Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to pulse tube coolers and components thereof. A pulse tube cooler may comprise a compressor, a regenerator, a pulse tube and a reservoir. A network of phase control devices may be placed in a fluid path between a hot end of the pulse tube and the reservoir. The network of phase control devices may have at least one flow resistance device and at least one inertance device.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a cooling system for a heat generating structure comprises a first cooling segment and a second cooling segment. The first cooling segment and the second cooling segment each respectively comprise a cooling segment conduit and at least one cooling segment tube. The cooling segment conduits are operable to receive a fluid coolant and dispense of the fluid coolant after the fluid coolant has received thermal energy. The at least one cooling segment tubes are in thermal communication with both the cooling segment conduits and the heat generating structure. The at least one cooling segment tubes have a cooling fluid operable to transfer thermal energy from the heat generating structure to the cooling segment conduits. The cooling segment conduits transfer thermal energy from the cooling fluid to the fluid coolant. A heat transfer rate associated with the first cooling segment is substantially similar to a heat transfer rate associated with the second cooling segment.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a first header and a second header and a plurality of heat exchange tubes extending therebetween. Each heat exchange tube has an inlet end opening to one of the headers and an outlet opening to the other header. Each heat exchange tube has a plurality of channels extending longitudinally in parallel relationship from its inlet end to its outlet end, each channel defining a discrete refrigerant flow path. The inlet end of each of the plurality of heat exchange tubes is positioned with the inlet opening to the channels disposed in spaced relationship with and facing an opposite inside surface of the header thereby defining a relatively narrow gap between the inlet opening to the channels and the facing opposite inside surface of the header. The gap may function either as a primary expansion device or as a secondary expansion device.

Abstract: A refrigerant flow divider is made up of an inlet pipe 12 through which refrigerant Xin flows in, a main body 11 of which the inside is a cavity, and a plurality of branching pipes 13 through which refrigerant Xout flows out. When the length of the above described main body 11 of the flow divider is L mm and the inner diameter of the above described main body 11 of the flow divider is D2 mm, the relationship 2?L/D2?8 holds, and thus, a flow divider can be gained, where discrepancy (variation) in the flow rate ratio in the respective paths for the flow discharged from the outlet of the flow divider and entering the heat exchanger is small and pressure loss is small when there is a change of approximately ±10° in the installation angle, a change in the dryness of the refrigerant at the inlet (0.2 to 0.4) or a change in the flow rate of the refrigerant (50% to 100%).

Abstract: A closed loop refrigerant expansion system with a tube and shell condenser is provided with a control which, upon shutdown, causes the flow of refrigerant to reverse from the evaporator to the condenser to thereby both reduce the amount of refrigerant vapor passing to the condenser and increase the amount of liquid refrigerant in the condenser to thereby reduce the maximum temperature load in the condenser. Reverse flow can be made to occur either by reversing the direction of the refrigerant pump or opening a bypass valve around the pump.

Abstract: A cooling system is provided that comprises: a refrigerant loop having a pump; an evaporator heat exchanger thermally coupled to a heat source, the evaporator plumbed in the loop; a condensing heat exchanger and a receiver plumbed in the loop; and an equalizing conduit plumbed between an inlet to the condenser and the receiver and comprising a flow regulating valve.

Abstract: A distributor (12) for an evaporator (22) in a vapor-compression circuit (10) comprises an elongate body (50A. 50B) defining an inlet portion (56A) and first and second distal ends (58A, 58B). The body (50A) being positionable along an interior sidewall (42) of the evaporator (22). The inlet portion (56A) positionable opposite an inlet port (38) of the evaporator (22) such that refrigerant entering the evaporator (22) engages the inlet portion (56A) of the distributor (12). The first and second distal ends (58A, 58B) extending outwardly towards opposing side ends (34A, 34B) of the evaporator (22).

Abstract: An electric traction vehicle having: at least one pair of driving wheels; at least one reversible electric machine which can be mechanically connected to the driving wheels; an electronic power converter which pilots the electric machine; a storage system, which is aimed at storing electric energy, is connected to the electronic power converter and comprises at least one storage device; a passenger compartment; an air conditioning system of the passenger compartment which fulfills the function of regulating the temperature inside the passenger compartment; and a cooling system, which is completely independent and separate from the air conditioning system of the passenger compartment and uses a compression refrigeration cycle to cool at least one of the electric components, i.e. the electric machine, the electronic power converter and the storage system.

Abstract: An expansion-distribution assembly for simultaneously throttling, mixing, and distributing refrigerant fluid upstream of a heat-absorbing component (e.g., an evaporator) of a heat pump system. The expansion-distribution assembly comprises a valve-nozzle adjustment device which moves a pin relative to a nozzle chamber to vary flow-characteristics therethrough. The pin is moved during operation of the heat pump system (based on, for example, pressure and temperature data) to dynamically customize the valve-nozzle for the current load of the system.

Abstract: A falling film evaporator is provided for use in a two-phase refrigeration system or process system. The evaporator includes a shell having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a tube bundle having tubes extending substantially horizontally in the shell. A hood is disposed over the tube bundle, the hood having an upper end adjacent the upper portion above the tube bundle, the upper end having opposed substantially parallel walls extending toward the lower portion, the walls terminating at an open end opposite the upper end. Once liquid refrigerant or liquid refrigerant and vapor refrigerant is deposited onto the tube bundle, the substantially parallel walls of the hood substantially prevent cross flow of refrigerant vapor or liquid and vapor between the tubes of the tube bundle.

Abstract: A compression refrigeration system and evaporator having multiple circuits. Spray nozzles are provided for atomization and expansion of the refrigerant. The atomizing spray nozzles are interposed in each evaporator circuit and the nozzles are sized to distribute atomized refrigerant to the various evaporator circuits based on airflow rates across the associated circuit.

Abstract: To provide a low-cost and highly reliable indoor unit and an air-conditioning apparatus having the same by obtaining a dew point temperature at the outlet side without installing a humidity sensor and a dew point temperature detector at the outlet side.

Abstract: A bi-directional flow control device utilizes a single moveable restrictor housed within a cartridge, the piston having a first position wherein the piston orifice provides a smallest diameter flow path through the cartridge, and a second position wherein a cartridge orifice provides a smallest diameter flow path through the cartridge. In one embodiment the device utilizes an anti-rattle mechanism for reducing rattle of the piston within the internal chamber of the cartridge.

Abstract: A casing (31) houses therein an expansion mechanism (60) and a compression mechanism (50). The expansion mechanism (60) has a rear head (62) in which a pressure snubbing chamber (71) is provided. The pressure snubbing chamber (71) is divided by a piston (77) into an inflow/outflow chamber (72) which fluidly communicates with an inflow port (34) and a back pressure chamber (73) which fluidly communicates with the inside of the casing (31). The piston (77) is displaced in response to suction pressure variation whereby the volume of the inflow/outflow chamber (72) varies. This enables the inflow/outflow chamber (72) to directly perform supply of refrigerant to or suction of refrigerant from the inflow port (34) which is a source of pressure variation, thereby making it possible to effectively inhibit suction pressure variation.

Abstract: A multiport expansion device for vapor compression refrigeration systems is provided having improved reliability by preventing orifice fouling by virtue of its mechanical design. Furthermore, multiple arrays of ports of two or more similar or differently sized port holes is contemplated which allows further reliability based on redundant orifices and pin combinations.

Abstract: A positive displacement expander includes a volume change mechanism (90) for changing the volume of a first fluid chamber (72) of an expansion mechanism (60). The expansion mechanism (60) includes a first rotary mechanism (70) and a second rotary mechanism (80) each having a cylinder (71, 81) containing a rotor (75, 85). The first fluid chamber (72) of the first rotary mechanism (70) and a second fluid chamber (82) of the second rotary mechanism (80) are in fluid communication with each other to form an actuation chamber (66). Meanwhile, the first fluid chamber (72) of the first rotary mechanism (70) is smaller than the second fluid chamber (82) of the second rotary mechanism (80). The volume change mechanism (90) includes an auxiliary chamber (93) fluidly communicating with the first fluid chamber (72) and an auxiliary piston (92) for changing the volume of the auxiliary chamber (93). The auxiliary chamber (93) is in fluid communication with the first fluid chamber (72) of the first rotary mechanism (70).

Abstract: A heat exchange system includes an outdoor heat exchanger, an indoor heat exchanger, a compressor, an expansion valve, a capillary tube, and a cooling jacket. The compressor is provided on a first path that is one of two paths connecting the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger, and the expansion valve, the capillary tube and a check valve are provided on a second path of the two paths connecting the outdoor heat exchanger and the indoor heat exchanger that is opposite to the path on which the compressor is provided. The cooling jacket for cooling an object to be cooled is provided between the expansion valve and the capillary tube.

Abstract: In an evaporator unit, a first evaporator is coupled to an ejector to evaporate refrigerant flowing out of the ejector, a second evaporator is coupled to a refrigerant suction port of the ejector to evaporate the refrigerant to be drawn into the refrigerant suction port, a flow amount distributor is located to adjust a flow amount of the refrigerant distributed to the nozzle portion and a flow amount of the refrigerant distributed to the second evaporator, and a throttle mechanism is provided between the flow amount distributor and the second evaporator to decompress the refrigerant flowing into the second evaporator. The flow amount distributor is adapted as a gas-liquid separation portion and as a refrigerant distribution portion for distributing separated refrigerant into the nozzle portion and the second evaporator. Furthermore, the flow amount distributor and the ejector are arranged in line in a longitudinal direction of the ejector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining a relatively constant temperature of a working fluid in an evaporator of a refrigeration system by providing a constant volumetric displacement compressor and a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the high pressure and low pressure portions of a refrigeration circuit to superheat, and hold substantially constant, the temperature of the refrigerant entering the compressor. In doing this, the pressure of the refrigerant in the low pressure portion of the circuit, including the evaporator, and the mass flow rate of the refrigerant remain substantially constant. As a result, the temperature of the saturated refrigerant in the evaporator remains substantially constant.

Abstract: A wind turbine is provided having at least one generator, and at least one blower motor connected to the generator. The blower motor is configured to rotate the fan for circulating air to the generator. The blower motor is connected to the generator so that a variable power output of the generator results in a variable power output of the blower motor and a variable speed of the fan.

Abstract: A refrigerator icemaker assembly includes a bin having a bottom wall, as well as first and second pairs of opposing side walls. One of the first pair of opposing side walls includes an opening within which is movably mounted a coupler. The coupler is provided with a recessed portion having formed therein an aperture and a cog member. An auger is rotatably mounted in the bin and includes a first end portion that extends through the aperture of the coupler. A drive member extends into the coupler and drives the auger in a first direction to dispense ice cubes and in a second direction to dispense crushed ice. The driver engages with the cog member when being rotated in the first direction and directly engages the first end of the auger when being driven in the second direction.

Abstract: A multi-pass heat exchanger having a return manifold with a partition, a front wall, and a rear wall is provided. The partition separates the return manifold into a collection chamber and a distribution chamber. The front and rear walls define a fluid channel. The front wall has a plurality of perforations placing the fluid channel in separate fluid communication with the collection chamber and the distribution chamber.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a heat exchanging apparatus including a plate type heat exchanger auxiliary vessel arrangement whereby the auxiliary vessel contains fluid in more than one phase to enable the corresponding plate type heat exchanger to be flooded with heat exchanger fluid in order to fully employ its heat exchange surfaces in the task of exchanging heat.

Abstract: An expansion device for a heat exchanger having a manifold and a plurality of mini- and or micro-channels. The expansion device has an outer element having a plurality of orifices therethrough that is received in the manifold, and an inner element telescopically received in the outer element having at least one orifice therethrough and being in fluid communication with the plurality of orifices. Fluid passing through the at least one orifice and through the plurality of orifices is expanded and reduced in pressure prior to entering the manifold.

Abstract: A cooling system for a refrigerator having a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment separated by a partition, includes a compressor for compressing a refrigerant; a condenser for condensing the compressed refrigerant; an evaporator having a freezer compartment portion and a fresh food compartment portion; wherein the freezer compartment portion of the evaporator cools a freezer compartment, and the fresh food compartment portion of the evaporator cools a fresh food compartment. The fresh food compartment portion of the evaporator projects into a passage formed in the partition which passage extends between the fresh food compartment portion of the evaporator and the fresh food compartment.

Abstract: A pressure control valve has a temperature sensing portion. The temperature sensing portion includes a diaphragm and a cap member. A peripheral portion of the diaphragm is fixed to a peripheral portion of the cap member. One surface of the diaphragm and the cap member define a sealed space in which gas is airtightly filled. The other surface of the diaphragm is fixed to one end of the valve body, and subjected to fluid in a fluid chamber. A change of the temperature of the fluid changes a volume of the gas in the sealed space to displace the diaphragm and the valve body to open and close a valve port. A reinforcement member reinforces a fixture of the cap member to the diaphragm.

Abstract: When an expansion mechanism (60) having an expansion chamber (62) is equipped with a backflow prevention mechanism (80) to suppress the outflow of fluid from the expansion chamber (62) to a communication path (72), it is possible to reduce dead volume in the expansion chamber (62) during operation with the circulation control mechanism (73,75,76) closed.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a cooling system for a heat generating structure comprises a first cooling segment and a second cooling segment. The first cooling segment and the second cooling segment each respectively comprise a cooling segment conduit and at least one cooling segment tube. The cooling segment conduits are operable to receive a fluid coolant and dispense of the fluid coolant after the fluid coolant has received thermal energy. The at least one cooling segment tubes are in thermal communication with both the cooling segment conduits and the heat generating structure. The at least one cooling segment tubes have a cooling fluid operable to transfer thermal energy from the heat generating structure to the cooling segment conduits. The cooling segment conduits transfer thermal energy from the cooling fluid to the fluid coolant. A heat transfer rate associated with the first cooling segment is substantially similar to a heat transfer rate associated with the second cooling segment.

Abstract: A high pressure control valve is arranged in a refrigerant passage formed from an internal heat exchanger to an evaporator 4 in a refrigerating cycle of CO2 refrigerant having the internal heat exchanger 8. The high pressure control valve 3, 3A to 3F controls refrigerant pressure on the internal heat exchanger outlet side according to a temperature of the refrigerant at the outlet of the radiator. Into a temperature sensing section (airtightly closed space A), the inner pressure of which is changed according to the refrigerant temperature on the radiator outlet side, CO2 refrigerant, the charging density of which is 200 to 600 kg/m3, preferably 200 to 450 kg/m3, is charged.

Abstract: A heat exchanger includes a plurality of flat, multi-channel heat exchange tubes extending between spaced headers. Each heat exchange tube has an inlet end in fluid flow communication with one of the headers and an outlet opening to the other header. Each heat exchange tube has a plurality of flow channels extending longitudinally in parallel relationship from its inlet end to its outlet end. A plurality of connectors are positioned between the inlet header and the heat transfer tubes to define a flow path providing fluid flow communication between the inlet header and the inlet ends of the heat exchange tubes. Two or more flow restriction ports are arranged in the series in the flow path through each connector whereby fluid flowing from the inlet header to the flow channels of the heat exchange tube associated therewith undergoes an expansion as the fluid passes through each flow restriction port.

Abstract: A thermal sensing bulb for an expansion valve, the bulb containing a ballast material, the ballast material including a plurality of particles including a calcium silicate hydrate.

Abstract: A pulse tube cryocooler including a heat exchanger and a pulse tube is modified with an in-line inertance gap attached to the pulse tube for gas phase shifting of gas pressure in the cryocooler for improving the efficiency and temperature range of pulse tube cryocoolers.

Abstract: An air conditioner performs a refrigerant quantity judging operation to judge the refrigerant quantity in a refrigerant circuit, and includes a heat source unit, utilization units, expansion mechanisms, a first refrigerant gas pipe, a second refrigerant gas pipe, a refrigerant liquid pipe, switching mechanisms, bypass circuits, bypass circuit opening/closing element, and a controller. The switching mechanism can switch between a first state and a second state. The bypass circuit opening/closing element are provided in the bypass circuits that bypass the first refrigerant gas pipe to the second refrigerant gas pipe, and open and close the bypass circuits. The controller opens the bypass circuit opening/closing element before performing the refrigerant quantity judging operation.

Abstract: An air conditioner that reverses and appropriately controls the stream of refrigerant between paths of a flow divider corresponding to an air conditioner heat exchanger having a plurality of paths to increase the heat exchange capacity is provided. The air conditioner includes a compressor, a four-way valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, a restriction device, and an indoor heat exchanger including a plurality of paths. These members are sequentially connected by a refrigerant pipe to form a refrigerant circuit. A flow divider including a plurality of paths is arranged between the indoor heat exchanger, which includes the plurality of paths, and the restriction device. A refrigerant flow amount regulation valve is provided for each of the plurality of paths in the flow divider.

Abstract: A cooling system is provided that comprises: a refrigerant loop having a pump; an evaporator heat exchanger thermally coupled to a heat source, the evaporator plumbed in the loop; a condensing heat exchanger and a receiver plumbed in the loop; and an equalizing conduit plumbed between an inlet to the condenser and the receiver and comprising a flow regulating valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling system (20) for an aircraft, comprising a number of refrigeration devices (1) which produce refrigeration and transmit this refrigeration to a cooling medium, and a circuit (21), containing at least one refrigeration consumer (22), for the cooling medium, for supplying the refrigeration consumer(s) (22) with refrigeration. Each refrigeration device (1) is a modular unit coupled to the circuit (21) and having a pump (10), which conveys the cooling medium through the circuit (21).

Abstract: A refrigerator having a valve to distribute a refrigerant to a plurality of storage compartments. The valve includes a step motor, a valve plate having at least one inlet and a plurality of outlets, and an opening/closing member rotatably coupled to the valve plate to open or close the plurality of outlets in accordance with a rotating motion thereof. In particular, the opening/closing member has one or more recesses, which are indented from the circumference of the opening/closing member by a predetermined distance, to always open only one of the plurality of outlets. With the above-described configuration, the refrigerator can reduce material costs, and can achieve not only simplified valve control, but also accurate control in temperatures of the plurality of storage compartments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vertical evaporating plate for refrigerating a refrigerator or freezer comprising a roll bond circuit which consists of refrigerant flow channels and comprises descending and ascending sections, wherein at least a part of the channels of the descending section comprise a liquid refrigerant accumulating area of a maximum height (hi), the totality of the heights (hi) is adjustable in such a way that the total volume of the accumulating areas is equal to or greater than half the volume of the liquid refrigerant and each height (hi) is less than 70% of the entire height of a channel (Hi). The inventive plate makes it possible to improve the thermal efficiency and reduce the sound level of a refrigerator or freezer.

Abstract: A pressure control valve of a supercritical refrigeration cycle small in size and resistant to the effects of the outside air temperature, that is, a pressure control valve of a vapor compression type supercritical refrigeration cycle wherein a refrigerant is sealed in a sealed space at the top of the diaphragm, pressure of the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle acts on the valve connected to the diaphragm, the valve opens and closes in accordance with the balance between the refrigerant pressure in the sealed space and the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle, the sealed space is communicated with locations substantially having temperature sensing functions detecting the refrigerant temperature, and the volume of the locations substantially having the temperature sensing functions is at least 50% of the total volume of communicated with the sealed space.

Abstract: A refrigeration system (20) includes a pressure addition relief valve (62) in parallel with an expansion device (63).

Abstract: A refrigeration system includes a compressor for driving a refrigerant along a flow path in at least a first mode of system operation; a first heat exchanger along the flow path downstream of the compressor in the first mode; a second heat exchanger along the flow path upstream of the compressor in the first mode; and a pressure regulator or expansion device in the flow path downstream of the first heat exchanger and upstream of the second heat exchanger in the first mode, wherein the first heat exchanger is positioned within a housing which defines a flow path for heat exchange fluid and the housing defines a zone of reduced flow area along the flow path, and wherein the first heat exchanger is positioned in the zone of reduced flow area.

Abstract: A shut-off valve for pressurized fluids in an air cooling/heating apparatus having a first duct receiving a first restrictor and a second restrictor. Both restrictors are coaxially formed with a capillary through which the pressurized fluid passes and which causes the rapid expansion of the fluid when the fluid exits from a distal end of the capillary. The outer surface of the restrictors is in direct contact with the interior surface of the first duct. The valve can further include a sampling instrument located between the restrictors.

Abstract: A comb-like insert having a body and plurality of tapered fingers is installed with its fingers disposed within respective minichannels. The fingers and their respective minichannels are so sized as to restrict the channels and frictionally hold the insert in place in one dimension while providing for gaps in another dimension such that the flow of refrigerant is somewhat obstructed but allowed to pass through the gaps between the insert fingers and the minichannel walls and then expand as it passes along the tapered fingers to thereby provide a more homogenous mixture to the individual minichannels. A provision is also made to hold the insert in its installed position by way of internal structure within the inlet manifold. In one embodiment, an internal plate is provided for that purpose, and the plate has openings formed therein for the equalization of pressure on either side thereof.

Abstract: An expansion valve includes a valve body having a valve body hole, a first passage, a bottomed valve chamber, a second passage, a third passage and a guide member disposed in the valve body hole between the first passage and the third passage. The valve body hole has a first valve body hole portion and a second valve body hole portion of different diameters forming a valve body step between the second passage and the first passage. The guide has a first guide portion and a second guide portion of different diameters forming a guide portion step. The guide is sized to be slidably received by the valve body hole in a close-fitting relationship with the first valve body hole portion receiving the first guide portion, the second valve body hole portion receiving the second guide portion and the valve body step and the guide portion step contacting each other.

Abstract: A generally cylindrical restrictor insert for containing an axially movable, apertured restrictive member, housed in a flow control distributor housing of an orifice expansion device used for bi-directionally-flowing pressurized fluid, with a housing passageway being closed off via an annular adaptor flange also having an internal filter, the restrictor insert having a central axial through bore with a plurality of adjoining bore portions defining a central bore cavity, the restrictor insert also having a leading portion, with a frusto-conical front end surface, and intermediate and trailing portions, the latter having a shoulder portion and an annular end face, the restrictive member being located and axially freely movable within a distributor housing central bore cavity, with the restrictor insert, in turn being located, via slip-fit insertion, in a distributor housing central passageway.

Abstract: A valve (4) for a refrigeration system. Comprises two diaphragms (8, 10) being operatively connected. One diaphragm (8) is in contact with the refrigerant, the other (10) is in contact with the filling fluid. The two diaphragms (8, 10) may have different active areas. In combination with the connection between the two diaphragms (8, 10) this provides a ‘pressure gearing’ between the filling fluid and the refrigerant. Allows the pressure of the filling fluid to be relatively low even when the pressure of the refrigerant is high, while ensuring that the valve (4) can function properly. Particularly suitable for high pressure refrigeration systems, such as CO2 systems.

Abstract: In an ejector, a nozzle includes a nozzle tapered section having an inner passage with a radial dimension reduced toward a nozzle outlet port, and a needle having a needle tapered section disposed in the inner passage. The needle tapered section has a cross sectional area reduced toward a downstream end of the needle, and the downstream end of the needle is positioned at a downstream side with respect to the nozzle outlet port. In addition, the nozzle tapered section has a taper angle (?1) which is equal to or greater than a taper angle (?2) of the needle tapered section. Therefore, a boundary face on the outside of a nozzle jet flow becomes in a balanced natural shape, and is controlled in accordance with an operating condition. Thus, the ejector cycle can be operated while keeping high efficiency, regardless of the thermal load of the ejector cycle.

Abstract: A circuit for the generation of cold or heat comprising a compressor, an evaporator, a condenser and a restriction member made as a separate component and having a fixed throughflow cross-section, with the restriction member being inserted directly between two elements of the circuit such as a connection tube and a connection stub to reduce the manufacturing costs and the required construction space.

Abstract: A refrigerant valve arrangement is described, having a housing which has a first functional space, in which there is arranged at least one functional element, which co-operates with a first annular contact surface formed in an internal boundary wall. It is desirable to be able to match a refrigerant valve arrangement to different functions with little outlay. For that purpose there is provided, arranged on that side of the boundary wall which is located opposite the first functional space, a second functional space, in which a second functional element can be positioned and which has a second annular contact surface, a channel which passes through the boundary wall opening out in both contact surfaces.

Abstract: A device comprising memory foam can be used for restricting fluid flow through a passageway. Such a device can include memory foam having a body defined by a first end and a second end and at least one external wall extending therebetween. The body of the expanded memory foam can have a cross-sectional profile with a shape and size to securely fit within the passageway so as to restrict fluid flow through the passageway. Additionally, the memory foam can have a receiving portion that extends from the first end to the second end that is configured for receiving an object that extends from the first end to the second end. The receiving portion can have various configurations and can include internal portions and external portions of the memory foam. The receiving portion can self-form a conduit around the object by expanding the memory foam around the object.