Pinch valve subassembly

Abstract

A pinch valve subassembly includes a cage and a diaphragm disposed within the cage. The diaphragm is configured to sealingly engage the cage. Further, the holder includes an opening configured to receive the fluid flow and direct the fluid flow through the opening against the diaphragm to compress the diaphragm and transition the pinch valve subassembly to the closed configuration. The pinch valve subassembly is configured to be disposed within the cavity of the housing in a mounted configuration, and the pinch valve subassembly includes a seal surrounding the cage and configured to sealingly engage the housing in the mounted configuration.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and interest in U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 491,199, entitled “PINCH VALVESUBASSEMBLY”, filed March 20, 2023, which is incorporated in its entirety by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to a clamp valve subassembly for association with guiding fluid through a conduit system. Background Technology

[0004] Pinch valves are used to control the flow of fluid through a conduit system. For example, a pinch valve can switch between an open configuration (e.g., a fully open configuration) and a closed configuration (e.g., a fully closed configuration), the former allowing fluid to flow through a portion of the conduit system and the latter preventing fluid from flowing through a portion of the conduit system. A pinch valve can also switch to a configuration between open and closed to allow a certain amount of fluid (e.g., a target flow rate) to flow through the conduit system (e.g., a partially open configuration or a partially closed configuration). Summary of the Invention

[0005] On one hand, a clamp valve subassembly is provided. The clamp valve subassembly includes: an elongated tubular diaphragm; an elongated retainer including an inner surface configured to be disposed around and facing the body of the elongated tubular diaphragm in a sealing engagement with the elongated tubular diaphragm, wherein the elongated retainer has a first end, a second end, and at least one opening extending from an outer surface of the elongated retainer located between the first end and the second end to the inner surface of the elongated retainer; and a seal disposed between the first end and the at least one opening.

[0006] On the other hand, a clamp valve subassembly is provided. The clamp valve subassembly includes: an elongated tubular diaphragm; an elongated retainer including a first end, a second end, a bore extending from the first end to the second end, and an outer surface extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the bore of the elongated retainer is configured to receive the elongated tubular diaphragm such that the elongated retainer is disposed around the elongated tubular diaphragm in a sealing engagement with the elongated tubular diaphragm; and at least one opening formed through the outer surface of the elongated retainer and extending to the bore of the elongated retainer.

[0007] On the other hand, a clamp valve subassembly is provided. The clamp valve subassembly includes: an elongated tubular diaphragm; an elongated retainer including a first end, a second end, a bore extending from the first end to the second end, and an outer surface extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the bore of the elongated retainer is configured to receive the elongated tubular diaphragm such that the elongated retainer is positioned around the elongated tubular diaphragm in a sealing engagement with the elongated tubular diaphragm, and wherein the elongated retainer is configured to hold the elongated tubular diaphragm under longitudinal tension; and at least one opening formed through the outer surface of the elongated retainer and extending to the bore of the elongated retainer.

[0008] On the other hand, a method is provided. The method includes: attaching an elongated retainer around an outer surface of a body of an elongated tubular diaphragm to provide a clamp valve subassembly, wherein the clamp valve subassembly includes at least one opening in the elongated retainer, the at least one opening exposing the outer surface of the body of the elongated tubular diaphragm to fluidly connect the outer surface of the body of the elongated tubular diaphragm to the outer surface of the elongated retainer, and wherein the clamp valve subassembly includes a seal extending beyond the outer surface of the elongated retainer; positioning the clamp valve subassembly in an elongated cavity of a housing; and fluidly connecting a fluid source to the at least one opening in the elongated retainer. Attached Figure Description

[0009] This document describes embodiments of the present disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1A and 1B These are cross-sectional views of different conduit systems employing clamp valve subassemblies according to certain embodiments presented herein;

[0011] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a clamp valve subassembly used in a conduit system and configured to control fluid flow through the conduit system according to certain embodiments presented herein;

[0012] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a clamp valve subassembly according to certain embodiments presented herein;

[0013] Figure 4 This is a side view of the diaphragm of a clamp valve subassembly according to certain embodiments presented herein;

[0014] Figure 5A and 5BThis is a cross-sectional view of a conduit system according to certain embodiments presented herein, the conduit system employing a pinch valve subassembly configured to block fluid flow leakage;

[0015] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a conduit system employing a clamp valve subassembly according to certain embodiments presented herein;

[0016] Figure 7A This is a perspective view of another clamp valve subassembly according to certain embodiments presented herein;

[0017] Figure 7B yes Figure 7A A cross-sectional view of the clamp valve subassembly;

[0018] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of yet another clamp valve subassembly according to certain embodiments presented herein;

[0019] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of another clamp valve subassembly according to certain embodiments presented herein;

[0020] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of another conduit system employing a clamp valve subassembly according to certain embodiments presented herein;

[0021] Figure 11A This is a perspective view of yet another conduit system employing a clamp valve subassembly according to certain embodiments presented herein;

[0022] Figure 11B yes Figure 11A A cross-sectional view of the conduit system;

[0023] Figure 12A This is a cross-sectional side view of another conduit system employing a clamp valve subassembly according to certain embodiments presented herein;

[0024] Figure 12B yes Figure 12A A detailed cross-sectional side view of region A; and

[0025] Figure 13 This is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a conduit system according to certain embodiments presented herein. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Different systems, such as water treatment plants, heating and cooling structures, disinfection systems, and hydraulic circuits, can utilize conduit systems to guide fluids (e.g., gases, liquids, steam-gas mixtures, etc.). Conduit systems can include, for example, conduits, pipes, tubes, etc., to deliver fluids to different locations. Conduit systems can also include valves, such as pinch valves, to control the flow of fluid (e.g., flow rate, flow velocity). A pinch valve includes a body that defines an opening through which fluid can flow. The body can switch between an open configuration, a closed configuration, and / or an intermediate configuration to regulate the flow of fluid through the body. For example, the body can be constructed of a flexible or resilient material, and the walls of the body can compress against each other to reduce the size of the opening defined by the body, thereby limiting or preventing fluid flow through the body. The walls of the body can also be spaced apart to increase the size of the opening, thereby increasing the flow of fluid through the body.

[0027] There is a desire to improve the design of pinch valves to facilitate their installation into conduit systems and to enable them to control fluid flow through the conduit system in a desired manner. Therefore, embodiments of this disclosure are directed to a pinch valve subassembly that can be readily inserted into a cavity or recess of a conduit system housing. The pinch valve subassembly includes a diaphragm and a retainer insertable into the diaphragm. The retainer includes an opening that allows flow of a working fluid (e.g., gas) to apply force to the diaphragm to switch it to a closed configuration.

[0028] According to the embodiments presented herein, the diaphragm and retainer are sealingly engaged to prevent undesirable outflow of working fluid from the pinch valve subassembly, thereby forcing the working fluid to flow towards the diaphragm to transition the diaphragm to a closed configuration. Additionally, a seal may be coupled to the retainer. In the mounting configuration of the pinch valve subassembly within the lumen of the conduit system, the seal and housing are sealingly engaged to prevent undesirable flow of working fluid between the retainer and housing, further forcing the working fluid to flow against the diaphragm. Therefore, the interface between the diaphragm, retainer, seal, and housing facilitates the operation of the pinch valve subassembly to transition to a closed configuration. The retainer can be sized to allow the pinch valve subassembly to be readily inserted into the lumen and fluidly coupled to the conduit of the conduit system. For example, in many embodiments, the pinch valve subassembly is secured within the conduit system and fluidly coupled to the conduit by inserting it into the lumen of the conduit system without the use of additional positioning components (e.g., without the use of pins or fasteners). Therefore, the implementation of the clamp valve subassembly can be simplified to improve the ease of manufacturing and / or production of the conduit system.

[0029] Figure 1AThis is a cross-sectional view of an example conduit system 100, in which various aspects of the techniques presented herein can be implemented. The illustrated conduit system 100 includes a manifold configuration that may include multiple inlets and / or multiple outlets. For example, the conduit system 100 may include a first port 102, a second port 104, a third port 106, and a fourth port 108. Each of ports 102, 104, 106, and 108 allows process fluids (e.g., liquids, gases, vapor-gas mixtures, slurries, material mixtures) to flow into and / or out of the conduit system 100. In some embodiments, the conduit system 100 may be configured to discharge process fluids to different locations through one of the multiple ports 102, 104, 106, and 108. Alternatively or additionally, the conduit system 100 may be configured to draw in process fluids from different locations through one of the multiple ports 102, 104, 106, and 108. In fact, the illustrated conduit system 100 can distribute and / or combine different process fluids. In one exemplary embodiment, the conduit system 100 may receive a process fluid flow through a second port 104 and distribute the process fluid between a first port 102, a third port 106, and a fourth port 108 for discharge from the conduit system 100. In another exemplary embodiment, the conduit system 100 may receive corresponding process fluid flows through the second port 104 and the fourth port 108, combine the corresponding process fluid flows into a combined process fluid flow, and discharge the combined process fluid flow from the conduit system 100 through the first port 102.

[0030] The conduit system 100 includes a first pinch valve subassembly 110A fluidly coupled to a first port 102, configured to control the flow of process fluid through the first port 102 (e.g., into and out of the conduit system 100). The conduit system 100 also includes a second pinch valve subassembly 110B fluidly coupled to a second port 104, configured to control the flow of process fluid through the second port 104 (e.g., into and out of the conduit system 100). For example, as discussed herein, each pinch valve subassembly 110 may define an opening through which process fluid can flow. The pinch valve subassemblies 110 may be bent or deformed to adjust the size of the opening, thereby altering the flow characteristics (e.g., flow rate, flow velocity, flow volume) of the process fluid flowing through the pinch valve subassemblies 110 and the respective ports 102, 104. Therefore, the pinch valve subassembly 110 can be used to regulate the flow of process fluids through the conduit system 100, such as the way the conduit system 100 distributes and / or combines different process fluid flows.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the pinch valve subassemblies 110 are positioned such that the respective process fluid flows through the first pinch valve subassembly 110A and the second pinch valve subassembly 110B in a lateral (e.g., vertical) orientation relative to each other. However, in alternative embodiments, the pinch valve subassemblies 110 may be positioned to arrange the respective process fluid flows in a straight line or parallel to each other.

[0032] Figure 1B This is a cross-sectional view of an example conduit system 150, in which various aspects of the techniques presented herein can be implemented. The conduit system 150 includes an inline configuration comprising a single inlet and a single outlet. Therefore, the illustrated conduit system 150 can receive and discharge a single flow of process fluid. For example, the conduit system 150 includes a first port 152 and a second port 154, each port allowing process fluid to flow into and / or out of the conduit system 150, respectively. The conduit system 150 also includes a pinch valve subassembly 110 fluidly coupled to the first port 152 and the second port 154. The pinch valve subassembly 110 can control the flow of process fluid between ports 152, 154 to control the flow of process fluid through the conduit system 150. For example, the opening defined by the pinch valve subassembly 110 can be adjusted to increase or decrease the flow of process fluid through ports 152, 154 through the conduit system 150.

[0033] The ports 152 and 154 of the illustrated conduit system 150 are collinear with each other (e.g., axially aligned). Therefore, process fluid can flow between ports 152 and 154 in a substantially straight path. In alternative embodiments, ports 152 and 154 may be offset from each other. For example, ports 152 and 154 may be oriented such that process fluid flows between ports 152 and 154 in at least a tortuous, arcuate, stepped, wavy, or other non-linear path.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a clamp valve subassembly 110 used in a conduit system 200 (e.g., conduit system 100, conduit system 150). The conduit system 200 includes a housing 202 (e.g., outer shell, cover) containing a conduit 204. The housing 202 defines a cavity or recess 206 (e.g., a blind orifice extending to a specific depth of the housing 202), and the conduit 204 is fluidly coupled to the cavity 206. Therefore, the conduit 204 can receive process fluid from and / or discharge process fluid into the cavity 206.

[0035] The clamp valve subassembly 110 can be inserted into the cavity 206 and can be fluidly coupled to the conduit 204 in an installation configuration within the cavity 206. For example, the housing 202 may include a rear surface 208, a first inner housing wall 210 extending from the rear surface 208, and a second inner housing wall 212 extending from the first inner housing wall 210. The rear surface 208, the first inner housing wall 210, and the second inner housing wall 212 are exposed to the cavity 206 and cooperatively define the outer boundary of the cavity. The clamp valve subassembly 110 may include a diaphragm 214, which may have a tubular body defining an opening 216 extending from a first diaphragm end 218 to a second diaphragm end 219 of the body. In an installation configuration, the first diaphragm end 218 may abut against the rear surface 208, and the opening 216 of the diaphragm 214 may overlap with (e.g., be concentrically aligned with) the conduit 204. Therefore, the process fluid can flow between the conduit 204 and the diaphragm 214.

[0036] The clamp valve subassembly 110 also includes a retainer 220 (e.g., a sleeve) in which the diaphragm 214 can be housed. As an example, the retainer 220 may include an inner retainer surface 222 configured to face and receive the contour of an outer diaphragm surface 224 of the diaphragm 214. That is, the inner retainer surface 222 may be positioned around the outer diaphragm surface 224 and seal against it in a hermetically engaged manner to secure the diaphragm 214 within the retainer 220. In some embodiments, the diaphragm 214 may be manually inserted into or manually removed from the retainer 220. For example, the diaphragm 214 may be made of a sufficiently flexible material (e.g., an elastomer), and the diaphragm 214 may be partially deformable to allow it to pass through and be inserted into the retainer 220. An example material for the diaphragm 214 is silicone (e.g., medical-grade silicone) to provide the desired flexibility, resistance to degradation (e.g., resistance to chemical and / or mechanical degradation), and compatibility with various process fluid components (e.g., hydrogen peroxide). The diaphragm 214 may also be partially deformable, allowing it to be removed from within the retainer 220.

[0037] The retainer 220 also helps secure the clamp valve subassembly 110 within the cavity 206. For example, the retainer 220 may include a first retainer end 226, a second retainer end 228, and a recess 230 disposed between the first retainer end 226 and the second retainer end 228. The recess 230 may extend around the periphery of the retainer 220 (e.g., circumferentially), and the recess 230 may receive a seal 232 (e.g., an O-ring). In other or alternative embodiments, the retainer 220 may not include the recess 230, and the seal 232 may directly engage the second retainer end 228 or be secured to the second retainer end. In the mounting configuration of the clamp valve subassembly 110, the seal 232 may abut and press against the first inner housing wall 210 of the housing 202 (e.g., via an interference fit).

[0038] As an example, seal 232 may be made of a material capable of applying a threshold amount of frictional force to the first inner housing wall 210 (e.g., rubber, such as ethylene propylene diene monomer, polytetrafluoroethylene, silicone, such as medical-grade silicone). Therefore, the abutment between seal 232 and the first inner housing wall 210 prevents relative movement between seal 232 and housing 202. Thus, seal 232 prevents relative movement between retainer 220 and diaphragm 214 fixed within retainer 220 and housing 202, thereby securing the clamp valve subassembly 110 within cavity 206. The abutment between seal 232 and retainer 220 also provides the desired positioning of clamp valve subassembly 110 within cavity 206. For example, seal 232 may center (e.g., concentrically align) clamp valve subassembly 110 within cavity 206. Furthermore, the second retainer end 228 can abut against the second inner housing wall 212 in the mounting configuration of the clamp valve subassembly 110 within the cavity 206 (e.g., via an interference fit). The abutment between the second retainer end 228 and the second inner housing wall 212 can further prevent relative movement between the clamp valve subassembly 110 and the housing 202.

[0039] The conduit system 200 may also include a cap or connector 234 configured to engage with the housing 202 and extend over the cavity 206. For example, the cap 234 may include a flange 236 configured to engage the housing wall 238, and the flange 236 may extend at least partially over the cavity 206. The cap 234 may also define an opening 240 that fluidly connects the opening 216 of the clamp valve subassembly 110 to the housing 202 in the mounting configuration of the cap 234. Thus, process fluid can flow between the clamp valve subassembly 110 and the cap 234 through the openings 216 and 240.

[0040] In some embodiments, cap 234 can facilitate desired flow of process fluid between conduit 204, clamp valve subassembly 110, and cap 234. For example, in a mounting configuration where cap 234 is attached to housing 202, cap 234 can press against the second diaphragm end 219 and press the first diaphragm end 218 and the rear surface 208 of housing 202 against each other. In this way, cap 234 can provide a sealing engagement between diaphragm 214 and cap 234, and between diaphragm 214 and rear surface 208. Therefore, unwanted process fluid flow between rear surface 208 and first diaphragm end 218 and / or between second diaphragm end 219 and cap 234 can be prevented, thereby forcing process fluid to flow through conduit 204, clamp valve subassembly 110, and cap 234.

[0041] As discussed herein, the diaphragm 214 can be bent or deformed to adjust the size of the opening 216. For example, a sufficiently flexible material for the diaphragm 214 can allow it to buckle to a certain extent. In some embodiments, the conduit system 200 can be configured to cause the diaphragm 214 to buckle via a working fluid (e.g., compressed air). For example, the housing 202 can define a working fluid line 242, and the conduit system 200 can include a working fluid source 244 fluidly coupled to the working fluid line 242. The working fluid source 244 can be configured to direct working fluid through the working fluid line 242 to the pinch valve subassembly 110. The retainer 220 can include an opening 246 (e.g., a through-hole) extending through an outer surface 248 of the retainer 220 to an inner retainer surface 222. The opening 246 can expose a portion of the diaphragm 214 disposed within the retainer 220 (e.g., the outer diaphragm surface 224), thereby fluidly coupling a portion of the diaphragm 214 to the outer surface 248 (e.g., a pneumatic connection). Opening 246 can also be fluidly connected to working fluid line 242. Therefore, working fluid source 244 can output working fluid through working fluid line 242 into opening 246 and against diaphragm 214. The working fluid output to diaphragm 214 can provide sufficient force to bend diaphragm 214 and adjust opening 216. For example, working fluid source 244 can output working fluid to compress diaphragm 214 from an open configuration to a closed configuration 250 (shown in dashed lines), thereby reducing the flow rate of process fluid through opening 216.

[0042] The material of diaphragm 214 can also be sufficiently elastic to allow diaphragm 214 to adjust to the shape or profile of the substrate when no force is transmitted to it. For example, when no working fluid is being supplied from working fluid source 244, diaphragm 214 can expand and switch out of closed configuration 250 to increase the flow rate of process fluid through opening 216. Therefore, working fluid source 244 can be operated (e.g., manually by the user or automatically by the controller) to regulate the flow of process fluid through pinch valve subassembly 110.

[0043] In some embodiments, the first retainer end 226 and the second retainer end 228 may cooperatively provide a poka-yoke feature that enables the clamp valve subassembly 110 to be positioned and / or oriented as desired within the cavity 206. For example, it may be desirable to position the clamp valve subassembly 110 within the cavity 206 such that the seal 232, which is closer to the second diaphragm end 219 than the first diaphragm end 218, is positioned closer to the cap 234 than the conduit 204. Thus, it may be desirable to insert the clamp valve subassembly 110 into the cavity 206 such that the first retainer end 226 is the front end initially inserted into the cavity 206 toward the rear surface 208, and the second retainer end 228 is the rear end subsequently inserted into the cavity 206.

[0044] For this purpose, the second retainer end 228 may extend radially beyond the first retainer end 226. Additionally, the first inner housing wall 210 may be offset from the second inner housing wall 212 (e.g., non-collinear) to provide a first distance 252 across the first inner housing walls 210, which is smaller than a second distance 254 across the second inner housing walls 212. The second distance 254 between the second inner housing walls 212 may accommodate the dimensions (e.g., width) of the first retainer end 226 and the second retainer end 228. Therefore, each of the first retainer end 226 and the second retainer end 228 may extend between the second inner housing walls 212. However, the first distance 252 between the first inner housing walls 210 may accommodate the dimensions (e.g., width) of the first retainer end 226 but not the second retainer end 228. Therefore, the first inner housing walls 210 may prevent the second retainer end 228 from being positioned therebetween, and thus prevent the second retainer end 228 from abutting against the rear surface 208. In this way, the offset between the first inner housing wall 210 and the second inner housing wall 212 can force the first retainer end 226 to be inserted into the cavity 206 before the second retainer end 228 is inserted into the cavity 206, so that the first diaphragm end 218 abuts against the rear surface 208 and the clamp valve subassembly 110 is fully inserted into the cavity 206.

[0045] It should be noted that the retainer 220 may be made of a sufficiently rigid material (e.g., metal, copolymer, hard plastic, such as acetal) to avoid severe deformation and to provide the desired processing characteristics for forming recesses 230, openings 246, etc. For example, the material of the retainer 220 may prevent deformation of the second retainer end 228, which would otherwise insert into the space between the first inner housing walls 210. Thus, the material of the retainer 220 may prevent undesirable orientation of the retainer 220 in the cavity 206. Additionally, the material of the retainer 220 may prevent deformation of the retainer 220 by the flow of the working fluid. That is, the profile of the retainer 220 may generally remain unchanged as the working fluid flows through the working fluid line 242. Maintaining the profile of the retainer 220 allows the retainer 220 to remain in contact with the diaphragm 214 (e.g., the first diaphragm end 218, the second diaphragm end 219) when the working fluid causes the diaphragm 214 to bend.

[0046] In some embodiments, the catheter system 200 may have multiple cavities 206, and the clamp valve subassembly 110 can be inserted into any of the cavities 206 at any time. Therefore, the implementation of the clamp valve subassembly 110 can be further simplified. For example, clamp valve subassemblies 110 with common embodiments (e.g., a common embodiment with a diaphragm 214, a common embodiment with a retainer 220) can be provided for insertion into each of the cavities 206. Thus, manufacturing, purchasing, and / or installing clamp valve subassemblies 110 with different embodiments (e.g., each clamp valve subassembly dedicated to insertion into a specific cavity 206) can be avoided. Using a single embodiment of the clamp valve assembly 110 can also simplify other operations related to the catheter system 200, such as the maintenance, replacement, and / or inspection of the clamp valve assembly 110.

[0047] Figure 3This is a cross-sectional view of the clamp valve subassembly 110 in an assembled configuration, wherein the diaphragm 214 is disposed within the retainer 220. As an example, the retainer 220 includes a hole 298 extending from a first retainer end 226 to a second retainer end 228, and the hole 298 is configured to receive the diaphragm 214 (e.g., by inserting one of the diaphragm ends 218, 219 into the hole 298 at one of the retainer ends 226, 228, and then pulling the diaphragm 214 through the hole 298 to the other of the retainer ends 226, 228). Thus, the diaphragm 214 extends from the first retainer end 226 to the second retainer end 228 and is sealingly engaged with the retainer 220. Each of the diaphragm 214 and the retainer 220 may define an elongated structure extending along a longitudinal axis 300. For example, each of the diaphragm 214 and the retainer 220 may have a generally cylindrical and tubular profile (e.g., having a circular cross-sectional geometry). However, it should be noted that either the diaphragm 214 or the cage 220 may alternatively have any other suitable corresponding shape, such as a prism profile.

[0048] As discussed herein, the retainer 220 secures the diaphragm 214 therein. For example, each of the first diaphragm end 218 and the second diaphragm end 219 may include a flange 302 extending radially outward relative to the body 304 of the diaphragm 214. These flanges 302 may include raised sealing rings / lips 331 (e.g., circumferential extensions extending from the flanges) extending along a longitudinal axis. In some instances, retainer ends 226, 228 may engage the flanges 302 to secure the diaphragm 214 within the retainer 220. That is, the first retainer end 226 may abut the flange 302 of the first diaphragm end 218, and the second retainer end 228 may abut the flange 302 of the second diaphragm end 219. In some embodiments, retainer ends 226, 228 may apply force to the respective flanges 302 to position the diaphragm 214 along the longitudinal axis 300 under tension. In this example, the raised sealing ring 331 acts to form a seal between the cage ends 226 and 228.

[0049] For example, the first retainer end 226 can apply a force to the flange 302 of the first diaphragm end 218 in a first direction 306, and the second retainer end 228 can apply a force to the flange 302 of the second diaphragm end 219 in a second direction 308 opposite to the first direction 306. In other words, the respective retainer ends 226, 228 can apply forces in directions 306, 308 away from each other to stretch the diaphragm 214 away from its base shape. However, the elastic properties of the diaphragm 214 will cause the diaphragm 214 to compress towards its base shape. In other words, the diaphragm ends 218, 219 can be pushed towards each other. The compression of the diaphragm ends 218, 219 against each other can compress the diaphragm ends 218, 219 onto the retainer ends 226, 228, thereby maintaining contact with the retainer ends 226, 228. In other words, the raised sealing ring 331 at the first diaphragm end 218 can press against the first retainer end 226, and the raised sealing ring 331 at the second diaphragm end 219 can press against the second retainer end 228. This contact between the raised sealing ring 331 and the retainer ends 226, 228 provides a seal between the diaphragm 214 and the retainer 220, as further discussed herein.

[0050] Detailed view 310 provides a close-up visualization of the flanges 302, each flange including a base portion 312 and a raised sealing ring 331 (raised portion) extending longitudinally from the base portion 312. As previously described, the raised sealing ring 331 facilitates maintaining contact between the flanges 302 and the retainer 220 extending between the diaphragm ends 218, 219. In this way, the raised sealing ring 331 provides a seal between the diaphragm 214 and the retainer 220. The raised sealing ring 331 also helps to provide a seal between the diaphragm 214 and the housing / cap to secure the clamp valve subassembly 110 within the cavity of the housing. For example, the raised profile of the raised sealing ring 331 allows it to be sufficiently distanced from the retainer ends 226, 228, respectively, when abutting the retainer ends 226, 228. Therefore, the raised sealing ring 331 can be arranged to provide greater engagement with the housing (e.g., the rear surface of the housing) and / or the cap positioned near the retainer ends 226, 228 (e.g., when the clamp valve subassembly 110 is positioned in the cavity of the housing). In some embodiments, the raised sealing ring 331 can extend circumferentially around the body 304 to form an annular configuration to provide a seal along the periphery of the diaphragm 214.

[0051] The flange 302 also has a sufficient thickness 332 to maintain the desired shape of the diaphragm 214. For example, the thickness 332 is designed such that the flange 302 can absorb compressive forces (e.g., those applied by the cap 234) and prevent the transmission of compressive forces to the body 304 to prevent, or at least inhibit, the compressive forces from deforming the diaphragm 214 (e.g., by bending the body 304), thereby reducing the seal between the diaphragm 214 and the retainer 220 and / or between the diaphragm 214 and the cap 234. Therefore, the size of the flange 302 further contributes to maintaining the desired positioning and function of the clamp valve subassembly 110.

[0052] As discussed herein, the retainer 220 may include an opening 246 that allows working fluid to abut against the diaphragm 214 to convert the clamp valve subassembly 110 to a closed configuration 250. For example, the opening 246 is formed by an outer surface 248 extending between a first retainer end 226 and a second retainer end 228, and extends through a longitudinal axis segment 300 to an aperture 298, thereby exposing the body 304 of the diaphragm 214 positioned within the retainer 220. The retainer 220 may also include a cavity 316 (e.g., a pneumatic cavity) to facilitate the introduction of working fluid into the inlet opening 246. For example, the cavity 316 may include indentations having shapes such as V-shaped, U-shaped, beveled, parabolic, conical, etc., to guide the working fluid into the opening 246. Furthermore, the cavity 316 may extend circumferentially around the retainer 220, and the opening 246 may be disposed in a portion of the cavity 316, extending inwardly from the outer surface 248 of the retainer 220 within the cavity 316 and toward the body 304 of the diaphragm 214. In this way, working fluid introduced into the cavity 316 (e.g., via working fluid line 242 through working fluid source 244) may flow along the outer surface 248 of the retainer 220 and enter the opening 246 to flow onto the body 304. As an example, the cavity 316 may extend circumferentially from a first retainer side 318 (e.g., a first side) of the retainer 220 to a second retainer side 320 (e.g., a second side) of the retainer 220, but the opening 246 may be formed on the first retainer side 318 instead of the second retainer side 320. However, the working fluid guided into the cavity 316 at the second retainer side 320 can flow along the outer surface 248, circumferentially around the retainer 220 from the second retainer side 320 to the first retainer side 318 (e.g., pressurizing the chamber formed between the cavity 316 and the first inner housing wall 210 of the housing 202), and enter the opening 246 at the second retainer side 320.

[0053] Therefore, as long as the working fluid line 242 is fluidly connected to the cavity 316, the opening 246 can receive working fluid through the working fluid line 242, even if the working fluid line 242 may not be directly aligned with the opening 246 (e.g., concentric with the working fluid line). In other words, the opening 246 can receive working fluid directed into any part of the cavity 316. Therefore, the pinch valve subassembly 110 can be more easily installed (e.g., manually by the user) into the housing 202 to achieve the desired operation of the pinch valve subassembly 110, such as without needing to position the pinch valve subassembly 110 in a specific orientation to align the opening 246 with the working fluid line 242. For example, the pinch valve subassembly 110 can be installed in several different orientations that are rotated off about the longitudinal axis 300, but still allow the opening 246 to receive working fluid in order to switch the pinch valve subassembly 110 to a closed configuration 250.

[0054] It should also be noted that the tension applied by the retainer 220 to the diaphragm 214 can maintain the desired structure of the diaphragm 214, such as when the working fluid is directed to switch the pinch valve subassembly 110 to the closed configuration 250. For example, due to the flexibility of the diaphragm 214, certain non-tensile forces applied to the diaphragm 214 may cause a sudden, undesirable change in the shape of the diaphragm 214 (such as buckling), such as undesirable movement of either of the diaphragm ends 218, 219. Otherwise, such movement could cause the diaphragm ends 218, 219 to disengage from the corresponding retainer ends 226, 228, thereby reducing the connection between the diaphragm 214 and the retainer 220 and / or reducing the seal between the diaphragm 214 and the retainer 220. The tension of the diaphragm 214 (e.g., through the retainer 220) can mitigate undesirable changes in the shape of the diaphragm 214. Therefore, the tension of the diaphragm 214 can improve the interface between the diaphragm 214 and the cage 220, thereby providing and maintaining the desired connection and / or seal between the diaphragm 214 and the cage 220, even when the diaphragm 214 is subjected to external forces (e.g., forces applied by the working fluid).

[0055] Furthermore, the tension of the diaphragm 214 can be distributed along the longitudinal axis 300 to apply forces to the clamp valve subassembly 110. The tensile configuration of the diaphragm 214 under tension can result in a circumferential distribution of forces around the diaphragm 214 (e.g., around the second diaphragm end 219). Therefore, forces can be applied more evenly or uniformly to the diaphragm 214, further preventing undesirable changes in the shape of the diaphragm 214. As an example, bending of the diaphragm 214 (e.g., body 304) can be avoided by a more uniform force distribution, which in other respects may be caused by uneven force distribution, resulting in a relatively large amount of force applied along the longitudinal axis 300 on one side of the diaphragm 214.

[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the recess 230 and the seal 232 disposed within the recess 230 are positioned along the longitudinal axis 300 between the second retainer end 228 and the opening 246. Furthermore, the seal 232 disposed within the recess 230 may extend radially beyond the outer surface 248 of the retainer 220. In this way, the seal 232 can maintain contact with the first inner housing wall 210 surrounding the outer surface 248 of the retainer 220 in the mounting configuration of the clamp valve subassembly 110. For example, in the mounting configuration, the seal 232 may be positioned between the first inner housing walls 210 and adjacent to the second inner housing wall 212.

[0057] Figure 4 This is a side view of diaphragm 214. The diaphragm 214 shown includes a body 304 that extends generally along a longitudinal axis 300. Additionally, diaphragm 214 includes diaphragm ends 218, 219 extending radially beyond the body 304. Furthermore, diaphragm 214 may include a tapered portion 350 extending between the body 304 and the diaphragm ends 218, 219 to provide a transition region. The transition region (embodied by the tapered portion 350 and variations thereof) extends radially outward from the body 304 at an angle 352 relative to the longitudinal axis 300. Therefore, the transition region can provide a smooth transition from the relatively thin body 304 to the relatively wide diaphragm ends 218, 219. This transition can further allow diaphragm 214 to maintain a desired shape. For example, the tapered portion 350 can help absorb some of the stress applied to the diaphragm 214 (e.g., by guiding the working fluid against the body 304) to reduce the amount of stress applied to another portion of the diaphragm (e.g., to the diaphragm ends 218, 219). Reducing the amount of stress applied to the other portions of the diaphragm ends 218, 219 can prevent undesirable changes in the shape of the diaphragm 214. For example, the tapered portion 350 helps maintain a desired seal between the diaphragm 214 and the retainer 220 while applying force to the diaphragm 214.

[0058] Figure 5AThis is a cross-sectional view of the conduit system 200, in which the pinch valve subassembly 110 is mounted. As discussed herein, the flange 302 (raised sealing ring 331) of the diaphragm 214 can remain in contact with the retainer 220 to provide a seal between the diaphragm 214 and the retainer 220. The seal provided between the diaphragm 214 and the retainer 220 prevents working fluid from flowing out of the pinch valve subassembly 110. For example, during operation where working fluid is output from the working fluid source 244, the working fluid can flow through the working fluid line 242, into the opening 246 of the retainer 220, and abut against the body 304 to compress the body 304 and convert the pinch valve subassembly 110 to a closed configuration 250. Compressing the body 304 can cause a portion of the body 304 to move inward away from the retainer 220, thereby creating a space 398 between the body 304 and the retainer 220. Therefore, the working fluid can flow along the first working fluid flow path 400 into the space 398 formed between the body 304 and the retainer 220. However, in the closed configuration 250 of the clamp valve subassembly 110, the flange 302 can maintain a sealing engagement with the retainer 220, and the sealing engagement between the flange 302 and the retainer 220 can prevent the working fluid from flowing between the flange 302 and the retainer 220. Therefore, the working fluid can be prevented from flowing out of the clamp valve subassembly 110 from the space 398 through the interface between the flange 302 and the retainer 220. Therefore, the sealing engagement between the flange 302 and the retainer 220 can force the working fluid to impact against the body 304 to push and compress the body 304 and establish the closed configuration 250 of the clamp valve subassembly 110.

[0059] Figure 5B This is a cross-sectional view of the conduit system 200, in which the clamp valve subassembly 110 is mounted. In the mounting configuration of the clamp valve subassembly 110, a portion of the retainer 220 may be offset from the first inner housing wall 210 of the housing 202. Therefore, during operation where the working fluid source 244 outputs working fluid, a portion of the working fluid may flow along a second working fluid flow path 450 between the retainer 220 and the first inner housing wall 210. However, in the closed configuration 250 of the clamp valve subassembly 110, the seal 232 of the clamp valve subassembly 110 may maintain a sealed engagement with the first inner housing wall 210. Therefore, the seal 232 can prevent undesired flow of working fluid between the retainer 220 and the housing 202 (e.g., from the cavity 206), further forcing the working fluid to flow towards the body 304.

[0060] Figure 6This is a cross-sectional view of an example conduit system 500, in which various aspects of the techniques presented herein can be implemented. The illustrated conduit system 500 includes a plurality of clamp valve subassemblies 110 positioned relative to each other in a parallel configuration. For example, the conduit system 500 may include a third clamp valve subassembly 110C, a fourth clamp valve subassembly 110D, a fifth clamp valve subassembly 110E, and a sixth clamp valve subassembly 110F. Each of the clamp valve subassemblies 110 is fluidly coupled to a first port 502. Therefore, process fluid can flow between the first port 502 and each of the clamp valve subassemblies 110C, 110D, 110E, and 110F. Furthermore, the clamp valve subassemblies 110C, 110D, 110E, and 110F can be fluidly coupled to other corresponding ports. For example, a third pinch valve subassembly 110C can be fluidly connected to the second port 504, a fourth pinch valve subassembly 110D can be fluidly connected to the third port 506, a fifth pinch valve subassembly 110E can be fluidly connected to the fourth port 508, and a sixth pinch valve subassembly 110F can be fluidly connected to the fifth port 510. The pinch valve subassemblies 110 can control the flow rates of the corresponding process fluids through ports 504, 506, 508, and 510. For instance, a separate working fluid source 244 can control the configuration of the pinch valve assemblies 110 to adjust the flow rates of the process fluids flowing through the pinch valve subassemblies 110 and the corresponding ports 504, 506, 508, and 510. In this way, the pinch valve subassemblies 110 can control the flow of process fluids between the first port 502 and the other ports 504, 506, 508, and 510.

[0061] It should be noted that in some embodiments, clamp valve subassemblies of different shapes may be used. For example, another clamp valve subassembly may have a different diaphragm shape / arrangement and / or a different cage shape / arrangement. Figure 7A , 7B Examples 8-10, 11A, and 11B illustrate various clamp valve sub-assembly embodiments and / or conduit systems covering different clamp valve sub-assembly arrangements. However, it should be noted that each clamp valve sub-assembly discussed herein can be used in the same conduit system, such as those positioned within similar lumens. In fact, in some embodiments, different clamp valve sub-assembly embodiments can be used interchangeably, such that a single conduit system can cover different clamp valve sub-assembly embodiments, and / or one clamp valve sub-assembly embodiment can replace another clamp valve sub-assembly embodiment of the same conduit system.

[0062] Figure 7AThis is a perspective view of another pinch valve subassembly 610 in an assembled configuration, with a diaphragm 614 housed within a retainer 620. The diaphragm 614 shown may be similar to diaphragm 214, while the retainer 620 shown includes features different from retainer 220, as discussed further herein. Diaphragm 614 includes an opening 616 configured to guide process fluid through diaphragm 614, and retainer 620 includes an opening 646 (e.g., at least one opening) exposing diaphragm 614 and configured to guide working fluid to diaphragm 614 to close pinch valve subassembly 610.

[0063] Figure 7B This is a cross-sectional view of a clamp valve subassembly 610 having a diaphragm 614 fixed within a retainer 620, such as by a flange 702 extending radially outward relative to the body 704 and abutting against and sealing the corresponding retainer ends 626, 628 of the diaphragm 614 (e.g., the diaphragm 614 is positioned under tension along the longitudinal axis 300). An opening 646 fluidly connects the body 704 to the outer surface 648 of the retainer 620, allowing working fluid to abut against the diaphragm 614, causing the body 704 to deform and converting the clamp valve subassembly 610 to a closed configuration. The retainer 620 may also include a cavity 716 with an indentation of a shape (e.g., V-shaped, U-shaped, beveled, parabolic, conical) to guide working fluid into the opening 646. The cavity 716 can extend circumferentially around the retainer 620, and the opening 646 can be disposed in a portion of the cavity 716 and extend inwardly from the outer surface 648 of the retainer 620 toward the body 704 of the diaphragm 614, such that working fluid introduced into the cavity 716 can flow along the outer surface 648 into the opening 646 and onto the body 704. Therefore, as long as the cavity 716 can receive working fluid, the pinch valve subassembly 610 can be more easily installed, such as in various rotational orientations, to achieve the desired operation (e.g., working fluid flowing onto the body 704).

[0064] The retainer 620 includes a first recess 630A disposed between the opening 646 and a first retainer end 626 of the diaphragm 614 along the longitudinal axis 300, and a second recess 630B disposed between the opening 646 and a second retainer end 628 of the diaphragm 614 along the longitudinal axis 300. Each recess 630 is configured to receive a corresponding seal 632 (e.g., a corresponding O-ring) to secure the clamp valve subassembly 610 within the housing. The retainer 620 also includes a first groove or cutout 760A (e.g., a first circumferential groove) disposed along the longitudinal axis 300 between the first recess 630A and the first retainer end 626, and a second groove or cutout 760B (e.g., a second circumferential groove) disposed along the longitudinal axis 300 between the second recess 630B and the second retainer end 628. The groove 760 facilitates the mounting and / or removal of the clamp valve subassembly 610 relative to the housing, as discussed further herein.

[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, the opening 646 of the retainer 620 is aligned with a central axis 770, which extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 300 at the center of the diaphragm 614 and the retainer 620. The recess 630 is generally symmetrical about the central axis 770, and the groove 760 is also generally symmetrical about the central axis 770. Therefore, the opening 646 is positioned equidistant from each seal 632 and each groove 670. This configuration of the clamp valve subassembly 610 helps simplify the installation of the clamp valve subassembly 610 and its desired positioning after installation. For example, either retainer end 626, 628 of the illustrated clamp valve subassembly 610 can be a front end initially inserted into the lumen of the catheter system (e.g., towards the rear surface), while either retainer end 626, 628 can be a rear end subsequently inserted into the lumen. Therefore, the clamp valve subassembly 610 can be installed in a variety of orientations. For this reason, the user does not need to orient the clamp valve subassembly 610 in a specific manner (e.g., with one of the cage ends 626, 628 as the front end) to install the clamp valve subassembly 610. However, in another or alternative embodiment, one of the cage ends 626, 628 extends radially beyond the other of the cage ends 626, 628. For example, the cage 620 has a tapered or conical configuration and is configured to be positioned within a cavity having a corresponding shape. This configuration of the cage 620 and the cavity provides a mistake-proof feature to facilitate insertion of the clamp valve subassembly 610 into the cavity, such that by making the smaller end of the cage ends 626, 628 the front end, it can be initially inserted into the cavity without contacting the walls defining the cavity (e.g., tapered walls). Furthermore, movement of the clamp valve subassembly 610 can be better restricted by using separate seals 632 on opposite sides of the central axis 770. As an example, a seal 632 located in the first recess 630A and closer to the first retainer end 626 can prevent movement of the first retainer end 626, and a seal 632 located in the second recess 630B and closer to the second retainer end 628 can prevent movement of the second retainer end 628. Therefore, movement of the retainer ends 626 and 628 is better restricted by individual seals 632. Furthermore, the symmetry of the clamp valve subassembly 610 about the central axis 770 also helps to distribute forces more evenly, such as avoiding force concentration in a portion of the diaphragm 614 (e.g., one end). Therefore, the desired shape of the diaphragm 614 can be maintained, such as sealing against the retainer 620 and / or against the conduit system housing.

[0066] Figure 8This is a cross-sectional view of another clamp valve subassembly 810, which has a diaphragm 814 secured within a retainer 820, such as by a flange 902. In the illustrated embodiment, the flange 902 extends to the outer edge 972 of the retainer 820. This extension of the flange 902 increases its size and thus its structural strength. For example, the flange 902 can exert a greater force on the retainer 820. Therefore, the flange 902 can maintain its sealing engagement with the retainer 820, such as when the diaphragm 814 deforms (e.g., the diaphragm 814 is compressed inward away from the retainer 820), by withstanding relatively high pressures exerted by the working fluid between the body 904 of the diaphragm 814 and the retainer 820. Thus, the flange 902 helps maintain the connection between the diaphragm 814 and the retainer 820 and directs the working fluid into the diaphragm 814.

[0067] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of another clamp valve subassembly 1010, which has a diaphragm 1014 secured within a retainer 1020, such as by means of a flange 1102. The diaphragm 1014 shown includes a body 1114 with a tapered wall 1174. For example, the diaphragm 1014 includes a tapered portion 1150 extending from the flange 1102, and the tapered wall 1174 extends between the tapered portions 1150. The tapered wall 1174 extends inward away from the retainer 1020, thereby providing a space 1198 between the body 1114 and the retainer 1020, even if no working fluid is directed to the body 1114 and compresses the body. However, the flange 1102 still engages hermetically with the retainer 1020 to prevent undesirable flow of working fluid between the flange 1102 and the retainer 1020 (e.g., instead of against the body 1114). The tapered wall 1174 reduces the thickness 1176 of the body 1114. Reducing the thickness 1176 of the body 1114 reduces the amount of force that can be applied to deform (e.g., compress) the body 1114. For example, a relatively small amount of pressure from the working fluid can be provided to close the diaphragm 1014. Therefore, the thickness of the body 1114 can be configured (e.g., by changing the shape of the tapered wall 1174) to change the amount of pressure used to close the pinch valve subassembly 1010 (e.g., relative to the pressure of the working fluid flowing through the diaphragm 1014). For example, the pinch valve subassembly 1010 can be selected and / or manufactured with a diaphragm 1014 having a specific thickness 1176 so that a target pressure of the working fluid can close the pinch valve subassembly 1010.

[0068] Figure 10This is a cross-sectional view of a clamp valve subassembly 610 positioned in a conduit system 1200. However, it should be noted that the use of clamp valve subassembly 610 is merely an example, and any clamp valve subassembly discussed herein can be incorporated into the conduit system 1200. The conduit system 1200 includes a housing 1202 containing a conduit 1204, and a cavity 1206 fluidly coupled to the conduit 1204, such that the conduit 1204 can receive process fluid from and / or discharge process fluid into the cavity 1206. The clamp valve subassembly 610 is insertable into the cavity 1206 and fluidly coupled to the conduit 1204 in an installation configuration such that one flange 702 of the diaphragm 614 abuts against the rear surface 1208 of the housing 1202. Additionally, a cap or connector 1234 is configured to engage with the housing 1202, extend over the cavity 1206, and abut against another flange 702 of the diaphragm 614. Cap 1234 defines opening 1240, which is fluidly connected to opening 616 to allow process fluid to flow between clamp valve subassembly 610 and cap 1234 in the mounting configuration of clamp valve subassembly 610.

[0069] In the installation configuration, the opening 616 of the pinch valve subassembly 610 overlaps with (e.g., is concentrically aligned with) the conduit 1204 to allow process fluid to flow between the conduit 1204 and the diaphragm 614. Additionally, the housing 1202 defines a working fluid line 1242, and the conduit system 1200 includes a working fluid source 1244 fluidly coupled to the working fluid line 1242. In the installation configuration, the opening 646 and the cavity 716 are fluidly coupled to the working fluid line 1242, allowing the working fluid source 1244 to output working fluid through the working fluid line 1242, into the opening 646, and against the diaphragm 614 to compress the diaphragm 614 and close the pinch valve subassembly 610.

[0070] As discussed, either of the cage ends 626 and 628 can be the initial front end inserted into the cavity 1206. For example, the housing 1202 includes a first inner wall 1210 at the cavity 1206, the first inner walls spanning each other by a first distance 1252, and the first distance 1252 can accommodate the size of the first cage end 626 and the second cage end 628. Therefore, either the first cage end 626 and the second cage end 628 can initially be inserted into the cavity 1206 to be positioned between the first inner walls 1210. Therefore, even in the illustrated conduit system 1200, the second retainer end 628 is the front end and the first retainer end 626 is the rear end, such that the first diaphragm end 618 of the diaphragm 614 is in contact with the cap 1234 and the second diaphragm end 619 is in contact with the rear surface 1208. In an alternative embodiment, the first retainer end 626 can be the front end and the second retainer end 628 can be the rear end, such that the second diaphragm end 619 is in contact with the cap 1234 and the first diaphragm end 618 is in contact with the rear surface 1208. In either case, the working fluid source 1244 is configured to guide working fluid to control the opening and closing of the pinch valve subassembly 610. Therefore, the pinch valve subassembly 610 is easily installed in the housing 1202 without affecting the operation of the conduit system 1200.

[0071] The housing 1202 further includes a second inner wall 1212 that extends radially outward from the first inner wall 1210 at the cavity 1206 and tapers gradually. Therefore, a second distance 1254 spanning the second inner walls 1212 is greater than a first distance 1252 spanning the first inner walls 1210. The second inner wall 1212 facilitates the installation and / or removal of the clamp valve subassembly 610 relative to the cavity 1206. For example, in an installed configuration of the clamp valve subassembly 610, the clamp valve subassembly 610 extends between the second inner walls 1212 to provide a gap between the retainer 620 (e.g., the first retainer end 626) and the second inner wall to increase the accessibility of the recess 760. For example, a tool 1230 such as a screwdriver and / or hook can extend through the gap and into the recess 760. The tool 1230 can then contact the retainer 620 when positioned within the recess 760 to act as a lever to move the clamp valve subassembly 610 relative to the housing 1202 and remove the clamp valve subassembly 610 from the cavity 1206. Similarly, the tool 1230 can also be used to move the clamp valve subassembly 610 relative to the housing 1202 to position the clamp valve subassembly 610 within the cavity 1206. By using the tool 1230 to move the clamp valve subassembly 610 relative to the housing 1202, the recess 760 and the second inner wall 1212 facilitate the removal of the clamp valve subassembly 610 from the cavity 1206 and / or its insertion into the cavity.

[0072] Figure 11AThis is a perspective view of a conduit system 1300 (e.g., an inline conduit system) in which various aspects of the techniques presented herein can be implemented. The conduit system 1300 includes a first conduit 1302 (e.g., an inlet conduit), a second conduit 1304 (e.g., an outlet conduit), and an intermediate assembly 1306. The intermediate assembly 1306 is configured to guide fluid between the first conduit 1302 and the second conduit 1304. For example, the conduit system 1300 draws process fluid from the first conduit 1302, through the intermediate assembly 1306, and then into the second conduit 1304.

[0073] Intermediate assembly 1306 includes a first adapter, connector, or cylinder 1308 configured to connect to a first conduit 1302, a second adapter, connector, or cylinder 1310 configured to connect to a second conduit 1304, and a pinch valve housing or cover 1312 configured to connect to the first adapter 1308 and the second adapter 1310. In this manner, the first adapter 1308, the second adapter 1310, and the pinch valve cover 1312 cooperatively connect the first conduit 1302 and the second conduit 1304 to guide process fluid through them. The pinch valve cover 1312 is configured to receive and secure a pinch valve subassembly (not shown), as in any pinch valve subassembly embodiment discussed herein. Therefore, the pinch valve cover 1312 guides fluid between the first adapter 1308 and the second adapter 1310 through the pinch valve subassembly. Although the first adapter 1308, the second adapter 1310, and the clamp valve cover 1312 shown are cylindrical, in alternative embodiments, the first adapter 1308, the second adapter 1310, and the clamp valve cover 1312 may have any other suitable shape (e.g., a rectangular prism shape).

[0074] The pinch valve housing 1312 is also configured to connect to a working fluid source 1344. The working fluid source 1344 is configured to introduce working fluid into the pinch valve housing 1312 to close the pinch valve subassembly. Thus, the working fluid source operates to control the flow of process fluid through the intermediate assembly 1306, and thereby control the flow of process fluid between the first conduit 1302 and the second conduit 1304.

[0075] Figure 11BThis is a cross-sectional view of a conduit system 1300 including a first conduit 1302, a second conduit 1304, and an intermediate assembly 1306. A first adapter 1308 includes a first cavity 1350 and a first opening 1352 fluidly connected to each other. The first conduit 1302 extends into the first cavity 1350 and engages with a first inner wall 1354 of the first adapter 1308 to fluidly connect to the first opening 1352. A first seal 1356 (e.g., an O-ring) extends around the first conduit 1302 and engages with a second inner wall 1358 of both the first conduit 1302 and the first adapter 1308 to secure the first conduit 1302 within the first cavity 1350. A first retainer or collar 1360 extends around the first conduit 1302 into the first cavity 1350 and engages with a third inner wall 1362 of the first adapter 1308 to further secure the first conduit 1302 within the first cavity 1350. Similarly, the second adapter 1310 includes a second cavity 1364 and a second opening 1366 fluidly connected to each other. A second conduit 1304 extends into the second cavity 1364 and engages with a first inner wall 1368 of the second adapter 1310 to fluidly connect to the second opening 1366. A second seal 1370 (e.g., an O-ring) extends around the second conduit 1304 and engages with the second inner wall 1372 of the second conduit 1304 and the second adapter 1310 to secure the second conduit 1304 within the second cavity 1364. A second retainer or collar 1374 extends around the second conduit 1304 into the second cavity 1364 and engages with a third inner wall 1375 of the second adapter 1310 to further secure the second conduit 1304 within the second cavity 1364. Although the adapters 1308 and 1310 shown have similar features in the shown conduit system 1300, it should be noted that in other or alternative embodiments, adapters with different features may be used to connect conduits 1302 and 1304. In fact, any suitable component, such as a clamp, may be used to connect conduits 1302 and 1304 to each other and to the clamp valve housing 1312.

[0076] The clamp valve housing 1312 includes a chamber 1376. In the illustrated embodiment, the clamp valve subassembly 610 is positioned within the chamber 1376; however, in alternative embodiments, any clamp valve subassembly discussed herein may be housed within the chamber 1376. The clamp valve assembly 610 is positioned within the chamber 1376 such that its opening 616 is aligned with the first opening 1352 of the first adapter 1308 and the second opening 1366 of the second adapter 1310, thereby fluidly connecting the clamp valve assembly 610 to conduits 1302, 1304, which are respectively fluidly connected to the first opening 1352 and the second opening 1366. Therefore, process fluid can flow through the conduit system 1300 via the first conduit 1302, the first opening 1352 of the first adapter 1308, the opening 616 of the pinch valve subassembly 610, the second opening 1366 of the second adapter 1310, and the second conduit 1304. Furthermore, the pinch valve housing 1312 includes a channel 1314 extending into the chamber 1376, the channel being configured to receive a working fluid source 1344. When the pinch valve subassembly 610 is positioned in the chamber 1376, the opening 646 of the pinch valve subassembly 610 is configured to be fluidly connected to the channel 1314 (e.g., through the cavity 716). Thus, the pinch valve subassembly 610 is configured to be fluidly connected to the working fluid source 1344 positioned in the channel 1314. For example, the working fluid source 1344 is configured to guide the working fluid through the channel 1314, through the chamber 1376, through the opening 646 and against the diaphragm 614 to close the pinch valve subassembly 610, thereby controlling the process fluid flowing through the conduit system 1300.

[0077] The seal 632 of the pinch valve subassembly 610 is configured to contact the first inner wall 1378 of the pinch valve housing 1312 to prevent excessive working fluid flow between the first inner wall 1378 of the pinch valve housing 1312 and the retainer 620 of the pinch valve subassembly 610. Therefore, the seal 632 facilitates the flow of working fluid from the chamber 1376 into the opening 646 to promote the closing of the pinch valve subassembly 610. Additionally, the pinch valve housing 1312 includes a second inner wall 1380 that extends radially outward from the inner wall 1378 at the chamber 1376 and tapers gradually. For example, a recess 760 of the pinch valve subassembly 610 is positioned between the second inner walls 1380, and a gap is formed between the retainer 620 and the second inner walls 1380 to provide a passage for the recess 760. Therefore, a tool (e.g., tool 1230) can be inserted into the recess 760 to facilitate the removal of the clamp valve subassembly 610 from the chamber 1376 of the clamp valve cover 1312 and / or the installation of the clamp valve subassembly 610 in the chamber.

[0078] The adapters 1308 and 1310 shown are configured to be connected to the clamp valve housing 1312 using corresponding fasteners 1382. That is, the fastener 1382 extends through the first adapter 1308 and into the clamp valve housing 1312 to mount the first adapter 1308 to the clamp valve housing 1312, or extends through the second adapter 1310 into the clamp valve housing 1312 to mount the second adapter 1310 to the clamp valve housing 1312. However, in addition to or as an alternative to the fastener 1382, other components such as clamps, adhesives, welds, latches, etc., can be used to connect the adapters 1308 and 1310 to the clamp valve housing 1312.

[0079] It should be noted that the intermediate assembly 1306 can be easily (e.g., manually) installed into and removed from the conduit system 1300. For example, conduits 1302 and 1304 can be easily connected to and removed from adapters 1308 and 1310 via seals 1356 and 1370 and / or retainers 1360 and 1370, respectively. Therefore, the intermediate assembly 1306 can facilitate modifications to the conduit system 1300, such as selectively engaging the intermediate assembly 1306 at specific locations (e.g., connecting to specific conduits 1302 and 1304). Furthermore, the intermediate assembly 1306 occupies a limited physical footprint. For example, the first dimension 1384 (e.g., length) of the intermediate assembly 1306 can be less than 100 millimeters (mm), such as a value between 40 mm and 60 mm, and the thickness 1386 of the clamp valve cover 1312 can be less than 5 mm, such as a value between 3 mm and 4 mm. The compact size of the intermediate assembly 1306 facilitates its transport. Furthermore, installing the intermediate assembly 1306 in the conduit system 1300 does not significantly increase the overall size of the conduit system 1300, thus allowing for flexible use of the conduit system 1300 in the desired implementation.

[0080] Figure 12A This is a cross-sectional side view of another catheter system 1400, in which various aspects of the techniques presented herein can be implemented. Figure 12B yes Figure 12A A detailed side view of "Area A". For ease of description, Figure 12A and 12B We will discuss this with each other.

[0081] As shown in the figure, the conduit system 1400 includes a clamp valve subassembly 1410, which includes a diaphragm 1414 and a retainer 1420 surrounding a body 1504 of the diaphragm 1414. The clamp valve subassembly 1410 is positioned within a housing 1402 of the conduit system 1400. In the illustrated example, the clamp valve subassembly 1410 includes features similar to those of clamp valve subassembly 620, such as a plurality of seals 1432 and a plurality of recesses 1460; however, in other or alternative embodiments, the clamp valve subassembly 1410 includes features similar to those of clamp valve assembly 110. In any case, the diaphragm 1414 and / or the retainer 1420 include features that facilitate mutual securing and / or fixation to the housing 1402 of the conduit system 1400.

[0082] As pointed out, Figure 12B The detailed view provides a greater visualization of area A of the pinch valve subassembly 1410. (See attached image.) Figure 12B As shown, the flange 1502 of the diaphragm 1410 includes a base portion 1512, a first raised sealing ring 1531A (first raised portion) extending from the base portion 152 away from the retainer 1420 (e.g., in the longitudinal direction) (e.g., toward the rear surface 1408 of the housing 1402), and a second raised sealing ring 1531B (second raised portion) extending from the base portion 1512 toward the retainer 1420 (e.g., in the longitudinal direction). For example, in the mounting configuration of the clamp valve subassembly 1410, the first raised sealing ring 1531A is configured to engage with the rear surface 1408 to reduce relative movement of the diaphragm 1414 relative to the housing 1402, and the second raised sealing ring 1531B is configured to engage with the retainer 1420 to reduce relative movement of the diaphragm 1414 relative to the retainer 1420. Therefore, the raised sealing ring 1531 cooperatively secures the diaphragm 1414 and the clamp valve subassembly 1410 within the housing 1402. In some embodiments, each raised sealing ring in the raised sealing ring 1531 comprises an arcuate shape (e.g., a semicircle), but in other or alternative embodiments, the raised sealing ring 1531 may have any suitable shape (e.g., a wavy or ridged profile, an angle).

[0083] Furthermore, the rear surface 1408 of the housing 1402 includes a lip 1552 that extends toward and abuts the flange 1502 between the first raised sealing ring 1531A and the body 1504 of the diaphragm 1414, and the retainer 1420 (e.g., one end of the retainer 1420) includes a bump 1550 that extends toward and abuts the flange 1502 of the diaphragm 1414 between the second raised sealing ring 1531B and the body 1504 of the diaphragm 1414. Thus, the bump 1550 of the retainer 1420 and the lip 1552 of the housing 1402 extend to contact and abut (e.g., press against) the flange 1502 of the diaphragm 1414 to form a smaller channel through which the flange 1502 extends between the retainer 1420 and the housing 1402. The smaller channel helps prevent movement of the diaphragm 1414 relative to the retainer 1420 and relative to the housing 1402. Therefore, the diaphragm 1414 and the clamp valve subassembly 1400 are further secured within the housing 1402. In this way, the contours (e.g., stepped) of the diaphragm 1414, retainer 1420, and housing 1402 cooperatively facilitate contact between the diaphragm 1414, retainer 1420, and housing 1402 to secure the clamp valve subassembly 1400 within the housing 1402. For example, the protrusion 1550 of the retainer 1420 and the lip 1552 of the housing 1402 prevent the flange 1502 (e.g., the base portion 1512) from sliding toward the body 1504 of the diaphragm 1414, such as when fluid is directed against the body 1504 of the diaphragm 1414 to compress the body 1504. Therefore, the flange 1502 maintains contact with the cage 1420 and the housing 1402.

[0084] In other or alternative embodiments, similar features discussed in relation to the flange 1502 configured to engage the rear surface 1408 of the housing 1402 are incorporated into the flange 1502 configured to engage the cap coupled to the housing 1402. That is, such flange 1502 includes a base portion, a first raised sealing ring extending from the base portion away from the retainer and toward the cap, and a second raised sealing ring extending from the base portion toward the retainer. Thus, the first raised sealing ring reduces relative movement of the diaphragm 1414 relative to the cap, while the second raised sealing ring reduces relative movement of the diaphragm 1414 relative to the retainer 1420, thereby cooperatively securing the diaphragm 1414 and the clamp valve subassembly 1410 within the housing 1402. Furthermore, the cap may include a protrusion similar to the protrusion of the retainer 1420, extending toward and abutting the flange 1502 between the second raised sealing ring and the diaphragm body 1504 to help prevent movement of the diaphragm 1414 relative to the cap. Furthermore, it should be noted that any combination of these features can be implemented independently and separately in the clamp valve subassembly 1410. As an example, any flange 1502 may include a raised sealing ring extending toward the retainer 1420 (e.g., a second raised sealing ring 1531B), but not a raised sealing ring extending away from the retainer 1420 (e.g., a first raised sealing ring 1531A). As another example, one of the rear surface 1408 or the retainer 1420 may respectively include a lip 1552 or a protrusion 1550.

[0085] Figure 13 This is a flowchart of a method 1450 for manufacturing a catheter system, such as any of the catheter systems 100, 150, 200, 500, 1200, 1300, and 1400 discussed herein. For example, the operation of method 1450 can be performed manually by a user, such as a technician, operator, and / or manufacturer. It should be noted that in other or alternative embodiments, method 1450 can be performed in different ways. For example, additional operations can be performed with respect to the described method 1450. Additionally or alternatively, certain steps of the depicted method 1450 can be removed, modified, and / or performed in a different order.

[0086] At block 1452, an elongated tubular diaphragm is coupled around an elongated retainer to provide a clamp valve subassembly. The clamp valve subassembly includes: at least one opening configured to fluidly connect the elongated tubular diaphragm to an outer surface of the elongated retainer; at least one circumferential recess on the outer surface of the retainer; and an O-ring disposed in the at least one circumferential recess. In one example, the elongated retainer has a bore, and the elongated tubular diaphragm is inserted into one end of the elongated retainer and pulled through the bore to the other end of the retainer to extend along a longitudinal axis between the two ends of the retainer. Thus, the elongated retainer is disposed around the elongated tubular diaphragm in a sealing engagement such that the inner surface of the elongated retainer is disposed around and facing a portion (e.g., the body) of the elongated tubular diaphragm. At least one opening of the clamp valve subassembly extends from the outer surface of the elongated retainer in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis to the inner surface of the elongated retainer to extend to the bore of the elongated retainer and expose a portion of the elongated tubular diaphragm disposed within the bore. In one arrangement, the elongated tubular diaphragm is placed under longitudinal tension when the elongated retainer is attached to the diaphragm. For example, the end of the elongated retainer applies a force to the corresponding diaphragm end to pull the diaphragm ends apart from each other.

[0087] At block 1454, the pinch valve subassembly is positioned within an elongated cylindrical cavity of the housing. For example, the pinch valve subassembly is inserted into the cavity such that one of the diaphragm ends abuts against the rear surface of the housing. A seal coupled to a retainer engages the inner housing wall of the housing to secure the pinch valve subassembly in position within the cavity. In some embodiments, the elongated cylindrical cavity includes a longitudinal axis, and the pinch valve subassembly is inserted into the elongated cylindrical cavity in any rotational orientation about the longitudinal axis, wherein the diaphragm of the pinch valve subassembly is exposed to a fluid line in any rotational orientation about the longitudinal axis through a circumferential cavity extending around the diaphragm and fluidly coupled to at least one opening of the diaphragm.

[0088] At block 1456, a working fluid source is fluidly connected to at least one opening in the cage, enabling the working fluid source to output a working fluid flow to the diaphragm portion exposed by at least one opening to convert the pinch valve subassembly to a closed configuration. In some instances, a cap is connected to the housing to cover the cavity, and the cap engages against the diaphragm. Therefore, the cap presses the pinch valve subassembly against the rear surface, further securing the pinch valve subassembly within the cavity.

[0089] Some aspects of the techniques described in this article have referenced various descriptions of fluid dynamics. It should be understood that these different descriptions are provided for illustrative purposes only, and the innovations presented in this article are feasible regardless of one's understanding of fluid dynamics.

[0090] It should be understood that while the specific applications of this technology have been described and discussed above, based on numerous examples of the technology, the disclosed technology can be used in a variety of devices. The foregoing discussion does not imply that the disclosed technology is only suitable for implementation in systems similar to those shown in the figures. In general, other configurations can be used to implement the processes and systems described herein, and / or some aspects can be excluded without departing from the processes and systems disclosed herein.

[0091] This disclosure describes some aspects of the present technology with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which only some of the possible aspects are shown. However, other aspects may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the aspects set forth herein. Rather, these aspects are provided to make this disclosure thorough and complete and to fully convey the scope of the possible aspects to those skilled in the art.

[0092] It should be understood that the various aspects (e.g., parts, components) described in the figures herein are not intended to limit the system and process to the specific aspects described. Therefore, other configurations can be used to implement the methods and systems described herein, and / or some aspects can be excluded without departing from the methods and systems disclosed herein.

[0093] While specific aspects have been described herein, the scope of this technology is not limited to those specific aspects. Those skilled in the art will recognize other aspects or modifications that fall within the scope of this technology. Therefore, specific structures, operations, or media are disclosed only as illustrative aspects. The scope of this technology is defined by the following claims and any equivalents therein.

[0094] It should also be understood that the embodiments presented herein are not mutually exclusive, and various embodiments can be combined with another embodiment in many different ways. That is, it is believed that the disclosure set forth above covers multiple different embodiments with independent utility. Although each of these embodiments has been disclosed in its preferred form, the specific embodiments disclosed and shown herein should not be considered limiting, as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter of this disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various elements, features, functions, and / or properties disclosed herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the appended claims, as set forth in the following claims, should be interpreted broadly and in accordance with the scope of this disclosure.

[0095] It should also be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “up,” “down,” “inner,” “outer,” “next,” and “external” as used herein describe reference points only and do not limit this disclosure to any particular orientation or configuration. Furthermore, the term “exemplary” as used herein is used to describe instances or illustrations. Any embodiment described herein in an exemplary manner should not be construed as a preferred or advantageous embodiment, but rather as an example or illustration of a possible embodiment of this disclosure. Additionally, it should be understood that the consumables described herein, or portions thereof, may be made of any suitable material or combination of materials, such as plastics or metals, and derivatives and combinations thereof.

[0096] Finally, when used herein, the term “comprises” and its derivatives (e.g., “comprising”, etc.) should not be construed as having an exclusionary meaning; that is, these terms should not be interpreted as excluding the possibility that the described and defined content may include additional elements, steps, etc. Similarly, when “a” or “first” element or its equivalent is mentioned in any description, this disclosure should be understood to include one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Meanwhile, when used herein, the term “equivalent” and its family of terms (e.g., “approximate”, etc.) should be understood to indicate a value very close to the value associated with the foregoing term. That is, deviations from precise values ​​within a reasonable range should be acceptable, as those skilled in the art will understand that such deviations from indicated values ​​are unavoidable due to reasons such as measurement inaccuracies. For example, the term “approximately” may indicate a tolerance of ±0.002 inches, 0.001 inches, or at most 0.005 inches. This also applies to “about,” “around,” and “substantially.” Furthermore, for the purposes of this disclosure, the phrase “A and / or B” means (A), (B), or (A and B), and the phrase “A, B, and / or C” means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C).

Claims

1. A clamp valve subassembly, comprising: An elongated tubular diaphragm, the elongated tubular diaphragm comprising a main body; An elongated retainer includes an inner surface configured to be disposed around and facing the body of the elongated tubular diaphragm in a sealing engagement with the diaphragm, wherein the elongated retainer has a first end, a second end, and at least one opening extending from an outer surface of the elongated retainer located between the first end and the second end to the inner surface of the elongated retainer; as well as A seal is disposed between the first end and the at least one opening.

2. The clamp valve subassembly of claim 1, wherein the elongated retainer includes a circumferential recess disposed between the first end and the at least one opening, and wherein the seal is disposed within the circumferential recess.

3. The clamp valve subassembly according to claim 1, wherein the seal comprises an O-ring.

4. The clamp valve subassembly according to claim 1, wherein the elongated retainer includes a circumferential pneumatic cavity, and wherein the at least one opening in the elongated retainer is disposed in the circumferential pneumatic cavity.

5. The clamp valve subassembly of claim 1, wherein the elongated retainer is configured to hold the elongated tubular diaphragm in a coupled configuration under longitudinal tension to sealably engage the elongated tubular diaphragm.

6. The clamp valve subassembly of claim 1, wherein the elongated retainer further includes a circumferential groove located between the seal and the first end.

7. The clamp valve subassembly of claim 1, wherein the tubular diaphragm includes a flange configured to contact the first end of the elongated retainer, and the flange includes a raised sealing ring extending longitudinally from the base of the flange.

8. The clamp valve subassembly of claim 7, wherein the tubular diaphragm includes an additional flange configured to contact the second end of the elongated retainer, the additional flange including an additional raised sealing ring extending longitudinally from an additional base of the additional flange, and the raised sealing ring and the additional raised sealing ring extending away from each other.

9. A conduit system comprising the clamp valve subassembly according to claim 1, and further comprising: A housing, the housing including an inner wall defining an elongated cavity having a longitudinal axis. The clamp valve subassembly is configured to be mounted in the elongated cavity in a plurality of different orientations that are rotated and offset from each other about the longitudinal axis, and the at least one opening in the elongated retainer is configured to receive working fluid from a fluid source through the outer surface of the elongated retainer in each of the different orientations that are rotated and offset from each other about the longitudinal axis.

10. The catheter system of claim 9, wherein the housing includes an additional inner wall extending from the inner wall, wherein the inner wall and the additional inner wall cooperate to define the elongated lumen, wherein a first distance spans between the inner walls, wherein a second distance spans between the additional inner walls, and wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.

11. The conduit system of claim 10, wherein the elongated retainer of the clamp valve subassembly further includes a groove adjacent to the first end, and wherein the groove is positioned between the additional inner walls in the mounting configuration of the clamp valve subassembly.

12. The catheter system of claim 10, wherein the second end of the elongated retainer is configured to engage one end of the elongated tubular diaphragm, wherein the housing includes a rear surface extending from the inner wall, and wherein the one end of the elongated tubular diaphragm is configured to engage the rear surface in the mounting configuration of the clamp valve subassembly.

13. The catheter system of claim 12, comprising a cap configured to be coupled to the housing and extend over the elongated lumen, wherein the cap is configured to engage the other end of the elongated tubular diaphragm.

14. The conduit system of claim 9, wherein the seal of the clamp valve subassembly is configured to engage the inner wall in the mounting configuration of the clamp valve subassembly.

15. The catheter system of claim 9, wherein the elongated lumen comprises a cylindrical profile.

16. The clamp valve subassembly of claim 1, further comprising an additional seal disposed between the second end and the at least one opening.

17. The clamp valve subassembly of claim 16, wherein the at least one opening is equidistant from the seal and the additional seal.

18. A pinch valve subassembly, comprising: Slender tubular septum; An elongated retainer includes a first end, a second end, a hole extending from the first end to the second end, and an outer surface extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the hole of the elongated retainer is configured to receive the elongated tubular diaphragm, such that the elongated retainer is disposed around the elongated tubular diaphragm in a sealing engagement with the elongated tubular diaphragm, and wherein the elongated retainer is configured to place the elongated tubular diaphragm under longitudinal tension; as well as At least one opening, which is formed through the outer surface of the elongated retainer and extends into the hole of the elongated retainer.

19. The clamp valve subassembly of claim 18, wherein the elongated retainer has at least one circumferential recess disposed between the first end and the at least one opening, and wherein the clamp valve subassembly further comprises: An O-ring, wherein the O-ring is disposed in the at least one circumferential recess, wherein the size of the O-ring extends beyond the outer surface of the elongated retainer.

20. The clamp valve subassembly of claim 18, wherein the elongated retainer includes a circumferential pneumatic cavity, and wherein the at least one opening is disposed in the circumferential pneumatic cavity.

21. A conduit system comprising the clamp valve subassembly according to claim 18, and further comprising: First catheter; Second catheter; as well as An intermediate assembly is connected to the first conduit and the second conduit, wherein the clamp valve subassembly is configured to be disposed in the intermediate assembly and fluidly connected to the first conduit and the second conduit.

22. The clamp valve subassembly of claim 21, wherein the intermediate assembly comprises: A first adapter, which is connected to the first conduit; A second adapter is connected to the second conduit; as well as A housing coupled to the first adapter and the second adapter, wherein the housing includes a chamber configured to receive the pinch valve subassembly, and wherein the housing includes an opening configured to receive working fluid from a working fluid source and to guide the working fluid through at least one opening of the pinch valve subassembly.

23. The clamp valve subassembly of claim 18, wherein the elongated tubular diaphragm includes a first end and a second end, and wherein at least the first end of the elongated tubular diaphragm includes a raised sealing ring extending longitudinally from the base of the first end of the elongated tubular diaphragm.

24. The clamp valve subassembly of claim 23, wherein the second end of the elongated tubular diaphragm includes an additional raised sealing ring extending longitudinally from a further base of the second end of the elongated tubular diaphragm toward the raised sealing ring at the first end of the elongated tubular diaphragm.

25. The clamp valve subassembly of claim 18, wherein the elongated tubular diaphragm comprises: Slender cylindrical body; The first flanged end is disposed at the first end of the elongated cylindrical body. as well as The second flanged end is located at the second end of the elongated cylindrical body.

26. The clamp valve subassembly of claim 18, wherein the elongated tubular diaphragm includes a flange configured to contact the first end of the elongated retainer, and the flange includes a raised sealing portion extending from the base of the flange toward the elongated retainer.

27. The clamp valve subassembly of claim 26, wherein the elongated retainer is disposed around the body of the elongated tubular diaphragm, and the elongated retainer includes a protrusion extending toward the flange of the elongated tubular diaphragm between the raised sealing portion and the body of the elongated tubular diaphragm.

28. The clamp valve subassembly of claim 26, further comprising a raised sealing portion extending from the base of the flange away from the elongated retainer, wherein the additional raised sealing portion is configured to abut a rear surface of the housing of the conduit system or a cap configured to be coupled to the housing of the conduit system in a mounting configuration of the clamp valve subassembly within the housing.

29. A method of manufacturing a catheter system, the method comprising: An elongated retainer is attached to the outer surface of a body of an elongated tubular diaphragm to provide a clamp valve subassembly, wherein the clamp valve subassembly includes at least one opening in the elongated retainer that exposes the outer surface of the body of the elongated tubular diaphragm to fluidly connect the outer surface of the body of the elongated tubular diaphragm to the outer surface of the elongated retainer, and wherein the clamp valve subassembly includes a seal that extends beyond the outer surface of the elongated retainer; Position the clamp valve subassembly within the elongated cavity of the housing; as well as A fluid source is fluidly connected to at least one opening in the elongated cage.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the elongated cavity includes a longitudinal axis, and wherein positioning the clamp valve subassembly within the elongated cavity comprises: The clamp valve subassembly is inserted into the elongated cavity, wherein the clamp valve subassembly is operable to be inserted into the elongated cavity in at least a plurality of rotational orientations about the longitudinal axis, and wherein the elongated tubular diaphragm of the clamp valve subassembly is exposed to a fluid line fluidly connected to the fluid source in each of the plurality of rotational orientations about the longitudinal axis.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein inserting the clamp valve subassembly into the elongated cavity comprises abutting the clamp valve subassembly against the rear surface of the housing, and the method comprises attaching a cap to the housing to press the clamp valve subassembly against the rear surface.

32. The method of claim 30, wherein inserting the clamp valve subassembly into the elongated cavity comprises engaging the seal against the inner housing wall of the housing.

33. The method of claim 29, wherein connecting the elongated retainer around the elongated tubular diaphragm comprises: The elongated tubular diaphragm is inserted into the first end of the elongated retainer; as well as The elongated tubular diaphragm is pulled through the second end of the elongated retainer, wherein the first end of the elongated retainer and the second end of the elongated retainer stretch the corresponding ends of the elongated tubular diaphragm to place the elongated tubular diaphragm under longitudinal tension.

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