Check valve with status indication system

Abstract

The invention relates to a check valve with a status indication system. The check valve is configured to be disposed within the fluid path. The check valve includes a housing, a poppet valve held within the housing, and a status indication system operably coupled to the poppet valve. The status indication system is configured to provide indications of a first operating status of the check valve and a second operating status of the check valve.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Examples of the present disclosure relate generally to check valves, and more particularly to check valves having a status indicating system. BACKGROUND

[0002] Various systems, components, devices, etc. include a check valve disposed within a fluid path. The check valve is configured to allow fluid (e.g., liquid or gas) to flow through the check valve in one direction.

[0003] Over time, the check valve can deteriorate and / or fail. However, known check valves generally do not provide an easily discernible indication of potential failure. SUMMARY

[0004] There is a need for a check valve that allows an observer to quickly and easily determine the operational status of the check valve. Furthermore, there is a need for a system and method for providing an easily discernible indication of the operational status of the check valve.

[0005] In view of these needs, certain examples of the present disclosure provide a check valve configured to be disposed within a fluid path. The check valve includes a housing, a poppet retained within the housing, and a status indicating system operably coupled to the poppet. The status indicating system is configured to provide an indication of a first operational status of the check valve and a second operational status of the check valve.

[0006] In at least one example, the first operational status is a closed status of the check valve and the second operational status is an open status of the check valve.

[0007] In at least one example, the poppet is retained within a passage of the housing. The poppet includes a head and a stem extending from the head. The stem includes a spindle connected to a cam surface. The cam surface is connected to a groove.

[0008] In at least one example, a spring is connected to a spring retention foot of the poppet. As another example, the check valve further includes an end cap. The spring is disposed between the end cap and the spring retention foot.

[0009] In at least one example, the status indication system includes a body that includes a window. A plunger is biased into a portion of a lift valve. The plunger includes one or more first indicators indicating that the check valve is in a first state, and one or more second indicators indicating that the check valve is in a second state. As another example, one or more first indicators are displayed through the window to indicate that the check valve is in a first state, and one or more second indicators are displayed through the window to indicate that the check valve is in a second state. In at least one example, one or more first indicators include an end of the plunger that is either recessed into the body or extends outward from the body, and one or more second indicators include an end of the plunger that is either recessed into the body or extends outward from the body. One or more first indicators may include a first color, and one or more second indicators may include a second color different from the first color.

[0010] In at least one example, the plunger also includes a bearing biased into a portion of the lift valve. As another example, the bearing is within a recess when the check valve is in a first state, and the bearing is outside the recess when the check valve is in a second state.

[0011] In at least one example, the rod also includes a protrusion near the recess. When the check valve is in the first state, a portion of the plunger is biased into the protrusion. The plunger is configured to be pressed to move relative to the protrusion to provide an indication of normal operation of the check valve.

[0012] One or more of the switches, control units, and sensors can communicate with the status indication system.

[0013] Certain examples of this disclosure provide a method comprising: providing an indication of a first operating state of a check valve by a status indication system; and providing an indication of a second operating state of the check valve by the status indication system.

[0014] Some examples of this disclosure provide a system including a fluid path and a check valve disposed within the fluid path, as described herein. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 A block diagram of a check valve within a fluid path according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0016] Figure 2 A simplified top view of a check valve according to an example of this disclosure is shown.

[0017] Figure 3 The example shown is a check valve in a first state according to this disclosure. Figure 2 The transverse section view of line 3-3.

[0018] Figure 4 FIG. 3 shows a lateral cross-sectional view of the check valve in the second state through line 3-3 according to an example of the present disclosure. Figure 2

[0019] Figure 5 FIG. 2 shows a lateral cross-sectional view of the check valve in the first state through line 3-3 according to an example of the present disclosure. Figure 2

[0020] Figure 6 FIG. 4 shows a lateral cross-sectional view of the check valve in the second state through line 3-3 according to an example of the present disclosure. Figure 2

[0021] Figure 7 FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of a method according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 8 FIG. 6 shows a schematic block diagram of a control unit according to an example of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The foregoing summary, as well as certain examples, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the following detailed description. As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and preceded by the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not necessarily excluding plural elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited. Furthermore, references to "one example" are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional examples that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, examples "comprising" or "having" an element or a plurality of elements are intended to include additional elements not recited.

[0024] The check valve includes a status indication system. In at least one example, the status indication system includes a lateral plunger that is driven by movement of the poppet to indicate an operating state (e.g., open or closed) of the check valve. The status indication system includes a visual indicator that is configured to provide an easily discernible indication of the state of the check valve. As another example, the check valve can also include a drive mechanical or magnetic switch to electrically indicate the operating state.

[0025] Figure 1 FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a check valve 100 within a fluid path 102 according to an example of the present disclosure. In at least one example, the fluid path 102 is a tube, pipe, conduit, plenum, etc. that is configured to allow fluid to flow therethrough. In at least one example, the fluid is a liquid, such as a hydraulic fluid (e.g., oil). As another example, the fluid is a gas, such as air. As shown, the system 101 includes the check valve 100 disposed within the fluid path 102.

[0026] ​​​The check valve 100 includes a status indication system 104 configured to provide an easily discernible indication of the operating status of the check valve. The status indication system 104 is configured to provide an indication of a first operating status and a second operating status of the check valve 100. The first operating status can be a closed status of the check valve 100, which can be associated with a normal operating status. The second operating status can be an open status of the check valve 100, which can be associated with a fault status.

[0027] In operation, fluid flows through the fluid path 102 in the direction of arrow 106. When functioning normally, the check valve 100 is configured to allow fluid to pass through the check valve 100 in the direction of arrow 106, but is also configured to prevent fluid from flowing back in the direction of arrow 108. As fluid flows through the check valve 100, the status indication system 104 provides an indication of the operating status of the check valve 100.

[0028] Figure 2 A simplified top view of the check valve 100 according to examples of the present disclosure is shown. The check valve 100 includes a poppet valve 110 held within a housing 112. The status indication system 104 extends outwardly from the housing 112.

[0029] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the check valve 100 in a first state according to examples of the present disclosure is shown through line 3-3 of Figure 2 The housing 112 includes a body 114, such as a tubular body, having a passage 116 formed therethrough. The passage 116 includes an inlet 118 at a first end 120 and an outlet 122 at a second end 124 opposite the first end 120. The inlet 118 is in fluid communication with the outlet 122. A retention ridge 126 extends inwardly toward a central longitudinal axis 128 proximate the first end 120. In at least one example, the retention ridge 126 has a sealing surface that abuts the poppet valve 132, thereby providing a sealing interface that eliminates, minimizes, or otherwise reduces fluid backflow. A recessed channel 130 is recessed away from the central longitudinal axis 128 proximate the second end 124.

[0030] The poppet valve 132 is held within the passage 116. The poppet valve 132 includes a head 134 having a beveled surface 136 that abuts the retention ridge 126. One or more fluid passages 138 are formed through the head 134. The head 134 is connected to a collar 140 that defines a central opening 142. A stem 144 extends from the head 134 through the central opening 142 of the collar 140. The stem 144 can be coaxial with the central longitudinal axis 128 and extends from the head 134 toward the second end 124.

[0031] The stem 144 includes a main shaft 146 having a diameter 148. The main shaft 146 is connected to a cam surface 150 having a downwardly sloped wall 152 connected to a groove 154 having a diameter 156 that is less than the diameter 148. That is, the diameter 148 is greater than the diameter 156. The outer surface of the groove 154 can be parallel to the outer surface of the main shaft 146. The groove 154 is connected to an outwardly sloped ramp 158 of a spring retention foot 160.

[0032] The spring 162 (e.g., a metal coil spring) has a first end 164 retained within a notch 166 of the spring retention foot 160 and a second end 168 (opposite the first end 164) retained within a notch 170 of an end cap 172 having a plurality of openings 174. In at least one example, the end cap 172 is a metal screen or mesh. The end cap 172 includes a conforming channel 176 that is retained against a ridge 178 of the housing 112. The outer edge of the end cap 172 is securely sandwiched between the ridge 178 and a retention clip 180. Optionally, the end cap 172 can be secured within a groove formed within the housing 112.

[0033] The spring 162 provides a spring force that biases the poppet valve 132 to a closed state, as shown in Figure 3 For example, the spring 162 is compressed between the end cap 172 and the spring retention foot 160, thereby urging the head 134 in the direction of arrow 182 against the retention ridge 126.

[0034] The status indicating system 104 includes a body 184 including an internal channel 186 connected to an opening 188 at an exposed end 190. Optionally, the body 184 can not include the opening 188. A window 192 extends through the body 184 and can be perpendicular to the internal channel 186. A fixed end 194 is fixed to a shuttle member 196 of the housing 112. For example, the fixed end 194 can include a threaded interface that is threadably connected to the shuttle member 196, which can be, for example, a threaded boss. As another example, the body 184 can be welded to the boss.

[0035] A plunger 198 extends within the internal channel 186. The plunger 198 includes a stem 200 that extends through the internal channel 186. The stem 200 can include an end 202 within the opening 188. A spring 204 (e.g., a coiled metal spring) is compressed within the internal channel 186 between a ceiling 208 proximate the exposed end 190 and a flange 210 of the plunger 198. The spring 204 biases the plunger downward in the direction of arrow 212 toward the central longitudinal axis 128.

[0036] Flange 210 connects to a first indicator 220, which is positioned above a second indicator 222. The first indicator 220 may be a first strip with a first color (such as red), while the second indicator 222 may be a second strip with a second color (such as green). Alternatively, different colors may be used. As another example, the first indicator 220 and the second indicator 222 may be strips made of different materials (such as different metals). For example, each different strip may be a different metal with a different color, such as copper or brass. The strips may be chemically resistant to the fluid within the check valve 100 to prevent deterioration. As another example, the first indicator 220 may be a first graphic or text message, while the second indicator 222 may be a second graphic or text message. The first indicator 220 is associated with a first operating state of the check valve 100 (e.g., a closed state), while the second indicator 222 is associated with a second operating state of the check valve 100 (e.g., an open state). Window 192 allows observation of either the first indicator 220 or the second indicator 222 through the window.

[0037] The plunger 198 also includes an extension shaft 226 that extends downward from the second indicator 222, through a channel 228 in the reciprocating member 196, and into a channel 116 in the housing 112. The outer surface of one or more portions of the extension shaft 226 sealably engages the inner surface of the reciprocating member 196. In at least one example, the plunger 198 and the body 184 may have sealing surfaces abutting each other, thereby providing a sealing interface between them.

[0038] Bearing 230 is disposed at the distal end 232 of the extension shaft 226. In at least one example, bearing 230 is a forged ball bearing. As shown, bearing 230 is biased into a groove 154 of rod 144. The forged ball bearing at the distal end 232 of plunger 198 reduces friction as it rolls on cam surface 150, which further isolates plunger 198 from rotation and improves actuation without lateral loading of plunger 198.

[0039] During operation, when the lift valve 132 is in the closed state, such as Figure 3 As shown, the plunger 198 is biased such that the bearing 230 is biased into the groove 154 of the rod 144, located between the cam surface 150 and the inclined ramp 158. Thus, the first indicator 220 is visible through the window 192, providing an easily identifiable indication that the check valve 100 is in a first operating state (e.g., closed). The cam surface 150 converts the longitudinal movement of the lift valve 132 into the movement of the plunger 198, and vice versa.

[0040] Figure 4 The check valve 100 in the second state, as shown in the example of this disclosure, is in the following state: Figure 2FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the line 3-3. In at least one example, the second state is an open state in which the head 134 of the poppet 132 is separated (e.g., unseated) from the retaining ridge 126. As such, the spring 162 is compressed between the end cap 172 and the spring retaining foot 160. As the poppet 132 moves in the direction of the arrow 250, the bearing 230 rides up the cam surface 150 and rides over the main shaft 146 of the stem 144. During this movement, the plunger 198 is pushed upward within the internal passage 186, which moves the second indicator 222 into the window 192. As such, the second indicator 222, unlike the first indicator 220, is visible through the window 192, providing an easily discernible indication that the check valve 100 is in the second operational state (i.e., the open state).

[0041] In at least one example, if the spring 162 degrades over time, the spring 162 can be unable to provide resistance to the poppet 132 such that the spring 162 remains compressed and the poppet 132 undesirably remains in the open state. As such, the second indicator 222 visible through the window 192 can provide an indication that the check valve 100 is malfunctioning.

[0042] In at least one example, the end 202 can extend outward through the opening 188, providing an auxiliary indication that the check valve 100 is in the second operational state. As another example, the plunger 198 can not include the first indicator 220, the second indicator 222, or the window 192, but can provide an indication of the first operational state by being recessed within the opening 188 by the end 202 and an indication of the second operational state by extending outward from the opening 188 by the end 202.

[0043] As another example, the status indicating system 104 can be communicatively coupled with a switch 260, a control unit 262, and / or a sensor 263 (e.g., a Hall effect sensor, an optical sensor, etc.). As an example, the end 202 can be connected to one or more of the switch 260, the control unit 262, and / or the sensor 263. The end 202 extending outwardly from the opening 188 can change a state of the switch to provide an electronic signal indicating the change in state. As another example, the end 202 can provide a signal to the control unit 262 changing the state. The control unit 262 can then output a signal to a user interface 264, such as having a display 266 (e.g., an electronic monitor, a television, a touchscreen, etc.), indicating the change in state. For example, the user interface 264 can be a computer workstation, a handheld smart device, etc., and it can be within the vehicle. The control unit 262 is configured to sense the state of the plunger 198 (e.g., by mechanical position, electromechanical sensing, etc.) and output a signal to the user interface 264 indicating the operational state of the check valve 100. The control unit 262 can display the operational state of the check valve 100 on the display 266. Optionally, the check valve 100 can not be in communication with a switch, a control unit, and / or a user interface.

[0044] Figure 5 A check valve 100 in a first state according to examples of the present disclosure is shown in a cross-sectional view through line 3-3 of Figure 2 In this example, a protrusion 300 can extend outwardly from the stem within or otherwise proximate (e.g., immediately adjacent) to the groove 154. In at least one example, the protrusion 300 is a circumferential edge having a diameter greater than a diameter of the groove 154. The bearing 230 rests on the protrusion 300. In this way, the end 202 can extend outwardly from the opening 188. The protrusion 300 allows the check valve 100 to be tested to ensure proper operation.

[0045] Figure 6 A check valve 100 in a second state according to examples of the present disclosure is shown in a cross-sectional view through line 3-3 of Figure 2 Referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6To test the check valve, the end 202 of the plunger 198 is pressed down into the opening 188 in the direction of arrow 310. In this way, the bearing 230 is moved down the protrusion 300 into the groove 154, thereby slightly forcing the poppet 132 to open in the direction of arrow 250. When the pressure is released from the end 202, if the check valve 100 is functioning properly, the force of the spring 162 will move the poppet 132 back in the direction opposite that of arrow 250, which in turn forces the end 202 to move outward from the opening 188 (and / or the associated indicator displayed through the window 192). In this way, an individual can easily determine that the spring 162 is functioning properly and that the check valve 100 is in a properly functioning state. However, if the end 202 does not move outward from the opening 188 (and / or the associated indicator displayed through the window 192) when the pressure is released, an individual can easily determine that the check valve 100 is not functioning properly.

[0046] Referring to Figures 1 to 6 Examples of the present disclosure provide a check valve 100 including a status indication system 104 including a plunger 198 driven by movement of a poppet 132 to provide an indication of an operational status of the check valve 100. In at least one example, the status indication system 104 provides an easily discernable indication of any potential deficiencies of the check valve 100, such as a failed spring 162. Examples of the present disclosure allow for greatly improved health, monitoring, and maintenance of check valves

[0047] The status indication system 104 can include additional plungers for redundant and / or voting indications. The status indication system 104 can also include a restriction orifice to form a restriction check valve indicating status.

[0048] As described herein, the check valve 100 includes a housing 112. The poppet 132 is retained within the housing 112. The status indication system 104 is operably coupled to the poppet 132. The status indication system 104 is configured to provide an indication of a first operational status of the check valve 100 and a second operational status of the check valve 100. In at least one example, the first operational status is a closed state of the check valve 100 and the second operational status is an open state of the check valve 100.

[0049] Figure 7 A flowchart of a method according to examples of the present disclosure is shown. Referring to Figures 1 to 7 At 400, a check valve 100 is disposed on a fluid path 102. At 402, it is determined whether the status indication system 104 displays one or more first indications (such as the first indicator 220 being displayed through the window 192, the end 202 of the plunger 198 being recessed into the opening 188 of the body 184, etc.). If so, the method proceeds to 404, where an individual determines that the check valve 100 is in a first state, such as a closed state, a properly functioning state, etc.

[0050] However, if the status indicating system 104 does not display one or more first indications, the method proceeds from 402 to 406, at which the status indicating system 104 displays one or more second indications (e.g., the second indicator 222 is displayed through the window 192, the end 202 of the plunger 198 extends upward out of the opening 188 of the body 184, etc.). The method then proceeds to 408, at which the individual determines that the check valve 100 is in a second state, such as an open state, a failed state, etc.

[0051] Figure 8 A schematic block diagram of the control unit 262 is shown in accordance with examples of the present disclosure. In at least one example, the control unit 262 includes at least one processor 510 in communication with a memory 512. The memory 512 stores instructions 514, received data 516, and generated data 518. Figure 8 The control unit 262 shown in FIG. 6 is merely an example and is not intended to be limiting.

[0052] As used herein, the terms “control unit,” “central processing unit,” “CPU,” “computer,” and the like can include any processor-based or microprocessor-based system including systems using microcontrollers, reduced instruction set computers (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), logic circuits, and any other circuit or processor that is capable of executing the functions described herein. These are merely examples, and are thus not intended to limit in any way the definition and / or meaning of these terms. For example, the control unit 262 can be or include one or more processors configured to control operations, as described herein.

[0053] The control unit 262 is configured to execute a set of instructions stored in one or more data storage units or elements, such as one or more memories, in order to process data. For example, the control unit 262 can include or be coupled to one or more memories. The data storage units can also store data or other information as desired or needed. The data storage units can be in the form of a source of information or physical memory elements within a processing machine.

[0054] The instruction set can include various commands that instruct the control unit 262 to perform specific operations as a processing machine, such as the methods and procedures of the various examples of the subject matter described herein. The instruction set can be in the form of a software program. The software can be in various forms such as system software or application software. Further, the software can be in the form of a collection of separate programs, a sub-program within a larger program or a portion of a program. The software can also include a modular programming in the form of object-oriented programming. The processing by the processing machine of input data can be in response to user commands, or in response to the results of previous processing, or in response to another processing machine.

[0055] The diagrams of the examples herein can show one or more control or processing units, such as the control unit 262. It should be understood that a processing or control unit can represent a circuit, circuitry, or portions thereof, which can be implemented as hardware having associated instructions (e.g., software stored on a tangible and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, such as a computer hard drive, ROM, RAM, etc.) that perform the operations described herein. The hardware can include a state machine circuit hardwired to perform the functions described herein. Alternatively, the hardware can include electronic circuitry including and / or connected to one or more logic-based devices, such as microprocessors, processors, controllers, etc. Alternatively, the control unit 262 can represent processing circuitry, such as one or more of a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a microprocessor, etc. The circuitry in the various examples can be configured to perform one or more algorithms to perform the functions described herein. The one or more algorithms can include aspects of the examples disclosed herein, whether or not explicitly identified in a flowchart or method.

[0056] As used herein, the terms "software" and "firmware" are interchangeable, and include any computer program stored in a data storage unit (e.g., one or more memories) that, when executed by a computer, such as the processing machine 260, causes the processing machine 260 to perform a particular operation consistent with the description herein. The software can be in the form of system software or application software. The software can also be in the form of modular or object-oriented software. Further, the software can also be in a form of firmware residing in the processing machine 260 or hardware, for example, wired or programmable logic that can be used in conjunction with a

[0057] Further, the disclosure includes examples in accordance with the following clauses:

[0058] Clause 1. A check valve configured to be disposed within a fluid path, the check valve comprising:

[0059] a housing;

[0060] a poppet valve held within the housing; and

[0061] a status indicating system operably coupled to the poppet, wherein the status indicating system is configured to provide an indication of a first operating state of the check valve and a second operating state of the check valve.

[0062] Clause 2. The check valve of clause 1, wherein the first operating state is a closed state of the check valve and the second operating state is an open state of the check valve.

[0063] Clause 3. The check valve of clause 1 or 2, wherein the poppet is retained within a passage of the housing, and wherein the poppet comprises:

[0064] a head; and

[0065] a stem extending from the head, wherein the stem comprises a spindle connected to a cam surface, wherein the cam surface is connected to a groove.

[0066] Clause 4. The check valve of clause 3, further comprising a spring connected to a spring retention foot of the poppet.

[0067] Clause 5. The check valve of clause 4, further comprising an end cap, wherein the spring is disposed between the end cap and the spring retention foot.

[0068] Clause 6. The check valve of any one of clauses 3-5, wherein the status indicating system comprises:

[0069] a body comprising a window;

[0070] a plunger biased into a portion of the poppet, wherein the plunger comprises:

[0071] one or more first indicators indicating that the check valve is in the first operating state; and

[0072] one or more second indicators indicating that the check valve is in the second operating state.

[0073] Clause 7. The check valve of clause 6, wherein the one or more first indicators are displayed through the window to indicate that the check valve is in the first operating state, and wherein the one or more second indicators are displayed through the window to indicate that the check valve is in the second operating state.

[0074] Clause 8. The check valve of clauses 6 or 7, wherein the one or more first indicators comprise an end of the plunger that is one of recessed within the body and extending outward from the body, and wherein the one or more second indicators comprise an end of the plunger that is the other of recessed within the body and extending outward from the body.

[0075] Clause 9. The check valve of any of clauses 6-8, wherein the one or more first indicators comprise a first color.

[0076] Clause 10. The check valve of clause 9, wherein the one or more second indicators comprise a second color that is different from the first color.

[0077] Clause 11. The check valve of any of clauses 6-10, wherein the plunger further comprises a bearing that is biased into the portion of the poppet.

[0078] Clause 12. The check valve of clause 11, wherein the bearing is within the groove when the check valve is in the first operational state, and wherein the bearing is outside of the groove when the check valve is in the second operational state.

[0079] Clause 13. The check valve of any of clauses 6-12, wherein the stem further comprises a protrusion proximate the groove, wherein a portion of the plunger is biased into the protrusion when the check valve is in the first operational state, and wherein the plunger is configured to be depressed to move relative to the protrusion to provide an indication of normal operation of the check valve.

[0080] Clause 14. The check valve of any of clauses 1-13, wherein one or more of a switch, a control unit, and a sensor are in communication with the status indication system.

[0081] Clause 15. A method for a check valve for being disposed within a fluid path, the check valve comprising:

[0082] a housing;

[0083] a poppet retained within the housing; and

[0084] a status indication system operably coupled to the poppet, wherein the status indication system is configured to provide an indication of a first operational state of the check valve and a second operational state of the check valve,

[0085] the method comprising:

[0086] providing, by the status indication system, an indication of the first operating state of the check valve; and

[0087] providing, by the status indication system, an indication of the second operating state of the check valve.

[0088] Clause 16. A system comprising:

[0089] a fluid pathway; and

[0090] a check valve disposed within the fluid pathway, the check valve comprising:

[0091] a housing;

[0092] a poppet retained within a passageway of the housing, and wherein the poppet comprises a head and a stem extending from the head, wherein the stem comprises a spindle connected to a cam surface, wherein the cam surface is connected to a groove;

[0093] a spring connected to a spring retention foot of the poppet;

[0094] an end cap, wherein the spring is disposed between the end cap and the spring retention foot; and

[0095] a status indication system operably coupled to the poppet, wherein the status indication system is configured to provide an indication of a first operating state of the check valve and a second operating state of the check valve.

[0096] Clause 17. The system of Clause 16, wherein the first operating state is a closed state of the check valve and the second operating state is an open state of the check valve.

[0097] Clause 18. The system of Clause 16 or 17, wherein the status indication system comprises:

[0098] a body comprising a window;

[0099] a plunger biased into a portion of the poppet, wherein the plunger comprises:

[0100] one or more first indicators indicating that the check valve is in the first operating state;

[0101] one or more second indicators indicating that the check valve is in the second operating state; and

[0102] a bearing biased into the portion of the poppet valve, wherein the bearing is within the groove when the check valve is in the first operating state, and wherein the bearing is outside of the groove when the check valve is in the second operating state.

[0103] Clause 19. The system of clause 18, wherein the one or more first indicators are displayed through the window to indicate that the check valve is in the first operating state, and wherein the one or more second indicators are displayed through the window to indicate that the check valve is in the second operating state.

[0104] Clause 20. The system of any one of clauses 16-19, wherein the stem further comprises a protrusion proximate to the groove, and wherein the plunger is configured to be pressed to move relative to the protrusion to provide an indication that the check valve is working properly.

[0105] As described herein, examples of the present disclosure provide a check valve that allows an observer to determine an operating state of the check valve. Further, examples of the present disclosure provide a system and method for providing an easily discernible indication of an operating state of a check valve.

[0106] While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, anterior, and the like, can be used here to describe the examples of the present disclosure, it is understood that such terms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in the drawings. The orientation can be inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed such that the top becomes the bottom, the lateral becomes the vertical, etc.

[0107] As used herein, a structure, limitation, or element that is “configured to” perform a task or operation is particularly structured to perform the task or operation, in contrast to simply being arranged to perform the task or operation. For clarity and the avoidance of doubt, two objects that are able to be modified to perform a task or operation are not “configured to” perform the task or operation unless and until the objects are specifically structured to perform the task or operation.

[0108] It should be understood that the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the examples discussed above (and / or aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various examples of the present disclosure without departing from their scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define aspects of the various examples of the present disclosure, these examples are in no way limiting, but are exemplary examples. Many other examples will be readily apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Accordingly, the scope of the various examples of the present disclosure should be determined by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims and the detailed description herein, the terms “comprise” and “wherein” are used as open-ended English equivalents of the respective terms “include” and “where.” Furthermore, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” and the like are merely used as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Moreover, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format unless and until such claims explicitly use the phrase “means for” followed by structure, functionality, and / or action, and are then construed to be means-plus-function claims under 35 U.S.C. § 112(f).

[0109] This written description uses examples to disclose various examples of the present disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice various examples of the present disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the various examples of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, and can include other examples that occur to persons of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. A check valve configured to be disposed within a fluid path, the check valve comprising: case; A lift valve, which is retained within the housing; as well as A status indication system operatively coupled to the lift valve, wherein the status indication system is configured to provide indications of a first operating state and a second operating state of the check valve.

2. The check valve according to claim 1, wherein, The first operating state is the closed state of the check valve, and the second operating state is the open state of the check valve.

3. The check valve according to claim 1, wherein, The lift valve is held within a passageway of the housing, and wherein the lift valve comprises: Head; and A rod extending from the head, wherein the rod includes a spindle connected to a cam surface, wherein the cam surface is connected to a groove.

4. The check valve according to claim 3, further comprising: A spring, which is connected to the spring retaining foot of the lift valve.

5. The check valve according to claim 4, wherein the check valve further includes an end cap, wherein, The spring is disposed between the end cap and the spring retaining foot.

6. The check valve according to claim 3, wherein, The status indication system includes: The main body includes a window; A plunger biased into a portion of the lift valve, wherein the plunger includes: One or more first indicators, the one or more first indicators indicating that the check valve is in the first operating state; and One or more second indicators, which indicate that the check valve is in the second operating state.

7. The check valve according to claim 6, wherein, The one or more first indicators are displayed through the window to indicate that the check valve is in the first operating state, and wherein the one or more second indicators are displayed through the window to indicate that the check valve is in the second operating state.

8. The check valve according to claim 6, wherein, The one or more first indicators include an end of the plunger, the end of the plunger being either recessed within the body or extending outward from the body, and wherein the one or more second indicators include an end of the plunger, the end of the plunger being either recessed within the body or extending outward from the body.

9. A method for using a check valve disposed in a fluid path, the check valve comprising: case; A lift valve, which is retained within the housing; as well as A status indication system, operatively connected to the lift valve, wherein the status indication system is configured to provide indications of a first operating state and a second operating state of the check valve. The method includes: The status indication system provides an indication of the first operating state of the check valve; and The status indication system provides an indication of the second operating status of the check valve.

10. A system for a check valve, the system comprising: Fluid path; as well as The check valve, disposed within the fluid path, comprises: case; A lift valve, the lift valve being held within a channel of the housing, and wherein the lift valve includes a head and a rod extending from the head, wherein the rod includes a spindle connected to a cam surface, wherein the cam surface is connected to a groove; A spring, the spring being connected to the spring retaining leg of the lift valve; End cap, wherein the spring is disposed between the end cap and the spring retaining leg; and A status indication system operatively coupled to the lift valve, wherein the status indication system is configured to provide indications of a first operating state and a second operating state of the check valve.

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