Perpendicularly Reciprocating Tube Contacting Element Patents (Class 251/7)
  • Patent number: 11986620
    Abstract: A fluid-fitting tool is disclosed that can align with and rotationally couple with a fluid fitting where the fluid-fitting tool can include a passage and an engagement feature for engaging against the fluid fitting such that when the fluid-fitting tool is spaced apart from the fluid fitting, the fluid-fitting tool can move in a longitudinal direction toward and away from the fluid fitting, and can rotate relative to the fluid fitting around a longitudinal axis of the passage, and when a portion of the fluid-fitting tool and the fluid fitting are rotationally aligned and longitudinally overlap, the fluid-fitting tool can move longitudinally relative to the fluid fitting, and the fluid fitting is rotated when the fluid-fitting tool is rotated around a longitudinal axis of the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: CAREFUSION 303, INC.
    Inventors: Ryan Callahan, Wantjinarjo Suwito
  • Patent number: 11819661
    Abstract: A flow controller having an internal tubing is provided. The flow controller may include an upper housing having a plurality of graduations, a lower housing engaged with and slidably coupled to the lower housing, and a cavity defined between the upper and lower housings for accommodating at least a portion of internal tubing. The flow controller may further include a flexible clamp having an upper section mounted in the upper housing and a lower section slidably disposed in the lower housing. The upper and lower housings may be slidably coupled relative to each other to transition the internal tubing from (i) an open position where a lumen of the internal tubing is uncompressed by the flexible clamp to (ii) a closed position where the lumen of the tubing is at least partially constricted by the flexible clamp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: CAREFUSION 303, INC.
    Inventor: Wesley Underwood
  • Patent number: 11703154
    Abstract: Conduit through which at least one pipe or cable extends, wherein the conduit has an inner wall and is provided with a system for sealing in the conduit that is unoccupied by the at least one pipe or cable, wherein the system comprises: at least one rubber element for providing in the conduit a support-structure which is clamped-in between the inner wall and the at least one pipe or cable; and a sealant layer against the support-structure and for sealing off at least one end of the conduit between the inner wall and the at least one pipe or cable, wherein each rubber element is made of a fire-resistant vulcanized rubber of a thermally substantially non-expandable type, and wherein the sealant is made of a fire-resistant polymer which is vulcanizable at room temperature under exposure to humidity and which is also of the thermally substantially non-expandable type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: Beele Engineering B.V.
    Inventor: Johannes Alfred Beele
  • Patent number: 11592114
    Abstract: A fluid handling device includes a first channel, a second channel, and a valve disposed at a connection part between the first channel and the second channel. The valve include a partition wall disposed between the first channel and the second channel, and a diaphragm disposed so as to face the partition wall, a portion of the first channel, and a portion of the second channel. The diaphragm is configured in such a way that when no pressure is applied to the diaphragm, a gap, which serves as a third channel that allows the first channel and the second channel to communicate with each other, is formed between the diaphragm and the partition wall. In plan view, the length of the diaphragm in the extending direction of the third channel is longer than the length of the diaphragm in the direction orthogonal to the extending direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Enplas Corporation
    Inventor: Takumi Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 11543037
    Abstract: A dual latching microvalve is capable of a metastable state, wherein a one or more complete flow paths are open, before switching to another state that allows only an inlet or outlet valve to be open at any time on any fluid path. One valve mechanism uses a cam to alternately open and close two valves, with an external force applying pressure to move one valve arm onto a resting position on the cam, thereby opening the closed valve and provided an uninterrupted flow path through the dual latching microvalve. The metastable state provides, for example, a means to prime the pump before operation, such as pumping of insulin into a patient. When released from the metastable state, the dual latching microvalve operates in a fashion whereby opening of both valves simultaneously is prevented, thereby protecting the patient from injury.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: SFC Fluidics, Inc.
    Inventors: Forrest W. Payne, Bradley Ledden, Gil Kan, Greg Lamps
  • Patent number: 11529458
    Abstract: A drug delivery device comprising a pumping system (4) and a liquid reservoir (7) fluidly connected to a delivery system outlet (12), the liquid reservoir comprising an elastic plunger (14) sealingly slidable within a container wall (13) of the liquid reservoir for expelling liquid out of the reservoir. The pumping system comprises a piston pump (5) comprising a plunger actuator arranged to displace the plunger (14), and a dosing unit (6) arranged downstream of the liquid reservoir (7) and fluidly connected to the liquid reservoir. The dosing unit (6) comprises a chamber portion (22) arranged between an inlet valve (24) and an outlet valve (26), the chamber portion (22) arranged to receive from the liquid reservoir a pump cycle volume of liquid under an operational pressure greater than ambient pressure generated by the piston pump, and to the deliver said pump cycle volume of liquid to the delivery system outlet, said pump cycle volume being dependent on the operational pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: AMF Medical SA
    Inventors: Antoine Barraud, Benjamin Pruijs, Nathanael Sigg
  • Patent number: 11383966
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser for a refrigerator having a dispenser housing; a dispenser frame pivotally mounted within the dispenser housing, the dispenser frame with a front face and two side faces and a first gear disposed on one of the side faces; an actuator with a paddle and a lever, the lever interlocking with the dispenser frame such that when the paddle is pushed, the lever causes the dispenser frame to pivot forward; a flexible tube; a fixed compression jaw mounted onto the dispenser housing behind the flexible and compressible tube; a movable compression jaw having a jaw end and a pivot end, the jaw end mounted in front of the flexible tube, the pivot end having a second gear which interlocks with the first gear, such that when the paddle is pushed the first gear rotates the second gear moving the movable jaw away from the flexible tube is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Lokesha Kodigenahalli Chinnappa Reddy, Cornel Comsa
  • Patent number: 11311879
    Abstract: There is provided a microfluidic device for reversing a flow through a microfluidic channel. The microfluidic device comprises a first microfluidic channel extending between a first inlet and a first outlet, a second microfluidic channel which fluidically connects a first point of the first microfluidic channel to a second outlet via a first valve, a third microfluidic channel which fluidically connects a second point of the first microfluidic channel to a second inlet via a second valve, the second point being located between the first point and the first outlet, and at least one circuit for opening the first valve and the second valve. The first and the second valves are arranged to be initially closed, Upon opening of the first and the second valve during use, the flow direction through the first microfluidic channel between the first point and the second point is reversed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: miDiagnostics NV
    Inventor: Benjamin Jones
  • Patent number: 10960111
    Abstract: A fluid flow controller includes a first body portion defining a receiving surface, a second body portion, and a fluid transfer device. The second body portion includes a controller engagement member, and is configured to couple to the first body portion such that the controller engagement member faces and is spaced from an engagement point of the receiving surface. The controller engagement member is configured to be adjusted from a first distance to a second distance closer to the engagement point than the first distance based on a force applied by a foot pedal apparatus. The fluid transfer device defines a flow channel configured to be adjusted from defining a first cross sectional area to a second, lesser cross sectional area while the controller engagement member is in contact with the first fluid transfer device and adjusted towards the second distance in response to the applied force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: HEALTHCARE CREATIONS, LLC.
    Inventors: Sergio Gutierrez, Seth I. Gasser
  • Patent number: 10859170
    Abstract: A pinch valve for a urinary drainage system comprises a tube attachment part for attaching the pinch valve to a tube of the urinary drainage system so that the tube is received in a tube receiving region of the pinch valve; a first pinch part and a second pinch part having the tube receiving region therebetween, wherein the first pinch part is moveable towards the second pinch part for compressing a tube received in the tube receiving region against the second pinch part; and an actuator operable to move the first pinch part; wherein the tube attachment part is openable so that the tube is receivable in the tube receiving region, and closeable so that the tube is retained in the tube receiving region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: ROYAL UNITED HOSPITALS BATH NHS FOUNDATION TRUST
    Inventor: Siu Man Lee
  • Patent number: 10758669
    Abstract: An infusion pump includes a housing. The housing includes a tube port adapted to receive an intravenous (“IV”) tube. The tube port includes a tube channel and a rib. The tube channel has an inlet and an outlet end. The rib is positioned along the channel adjacent the outlet end. The rib is formed to extend towards the tube when the tube is passed through the tube port thereby indenting the tube and tending to prevent full occlusion of the tube. The tube port may also include a plurality of ribs positioned around a perimeter of the tube port on the exterior side of the housing. The plurality of ribs are configured to prevent an occlusion in the tube when the tube is bent on the exterior side of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare SA
    Inventors: Jiri Slaby, James Thomas Maerzke
  • Patent number: 10575439
    Abstract: A liquid cooling apparatus and a liquid cooling device. The liquid cooling apparatus includes a rigid tube and a flexible tube, where the rigid tube is securely disposed in a cabinet and communicates with a liquid cooling source, and a through hole is opened in a side wall of the rigid tube and passes through the side wall, and one end of the flexible tube is in contact with the rigid tube and communicates with the rigid tube in a sealed manner by using the through hole, and the other end of the flexible tube communicates with a cooling tube in a blade server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shengmei Wu, Kaijun Wu
  • Patent number: 10349929
    Abstract: Various devices, systems, and methods are provided for allowing surgical instruments to access a body cavity through an access device, such as a cannula. In one embodiment, a cap can be removably and replaceably coupled to a proximal end of cannula and can have an opening therethrough that communicates with an inner passageway of the cannula. Various surgical elements can be passed through the cap and cannula and into a patient when the cannula is positioned within the patient. The cap can have a side slot formed therein. The slot can be configured to allow surgical elements, such as sutures, to pass through the cap and into the cannula. At least one surgical seal can be in the cap and can be configured to receive surgical elements therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: MEDOS INTERNATIONAL SARL
    Inventors: Stefano Berti, Benjamin Cleveland, Mehmet Z. Sengun
  • Patent number: 10167861
    Abstract: The present invention is provided to suppress occurrence of free flow. An infusion pump includes: a sliding clamp closing and releasing an infusion tube; a pump body including a tube attachment portion to which the infusion tube is to be attached detachably and forcibly transferring liquid in the infusion tube; and a door pivotably supported by the pump body so that the tube attachment portion is openable and closable by the door. The pump body includes: a clamp attachment portion into which the sliding clamp having the infusion tube set therein is to be inserted and set; and a release operator being operated in the clamp attachment portion to transfer the sliding clamp from a close mode to a release mode, the release operator being configured to be locked, in response to opening movement of the door, so that the release operator is inoperable for releasing, and to be unlocked in response to closing movement of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignees: Namiki Precision Singapore Pte. Ltd., Adamant Namiki Precision Jewel Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisashi Ikeda, Masahiro Koyama, Katsuya Kataoka, Jun Araaki
  • Patent number: 10161532
    Abstract: A pinch valve assembly for use in fluidic applications has an inlet and outlet with a flexible conduit therebetween, a base plate attached to a housing maintaining in its upper part an electromagnet. The valve assembly further includes a pinch unit assembly including in its lower external surface a knife, the pinch unit assembly being axially moveable around the body of the electromagnet between a rest position in which the knife pinches the flexible conduit when the electromagnet is not energized and an open position in which the knife releases the flexible conduit when the electromagnet is energized. It further includes an elastic unit urging the pinch unit assembly against the base plate. The electromagnet is energized in phases, first with a high level of energy during a short time and second with an energy ten times less than that provided in the first phase to maintain the valve open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: ETHIMEDIX SA
    Inventor: Rene Patthey
  • Patent number: 10155072
    Abstract: A valve mechanism for a suction instrument or an irrigation instrument includes a valve object; a first piston moveably disposed in the valve object; a second piston moveably disposed in the valve object; and a piston buckling unit pivoting on an outside of the valve object. When the first piston is pressed, the first piston moves downward, and a first buckle on the first piston is fixed on a third buckle of the piston buckling unit to open an irrigating pathway. When the second piston is pressed, the second piston moves downward, and a second buckle on the second piston is fixed on another third buckle of the piston buckling unit to open a suction pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Taiwan Surgical Corporation
    Inventors: Ming-Chang Teng, Yu-Na Hsieh
  • Patent number: 10145476
    Abstract: Embodiments of a pinch valve assembly include a controller, where the controller is preprogrammed with a plurality of selectable modes including a step and direction mode, a flow monitoring mode, a flow and fill mode, and an unclog mode, and an actuator assembly, the actuator assembly being controlled by the controller, an actuator, the actuator being actuated by the actuator assembly, a piston, the piston being coupled with the actuator, a valve body, the valve body being coupled with the actuator assembly, and an aperture, the aperture being formed in the valve body, wherein the aperture is configured to retain at least a portion of tubing such that fluid or gas flow within the tubing can be metered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Resolution Air Ltd.
    Inventor: Bradley Richard Thompson
  • Patent number: 10086136
    Abstract: A slide clamp for use with an infusion pump and infusion set provides finger grips and support members for supporting the infusion tubing. The finger grips make the slide clamp easier to use while reducing the risk of error. The tubing support members reduce the likelihood of improperly loading the tubing and reduce the risk of kinking the tubing during use. An infusion set is provided wherein the slide clamp may be coded through the use of colors, holes, or the like so as to identify the type of infusion tubing used therewith. The infusion pump can identify the code on the slide clamp and thereby determine the type of infusion tubing, and thereby allow access only to infusion programs for drugs or infusion solutions which are compatible with the particular type of infusion tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: CAREFUSION CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Wallace Howlett, James Victor Mercer
  • Patent number: 10086372
    Abstract: Described herein are fluid-flow control devices for transferring a fluid from a place to another and/or controlling a fluid flow. In some embodiments, fluid-flow control devices described herein can be used as pumping devices to transfer a fluid by peristaltic motion and/or as valve devices to control fluid flow for various applications, e.g., in a microfluidic platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE
    Inventors: Guy Thompson, Daniel Levner, Christopher David Hinojosa
  • Patent number: 9945838
    Abstract: A deaeration device includes a vent structure with a porous material capable of swelling when moistened such that the vent structure can inhibit liquid from escaping while allowing for the removal of gases from liquids. The deaeration device is integrated into a blood chamber of an extracorporeal circuit. The blood chamber may further include sensor components for actively performing measurements on the blood while the deaeration device passively removes air from the blood. In an embodiment, the blood chamber may be an optical blood chamber including an optical measurement sensor that performs measurements used in a determination of a hematocrit level in the blood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Doyle
  • Patent number: 9782577
    Abstract: A low noise solenoid valve system includes a solenoid valve; and a controller configured to perform a power actuation sequence in which power to the solenoid valve undergoes a plurality of cycles that switch from an actuation level power to a hold level power, wherein the actuation level power is increased at each subsequent cycle, and wherein the actuation power level of one of the plurality of cycles is sufficient to fully actuate the solenoid valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventor: John Bedingfield
  • Patent number: 9707115
    Abstract: In an operating unit constituting a stent delivery system, a protector for preventing an inner tube body from deforming is provided between a rack member and a containing groove guiding the rack member (so as to be movable. The protector, for example is a bellows shaped cylinder so as to be freely extendable and covers an outer circumferential side of the inner tube body. At the time of releasing a stent, the protector is compressed due to the movement of the rack member toward the proximal side and the inner tube body is prevented from deforming due to the protector, because an inner circumferential surface of the protector comes into contact with the inner tube body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Shimoyama Masakazu
  • Patent number: 9555241
    Abstract: There is provided a method for controlling a flow of fluid in the vas deferens in order to obtain a controlled male contraception. The method comprises gently constricting (i.e., without substantially hampering the blood circulation in the tissue wall) at least one portion of the tissue wall to influence the flow vas deferens, and stimulating the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the wall portion to further influence the flow in the vas deferens. The method can be used for restricting or stopping the flow in the vas deferens, or for actively moving the fluid in the vas deferens, with a low risk of injuring the organ.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Inventor: Peter Forsell
  • Patent number: 9541221
    Abstract: PROBLEM: To reduce occurrence of an error of not closing a tube and to simplify a structure and an operation procedure. SOLUTION: In a tube clamp structure of a tubing pump for closing a tube 30 attached to and detached from a pump body 10 by a clamp device 40, the clamp device 40 is equipped with: a first holding piece 41; a second holding piece 42 engaged to approach or separate from the first holding piece 41; and an urging member for urging these first holding piece 41 and second holding piece 42 in approaching directions, is configured to hold and deform the tube 30 between these first holding piece 41 and second holding piece 42 for closing, and is detachably attached to the pump body 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignees: NAMIKI SEIMITSU HOUSEKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA, NAMIKI PRECISION SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.
    Inventors: Masahiro Koyama, Shouta Nakamura, Makoto Kashiwagi, Hiroyuki Kogure, Hiroyuki Tajima
  • Patent number: 9435459
    Abstract: A low noise solenoid valve system includes a solenoid valve; and a controller configured to perform a power actuation sequence in which power to the solenoid valve undergoes a plurality of cycles that switch from an actuation level power to a hold level power, wherein the actuation level power is increased at each subsequent cycle, and wherein the actuation power level of one of the plurality of cycles is sufficient to fully actuate the solenoid valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventor: John Bedingfield
  • Patent number: 9364613
    Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a drug-delivery device is proposed, the mounting arrangement comprising: a plug element with a longitudinal axis (L) and a housing part having a recess with a side wall which is adapted to receive the plug element. At least one of the plug element or the side wall of the recess are provided with a protrusion for fixing the plug element in a given position relative to the housing part by a force-fit engagement. Furthermore, a coupling assembly is proposed, the coupling assembly comprising the plug element and the housing part being mechanically coupled to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: SANOFI-AVENTIS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventor: Michael Harms
  • Patent number: 9272129
    Abstract: A slide clamp for use with an infusion pump and infusion set provides finger grips and support members for supporting the infusion tubing. The finger grips make the slide clamp easier to use while reducing the risk of error. The tubing support members reduce the likelihood of improperly loading the tubing and reduce the risk of kinking the tubing during use. An infusion set is provided wherein the slide clamp may be coded through the use of colors, holes, or the like so as to identify the type of infusion tubing used therewith. The infusion pump can identify the code on the slide clamp and thereby determine the type of infusion tubing, and thereby allow access only to infusion programs for drugs or infusion solutions which are compatible with the particular type of infusion tubing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Carefusion Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Wallace Howlett, James Victor Mercer
  • Patent number: 9131939
    Abstract: A locker for securing one or more tensioning members and a method of using the same is described. The locker includes a locker body having a passageway through which tensioning members extend. A movable member is coupled to the locker body and traverses the passageway. The movable member is movable between a latent position within the passageway in which the one or more tensioning members are movable relative to the locker body and an activated position within the passageway in which the one or more tensioning members are locked relative to the locker body. A hub surrounds the locker body such that the locker body is retractable with respect to the hub. Retraction of the locker body causes the movable member to move distally from the first position to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: MITRALIGN, INC.
    Inventors: Aaron M. Call, Edward I. McNamara, Christopher C. Lee, Dennis M. Goodine, Megan E. Holmes
  • Patent number: 9127773
    Abstract: A device for radially compressing an elastic line for a flowing medium at a line point includes an insertion channel (11) for insertion of a line section of the line. The insertion channel (11) includes a pressure element (12) displaceable transversely to the insertion channel (11), and a counterpart (13) located opposite the pressure element (12) on the insertion channel (11). Each of the pressure element (12) and counterpart (13) extends into the insertion channel (11). An actuator acts upon the pressure element (12) for the displacement thereof. The actuator preferably is an electric-motor drive unit (14) having an output shaft (15) and a translation module (16) for converting rotational motion of the output shaft (15) into linear motion of the pressure element (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Asco Numatics GmbH
    Inventors: Felix Ams, Manuel Schuler, Manuel Boden
  • Patent number: 9122072
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a sealing device for use in variable focus lenses that includes a guide member having at least one internal cavity and a passageway intersecting the internal cavity. A pinch member is slidably engaged within the internal cavity of the guide member and a portion of the pinch member slides across the passageway and into a portion of the internal cavity to deform and seal a fluid tube extending through the passageway. A set of adjustable eyeglasses employing the sealing device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Dow Corning Corporation
    Inventors: Richard Andrew Hartshorn, Edward Henry Goodwin, Richard Edward Taylor, Jeremy Stimson, Maja Kecman
  • Patent number: 9050447
    Abstract: A clamp for clamping flexible tubing is disclosed. The clamp includes a body having a first portion, a second portion, a first passage through the first portion, and a second passage through the second portion. The first passage is configured to compress a first length of the flexible tubing when the flexible tubing is displaced laterally into the first passage. The second passage is configured to compress a second length of the flexible tubing that does not overlap the first length when the flexible tubing is displaced laterally into the second passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: CAREFUSION 303, INC.
    Inventors: Denton Davis, Jonathan Walborn, Roger Greenwald
  • Patent number: 9033304
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a light foil device configured to move based on radiation pressure associated with light received by the light foil device. The apparatus includes a mechanism configured to transition between operational states in response to the movement of the light foil device, or includes a valve configured to control a flow of material through a conduit based, at least in part, on the movement of the light foil device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Intellectual Ventures Fund 79 LLC
    Inventor: William Neil Robinson
  • Patent number: 9022344
    Abstract: A clamping apparatus is provided for use with a fluid flow device, such as a blood separation system. The clamping apparatus includes a clamp head at least partially defining first and second tube openings each to receive tubing. The clamping apparatus also includes a first actuator coupled to a first flow control member. The first flow control member is configured to be movable via the first actuator relative to the first tube opening to control fluid flow through tubing located in the first tube opening. The clamping apparatus further includes a second actuator coupled to a second flow control member. The second flow control member is movable via the second actuator relative to the second tube opening to control fluid flow through tubing located in the second tube opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Fenwal, Inc.
    Inventors: Salvatore Manzella, Jr., Richard L. West, Gregory G. Pieper
  • Patent number: 9016313
    Abstract: A new method to deliver warm water to a bathroom by installing electric valve in the beginning of the hot line, instead of at the end. A new electronic faucet that may operated by remote control or electric switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventors: Moti Shai, Shalom Shy
  • Publication number: 20150028233
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing valve may include a downspout assembly having a body having walls with a slot therein, a channel, an upper and a lower opening, with the slot in the channel between the upper and lower openings. The downspout assembly may include a lateral member extending laterally from the downspout assembly and engaging the wall adjacent the slot. A pinch member may be partly enclosed within the lateral member and dimensioned to move partially through the slot. A handle and the pinch member may move the pinch member in and out of the slot. A coil spring may engage the lateral member and the pinch arm urging the pinch arm at least partially through the slot of the body. A flexible insert may be dimensioned to tightly fit against the walls of the channel of the body, the insert having an open top and an open bottom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Jeff Farris
  • Patent number: 8894035
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a pinch valve having upper and lower casings respectively supporting upper and lower pinch elements. The upper and lower casings are adapted for receiving a sleeve. A synchronization mechanism drives movements of the upper and lower pinch elements for pinching the sleeve. The upper and lower casings are connected by a pivot allowing pivoting of one or the other of the upper and lower casings for opening of the pinch valve, and for ease of access to the sleeve for maintenance purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Oxo Fab. Inc.
    Inventors: Frederic Ruelland, Clement Simard
  • Publication number: 20140339447
    Abstract: A part of an air tube having flexibility is surrounded by a casing, and the air tube inside the easing is pushed for deformation at a nearly right angle against the pipe axis by a male screw screwed to a female screw of the casing to change a cross sectional area of a passage inside the air tube. A first casing part and a second casing part are overlapped with each other, and openably connected by a hinge, and the overlap state of both the casing parts and is maintained by engaging a claw part with the hole. Opposite surfaces and of both the casing parts and are provided with support grooves and for supporting the outer peripheral surface of the air tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Auto-Nikkinen
    Inventor: Antero Nikkinen
  • Patent number: 8863364
    Abstract: The pinching device includes two cross-sections, each having a hollow part with a male indentation and a female indentation, and locking elements, whereby the surfaces of the indentations form a positive pinching passage of the tube; the male indentation has a U shape with a core and two wings; the female indentation has a U shape with a core and two wings; and the pinching passage has a U shape with a core and two wings; the two opposite wings will draw together toward their ends that are opposite to the cores of the indentations, and each of the two wings of the pinching passage has an opening whose width will diminish towards its end that is opposite to the core of the pinching passage; the width of the opening of the pinching passage is at most slightly smaller than twice the thickness of the wall of the flexible tube to be pinched, and, designed to constitute a pinching closing device, it is disposable, performing a function of closing the tube on itself in the pinching region, preventing any passage of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Sartorius Stedim FMT SAS
    Inventors: Isabelle Valerie Christine Gay, Michael Bates, Ray Bassett, Chris Biddel
  • Patent number: 8863772
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to occluders and, in particular, to occluders for use in medical infusion systems. In one aspect, the occluder contains one or more tubes through which fluid can flow, and the occluder can be automatically controlled to allow or at least partially prevent fluid flow. In some cases, the occluder may be constructed and arranged to fail (e.g., due to loss of power) in a “closed” position, i.e., a position that at least partially prevents fluid flow. In addition, in one embodiment, the occluder may be manually overridden, even when in a failed state, by a user. For instance, in the event of a power failure, a user may be able to manually override the occluder to remove tubing from the occluder. Such occluders may find use, for example, in medical devices such as hemodialysis machines, medical infusion pumps, plasmapheresis devices, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: James D. Dale, Jesse T. Bodwell
  • Patent number: 8850647
    Abstract: Valve assemblies optionally with inflatable bodies for modulating fluid expulsion from an inflatable body, without active user participation. Valve assemblies include, in separate components or in integrated form, a vent body defining an external orifice, an internal orifice in fluid communication with the external orifice, and an inflatable body interface. Extending from the internal orifice is a collapsible, hollow elongate member defining longitudinal and lateral axes. Sealing closure of the elongate member, which is preferably constructed from a resilient material, results from application of generally opposing mechanical forces across a lateral surface of the elongate member. Compression localizing members may be used proximate to the elongate member to increase closure performance. In addition, performance parameters can be varied by modifying the physical characteristics of the compression members (height, upper surface area, lower surface area, composition, density, use of localizing ridges, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Cascade Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip R. Hitch, L. Paul Nickerson
  • Patent number: 8839711
    Abstract: A beverage preparation machine has at least one pinch valve (1) in the fluid line system, wherein the pinch valve (1) has at least two fluid passage lines (20, 21) and is designed to execute valve and/or control functions on the fluid passage lines (20, 21). The operating mechanism of the pinch valve (1) is set up for coupled activation of the valve and/or control functions and a drive with a stepper motor (25) is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Jura Elektroapparate AG
    Inventor: Shahryar Reyhanloo
  • Publication number: 20140264100
    Abstract: A pinch valve with an axially extending tube guide, a clamping jaw (12) which displaces perpendicularly to the axial direction, and an abutment (12; 21) which is opposite the clamping jaw in the jaw displacement direction. The tube guide, the clamping jaw and the abutment are disposed relative to one another such that a flexible tube (18) laid in the tube guide (18) is pinched by the advancing clamping jaw against the abutment. The clamping jaw has a displaceable support element (14) and two claws (16a, 16b) located opposite one another and engaging around the tube guide at least in some regions. The claws are articulated on the support element (14) by the respective rear ends thereof such as to pivot about pivot pins oriented parallel to the axial direction and forming a mouth which opens as the clamping jaw advances and closes as the clamping jaw retracts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Sartorius Lab Instruments GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Swen Weitemeier, Lars Boettcher
  • Publication number: 20140216557
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a connecting device for connecting an external function device to an arrangement and for cutting off flow paths by accommodating a clamping device, wherein a pressure-measuring unit and/or a length-measuring unit is adjusted for detecting a clamping force and/or a distance such that it is possible to monitor the status of the clamping device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Juergen KLEWINGHAUS
  • Patent number: 8770542
    Abstract: The invention relates to a valve for controlling a flow of a fluid through a fluid channel, comprising a tube of flexible material in which a section of a fluid channel is formed, a valve component assigned to the tube, a squeeze element, which is formed and configured on the valve component by pressing against an outside surface of the tube to control a flow of a fluid through the fluid channel, optionally up to the closing of the fluid channel, a guide section, which is formed on the valve component, and a guide assigned to the valve component, which cooperates with the guide section in a relative movement of the guide and valve components relative to one another in the longitudinal direction of the tube, such that the squeeze element is displaced in the relative movement, changing the pressure on the outside surface of the tube and thus changing the flow through the fluid channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignees: Mt. Derm GmbH, Technische Universität Berlin
    Inventors: Andreas Loth, Florian Bühs, Kristian Plückhahn
  • Patent number: 8757441
    Abstract: The present invention provides a container assembly for use with a reusable urn or vessel. The assembly includes a (1) flexible pouch, (2) a fitment connected to the pouch and having a flexible flange and a first fluid passageway therethrough in fluid communication with the chamber, (3) a tubing adapter having a first end connected to the fitment and a second end having a member for connecting to a tubing and a second fluid passageway in fluid communication with the first fluid passageway; and (4) wherein the flexible flange is capable of bending to conform to an interior wall of the urn or vessel to place the second fluid passageway in alignment with an axis of a through hole in the urn or vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: DS Smith Plastics Limited
    Inventors: Mark A. Smith, Carsten Pfromm
  • Patent number: 8727304
    Abstract: A pinch bar for a pinch valve is comprised of a coil spring coupled to one end of an actuating rod. An opposite end of the rod is formed with, or is coupled to a device or surface, which applies a pinch force. The actuating rod slides through a fixed-in-place rod actuator. The rod actuator, spring and actuating rod thus provide a mechanism that applies a closing force inwardly, into or directed toward a cabinet attached to which is a valve body for the pinch bar and against which the pinch bar could exert a tube-closing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Prince Castle, LLC.
    Inventors: Loren Veltrop, Christopher Lyons, Michael Pearson
  • Publication number: 20140117261
    Abstract: A pinch valve device which has a simple structure and can shut off a fluid is provided. Inside of a first valve housing (100) and a second valve housing (110), a rotor (120) is rotatably arranged. A tube (150) made of silicon rubber has its both ends fastened to a flange (104) and a flange (114). On the outer side of the tube (150), a pair of pinch levers (160) are swingably equipped and are pressed by a first cam crest (124) by rotational movement of the rotor (120) and pinch the tube (150) and close a channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: OHKI-INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Akihito Ohki
  • Patent number: 8690015
    Abstract: A dispenser for oil and vinegar, the dispenser comprising: (a) an outer container defining an internal space for receiving oil and having a top rim defining an opening; (b) an inner container defining an internal space for receiving vinegar, the inner container being at least partially located within the internal space of the outer container, the inner container having a shoulder projecting outwardly and being located above the top rim of the outer container; (c) a cap having a top wall and a peripheral wall for enclosing the top rim of the outer container and the shoulder of the inner container, the top wall and peripheral wall defining an internal space; (d) a first tube having a bottom end defining a bottom opening facing the internal space of the outer container and a top end defining a top opening opened to the atmosphere, wherein the first tube defines a first passage for allowing fluid communication between the internal space of the outer container and the atmosphere; and (e) a second tube having a bot
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Trudeau Corporation 1889 Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Mainville, Benoit Orban, François Gaucher, André Quévillon
  • Patent number: 8678247
    Abstract: A creamy foam beer dispensing system includes a coupler removably securable with a keg, a transportation tube, and a faucet having a handle coupled with a plunger communicating with the transportation tube. The handle is movable among a closed position, an open position, and a creamy foam position. In the closed position, the handle maintains the plunger squeezed against the transportation tube such that no beer flows from the faucet. In the open position, the handle lifts the plunger substantially, completely off the transportation tube such that beer flows smoothly from the faucet. In the creamy foam position, the handle lifts the plunger off the transportation tube a distance such that an aperture created in the transportation tube produces creamy foam flow from the faucet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Lancer Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Haskayne, Robert W. Shettle, Donald W. Smeller, Jarrell L. Jennings, III, Merrill R. Good
  • Publication number: 20140077107
    Abstract: Proposed is a pinch valve (1) which has a hose-like valve element (3), an actuating element (18) arranged on the outer circumference of the valve element (3), and at least one radially movable plunger (33a, 33b) arranged between the actuating element (18) and the valve element (3). On the inner side (39) of the actuating element (18) there is situated at least one actuating surface, which extends in the circumferential direction and at the same time axially and which bears against a plunger (33a, 33b). By way of guide means (28a, 28b), it is ensured that, in the event of rotation of the actuating element (18), the actuating surface slides on the at least one plunger (33a, 33b) and pushes the latter radially inward, because the spacing of the actuating surface to the valve element (3) varies over the longitudinal profile thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: FESTO AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Johannes Berwanger, Martin Herrig