes an elastic, substantially straight piece of hose, and a pressure roll which can be moved along the hose between two established limits, both in the general direction of the outlet nozzle to compress the hose, and in the opposite direction to assume a retracted position along the hose. The piece of hose is compressed at a point immediately adjacent to the hose segment defined between the established limits of the pressure roll so that the material to be metered does not come into contact with parts in relative motion to each other.

Abstract: A flow control device for controlling the rate of flow liquid wherein a liquid supply tube is inserted in a liquid supply tube insertion channel extending in the longitudinal direction of the liquid supply tube. A roller is provided for squeezing the liquid supply tube against the bottom of the tube insertion channel. Ridges are provided for squeezing the opposite side edges of the liquid supply tube to a greater degree than the central portion of the liquid supply tube. The bottom of the insertion channel has a first inclined surface inclined with respect to roller bearing grooves for fine adjustment of the rate of liquid flow, and a second inclined surface terminating in the first inclined surface and inclined in the same direction as the first inclined surface but by a greater angle than the first inclined surface for a coarser adjustment of liquid flow through the liquid supply tube.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve for positive pressure pump systems in which fluid is displaced from the inlet to the outlet of the pump. The pressure relief valve includes a bypass tubing member interconnecting the outlet and a lower pressure area such as the inlet. Pressure limiting means normally occlude the bypass tubing to restrict flow when the outlet pressure of the pump is below a predetermined level and responds to pressure above a predetermined level to shunt fluid from the outlet to the inlet. In the preferred embodiment, the pressure limiting means consists of bar-like members which engage the exterior of the tubing and are biased to compress the bypass tubing to a flow restricting position by elastic bands extending around the bar-like members.

Abstract: A peristaltic voltage block for use in systems for electrostatically aided atomization and dispensing of conductive coating materials includes a resilient, electrically non-conductive conduit arranged in multiple loops on a support mechanism. The voltage block also includes contactors for contacting the conduit substantially to occlude the conduit to divide coating material flowing in the conduit into discrete slugs, and a rotor supporting the contactors. A mechanism is provided for selectively moving the contactors into and out of occluding engagement with the conduit.

Abstract: Tubing through which fluid flow is to be regulated is placed in a regulating clamp wherein it is clamped between a roller wheel and a surface which is substantially parallel to the travel of the wheel. The surface has a variable cross-sectional area channel extending within or therealong. Flow rate through the tubing is changed by longitudinal adjustment of the position of the roller wheel, the ratio between the portion of the tubing which is clamped shut to that which is exposed to the channel, and consequently not being clamped, thereby being varied. A plurality of raised elements are formed in the surface and act to locally pinch or grip the tubing at discrete intervals thereby both improving the grip and lessening the creep of the tubing. The raised element which is most remote from the channel is substantially higher than the raised element closer to the channel to provide a more constant flow rate especially with thicker and harder walled tubing.

Abstract: A system is used to completely drain a hose used in conjunction with a tanker truck or railroad tank car. The system includes a holding tank and a shutdown system as well as a hose emptying unit.

Abstract: A multi-constituent mixing and metering dispenser adapted to yield a composition whose intermixed constituents are in relative proportions settable by the user. The extrudable constituents are stored in separate compressible pouches encased in face-to-face relation in the squeeze container of a supply section. Secured to the top of the container is a metering and mixing output section having a mixing chamber therein provided with an outlet. Each pouch has a flexible dip tube inserted therein leading to the mixing chamber in the output section. The container includes a check valve that is caused to close when the container is squeezed, thereby hermetically sealing the container and exerting pneumatic pressure on the pouches to cause extrusion of the constituents into the mixing chamber from which the resultant mixture is discharged through the outlet.

Abstract: A roller clamp for regulating fluid flow through a plastic tube comprising a bottom plate for receiving the plastic tube, a pair of sidewalls each having a guide groove, and a roller wheel for pressing the plastic tube is disclosed. The bottom plate has a V-shaped channel along its longitudinal direction and a pair of projections each having a pointed end are formed on the top of lines each extending from the lowest position of the V-shaped channel. A required amount of fluid can be supplied at a constant flow velocity thanks to small tube resistance.

Abstract: A large bore tubing roller clamp assembly for regulating the flow rate of a liquid through large bore tubing is disclosed. The roller clamp assembly comprises a substantially rigid elongated plastic frame, a generally cylindrical roller, and a length of a large bore tubing disposed within the frame. The flow rate through the tubing is controlled by moving the roller along an inclined roller track and over the tubing, thereby selectively compressing tubing to attain the desired flow rate.

Abstract: A flow control device for regulating fluid flow through a length of flexible tubing comprising (a) a body assembly comprising a lower surface with a groove for supporting a length of flexible tubing, opposing side walls extending in the vertical plane along the longitudinal axis from the lower surface defining a passage for the tubing, a guide groove in one of the side walls, a rack gear positioned in the guide groove; (b) a rotatable cam assembly comprising a cam with an irregular radius which, at one position of rotation, extends into the passage, a pinion gear extending axially from and having the same center of rotation as the cam, wherein the pinion gear extends into the guide groove and operatively engages the rack gear; and (c) a cover connected to the top of the body assembly for retaining the pinion gear in operative engagement with the rack gear.

Abstract: A clamp for adjusting the throughflow cross-section of a tube, in particular for medical devices intended for once-only use, essentially comprises a U-shaped elongted clamp housing and a clamping roller longitudinally displaceable in the housing, as well as a clamping area angularly positioned with respect to the housing cross-piece, narrowing in the longitudinal direction of the housing and intended to establish the required throughflow cross-section of the tube. To prevent readjustment of a throughflow cross-section once this has been set, provision is made for the clamping area forming the throughflow cross-section of the tube to be formed by means of an annular notch at one edge of the clamping roller in conjunction with a housing sidewall, whilst forming a narrow acute-angled triangular cross-section which supports the tube on all sides.

Abstract: A liquid metering unit comprising a conduit of flexible material depending between first and second rotatable rollers, each having first and second curved surfaces and first and second flat portions. The rollers are driven in opposite directions so that their first curved surfaces impinge upon the conduit, constricting it and causing it to move upwards along its longitudinal axis such that any liquid contained therein is expelled from its lower end. Continued rotation of the rollers presents the second flat portions to the conduit, which is released and drops back to its original position. The conduit is recharged with liquid from a reservoir connected to its upper end by means of a vacuum source selectively connectable to its lower end.

Abstract: A coating material dispensing system includes an electrostatic high potential supply having an output terminal on which the supply maintains a high electrostatic potential, a source of coating material, a dispenser for dispensing the coating material, and appropriate fluid and electric circuits for coupling the dispenser to the source of coating material and the output terminal to the dispenser to supply potential to the coating material dispensed by the dispenser. The fluid circuit coupling the dispenser to the source of coating material includes a peristaltic voltage block having multiple coils of a resilient conduit and a rotor for supporting means for contacting each coil at multiple contact points. The peristaltic voltage block substantially divides the flow of coating material to the dispenser into discrete slugs of coating material substantially to interrupt the electrical path through the coating material from the terminal to the coating material supply.

Abstract: A flow regulator for liquids passing through a resiliently deformable tube (18), the regulator comprising a body including a channel (8) to receive the tube (18), a channel floor (10) less than the length of the body, two axle tracks (12) in the inner faces of the channel walls (9) extending over the channel floor (10), a wheel (13) supported by stub axles (14) in the tracks (12) and a groove (15) of varying cross-sectional size in the channel floor (10) into which the tube (18) is forced as the wheel (13) passes over the groove (15).

Abstract: Arrangement for controlling and regulating a liquid (2) flowing through a line (3). The arrangement comprises a valve body (9) provided with a press-on or deforming element (11) moveable along the line and designed to cooperate with the said line for regulating the flow of the liquid (2), by means of restriction thereof to varying degrees. In the line (3) there is fitted a continuous hollow element (4) having a number of openings (8) through which the said liquid can flow. The press-on element (11) moveable along the hollow element (4) is designed to press the line (3) against the said element (4). By this means a shifting of the press-on element can be carried out such that an optional area of the openings can be uncovered for throughflow since that part of the hollow element where the said area is located is situated on the outlet side in relation to the press-on element.

Abstract: A device for controlling the flow of a parenteral fluid, comprises a resilient tubular body of an infusion tube having a flattened portion with two parallel opposed walls. Each wall has a tapering groove, the grooves together defining a longitudinal region of non-contact between the walls of tapering cross-section. Regulating means is provided for flexing a short length of the body about a longitudinal axis of the body so as to urge the two walls together so that the rate of flow is determined by the cross-section of the region of non-contact at said length. Flexure about the longitudinal axis of the body avoids cold-flow of the region of non-contact. The regulating means comprises a support and an operating member longitudinally movable relative to the support, the body being flexed at said length by the co-operation of the support and the operating member. The support is preferably a channel having side walls which define grooves to guide a roller for longitudinal movement relative to the channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sterile, unitized, economical device furnishing a fluid path between a plurality of solutions to be compounded and a receiving container. The device includes a plurality of fluid connectors and fluid lines sealingly connected to respective pump fittings which provide individual paths to a common junction block.The common junction block includes a portion for receiving fluid lines and preventing them from crimping thereby maintaining fluid flow. The block also includes an exit port for providing a sealingly sterile connection to the receiving container. Further, a closure is provided to protect the exit port from contamination when the port is not providing fluid communication to the receiving container.

Abstract: Tubing through which fluid flow is to be regulated is placed in a regulating clamp wherein it is clamped between a movable roller wheel and a surface of the clamp. Flow rate through the tubing is changed as determined by longitudinal adjustment of the position of the roller wheel. A full shut-off of flow through the tubing at a particular shut-off zone of the roller clamp is assured by means of ledge elements extending from the sidewall of the housing. These ledge elements, so as to provide a transitional deformation, are located in spaced relation to the clamping surface and are configured monotonically to provide a transitional and monotonically configured deformation of the tubing to avoid accidental rupture thereof, at the same time fully confining the tubing to prevent the formation of lumens in the peripheral edge portions thereof. In addition, full shut-off of the edge portion of the tubing is assured for parallel acting roller clamps, throughout the travel range of the wheel, if so desired.

Abstract: A tube for use in a flow controller of an intravenous or other slow flow control apparatus has a configuration somewhat like the opening defined by the open eyelids of the human eye whereby to provide relatively sharp corners and narrow width of the opening to reduce materially the force required to close relative to that required to close a round tube and to reduce the movement of the flow control element of the controller, which controller is configured to take advantage of the shape of the tube and employs a shape memory control element to adjust rate of flow of the fluid; the controller also including a brake element to lock the flow rate at a particular preselectable rate.

Abstract: A fluid control device for a liquid transfusion line comprises an inlet connector and an outlet connector, and a flexible conduit defining two, three or more passageways extending in parallel between them to provide a plurality of parallel paths for the flow of the fluid. The device further includes a restrictor in one or more but of the passageways restricting the flow according to a fixed predetermined rate lower than that of unrestricted passageway, and a manual control member for selectively closing the passageways to produce a flow of the fluid from the inlet connector to the outlet connector according to a preselected fixed rate.

Abstract: A novel roller clamp is described for controlling flow of fluids in flexible tubing used for intravenous fluid administration to a patient. The roller clamp includes a unique placement means to enhance placement of a roller within a clamp body or frame. The novel placement means includes angular portions disposed in an infeed section of the frame. The angular portions form an angle greater than 90 degrees with a side wall portion of the frame to encourage upward movement of the roller during insertion onto guide surfaces in the frame of the clamp.

Abstract: In order to be able to regulate in a simple and reliable manner the quantity of liquid that is administered to a patient through a hose in an infusion device, there is provided, according to the invention, a motor-driven eccentric, which presses the hose against a blocking device and clamps it off to a greater or lesser degree. The blocking device forms a part of at least one guide for the hose and can assume two positions. In one of the positions the guide is released; in the other position it is closed. A lever mounted with freedom to rotate, which can be spring-loaded, is particularly well suited for the blocking device. In addition, a clamping lever which can be activated through an electromagnetic latch, can be provided as an emergency stop.

Abstract: Device for holding and positioning plastic tubing of an intravenous fluid administration set. Device comprises a generally flat, foldable, elongate structure having two outwardly extending arms connected via an intermediate flexible portion having on opposite sides thereof substantially parallel longitudinal recesses which, when the arms are folded against one another, form a longitudinal channel, generally circular in cross section and capable of holding plastic tubing via friction fit. In preferred embodiments, device includes means for irreversibly locking the arms together in a spring-like manner and a tamper prevention and indication means.

Abstract: A toothpaste dispenser is constructed in the form of a wall unit simulating a toothbrush with an elongate upper compartment for receiving an inverted toothpaste tube and constituting the toothbrush handle portion, and a lower compartment constituting the bristle portion of the toothbrush and containing a dispenser mechanism. The dispenser mechanism comprises a resilient dispensing duct which receives toothpaste from the inverted tube, and a lever-operated plunger for pumping paste through the tube and discharging same through an outlet nozzle. A metered quantity of paste is dispensed with each forward stroke of the lever.

Abstract: A mechanically actuated pinch valve having a longitudinally extending flexible valve body with an inlet and an outlet and frame members extending along either side of the valve. Side plates are pivotally attached at each side frame. A lower pinch bar or roller extends between the side plates at the lower side of the valve body. A pair of arms are pivotally attached to the side plates and carry an upper pinch bar. The valve is actuated by means of a lever attached to the arms which simultaneously cause the pivot plates to rotate while bringing the upper pinch bar into compressing engagement with the valve body. In other embodiments the actuator mechanism may include a compound linkage or a lead screw for improved control and better mechanical advantage.

Abstract: An apparatus for administering a fluid from a source to a patient comprising a flexible conduit extending from the source to the patient and a roller clamp, including a rotary member which rotates and translates to restrict the conduit to control the flow of fluid to the patient. The roller clamp is retained in position, and a motor drives the rotary member to the desired position.

Abstract: A safety valve in combination with a resilient tube for preventing the free flow of fluid through the resilient tube comprises a valve body which is connected to a valve head of generally circular cross-section which is formed with a flat peripheral land. The resilient tube is disposed over the valve head for snug fluid-sealing engagement between the inner surface of the tube and the flat land on the valve head. Also, the resilient tube is fluid sealed to the valve body for fluid communication therebetween. Stretching the resilient tube separates a portion of the inner surface of the tube from the flat land on the valve head to permit fluid flow past the valve head. When the resilient tube is unstretched, the engagement between the inner surface of the tube and the flat land of the valve head prevents free fluid flow.

Abstract: A device connected at a remote end to a water faucet for metering water through a squeezable tube for watering plants or the like, in which prior art clamps to pinch the tube and thus control the volume of water flow therethrough are replaced by a rotatable cam, which obviates damage, due to pinching, in the tube, and other prior art shortcomings.

Abstract: A valve for controlling flow of abrasive media from a blast tank to a nozzle, utilizes rollers for constricting a straight-through tube. In this way the valve meters the flow of the abrasive media into a blast hose through which air is directed under pressure as a carrier for the media. Contact with the media within the valve is limited to a radially constrictable tube adapted for ready replacement as the only component subject to the destructive characteristics of media such as mineral grit, sand, or the like. In association with the pinch tube housing, means is provided permitting ready interchange of manual and automatic tube-constricting assemblies. In the automatic configuration, the size of the valve orifice through which the media passes can be accurately and swiftly regulated by varying the pressure on a diaphragm.

Abstract: A pinch-type shut-off, pressure- or flow-regulating valve having a flexible tube extending through a valve body wherein the flexible tube is pinched off by the action of an eccentric cam attached to a motor. As the eccentric cam is rotated the flexible tube can be pinched off as it presses against the opposing wall inside the valve body. A number of positions of pinching off can be achieved and a microswitch can be available to locate the position of the eccentric cam.

Abstract: An intravenous tubing clamping device is provided for controlling fluid flow through compressible tubing. The device includes an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end which is adapted to receive the tubing. The body member has a generally V-shaped longitudinally extending bottom wall having an angle of about 60.degree. to 165.degree. defining two supporting surfaces for the tubing. In one embodiment, the bottoms of the side walls of the body member define ledges on opposite sides of the V-shaped bottom wall. In another embodiment, the body member defines two grooves on opposite sides of the V-shaped bottom wall. A roller is mounted on the body member for movement longitudinally of the body member. The roller has a generally V-shaped circumference having an apex angle centrally located on the roller having a value of about 60.degree. to 180.degree.. The roller also has circumferentially extending grooves extending around both opposite sides of the outer periphery of the roller.

Abstract: An intravenous tubing clamping device is provided for controlling fluid flow through compressible tubing. The device includes an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end which is adapted to receive the tubing. The body member has a generally V-shaped longitudinally extending bottom wall having an angle of about 60.degree. to 165.degree. defining two supporting surfaces for the tubing. In one embodiment, the buttoms of the side walls of the body member define ledges on opposite sides of the V-shaped bottom wall. In another embodiment, the body member defines two grooves on opposite sides of the V-shaped bottom wall. A roller is mounted on the body member for movement longitudinally of the body member. The roller has a generally V-shaped circumference having an apex angle centrally located on the roller having a value of about 60.degree. to 180.degree.. The roller also has circumferentially extending grooves extending around both opposite sides of the outer periphery of the roller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clamp regulator for transfusing liquid and blood, and in particular to one which utilizes an adjustable wheel made integrally with an auxiliary wheel to compress a tubing on a conical surface so as to regulate the liquid flow passing through the tubing.

Abstract: A flushing apparatus comprising, a housing having an inlet, an outlet, a passageway communicating between the inlet and outlet, with the passageway including an insert defining a relatively small bore. The housing has a relatively large bypass channel communicating between the inlet and outlet separately from the passageway, with at least a portion of the channel being defined by a tubular section having flexible walls defining a lumen. The apparatus has a valve member movable between a first closed position with the valve member bearing upon the tubular section such that it blocks the lumen with fluid passing at a relatively slow rate between said inlet and outlet through the bore, and a second open position with the lumen being substantially open such that the fluid passes between said inlet and outlet through the channel at a relatively fast rate.

Abstract: A pinch valve module comprising a housing, a cylindrical cavity formed in the housing, plural passageways leading from the cavity to the exterior of the housing and spaced about the cavity and a coaxial rotor rotatable within said cavity. The rotor has a diameter less than the diameter of the cavity defining a chamber between its outer wall and the inner cavity wall. Plural spaced pins are located within the chamber and are spaced about the rotor periphery. The rotor has unitary outwardly extending radial protrusions in the form of lobes extending into the chamber. Generally cylindrical tubular rollers or rings are loosely seated about selected ones of said pins within the chamber. Flexible conduits are threaded through said passageways and are disposed along arcuate sections of the chamber walls between the pins and the chamber wall.

Abstract: There is disclosed a pinch valve of greatly improved performance. The pinch valve has a housing with end plates having apertures forming a through passageway to receive a flexible conduit. The housing is split through the apertures of the end plates, into two halves, forming upper and lower saddles that are detachably interconnected to permit assembly of the housing about a flexible conduit, thereby eliminating cutting or breaking of the flexible conduit to insert or to relocate the pinch valve. The upper half of the housing carries a stationary bar or anvil and a circular cam actuator moves the valve member through a complete, 360 degree, rotation in a sinusoidal action movement. This action gives the valve a great mechanical advantage at shutoff position, permitting use of a small, lightweight valve structure.

Abstract: A liquid transfer device is disclosed which comprises a body having a wall defining a cavity within the body. Two hollow conduits extend from the cavity through the wall and project outwardly from the body. Two resilient tubes extend through the body and are attached in fluid flow communication to each of the hollow conduits. A roller clamp is provided within the cavity of the body for selectively applying or releasing compressive force on the resilient tubes to selectively permit or prevent fluid flow through such resilient tubes. A double lumen needle is attached to the body such that the needle engages the two hollow conduits projecting outwardly from the body. Each lumen within the needle is in fluid flow communication with one of the hollow conduits and thereby one of the resilient tubes. One of the resilient tubes is connected at its distal end to a liquid source to be transferred. The remaining resilient tube is connected at its distal end to a vacuum source.

Abstract: A flow regulating device and specifically an improved roller clamp with a length of conduit exhibiting low compression set properties disposed therein. The clamp includes an elongated box-like body having a fluid inlet at one end with a fluid outlet at the opposite end which are joined by the conduit to provide a flow lumen through the clamp. The roller is captured within a track in the body to selectively compress or release the conduit towards or away from a compression surface disposed at an angular variance to the track. The flow rate is regulated by appropriately positioning the roller. The conduit is captured within the body so as to be unaffected by external pulling or tugging forces.

Abstract: An improved method for precision control of a wide variety of work material liquids and an improved pinch valve incorporating that method is disclosed. The method involves constricting a discrete site on a resilient tube having liquids flowing therethrough to pinch off flow, then moving the constriction upstream to maintain flow stoppage and create a partial vacuum to cause positive suck back, the distance the constriction is moved being selectively determinable to selectively adjust suck back. An apparatus for practicing the method comprises an external roller shutoff member which is movable in a direction to intersect with and then move counter to work material flow within a resilient tube to compress the tube against a ramp and gives positive repeatable shutoff of the flow.

Abstract: A parenteral solution administration system having a conduit for communication with a source of parenteral solution, a drip chamber carried by the conduit, drop detector circuit for detecting drops falling through the drip chamber and flow control circuit including an occlusion device moving between first and second positions for opening and closing the conduit. Feedback circuit is provided for controlling the flow control circuit to cause the rate of drops falling through the drip chamber, as sensed by the drop detector circuit, to correspond to a predetermined drop rate. The occlusion device is preferably operated by a stepper motor, and the system is disengagable so that at the occurrence of a predetermined circumstance, the occlusion device can be disengaged from the motor circuit and can be moved without corresponding action of the motor circuit.

Abstract: A fail-safe valve (10) for precluding contamination of fluid, such as milk, having passed through a main fluid flow line (12) from an input end, such as a milking claw, to a collection and storage tank is the subject of this application. A flushing conduit (46) through which flushing water or a sanitizing agent flows intersects the main fluid flow line (12).A pinching element (54) is provided with a first arm (56) for pinching closed the main line (12) at a resilient portion thereof down-flow from the intersection (48) of the conduit (46) with the main line (12). The element (54) also includes a second arm (58) which is angularly spaced from the first arm (56). The pinching element (54) is mounted for pivoting about an axis so that, when the element (54) is in its first position, the main line (12) will be pinched closed. With the element (54) in this first position, the flushing conduit (46) will not be occluded.

Abstract: The rate of flow of a fluid through plastic tubing is varied by clamping a portion of a circumferential section of the tube wall with sufficient force to fully close that part of the passage between the clamped wall portions, permitting fluid flow only through the resulting, remaining open cross-sectional area. Cold flow of the plastic material of the clamped portion of the tubing wall, such as might otherwise effect a change in the remaining cross-sectional flow area, is prevented or minimized by rigidly confining the clamped section. To adjustably vary the flow rate, the operative, passage-defining wall section of the tubing is varied by uniformly varying the ratio of the section of clamped tubing, and the remaining, operative wall portion of the tubing, or by deforming the operative wall portion.