Vacuum demand valve

• US 20030029501A1
• Filed: 10/07/2002
• Published: 02/13/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 06/13/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Alan W. Marttila, Arnold C. Bilstad, Atif M. Yardimci, David W. Pennington, Marc Bellotti, Mark C. Perry, Mark E. Williamson, Michael R. Prisco, Paul M. DiPerna, Scott R. Ariagno, Sidney T. Smith
• Original Assignee: Alan W. Marttila, Arnold C. Bilstad, Atif M. Yardimci, David W. Pennington, Marc Bellotti, Mark C. Perry, Mark E. Williamson, Michael R. Prisco, Paul M. DiPerna, Scott R. Ariagno, Sidney T. Smith
• Inventors: Yardimci, Atif M., Prisco, Michael R., Ariagno, Scott R., Bilstad, Arnold C., Smith, Sidney T., DiPerna, Paul M., Perry, Mark C., Bellotti, Marc, Williamson, Mark E., Pennington, David W., Marttila, Alan W.
• Granted Patent: US 6,672,333 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 137/510
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 19/2266 Means for facilitating drinking, e.g. for infants or invalids
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 21/183 with means for changing the flavour of the liquid
• CPC Class Codes: A47G 21/185 Mouthpieces
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 1/10 Bag-type containers
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 1/1475 Inlet or outlet ports
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/0046 Cups, bottles or bags
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/0053 Syringes, pipettes or oral dispensers
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/2406 designed to quickly shut upon the presence of back-pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/242 designed to open when a predetermined pressure or flow rate has been reached, e.g. check valve actuated by fluid
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/244 Hinged closure member, e.g. flap valve
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2039/2486 Guided stem, e.g. reciprocating stopper
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/227 Valves actuated by a secondary fluid, e.g. hydraulically or pneumatically actuated valves
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 39/24 Check- or non-return valves
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 15/14 with flexible valve members
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 15/147 the closure elements having specially formed slits or being of an elongated easily collapsible form
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 15/1472 the closure elements being fixed onto an internally extending mount
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 15/148 the closure elements being fixed in their centre
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 137/907 Vacuum-actuated valves
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/7781 With separate connected fluid reactor surface
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/7836 Flexible diaphragm or bellows reactor
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/7882 : Having exit lip
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/789 : Central mount

Abstract

A vacuum demand valve for delivering a flowable material is disclosed. The valve has a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, an intermediate segment therebetween defining a passageway wherein the flowable substance can flow from the proximal end to the distal end. The housing can be a tubing. A valve member is located along the intermediate segment. The valve member has a closed condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is stopped and an open condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is unstopped. The valve member is biased in the closed condition and is responsive to a partial vacuum provided by the user through the passageway for placing the valve member in the open condition.

Claims

1. A valve comprising:

a housing having an outlet chamber defining an outlet opening, the housing further having a first retainer spaced from a second retainer defining an intermediate chamber therebetween, the first retainer having a central opening and the second retainer having a central opening, the housing further having an inlet chamber defining an inlet opening;

diaphragm positioned within the intermediate chamber defining a first chamber and a second chamber, the second chamber having a vent;

a plunger connected to the diaphragm and slidably supported by the central openings of the retainers, the plunger having a vacuum duct having a first end in communication with the first chamber and a second end in communication with the outlet opening, the plunger further having a passageway having a first end and a second end in communication with the outlet chamber;

wherein the diaphragm is moveable from a first position wherein the first end of the passageway is obstructed and a second position wherein the first end of the passageway is in communication with the inlet chamber wherein a flowable substance can flow from the inlet chamber to the outlet chamber through the passageway and wherein the diaphragm is moveable by a partial vacuum applied through the vacuum duct.

2. The valve of claim 1 wherein the first end of the passageway is obstructed by the second retainer when the diaphragm is in the first position.

3. The valve of claim 1 wherein the plunger has a head portion that engages the second retainer when the diaphragm is in the first position.

4. The valve of claim 1 wherein the diaphragm biases the plunger to the first position.

5. A valve comprising:

a sidewall;

a first retainer comprising a first opening;

a second retainer comprising a second opening, the sidewall and the first and second retainers defining a housing;

a flexible diaphragm located within the housing, responsive to an external force, and dividing the housing into first and second chambers, the first chamber including a vent; and

a plunger fixedly connected to the flexible diaphragm and responsive to a movement of the flexible diaphragm, the plunger slidably supported by the first and second openings in the first and second retainers, respectively, and located at least partially within the housing, the plunger including a vacuum passage and a fluid passage, the fluid passage sealable against a portion of the first retainer and the vacuum passage in communication with the second chamber wherein a vacuum pressure provided via the vacuum passage causes the movement of the diaphragm.

6. A valve comprising:

a housing defining a passageway between an outlet opening and an inlet opening for a flowable material to pass therethrough, the housing having an internal wall dividing the passageway into a first chamber and a second chamber, the internal wall having an inner opening communicating the first chamber and a second chamber, the housing further having an aperture in communication with the first chamber;

a diaphragm connected to the housing at the aperture;

a stop connected to the diaphragm, the stop passing through the internal opening and having a flange in sealing contact with the inner opening;

the diaphragm being deflectable from a first position to a second position, wherein when the deflectable member is in the first position, the stop is in sealing contact with the inner opening to close the inner opening, and when the diaphragm is in the second position, the stop is spaced from the second opening to open the inner opening wherein the flowable material is allowed to pass through the passageway.

7. The valve of claim 6 wherein the diaphragm is sensitive to an index pressure, the first chamber being subject to a second pressure, the diaphragm being deflectable from the first position to the second position when the second pressure is less than the index pressure.

8. The valve of claim 6 wherein the diaphragm is domed shape.

9. The valve of claim 6 wherein the stop has a plunger having an elongated tapered length.

10. The valve of claim 6 wherein the inner opening has a tapered inner surface, the stop member having a curved peripheral surface that is spaced from the tapered inner surface when the diaphragm is in the second position.

11. The valve of claim 6 wherein the diaphragm is movable from the first position to the second position by a partial vacuum applied through the passageway.

12. The valve of claim 6 wherein the diaphragm is adapted to be depressed by a user to place the diaphragm in the second position.

13. A valve comprising:

a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, a fluid passageway, and a sidewall having an outer sidewall surface, an inner sidewall surface;

a valve member positioned in the fluid passageway in an intermediate portion of the housing; and

a first support member attached to the inner sidewall surface and extending along a portion of the housing, the support member being coactive with deflection of the sidewall to control the opening of the valve member.

14. The valve of claim 13 wherein the support member comprises a rib.

15. The valve of claim 14 wherein the rib extends from proximate the proximal end to proximate the valve member.

16. The valve of claim 13 further comprising a second support member.

17. The valve of claim 16 wherein the housing has a substantially circular cross-sectional shape and wherein the second support member is circumferentially spaced from the first support member.

18. The valve of claim 14 wherein the rib has a generally arcuate longitudinal-section.

19. The valve of claim 14 wherein the rib increases in height from a minimum height to a maximum height and wherein the maximum height is proximate the proximal end.

20. The valve of claim 13 wherein the rib has lateral edges that taper inwardly and upwardly as the rib extends away from the inner sidewall.

21. The valve of claim 13 wherein the valve member can be moved from a closed position to the open position in response to a force applied to the sidewall of the housing.

22. The valve of claim 13 wherein the rib is effective to prevent the housing from fully collapsing.

23. The valve of claim 13 wherein the valve member has an inlet and an outlet and can be moved from the closed position to the open position in response to applying a negative pressure to the outlet.

24. The valve of claim 13 wherein the valve member is a duckbill type valve.

25. A valve comprising:

a housing having a fluid passageway, a proximal end and a distal end and a sidewall having an outer sidewall surface and an inner sidewall surface; and

a valve member positioned in the fluid passageway in an intermediate portion of the housing and being responsive to a deflection in the sidewall to open the valve member.

26. The valve of claim 25 wherein the valve member can be opened by applying a negative pressure to the outlet.

27. The valve of claim 25 wherein the valve member is a duckbill type valve.

28. A valve comprising:

a housing;

a valve member positioned in the housing and moveable from an open position where fluid can flow through the housing to a closed position where fluid cannot flow through the housing; and

a slidable member mounted for reciprocating movement within the housing and in response to a pressure applied to the housing, the slidable member being moveable from a first position contacting the valve member to retain the valve member in a closed position to a second position where the valve member moves to the open position.

29. The valve of claim 28 wherein the slidable member defines a fluid flow path therethrough.

30. The valve member of claim 28 further comprising an elastic member in cooperative engagement with the slidable member to bias the slidable member in a first position.

31. The valve member of claim 28 wherein the slidable member has a seal having a chamber for engaging a portion of the valve member.

32. The valve member of claim 28 wherein the valve member is a duckbill valve having a sloping outer surface.

33. The valve member of claim 31 wherein the seal has a chamber has inwardly tapered walls dimensioned to fit over the duckbill valve sloping outer surface.

34. A valve comprising:

a housing having an inner surface defining a passageway between an outlet opening and an inlet opening for a flowable material to pass therethrough;

a flexible bladder positioned within the passageway, the flexible bladder having a first position wherein the bladder is in sealing engagement with the inner surface preventing flow of material, the bladder further having a second position wherein the bladder is spaced from the inner surface wherein flowable material is allowed to pass through the passageway.

35. The valve of claim 34 wherein the flexible bladder has a sealing ring within the bladder.

36. The valve of claim 34 further comprising a retainer engaging the inner surface, the retainer having a stem connected to the flexible bladder.

37. The valve of claim 36 wherein the retainer has a plurality of holes therethrough.

38. The valve of claim 34 wherein the flexible bladder is a pressurized vessel.

39. The valve of claim 34 further comprising a support member extending into the passageway from the inner surface and positioned between the flexible bladder and the outlet.

40. The valve of claim 39 wherein the support member comprises a plurality of ribs.

41. The valve of claim 34 wherein the flexible bladder moves from the first position to the second position by a partial vacuum applied through the passageway from the outlet.

42. The valve of claim 34 wherein the housing comprises a tube.

43. A tubing for delivering a fluid substance from a container to a user, the tubing comprising:

a passageway having a proximal end and a distal end, and an intermediate segment therebetween, wherein a fluid substance can flow through the passageway from the proximal end to the distal end; and

a valve member located along the intermediate segment, the valve member having a closed condition wherein a flow of the fluid substance from the proximal end to the distal end is stopped and an open condition wherein the flow of the fluid substance from the proximal end to the distal end is unstopped, the valve member being biased in the closed condition and responsive to an external force provided by the user for placing the valve member in the open condition, the valve member comprising a flexible bladder responsive to the external force supplied by the user wherein the flexible bladder forms a substantially fluid-tight seal with the passageway when the valve member is in the closed condition.

44. A valve comprising:

a housing;

a first fluid conduit in fluid communication with the housing;

a valve member mounted for reciprocating movement within the housing, the valve member defining a second fluid conduit therethrough and moveable from a first position where the first fluid conduit is substantially concentrically disposed with respect to the second fluid conduit to provide a third fluid conduit through the housing to a second position where the first fluid conduit is not in fluid communication with the second fluid conduit; and

a vacuum conduit in fluid communication with the housing and wherein the valve member is responsive to a negative pressure applied to the housing through the vacuum conduit to move the valve member from the second position to the first position.

45. The valve of claim 44 further comprising a biasing member for biasing the valve member in the second position.

46. The valve of claim 44 wherein the valve member divides the housing into an expansion chamber and a vacuum chamber.

47. The valve of claim 44 wherein the vacuum conduit is in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber.

48. The valve of claim 45 wherein the biasing member is positioned in the vacuum chamber.

49. The valve of claim 44 wherein the biasing member is a compression spring.

50. A valve comprising:

a housing having a passageway having an inlet opening and an outlet opening, and an intermediate segment therebetween, wherein a flowable material can flow through the passageway from the inlet opening to the outlet opening; and

a stop having a channel therethrough, the stop being moveable in the intermediate segment from a first position wherein the channel and not aligned with the inlet opening and the outlet opening, to a second position wherein the channel is aligned with the inlet opening and the outlet opening wherein flowable material can flow through the passageway, the stop being biased to the first position;

a vacuum chamber located in the intermediate segment;

a vacuum duct in communication with the vacuum chamber wherein a partial vacuum applied to the vacuum duct moves the stop to the second position wherein flowable material can flow through the passageway.

51. A valve comprising:

a housing defining a passageway between an outlet opening and an inlet opening for a flowable material to pass therethrough, the housing having an inner surface;

a gate hingedly connected to the inner surface, the gate having a first position wherein the gate is in sealing engagement with the inner surface wherein the flowable material cannot flow through the passageway, the gate being biased to the first position, the gate having a second position wherein the flowable material can flow through the passageway, the gate being movable to the second position by a partial vacuum applied through the passageway.

52. A valve comprising:

a housing defining a passageway between an outlet opening and an inlet opening for a flowable material to pass therethrough, the housing having an inner surface, the passageway having a first chamber and a second chamber and an interface area therebetween;

a gate having a first portion and a second portion, the gate being hingedly connected to the inner surface at the interface area at a location between the first portion and the second portion, the gate having a first position wherein the first portion of the gate is in sealing engagement with the inner surface to seal the first chamber wherein the flowable material cannot flow through the passageway, the gate having a second position wherein the first portion is spaced away from the inner surface wherein the first chamber is in communication with the second chamber wherein the flowable material can flow through the passageway,

an elastic member having one end connected to the inner surface at the second chamber and another end connected to the second portion biasing the gate to the first position,

a first chamber portion of the housing at the first chamber, the second portion of the gate and the elastic member collectively defining a vacuum chamber within the second chamber, the first chamber portion having a vent, wherein a partial vacuum applied to the first chamber moves the gate to the second position.

53. A tubing for delivering a fluid substance from a container to a user, the medical tubing comprising:

a passageway having a proximal end and a distal end, and an intermediate segment therebetween wherein a fluid substance can flow through the passageway from the proximal end to the distal end; and

a valve member located along the intermediate segment, the valve member having a closed condition wherein a flow of the fluid substance from the proximal end to the distal end is stopped and an open condition wherein the flow of the fluid substance from the proximal end to the distal end is unstopped, the valve member being biased in the closed condition and responsive to an external force provided by the user for placing the valve member in the open condition, the valve member comprising a port located within the passageway, a gate responsive to the external force provided by the user, a vacuum chamber, and a vent passing through the sidewall and located within the vacuum chamber, the gate having a first portion, a second portion, and a hinge member, the first and second portions separated by the hinge member, the first portion biased to form a substantially fluid-tight seal in the port, the second portion biased to form the vacuum chamber within the passageway, the hinge member moveably attached to a portion of the sidewall.

54. A flexible tubing for delivering a fluid substance from a container to a user, the tubing comprising:

a proximal end;

a distal end;

an intermediate segment between the proximal end and the distal end;

a passageway between the proximal end and the distal end wherein a fluid substance can flow from the proximal end to the distal end; and

a valve member located along the intermediate segment, the valve member having a closed condition wherein a flow of the fluid substance from the proximal end to the distal end is stopped and an open condition wherein the flow of the fluid substance from the proximal end to the distal end is unstopped, the valve member being biased in the closed condition and responsive to an external force on the tubing provided by the user for placing the valve member in the open condition.

57. The tubing of claim 54 wherein the dilating central portion of the pore includes an inwardly tapered, flexible duckbill, the inwardly tapered, flexible duckbill having a hinge portion joined to the sidewall of the medial tubing and a separable slit located within the passageway of the tubing and apart from the inner wall, the separable slit being substantially sealed when the valve member is in the closed condition, the hinge being responsive to the external force wherein a portion of the inwardly, tapered flexible duckbill is displaced inwardly upon application of the external force, and the separable slit parts to allow the flow of fluid substance to pass therethrough.

62. The tubing of claim 57 wherein the valve member further includes a piston and a vent, the vent passing through the sidewall of the tubing and located between the inwardly tapered, flexible duckbill and the piston, the piston being responsive to the external force provided by the user.

63. The tubing of claim 62 wherein the piston is located between hinge and the distal end of the tubing.

64. The tubing of claim 62 wherein the piston has a central chamber passing therethrough, the separable slit of the inwardly tapered, flexible duckbill located within the central chamber wherein the central chamber provides a force for maintaining the separable slit substantially sealed when the valve member is in the closed condition.

65. The tubing of claim 62 wherein the piston includes an elastic member for biasing the piston toward the inwardly tapered, flexible duckbill.

66. The tubing of claim 62 wherein the valve member includes a retainer and a tubular member, the retainer located downstream of the piston and having a hole therethrough and the tubular member having a first end frictionally engaging the hole of the retainer and slidable therethrough and a second end joined to the piston, the elastic member located between the retainer and the piston.

67. The tubing of claim 62 wherein the piston traverses towards the distal end of the tubing and away from the inwardly tapered, flexible duckbill in response to the external force provided by the user, the force provided by the central chamber of the piston being removed from the separable slit wherein the separable slit parts to allow the flow of fluid substance to pass therethrough.

68. The tubing of claim 66 wherein the retainer includes a peripheral opening apart from the central hole for allowing the external force provided by the user to act upon the piston.

69. The tubing of claim 62 wherein the vent includes a hydrophobic filter.

55. A tubing for delivering a fluid substance from a container to a user, the tubing comprising:

a proximal end;

a distal end;

an intermediate segment between the proximal end and the distal end;

a passageway between the proximal end and the distal end wherein a fluid substance can flow from the proximal end to the distal end; and

a valve member located along the intermediate segment, the valve member having a closed condition wherein a flow of the fluid substance from the proximal end to the distal end is stopped and an open condition wherein the flow of the fluid substance from the proximal end to the distal end is unstopped, the valve member being biased in the closed condition and responsive to an external force provided by a user in the form of a partial vacuum provided by the user through the passageway for placing the valve member in the open condition.

56. The tubing of claim 55 wherein the valve member includes a pore, the pore having a dilating central portion, the central portion substantially sealed in the closed condition and responsive to the external force provided by the user wherein the dilating central portion expands to allow the flow of fluid substance to pass therethrough when the external force is supplied by the user, and the valve member is in the open condition.

58. The tubing of claim 55 wherein the external force is a partial vacuum pressure provided by the user.

59. The tubing of claim 58 wherein the sidewall of the tubing partially collapses in response to the vacuum pressure supplied by the user, the portion of the inwardly, tapered flexible duckbill being displaced inwardly upon application of the vacuum pressure, and the separable slit parting in response thereto.

60. The tubing of claim 58 further comprising a support member located within the passageway of the tubing, the support member for preventing the tubing from total constriction in response to the vacuum pressure provided by the user.

70. The tubing of claim 55 wherein the valve member includes plunger having a fluid passage therethrough, the fluid passage obstructed when the valve member is in the closed condition, the plunger slidable within the valve member and responsive to the external force supplied by the user wherein the fluid passage is unobstructed in the open condition to allow the flow of fluid substance to pass therethrough.

71. The tubing of claim 70 wherein the valve member includes a plunger housing within the passageway, the plunger located within the plunger housing and forming a substantially fluid-tight seal therewith and slidable therein in response to the external force provided by the user.

72. The tubing of claim 71 wherein the valve member includes an elastic member for biasing the plunger so that the fluid passage is obstructed against a portion of the plunger housing in the closed condition.

73. The tubing of claim 71 wherein the plunger housing includes a vent passing through the sidewall of the medical tubing.

74. The tubing of claim 72 wherein the plunger housing includes a vacuum chamber and a vent chamber, the elastic member being located within the vacuum chamber and the vent being located within the vent chamber.

75. The tubing of claim 71 wherein the fluid passage is substantially sealed against a portion of the plunger housing when the valve is in the closed condition.

76. The tubing of claim 75 further comprising a vacuum duct and a fluid duct, the vacuum and fluid ducts located within the passageway between the valve member and the distal end of the tubing wherein the fluid passage of the plunger is aligned with the fluid duct when the valve member is in the open condition.

77. The tubing of claim 76 wherein the vacuum pressure is applied through the vacuum duct.

78. The tubing of claim 75 wherein the plunger is forced against and contracts the elastic member in response to the vacuum pressure wherein the fluid passage is aligned with the fluid duct and the flow of fluid substance passes therethrough.

79. The tubing of claim 55 wherein the valve member includes a flexible bladder responsive to the external force supplied by the user.

80. The tubing of claim 79 wherein the flexible bladder forms a substantially fluid-tight seal with a portion of the valve member when the valve member is in the closed condition.

81. The tubing of claim 80 wherein the valve member includes a retainer extending inwardly from the inner wall of the tubing, the retainer having flow holes therethrough, a portion of the bladder being joined to the retainer.

82. The tubing of claim 81 wherein the external force provided by the user is a partial vacuum pressure.

83. The tubing of claim 79 wherein the flexible bladder deflects along a length of the passageway in response to the vacuum pressure.

84. The tubing of claim 79 wherein the flexible bladder includes a sealing ring and the valve member includes a receiver for accepting the sealing ring, the sealing ring and the receiver cooperating to form the substantially fluid-tight seal when the valve member is in the closed condition.

85. The tubing of claim 79 further comprising a support member extending along a length of the inner wall from the valve member to the distal end of the medical tubing.

86. The tubing of claim 79 wherein the support member comprises a plurality of ribs extending inwardly from the inner wall wherein a cross-sectional area of the passageway is decreased by the plurality of ribs.

87. The tubing of claim 55 wherein the valve member has a port located within the passageway, a gate responsive to the external force provided by the user, a vacuum chamber, and a vent passing through the sidewall and located within the vacuum chamber, the gate having a first portion, a second portion, and a hinge member, the first and second portions separated by the hinge member, the first portion biased to form a substantially fluid-tight seal in the port, the second portion biased to form the vacuum chamber within the passageway, the hinge member moveably attached to a portion of the sidewall.

88. The tubing of claim 87 wherein the portion of the sidewall includes a fulcrum, the hinge being moveably attached to the fulcrum wherein the gate pivots about the fulcrum.

89. The tubing of claim 88 wherein the valve member includes an elastic member for biasing the gate.

90. The tubing of claim 89 wherein the elastic member is fixedly attached to a portion of the gate.

91. The tubing of claim 90 wherein the elastic member provides a force for returning the valve member to the closed condition from the open condition.

92. The tubing of claim 88 wherein the fulcrum extends inwardly from the sidewall of the medical tubing and into the passageway.

61. The tubing of claim 61 wherein the support member is joined to the inner wall and between the valve member and the distal end of the tubing.