Abstract: A multi-position rotary valve system is useable with a disposable fluid transfer set for carrying out a sequence of steps to implement a drain and fill procedure in connection with peritoneal dialysis. A method of carrying out peritoneal dialysis includes utilizing a rotary, multi-position, valve system in conjunction with a fluid flow transfer set having a plurality of flexible fluid flow conduits. The valve system provides for systematically opening and closing the respective fluid flow conduits in a predetermined sequence for the purpose of carrying out a drain and fill procedure of the type associated with peritoneal dialysis.

Abstract: A driver for use in an infusion pumping cassette having an elongated valve actuator which operates a valve controlling the flow of fluid through the cassette, a bracket having a first arm pivotally secured to one end of the valve actuator and a second arm, a cam driveably engaging the second arm, a motor which drives the cam and a positioner which monitors the rotational position of the cam.

Abstract: A set for the passive infusion of one or more medications at a determined rate includes a fluid supply tube having first and second branched flow paths with first and second rate-defining flow restrictors. An injection port upstream of the first flow restrictor permits injection of a drug to be metered, so the first restrictor provides a metered flow of drug plus carrier, and the second restrictor provides a metered flow of diluent/carrier. A Y-connector, which may contain a mixing element, combines the two flows to provide the desired output flow and drug concentration. Further flow branches, each with an injection port and a flow restrictor, allow additional drugs to be metered in other concentrations. A flushable flow restrictor segment includes a flexible flow tube which may be pinched off, and a substantially rigid capillary tube integral with the flexible tube.

Abstract: A flow control device for controlling the flow rate of liquid through a flexible tube which comprises a body having sides and a slot to receive the flexible tube passing through the body. The slot commences at one of the sides of the body and the length of the slot is sufficient to receive most of the tube. The slot has sides spaced apart a predetermined distance sufficient to bear against the sides of the tube when in position in the slot to deform the tube inwardly and evenly along those sides a sufficient degree to provide an even, predetermined reduced flow rate through the tube. Because the tube is constricted in a routine manner by the slot of the device, a predictable reduced flow rate can be achieved for outlet tubes of a similar construction and diameter, making it possible to achieve a predetermined, proper flow rate through that tube.

Abstract: A flush valve is provided for opening and closing a drain connecting a toilet bowl to a waste holding tank maintained at a partial vacuum. The flush valve is located external to the drain and comprises a pinch or nip mechanism surrounding a flexible section of the drain and an electro-mechanically operated actuator for moving the pinch mechanism to close the drain by pinching it shut or to open the drain by pulling it apart. The actuator includes a motor for moving a piston in opposite directions, and a cylinder having one end connected to the pinch mechanism and another end containing an enclosure. The piston is retained and reciprocable a limited distance within the enclosure, and a spring is interposed within the enclosure to provide biasing means between the piston and the cylinder.

Abstract: The flow regulator device comprises an internally threaded plug, a punch, a blade and a body. The body has a substantially parallelepipedal form defining a "C"-like cross section and a tower portion terminating in an externally threaded cylindrical tract, adapted for threadedly engaging the plug. The punch protrudes from the plug and is adapted for acting on the blade. The blade projects internally from the body and is adapted for exerting force on a pipe wherein the flow rate is to be controlled.

Abstract: A piggyback IV administration system uses a solenoid actuated sequence valve to control the flow of fluid from a pair of IV fluid sources to the inlet of an IV pump or controller. The sequence valve pinches off a first tube while allowing fluid to flow through the second tube and then, in response to a control signal, changes state so that the second tube is pinched off and fluid can flow through the first tube unimpeded. Improper placement of the first and second tubes within the sequence valve during setup is prevented.

Abstract: A clamp for regulating the flow of parenteral solutions is disclosed which includes a clamp body having a channel for accommodating a length of administration set tubing so that a portion of the tubing is compressed to a closed position while at least one side of the tubing is left uncompressed to provide a passageway for the solution. A cam member or platen is moveably mounted on the clamp body for applying an adjustable compressive force against the uncompressed side of the tubing to vary the area of the passageway and the rate of flow of the solution.

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: This invention relates to a new control valve intended to be used to control the supply and exhaust of fluids to a dual tourniquet system. The tubes supplying and exhausting the tourniquets are of a flexible nature, and as such may be squeezed to stop the flow of fluids therethrough. The inventive valve includes cam members with camming projections formed thereon at various predetermined positions on the circumferences thereof. Simultaneous rotation of the cam members by a control knob results in sequential filling and emptying of the tourniquets in a predetermined sequence. The valve is especially useful in the practice of the Bier block procedure.

Abstract: A flow control valve for a flexible walled tubing to control and regulate the rate of flow of a fluid through the tubing which comprises a pair of movable fingers which are pressed against a thermally deformed flaccid section of the tubing to vary the cross-sectional size of the bore within the tubing thereby controlling the volume of flow of the fluid through the tubing. This flow control valve is particularly useful in administering liquids for intravenous feeding and other medical purposes.

Abstract: The device consists of a first part having two parallel walls and a second part hinged to the first part. The first part is provided with four coaxial pairs of catch openings and the second part with three coaxial pairs of projections. Upon swivelling of the second part between the walls of the first part, the pairs of projections snap successively into the corresponding pairs of catch openings, whereby the tube previously inserted in the first part is clamped and subsequently cut through. By making it possible to clamp and sever the tube with a single device, greater security is ensured for the patient.

Abstract: A gutter cleaner for the removal of debris from gutters and leaders is provided and consists of tubular handle bent at a right angle at one end forming a short length and having a conventional garden hose fitting affixed to the other end connected to a garden hose and water faucet. A valve is mounted in line in the handle. The individual using the gutter cleaner stands on the ground and places the short length into the gutter and controls water flow into the gutter with valve. A modification of the above includes a housing which carries a wand with a short length similar to the short length described, wherein the wand is screwed to the garden hose within the housing. The length of the protrusion of short length from the housing thereby becoming adjustable.

Abstract: A piggyback IV administration system uses a solenoid actuated sequence valve to control the flow of fluid from a pair of IV fluid sources to the inlet of an IV pump or controller. The sequence valve pinches off a first tube while allowing fluid to flow through the second tube and then, in response to a control signal, changes state so that the second tube is pinched off and fluid can flow through the first tube unimpeded.

Abstract: A multiple solution IV administration system includes a plurality of IV fluid sources which are connected by flexible tubing to the inlet of an IV pump. A sequence valve suspended from the tubing selectively pinches off all but one tube so that one source at a time is connected to the inlet. The sequence valve is controlled as a function of the accumulated volume pumped by the pump for each fluid and a stored volume limit for that fluid. When the accumulated volume of one IV fluid reaches its volume limit, the sequence valve is changed to connect a different source to the inlet of the IV pump.

Abstract: An air release valve for sphygmomanometers in the form of a flow metering device in an air outlet duct comprising a length of a flexible tube as part of said duct and a pressure member which is displaceable against the valve tube by means of a pivot lever, so as to collapse one tube wall against the other to close the cavity of the valve tube and to produce an initially very gradual and later progressively greater opening response, when the pressure member is retracted and the valve tube is allowed to return to its open state. The valve tube may be an arcuate tube portion extending freely between two parallel spouts of the air outlet duct, or it may be a straight tube portion confined in a longitudinal groove of the valve housing. A U-shaped leaf spring between the valve housing and the pivot lever provides a valve closing force, finger pressure against the pivot lever produces a controlled valve opening action.

Abstract: A device for controlling the flow of a liquid medium passed therethrough comprises a cup-shaped plastic body member having a bottom end wall with a bore opening and a side wall forming with the bottom end wall a chamber through which the liquid medium is passed. A plastic stem member is journaled in the bore opening of the body member to rotatably mount the stem member thereon. The stem member overlies and closes off the open top end of the chamber and has a flow control element located within the chamber for controlling the flow rate of the liquid medium therethrough, as determined by the selected relative rotative position of the member. The stem member is snap-locked in assembled relation with the body member, and the two members are provided with actuating arm means including a radially outward projecting lever arm on the stem member for rotating the members relative to one another.

Abstract: A modular clamp system in one embodiment has a case having an inlet and an outlet port, forming a housing for a resilient flow tube. Attached to the housing is a clamping member having two arms between which the flow tube passes. One end of the pair of arms fits within and is engaged by the hollow bore of threaded adjuster which is guided by the case. Turning the adjuster advances it, causing the arms to be pushed closer together, so as to progressively constrict the flow tube at a controllable rate. The arms may be tapered and the bore a right cylindrical bore, or the bore may be tapered and the arms untapered, in which case the tips of the arms contact with the interior face of the bore. The fineness of the screw threads and the degree of taper of the adjuster contacting surfaces may be so chosen that a full rotation of the adjuster causes a very small adjustment in flow rate.

Abstract: A device in a peristaltic pump of the type including at least one pressure body (8) driven along a circular path, there being disposed concentrically around at least the major portion of this path a support structure (9, 10) accommodating an elastic hose (11) which is subjected to a local compression against the support structure by means of the pressure body as this body moves along its circular path, and an annular member (12) placed between the pressure body (8) and the hose (11), with its inner circumference abutting against the pressure body and its outer circumference abutting against the hose, towards which the annular member is locally pressed by the pressure body. The primary characteristic feature of the inventive device is a non-return valve (15) acting adjacent the end of the hose (11) connected to the pressure outlet (16) of the pump, at least part of the outer circumference of the annular member (12) together with the pressure body (8) constituting the operating means for this valve.

Abstract: A piggyback IV administration system uses a solenoid actuated sequence valve to control the flow of fluid from a pair of IV fluid sources to the inlet of an IV pump or controller. The sequence valve pinches off a first tube while allowing fluid to flow through the second tube and then, in response to a control signal, changes state so that the second tube is pinched off and fluid can flow through the first tube unimpeded. The sequence valve automatically senses conditions which indicate a failure of the sequence valve to occlude the second tube when the valve changes state.

Abstract: A continent ostomy valve comprising a drainage tube which is secured at one end within the stoma of the patient while the other end passes through an orifice in a disk-shaped valve body which includes releasable clamping means for selectively occluding the drainage tube. The outer end of the drainage tube is stored on the face of the valve body under a cover which encloses the valve body and provides a low profile of uniform configuration.

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: The application discloses an operation aspirator with which, without provoking contamination of the aspirator opening, fine-metering of the vacuum that is available at the aspirator opening is possible and actuation of the valve apparatus closing off the suctioning line is simultaneously made easier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adjustable applicator for fluid product comprising a reservoir for the fluid product to be applied, a stopper carrying application means which are immersed in the fluid product in the reservoir (when the stopper is in place) and a wiping arrangement placed next to the opening of the reservoir, comprising a conduit having a variable transverse section for regulating the amount of product remaining on the applications means when it is withdrawn through the conduit.According to the invention, in order to vary the section of the conduit, there is provided a wiper of resilient material, means for lateral adjustment of the wiper, which are movable about a fixed articulation point in order rigidly to restrict the wiper in a plane perpendicular to its longitudinal axis as well as means to activate the said means for lateral adjustment.Use is particularly to the manufacture of make-up articles, and more particularly to mascara applicators.

Abstract: Manually overridable servo controlled valve mechanisms for controlling the flow of fluids through a flexible tube for use in a photoactivatable reagent treatment system wherein photoactivatable reagents, in contact with patient blood cells, are irradiated extracorporeally and then returned to the patient.

Abstract: A pinch valve device comprising a nipping element having a pair of nipping portions adapted to be brought nearer to and apart from each other and to nip a resilient tube therebetween when brought nearer with each other to thereby close a passage in the tube, and a stop element adapted to stop at least one of the nipping portions, tended to be apart from each other by the resilient repulsion of the resilient tube, at a predetermined spacing allowing to close the passage in the resilient tube when the nipping portions are brought nearer to each other than the predetermined spacing against the resilient repulsion of the resilient tube can surely close the passage in the resilient tube and reduce the degradation of the tube.

Abstract: An improved clamp for a fire hose which includes beveled and grooved jaws to reduce the chance of the hose kicking out of the clamp when the clamp jaws are opened for recharging of the hose.

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: A bistable valve construction for alternately clamping flexible pipes with a closure member (1) having two closure edges (1a and 1b) which lie parallel with respect to each other, and which depending from the position of the closure member (1) will exert alternately pressure on the pipes, and wherein the flipping of the closure member into one or the other limiting closing position is performed by a biasing flipband (2) of a leaf-type construction.

Abstract: An accessory for counteracting the consequences of vesical incontinency with males, comprising an annular tensioning means (8, 9) adapted to be tensioned around the penis (1) of the user, and further comprising a pressure element (7) with a rounded and relatively stiff pressing surface (10) having a curvature which is substantially adpated to the shape of the swelling bodies (3) of the penis (1) so as to pinch the urethra (5) elastically against said bodies (3) which are retained by the tensioning means (8, 9), said pressure element (7) being, in particular, a strip of a substantially rigid material having, more in particular, lateral portions (16, 17) which are substantially adapted to the shape of said bodies (3).

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 sanitary water barrel for use on construction job sites and the like. This system employs a substantially standard barrel that has been modified to accept a replaceable plastic liner. The exterior of the water barrel near the upper end thereof is provided with radially extending hook members to engage with apertures placed near the upper periphery of a replaceable liner. The liner is provided with an integral spout which is passed through an opening in the side wall of the barrel. A weight- and spring-biased closure mechanism normally bears against the spout of the liner as it leaves the barrel causing the closing of the spout and therefore prevents water leakage therefrom. Water is caused to flow by raising a lever on the valve when desired. These special liners can be fabricated in a roll type fashion similar to garbage bags with perforated tear lines provided to separate each individual liner unit.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical filler apparatus (20) is disclosed. The pharmaceutical filler apparatus (20) cooperates with a conveyor (22) conveying containers to position each of the containers proximate a fluid delivery conduit (36) for receipt of fluid. The present invention further includes a reservoir (42) positioned above the containers at a predetermined height, the fluid being maintained in the reservoir at a constant level. The pharmaceutical apparatus (20) further includes a quick acting pinch valve (50) associated with the fluid delivery (36) for opening and closing the fluid delivery conduit (36). The pinch valve apparatus (50) includes a biasing spring (98) for biasing a valve apparatus (50) into a first position whereby the fluid delivery conduit (36) is closed. A cam actuator apparatus (54) cooperates with the pinch valve apparatus (50) to position the pinch valve (50) in a second position whereby the fluid delivery conduit (36) is opened.

Abstract: An extruding device for dispensing the contents of a tube container by compressing the container between bottom and top members. The top member is hingedly connected to the bottom member at one end and closes over and latches at the other end. The bottom and top members form a pair of in-line openings along opposite sides for receiving a tube container. A pivotally mounted locking lever is provided in the top member and may be pressed down against the bottom member to lock the tube container in the extruding device.

Abstract: A pair of compressible, hinged opposing arms enclose a bladder chamber, which in turn is coupled to the catheter. As the arms are compressed together, successive pivot fulcra close, in turn first pinching and closing, and then opening the bladder to create negative differential pressure against the catheter, and promoting flashback.

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: An adapter for connecting tubes is provided with an integrally formed clamp which may be manually manipulated from an open to a closed position to at least constrict a tube. The adapter further includes integral latch means, which is manually movable to a closed position by cam action, and which is releasably held in the closed position by the inherent elastic nature of the adapter body.

Abstract: Various embodiments of pinch valves include an annular rib 5 formed on the inner walls of an elastic tube 4. The annular rib 5 is obliquely oriented in the elastic tube 4 and permits passage of fluid therethrough when the tube 4 is not deformed. Upon selective deformation of the tube 4 by choking means 6,7, the annular rib 5 prevents passage of fluid through the tube 4.

Abstract: A flow control device includes a first member and a second member which has a movable portion. The first member accommodates the attachment of a length of flexible conduit. The second member can be positioned on the first member to sandwich the secured conduit between the first member and the movable portion of the second member. When in this position, displacement of the movable portion serves to selectively pinch close the secured conduit between the movable portion and the first member. Fluid flow through the conduit can thus be conveniently controlled. The device is extremely adaptable and can be readily incorporated into virtually any fluid system which requires complex, repetitive valving functions, such as those associated with a plasmapheresis assembly.

Abstract: A timing and control mechanism for a centrifuge comprising a piston to which is attached a cam having cam surfaces which interact with flexible tubing to control the rate of flow through the tubing. The velocity of the piston in the centrifugal force field is determined by the resistance to flow of fluid which the piston displaces. The movement of the cam is therefore a measure of the speed and duration of the centrifugal force.

Abstract: In a system for controlling flow of fluid from a reservoir to be delivered intravenously to a patient, a valve adjustably constricts a fluid path and maintains a given adjustment until the adjustment is changed. In a preferred embodiment, a valve assembly is insertable into a servo assembly that controls flow through the valve. The valve can be removed from the servo assembly and, when so removed, will retain its last adjustment. A preferred embodiment of the valve utilizes a screw to compress a tube of resilient material.

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: A centrifugal (cyclone) separator for extracting entrained gas from a liquid which includes a cylindrical member carrying vanes which extend into the vortex created by fluid swirling through the separator. The cylindrical member is mounted for rotation about a fixed member in response to action of the fluid on the vanes and relative motion between the cylindrical member and the fixed member opens and closes a valve in the gas escape route to shut the valve when the quantity of gas in the votex is low enough to expose the vanes to the liquid.

Abstract: An improvement in a flow control device for permitting fine adjustment of flow rates of fluid in tubing and maintaining established rates of flow. The device includes a clamping member pivotally mounted adjacent a clamping surface and a tubing-engaging surface on the clamping member which progressively closes the orifice of tubing as the clamping member is rotated in one direction. Coacting means on the clamping member cooperate with actuating means on a force-inducing member mounted for rotational movement on the body of the device. The coacting means is located at a point from the point of pivotal attachment of the clamping member which is at least twice the distance from the pivotal attachment to the tubing-engaging surface. Thus a large movement at the coacting point translates into a small movement of the tubing-engaging surface and results in fine adjustment of flow rates.

Abstract: An improved clamp for regulating the flow of fluid through a length of flexible tubing comprising a clamp body for supporting the tubing, having opposing walls extending from the surface of the clamp body so as to present a passage for the flexible tubing. A platen is mounted between the walls for contacting the tubing. Guide surfaces are arranged in the walls with a roller positioned within the guide surfaces. The platen is movably positioned between the roller and the flexible tubing so as to present a compression surface against the tubing along the path of travel of the roller. The combination of the platen and the roller exerts a compressive force against the tubing and distributes the force over a wide area of the tubing so as to prevent permanent deformation of the tubing. This compressive force constricts the tubing and thereby regulates flow of liquid therethrough.

Abstract: A pinch valve for selectably controlling flow of fluid through one of two resiliently deformable tubes used e.g., for transporting water in a steam iron. The valve comprises a body member defining a compression surface supporting each one of the tubes. A selector lever is pivotally mounted on the body for selectably moving an integral cam abutment between individual tube shut-off positions. A rocker element supported on the tubes is captively held in the body member intermediate the selector lever and the compression surface for rocking movement between tube pinching positions. The cam abutment continually presses on the rocker causing the rocker to bear upon each one of the tubes on the compression surface. As the selector lever is pivoted, the cam abutment engageably slides along the rocker to rock the rocker between its tube pinching positions. The tubes are thus isolated from sliding contact with the cam abutment by the interposed rocker thereby preventing frictional wear of the tubes.

Abstract: An improvement in a flow control device for permitting fine adjustment of flow rates of fluid in tubing and maintaining established rates of flow. The device includes a clamping member pivotally mounted adjacent a clamping surface and a tubing-engaging surface on the clamping member which progressively closes the orifice of tubing as the clamping member is rotated in one direction. Coacting means on the clamping member cooperate with actuating means on a force-inducing member mounted for rotational movement on the body of the device. The coacting means is located at a point from the point of pivotal attachment of the clamping member which is at least twice the distance from the pivotal attachment to the tubing-engaging surface. Thus a large movement at the coacting point translates into a small movement of the tubing-engaging surface and results in fine adjustment of flow rates.

Abstract: An automatic hose clamp is provided particularly for use with fire hoses, and is manually engaged on a fire hose which is subsequently attached to a fire hydrant, there being a trickle flow allowed past the clamp so that the downstream end of the hose, if unconnected to anything, will dissipate this trickle, but upon being connected to the fire truck pumping unit the downstream end fills and exerts back pressure on a specially oriented plate in the clamp, finally resulting in the popping free of the clamp due to the expansion of the hose against the plate so that water is free to flow at this point unobstructed by the clamp. Previously a manually operated clamp was used requiring the presence of a fireman to turn a wheel or otherwise operate the valve actuator to release the clamp once the hose had been connected to the main pump.