A flexible structure inflation device, comprising an inflation assembly configured for insertion between first and second overlapping film layers of a web of material, the inflation assembly having a fluid conduit configured directing a fluid in between the layers to inflate the web; and a cutting member held magnetically in an operative position adjacent the inflation assembly to cut the film passing over the inflation assembly.

Embodiments provide systems and methods for an actuating system for inflating an inflatable structure in which a pressurized fluid piston is coupled directly to the valve an inflatable structure. The coupling of actuator to valve is such that the pairing will remain rigid and secure until the deliberate act of operating the actuator. When the actuator is operated, the actuator displaces a translating chock. This activation simultaneously (a) decouples the valve from actuator, allowing the inflatable to deploy without impedance and (b) activates the inflation of the structure via the valve.

A differential pressure type inflating device, adapted for fast inflating the devices that need inflating, comprises a gas container, a relief valve, a gas nozzle, a pipe joint, a switchvalve, and a relief pipe. When external high pressure gas enters the gas container and renders the gas pressures in the gas container and the relief pipe reaching a balance condition, the switchvalve can be pressed to generate pressure drop in the relief pipe, which launches the relief valve and discharges the high pressure gas in the gas container from the gas nozzle. In this design, the gas container, relief valve, gas nozzle, relief pipe, and pipe joint are connected with screwing structures, so as to achieve the function of easy assembling.

High-altitude balloons and apparatuses for filling such high-altitude balloons are provided. As an example, an apparatus for filling a high-altitude balloon includes a tube extending through envelope material of the balloon is provided. The apparatus also includes a flange connected to a first end of the tube. The flange is connected to an interior surface of the balloon. A fitting is connected to a second end of the tube. The fitting is configured for attachment with an apparatus for filling the balloon with lift gas. In addition, methods of filling high-altitude balloons with lift gas and methods of manufacturing balloons are also provided.

Valve for an inflatable flexible tube section comprising a tubular shaft, and also a valve base, connected adhesively and around the entire periphery to an end of the shaft, wherein the valve base has been manufactured from a thermoplastic polyurethane.

An integrated tire inflation valve comprises an inlet configured to receive air from an air tank, a pressure protection assembly configured to control air flow into the tire inflation system when an air pressure reaches a pre-set pressure level, a valve assembly in fluid communication with the pressure protection assembly, a pressure regulator configured to be adjusted to a desired pressure to thereby allow air through the pressure regulator at a desired level, a flow switch configured to selectively allow air therethrough, and an outlet configured to provide air from the flow switch to one or more tires of a vehicle. The inlet, pressure protection assembly, valve assembly, pressure regulator, flow switch, and outlet are all positioned within a single housing.

Described are valve stems for wheels or other pressure vessels that may be installed from the exterior of a wheel or pressure vessel without access to the interior, pressure retaining areas. The valve stem may include a body with a barrel and taper. A neck may be between the body and a base that includes a flange, a flange landing, and an air aperture. An air channel runs vertically through the valve stem to allow air to pass from one side of the valve stem to another with a valve core or other flow control device. The base of the valve stem may include a groove that allows the valve stem to be installed into a hole by twisting such that the groove may ride along the rim of the hole and guide the valve stem into a fully seated and sealed position.

The present application relates to an apparatus of joined valves used to test and maintain refrigeration systems. More particularly, the present application provides a Multiple Valve Refrigerant Leak Protection Device having a specifically preferred embodiment including a ball valve with a soldered pipe connection, as part of the fitting with a Schrader valve, primarily used for the maintenance and transfer of refrigerant from commercial refrigeration equipment. Schrader valves are most commonly used in this application with a ball valve. A ball valve would be the preferred valve, but a wide range of valves could be used. The resulting valves can be used to test and maintain refrigeration systems, and act to prevent leakage where refrigeration fluids are often released to the atmosphere when the system is being maintained or repaired.

An inflation valve for inflating containers with non-rigid walls comprising a tubular body defining a passage with a first opening at one end and a second opening at its opposite end, adapted to be secured to a container; a sealing disc adapted to sealingly close off the second opening to the passage in the tubular body, and adapted to open the second opening mechanically when an inflation device is inserted into the passage through the first opening and thus gas may be passed into the container through the second opening, thereby moving the sealing disc away from the second opening; a guide member located within the passage of the tubular body; a spring adapted to assist the sealing disc to close off the second opening; and a gasket and/or sealing ring adapted to assist the sealing disc to close off the second opening.

A push-to-press inflation adaptor is provided for use with an English valve and includes a valve connector, a connection barrel, a coupler, an air tube, and a spring. The valve connector includes a first movement hole, a positioning cavity, a communication compartment, a valve opening and a constraint opening. The connection barrel is coupled to the valve connector. The connection barrel includes a second movement hole and an air tube opening. The coupler is received in the first movement hole and the second movement hole of the valve connector and the connection barrel and is reciprocally movable through application of a force thereto. The air tube is received through the air tube opening into the connection barrel to be jointed to the coupler. The spring is supported between the coupler and the connection barrel to provide a preloading force to bias the coupler in a direction toward the constraint opening.