Abstract: A control valve for a servomotor having a disc located in a bore of a hub attached to a movable wall. The movable wall separates a first chamber from a second chamber. A passage in the disc connects a first passageway with a second passageway in the hub to define a flow path to allow free communication of a first fluid between the first and second chambers. A plunger located in the bore has a first end with an axial projection extending therefrom which engages the disc and a second end connected to an input push rod. An input force applied to the push rod moves the plunger which causes the axial projection to deform the disc and interrupt the flow path between the first and second chambers. Thereafter, further movement of the plunger allows a second fluid to be communicated to the second chamber whereby a pressure differential is created across the wall by the first and second fluids. The pressure acting on the wall creates a force which moves the wall and provides an output member with an operational force.

Abstract: A controlled volume liquid meter comprises a liquid metering chamber defined between a rigid wall and an opposed flexible membrane wall. Inlet and outlet ports are positioned adjacent the ends of the chamber with the ports defining paths of liquid flow therethrough which are transverse to the direction of liquid flow in the chamber. A pair of plunger members are provided, along with apparatus for alternatingly pressing the plunger members against the membrane wall and inserting the plunger members into the inlet and outlet ports to alternatingly open and close them. In accordance with this invention, the plunger members permit variation of the length of each plunger member, with a spring urging the plunger members to occupy their maximum lengths. As a result of this, the force with which the plunger members press against the membrane wall is limited to a value governed by the spring.

Abstract: A manual dispenser for a pasty product having a reservoir for the product and in which the product is maintained under pressure, an intermediate chamber connected to the reservoir and a discharge nozzle, and an assembly for causing the intermediate chamber to connect alternatively with the reservoir, for filling the chamber, and the discharge nozzle, for discharging a predetermined quantity of product from the nozzle is described.

Abstract: A valve is provided for controlling the flow of fluid through a flexible conduit such as a length of flexible tubing. The valve includes means for exerting a force against the tubing to deform the tubing and cut off flow therethrough. The force is applied in a direction perpendicular to the flow of axis of the tubing to provide an opposing force to the internal fluid pressure which is equal at any given fluid pressure for either flow direction through the tubing. Movable means are also provided to restrain the means for exerting a force against the tubing in a closed position wherein the flow is cut off. The valve also employs a base member, means for locating the tubing adjacent the base member, and compression means for exerting the perpendicular force against the tubing. An embodiment which permits remote control of the valve is also provided.

Abstract: A three-way pinch valve assembly is operated with a single solenoid with one pinch valve mounted on each end of the solenoid, one valve will normally be open and the other valve will normally be closed. The plunger of the solenoid is split so that each movable pinch bar of each pinch valve is separately adjustable. A back-up pinch bar for each movable pinch bar is likewise adjustable. A three-way valve is provided by connecting the tubing from the two pinch valves to a T-fitting having a single outlet.

Abstract: A plastic slide clamp for tubing is provided which includes a slightly bowed configuration to compensate for the phenomenon of cold flow when plastic tubing is crimped shut by the clamp. In one embodiment, the clamp is provided with an insert member of low friction surface properties which surrounds the crimping slot.

Abstract: A flow control device for flexible tubing wherein the device utilizes a toggle action in compressing the tubing against an anvil surface. A ratchet element is employed in conjunction with the toggle-action clamp to incrementally compress the tubing against the anvil surface. The clamp can be inexpensively molded in one piece and easily assembled without the placement of additional parts in the clamp body. The ratchet and toggle mechanisms offer the advantage of a one-hand operation for incremental compression of the tubing as well as a release of the clamp member.

Abstract: Blood pump comprising an inlet valve, an outlet valve, and a displacement chamber being portions of a common flexible tubing being squeezable between fixed wall means and two spaced, movable valve plungers and a displacement plunger arranged on the portion of the tubing therebetween, wherein the valve plungers in the flow direction of the tubing have a dimension exceeding 5 mm and that in the tubing, with the valve plungers in closed position, a slot is left with a height less than 0.5 mm.

Abstract: A pinch valve for controlling the flow through at least two flexible hoses includes an actuating member by which one hose is pinched against an abutment. This abutment is yieldable against a spring bias and normally keeps the other hose pinched. When said one hose has been pinched, the abutment is moved against the spring bias by the actuating member in order to relieve said other hose.

Abstract: Viscous fluids are dispensed intermittently in regulated quantities from a body of such a fluid held under maintained pressure and under the control of a control valve in a fluid flow path positioned at a significant distance upstream of a discharge point, the flow path between the control valve and the discharge point having its contained volume adjusted in coordination with operation of the control valve so that as the valve closes the volume is increased to prevent exudation of fluid at the discharge point.

Abstract: A serial release mechanism, and a discharge monitor including the mechanism, which mechanism includes first and subsequent actuators slidable in a frame between working and withdrawn positions, springs urging the subsequent actuators into their working positions, latch tabs carried by the subsequent actuators and triggers resiliently pivoted to the frame for releasably retaining the subsequent actuators in their withdrawn positions, a shaft of noncircular cross section and a plurality of saddles for releasing the triggers of the subsequent actuators and having operating fingers and being rotatable with the shaft and slidable therealong between first positions in which they are aligned with the triggers and second positions in which they are not so aligned, saddle springs resiliently urging the saddles along the shaft into their second positions, and shifter springs carried by the actuators and the frame, and effective when any actuator is in working position to displace the succeeding saddle into its first po

Abstract: A valve is described capable of rapid actuations. The valve includes a drive element disposed to pinchingly engage a collapsible tube at a high reciprocating speed. A follower is disposed on the other side of the tube and effectively coupled for reciprocation and cooperative movement with the drive element to maintain the tube pinched off. Control means and holder are provided to open the valve by retaining the follower at just that time when the follower is at a favorable reciprocated position so that further reciprocation by the drive element can open the tube. A normally open valve is also described and a control for operation of a plurality of valves is disclosed.

Abstract: An improved pinch valve construction comprises a pair of pinch bars spaced apart of each other, and a valve sleeve intermediate the pinch bars and having wall portions bounding a flow-through passage. A flow-control device moves the pinch bars towards and away from each other and is operative for urging the sleeve from an open configuration in which the wall portions are spaced apart at a pre-determined distance to thereby permit flow through the passage, towards a flattened configuration in which the wall portions are spaced at a distance less than the predetermined distance to thereby restrict flow through the passage. A restoring device urges the sleeve from the flattened configuration towards the open configuration, whereby any tendency of the sleeve to remain in the flattened configuration when the pinch bars are moved away from each other is counteracted.

Abstract: A toggle mechanism pinches a metal tube and maintains the tube in a pinched condition, without fracturing. The toggle mechanism includes a plunger translatable along a longitudinal axis, as well as a pair of links pivoted about a common axis extending through an end of the plunger. One of the links also pivots about a fixed axis. A free end of the other link carries a push link which the other link translates at right angles to the plunger longitudinal axis. First and second sides of the tube bear against a first stop block and are engaged by the push link when a compresson spring, attached to the plunger, is suddenly released to irreversibly drive the plunger along its longitudinal axis so the pivot point of the two links is driven to an over travel position. At over travel, the free end of the push link and the stop block abut against opposite sides of the tube to pinch them together.

Abstract: A sphygmomanometer system having a cuff, etc, and including both a regulator valve which normally bleeds the cuff pressure down at a substantially constant slow rate, and an exhaust valve which is operable to provide three rates of bleed, to wit nil, fast (as compared to the regulator valve bleed rate) and dump, the two valves together providing cuff bleed in accordance with predetermined schedule. The exhaust valve includes an elastic annular member compressible to achieve the fast and dump rates.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser including a container, or alternatively, one which is adapted to receive a bottle or the like for storing a supply of fluid, a push button valve, and a flexible tube connecting the container to the push button valve. The fluid flows by gravity from the container, through the flexible tubing, to the push button valve. The push button valve is spring-loaded, and has a pair of aligned openings through which the flexible tubing extends. In the inoperative or normal position of the push button valve, the flexible tubing is pinned shut at the point where it extends through the openings, thus cutting off the flow of fluid from the container to the push button valve. To operate the fluid dispenser, the push button valve is simply pressed downwardly to align the pair of openings, which reaction releases the crimping or pinching of the flexible tubing, allowing the fluid to flow through the flexible tubing.

Abstract: A moisture responsive liquid metering device is provided for use in controlling the amount of liquid delivered to a given location according to the moisture level at that location. The device includes a flexible tube through which the liquid flows from one location to another as from a container of water to a potted plant. In its preferred form, a valving device comprised of a wooden tubular sleeve and an elongated valve core are provided for opening and closing the tube in a squeezing action. The valve core is provided with an opening at one end through which the tube is threaded in close proximity to one end of the wooden sleeve which is substantially coextensive with the core. The device is planted in soil, for example, and when the soil is damp, the moisture causes the wooden sleeve to expand to pinch the tubing shut. As the soil dries out the sleeve contracts, releasing pressure on the tube and allowing water to flow.

Abstract: The device comprises a case of a material non-deformable under the effect of heat and mounted on the wall around at least a part of the tube. A mass of material capable of swelling under the effect of heat is enclosed in the case. An element of a material which is substantially non-fusible at temperatures which are developed in the course of a fire has a part which is planar and perpendicular to a radial direction relative to the tube and is movable and slidable in said radial direction in the case. The element normally bears on the outer surface of the tube and the mass of swelling material is disposed on the opposite side of the element to the tube.

Abstract: This invention provides a clamp device which is suitable for medical applications. The device is adapted for use as a surgical clamp for the occlusion of blood vessels or other tubular conduits in human and other animal bodies.

Abstract: A flow control device incorporates a flow sensor and a flow control circuit responsive to the output signal of the flow sensor. The flow control circuit operates, via a servo, a flow control valve. The flow sensor incorporates a self-heated thermistor located in the divergent discharge throat of a nozzle in the flow stream. Two unheated thermistors are also located in the fluid, at arbitrary points distant from the nozzle, and incorporated in the control circuit for temperature compensation. The valve controls the flow of fluids therethrough by the distention of an integral seal tube into a cavity formed in an anvil inset into the seal tube. The cavity is conical in shape and the elastomeric seal tube is pressed thereinto by means of a ball. Two orifices issue into the cavity and terminate in the flow channel at the upstream and downstream ends of the valve. With the ball at the inmost limit of its travel, the seal tube blocks the exits of both orifices into the cavity and prevents flow in the channel.

Abstract: A flowable material dispenser having a bore therethrough. A resilient pinch-off tube is removably fitted within the bore. A flowable material reservoir is connected to one end of the tube. At least one dispensing nozzle or needle is coupled to the other end of the tube. Within the dispenser is a mechanism for selectively squeezing the tube to force selected amounts of the flowable material out the needle, and then to draw any residual amount of the material in the needle back away from the distal end of the needle thereby to eliminate dripping. Connected to the squeezing mechanism is a control system for sequencing the squeezing operation to perform the method of the invention which includes the steps of filling the tube with material, isolating a portion of the material in the tube from the reservoir, dispensing a portion of the isolated material, drawing the remaining portion of the isolated material in the needle back away from the distal end of the needle, and refilling the tube with material.

Abstract: A clamp particularly suited for pressure-filled fire hoses has a jaw configuration with three clamping edges with minimum spacing between jaw faces at the clamping edges arranged to effectively close off flow without slipping or twisting, structures for locating one or more hose sizes between the jaws to avoid bunching, and a cast support body and handle arrangement to facilitate operation in either of two positions.

Abstract: A mechanically actuated pinch valve for high pressure use which opens to a full round configuration and which closes to a leak tight locked condition. A novel valve actuating mechanism permits the full closure of the valve even with working pressures in the range of 400 psig by a relatively small rotary closing force acting through a 90.degree. arc. A linkage within the valve housing provides a decreasing pinch bar movement with increased actuator rotation so that the maximum mechanical advantage is achieved at the point of valve closure. The thrust of the line pressure, which may be carried on either side of the valve, is borne by bearings at the ends of the pinch bars which ride in grooves in the housing. The actuator automatically locks in the closed position regardless of the direction of the line pressure.

Abstract: A valve assembly of the type, wherein a first end of a movable plunger is adapted to collapse or compress a first tube length against an opposite tube backing or support structure in order to regulate or vary the flow conditions of a fluid in this first tube length, is equipped with a control assembly comprising a second interiorly pressurized tube length and a second or opposite end of the plunger engages this second tube length. Thus, by appropriately proportioning the sizes of the contact faces between the respective plunger ends and the tube length associated therewith it will be possible to control the flow conditions in one of the tube lengths responsive to the fluid pressure in the other tube length whereby various valve or regulating functions may be performed by the valve. The two tube lengths may be parts of one and the same tube whereby additional valve or regulating functions may be performed.

Abstract: The invention provides means for controlling the flow of fluids such as parenteral fluids. It comprises a body and flexing means. The body defines a passageway with opposed flexible walls which can be held in contact throughout their cross-section except for a limited region of which the cross-section varies along the body. The limited region may be formed by tapered grooves in the walls. The flexing means retains the body flexed so that the walls thereof are held in contact over a localized area of limited axial length, due at least partly to the internal stresses set up in the body arising from its flexure. The body is movable lengthwise relative to the flexing means to alter the position of the localized area and thus to alter the rate of fluid flow through the body.

Abstract: A system for accurately transferring similar small amounts of liquid from a multiplicity of containers to a corresponding multiplicity of wells in a microtitration test plate includes a multiplicity of conduits leading from a pressure chamber enclosing the containers and to which conduits the containers are individually automatically connected when the containers are loaded into the system, the conduits leading to a pinch type dispensing valve disposed above the test tray.

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 having a variable cross-sectional area channel extending therealong. This surface is parallel to the travel path of the wheel, and thus there is a constant separation distance between these two elements for all wheel positions. Flow rate through the tubing is changed by longitudinal adjustment of the position of the roller wheel, the ratio of the portion of the tubing which is clamped between the wheel and the surfact to that which is not clamped and over the channel thereby being varied. A plurality of ridge elements are formed in the surface and act to locally pinch or grip the tubing at discrete intervals, thereby substantially lessening creep of the plastic tubing.

Abstract: A pinch tube type valve adapted to be mounted to a liquid container receiver to accept an elongated flexible outlet tube protruding from a liquid container disposed in the receiver for selecting control of liquid flow through the tube from the container. The tube is passed through a passageway in the valve body for selective engagement by a stem which is reciprocable into and out of closing engagement therewith. The passageway is enlarged adjacent the inlet end of the valve body to permit easy insertion of the liquid container outlet tube therethrough. An apertured tube retaining area is disposed adjacent the outlet end of the valve body passageway to receive and retain the tube in a desired position relative to the container receiver to facilitate ease of liquid dispensing operations. The stem may also include a tube engaging protrusion arrangement when the valve is contemplated for use in pressurized liquid systems.

Abstract: A pinch tube type valve adapted to accept an elongated flexible outlet tube protruding from a liquid container for selective control of liquid flow through the tube from the container. The tube is passed through a passageway in the valve body for selective engagement by a stem which is reciprocable into and out of closing engagement therewith. An apertured tube receiving area is disposed in the bottom wall of the valve body adjacent the outlet end of the passageway to receive the tube in a desired position angularly disposed of the passageway to facilitate ease of liquid dispensing operations. A stop or tube retention member is removably received in the passageway at the outlet end thereof to retain the tube in its desired position within the receiving area.

Abstract: A liquid mixing valve having a single handle for mixing hot and cold water which incorporates a pair of resilient, tube-like squeeze elements for water passage. A pair of cams, controlled by the handle through a linkage arrangement, restrict the cross-sectional area of the squeeze elements thereby regulating the hot and cold water flow rates.

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 having a variable cross-sectional area channel extending therealong. This surface is parallel to the travel path of the wheel, and thus there is a constant separation distance between these two elements for all wheel positions. Flow rate through the tubing is changed by longitudinal adjustment of the position of the roller wheel, the ratio of the portion of the tubing which is clamped between the wheel and the surface to that which is not clamped and over the channel, thereby being varied. A plurality of ridge elements are formed in the surface and act to locally pinch or grip the tubing at discrete intervals, thereby substantially lessening creep of the plastic tubing which, in turn, minimizes the flow rate change once the clamp has been set for the desired rate of flow.

Abstract: A dispensing valve for carbonated beverage bottles having means for connection of the valve body to the bottle neck in place of its closure cap, and comprising a flexible tube extending therethrough and arranged to pass down into the bottom of the bottle at one end and to extend to the outside of the valve body as a dispensing spout at its other end. Mechanism within the valve body normally squeezes a portion of the flexible tube passing therethrough into collapsed, cut-off or sealing condition, subject to push-button actuation operative to release the tube for manual controlled dispensing of the pressurized fluid through the spout. The bottle connection means includes resilient washer mechanism for sealing the tube with respect to the valve body, thereby preventing pressurized fluid or gas leakage between the tubing and the valve body.

Abstract: A valve assembly having a passage therethrough for passing a fluid. Has a movable member adapted for variably constricting the passage in proportion to an applied voltage. The assembly includes an expansible electrical heater connected to the movable member which keeps the passage constricted. The wire expands upon passage of electric current therethrough to slacken whereupon, a bias means connected to the movable member acts thereupon to open the passage.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood circuit including a haemodialyser and a pump for pumping blood to and from the haemodialyser, and a single needle for the passage of the blood to and from the body. The single needle is connected to the stem of a Y-shaped coupling, the first branch of which is connected to an inlet pipeline for the pump, an intermediate pipeline connecting the pump to the inlet of the haemodialyser, the outlet of which is connected to the second branch of the Y, a bubble trap being included in the outlet pipeline. A device is provided which seals the inlet and outlet pipelines intermittently and this is driven in a cyclic manner at a predetermined frequency. The haemodialyser and/or the pump and/or the intermediate or outlet pipeline has a variable internal volume which is sensitive to the variations in the differential pressure instantaneously existing between its interior and atmosphere.

Abstract: A valve suitable for connection to a vacuum sewer system and comprising a flow duct with a resilient wall which acts as a flow duct closing member. Outside the wall with respect to the flow duct there is a closed chamber connectable to suitable pressure sources in order to move the resilient wall by means of pressure between a flow duct closing and a flow duct opening position. In order to improve the closing movement of the valve the resilient wall is provided with a stiffener at the outlet side of the flow duct.

Abstract: A material dispenser using a deformable tube through which the flow of material is controlled is described. The deformable tube is selectively mounted to expose a pinch region to a pressure element having a predetermined shape. The deformable tube is selectively supported to enable precise control over tube constriction for accurate material flow control. A micrometer stop is conveniently mounted to regulate the size of the tube restriction. Automatic and repeated actuation of the dispenser is obtained by locating the pressure element as a piston in a cylinder. Various deformable tube embodiments are described to reduce tube wall stresses for longer operating life and enable both positive closure and opening of the deformable tube.

Abstract: A pinch tube type valve adapted to be mounted to a liquid container receiver to accept an elongated flexible outlet tube protruding from a liquid container disposed in the receiver for selective control of liquid flow through the tube from the container. The tube is passed through a passageway in the valve body for selective engagement by a stem which is reciprocable into and out of closing engagement therewith. The passageway is enlarged adjacent the inlet end of the valve body to permit easy insertion of the liquid container outlet tube therethrough. An apertured tube retaining area is disposed adjacent the outlet end of the valve body passageway to receive and retain the tube in a desired position relative to the container receiver to facilitate ease of liquid dispensing operations. The stem may also include a tube engaging protrusion arrangement when the valve is contemplated for use in pressurized liquid systems.

Abstract: A regulating valve such as especially a water tap or mixing valve, having an inlet passage and an outlet passage and a valve passage located therebetween, the cross sectional area of said valve passage being adjustable by means of movable valve actuation member, the valve passage being shaped as an elongated slot in the wall of the inlet passage, extending generally in the axial direction of the passage, and the slot being formed between opposed edges which are operatively connected with the valve actuation member so as to be mutually substantially parallelly displaceable towards and away from each other, whereby the valve can be made as a low noise valve with small space requirements. The invention provides for a mixing valve in which the individual valves for cold and hot water, respectively, can be located in a common elastomeric member very close to each other and even mounted in a narrow cartridge held in a valve housing in an easily replaceable manner.

Abstract: A pneumatically controlled liquid transfer system for delivering a liquid from a source to a delivery location, said liquid source being provided with a pneumatic cylinder for driving the liquid from said source, a pneumatically operated pinch valve of the make-before-break type and flexible conduit paths leading through the valve to the delivery location. The make-before-break pinch valve comprises a valve shell having two pistons movable laterally therein. The shell has a window. One piston has a yoke, each arm thereof having a passageway, one aligned with the other. A stop extends between the arms of the yoke. One of the flexible conduits is arranged through the window between the first piston and the yoke and the other flexible conduit is arranged also through the window but within the aligned passageways and between the piston and post. The second piston is spring biased to bear against the second conduit to place same in a normally closed condition. The first conduit is normally open.