Suction plug valve

Abstract

A suction plug valve is provided with: a valve body comprising: an opening leading into a cavity having an inner diameter, a first port disposed at a first position around the inner diameter, and a second port disposed at a second position around the inner diameter; the valve rod is partially arranged in the cavity and is provided with a first outer diameter, the valve rod comprises a rotating groove with a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter, when the valve rod is in an unlocking configuration, the valve rod is configured to be switched between a flowing configuration and a stopping configuration, the flowing configuration is used for limiting a flowing path between the first port and the second port, and the stopping configuration is used for stopping the flowing path between the first port and the second port. A stop configuration that blocks a flow path between the first port and the second port; and a stopper protruding into the cavity and the rotation groove, where the valve stem is configured to translate relative to the valve body to transition between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration, where the locked configuration prevents transition between the flow configuration and the stop configuration.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This disclosure claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 422,224, entitled "Suction Stopcock Valve", filed on November 3, 2022, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] A stopcock valve is a valve that regulates the flow of liquids and gases and blocks the flow when the valve is in the closed position. When a stopcock valve is used in a suction system, the stopcock valve can block the negative pressure from a suction source from acting on a fluid target (e.g., a vein, where body fluid or emboli are aspirated from the vein by negative pressure). SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] This disclosure generally relates to an improved stopcock valve design for use in a pressure supply line that is part of a suction or aspiration device. The stopcock valve includes: a valve body to which various pipelines in the pressure supply line or other components of the suction device can be connected; and a valve stem that a user can manually actuate to adjust the flow state allowed through the valve body. The presently described stopcock valve provides improvements in terms of ease of assembly, ease of use, and resistance to state changes caused by fluid flow.

[0005] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a stopcock valve, comprising: a valve body including: an opening leading into a cavity having an inner diameter, a first port disposed at a first position around the inner diameter, and a second port disposed at a second position around the inner diameter; a valve stem partially disposed in the cavity and having a first outer diameter, the valve stem including a rotation groove having a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter, wherein when in an unlocked configuration, the valve stem is configured to transition between a flow configuration defining a flow path between the first port and the second port and a stop configuration blocking the flow path between the first port and the second port; and a stopper projecting into the cavity and the rotation groove, wherein the valve stem is configured to translate relative to the valve body to transition between an unlocked configuration and a locked configuration, wherein the locked configuration prevents transition between the flow configuration and the stop configuration.

[0006] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a plug valve, comprising: a valve body, which includes: an opening defined in a first plane and leading to a cavity having a first inner diameter; a first port located at a first position around the first inner diameter; a second port located at a second position around the first inner diameter; and a valve stem disposed in the cavity and protruding from the cavity in a first direction perpendicular to the first plane and a second direction opposite to the first direction, the valve stem having a first outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter; the valve stem includes: a through hole, wherein the valve stem is configured to rotate between a flow configuration and a stop configuration, in the flow configuration, the through hole is aligned with the first port and the second port to open a flow path through the valve body and the valve stem, in the stop configuration, the through hole is not aligned with the first port or the second port to block the flow path through the valve body and the valve stem; a stop member protruding from a portion of the valve stem protruding from the cavity in the first direction; a retaining groove protruding from the cavity in the second direction and having a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter; and a retaining member disposed in the retaining groove and extending beyond the inner diameter of the cavity.

[0007] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a plug valve, comprising: a valve body, including: an opening located on a first side of the valve body and leading to a cavity having a first inner diameter; a first port located at a first position around the first inner diameter and perpendicular to the opening; a second port located at a second position around the first inner diameter and perpendicular to the opening; and a vent hole located on a second side of the valve body opposite to the first side and having a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter; a valve stem disposed in the cavity and protruding from the opening of the cavity, the valve stem having a first outer diameter, the valve stem includes: a through hole, wherein the valve stem is configured to rotate between a flow configuration and a stop configuration, in the flow configuration, the through hole is aligned with the first port and the second port to open a flow path through the valve body and the valve stem, in the stop configuration, the through hole is not aligned with the first port or the second port to block the flow path through the valve body and the valve stem; a first sealing groove defined circumferentially around the valve stem on a first side of the through hole and having a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter; and a second sealing groove defined circumferentially around the valve stem on a second side opposite to the first side of the through hole and having a third outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter; and a first sealing device and a second sealing device respectively disposed in the first sealing groove and the second sealing groove and having an outer sealing diameter not less than the first outer diameter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The drawings depict various elements of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, but do not constitute a limitation on the scope of the present disclosure.

[0009] In the drawings, some elements may not be drawn to scale for a clearer display of details. Additionally, where possible, the same reference numerals are used in multiple drawings to represent the same elements.

[0010] The elements and features in one embodiment can be advantageously incorporated into other embodiments without further recitation or explanation. For example, since the drawings may show alternative views and time periods, the individual elements shown in the first drawing may be omitted from the illustration in the second drawing without sacrificing the inclusion of such elements in the embodiments shown or discussed in connection with the second drawing.

[0011] Figures 1A - 1G A running diagram of a plug valve according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0012] Figures 2A - 2J Several flow states allowed by a plug valve according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown.

[0013] Figures 3A - 3F The characteristics of the valve stem of a plug valve according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown.

[0014] Figures 4A - 4D The characteristics of the valve body of a plug valve according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown. Detailed Description

[0015] The present disclosure generally relates to an improved plug valve for use in a pressure supply line as part of a suction or aspiration device. The plug valve includes: a valve body to which various pipelines in the pressure supply line or other components of the suction device can be connected; and a valve stem that can be manually actuated by a user to adjust the flow state allowed through the valve body. The presently described plug valve provides improvements in terms of ease of assembly, ease of use, and resistance to state changes caused by fluid flow. In addition, the plug valve can be manufactured with ideal (and improved) materials to more stringent tolerances for use at higher pressures without leakage. Some embodiments include vent holes, which can further improve ease of assembly but can also be used as injection holes for additional ports.

[0016] Figures 1A - 1G A running diagram of a plug valve 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In Figures 1A - 1G the valve body 110 of the plug valve 100 is connected to a first tube 130a (generally or collectively referred to as tube 130) on a first side and to a second tube 130b on a second side to place the plug valve 100 between a negative pressure source and a fluid target. For example, the plug valve 100 can be placed between a vacuum pump or syringe and the vein of a patient being aspirated (e.g., via a catheter connected to tube 130). In various embodiments, the tube 130 is inserted into a female connector defined by the valve body 110 to fix the tube 130 to the valve body 110, but it can also be mounted on a male connector defined by the valve body 110. Additionally or alternatively, in certain embodiments, the tube 130 can be omitted when the valve body 110 is directly connected to another component (e.g., a negative pressure source or a catheter).

[0017] Figures 1A - 1G ,

[0017] , and Figures 1A - 1G respectively show the valve stem 120 inserted into the valve body 110, but in different states, which affect the fluid flow through the valve body 110. In various embodiments, the different states affect the flow rate of the fluid through the flow path or the pressure exerted by the fluid on the fluid target. The fluid may include liquid flow or gas flow through positive or negative pressure from a pressure source, including applying a vacuum to the fluid target.

[0018] Figure 1A shows the valve stem 120 in a blocked state, where the valve stem 120 blocks or prevents fluid from flowing through the valve body 110. For example, when in the blocked state, the fluid communication between a negative pressure source (connected to the cock valve 100 through the first pipe 130a) and a fluid target (connected to the cock valve 100 through the second pipe 130b) is blocked. In various embodiments, the direction of the handle on the valve stem 120 can indicate whether the valve stem 120 blocks or allows fluid to flow through the valve body 110.

[0019] Figure 1B Figure 1A shows the valve stem 120 in a passing state, where the valve stem 120 allows fluid to flow through the valve body 110 and the valve stem 120. For example, when in the flowing state, fluid communication between a negative pressure source (connected to the cock valve 100 through the first pipe 130a) and a fluid target (connected to the cock valve 100 through the second pipe 130b) is allowed through the valve body 110 and the valve stem 120 (e.g., through a through hole on the valve stem 120). Figure 1B The valve stem 120 in Figure 1A rotates relative to the valve stem 120 in

[0020] Figure 1C shows the valve stem 120 in a pulled-out state. In some embodiments, when in the pulled-out state, the valve stem 120 is partially removed from the valve body 110 to allow fluid to flow through the valve body 110; while when in the pushed-in state (e.g., as shown in Figure 1A and 1B ), the valve stem 120 blocks fluid flow. For example, in the pulled-out state, fluid communication between a negative pressure source (connected to the cock valve 100 through the first pipe 130a) and a fluid target (connected to the cock valve 100 through the second pipe 130b) is allowed through the valve body 110 (e.g., through the cavity in the valve body 110 that was originally occupied by the valve stem 120). Figure 1C The valve stem 120 in Figure 1AThe valve stem 120 therein is pulled outwards from the valve body 110 to move a portion of the valve stem 120 that blocks the flow path from one side of the valve body 110 to the other, thereby fluidly connecting the first tube 130a and the second tube 130b. In some embodiments, as discussed with respect to Figure 1D the pull-out configuration vertically (along the longitudinal axis of the valve stem 120) aligns the through-hole in the valve stem 120 with the port in the valve body 110, and the valve stem 120 also rotates (about the longitudinal axis) to align or misalign the through-hole with the port.

[0021] Figure 1D The valve stem 120 in the pulled-out and rotated state is shown, where the valve stem 120 is partially removed from the valve body 110 and rotated to align the through-hole relative to the port on the valve body 110. For example, if Figure 1C shows the rotational alignment of the valve stem 120 such that the plug valve 100 is in one of the blocked or flow states, then Figure 1D shows the other of the blocked or flow states. In another example, if Figure 1C shows the pulled-out state where the valve stem 120 is partially removed from the valve body 110 to allow fluid to flow through the valve body 110, then Figure 1D a locking configuration can be shown that engages the valve stem 120 with the valve body 110 (e.g., due to applied positive pressure suction) to resist further inward pushing towards the valve body 110 or outward pulling from the valve body 110.

[0022] Figures 1A - 1D The bi-directional rotation of an exemplary plug valve 100 is shown, while Figures 1E - 1G the tri-directional rotation of an exemplary plug valve 100 is shown, which includes a third port in the valve body 110 of the plug valve 100, and the respective through-holes in the valve stem 120 can be aligned or misaligned with the third port in various ways.

[0023] Figure 1E The first rotational configuration is shown, for example, when the second tube 130b is isolated from the valve stem 120, but the first tube 130a is in fluid communication with the third port, and this first rotational configuration aligns the through-hole of the valve stem 120 with two of the three ports. For example, when using the plug valve 100, an operator (e.g., a doctor) can connect a positive pressure source or a negative pressure source to the first tube 130a and move the valve stem 120 as Figure 1E shown to fluidly connect the first tube 130a with the third port, thereby applying the positive or negative pressure from the pressure source through the entire flow path of the plug valve 100 to a device (e.g., a syringe or other tube) connected to the third port without applying pressure to the second tube 130b and the device or fluid target connected to the second tube 130b.

[0024] Figure 1FShows a second rotational configuration, in which the through-hole of the valve stem 120 is aligned with all three ports; or shows a third rotational configuration, i.e., for example, when the third port is closed with respect to the valve stem 120, but the first tube 130a and the second tube 130b remain in fluid communication, the through-hole of the valve stem 120 is aligned with two of the three ports. For example, when the stopcock valve 100 is in the use configuration, an operator (e.g., a doctor) can connect a positive pressure source or a negative pressure source to the first tube 130a and move the valve stem 120 as Figure 1F shown to fluidly connect the first tube 130a with the third port and the second port, so as to apply positive or negative pressure from the pressure source through the entire flow path of the stopcock valve 100 to a device (e.g., a syringe or other tube) connected to the third port, and apply pressure to the second tube 130b and a device or fluid target connected to the second tube 130b. In another example, when the stopcock valve 100 is in the use configuration, an operator (e.g., a doctor) can connect a positive pressure source or a negative pressure source to the first tube 130a and move the valve stem 120 as Figure 1F shown to fluidly communicate the first tube 130a with the second port, so as to apply positive or negative pressure from the pressure source through the entire flow path of the stopcock valve 100 to the second tube 130b (and a device or fluid target connected to the second tube 130b), but not to the third port or any device or tube connected to the third port.

[0025] Figure 1G Shows a fourth rotational configuration, e.g., when the first tube 130a is isolated from the valve stem 120, but the second tube 130b is in fluid communication with the third port, the fourth rotational configuration aligns the through-hole of the valve stem 120 with two of the three ports. For example, when the stopcock valve 100 is in the use configuration, an operator (e.g., a doctor) can move the valve stem 120 as Figure 1G shown to disconnect the first tube 130a from fluid connection with the third port and the second port while maintaining fluid communication between the second port and the third port, thereby stopping the application of pressure from the pressure source connected to the first tube 130a to the fluid target, allowing the operator to draw a sample from the fluid target connected to the second tube 130b into a syringe connected to the third port, or inject a dye, contrast agent, or drug from the syringe connected to the third port into the second tube 130b without interference from the pressure source.

[0026] According to the design of the stopcock valve 100, various states of the valve stem 120 relative to the valve body 110 can provide different flow states, where Figures 2A - 2J shows several flow states allowed by the stopcock valve 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The valve body 110 and the valve stem 120 jointly define whether there is a flow path 210 between two ports in the valve body 110 and the cavity of the valve body 110 or the through-hole in the valve stem 120.

[0027] As Figures 2A - 2C shown, the user can rotate the valve stem 120 relative to the valve body 110 to vary the amount of the flow path 210 at the port, thereby achieving Figure 2A full flow in Figure 2B partial flow in Figure 2C and no flow in Figures 2A - 2C (e.g., closing the flow path 210 and disconnecting fluid communication). Although Figures 2A - 2C shows the user rotating the through - hole of the valve stem 120 clockwise to transition from the full - flow state to the no - flow state, in various embodiments, the user can also rotate the through - hole of the valve stem 120 counterclockwise to transition from the full - flow state to the no - flow state.

[0028] As Figures 2D - 2G shown, when the flow path 210 is provided through a through - hole in the valve stem 120, the user can move the valve stem 120 inward or outward relative to the cavity in the valve body 110 to vary the amount of the flow path 210 at the port, thereby achieving Figure 2D full flow in Figure 2E and 2F partial flow in Figure 2G and no flow in Figure 2D (e.g., closing the flow path 210 and disconnecting fluid communication). 2E and 2G show the sequence in which the user pulls the valve stem 120 upward to close the flow path 210 (and the reverse sequence of pushing the valve stem 120 downward to open the flow path 210). Figure 2D and 2F and 2G show the sequence in which the user pushes the valve stem 120 “downward” to close the flow path 210 (and the opposite sequence of pulling the valve stem 120 “upward” to open the flow path 210).

[0029] As Figures 2H - 2J shown, when the flow path 210 is provided by the presence or absence of the valve stem 120, the user can translate the valve stem 120 relative to the valve body 110 to vary the amount of the flow path 210 presented at the port, thereby allowing Figure 2H full flow in Figure 2I partial flow in Figure 2J and no flow in

[0030] Figure 2B and 2E The partial - flow examples shown in 2F and 2I are provided only as non - limiting examples of partial flow; the user can adjust the presented ratio of the flow path 210 at the port of the valve body 110 to be between fully presented (as Figure 2A and 2D and 2H show) and fully absent (as Figure 2C and2G between those shown in FIGS. 2J

[0031] Figures 3A - 3F FIG. 2 shows features of the valve stem 120 of the plug valve 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Each shown valve stem 120 may include features that can be freely combined with features in other shown valve stems.

[0032] The valve stem 120 includes a handle 310 that allows a user to rotate the valve stem 120 about a longitudinal axis and / or push the valve stem 120 into and out of the valve body 110. In various embodiments, the orientation of the handle 310 can identify the rotation of the valve stem 120, and when the handle 310 is aligned with a port on the valve body 110, the plug valve is in a flow-permitting configuration. The handle 310 can take on various ergonomic shapes.

[0033] The stem 320 of the valve stem 120 extends from the handle 310 and is (at least partially) inserted into the valve body 110. The cross-section of the stem 320 is generally circular and includes a sealing surface 360 that blocks fluid communication between the ports of the valve body 110 in a blocking configuration. In various embodiments, the stem 320 includes various grooves and channels that allow various gaskets, rotation controllers, extension controllers, and retainers to interface with the valve stem 120.

[0034] For example, in Figure 3A , the stem 320 includes a first sealing groove 330a (generally or collectively referred to as the sealing groove 330) and a second sealing groove 330b that are circumferentially around the stem 320 and are located on opposite sides of the sealing surface 360. The shapes of the first sealing groove and the second sealing groove are respectively configured to receive a first O-ring 370a (generally or collectively referred to as the O-ring 370) and a second O-ring 370b. Between the second sealing groove 330b and the handle 310, Figure 3A the stem 320 in

[0035] includes a first rotation groove 340a and a second rotation groove 340b that are circumferentially around the stem 320. The first rotation groove and the second rotation groove are located on opposite sides of a translation groove 340c, and opposite sides of the translation groove 340c are arranged in a non-parallel direction with respect to the first rotation groove 340a and the second rotation groove 340b. In various embodiments, one or both of the first rotation groove 340a and the second rotation groove 340b are 360 degrees around the circumference of the stem 320, but can also be less than 360 degrees around the circumference of the stem 320 to limit the rotation of the valve stem 120 relative to the valve body 110. Figure 2J Figure 2H 2I and 2I) The sealing surface 360 blocks fluid communication. In some embodiments, alignment lugs (455) are inserted into the grooves 340a-c to limit the inward / outward translation of the valve stem 120 between the fully inserted and fully withdrawn configurations to a rotational state where the alignment lugs (455) are aligned with the translation groove 340c.

[0036] For example, in Figure 3B , the stem 320 includes a first sealing groove 330a (generally or collectively referred to as the sealing groove 330) circumferentially around the stem 320 and a second sealing groove 330b. The first and second sealing grooves are located on opposite sides of the sealing surface 360, and the shapes of the two sides are respectively adapted to receive the first O-ring 370a and the second O-ring 370b. As Figure 3B shown, the sealing surface 360 includes a through-hole which forms part of the flow path 210 when aligned with the port, and the port blocks or allows fluid communication according to the rotational position of the valve stem 120 relative to the valve body 110 (see, for example, Figures 2A - 2C ). In some embodiments, the stem 320 includes a retaining groove 380 located at the distal end of the valve stem 120 relative to the handle 310. The retaining groove is shaped to receive a retainer 390 to hold the valve stem 120 in the valve body 110 (e.g., to prevent translation during installation). In various embodiments, the retainer 390 is a C-ring that can be bent to allow installation into the retaining groove 380 or snapped to fix the retainer 390 in the retaining groove 380.

[0037] For example, in Figure 3C , the stem 320 includes a sealing surface 360 which includes a through-hole that forms part of the flow path 210 when the through-hole is aligned with the port, and the port blocks or allows fluid communication according to the rotational position of the valve stem 120 relative to the valve body 110 (see, for example, Figures 2A - 2C ), and the sealing groove 330 and the associated O-ring 370 are omitted, and instead, a seal is established by matching the outer diameter of the stem 320 with the inner diameter of the valve body 110. In addition, in some embodiments, the valve stem 120 includes a rotating block 350 which is configured to interact with the blocking feature (460) on the opening of the valve body 110, so as to insert the valve stem 120 to limit the amount of rotation of the valve stem 120 (e.g., less than 360 + degrees). In some embodiments, the stem 320 includes a retaining groove 380 at the distal end of the valve stem 120 relative to the handle 310, and the shape of the retaining groove can receive a retainer 390 to hold the valve stem 120 in the valve body 110 (e.g., to prevent translation during installation). In various embodiments, the retainer 390 is a C-ring that can be bent to allow installation into the retaining groove 380 or snapped to fix the retainer 390 in the retaining groove 380.

[0038] For example, in Figure 3DIn [reference], the rod 320 includes a first sealing groove 330a (generally or collectively referred to as the sealing groove 330) and a second sealing groove 330b that are circumferentially around the rod 320 and are located on opposite sides of the sealing surface 360. The shapes of the first and second sealing grooves are respectively adapted to receive a first O-ring 370a and a second O-ring 370b. As Figure 3D shown, the sealing surface 360 includes a through-hole that is open on both sides of the rod 320. When the through-hole is aligned with the port, the through-hole forms part of the flow path 210, and the port blocks or allows fluid communication according to the rotational position of the valve stem 120 relative to the valve body 110 (see, for example, Figures 2A - 2C ).

[0039] For example, in Figure 3E [reference], the rod 320 includes a first sealing groove 330a and a second sealing groove 330b that are circumferentially around it. The first and second sealing grooves are located on opposite sides of the sealing surface 360, and their shapes are respectively adapted to receive a first O-ring 370a and a second O-ring 370b. Between the second sealing groove 330b and the handle 310, Figure 3E the rod 320 in [reference] includes a first rotating groove 340a and a second rotating groove 340b that are circumferentially around it. The first and second rotating grooves are located on opposite sides of the translation groove 340c, and the opposite sides of the translation groove 340c are arranged in a non-parallel direction relative to the first rotating groove 340a and the second rotating groove 340b. In some embodiments, the sealing surface 360 includes a through-hole that forms part of the flow path 210 when aligned with the port, and the port blocks or allows fluid communication according to the rotational and translational positions of the valve stem 120 relative to the valve body 110 (see, for example, Figures 2A - 2F ). In some embodiments, alignment lugs (455) are inserted into the grooves 340a-c to limit the inwards / outwards translation of the valve stem 120 between the fully inserted configuration and the fully withdrawn configuration to the rotational states where the alignment lugs (455) are aligned with the translation groove 340c and the flow path 210.

[0040] For example, in Figure 3F [reference], the rod 320 includes a first sealing groove 330a and a second sealing groove 330b that are circumferentially around it and are located on opposite sides of the sealing surface 360. The shapes of the first and second sealing grooves 330 are respectively adapted to receive a first O-ring 370a and a second O-ring 370b. As Figure 3F shown, the sealing surface 360 includes a through-hole having three openings (one of which is not shown). When the through-hole is aligned with the port, the through-hole forms part of the flow path 210, and the port blocks or allows fluid communication according to the rotational position of the valve stem 120 relative to the valve body 110 (see, for example, Figures 2A - 2C ). Figure 3EThe flow path 210 therein includes a first aperture extending through the diameter of the rod 320 and a second aperture extending through the radius of the rod 320 to form a T-shaped or Y-shaped flow path 210. In the T-shaped flow path 210, the openings of the flow path 210 are arranged such that: the first opening and the second opening are at a 180-degree arc, and the third opening is at a 90-degree arc (in opposite directions) with both the first opening and the second opening; while the Y-shaped arrangement describes any other arc arrangement of the openings.

[0041] Figures 4A - 4D Illustrates features of the valve body 110 of the cock valve 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Each illustrated valve body 110 may include features that can be freely combined with features in other illustrated valve bodies.

[0042] The valve body 110 includes a housing 410 having an outer diameter and forming a cavity having an inner diameter, the cavity being configured to cooperate with the sealing surface 360 and / or the O-ring 370 of the associated valve stem 120. The housing 410 includes: an opening 440 (or a first opening 440a) located on the side of the valve body 110 opposite to the base 430 to allow the valve stem 120 to be inserted into the cavity; and a first port 420a (generally or collectively referred to as port 420) and a second port 420b, through which fluid communication is formed when in the flow-permitting configuration, and fluid communication is blocked through the first port 420b when in the blocking configuration.

[0043] If the O-ring 370 is included, the O-ring acts as a sealing device to prevent or reduce fluid flow through paths other than the path between the ports 420 of the valve body 110. The O-ring 370 is sized such that its inner diameter is smaller than the outer diameter of the valve stem 120, and its outer diameter is larger than the inner diameter of the valve body 110, so that the O-ring 370 can be fitted into the corresponding sealing groove 330 in the valve stem 120 and be compressed by the inner diameter of the valve body 110.

[0044] In various embodiments, the base 430 may be solid (e.g., without any through holes, as Figure 4A shown), or may include a second opening 440b sized to allow the valve stem 120 to be inserted into both ends of the valve body 110 (e.g., as Figure 4B shown), or may include a second opening 440b sized such that the valve stem 120 is not allowed to be inserted into the vent hole or the third port 420 at both ends of the valve body 110 (e.g., as Figure 4Cas shown). Additionally, although the ports 420 shown in the figures are located on opposite sides of the valve body 110 (e.g., 180 degrees apart), are equidistant from the base 430, and are equal in size (e.g., aperture or outer diameter), in various embodiments, the ports 420 can be located in different orientations around the valve body 110, be different distances from the base 430, and be different in size from each other.

[0045] Figure 4A shows a valve body 110 that can be used in conjunction with any of the valve stems 120 shown Figures 3A - 3F in. The valve body 110 includes an opening 440 on a first side and a solid base 430 on the other side (e.g., a second opening 440b is omitted). Since Figure 4A the valve body 110 in has a solid base 430, the flow path 210 between the ports 420 can run in any order as shown Figures 2A - 2J in.

[0046] In some embodiments, the valve stem 120 inserted into the opening 400 can be held in the cavity of the valve body 110 by friction (e.g., the friction between the inner diameter of the valve body 110 and the outer diameter of the valve stem 120 or the outer diameter of the O-ring 370 if included).

[0047] Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, the valve body 110 includes a stop 450 that is installed in a slot defined in the valve body 110 after the valve stem 120 is inserted into the cavity of the valve body 110. The stop 450 can be adhered in the slot with various epoxy resins or thermal adhesives, or fixed in place by friction, a covering adhesive tape, one-way lugs, etc. Alignment lugs 455 extend from the stop 450 beyond the inner diameter of the cavity to mate with the grooves 340a-c of the valve stem 120 (e.g., as shown in Figure 3A and 3E ), and the alignment lugs limit the rotational and translational movement of the valve stem 120 relative to the valve body 110 and can hold the valve stem 120 at least partially in the cavity of the valve body 110. When used with a valve stem 120 that does not have grooves 340a-c for receiving the alignment lugs 455 (e.g., the valve stem 120 shown in Figures 3B - 3D ), or when the user does not wish to limit the rotation and translation of the valve stem 120 according to the path defined by the grooves 340a-c or wishes to remove the valve stem 120 from the valve body 110, the stop 450 can be omitted (or removed).

[0048] Figure 4B shows a valve body 110 that can be used in conjunction with any of the valve stems 120 shown Figures 3A - 3FThe valve body 110 for use in conjunction with any valve stem 120 shown. The valve body 110 includes a first opening 440a on a first side and a second opening 440b on a second side opposite the first side, and the valve stem 120 can be inserted through the second opening. Since the base 430 includes the second opening, the flow path 210 between the ports 420 can be run in any order as shown in Figures 2A - 2G shown.

[0049] In various embodiments, after the valve stem is inserted, the valve stem 120 is held in the cavity of the valve body 110 by a retainer 390 located in the retaining groove 380 of the valve stem 120 (e.g., as shown in Figure 3B shown). In various embodiments including a retainer 290, the retainer 390 can prevent or limit the outward translation of the valve stem 120 relative to the valve body 110 to prevent a user from opening / closing the flow path 210 by translation (e.g., as shown in Figures 2D - 2J shown), or to prevent the user from accidentally translating the valve stem 120 too far out of the valve body 110 when opening / closing the flow path 210 by translation.

[0050] In other embodiments, the valve stem 120 is held in place by friction (e.g., between the inner diameter of the valve body 110 and the outer diameter of the valve stem 120 or the outer diameter of an O-ring 370 if included).

[0051] Figure 4B The valve body 110 shown includes a blocking structure 460 at the first opening 440a, and the blocking structure is configured to cooperate with the rotating block 350 on the valve stem 120 to limit the amount of rotation of the valve stem 120 relative to the valve body 110 (e.g., less than 360 + degrees). In various embodiments, there may be more than one blocking structure 460 at the opening 440 of the valve body 110, or the blocking structure 460 may occupy different arcs around the opening 440 to affect the allowed amount of rotation of the valve stem 120 relative to the valve body 110 to different extents (e.g., between 0 - 90 degrees, between 0 - 180 degrees, between 0 - X degrees).

[0052] Figure 4C shown can be used with Figures 3A - 3F any valve stem 120 shown. The valve body 110 includes a first opening 440a on a first side and a second opening 440b on a second side opposite the first side, and the second opening is smaller than the diameter of the valve stem 120. As shown, the second opening 440b is parallel to and concentric with the first opening 440a and is shaped as a generally identical circle. In other embodiments, the vent hole can be located in a non - concentric position and have a different shape relative to the first opening 440a.

[0053] In various embodiments, the smaller second opening 440b can be used as a vent hole to allow air in the cavity to escape more easily when the valve stem 120 is inserted into the valve body 110. Additionally or alternatively, the smaller second opening 440b can be used as an additional port in the stopcock valve 100. In embodiments where the smaller second opening 440b is used as a vent hole, the flow path 210 between the ports 420 can run in any order according to Figures 2A - 2G shown, while in embodiments where the smaller second opening 440a is used as an additional port 420, the flow path 210 between the three ports 420 can run in the order according to Figures 2H - 2J shown. In some embodiments, using the smaller second opening 440b as a port, the port can be sealed with a temporary gasket (e.g., made of foam, rubber, or plastic) designed to be pierced by inserting a trocar, needle, catheter, or similar device.

[0054] In various embodiments, the valve stem 120 is held in place by friction (e.g., between the inner diameter of the valve body 110 and the outer diameter of the valve stem 120 or the outer diameter of the O-ring 370 if included). In some embodiments, the valve stem 120 includes a retaining protrusion with a diameter smaller than the rest of the valve stem 120 that passes through the vent hole, thereby extending the retaining groove 380 beyond the second opening 440b, and the retaining groove can be held in place by a properly sized retainer 390.

[0055] Figure 4D Shown is a valve body 110 that can be used with any valve stem 120 shown in Figures 3A - 3F . The valve body 110 includes a first opening 440a on a first side and a second opening 440b on a second side opposite the first side, and the diameter of the second opening is smaller than the diameter of the valve stem 120. As shown, the second opening 440b is arranged parallel and concentric with the first opening 440a and has substantially the same shape. In other embodiments, the vent hole can be located in a non-concentric position and have a different shape relative to the first opening 440a.

[0056] Figure 4DThe valve body 110 therein includes three ports 420a-c, where the first port 420a and the second port 420b are located on opposite sides of the valve body 110, and the third port 430c is located at a 90-degree arc between the first port 420a and the second port 420b, arranged in a T-shape. In various embodiments, the respective arc distances between the ports 420 can be defined as different arc distances to define various Y-shaped arrangements. As shown, the first port 420a and the second port 420b are sized to interface with respective tubes 130, while the third port 420c is sized to interface with a different device (e.g., a syringe) having a different aperture diameter than the other ports 420, e.g., when the stopcock valve 100 is in the first configuration or the fourth configuration (e.g., as Figure 1E or 1G shows), the third port connects to a syringe to flush one of the plurality of tubes 130 or inject a substance (e.g., a dye or a contrast agent) through one of the plurality of tubes 130.

[0057] The ports 420 can operate in any order as Figures 2A - 2G shown, and in embodiments where the smaller second opening 440a is used as an additional port 420, the flow path 210 between the three ports 420 can operate in the order as Figures 2H - 2J shown. In some embodiments where the smaller second opening 440b is used as a port, the port can be sealed with a temporary gasket (e.g., made of foam, rubber, or plastic), which is designed to be pierced by inserting a trocar, a needle, a catheter, or a similar device.

[0058] In various embodiments, the valve stem 120 is held in place by friction (e.g., between the inner diameter of the valve body 110 and the outer diameter of the valve stem 120 or the outer diameter of the O-ring 370 if included). In some embodiments, the valve stem 120 includes a retaining protrusion having a diameter smaller than the rest of the valve stem 120, and the retaining protrusion passes through the vent hole, so that the retaining groove 380 extends beyond the second opening 440b, and the retaining groove can be held in place by a retainer 390 of appropriate size.

[0059] The present disclosure can also be understood with reference to the following numbered sub-items.

[0060] Sub-item 1: A plug valve, comprising: a valve body including: an opening leading into a cavity having an inner diameter; a first port disposed at a first position around the inner diameter; and a second port disposed at a second position around the inner diameter; and a valve stem partially disposed in the cavity and having a first outer diameter, the valve stem including a rotating groove with a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter, wherein, when in an unlocked configuration, the valve stem is configured to transition between a flow configuration defining a flow path between the first port and the second port and a stop configuration blocking the flow path between the first port and the second port; and a stop member protruding into the cavity and the rotating groove, wherein the valve stem is configured to translate relative to the valve body to transition between the unlocked configuration and a locked configuration, wherein the locked configuration prevents the transition between the flow configuration and the stop configuration.

[0061] Sub-item 2: The plug valve according to any one of sub-item 1 and items 3-11, further comprising: a first sealing device circumferentially attached around the valve stem at a first location; and a second sealing device circumferentially attached around the valve stem at a second location, wherein the distance between the first location and the second location is greater than the port diameter of the first port or the second port, and when the valve stem is in the stop configuration, the first location is on a first side relative to the first port and the second port, and the second location is on a second side opposite to the first side relative to the first port and the second port.

[0062] Sub-item 3: The plug valve according to sub-item 2, wherein both the first sealing device and the second sealing device are O-rings, the inner diameter of the O-ring is smaller than the first outer diameter of the valve stem, and the outer diameter of the O-ring is greater than the inner diameter of the valve body, wherein the first sealing device is assembled in a first sealing groove of the valve stem, and the second sealing device is assembled in a second sealing groove of the valve stem.

[0063] Sub-item 4: The plug valve according to any one of sub-items 1-3 and items 5-11, wherein the rotating groove includes a first path and a second path defined in a first plane, the stop member rotates relative to the valve stem in the first plane, and the stop member translates relative to the valve stem in the second path; wherein when the stop member extends into the first path, the valve stem is in the unlocked configuration; when the stop member extends into the second path, the valve stem is in the locked configuration.

[0064] Sub-item 5: The plug valve according to sub-item 4, wherein the rotating groove includes a third path defined in a second plane different from the first plane, wherein the third path is connected to the first path through the second path, and when the stop member extends into the third path, the valve stem is in the locked configuration.

[0065] Sub-item 6: A cock valve according to any one of sub-items 1-5 and 7-11, wherein when the valve stem is in the locked configuration, the valve stem is in the flow configuration.

[0066] Sub-item 7: A cock valve according to any one of sub-items 1-6 and 8-11, wherein when the valve stem is in the locked configuration, the valve stem is in the stop configuration.

[0067] Sub-item 8: A cock valve according to any one of sub-items 1-7 and 9-11, wherein the rotation groove has a rotation angle around the valve stem that is less than 360 degrees.

[0068] Sub-item 9: A cock valve according to any one of sub-items 1-8, 10 and 11, wherein the valve stem includes a through hole, and the flow path is defined through the through hole, wherein the through hole is aligned with the first port and the second port in the flow configuration, and is not aligned with the first port or the second port in the stop configuration, and wherein the through hole is translated or rotated according to the rotation groove to be aligned or not aligned.

[0069] Sub-item 10: A cock valve according to any one of sub-items 1-9 and 11, wherein the valve body further includes a vent hole located on a second side of the valve body opposite to the opening, and the vent hole has a second inner diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the cavity.

[0070] Sub-item 11: A cock valve according to any one of sub-items 1-10, wherein: the valve body further includes a third port provided at a third position around the inner diameter; and the valve stem is further configured to switch between at least the following three configurations when in the unlocked configuration: a first rotation configuration that defines a flow path between the first port, the second port and the third port; a second rotation configuration that defines a flow path between the first port and the second port but does not define the third port; a third rotation configuration that defines a flow path between the first port and the third port but does not define the second port; and a fourth rotation configuration that defines a flow path between the second port and the third port but does not define the first port.

[0071] Sub-item 12: A plug valve, comprising: a valve body, which includes: an opening defined in a first plane and leading to a cavity having a first inner diameter; a first port located around the first inner diameter; a second port located around the first inner diameter; and a valve stem disposed in the cavity and protruding from the cavity in a first direction perpendicular to the first plane and in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the valve stem having a first outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter; the valve stem includes: a through hole, wherein the valve stem is configured to rotate between a flow configuration and a stop configuration, in the flow configuration, the through hole is aligned with the first port and the second port to open a flow path through the valve body and the valve stem, in the stop configuration, the through hole is not aligned with the first port or the second port to block the flow path through the valve body and the valve stem; a stop protruding from a portion of the valve stem protruding from the cavity in the first direction; a retaining groove protruding from the cavity in the second direction and having a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter; and a retaining member disposed in the retaining groove and extending beyond the inner diameter of the cavity.

[0072] Sub-item 13: The plug valve according to any one of sub-items 12 and 14-16, further comprising: a first sealing device assembled in a first groove circumferentially around the valve stem on a first side relative to the through hole, wherein the first groove has a third outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter; and a second sealing device assembled in a second groove circumferentially around the valve stem on a second side opposite to the first side relative to the through hole, wherein the second groove has a fourth outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter.

[0073] Sub-item 14: The plug valve according to any one of sub-items 12, 13, 15 and 16, wherein the valve body further includes a rotation stopper protruding from the opening in the first direction, wherein the rotation stopper is inserted into a slit included in the valve body, and wherein the rotation stopper prevents the valve stem from rotating more than 360 degrees through the stopper.

[0074] Sub-item 15: The plug valve according to any one of sub-items 12-14 and 16, wherein the flow path is configured to apply a vacuum to a fluid target.

[0075] Dependent item 16: A cock valve according to any one of dependent items 12 - 15, wherein the valve body includes a third port, and the valve stem is further configured to rotate between flow configurations, the first rotation configuration defining a flow path between the first port and the second port, but not defining the third port; and at least two of the following configurations: a second rotation configuration defining a flow path between the first port, the second port, and the third port; a third rotation configuration defining a flow path between the first port and the third port, but not defining the second port; and a fourth rotation configuration defining a flow path between the second port and the third port, but not defining the first port.

[0076] Dependent item 17: A cock valve, comprising: a valve body including: an opening located on a first side of the valve body and leading to a cavity having a first inner diameter; a first port located at a first position around the first inner diameter and perpendicular to the opening; a second port located at a second position around the first inner diameter and perpendicular to the opening; and a vent hole located on a second side of the valve body opposite to the first side and having a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter; a valve stem disposed in the cavity and protruding from the opening of the cavity, the valve stem having a first outer diameter, the valve stem including: a through hole, wherein the valve stem is configured to rotate between a flow configuration and a stop configuration, in the flow configuration, the through hole is aligned with the first port and the second port to open a flow path through the valve body and the valve stem, in the stop configuration, the through hole is not aligned with the first port or the second port to block the flow path through the valve body and the valve stem; a first sealing groove defined circumferentially around the valve stem on a first side of the through hole and having a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter; and a second sealing groove defined circumferentially around the valve stem on a second side opposite to the first side of the through hole and having a third outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter; and a first sealing device and a second sealing device respectively disposed in the first sealing groove and the second sealing groove and having an outer sealing diameter not less than the first outer diameter.

[0077] Dependent item 18: A cock valve according to any one of dependent items 17 and 19 - 24, wherein the vent hole is parallel and concentric with the opening.

[0078] Dependent item 19: A cock valve according to any one of dependent items 17, 18, and 20 - 24, wherein the first sealing device and the second sealing device are compressible, and when the first sealing device and the second sealing device are in an uncompressed state, the outer sealing diameter is greater than the inner diameter.

[0079] Sub-item 20: A cock valve according to any one of sub-items 17-19 and 21-24, wherein the valve stem further includes a rotating groove having a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter, and the cock valve further includes: a stopper protruding into the cavity and the rotating groove, wherein the valve stem is configured to translate relative to the valve body to switch between the following configurations: an unlocked configuration in which the valve stem is allowed to rotate relative to the valve body to switch between the flow configuration and the stop configuration; and a locked configuration in which the valve stem is prevented from switching between the flow configuration and the stop configuration.

[0080] Sub-item 21: A cock valve according to any one of sub-items 17-20 and 22-24, wherein: the rotating groove includes a first path defined in a first plane, a second path defined in a second plane different from the first plane, and a third path connecting the first path and the second path; when the stopper extends into the first path, the valve stem is in the unlocked configuration; and when the stopper extends into the second path or the third path, the valve stem is in the locked configuration.

[0081] Sub-item 22: A cock valve according to any one of sub-items 17-21, 23 and 24, wherein the through-hole has a first through-hole diameter smaller than the port diameter of the first port or the second port.

[0082] Sub-item 23: A cock valve according to any one of sub-items 17-22 and 24, wherein the valve stem includes a retaining protrusion protruding through the vent hole to the outside of the cavity and includes a retaining groove, wherein the diameter of the retaining member is larger than the second inner diameter of the vent hole.

[0083] Sub-item 24: A cock valve according to any one of sub-items 17-23, wherein the valve body includes a third port, and the valve stem is further configured to rotate between the flow configurations, the first rotation configuration defining a flow path between the first port and the second port but not defining the third port, and at least two of the following: a second rotation configuration defining a flow path between the first port, the second port and the third port; a third rotation configuration defining a flow path between the first port and the third port but not defining the second port; and a fourth rotation configuration defining a flow path between the second port and the third port but not defining the first port.

[0084] Sub-item 25: A plug valve, comprising: a valve body, which includes: an opening located on a first side of the valve body and leading to a cavity having a first inner diameter; a first port provided at a first position around the first inner diameter and perpendicular to the opening; a second port provided at a second position around the first inner diameter and perpendicular to the opening; a third port provided at a third position around the first inner diameter and perpendicular to the opening; and a vent hole located on a second side of the valve body opposite to the first side and having a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter; a valve stem disposed in the cavity and protruding from the opening of the cavity, the valve stem having a first outer diameter, the valve stem including: a through hole, wherein the valve stem is configured to rotate between a stop configuration and a flow configuration, in the stop configuration, the through hole is not aligned with the first port or the second port to block the flow path through the valve body and the valve stem; the flow configuration is selected from at least three of the following configurations: a first rotation configuration defining a flow path between the first port and the second port but not defining a flow path to the third port; a second rotation configuration defining a flow path between the first port, the second port, and the third port; a third rotation configuration defining a flow path between the first port and the third port but not defining a flow path to the second port; and a fourth rotation configuration defining a flow path between the second port and the third port but not defining a flow path to the first port; a first sealing groove defined circumferentially around the valve stem on a first side of the through hole and having a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter; and a second sealing groove defined circumferentially around the valve stem on a second side opposite to the first side of the through hole and having a third outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter; and a first sealing device and a second sealing device are respectively disposed in the first sealing groove and the second sealing groove and have an outer sealing diameter not less than the first outer diameter.

[0085] Sub-item 26: The plug valve according to any one of sub-items 25, 27, and 28, wherein the first port, the second port, and the third port are circumferentially arranged around the valve body in a Y shape.

[0086] Sub-item 27: The plug valve according to any one of sub-items 25, 26, and 28, wherein the first port, the second port, and the third port are circumferentially arranged around the valve body in a T shape, wherein the first port is located at a position with a 90-degree arc from the third port, and the second port is located at a position with a 90-degree arc from the third port.

[0087] Sub-item 28: The plug valve according to any one of sub-items 25, 26, and 27, wherein the aperture size of the third port is different from that of the first port and the second port.

[0088] The description and illustration of one or more embodiments provided in this disclosure are intended to provide a thorough and complete disclosure of the entire scope of the subject matter to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art, and not to limit or restrict the scope of the claimed subject matter in any way. The aspects, examples, and details provided in this disclosure are considered sufficient to convey possession and enable those of ordinary skill in the relevant art to practice the best mode of the claimed subject matter. Descriptions of structures, resources, operations, and actions that are well known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may be presented briefly or omitted to avoid obscuring less well-known or unique aspects of the subject matter of this disclosure. Unless expressly stated herein, the claimed subject matter should not be construed as limited to any of the embodiments, aspects, examples, or details provided in this disclosure. Each of the (structural and methodological) features, whether shown or described jointly or separately, is intended to be selectively included or omitted to yield an embodiment having a particular set of features. Additionally, any or all of the functions and acts shown or described may be performed in any order or simultaneously.

[0089] After obtaining the description and illustration of this disclosure, those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may envision variations, modifications, and alternative embodiments that fall within the spirit of the broader aspects of the general inventive concept provided in this disclosure, and these variations, modifications, and alternative embodiments do not depart from the broader scope of this disclosure.

[0090] As used in this disclosure, the phrase "at least one" in reference to a list of items refers to any collection of those items, including a collection having a single member and every potential combination thereof. For example, when referring to "at least one of A, B, or C" or "at least one of A, B, and C," the phrase is intended to cover the following collections: A, B, C, A - B, B - C, and A - B - C, where these collections may include one or more instances of a given member (e.g., A - A, A - A - A, A - A - B, A - A - B - B - C - C, etc.) and any order thereof.

[0091] As used in this disclosure, the term "determine" includes a variety of actions, which may include computing, calculating, processing, deriving, investigating, looking up (e.g., through a table, database, or other data structure), ascertaining, receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), retrieving, parsing, selecting, choosing, establishing, etc.

[0092] As used in this disclosure, the terms "substantially", "about", "approximately" and other relative terms include values within ±5% of the stated quantity, percentage or range, unless a different approximation is explicitly cited in connection with the quantity, percentage, or range being described, or if the context of the value indicates a different approximation is more appropriate. For example, a value identified as about X% can be understood to include values between 0.95*X% and 1.05*X%, or between X - 0.05X percent and X + 0.05X percent, but may stop at zero or one hundred percent in various cases. In another example, a feature described as substantially parallel or perpendicular to another feature should be understood to be parallel or perpendicular within ±9 degrees. Any value expressed in relative terms should be understood to include the stated value and any range or sub-range between the indicated or implied extremes.

[0093] As used in this disclosure, all numbers given in examples (whether approximate or otherwise expressed) inherently include values within the precision and rounding error of that number. For example, the number 4.5 should be understood to include values from 4.45 to 4.54, and the number 4.50 should be understood to include values from 4.495 to 4.504. Additionally, any number or range that explicitly or by context refers to an integer quantity (e.g., about X users, between about Y and Z states) should be understood to be rounded down or up to the next integer value (e.g., X ± 1 users, Y - 1 and Z + 1 states).

[0094] The following claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but should be accorded the full scope consistent with the claim language. In the claims, unless expressly stated otherwise, the reference to a single element does not mean "one and only one", but rather "one or more" or "at least one". The word "a" or "an" means one or more unless expressly stated otherwise. No claim feature shall be construed under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the phrase "means for" or "step for" is expressly used to recite the claim feature. All structural and functional equivalents of the elements of the various aspects described in this disclosure, known or later to be known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art, are hereby expressly incorporated by reference and are intended to be covered by the claims. Additionally, nothing in this disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public, whether or not the claim expressly recites any subject matter disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A plug valve, comprising: A valve body, comprising: An opening leading into a cavity having an inner diameter; A first port disposed at a first position around the inner diameter; and A second port disposed at a second position around the inner diameter; and A valve stem partially disposed in the cavity and having a first outer diameter, the valve stem including a rotating groove having a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter, wherein when in an unlocked configuration, the valve stem is configured to transition between a flow configuration and a stop configuration, the flow configuration defining a flow path between the first port and the second port, the stop configuration blocking the flow path between the first port and the second port; and A stop projecting into the cavity and the rotating groove, wherein the valve stem is configured to translate relative to the valve body to transition between the unlocked configuration and a locked configuration, wherein the locked configuration prevents transition between the flow configuration and the stop configuration.

2. The plug valve according to claim 1, further comprising: A first sealing device circumferentially attached around the valve stem at a first location; And A second sealing device circumferentially attached around the valve stem at a second location, wherein the distance between the first location and the second location is greater than the port diameter of the first port or the second port, and when the valve stem is in the stop configuration, the first location is on a first side relative to the first port and the second port, and the second location is on a second side opposite the first side relative to the first port and the second port.

3. The cock valve according to claim 2, wherein, Both the first sealing device and the second sealing device are O-rings, the inner diameter of the O-ring being smaller than the first outer diameter of the valve stem, and the outer diameter of the O-ring being greater than the inner diameter of the valve body, wherein the first sealing device is fitted in a first sealing groove of the valve stem, and the second sealing device is fitted in a second sealing groove of the valve stem.

4. The cock valve according to claim 1, wherein, The rotating groove includes a first path defined in a first plane and includes a second path, the stop rotating relative to the valve stem in the first plane and translating relative to the valve stem in the second path; wherein when the stop extends into the first path, the valve stem is in the unlocked configuration; when the stop extends into the second path, the valve stem is in the locked configuration.

5. The cock valve according to claim 4, wherein, The rotating groove includes a third path defined in a second plane different from the first plane, wherein the third path is connected to the first path through the second path, wherein when the stop extends into the third path, the valve stem is in the locked configuration.

6. The plug valve according to claim 1, wherein, When the valve stem is in the locked configuration, the valve stem is in the flow configuration.

7. The plug valve according to claim 1, wherein, When the valve stem is in the locked configuration, the valve stem is in the stop configuration.

8. The plug valve according to claim 1, wherein, The rotation angle of the rotating groove around the valve stem is less than 360 degrees.

9. The plug valve according to claim 1, wherein, The valve stem includes a through hole through which the flow path is defined, wherein the through hole is aligned with the first port and the second port in the flow configuration and not aligned with the first port or the second port in the stop configuration, and wherein the through hole is translated or rotated according to the rotation groove to be aligned or not aligned.

10. The cock valve according to claim 9, wherein, The valve body further includes a vent hole located on a second side of the valve body opposite to the opening, the vent hole having a second inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the cavity.

11. The plug valve according to claim 1, wherein: The valve body further includes a third port disposed at a third position around the inner diameter; and The valve stem is further configured to transition between at least the following three configurations when in the unlocked configuration: A first rotational configuration that defines a flow path between the first port, the second port, and the third port; A second rotational configuration that defines a flow path between the first port and the second port but does not define a flow path between them and the third port; A third rotational configuration that defines a flow path between the first port and the third port but does not define a flow path between them and the second port; And A fourth rotational configuration that defines a flow path between the second port and the third port but does not define a flow path between them and the first port.

12. A plug valve, comprising: A valve body, which includes: An opening located on a first side of the valve body and leading into a cavity having a first inner diameter; A first port located at a first position around the first inner diameter and perpendicular to the opening; A second port located at a second position around the first inner diameter and perpendicular to the opening; and A vent hole located on a second side of the valve body opposite to the first side and having a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter; A valve stem disposed in the cavity and protruding from the opening of the cavity, the valve stem having a first outer diameter, the valve stem including: A through hole, wherein the valve stem is configured to rotate between a flow configuration and a stop configuration, in the flow configuration, the through hole is aligned with the first port and the second port to open a flow path through the valve body and the valve stem, and in the stop configuration, the through hole is not aligned with the first port or the second port to block the flow path through the valve body and the valve stem; A first sealing groove defined circumferentially around the valve stem on a first side of the through hole and having a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter; and A second sealing groove defined circumferentially around the valve stem on a second side opposite to the first side of the through hole and having a third outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter; and A first sealing device and a second sealing device respectively disposed in the first sealing groove and the second sealing groove and having an outer sealing diameter not less than the first outer diameter.

13. The cock valve according to claim 12, wherein, The vent hole is parallel and concentric with the opening.

14. The plug valve according to claim 12, wherein, The first sealing device and the second sealing device are compressible, and when the first sealing device and the second sealing device are in an uncompressed state, the outer sealing diameter is greater than the first inner diameter.

15. The cock valve according to claim 12, wherein, The valve stem further includes a rotating groove having a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter, and the plug valve further includes: A stop member that projects into the cavity and the rotating groove, wherein the valve stem is configured to translate relative to the valve body to switch between the following configurations: An unlocking configuration in which the valve stem is allowed to rotate relative to the valve body to switch between the flow configuration and the stop configuration; and A locking configuration in which the valve stem is prevented from switching between the flow configuration and the stop configuration.

16. The plug valve according to claim 15, wherein: The rotating groove includes a first path defined in a first plane, a second path defined in a second plane different from the first plane, and a third path connecting the first path and the second path; When the stop member extends into the first path, the valve stem is in the unlocking configuration; And When the stop member extends into the second path or the third path, the valve stem is in the locking configuration.

17. The plug valve according to claim 12, wherein, The through hole has a first through hole diameter smaller than the port diameter of the first port or the second port.

18. The plug valve according to claim 12, wherein, The valve stem includes a retaining protrusion and a retaining groove, the retaining protrusion projecting through the vent hole to the outside of the cavity, wherein the diameter of the retaining member is greater than the second inner diameter of the vent hole.

19. The plug valve according to claim 12, wherein, The valve body includes a third port, and the valve stem is further configured to rotate between the flow configuration as a first rotation configuration and at least two of a second rotation configuration, a third rotation configuration, and a fourth rotation configuration, wherein the first rotation configuration defines a flow path between the first port and the second port but does not define a flow path between them and the third port, The second rotation configuration defines a flow path between the first port, the second port, and the third port; The third rotation configuration defines a flow path between the first port and the third port but does not define a flow path between them and the second port; and The fourth rotation configuration defines a flow path between the second port and the third port but does not define a flow path between them and the first port.

20. A plug valve, comprising: A valve body, comprising: An opening located on a first side of the valve body and leading to a cavity having a first inner diameter; A first port provided at a first position around the first inner diameter and perpendicular to the opening; A second port provided at a second position around the first inner diameter and perpendicular to the opening; A third port provided at a third position around the first inner diameter and perpendicular to the opening; and A vent hole located on a second side of the valve body opposite to the first side and having a second inner diameter smaller than the first inner diameter; A valve stem disposed in the cavity and protruding from the opening of the cavity, the valve stem having a first outer diameter, the valve stem including: A through hole, wherein the valve stem is configured to rotate between a stop configuration and a flow configuration. In the stop configuration, the through hole is not aligned with the first port or the second port to block the flow path through the valve body and the valve stem; the flow configuration is selected from at least the following three configurations: A first rotational configuration that defines a flow path between the first port and the second port, but does not define a flow path between them and the third port; A second rotational configuration that defines a flow path between the first port, the second port, and the third port; A third rotational configuration that defines a flow path between the first port and the third port, but does not define a flow path between them and the second port; and A fourth rotational configuration that defines a flow path between the second port and the third port, but does not define a flow path between them and the first port; A first sealing groove that is defined circumferentially around the valve stem on a first side of the through hole and has a second outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter; and A second sealing groove that is defined circumferentially around the valve stem on a second side of the through hole opposite the first side and has a third outer diameter smaller than the first outer diameter; and A first sealing device and a second sealing device that are respectively disposed in the first sealing groove and the second sealing groove and have an outer sealing diameter not less than the first outer diameter.

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