Abstract: A faucet assembly including pinch valves for controlling the flow of hot and cold water. A base is secured to the deck of a sink from above the deck and a body secured to the base completes the faucet housing. A spout extends over the basin and includes an outlet at its end. Two flexible tubes are connected to a mixing chamber near the outlet and extend through the spout and through the base for connection to hot and cold water conduits remote from the sink deck. The tubes are normally pinched closed adjacent the mixing chamber by springs, and operating levers at opposite sides of the spout rotate about a shaft and operate a linkage and valve mechanism for overcoming the spring forces to permit flow. Lost motion connections render the spring closing forces independent of lever position. A cross bar limits lever movement and provides a support surface against which the tubes are pinched. The tubes are located in the valve region by a block which serves as a barrier to leakage.

Abstract: An improved clamp for regulating the flow of fluid through a length of flexible tubing comprises 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: Valve apparatus controls fluid flows in ten flexible tubes. The tubes are opposite each other in pairs and associated with each of five cams. One half of each cam provides cam surfaces which close and open one tube, and the other half, the opposite tube. With this arrangement five switch positions, which are equal to the number of cams, can be provided.

Abstract: A mobile sprinkler propelled by water pressure has a bellows coupled with a ratchet drive, water being alternately admitted to the bellows under pressure via one conduit and discharged therefrom via another conduit forming part of a squeeze-duct assembly. The assembly includes a rigid housing against whose sidewalls the two conduits are alternately flattened by a rotating valve body coupled with the ratchet drive, each conduit being of substantially O-shaped cross-section in its uncompressed state and consisting of a relatively thick-walled inner tube of elastomeric material, a relatively thin-walled intermediate tube of flexible synthetic-resin fabric and a relatively thin-walled outer tube also made of elastomeric material.

Abstract: A clamp for providing a stable fluid flow rate through a flexible tubing has a channel having a bottom wall including an anvil for supporting the tubing and an opening along its entire length for readily receiving and supporting the tubing against the bottom wall and the anvil. The channel also includes a pair of slots adapted for receiving and retaining a tube-constricting means. The constricting means comprises a rotatable cam having a groove of varying depth along its surface which coacts with the anvil to define a reduced-flow passageway in the tubing. As the cam is rotated from an opened position, corresponding to a maximum fluid flow rate through the tubing, to a closed position, the groove presents to the tubing a plurality of similar triangles progressively reduced in size to reduce the flow passageway in the tubing.

Abstract: A normally closed container containing liquid therein and having a single pinch valve secured thereto. The pinch valve releasably clamps a portion of a resilient liquid discharge tube and also releasably clamps a portion of a resilient inlet tube which introduces air into the container in discharging liquid out of the container. The timing of opening and closing of two tubes with respect to operation of the pinch valve is determined as desired.

Abstract: A self-releasing clamp for a fluid carrying hose comprises an inclined guide and a roller carried by the guide which is movable along the guide between a hose releasing position and a hose clamping position. There is a hose support for holding the hose against the roller. A mechanism provides a space between the roller and the hose support when the roller is in the clamping position. The space providing mechanism permits a limited flow of fluid past the clamp to increase pressure in the hose downstream from the clamp when the fluid flow downstream from the clamp is stopped, expanding the hose between the hose support and the roller and moving the roller to the hose releasing position.

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 attachement 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: 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 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: A pair of lever arms are hinged together at one end and disposed beneath a plant container, compression spring being disposed between the other ends of said lever arms and a flexible water supply hose being sandwiched between said lever arms intermediate their ends. Thus, when the soil in the container is dry and thus light, the spring opens the arms and allows water to flow through the hose to the soil; when the soil is moist, and thus heavy, its weight overcomes the force of the spring and compresses the hose to cut off the supply of water.

Abstract: An adjustable clamp for controlling the flow of fluid through a flexible tubing having deformable walls has an elongated, externally threaded body having an axial bore through which the tubing passes. One end of the body contains one or more longitudinally slots communicating with the bore, in which slot is located an elongated arm or wing hinged at one of its ends to the body, the other end of the arm being free to move radially within the slot. The radial height of the arm tapers, being a maximum at its free end and a minimum at its hinged end. A threaded nut engaging the thread on the body is provided with a bearing surface which contacts the tapered surface of the arm. As the nut is turned in a direction to move it towards the slotted end of the body, the arm is progressively forced into the slot, deforming the enclosed tubing to an increasing degree, thereby permitting control of the flow of fluid through the tubing.

Abstract: An intravenous catheter assembly for use in the administration of fluids to a patient includes a compressible, flexible hub having a bore therethrough. One end of the bore is adapted to receive a hollow tube such as an intravenous catheter so that fluid is flowable through the bore and the tube. A pair of generally oppositely extending wing sections is connected to the hub, at least one of the wings being hingedly connected to the hub to allow that wing to fold over the hub. On the hingedly connected wing is a pinching protuberance for contact with the hub when the wing is folded thereover whereby, in use, the folded wing urges the protuberance against the flexible hub causing it to collapse and occlude the bore and thereby restrict fluid from passing therethrough.

Abstract: Control apparatus for controlling or adjusting the position of a control member is disclosed. The control apparatus includes first and second members, pivotally connected together to pivot about a point. A control member is mounted on the first member and is disposed at a first distance from the pivot point. Coarse control means operatively associated with the control member are provided for coarsely adjusting the position of the control member relative to the second member. Further, fine control means are provided for finely adjusting the position of the control member relative to the second member. The fine control means acts at an action point on one of the first and second members to pivot the first and second members relative to each other about the pivot point.

Abstract: A flow control device for controlling the rate of flow of fluid passing through flexible tubing used in particular for intravenous administration sets. The device comprises a body member with a bottom and two side walls defining a tubing receiving channel. The side walls are provided with aligned bearings journalling pivot means pivotally supporting a lever having at one end a semi-circular cam-like clamping disk substantially concentric with the pivot means. One edge of the leading portion or initial tube engaging clamping surfaces of said disk is rounded with the radius of curvature of said edge decreasing continuously, forming thus a clamping surface which will, upon movement of the lever, first collapse and deform the tubing into a L-shaped cross-sectional configuration and then press together the horizontal and then continuously the vertical part of the tubing. This device provides for an easily adjustable and unvarying flow rate.

Abstract: A source of power rotates a drive shaft upon which a pair of rollers are mounted. The rollers rotate in a recess and collapse an undialysed blood carrying tube against a wall thus causing a pumping action. When used with a single needle dialysis system, an occluding pin assembly intermittently clamps off the dialysed blood carrying tube as said source of power is interrupted in rotation thus permitting the device to be used with a conventional single needle assembly. By rotating a cylindrical member upon the upper end of the drive shaft, the rollers can be retracted from adjacent the wall against which the undialysed blood carrying tube rests thus facilitating the engagement and disengagement of the undialysed blood carrying tube with the device. Inasmuch as the wall thickness of such tubes often varies, between tubing produced by different manufacturers, means are provided to adjust the spatial relationship of the pump rollers with the wall against which the tube is pressed during the pumping action.

Abstract: A blood tube communicating with a blood bag includes means for parting the blood tube, and exposing an internally mounted needle carried by and communicating with the blood tube for penetrating a closure of a sample tube. In accordance with this invention, the above is accomplished by means of an integral plastic member which is positioned to sealingly enclose an interrupted portion of the flexible blood tube and the needle. The plastic member includes a thin-walled, frangible portion positioned to permit separation of the plastic member into two pieces by breaking of the frangible portion to expose the needle for use, and to permit the blood tube to be separated. Manually operated means are also provided for shutting off flow through the blood tube at a point on the opposite side of the plastic member from the blood bag.

Abstract: A readily disassemblable gun for dispensing multiple fluidic components to a mixer includes a handle having an upper barrel. A head asembly is detachably connected to a rear end of the barrel. The head assembly extends flexible, fluid transporting tubes to a forward portion of the barrel and a detachable cap is secured to the forward end for defining an initial mixing chamber between the extended ends of the tubes and a conduit extending from the cap. Fluid components to be mixed are introduced from a supply source through individual tube communicating passages in the head assembly through the tubes to the initial mixing chamber. After initial mixing, the fluidic components are dispensed into an elongate mixer for additional mixing and ultimate discharge. A trigger lever is mounted on the handle and includes a member which normally deforms the tubes for preventing flow of fluidic components therethrough and into the initial mixing chamber.

Abstract: A chemical dispensing system having its most important use in dispensing flowable developing and finishing chemicals upon exposed lithographic printing plates comprises a supply container for each of the chemicals positioned immediately above the dispensing station therefor, each supply container containing continuously moving stirring means for keeping the chemical continuously in motion to homogenize the same. A number of flexible, laterally spaced dispensing tubes extend downwardly from each supply container, and a flow control valve is provided for each tube which pinches it into a closed position at a point near the container so that the volume of liquid which remains in the tube between the tube pinch point and the container is relatively small.

Abstract: A control and selector unit for a dental handpiece is provided of the high pressure air driven type. The control and selector unit includes a bracket for supporting a handpiece, and a resilient metal strip having a free end extending into the bracket. The other end of the resilient strip is supported on the base of the control unit, and the strip acts as a pinch valve for a tube carrying high pressure drive air to the handpiece. The pinch valve releases the tube when the handpiece is removed from the bracket so as to cause the handpiece to be activated. The control unit may also include additional resilient strip pinch valve controls for controlling the supply of coolant air, or other gases, and water to the handpiece when the handpiece is removed from the bracket.

Abstract: A pipette filling and liquid dispensing device is attachable to a pipette by a conduit. A resiliently compressable bulb is connected to the said conduit in which a closable opening is provided. By means of the said closable opening alternatingly connection can be established between the interior of the conduit (and the bulb) and the open by uncovering the opening or such connection can be interrupted by closing the opening. A valve unit is inserted in the said conduit, said unit being releasably connected with the conduit and easily removable therefrom.

Abstract: A valve assembly is described for closure of resilient tubes and protection of the ends of such tubing from contamination when the valve is in its closed position. The valve assembly is fabricated from two trough-like members which are connected by a linkage having bi-stable characteristics to facilitate one-handed operation. The assembly is particularly useful when employed at the end of drainage bag outlet tubes in hospital applications, where the likelihood of contamination of the tube end must be minimized.

Abstract: A valving mechanism for an automatic filling machine for transferring liquid pre-measured doses to receptacles such as oral dispensers, nebulizer injectors, vials and hypodermic syringes. The automatic filling machine includes a piston type pump which is connected to a supply reservoir for the liquid and to an individual receptacle to be filled by flexible, compressible tubing. Alternately energized alternating current solenoids reciprocate a pivotally mounted lever which alternately closes one of the flexible tubes and opens the other to permit the piston pump to draw liquid from the reservoir and pump it to the receptacle. The valving mechanism includes two adjustable screws, one for each flexible tubing, to pre-compress each tube. Over-compression of the tubes is precluded by an audible warning afforded by the solenoids themselves.

Abstract: An inexpensive adjustable pinch clamp or valve for use on flexible conduits carrying a fluid having an adjustable locking cam to maintain a selected closure of the conduit.

Abstract: This invention provides a single needle dialysis blood tubing occluder, comprising in a preferred aspect, a pair of pivotly mounted clamping arms having a leaf spring affixed to the non-pivot end of each occluder with the spring in slidable engagement with a symmetrical cam. Means are provided for actuating the cam, whereby the cam moves the tubing occluder to alternately occlude and non-occlude a pair of blood tubings.

Abstract: A blood pumping system has a pair of integral flexible bodies each provided with an inlet and an outlet and disposed in open top cavities in a housing. The cavities have extensions holding inlet valves and outlet valves for opening and closing the inlets and outlets. A flexible diaphragm overlies the cavities and their extensions and is secured by a cover providing separate chambers over the inlet valves, the outlet valves and the bodies. Solenoid air valves are selectively energized to supply and exhaust the chambers to operate the valves and bodies. Switches responsive to the full and empty positions of the bodies govern the energization of the solenoids through control circuitry including a voltage controlled oscillator, a device for changing the frequency of the oscillator in accordance with the time of operation of at least some of the switches, and a device for ensuring at least a minimum rate of operation of the switches.

Abstract: A clamp and related method provides for a stable fluid flow rate through a flexible tubing. The clamp comprises a body having an anvil and a tube-constricting cam that cooperates with the anvil to pinch together diametrically opposed sections of the tubing to provide a reduced flow passageway. The cross-sectional area of this passageway, and hence the fluid flow rate, is varied by rotating the cam to change the transverse extent of the pinched off portions. The reduced flow passageway is constrained at each adjustment of the clap to prevent variations in flow rate due to displacement of the material of the tubing wall.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new apparatus for delivering liquid to a plurality of containers and removing contents therefrom comprising a plurality of pairs of tubes each tube having or being connected to a constrictible tube portion. A first tube of each pair is adapted to deliver liquid to a respective container from a liquid supply and the second tube of each pair is adapted for connection between suction means and a tube portion adapted to project into a respective container to remove liquid therefrom. Tube constricting means are provided and arranged to constrict said tube portions alternately whereby respectively liquid is delivered to each container and contents removed therefrom.

Abstract: A control valve for liquid in stationary tanks, such as toilets humidifiers and the like, of the type housed within a tank, having an inlet orifice for water and an outlet orifice for the same, including a lever which actuates, by means of chain or cable, a sealing plug in said outlet orifice of said tank opening it to empty said tank and which includes a float connected to a rod which actuates a valve member for opening and closing the intake orifice of liquid into the tank, wherein a laminar support structure is connected to said inlet orifice for liquid into said tank a height adjustable bracket projecting from said support structure, a yoke supported on said bracket; a L-shaped elbow member being pivotally supported by its apex on said yoke one of the arms of said elbow member is connected to said rod joined to said float and the other of which arms having its bottom edge rounded in such a manner that when said tank is full it presses, against the bottom face of said yoke supported on said bracket; an ela

Abstract: Apparatus for fluid flow control in a parenteral administration system, utilizing a syringe pump operated by a motor to repetitively fill and empty a syringe cartridge over a plurality of operational cycles of successive fill stroke and pump stroke periods. The apparatus repetitively and sequentially opens and closes a pair of intake and output I.V. tubes communicating with a syringe, the tubes alternating opened and closed states, one tube always being open while the other is closed, by means of a pair of L-shaped pivotal tube pinchers, one pincher controlling each I.V. tube, each pincher being normally spring biased to the tube clamping shut-off state. The tube pinchers are alternately pivoted to a non-clamping, tube-open position by a spring biased, intermittent motion, reciprocating slide bar under the control of a reversible, rotating cam, the cam being driven by the same motor as that used to drive the piston of the syringe through its fill and pump strokes.

Abstract: There is disclosed an annular blowout preventer wherein a plurality of flexible bands are arranged about the packer within the recess about the bore through the preventer housing, and means are provided for moving the bands toward and away from the bore so as to selectively contract the packer into sealing engagement about an object in the bore or upon itself when the bore is empty or permit said packer to expand into the recess.

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: A dispenser pen for dispensing liquids such as adhesives has a tube 12 connecting a supply 14 of the liquid to a nozzle 15. The tube 12 passes between a cross-pin 19 and one end of a pivoted lever 18 which is normally urged by a spring 23 to squeeze the tube 12 between the lever and the cross-pin so as to close the tube to flow of the liquid. The region 17 of the tube between the lever 18 and the cross-pin 19 is predeformed to a generally flattened shape which can open to permit flow of liquid but can be closed with little force and by a short movement of the lever 18.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system for accurately dispensing precise aliquots of fluid rapidly and efficiently. The system includes a reservoir of fluid and a pump adapted for connection to a reservoir of fluid and for transferring precise aliquots of fluid from the reservoir to an outlet orifice. An inlet tube is provided with a bore therethrough and one open end for fluid communication with a reservoir and the other open end in fluid communication with the pump. An outlet tube is provided having a bore therethrough with one open end forming the outlet orifice for the system and the other open end in fluid communication with the pump. Controls are connected to the pump to precisely regulate the amount of fluid in an aliquot transferred from a reservoir through the inlet tube, pump and outlet tube to the outlet orifice during an operating cycle of the pump.

Abstract: A precision cut-off weighing apparatus having a balance type weighing device on which a desired weight is placed on one side and a bag to be filled with a fluid such as blood on the other. A magnet is mounted on the arm of the balance on which the bag is placed and a reed switch in a circuit mounted in proximity of the magnet to be influenced to close the circuit when the arm swings to the balanced position and bag has been filled to substantially the exact weight desired. The circuit is connected to a lever mounted on a support through which a tube extends to the bag whereby when the reed switch has been actuated, the lever swings to compress the tube and thereby prevent any further flow of fluid to the bag.

Abstract: A flow control device for accurately regulating the flow of fluid through flexible tubing. A pivotal platen is employed in conjunction with a roller which upon rotation along an intersecting axis with a length of tubing will effect a squeezing or compressive action on the tubing but with the compressive force being applied over a wide area of the tubing so as to not effect a distortion of the tubing after the compressive force is discontinued. The flow control unit can be utilized as a clamp in that it can completely disrupt the flow of fluid through the tubing yet it is highy adapted to being used as a flow control device in conjunction with a parenteral administration set.

Abstract: A blood pump system, typically employed in dialysis, includes a blood pump for withdrawing blood via a single hypodermic needle and valve means operated in synchronism therewith for returning treated blood via the same hypodermic needle. The operation of the blood pump is cyclically interrupted and the valve means opened for the alternate withdrawal and return of blood.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser-mixer capable of storing, cooling, mixing and serving beverages incorporates a thermally insulated, open-ended refrigerating enclosure with inside walls composed of a thermally conductive material communicating with a refrigerating means. A beverage container with an open top incorporates a thermally insulated front plate that removably interfits with the inside walls of the refrigerating enclosure to form a mechanically and thermally sealed beverage storage compartment. The beverage container includes a fluid agitator that removably engages with an agitator motor within the enclosure for mixing or stirring beverages within the beverage container. The beverage container further incorporates a handle and a spigot with a pinch-type valve for dispensing beverages within it.