Check valve

Abstract

A check valve comprises: an upper shell having an inlet of the check valve; a lower shell having an outlet of the check valve; a valve portion formed by the upper shell and the lower shell, wherein the valve portion defines an inner cavity; a passage extending between the inlet and the outlet; a valve member arranged in the valve portion to selectively allow fluid to flow through the check valve; a base connected to the inner side wall of the lower shell, wherein the base extends into the inner cavity and the base supports the valve member; and at least one channel defined between the inner side wall and the base, wherein the at least one channel is fluidically connected to the passage.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention application with application date of April 4, 2019, application number 201980025105.3, and name “Check Valve”. Technical Field

[0002] The disclosed embodiments relate to check valves, and more particularly, to check valves having a filtering mechanism for filtering particulate matter in a fluid flowing through the check valve. Background Art

[0003] Patients are usually injected with an IV solution that is initially provided in an IV reservoir (bottle or bag) and dripped into the patient's vein through an IV line. Typically, an injection port is provided along the IV line and is adapted to work with a syringe to allow the addition of an injection to the IV solution. A check valve is also typically included in the IV line to allow fluid to flow only in the direction of the patient. This ensures that the injection flows downstream to the patient, rather than upstream to the IV reservoir. Summary of the invention

[0004] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a check valve, comprising an upper shell having an inlet of the check valve; a lower shell having an outlet of the check valve; a valve portion formed by the upper shell and the lower shell; a passage extending between the inlet and the outlet; a first filter in the upper shell for limiting the passage of unwanted substances in a fluid flowing through the check valve, the first filter extending axially and radially in the valve portion; and a valve member arranged in the valve portion to selectively allow fluid to flow through the check valve.

[0005] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a check valve, comprising an upper shell having an inlet of the check valve; a lower shell axially connected to the upper shell and having an outlet of the check valve; a valve portion formed by the upper shell and the lower shell operatively together; a passage extending between the inlet and the outlet; a first filter included in the upper shell to limit the passage of unwanted substances in the fluid flowing through the check valve; a second filter included in the lower shell to limit the passage of unwanted substances in the fluid flowing through the check valve; each of the first filter and the second filter includes a plurality of vertical structures arranged in the valve portion and extending axially and radially in the valve portion; and a valve member positioned in the valve portion to selectively allow fluid to flow through the check valve.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a check valve, including an upper housing having an inlet of the check valve; a lower housing axially coupled to the upper housing and having an outlet of the check valve; a valve portion operatively formed by the upper housing and the lower housing; a passage extending between the inlet and the outlet; and a valve member disposed in the valve portion to selectively allow fluid to flow through the check valve. The upper housing defines an opening in fluid communication with the valve portion, and the valve member is elongated and has a first end coupled to the lower housing and the upper housing and an opposite second end blocking the opening.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a check valve, including an upper housing having an inlet of the check valve; a lower housing axially coupled to the upper housing and having an outlet of the check valve; a valve portion formed by the upper housing and the lower housing; a passage extending between the inlet and the outlet; and a valve member arranged in the valve portion to selectively allow fluid to flow through the check valve. The lower housing includes a plurality of protrusions extending axially and radially from an inner surface of the lower housing in the valve portion, a flow channel is defined between adjacent protrusions, the flow channel is in fluid communication with the passage and the valve portion, and the upper housing and the lower housing jointly operatively define an inner cavity in the valve portion, and the radially outermost portion of the inner cavity defines a lodging space configured to retain undesirable substances in the fluid.

[0008] Additional features and advantages of the subject technology will be set forth in the following description, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the subject technology. The advantages of the subject technology will be realized and obtained through the structures particularly pointed out in the written description and its embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0009] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the subject technology. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The following drawings are included to illustrate certain aspects of the embodiments and should not be considered to be exclusive embodiments. As will occur to those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure, the disclosed subject matter is capable of considerable modification, alteration, combination, and equivalents in form and function.

[0011] Figure 1A is a cross-sectional view of a check valve according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 1B Shown in more detail Figure 1A The valve portion of the check valve;

[0013] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a valve portion of another check valve according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 3A and 3B is a cross-sectional view of a valve portion of another check valve according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 3C yes Figure 3A and 3B A perspective view of the lower housing of the check valve in FIG. 1 , showing the protrusion and flow passage in relatively greater detail;

[0016] Figure 3D and 3E According to aspects of the present disclosure Figure 3A and 3B A cross-sectional view of the valve portion of a check valve showing the stagnation area of ​​the check valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The detailed description set forth below describes the various structures of the subject technology, and is not intended to represent the only configuration that can practice the subject technology. The detailed description includes specific details, and the purpose is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject technology. Therefore, as a non-limiting example, dimensions can be provided with respect to certain aspects. However, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the subject technology can be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid blurring the concept of the subject technology.

[0018] It should be understood that the present disclosure includes examples of subject technology and does not limit the scope of the appended claims. Various aspects of the subject technology will now be disclosed according to specific but non-limiting examples. The various embodiments described in this disclosure can be implemented in different ways and variations and according to the desired application or implementation.

[0019] Figure 1A is a cross-sectional view of a check valve 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 1A The cross-sectional view of the check valve 100 is rotated about its axis to more clearly illustrate some features of the check valve 100. Figure 1A, the check valve 100 includes an axially extending body 101 defining a longitudinal axis X. The body 101 may be a generally cylindrical (or tubular) structure, and may include an upper shell 102 and a lower shell 104. The upper shell 102 may include a first end 112 and an axially opposite second end 114. As shown, the radial extension of the upper shell 102 at the second end 114 may be greater than its radial extension at the first end 112. The lower shell 104 may include a first end 122 and an axially opposite second end 124. Similar to the upper shell 102, the radial extension of the lower shell 104 at the second end 124 may be greater than its radial extension at the first end 122. The respective second ends 114 and 124 of the upper shell 102 and the lower shell 104 are in axial contact with each other to operatively form the valve portion 106 of the check valve 100 together.

[0020] The upper housing 102 may include an inlet 108 of the check valve 100 at a first end 112, and the lower housing 104 may include an outlet 110 of the check valve 100 at a first end 122. The upper housing 102 may include a flange 137 at an axial end thereof opposite the inlet 108, and the lower housing 104 may include a flange 139 at an axial end thereof opposite the outlet 110. The flanges 137 and 139 may cooperatively operatively define the valve portion 106. The body 101 may define an internal passage 103 extending axially between and in fluid communication with the inlet 108 and the outlet 110. As will be appreciated, the check valve 100 may allow fluid to flow from the inlet 108 to the outlet 110 (indicated by arrow A), and minimize or otherwise restrict fluid flow from the outlet 110 to the inlet 108.

[0021] The valve portion 106 may define an inner cavity (or chamber) 121, and a flat and flexible valve member 111 may be disposed in the cavity 121. More specifically, the cavity 121 may be at least partially defined by an inner vertical surface 151 of the flange 139. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the cavity 121 may be at least partially defined by an inner vertical surface 153 of the flange 137. In other embodiments, the cavity 121 may also be at least partially defined by the inner vertical surfaces 151 and 153. The valve member 111 may be a disk, a plate, a diaphragm, or the like, and may be square, rectangular, circular, oval, oblong, etc. The shape and size of the valve member 111 are not limited to any particular shape or size. The valve member 111 can have any size and shape that allows the valve member 111 to bend or flex under fluid pressure and allow fluid to flow forward (from the inlet 108 to the outlet 110) through the valve 100 and block reverse fluid flow (from the outlet 110 to the inlet 108) through the valve 100.

[0022] The valve member 111 may be supported on a base (or column) 115 of the lower housing 104 and may be spaced apart from the lower housing 104 by a gap 109. Figure 1A As shown, base 115 can be coupled to inner sidewall 105 of lower housing 104 and extend into cavity 121. As discussed below, cavity 121 can form a portion of passageway 103, and thus, fluid flowing from inlet 108 to outlet 110 can flow through cavity 121.

[0023] At the second end 114, the upper housing 102 may include a filter 116 disposed in the passage 103. In one example, as shown, the filter 116 may include an array of vertical structures 117 coupled to the inner sidewall 107 of the passage 103 and arranged around the passage 103 at the second end 114. In one example, as shown, the array of vertical structures 117 may be or include an array of fins, and adjacent vertical structures 117 may be spaced about 0.010 inches apart. However, the spacing between the vertical structures 117 is not limited thereto and may be increased or decreased as required by the application and design. The vertical structures 117 may filter grit or other undesirable particulate matter from the fluid flowing through the check valve 100 from the inlet 108 to the outlet 110. The vertical structures 117 may be disposed in the passage 103 and the cavity 121, and may extend axially and radially in the passage 103 and the cavity 121. In an example, the vertical structure 117 may protrude axially from the inner sidewall 107 a distance into the cavity 121 and extend radially (inwardly and outwardly) a distance in the cavity 121 .

[0024] Another filter 126 can be arranged around passage 103 in lower housing 104 at second end 124. In one example, as shown, filter 126 can also include an array of vertical structures 127 extending axially and radially and connected to inner sidewall 105. Vertical structures 127 can extend a certain distance axially and radially from inner sidewall 105 and extend into cavity 121. In one example, adjacent vertical structures 127 can be spaced about 0.010 inches apart. However, the spacing between vertical structures 127 is not limited to this. Vertical structures 127 can filter gravel or other undesirable particulate matter from the fluid flowing into passage 103 (and flow channel 146, see below) from cavity 121. As shown, base 115 can be centrally positioned in the array of vertical structures 127.

[0025] Figure 1BThe valve portion 106 is shown in more detail. The cavity 121 can be at least partially defined by an inner surface 131 of the upper housing 102, which extends radially outward from the inner sidewall 107. The inner surface 131 can include a protrusion 132, which can extend from the inner surface 131 into the cavity 121 and can be arranged in a circular manner around the vertical structure 117. In an example, the protrusion 132 can define a sealing surface 134 at its distal end. The protrusion 132 and thus the sealing surface 134 can be arranged around the vertical structure 117 like a ring. During operation, the valve member 111 can contact the sealing surface 134 to minimize or limit fluid flow in the reverse direction from the outlet 110 to the inlet 108.

[0026] As shown, the protrusion 132 may be formed by an upstream sidewall 142 and a downstream sidewall 144. The upstream sidewall 142 may define an angle relative to the longitudinal axis X. And the downstream side wall 144 may define an angle relative to the longitudinal axis X angle Can be smaller than angle In other words, the upstream sidewall 142 may be more vertically arranged (less steep) than the downstream sidewall 144. Thus, as the fluid flows from the inlet 108 to the outlet 110, the upstream sidewall 142 may cause the fluid to swirl (generate a vortex) as it contacts the upstream sidewall 142. The swirl of the fluid may displace grit and similar undesirable particulate matter that passes through the vertical structure 117 upward and away from the sealing surface 134, and the grit may be trapped or otherwise trapped in the recess 147.

[0027] A plurality of channels 146 (one is shown) may be included in the lower housing 104 between the inner sidewall 105 and the base 115. In an example, three channels 146 may be included in the lower housing 104. However, the number of channels 146 is not limited thereto and may be increased or decreased as required by the application and design.

[0028] During assembly, the valve member 111 can be positioned on the base 115 and the upper housing 102 can be lowered onto the lower housing 104. The sealing surface 134 can contact the valve member 111 adjacent to the outer edge of the valve member. This can cause the valve member 111 to bend at the outer edge and form a normally closed state of the check valve 100. In the assembled state, a gap 133 that is smaller than the spacing between the vertical structures 117 can be defined between the vertical structures 117 and the upper surface of the valve member 111. The gap 133 allows fluid flow while limiting the size of grit or other undesirable particulate matter flowing downstream.

[0029] During operation, fluid can enter the check valve 100 via the inlet 108, flow through the passage 103, pass through the vertical structure 117, and enter the cavity 121. Any gravel or other undesirable particulate matter that is larger in size than the spacing between the vertical structures 117 can be prevented from passing downstream. In addition, the fluid can flow between the vertical structure 117 and the upper surface of the valve member 111, and the gap therebetween can further prevent the gravel from flowing downstream. As described above, when the flow contacts the upstream sidewall 142, the fluid flow can cause a vortex of the fluid, and any gravel that is not filtered by the gap can be trapped in the recess 147. During normal forward flow operation, due to the bending of the valve member 111, the fluid flows through the gap formed between the sealing surface 134 and the upper surface of the valve member 111. The fluid can then flow through the gap 109, the vertical structure 127, one or more channels 146, enter the passage 103 in the lower housing 104, and leave the check valve 100 via the outlet 110. Because disk 11 contacts sealing surface 134 in the normally closed state of check valve 100, fluid flow from outlet 110 to inlet 108 is restricted. In the event of reverse flow from outlet 110 to inlet 108, vertical structure 127 prevents grit or other undesirable particles from entering cavity 121.

[0030] In another embodiment, the gaps between adjacent vertical structures 117 (and 127, similarly) may not exist. Thus, instead of an array of vertical structures 117, the check valve 100 may include a rounded lip or protrusion at the second end 114, wherein a gap is defined between the rounded lip and the upper surface of the valve member 111. The gap may act as a filter to prevent grit from flowing into the cavity 121.

[0031] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the valve portion 106 of the check valve 200 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The check valve 200 may be similar in some aspects to Figure 1A and 1B The check valve 100 in FIG. 1 is and therefore may be best understood by reference thereto, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts and are not described again in detail.

[0032] As shown, the inner surface 131 of the upper shell 102 can define an opening 152 that is in fluid communication with the passage 103 of the upper shell 102. In one example, as shown, the size (e.g., radial extension) of the opening 152 can be smaller than the size of the passage 103. The cavity 121 can be at least partially defined by an angled inner surface 141 of the lower shell 104, which extends radially outward from the inner sidewall 105. Thus, as shown, the inner surface 131 can form the top (or top surface) of the cavity 121, while the inner surface 141 can form the bottom (or bottom surface) of the cavity 121. The lower shell 104 can include a protrusion 155 ( Figure 1A ). The top surface 157 of the protrusion 155 can be curved and relatively flat. One or more (one is shown) protrusions 159 can be arranged on the top surface 157 and extend axially in the direction of the inlet 108. The protrusion 159 can be used to align the valve member 161 (see below) and limit its movement. In one example, the valve member can be a plate (or diaphragm or the like) having a rectangular shape (e.g., having semicircular ends connected by parallel longitudinal edges). The plate can be flexible or pliable so that the plate selectively blocks fluid flow in the check valve 200. In one example, the protrusion 159 can be shaped as a spike. However, the protrusion 159 can have other shapes, such as a stud or any other shape that can limit the movement of the valve member 161.

[0033] The valve member 161 may be positioned on the inner surface 141. In detail, as shown, the valve member 161 may have a curvature that may correspond to the curvature of the inner surface 131. The lower surface of the valve member 161 may include a hole, recess, or the like (not shown) at or near the fixed end 171 of the valve member 161 for receiving the protrusion 159 therein.

[0034] In the assembled state, the valve member 161 can be positioned on the top surface 157 so that the protrusion 159 is received in the hole of the lower surface of the disk and the upper housing 102 contacts the top surface 163 of the valve member 161. The protrusion 159 ensures that the valve member 161 is retained between the upper housing 102 and the lower housing 104. The valve member 161 can extend in the cavity 121 while contacting the inner surface 131. In the normally closed state of the check valve 200, the valve member 161 can cover the opening 152 and cover the passage 103 in the lower housing 104. Because the valve member 161 covers the opening 152, the flow of fluid in the opposite direction (from the outlet 110 to the inlet 108) is restricted.

[0035] Although discussed as being rectangular, the shape and size of the valve member 161 is not limited to any particular shape or size. The valve member 161 can be sized and shaped so that the valve member 161 can bend or flex under fluid pressure to allow fluid to flow forward (from the inlet 108 to the outlet 110) into the cavity 121 via the opening 152, cover the opening 152 to restrict fluid flow in the opposite direction, and cover the passage 103 in the lower housing 104.

[0036] During operation, fluid can enter the check valve 200 from the inlet 108. The fluid pressure can cause the valve member 161 to bend downward (toward the outlet 110), and a gap can be formed between the inner surface 131 and the valve member 161 (more specifically, the top surface 163 of the valve member 161). The fluid can flow into the cavity 121 via the gap. The cavity 121 can be in fluid communication with the passage 103 in the lower housing 104, and the fluid can then exit the check valve 200 through the outlet 110.

[0037] Because the valve member 161 is attached to the lower housing 104 at the fixed end 171, the valve member 161 can exhibit a "springboard" type action, wherein the moving end 173 of the valve member 161, which is diametrically opposite to the coupling end, bends in response to fluid flow (and pressure). In addition, because the top surface 163 of the valve member 161 contacts the inner surface 131 of the upper housing 102 during the normally closed state of the check valve 200, fluid flow in the opposite direction is restricted.

[0038] In typical operation, the valve member 161 can be bent to create a gap for fluid flow. More specifically, the flow channel 164 can be defined in the inner surface 141 below the opening 152 and adjacent to the moving end 173 of the valve member 161. When the valve member 161 approaches the bottom surface of the cavity 121, the flow channel 164 can be "pulled" by the vacuum pressure to open the valve member 161. In the case where the valve member 161 contacts the bottom surface of the cavity 121, the flow channel 164 can maintain the fluid flow through the check valve 200. In an example, as shown in the figure, the flow channel 164 can be a recessed portion defined in the inner surface 141.

[0039] In one embodiment, the check valve 200 may include a filter 126 disposed about the opening 152. For example, referring to Figure 1B , an array of vertical structures 127 can be arranged around opening 152 to filter grit or other undesirable particulate matter and restrict its entry into cavity 121. In another embodiment, another filter (e.g., a filter similar to filter 126 or 116) can be arranged in cavity 121 to filter grit or other undesirable particulate matter present in cavity 121.

[0040] As is well known, a check valve is a normally closed device and allows fluid to flow in the forward direction (from the inlet to the outlet) and restricts fluid flow in the reverse direction (from the outlet to the inlet). Under low flow conditions, the fluid flow (or pressure) may not be sufficient to open the valve (e.g., deflect the valve members 111 and 161), so that gravel (or other undesirable particulate matter) may pass through the gap. Under such conditions, when fluid flow (more specifically, forward fluid flow) stops, gravel may be trapped in the gap and the valve may not be fully closed. This causes the check valve to "leak", where fluid flows through the valve in the reverse direction, rendering the check valve ineffective.

[0041] Figure 3A and 3B is a cross-sectional view of the valve portion 106 of the check valve 300 according to aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 3A The check valve 300 is shown in a closed position, wherein the check valve 300 restricts (minimizes) fluid flow in the opposite direction, and Figure 3B The check valve 300 is shown in an open position, wherein the check valve 300 allows fluid flow in a forward direction.

[0042] The check valve 300 may be similar in some respects to Figure 1A , 1B The check valves 100 and 200 of 106 and 200 of 107 and 108 are generally shown and therefore can be best understood with reference thereto, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts and are not described again in detail. For purposes of illustration, the valve portion 106 is shown inverted.

[0043] Reference Figure 3A and 3B , the angled inner surface 141 of the lower housing 104 includes a plurality of protrusions 182 arranged around the base 115. The protrusions 182 extend axially and radially around the base 115, which can be centrally located relative to the passage 103 in the lower housing 104. Each protrusion 182 has a curved top surface 183 that is relatively flat and gradually narrows in a radially outward direction. When the check valve 300 is open, when the valve member 111 is bent, the curvature of the top surface 183 can match the curvature of the valve member 111 (see Figure 3B ). A flow channel 186 is formed between adjacent protrusions 182, and when the check valve 300 is opened, fluid may flow through the flow channel 186.

[0044] exist Figure 3AIn the closed state shown in , the valve member 111 rests on the protrusion 132, which can extend from the inner surface 131 into the cavity 121. In more detail, the protrusion 132 can define a sealing surface 134 at its distal end, and the valve member 111 can rest on the sealing surface 134. The protrusion 132 (and thus the sealing surface 134) can be arranged in a circular manner around the passage 103. As shown, the protrusion 132 can be formed by a vertical upstream sidewall 142 and an angled downstream sidewall 144. Figure 3B In the open state shown in FIG. 1 , fluid flow (indicated by arrow A) can cause valve member 111 to bend about seat 115 and contact top surface 183 of protrusion 182. When valve member 111 bends, gap 113 can be created, and the gap can be wide enough to allow grit to enter retention space 187 (see below).

[0045] Figure 3C is a perspective view of lower housing 104 showing protrusion 182 and flow passage 186 in relatively greater detail.

[0046] Reference Figure 3D and 3E The retention space 187 can be operatively defined by the upper shell 102 and the lower shell 104. The retention space 187 can be located radially outside the protrusion 132 and can be or include the radially outermost portion ( Figure 3A ). The retention space 187 can be at least partially defined by the angled inner surface 141 and the downstream sidewall 144 and the inner vertical surfaces 151 and 153. In the open state, grit (or other undesirable particulate matter) 191 may be trapped (or temporarily retained) in the retention space 187. This is because a relatively large pressure drop is generated between the flow passage 186 and the outlet 110, which causes the valve member 111 to deflect to the maximum position, in which the disk surface contacts the top surface 183 of the protrusion 182. The gap 113 ( Figure 3B ) is larger than the size of the grit 191, and this can prevent the grit 191 from becoming lodged on the sealing surface 134. If the grit 191 becomes lodged, it will only be captured during forward flow conditions and will be captured at the inlet of the flow channel 186, as shown in FIG. Figure 3D As shown. When forward flow stops and the check valve 300 begins to close (e.g., the valve member 111 moves toward the sealing surface 134), the grit 191 may be dislodged and flow downstream via the flow passage 186. The benefit of this design is that during low flow conditions, fluid flow through the check valve 300 is not impeded by the presence of the grit 191. Another benefit is that the grit 191 may not be trapped in the gap between the valve member 111 and the protrusion 182, and "seepage" may be limited.

[0047] In one embodiment, the check valve 300 may include a filter 116 disposed in the passage 103 in the upper housing 102. For example, referring to Figure 1B An array of vertical structures 117 may be arranged in the passageway 103 to filter grit or other undesirable particulate matter and restrict its entry into the cavity 121 .

[0048] Subject Technology as a Description of the Terms

[0049] For convenience, various examples of aspects of the present disclosure are described as numbered clauses (1, 2, 3, etc.). These are provided as examples and do not limit the subject technology. The identification of the figures and figure numerals is provided below only as an example and for illustrative purposes, and the clauses are not limited by these identifications.

[0050] Item 1: A check valve comprising: an upper shell having an inlet of the check valve; a lower shell having an outlet of the check valve; a valve portion formed by the upper shell and the lower shell; a passage extending between the inlet and the outlet; a first filter in the upper shell for limiting the passage of undesirable substances in a fluid flowing through the check valve, the first filter extending axially and radially in the valve portion; and a valve member arranged in the valve portion to selectively allow fluid to flow through the check valve.

[0051] Clause 2: The check valve according to claim 1 further comprises: a second filter arranged in the passage to limit the passage of undesirable substances in the fluid flowing through the check valve, wherein the first filter and the second filter are arranged axially opposite to each other in the passage and include the valve member therebetween.

[0052] Clause 3: A check valve according to claim 2, wherein the first filter includes an array of vertical structures connected to the passage and extending axially and radially in the valve portion, and the second filter includes an array of vertical structures arranged around the passage and extending axially and radially in the valve portion, and the second filter is constructed to limit the passage of undesirable substances in the fluid.

[0053] Clause 4: The check valve of claim 1, wherein the lower housing includes a base disposed in and coupled to the passageway, one or more flow passages are disposed about the base and in fluid communication with the valve portion and the passageway, and the valve member is positioned on the base.

[0054] Item 5: A check valve according to claim 1, wherein the upper shell includes a protrusion arranged in a circular manner around the passage in the valve portion, a sealing surface is defined at the distal end of the protrusion, and a gap is defined between the sealing surface and the valve member, the gap restricting the passage of undesirable substances.

[0055] Clause 6: The check valve of claim 5, wherein the protrusion includes an upstream sidewall and a downstream sidewall, wherein a slope of the upstream sidewall is less than a slope of the downstream sidewall.

[0056] Clause 7: The check valve according to claim 1, wherein the upper housing defines an opening in fluid communication with the valve portion, and the valve member includes a first end coupled to the lower housing and the upper housing, and a second end opposite the first end and blocking the opening.

[0057] Clause 8: The check valve of claim 7, wherein the first end is fixed.

[0058] Clause 9: The check valve of claim 7, wherein the lower housing defines a flow passage in fluid communication with the passageway and the valve portion.

[0059] Clause 10: The check valve of claim 7, wherein the first filter is disposed about the opening.

[0060] Clause 11: The check valve of claim 1, wherein the lower housing includes a plurality of protrusions extending axially and radially in the valve portion, and adjacent protrusions define flow passages therebetween, the flow passages being in fluid communication with the passageway and the valve portion.

[0061] Clause 12: The check valve of claim 11, wherein the upper shell and the lower shell cooperatively operatively define an inner cavity in the valve portion, and a radially outermost portion of the inner cavity defines a retention space radially adjacent to the protrusion and configured to retain undesirable matter in the fluid.

[0062] Clause 13: The check valve of claim 11, wherein the plurality of axially and radially extending protrusions are arranged about the passageway.

[0063] Item 14: A check valve, comprising: an upper shell having an inlet of the check valve; a lower shell axially connected to the upper shell and having an outlet of the check valve; a valve portion formed by the upper shell and the lower shell operatively together; a passage extending between the inlet and the outlet; a first filter included in the upper shell to limit the passage of undesirable substances in the fluid flowing through the check valve; a second filter included in the lower shell to limit the passage of undesirable substances in the fluid flowing through the check valve, each of the first filter and the second filter including a plurality of vertical structures arranged in the valve portion and extending axially and radially in the valve portion; and a valve member positioned in the valve portion to selectively allow fluid to flow through the check valve.

[0064] Item 15: A check valve according to claim 14, wherein the inner surface of the upper shell in the valve portion includes an axially extending protrusion arranged in a circular manner around the passage in the valve portion, and a sealing surface is defined at the distal end of the protrusion, wherein the valve member is constructed to contact the sealing surface to restrict the flow of fluid through the sealing surface.

[0065] Clause 16: The check valve of claim 14, wherein the plurality of vertical structures are spaced apart from the valve member.

[0066] Item 17: A check valve, comprising: an upper shell having an inlet of the check valve; a lower shell axially connected to the upper shell and having an outlet of the check valve; a valve portion formed by the upper shell and the lower shell operatively together; a passage extending between the inlet and the outlet; and a valve member arranged in the valve portion to selectively allow fluid to flow through the check valve, wherein the upper shell defines an opening in fluid communication with the valve portion, and the valve member is elongated and has a first end connected to the lower shell and the upper shell, and an opposite second end blocking the opening.

[0067] Clause 18: The check valve of claim 17, wherein an inner surface of the lower housing in the valve portion defines a flow channel in fluid communication with the valve portion and the passageway.

[0068] Clause 19: The check valve of claim 17, wherein a filter is disposed about the opening.

[0069] Item 20: A check valve, comprising: an upper shell having an inlet of the check valve; a lower shell axially connected to the upper shell and having an outlet of the check valve; a valve portion formed by the upper shell and the lower shell; a passage extending between the inlet and the outlet; and a valve member arranged in the valve portion to selectively allow fluid to flow through the check valve, wherein the lower shell includes a plurality of protrusions extending axially and radially from an inner surface of the lower shell in the valve portion, flow channels are defined between adjacent protrusions, the flow channels are fluidly connected to the passage and the valve portion, and the upper shell and the lower shell jointly operatively define an inner cavity in the valve portion, and the radially outermost portion of the inner cavity defines a retention space constructed to retain undesirable substances in the fluid.

[0070] Clause 21: The check valve of claim 20, wherein a filter is disposed in the passageway of the upper housing.

[0071] Further Notes

[0072] In some embodiments, any clause herein can rely on any independent clause or any dependent clause. On the one hand, any clause (e.g., dependent or independent clause) can be combined with any other one or more clauses (e.g., dependent or independent clause). On the one hand, the claim may include some or all of the wording (e.g., steps, operations, means or parts) narrated in a clause, sentence, phrase or paragraph. On the one hand, the claim may include some or all of the wording narrated in one or more clauses, sentences, phrases or paragraphs. On the one hand, some of the wording in each clause, sentence, phrase or paragraph can be removed. On the one hand, additional wording or elements can be added to clauses, sentences, phrases or paragraphs. On the one hand, the subject technology can be implemented without utilizing some parts, elements, functions or operations described herein. On the one hand, the subject technology can be implemented utilizing additional parts, elements, functions or operations.

[0073] The foregoing description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to practice the various structures described herein. Although the subject technology has been described in detail with reference to various drawings and structures, it should be understood that these are only for illustrative purposes and should not be considered to limit the scope of the subject technology.

[0074] There can be many other ways to implement the subject technology. Without departing from the scope of the subject technology, the various functions and elements described herein can be divided differently from those shown. Various modifications to these structures will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other structures. Therefore, without departing from the scope of the subject technology, those of ordinary skill in the art can make many changes and modifications to the subject technology.

[0075] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the disclosed process is an illustration of an exemplary method. Based on design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the process can be rearranged. Some steps can be performed simultaneously. The attached method claims present elements of the various steps in an exemplary order and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

[0076] As used herein, the phrase "at least one of" preceding a list of items, with the terms "and" or "or" to separate any item, modifies the list as a whole, rather than modifying each member of the list (i.e., each item). The phrase "at least one of" does not require selection of at least one of each listed item; rather, the phrase allows for a meaning that includes at least one of any one item, and / or at least one of any combination of items, and / or at least one of each item. For example, the phrases "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" each refer to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, C; and / or at least one of each of A, B, and C.

[0077] As used in this disclosure, terms such as "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", etc. should be understood to refer to an arbitrary reference frame, not a general gravitational reference frame. Thus, the top surface, bottom surface, front surface, and rear surface may extend upward, downward, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravitational reference frame.

[0078] Furthermore, to the extent the terms "including," "having," and the like are used in the specification or claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" and to be interpreted as "comprising" when used as a transitional word in a claim.

[0079] In one or more aspects, the terms "about," "substantially," and "approximately" may provide an industry-accepted tolerance for their corresponding terms and / or relativity between items.

[0080] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0081] Unless otherwise specified, reference to an element in the singular does not mean "one and only one," but rather "one or more." Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) include feminine and neuter pronouns (e.g., her and its) and vice versa. The term "some" refers to one or more. Underlined and / or italicized headings and subheadings are for convenience only, do not limit the subject technology, and are not considered to be associated with the interpretation of the description of the subject technology. All structural and functional equivalents of the elements throughout the various structures described in this disclosure that are known or will be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly included herein by reference and are intended to be included in the subject technology. In addition, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be committed to the public, regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly stated in the above description.

[0082] Although the detailed description contains many details, these details should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the subject technology, but only for illustrating different examples and aspects of the subject technology. It should be understood that the scope of the subject technology includes other embodiments not discussed in detail above. Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, various other modifications, changes and variations can be made to the arrangement, operation and details of the method and equipment of the subject technology disclosed herein. Unless otherwise indicated, the elements mentioned in the singular do not mean "one and only one", unless clearly specified, but mean "one or more". In addition, in order to be included in the scope of the present disclosure, it is not necessary for the device or method to solve each problem that can be solved by the different embodiments of the present disclosure (or to have each advantage that can be realized). "Can" and its derivatives used herein should be understood as "possible" or "optional", contrary to the ability to affirm.

Claims

1. A check valve, comprising: an upper housing having an inlet of a check valve; a lower housing having an outlet of a check valve; a valve portion formed by the upper housing and the lower housing, wherein the valve portion defines an inner cavity; a passage extending between the inlet and the outlet; a valve member disposed in the valve portion to selectively allow fluid to flow through the check valve; a central post coupled to an inner sidewall of the lower housing, wherein the post extends into the interior cavity and the post supports the valve member; and at least one channel defined between the inner sidewall and the column, wherein the at least one channel is in fluid communication with the passageway, wherein the upper housing includes projections arranged in a circular manner around the passage in the valve portion, A surface is defined at a distal end of the projection, and A gap is defined between the surface and the valve member, the gap restricting the passage of undesirable matter.

2. The check valve according to claim 1, further comprising: A first filter is provided in the upper housing for limiting passage of undesirable substances in the fluid flowing through the check valve, the first filter extending axially and radially in the valve portion.

3. The check valve according to claim 2, further comprising: a second filter disposed in the passage to restrict passage of undesirable substances in the fluid flowing through the check valve, wherein The first filter and the second filter are arranged axially opposite to each other in the passage and include the valve member therebetween.

4. The check valve according to claim 3, wherein: The second filter includes an array of vertical structures arranged about the passageway and extending axially and radially in the valve portion, the second filter being configured to restrict passage of undesirable matter in the fluid.

5. The check valve according to claim 1, wherein: The surface defined at the distal end of the projection is a sealing surface.

6. The check valve according to claim 5, wherein: The protrusion includes an upstream sidewall and a downstream sidewall, wherein a slope of the upstream sidewall is smaller than a slope of the downstream sidewall.

7. The check valve according to claim 1, wherein: The upper housing defines an opening in fluid communication with the valve portion, and The valve member includes a first end portion coupled to the lower housing and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion and blocking the opening.

8. The check valve according to claim 7, wherein: The first end is fixed.

9. The check valve according to claim 7, wherein: The lower housing defines a flow passage in fluid communication with the passageway and the valve portion.

10. The check valve according to claim 7, wherein: A first filter is disposed about the opening.

11. The check valve according to claim 1, wherein: The lower housing includes a plurality of protrusions extending axially and radially in the valve portion, and Flow passages are defined between adjacent projections and are in fluid communication with the passageway and the valve portion.

12. The check valve according to claim 11, wherein: The upper housing and the lower housing cooperatively operatively define an interior cavity in the valve portion, and a radially outermost portion of the interior cavity defines a retention space radially adjacent to the protrusion and configured to retain undesirable matter in the fluid.

13. The check valve according to claim 11, wherein: A plurality of protrusions extending axially and radially are arranged around the passageway.

14. A check valve, comprising: an upper housing having an inlet of a check valve; a lower housing axially coupled to the upper housing and having an outlet of a check valve; a valve portion formed by the upper housing and the lower housing, wherein the valve portion defines an inner cavity; a passage extending between the inlet and the outlet; a valve member positioned in the valve portion to selectively allow fluid to flow through the check valve; a central post coupled to an inner sidewall of the lower housing, wherein the post extends into the interior cavity and the post supports the valve member; and a plurality of channels defined between the inner sidewall and the upright, wherein the plurality of channels are in fluid communication with the passageway, wherein an inner surface of the upper housing in the valve portion includes axially extending protrusions arranged in a circular manner around the passage in the valve portion, and A raised surface is defined at a distal end of the projection, wherein the valve member is configured to contact the raised surface to restrict fluid flow through the raised surface.

15. The check valve according to claim 14, wherein: The raised surface is a sealing surface.

16. The check valve according to claim 14, further comprising: A first filter is contained in the upper housing to restrict passage of undesirable substances in the fluid flowing through the check valve.

17. The check valve according to claim 16, further comprising: A second filter is contained in the lower housing to restrict passage of undesirable matter in the fluid flowing through the check valve.

18. A check valve, comprising: an upper housing having an inlet of a check valve; a lower housing axially coupled to the upper housing and having an outlet of a check valve; a valve portion formed by the upper housing and the lower housing; a passage extending between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the valve portion defines an interior cavity; a valve member disposed in the valve portion to selectively allow fluid to flow through the check valve, wherein the upper housing defines an opening in fluid communication with the valve portion, wherein the valve member is elongated and has a first end coupled to the lower housing and an opposing second end blocking the opening; a base coupled to an inner sidewall of the lower housing, wherein the base extends into the inner cavity and the base supports the valve member; and At least one channel is defined between the inner sidewall and the base, wherein the at least one channel is in fluid communication with the passageway.

19. The check valve according to claim 18, wherein: An inner surface of the lower housing in the valve portion defines a flow passage in fluid communication with the valve portion and the passageway.

20. The check valve according to claim 18, further comprising: A filter is disposed about the opening, the filter comprising a plurality of vertical structures disposed at least partially within the passageway.

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