Check valve with secondary backflow seal

Abstract

A check valve having a primary seal and a secondary seal is disclosed, wherein the primary seal and the secondary seal prevent fluid movement through the check valve, and the secondary seal can provide a backup seal in the event that the check valve does not function as intended. The primary seal and the secondary seal can be formed by a first seal ridge and a second seal ridge, respectively, and a valve body can be positioned within the check valve, between a valve support, the first seal ridge, and the second seal ridge. The valve body is configured to move relative to the first seal ridge and the second seal ridge and can have a position in which a portion of the valve body engages against either of the first seal ridge and the second seal ridge.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to controlling the direction of fluid flow. More specifically, the present description relates to controlling fluid flow using check valves. BACKGROUND

[0002] A check valve is a device that allows fluid to move through the valve in a first direction and restricts or prevents fluid from moving through the valve in a second direction different from the first direction. Movement of fluid through the valve in the second direction is often referred to as backflow.

[0003] Check valves can be used in many types of applications, including: pumps, such as piston driven pumps and diaphragm pumps; fluid systems for industrial processes, including chemical plants and power plants; fluid control systems, such as irrigation sprinklers and drip irrigation; and in medical applications, such as valves for movement of heart chambers, infusion therapy, and other fluids and / or medications.

[0004] Check valves can include a valve body, often shaped as a disc, that forms a diaphragm. The valve body can move to allow or prevent movement of fluid through a passageway of the check valve. In some cases, the valve body can have a closed position in which the valve engages against a portion of the check valve to prevent movement of fluid therethrough, and an open position in which the valve moves relative to the portion of the check valve to allow movement of fluid therethrough.

[0005] Check valves can move to an open position by fluid pressure or engagement of fluid against the valve, thereby allowing fluid to pass therethrough. When an opening pressure of the check valve is reached, the check valve moves from a closed position to an open position. The opening pressure corresponds to a difference between a pressure in a fluid passageway upstream of the valve body relative to a pressure in a fluid passageway downstream of the valve body. In some check valves, the valve body moves to an open position when a positive pressure differential is applied to the valve body, for example when the pressure upstream of the valve body is greater than the pressure downstream of the valve body.

[0006] The valve body can move to a closed position when the positive pressure differential is reduced, removed, or reversed. For example, the valve body can move to a closed position when backflow of fluid occurs, i.e., when fluid moves from a downstream portion of the check valve to an upstream portion of the check valve. A negative pressure differential, for example when the fluid pressure downstream of the valve body is greater than the fluid pressure upstream of the valve body, can cause the valve body to move to a closed position. In some cases, the inherent elasticity of the valve body can also enable the valve body to move to a closed position. SUMMARY

[0007] A check valve can not function as intended when the valve body does not move to a closed position or does not prevent fluid from flowing back through the check valve. For example, when a particle or debris becomes lodged in the check valve, the check valve can not move to a closed position or prevent fluid from flowing back. In some cases, the particle or debris can become lodged between the valve body and another portion of the check valve such that the valve body does not fully prevent fluid flow or block the fluid passageway.

[0008] A check valve can also not function as intended when a pressure differential between an upstream portion and a downstream portion of a fluid passageway causes the valve to be out of position or to move in an unintended manner. For example, when the downstream pressure is significantly greater than the intended operating parameters of the check valve, the valve body can be displaced from the valve seat or support surface and the valve body can move toward or be extruded into the upstream portion of the fluid passageway.

[0009] According to at least some embodiments disclosed herein, it is recognized that although check valves can be designed with specific performance characteristics, certain issues can arise during use, manufacture, and assembly of the check valve. For example, a particle or debris in the fluid can become lodged in the check valve, thereby preventing the valve from closing as intended.

[0010] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a check valve having a housing including an inner cavity, a first port, and a second port, wherein an upstream fluid passageway extends through the first port to the inner cavity and a downstream fluid passageway extends through the second port to the inner cavity; a first sealing ridge extending into the inner cavity and including a rim extending around the first port; a second sealing ridge extending into the inner cavity and including a rim extending around the upstream fluid passageway such that the first sealing ridge is between the first port and the second sealing ridge; a valve support including a valve support surface; and a valve body positioned within the inner cavity, the valve body including a first portion movable relative to the first sealing ridge, a second portion movable relative to the second sealing ridge, and a third portion engaging against the valve support surface.

[0011] Some examples of the present disclosure provide a check valve comprising a housing having an inner cavity, a first port, and a second port, wherein an upstream fluid passageway extends through the first port to the inner cavity, a downstream fluid passageway extends through the second port to the inner cavity; a first sealing ridge extending into the inner cavity and comprising a rim extending around the first port; a second sealing ridge extending into the inner cavity and comprising a rim extending around the upstream fluid passageway, such that the first sealing ridge is between the first port and the second sealing ridge; and a valve body positioned within the inner cavity and comprising a first closed position in which a first portion of the valve body engages against the first sealing ridge and a second portion of the valve body is spaced apart from the second sealing ridge, an open position in which the first and second portions of the valve body are spaced apart from the first and second sealing ridges, respectively, and a second closed position in which at least a portion of the first portion of the valve body engages against the first sealing ridge and the second portion of the valve body engages against the second sealing ridge.

[0012] Some examples of the present disclosure provide a method of controlling flow, the method comprising: providing a check valve defining an inner cavity, the check valve having a fluid passageway extending therethrough, a first sealing ridge, and a second sealing ridge; and positioning a valve body in the inner cavity in a first closed position such that a first portion of the valve body engages against the first sealing ridge to prevent movement of fluid between upstream and downstream portions of the fluid passageway and a second portion of the valve body is spaced apart from the second sealing ridge; wherein the valve body is movable to a second closed position such that at least a portion of the first portion of the valve body engages against the first sealing ridge and the second portion of the valve body moves toward and engages the second sealing ridge.

[0013] Additional features and advantages of the subject technology will be set forth in the description below, and in part will be apparent from the description, or can be learned by practice of the subject technology. The advantages of the subject technology will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

[0014] 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 DRAWINGS

[0015] Various features of illustrative embodiments of the present application are described below with reference to the following drawings. The illustrated embodiments are intended to explain the present application and not to limit the application. The following drawings contain the following figures:

[0016] Figure 1 A check valve coupled to a patient by an intravenous tubing set is shown in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of a check valve is shown in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 3 A cross-sectional elevation view of a check valve is shown in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

[0019] Figure 4 A perspective view of a check valve upper housing is shown in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

[0020] Figure 5 A cross-sectional elevation view of a check valve is shown in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

[0021] Figure 6 A perspective view of a check valve lower housing is shown in accordance with aspects of the disclosure.

[0022] Figure 7 A cross-sectional elevation view of a check valve is shown in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. Figure 3

[0023] A cross-sectional elevation view of a check valve is shown in accordance with aspects of the disclosure. Figure 8 Figure 3 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the subject technology. It will be understood, however, that the subject technology can be practiced without some or all of these specific details, in other instances, well-known structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the subject technology.

[0025] Furthermore, although the specification has described various embodiments with specificity, it is to be understood that the specification has been made by way of non-limiting examples only, and that the scope of the inventive subject matter is not limited to the specific methods described. Moreover, it is to be understood that various applications of the general inventive concepts described herein will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading this description.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the present disclosure discloses various features and advantages of check valves. A check valve can allow fluid to move through the check valve in a first direction and prevent fluid from moving through the check valve in a second direction different from the first direction, such as during backflow through the check valve. The present disclosure also provides features of a check valve that can prevent fluid from moving through the check valve when the valve body does not close as expected. By including a primary seal and a secondary seal, a check valve having features of the present disclosure can prevent fluid from moving through the check valve when the valve body does not close as expected during backflow. Furthermore, according to some embodiments, various features and advantages of the present disclosure can increase reliability of check valves, simplify manufacturing of check valve components, and increase efficiency of assembling check valves.

[0027] ​​In at least some embodiments, the check valve includes a valve body that can have one or more open positions and one or more closed positions. For example, the valve body can have an open position in which at least a portion of the valve body is moved to allow fluid to move through a fluid passageway of the check valve. The valve body can have a closed position (e.g., a first closed position) in which at least a portion of the valve body impedes or prevents fluid from moving through the fluid passageway, for example, during backflow through the check valve. In addition, the check valve can have another closed position (e.g., a second closed position) in which another portion of the valve body is moved to impede or prevent fluid from moving through the fluid passageway, for example, when the valve body does not occlude the fluid passageway as expected during backflow through the check valve.

[0028] In some embodiments, the valve body includes a first closed position and a second closed position. When the valve body is in the first closed position, a first portion of the valve body occludes a fluid passageway through the check valve, and when the valve body is in the second closed position, the first portion of the valve body and a second portion of the valve body occlude the fluid passageway.

[0029] The check valve can be configured such that the first portion of the valve body can engage against a first sealing surface of the check valve to form a primary seal, thereby occluding the fluid passageway, and the second portion of the valve body can engage against a second sealing surface of the check valve to form a secondary seal, thereby also occluding the fluid passageway. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the primary seal and the secondary seal are positioned in series along the fluid passageway through the check valve. It is contemplated that in some embodiments, either of the first portion and the second portion of the valve body can be moved relative to one another and / or another portion of the check valve.

[0030] The check valve can include an inlet port and an outlet port, with the fluid passageway extending between the inlet port and the outlet port; and the valve body positioned in the fluid passageway and between the inlet port and the outlet port. The portion of the fluid passageway between the inlet port and the valve body forms an upstream portion of the fluid passageway, and the portion of the fluid passageway between the valve body and the outlet port forms a downstream portion of the fluid passageway.

[0031] The check valve can have an orientation of the valve body in a first closed position, thereby forming a primary seal. The valve body can be in the first closed position when no fluid is moving through the fluid passageway, or when no opening pressure of the check valve is exceeded, for example, when a pressure in the upstream portion of the fluid passageway is less than or equal to a pressure in the downstream portion of the fluid passageway. The valve body can also be in the first closed position when the pressure in the downstream portion of the fluid passageway is greater than or equal to the pressure in the upstream portion of the fluid passageway.

[0032] In some cases, a particle or debris can become stuck in the check valve, for example between the valve body and the first sealing surface, thereby preventing the primary seal from forming completely and causing a leak between the upstream and downstream portions of the fluid pathway. It is contemplated that other situations can arise in which the primary seal does not form as intended, for example deformation or damage to the valve body, sealing surface, or another portion of the check valve.

[0033] When the primary seal does not form as intended, or when the pressure differential between the upstream and downstream portions of the fluid pathway exceeds a threshold, the valve body can move to a second, closed position, thereby forming a secondary seal. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the primary and secondary seals can form simultaneously.

[0034] In some embodiments, the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface are positioned along the upstream portion of the fluid pathway. The second sealing surface is positioned between the inlet port and the valve body, and the first sealing surface is positioned between the inlet port and the second sealing surface.

[0035] The valve body is positioned along the fluid pathway with a first portion of the valve body adjacent to the first sealing surface and a second portion of the valve body adjacent to the second sealing surface. The first sealing surface is different than the second sealing surface, and the first portion of the valve body is different than the second portion of the valve body. Either of the first and second sealing surfaces can be engaged against by the valve body to prevent fluid movement along the fluid pathway through the check valve.

[0036] Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 An example of a check valve 100 in use according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The check valve 100 is fluidly coupled to tubing of an intravenous (IV) set for delivering fluid to a patient 1. The IV set includes a medication bag 10, a drip chamber 12, tubing 14, a pump 16, and an IV catheter 18. In some embodiments, the check valve 100 can be fluidly coupled to the tubing 14 along a portion between the medication bag 10 and the pump 16 or between the pump 16 and the IV catheter 18. It will be appreciated that the check valve of the present disclosure can be used in other applications besides IV therapy.

[0037] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a disassembled check valve 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The check valve 100 includes a valve body 102, an upper housing 104, and a lower housing 106. The check valve 100 is configured for positioning the valve body 102 between the upper housing 104 and the lower housing 106. In some embodiments, the upper housing 104 forms at least a portion of an upstream fluid pathway and the lower housing 106 forms at least a portion of a downstream fluid pathway.

[0038] The radial centers of the valve body 102, the upper housing 104, and the lower housing 106 define an axis XI through the check valve 100.

[0039] The valve body 102 includes a top surface 120 and a bottom surface 122. The valve body can include sections or portions, such as a first portion 124 proximate a center (e.g., axis XI) of the valve body 102, and a second portion 126 that can be positioned radially outward relative to the first portion 124. In some embodiments, the valve body includes a third portion 128 that can be positioned radially inward relative to the first portion 124, such that the first portion of the valve is positioned between the second portion 126 and the third portion 128. In some aspects of the present disclosure, any of the first portion 124, the second portion 126, and the third portion 128 can be positioned along the bottom surface 122 of the valve body.

[0040] Referring to Figure 3 , a cross-sectional view of a check valve 100 is shown, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. The upper housing 104 and the lower housing 106 are coupled together to form a cavity 112 of the check valve therebetween. A fluid passageway extends through the cavity 112. The valve body 102 divides the fluid passageway into an upstream portion 108 of the fluid passageway and a downstream portion 110 of the fluid passageway.

[0041] The check valve 100 includes a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface at the upstream portion of the fluid passageway. The first sealing surface and the second sealing surface are configured to be engaged against by the valve body 102 in dependence on a pressure or movement of fluid in the check valve 100. The first sealing surface can be defined by a first sealing ridge 130, and the second sealing surface can be defined by a second sealing ridge 132. The check valve 100 can also include a valve support structure at the downstream portion 110 of the fluid passageway. The valve support structure can be defined by a valve support 160 at the downstream portion of the fluid passageway.

[0042] The valve body 102 is positioned between the first sealing ridge 130 and the second sealing ridge 132 at the upstream portion of the fluid passageway and the valve support 160 at the downstream portion of the fluid passageway.

[0043] It should be appreciated that although the present disclosure includes reference to the upper housing 104 and the lower housing 106, any of the first sealing ridge 130 and the second sealing ridge 132 and the valve support 160 can be formed as part of another structure adjacent to the valve body 102. For example, the first sealing ridge 130 and the second sealing ridge 132 can be formed as components positioned within a fluid path and adjacent to the valve body 102. The first sealing ridge 130 and the second sealing ridge 132 and the valve support 160 can be associated with a fluid path of a device, such as a pump or in a heart chamber. In another example, the first sealing ridge 130 and the second sealing ridge 132 and the valve support 160 can be formed as part of a surface in a device, such as a pump.

[0044] Referring toFigure 2 and Figure 3 Valve body 102 can be shaped as a disc having a top surface 120 and a bottom surface 122. Valve body 102 can have a curved shape or a bowl shape, where at least a portion of top surface 120 is convex and at least a portion of bottom surface 122 is concave. In some embodiments, at least a portion of valve body 102 is flat.

[0045] Valve body 102 is positioned in cavity 112 with bottom surface 122 of the valve body engaged against valve support 160 and top surface 120 of the valve body engaged against first sealing surface.

[0046] Valve body can be formed with a convex top surface 120 having a radius Rl. Radius Rl is selected such that when valve body 102 is positioned in cavity 112, first portion 124 of the valve body is engaged against first sealing ridge 130 and second portion 126 of the valve body is spaced apart from second sealing ridge 132.

[0047] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, valve body 102 is positioned in cavity 112 with first portion 124 of the valve body spaced apart from first sealing ridge 130 and second portion 126 of the valve body engaged against second sealing ridge 132.

[0048] Valve body 102 can comprise a material that is flexible relative to upper housing 104 and lower housing 106. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, valve body 102 comprises a first section and a second section, where the second section is more flexible relative to the first section. For example, a first section of valve body 102 can comprise a portion of the valve configured to engage against valve support 160 (e.g., third portion 128 of the valve body), and a second section of valve body 102 can comprise a portion of the valve configured to engage against first sealing ridge 130 and second sealing ridge 132 (e.g., first portion 124 and second portion 126 of the valve body). In embodiments of the present disclosure, the first section of the valve can comprise a bottom surface of the valve body or a rib extending radially outward from an axial center of the valve body. In yet other embodiments of the present disclosure, the first section of the valve can comprise a ring extending around a perimeter of valve body 102.

[0049] Valve body 102 can be configured to be in a partially curved or biased orientation when positioned in cavity 112 defined by upper housing 104 and lower housing 106. For example, valve body 102 can be biased when placed between first sealing ridge 130 and valve support 160.

[0050] The upper housing 104 and the lower housing 106 can be coupled together to define an upstream portion 108 of the fluid passageway and a downstream portion 110 of the fluid passageway, which can conduct fluid through the check valve 100. In addition, the upper housing 104 and the lower housing 106 can inhibit unintended movement of the valve body 102 relative to portions of the upper and lower housings 104, 106. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the check valve 100 can include a one-piece or unitary housing, or a housing having one or more portions coupled or formed together.

[0051] Figures 3-6 The check valve 100 is shown having an upper housing 104 and a lower housing 106 coupled together to define a cavity 112, as well as an upstream portion 108 of the fluid passageway and a downstream portion 110 of the fluid passageway.

[0052] In Figure 4 The upper housing 104, which is shown separately in FIG. 1, includes a body defining a central axis X2, a radial wall 142, and a lateral wall 144. The radial wall 142 extends in a direction transverse relative to the axis X2, and the lateral wall 144 extends from the radial wall 142 in a direction generally parallel to the axis X2.

[0053] At least a portion of the inner surfaces of the radial wall 142 and the lateral wall 144 define a cavity 146 of the upper housing. The cavity 146 of the upper housing and a portion of the lower housing 106 define the cavity 112 of the check valve when the upper housing 104 and the lower housing 106 are coupled together.

[0054] The upper housing 104 can include a first port 148 defining an opening extending through the radial wall 142. The first port 148 forms a fluid inlet into the cavity 146 of the upper housing. In some embodiments, a portion of the inner surface of the radial wall 142 and the first port 148 are concave, or extend away from the cavity 146 of the upper housing.

[0055] The upper housing 104 can also include a sleeve 150 configured to couple with a portion of a pipe fitting. The sleeve 150 extends from the radial wall 142 in a direction away from the cavity 146 of the upper housing and generally parallel to the axis X2. The inner surface of the sleeve 150 and the first port 148 define a passageway extending between the outer surface of the upper housing 104 and the cavity 146 of the upper housing. The upstream portion 108 of the fluid passageway can extend through the sleeve 150, the first port 148, and the cavity 146 of the upper housing.

[0056] According to some embodiments, the upper housing can include at least one axially extending wall 152 protruding radially inward from the inner surface of the radial wall 142 and / or the sleeve 150. The at least one wall 152 can be configured as a protruding surface that is disposed directly above or upstream of the valve body 102. The at least one wall 152 can protrude radially inward from a concave portion of the inner surface defined by the radial wall 142, the sleeve 150, and the first port 148. The at least one wall 152 prevents movement of the valve body 102 in a direction from the cavity 146 of the upper housing toward the first port 148 when the check valve 100 is subjected to excessive back pressure. For example, excessive back pressure applied on the valve body 102 can cause the valve body to deflect or bend to an extent that the valve body 102 is displaced from a seated position between the valve support 160 and the first sealing ridge 130. If the valve body 102 is displaced from the seated position, the valve body 102 can move through the first port 148, thereby blocking the upstream portion 108 of the fluid passageway and preventing the check valve 100 from functioning as intended.

[0057] Accordingly, when the check valve 100 is subjected to excessive back pressure, the valve body 102 can move toward the first port 148 until the valve body 102 engages against the at least one wall 152. Further movement of the valve body 102 toward the first port 148 is prevented when the valve body 102 engages against the at least one wall 152.

[0058] The upper housing 104 can also define a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface for the valve body 102. The first and second sealing surfaces are formed by the first and second sealing ridges 130 and 132, respectively. Each of the first and second sealing ridges 130 and 132 is configured to be engaged against by the valve body 102.

[0059] The first and second sealing ridges 130 and 132 extend from the radial wall 142 into the cavity 146 of the upper housing. The first and second sealing ridges 130 and 132 have rims that extend around the upstream portion 108 of the fluid passageway. The rims of the first and second sealing ridges 130 and 132 are shaped as a circle that extends around the first port 148. However, the rim of either of the first and second sealing ridges 130 and 132 can have a regular shape, such as an oval, a square, a rectangle, or a triangle, and / or an irregular shape, such as an irregular polygon. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first sealing ridge 130 has a different rim shape than the second sealing ridge 132.

[0060] An edge of the first sealing ridge 130 extends about the axis X2 of the upper housing 104, and the second sealing ridge 132 extends about the first sealing ridge 130. An edge of the second sealing ridge 132 is positioned radially outward relative to the axis X2 from the first sealing ridge 130. Thus, the first sealing ridge 130 is positioned between the upstream portion 108 of the fluid passageway and the second sealing ridge 132.

[0061] Referring to Figure 5 FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the check valve 100 taken along line 5-5. The check valve 100 is shown without the valve body 102 to facilitate viewing of the first sealing ridge 130 and the second sealing ridge 132. The first sealing ridge 130 has a length 182 that extends from the inner surface of the radial wall 142 to an apex 184 of the first sealing ridge. The first sealing ridge 130 also has a width 186 that tapers from the inner surface of the radial wall 142 toward the apex 184. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the width 186 of the first sealing ridge 130 tapers at a first angle from the inner surface of the radial wall 142 toward the apex 184 along a first section, and tapers at a second angle from the first section to the apex 184 at a second angle, where the second angle is greater than the first angle.

[0062] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the first sealing ridge 130 has an inner surface 188 that extends from the inner surface of the radial wall 142 in a direction parallel to the axis X2, and an outer surface 189 that extends from the inner surface of the radial wall 142 in a direction transverse to the inner surface 188. The inner surface 188 and the outer surface 189 of the first sealing ridge 130 intersect at the apex 184 of the first sealing ridge.

[0063] The second sealing ridge 132 has a length 192 that extends from the inner surface of the radial wall 142 to an apex 194 of the second sealing ridge. The second sealing ridge 132 also has a width 196 that tapers from the inner surface of the radial wall 142 toward the apex 194. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the width 196 of the second sealing ridge 132 tapers at a first angle from the inner surface of the radial wall 142 toward the apex 196 along a first section, and tapers at a second angle from the first section to the apex 194 at a second angle, where the second angle is greater than the first angle.

[0064] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the second sealing ridge 132 has an inner surface 198 that extends from the inner surface of the radial wall 142 in a direction parallel to the axis X2, and an outer surface 199 that extends from the inner surface of the radial wall 142 in a direction transverse to the inner surface 198. The inner surface 198 and the outer surface 199 of the second sealing ridge 132 intersect at the apex 194 of the second sealing ridge.

[0065] The apex 184 of the first sealing ridge 130 defines a first diameter Dl, and the apex 194 of the second sealing ridge 132 defines a second diameter D2. The second diameter D2 is greater than the first diameter Dl, such that the second sealing ridge 132 is radially outward of the first sealing ridge 130. The second diameter D2 can be greater than the first diameter Dl, such that the inner surface 198 of the second sealing ridge is spaced apart from the outer surface 189 of the first sealing ridge.

[0066] A passage can be formed between the first sealing ridge 130 and the second sealing ridge 132. In some aspects of the disclosure, a portion of the inner surface of the radial wall 142 extends between the first sealing ridge 130 and the second sealing ridge 132 to form the passage. In some embodiments of the disclosure, the first sealing ridge 130 and the second sealing ridge 132 can be formed by one or more passages extending into the inner surface of the radial wall 142.

[0067] In Figure 6 The lower housing 106, shown separately in FIG. 1 1, includes a main body defining a central axis X3, a radial wall 162, and a lateral wall 164. The radial wall 162 extends in a direction transverse to the axis X3, and the lateral wall 164 extends from the radial wall 164 in a direction generally parallel to the axis X3.

[0068] At least a portion of the inner surfaces of the radial wall 162 and the lateral wall 164 define a cavity 166 of the lower housing. The cavity 166 of the lower housing and a portion of the upper housing 104 define the cavity 1 12 of the check valve when the upper housing 104 and the lower housing 106 are coupled together.

[0069] The lower housing 106 can include a second port 168 defining an opening extending through the radial wall 162. The second port 168 forms a fluid outlet from the cavity 166 of the lower housing. In some embodiments, a portion of the inner surface of the radial wall 162 and the second port 168 are concave, or extend away from the cavity 166 of the lower housing.

[0070] The lower housing 106 can also include a sleeve 170 configured to couple with a portion of a pipe fitting. The sleeve 170 extends from the radial wall 162 in a direction away from the cavity 166 of the lower housing and generally parallel to the axis X3. The inner surface of the sleeve 170 and the second port 168 define a passage extending between an outer surface of the lower housing 106 and the cavity 166 of the lower housing. The downstream portion 1 10 of the fluid pathway extends through the sleeve 170, the second port 168, and the cavity 166 of the lower housing.

[0071] According to some embodiments, the check valve 100 can optionally include a valve support 160 configured to engage against a portion of the valve body 102 to retain the valve body in the check valve 100. The valve support 160 can also prevent movement of the valve body 102 toward the downstream portion 110 of the fluid passageway or out of the cavity 112.

[0072] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the valve support 160 is a portion of the lower housing 106. The valve support 160 can engage against the valve body 102 and prevent movement of the valve body in a direction from the cavity 166 of the lower housing toward the second port 168 as fluid flow moves from the upstream portion 108 of the fluid passageway to the downstream portion 110 of the fluid passageway.

[0073] The valve support 160 extends into the cavity 166 of the lower housing and is positioned below or downstream of the valve body 102. The valve support 160 can include a base portion and a distal end portion. The base portion of the valve support 160 is coupled with the lower housing 106 and the distal end portion defines a valve support surface 172. The valve support surface 172 is configured to engage against the bottom surface 122 of the valve body 102 along the third portion 128 of the valve body.

[0074] According to some embodiments, the lower housing can include at least one arm 174 that protrudes radially inward from an inner surface of the radial wall 162. The at least one arm 172 can be configured as a protrusion that extends between the lower housing 106 and the valve support 160. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the check valve 100 includes two arms 174 that extend in radially opposite directions from a concave portion of the inner surface defined by the radial wall 162 to the valve support 160. The two arms 174 position the valve support 160 in the downstream portion 110 of the fluid passageway. In some embodiments, the valve support extends along the axis X3.

[0075] The valve support 160 can have a width 176 that tapers from the inner surface of the radial wall 162 toward the valve support surface 172. When the upper housing 104 and the lower housing 106 are coupled together, a distance 178 between the valve support surface 172 and the inner surface of the radial wall 142 is greater than the length 182 of the first sealing ridge and the length 192 of the second sealing ridge. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the distance 178 between the valve support surface 172 and the inner surface of the radial wall 142 is approximately equal to the length 192 of the second sealing ridge such that a plane defined by the valve support surface 172 intersects a plane defined by the apex 194 of the second sealing ridge.

[0076] Assembly of the check valve 100 is as follows: Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown. To assemble the check valve 100, the upper housing 104 and the lower housing 106 are coupled together with the valve body 102 positioned therebetween. Prior to coupling the upper housing 104 and the lower housing 106, the valve body 102 is placed against either the first sealing ridge 130 or the second sealing ridge 132 of the upper housing 104 or the valve support 160 of the lower housing 106. Next, the upper housing 104 and the lower housing 106 are moved toward each other such that the cavity 146 of the upper housing and the cavity 166 of the lower housing define the cavity 112 of the check valve.

[0077] In some aspects of the disclosure, when the check valve 100 is assembled, the axis X2 of the upper housing 104 and the axis X3 of the lower housing 106 are aligned with the axis XI that passes through the check valve 100.

[0078] When the upper housing 104 and the lower housing 106 are coupled together, the bottom surface 122 of the valve body is engaged against the valve support 160 and the top surface 120 of the valve body is engaged against the first sealing ridge 130. More specifically, the valve body can be positioned within the cavity 112 with the first portion 124 of the valve body engaged against the first sealing ridge 130 and the third portion 128 of the valve body engaged against the valve support surface 174.

[0079] The valve body 102 can be formed as a disc with a top surface having a radius Rl such that when the upper housing 104 and the lower housing 106 are coupled together, the first portion 124 of the valve body is engaged against the apex 184 of the first sealing ridge and the second portion 126 of the valve body is spaced apart from the apex 194 of the second sealing ridge.

[0080] In some embodiments of the disclosure, the valve body 102 or a portion thereof can have an approximate flat disc shape. As such, when the upper housing 104 and the lower housing 106 are coupled together, the valve body 102 is biased or bent between the apex 184 of the first sealing ridge and the valve support surface 174.

[0081] The valve body 102 or a portion thereof is flexible or movable such that the first portion 124 of the valve body is movable toward or away from the first sealing ridge 130 and the second portion 126 of the valve body is movable toward or away from the second sealing ridge 132.

[0082] Figure 3The check valve 100 is shown with the valve body 102 in a first closed position. The valve body 102 can be in the first closed position when no fluid is moving through the check valve 100, or when the fluid pressure differential between the upstream portion of the fluid pathway 108 and the downstream portion of the fluid pathway 110 is less than or equal to the opening pressure of the check valve 100. For example, the valve body 102 can be in the first closed position when the fluid pressure at the upstream portion of the fluid pathway 108 is at a first pressure, and the fluid pressure at the downstream portion of the fluid pathway 110 is at a second pressure, and where the first pressure and the second pressure are approximately equal. In another example, the valve body 102 can be in the first closed position when the second pressure is greater than the first pressure.

[0083] In the first closed position, the distance between the first sealing ridge 130 and the first portion of the valve body 124 is less than the distance between the second sealing ridge 132 and the second portion of the valve body 126.

[0084] Referring to Figure 7 , a cross-sectional view of the check valve 100 taken along line 5-5 is shown. The check valve 100 is shown with the valve body 102 in an open position. The valve body 102 can be in the open position when fluid is moving from the upstream portion of the fluid pathway 108 to the downstream portion of the fluid pathway 110, or when the opening pressure of the check valve 100 is exceeded. For example, the valve body 102 can be in the open position when the fluid pressure of the upstream portion of the fluid pathway 108 is greater than the fluid pressure of the downstream portion of the fluid pathway 110.

[0085] In the open position, the portions of the valve body 102 including the first portion 124 and the second portion 126 are spaced apart from the first ridge 130 and the second ridge 132, respectively. In the open position, fluid can move between the valve body 102 and the first ridge 130 and the second ridge 132 from the upstream portion of the fluid pathway 108 to the downstream portion of the fluid pathway 110.

[0086] When the valve body 102 is moved from the first closed position to the open position, at least a portion of the valve body 102 is flexed or biased such that the distance between the first sealing ridge 130 and the first portion of the valve body 124 is greater than the distance between the first sealing ridge 130 and the first portion of the valve body 124 in the first closed position.

[0087] Referring to Figure 8FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of check valve 100 taken along line 8-8, showing the check valve 100 with the valve body 102 in the second closed position. When a particle or debris 200 is stuck in the check valve, the valve body 102 can move to the second closed position such that a primary seal formed by the valve body 102 engaging against the first sealing ridge 130 is not formed. As shown, the debris 200 is stuck at the interface of the first sealing ridge 130 and the first portion 124 of the valve body. The debris 200 prevents the first portion 124 of the valve body from engaging against the entire rim of the apex 184 of the first sealing ridge, thereby allowing fluid to move or leak from the downstream portion 110 of the fluid passage to the upstream portion 108 of the fluid passage. When the debris 200 or other causes prevent the primary seal from being formed as intended, the pressure differential between the upstream portion 108 of the fluid passage and the downstream portion 110 of the fluid passage causes the second portion 126 of the valve body to move toward and engage against the second sealing ridge 132, thereby forming a secondary or backup seal.

[0088] In some aspects of the disclosure, the valve body 102 moves to the second closed position when the fluid pressure at the downstream portion 110 of the fluid passage is at a third pressure that is greater than the first pressure and the second pressure.

[0089] By providing the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface, the check valve 100 of the present disclosure can form a primary seal with the valve body 102 in the first closed position and can form a backup or secondary seal with the valve body 102 in the second closed position. In this way, the check valve 100 of the present disclosure prevents backflow leakage of fluid through the check valve, increases the reliability of the check valve, simplifies the manufacturing of the check valve, and improves the efficiency of assembling the check valve.

[0090] Statement of the Technical Field

[0091] The subject technology is illustrated, for example, in accordance with various aspects described below. For convenience, various examples of aspects of the subject technology are described in terms of numbered clauses (1, 2, 3, etc.). These are provided as examples, and are not intended to limit the subject technology. Note that any of the dependent clauses can be combined in any combination and placed in the corresponding independent clause (e.g., Clause 1 or Clause 5). Other clauses can be presented in a similar manner.

[0092] Clause 1. A check valve comprising: a housing comprising an inner cavity, a first port, and a second port, wherein an upstream fluid passageway extends through the first port to the inner cavity and a downstream fluid passageway extends through the second port to the inner cavity; a first sealing ridge extending into the inner cavity and comprising a rim extending around the first port; a second sealing ridge extending into the inner cavity and comprising a rim extending around the upstream fluid passageway, such that the first sealing ridge is positioned between the first port and the second sealing ridge; a valve support comprising a valve support surface; and a valve body positioned within the inner cavity, the valve body comprising a first portion movable relative to the first sealing ridge, a second portion movable relative to the second sealing ridge, and a third portion engaging against the valve support surface.

[0093] Clause 2. The check valve of clause 1, wherein the rim of the first sealing ridge comprises a first diameter and the rim of the second sealing ridge comprises a second diameter, the second diameter being greater than the first diameter.

[0094] Clause 3. The check valve of any one of clauses 1 and 2, wherein a distance between the first sealing ridge and the first portion of the valve body is less than a distance between the second sealing ridge and the second portion of the valve body.

[0095] Clause 4. The check valve of any one of clauses 1-3, wherein the first sealing ridge comprises a length extending toward the first portion of the valve body and the second sealing ridge comprises a length extending toward the second portion of the valve body, and wherein the length of the second ridge is greater than the length of the first ridge.

[0096] Clause 5. The check valve of clause 4, wherein any one of the first sealing ridge and the second sealing ridge comprises a width tapering along the length thereof.

[0097] Clause 6. The check valve of clause 5, wherein the width of any one of the first sealing ridge and the second sealing ridge tapers away from the housing.

[0098] Clause 7. The check valve of any one of clauses 1-6, wherein at least a portion of the valve body is flexible such that the first portion and the second portion of the valve body are configured to move toward and away from the first sealing ridge and the second sealing ridge, respectively.

[0099] Clause 8. The check valve of any one of clauses 1-7, wherein the valve body comprises a disc shape having a top surface and a bottom surface, and wherein the top surface comprises the first portion and the second portion of the valve body and the bottom surface comprises the third portion of the valve body.

[0100] Clause 9. The check valve of clause 8, wherein at least a portion of the top surface comprises a convex surface and at least a portion of the bottom surface comprises a concave surface.

[0101] Clause 10. The check valve of any one of clauses 1-9, further comprising a wall extending into the upstream fluid passageway to resist the valve body from moving out of the inner cavity.

[0102] Clause 11. The check valve of clause 10, wherein the wall extends from the housing into the upstream fluid passageway.

[0103] Clause 12. The check valve of any one of clauses 1-11, wherein a plane defined by the apex of the second sealing ridge is between a plane defined by the apex of the first sealing ridge and a plane defined by the valve support surface.

[0104] Clause 13. The check valve of any one of clauses 1-12, wherein a plane defined by the apex of the second sealing ridge is spaced apart from a plane defined by the apex of the first sealing ridge.

[0105] Clause 14. A check valve comprising: a housing having an inner cavity, a first port, and a second port, wherein an upstream fluid passageway extends through the first port to the inner cavity, and a downstream fluid passageway extends through the second port to the inner cavity; a first sealing ridge extending into the inner cavity and comprising a rim extending around the first port; a second sealing ridge extending into the inner cavity and comprising a rim extending around the upstream fluid passageway such that the first sealing ridge is between the first port and the second sealing ridge; and a valve body positioned within the inner cavity and comprising: a first closed position in which a first portion of the valve body is engaged against the first sealing ridge and a second portion of the valve body is spaced apart from the second sealing ridge; an open position in which the first and second portions of the valve body are spaced apart from the first and second sealing ridges, respectively; and a second closed position in which at least a portion of the first portion of the valve body is engaged against the first sealing ridge and the second portion of the valve body is engaged against the second sealing ridge.

[0106] Clause 15. The check valve of clause 14, wherein the valve body is in the first closed position when (i) a fluid pressure at the upstream fluid passageway is at a first pressure and a fluid pressure at the downstream fluid passageway is at a second pressure, and the first pressure and the second pressure are approximately equal, and (ii) when the second pressure is greater than the first pressure.

[0107] Clause 16. The check valve of clause 15, wherein the valve body is in the second closed position when the pressure at the downstream fluid passageway is at a third pressure that is greater than the first pressure and the second pressure.

[0108] Clause 17. The check valve of clause 15, wherein the valve body is in the open position when the first pressure is greater than the second pressure.

[0109] Clause 18. The check valve of any one of clauses 14-17, wherein at least a portion of the valve body is flexible such that, in the open position, the first portion of the valve body is biased away from the first sealing ridge.

[0110] Clause 19. The check valve of clause 18, wherein, in the second closed position, the second portion of the valve body is biased toward the second sealing ridge.

[0111] Clause 20. A method of controlling flow, the method comprising: providing a check valve defining an internal cavity, the check valve having a fluid passageway extending therethrough, a first sealing ridge, and a second sealing ridge; and providing a valve body within the internal cavity in a first closed position such that a first portion of the valve body engages against the first sealing ridge to prevent movement of fluid between an upstream portion and a downstream portion of the fluid passageway, and a second portion of the valve body is spaced apart from the second sealing ridge; wherein the valve body is movable to a second closed position such that at least a portion of the first portion of the valve body engages against the first sealing ridge, and the second portion of the valve body moves toward and engages the second sealing ridge.

[0112] Clause 21. The method of clause 20, wherein the valve is movable to an open configuration in which the first and second portions of the valve are spaced apart from the first and second sealing ridges, respectively, to allow movement of fluid between the upstream and downstream portions of the fluid passageway.

[0113] Clause 22. The method of any one of clauses 20 and 21, wherein providing the valve within the internal cavity comprises positioning the valve between a valve support and the first and second sealing ridges.

[0114] Further Considerations

[0115] In some embodiments, any of the clauses herein can be dependent on any one of the independent clauses or any one of the dependent clauses. In one aspect, any clause (e.g., dependent or independent) can be combined with any other one or more clauses (e.g., dependent or independent). In one aspect, a claim can include some or all of the words (e.g., steps, operations, manners, or means) recited in a clause, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In one aspect, a claim can include some or all of the words recited in one or more clauses, sentences, phrases, or paragraphs. In one aspect, some of the words in each clause, sentence, phrase, or paragraph can be removed. In one aspect, additional words or elements can be added to a clause, sentence, phrase, or paragraph. In one aspect, the subject technology can be practiced without utilizing some of the components, elements, functions, or operations described herein. In one aspect, the subject technology can be practiced with additional components, elements, functions, or operations.

[0116] The present disclosure is provided to enable any of the various aspects described herein to be practiced. The present disclosure provides various examples of the subject matter, and the subject matter is not limited to these examples. Various modifications can be made to these aspects, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects as well.

[0117] Unless specifically stated otherwise, references to a singular term does not exclude the plural or vice versa. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term "some" refers to one or more. The term "positive" includes the negative and the neutral, and vice versa. Headings and sub-headings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the application.

[0118] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example or illustration." Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. In one aspect, various alternative configurations and operations can be considered at least equivalent.

[0119] The phrase "aspect" does not mean that a particular aspect is necessary to the subject technology, or that the aspects apply to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure related to one aspect can apply to all configurations, or one or more configurations. An aspect can provide one or more examples. The phrase "aspect" can refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. The phrase "embodiment" does not mean that a particular embodiment is necessary to the subject technology, or that the embodiments apply to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure related to one embodiment can apply to all embodiments, or one or more embodiments. An embodiment can provide one or more examples. The phrase "embodiment" can refer to one or more embodiments, and vice versa. The phrase "configuration" does not mean that a particular configuration is necessary to the subject technology, or that the configurations apply to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure related to a configuration can apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. A configuration can provide one or more examples. The phrase "configuration" can refer to one or more configurations, and vice versa.

[0120] In one aspect, unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications that are set forth in this specification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. In one aspect, they are intended to have a reasonable range commensurate with the functions to which they relate and with general

[0121] In one aspect, the term "coupled" and the like can mean directly coupled. In another aspect, the term "coupled" and the like can mean indirectly coupled.

[0122] Terms such as "top," "bottom," "front," "back," and the like, if used in this disclosure, should be understood as referring only to an arbitrary reference frame, and not to an ordinary gravitational reference frame. Thus, top surfaces, bottom surfaces, front surfaces, and back surfaces can extend upwardly, downwardly, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravitational reference frame.

[0123] Various items can be arranged differently (e.g., in a different order, or partitioned differently), all without departing from the scope of the subject technology. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later become known are expressly incorporated by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Furthermore, no inference is to be drawn from the conception of one claimed aspect (for example, an independently claimed aspect or even an unclaimed aspect of the application) to any non-claimed aspect (for example, an unclaimed aspect of the application) that does not, on its own, preclude the claim aspect. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," and the like can be used herein and are intended to permit a statement that comprises many elements or steps do not include many others thereof. The words "comprising" (and any form of comprising, such as "comprise" and "comprises"), "having" (and any form of having, such as "have" and "has"), "including" (and any form of including, such as "includes" and "include") or "containing" (and any form of containing, such as "contains" and "contain") are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or steps.

[0124] The title, background, summary, brief description of drawings, and abstract of the disclosure are hereby incorporated into this disclosure and provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure, and are not intended to be limiting. It is understood that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims at the time of the application. Furthermore, in the detailed description, it can be seen that the description provides illustrative examples and, for the purposes of conciseness and ramming the disclosure, various features are combined in individual embodiments. The methods of the disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are explicitly recited in each claim. Rather, as is reflected in the following claims, the inventive subject matter is directed to less than all the features of the disclosed constructions or operations. The claims hereinafter are hereby incorporated into this detailed description, each claim independently standing as a separate claimed subject matter.

[0125] The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, and to cover all legal equivalents thereof. However, no aspect is intended to be conveyed by any claim to be required for the practice of the subject matter as claimed, nor should they be interpreted in that manner.

Claims

1. A check valve, the check valve comprising: The housing includes an inner cavity, a first port, and a second port, wherein an upstream fluid passage extends through the first port to reach the inner cavity, and a downstream fluid passage extends through the second port to reach the inner cavity; A first sealing ridge extends into the inner cavity and includes an edge extending around the first port; A second sealing ridge extends into the inner cavity and includes an edge extending around the upstream fluid passage, such that the first sealing ridge is located between the first port and the second sealing ridge; and A valve body, positioned within an inner cavity, includes: a first closed position, wherein a first portion of the valve body engages against an edge of a first sealing ridge, and a second portion of the valve body is spaced apart from an edge of a second sealing ridge; an open position, wherein the first portion and the second portion of the valve body are spaced apart from the edges of the first and second sealing ridges, respectively; and a second closed position, wherein at least a portion of the first portion of the valve body engages against the first sealing ridge, and the second portion of the valve body engages against the second sealing ridge.

2. The check valve according to claim 1, wherein, The valve body is in the first closed position when (i) the fluid pressure in the upstream fluid passage is at a first pressure and the fluid pressure in the downstream fluid passage is at a second pressure, and the first pressure and the second pressure are approximately equal, and (ii) when the second pressure is greater than the first pressure.

3. The check valve according to claim 2, wherein, When the pressure at the downstream fluid passage is a third pressure that is greater than the first pressure and the second pressure, the valve body is in the second closed position.

4. The check valve according to claim 2, wherein, When the first pressure is greater than the second pressure, the valve body is in the open position.

5. The check valve according to claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the valve body is flexible, such that in the open position, a first portion of the valve body is biased away from the first sealing ridge.

6. The check valve according to claim 5, wherein, In the second closed position, the second portion of the valve body is biased toward the second sealing ridge.

7. A method for controlling flow, the method comprising: A check valve is provided, the check valve defining an inner cavity and having a fluid passage extending therethrough, a first sealing ridge and a second sealing ridge; as well as The valve body inside the inner cavity is positioned in the first closed position, such that the first part of the valve body engages against the edge of the first sealing ridge to prevent fluid from moving between the upstream and downstream parts of the fluid passage, and the second part of the valve body is spaced apart from the edge of the second sealing ridge. The valve body can be moved to a second closed position, such that at least a portion of the first part of the valve body engages against the first sealing ridge, and the second part of the valve body moves toward and engages the second sealing ridge.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The valve is movable to an open configuration in which a first portion and a second portion of the valve are spaced apart from the first and second sealing ridges, respectively, to allow fluid to move between an upstream and a downstream portion of the fluid passage.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The valve is positioned within the internal cavity by positioning the valve between the valve support and the first and second sealing ridges.

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