Importance

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Abstract

A fluid control valve assembly including a first tube member, a second tube member and a cylindrical valve element. The first tube member has a narrower diameter passageway connected by a transitional surface to a wider diameter passageway. The narrower passageway acts as a secondary valve sealing surface and the transitional surface acts as a primary valve sealing surface. The valve element includes a primary valve sealing shoulder which forms a seal when in contact with the primary sealing surface of the first tube member; at least one secondary sealing flange which deformingly engages the wall of the narrower passageway; and a plurality of elastomeric bands extending from the base of the valve element. The bands are looped around posts extending upward from the inner wall of the second tube member when the valve assembly is assembled. The elastic bands maintain the valve element in a compressively engaged sealing relationship with the transitional surface of the first tube member. The valve element is urged partially downward when a connector is fitted onto the first tube member, breaking the primary seal. When the connector is in a fully locked position, the secondary seal is broken, permitting fluid flow in either direction. When the connector is removed, the elastic bands urge the valve element upward reforming the seals.

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First Claim