Animal Water Supply Valve

Abstract

The animal water valve (10) includes a housing (12) having an upstream end (18), a downstream end (14), and a lumen (42) extending therebetween; a valve element (50) and a valve actuator (46) located at least partially within the lumen; and a plug (118) disposed within the lumen upstream of the valve element. The plug (118) includes a lattice structure (132) extending along the length of the plug. The valve element (50) may be a diaphragm disposed within the lumen, separating the lumen into an upstream portion and a downstream portion. The valve actuator (46) has a stem including a stem body (100) extending downstream from a stem head (98) and penetrating an outlet of the housing. The diaphragm includes a sealing surface including first and second annular ridges (88) and a groove (90) disposed therebetween. A stem hat 134 having a cap 136 and a disk 140 is attached to the downstream end of the stem. The disk 140 extends radially from the stem at a location upstream of the outlet.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 686,338, filed June 18, 2018, the entire contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference into this application.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to animal watering valves, and more particularly to animal watering valves having improved flow characteristics and filtration capabilities to prevent upstream and downstream contamination problems within the valve. [Background technology]

[0003] Animal-actuated water valves are well known. One such valve is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,433,190 (the "Avidity Science Patent"), issued September 6, 2016 to Edstrom Industries, Inc. (now Avidity Science, LLC) et al. The valve disclosed in the Avidity Science Patent includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet connected by an elongated longitudinal bore, a diaphragm positioned within the bore, a valve seat disposed within the bore and between the diaphragm and the outlet, and a valve stem having a relatively wide valve stem head and a relatively narrow elongated lever extending downstream from the valve head into the bore. The valve head is held in place by the valve seat, in the form of an elastomeric O-ring, acting against a downstream surface of the valve head and the diaphragm acting against an upstream surface of the valve head. The lever is selectively deflectable by the animal to pivot the valve head relative to the valve seat from a seated position to an unseated position to allow water flow through the diaphragm, through the longitudinal lumen and out the outlet.

[0004] Although the valve disclosed in the Avidity Science patent works very well, it does exhibit several drawbacks.

[0005] For example, the valve seat in the Avidity Science patent limits the deflection of the lever. Additionally, the diaphragm, valve seat, and valve stem head are susceptible to debris becoming lodged between them, resulting in the valve stem head not fully seating on the valve seat. That is, debris can accumulate between the valve seat and the valve stem head, maintaining an opening between the valve stem head and the valve seat, allowing water to flow through the diaphragm and valve seat.

[0006] The valve disclosed in the Avidity Science patent includes an in-line filter disposed at the upstream end of the housing. The in-line filter is sometimes described as a screen mesh, fiber, or sintered metal. Such filters are often 0.1 mm thick and provide a single layer of openings for water to pass through. Therefore, even a few pieces of debris or a single piece of debris clogging the opening can significantly restrict water flow through the filter and, therefore, the valve.

[0007] Additionally, while the Avidity Science patent acknowledges the desirability of providing a shield that would prevent animals from packing litter into the valve while also being resistant to tearing by animals, the disclosed shield is still susceptible to litter sticking to the shield and obstructing water flow. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Therefore, a need exists for an animal water valve with improved filtration that is effective but less susceptible to restrictions that can limit water flow through the valve.

[0009] Additionally, a need has arisen for an animal water valve with a diaphragm and stem design that is resistant to debris buildup to ensure the stem head does not remain in an unseated position, i.e., a diaphragm with two or more sealing surfaces to provide sealing redundancy and ensure that debris buildup between the diaphragm and the stem head does not prevent the sealing surfaces from properly seating and completely blocking water flow.

[0010] Additionally, a need has arisen for an animal water valve that more reliably prevents debris from entering the downstream end of the valve and leaving the valve in an on position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, an animal water valve includes a housing having an upstream end, a downstream end, and a lumen formed therein and extending from the upstream end to the downstream end. A valve element and a valve actuator are located within the lumen. The water valve also includes a plug disposed within the lumen between the upstream end of the housing and the valve element. The plug includes a lattice structure extending along the length of the plug. The upstream end of the plug may be flush with the upstream end of the housing.

[0012] The lattice structure may include pores sized between 20 micrometers and 100 micrometers. More specifically, the lattice structure may include pores sized 50 micrometers.

[0013] The length of the plug may be 2 to 8 mm. More specifically, the length of the plug may be 4 mm.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, an animal water valve includes a housing having an upstream end, a downstream end, and a lumen formed therein and extending from the upstream end to the downstream end. A valve element and a valve actuator are located within the lumen. The valve element includes an elastomeric diaphragm configured to separate the lumen from an upstream portion and a downstream portion, and the valve actuator includes a relatively rigid stem having a stem head and a stem body extending downstream from the stem head. The stem head is disposed within and surrounded by the stem seat of the diaphragm.

[0015] The diaphragm may include an outer collar and an inner collar having a sealing surface configured to seal the upstream portion of the lumen from the downstream portion of the lumen, such that actuation of the stem opens the seal and allows fluid to flow from the upstream portion of the lumen to the downstream portion of the lumen.

[0016] The sealing surface may have two or more ridges and at least one groove formed between the ridges, each ridge being capable of individually sealing the upstream portion of the lumen from the downstream portion of the lumen.

[0017] The diaphragm may include a plurality of holes spaced circumferentially around and extending through the diaphragm, each of the plurality of holes being located between the outer collar and the inner collar.

[0018] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of forming an animal water valve includes: 1) molding a stem to include a stem head and a stem body extending from the stem head; and 2) molding an elastomeric diaphragm to include an outer collar, an inner collar, and a stem seat for surrounding the stem head.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, an animal water valve includes a housing having an outlet, an inlet, and a bore formed therein and extending from the outlet to the inlet. A valve element and a valve actuator are located within the bore. The valve actuator includes a stem disposed within the housing and extending through the outlet of the housing, and a shield coupled to the downstream end of the stem. The shield has an outer cap with a reduced diameter and an inner disk with an increased diameter. The disk extends radially from the stem adjacent the upstream side of the outlet.

[0020] The diameter of the disk is greater than the diameter of the outlet, and the diameter of the disk is sized so that the outer edge of the shield remains laterally outward of the outlet during deflection of the stem, which may be deflected by more than approximately 2° and up to 2.7° or more.

[0021] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after review of the specification, claims, and drawings. The detailed description and examples are provided to enhance the understanding of the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] Preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an animal water valve according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the animal water valve of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the animal water valve of FIG. 2 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 2 is a perspective view of a combined stem and diaphragm for use with the animal water valve of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the combined stem and diaphragm of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 5 is a side view of the combined stem and diaphragm of FIG. 4. [Figure 7] 7 is a cross-sectional view of the combined stem and diaphragm taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the combined stem and diaphragm designated "8" in FIG. 7; [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an end view of a plug for use with the animal water valve of FIG. 1. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the lattice structure of the plug of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the downstream portion of the animal water supply. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] A variety of animal watering valves can be constructed in accordance with the present invention as defined by the claims. The valves can be relatively small and designed for watering mice, or larger and designed for watering rats, guinea pigs, and the like. They can even be designed to water larger livestock such as pigs. Accordingly, while exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described herein that are relatively small and ideally suited for watering small animals such as laboratory mice, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to any of the described embodiments. In particular, any dimensions described in this application are exemplary and not necessarily conclusive.

[0024] 1-3, perspective, side, and cross-sectional views of an animal water valve 10 are shown. The animal water valve 10 includes a housing 12 having a downstream end 14 associated with an outlet 16 and an upstream end 18 associated with an inlet 20. A bore 42 extends longitudinally through the valve ends 14 and 18 of the valve 10. A valve element 50 and an actuator 46 are disposed within the bore 42 between the upstream end 18 and the downstream end 14. A plug 118 is disposed within the bore 42 upstream of the valve element 50. A shield 134 is disposed near the downstream end 14 of the housing 12.

[0025] As shown in the cross-sectional side view of the water supply valve 10 in FIG. 3 , the housing 12 may include a valve body 22, a valve cap 24 coupled to an upstream end 26 of the valve body 22, and a valve guard 28 coupled to a downstream end 30 of the valve body 22. In various embodiments of the present invention, the valve body 22, the valve cap 24, and the valve guard 28 may be coupled to one another via a threaded fit, a snap fit, or the like. The valve body 22 and the valve cap 24 may be sealed together via an O-ring 32 disposed between an outer surface 34 of the valve body 22 and an inner surface 36 of the valve cap 24. Similarly, the valve body 22 and the valve guard 28 may be sealed together via an O-ring 38 disposed between the outer surface 34 of the valve body 22 and an inner surface 40 of the valve guard 28.

[0026] FIG. 3 further illustrates that the downstream end 30 of the valve body 22 extends into and overlaps with the valve guard 28. As noted above, it is within this overlap that an O-ring 38 may be disposed between the outer surface 34 of the valve body 22 and the inner surface 40 of the valve guard 28. Similarly, the upstream end 26 of the valve body 22 is shown to extend into and overlap with the valve cap 24. As noted above, it is within this overlap that an O-ring 32 may be disposed between the outer surface 24 of the valve body 22 and the inner surface 26 of the valve cap 24. FIG. 3 also illustrates that the outer surface 24 of the valve body 20, the inner surface 40 of the valve guard 28, and the inner surface 26 of the valve cap 24 may be individually contoured to receive the respective O-rings 38, 32 and ensure effective sealing.

[0027] The bore 42 extends longitudinally of the housing 12, extending from the inlet 20 to the outlet 16 of the housing 12. As shown in FIG. 3, the bore 42 may vary in diameter along the length of the bore 42. While the above exemplary embodiments of the present invention show the diameter of the bore 42 varying in a step along the length of the bore 42, it is also contemplated that the bore 42 may be tapered along all or part of its length. In yet other embodiments of the present invention, it is contemplated that the bore 42 may maintain a consistent diameter along the entire length of the valve body 22.

[0028] In other embodiments of the present invention, the housing 12 may include a valve guard 28 that is directly coupled to the valve cap 24, with the valve body 22 disposed therein. In still other embodiments of the present invention, the housing 12 may include any number of separate portions that are coupled together.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 , the outlet 16 of the housing 12 may be recessed in the downstream end 14 of the housing 12. The valve guard 28 may include a flared wipe surface 44 extending from the outlet 16 to the downstream end 14 of the housing 12. A valve actuator 46 in the form of a valve stem 46, described in further detail below, is disposed within the bore 42 of the housing 12 and extends downstream through the outlet 16. In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the downstream end 48 of the stem 46 terminates short of the downstream end 14 of the housing 12. In other embodiments of the present invention, the downstream end 48 of the stem 46 may extend beyond the downstream end 14 of the housing 12 or may be flush with the downstream end 14 of the housing 12.

[0030] In this embodiment, the valve element 50 includes a diaphragm 50 disposed between the inner surface 36 of the valve cap 24 and the upstream end 26 of the valve body 22. Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the stem 46 extends through the bore 42 from an upstream end 52 disposed within the diaphragm 50 to the previously described downstream end 48. In some embodiments of the present invention, the size of the stem 46 may taper from a larger size at the upstream end 52 to a smaller size at the downstream end 48. The stem 46 may taper at an angle of 1°. It is contemplated that the diameter of the downstream end 48 of the stem 46 may range from 0.040 inches to 0.080 inches, more typically about 0.6 inches.

[0031] 4-8, the stem 46 and diaphragm 50 are shown in greater detail. The stem 46 is relatively rigid. The stem 46 may be formed from a metal, such as stainless steel. In this embodiment of the invention, the stem 46 is formed from a polymeric material that is resistant to temperature changes and chemical reactions associated with chlorine, acids, autoclaves, etc. Examples of suitable polymers include R-5100 RADEL® polyphenylsulfone, R-5800 RADEL® polyphenylsulfone, and HU1004 ULTEM™ polyetherimide.

[0032] The diaphragm 50 may be made of an elastomeric material, such as medical-grade silicone, or any other material suitable for withstanding the chemical reactions associated with purified water, chlorine, acids, and autoclaving. The outer surface 54 of the diaphragm 50 extends from an upstream end 56 of the diaphragm 50 in contact with the inner surface 36 of the valve cap 24 to a downstream end 58 of the diaphragm 50 in contact with the upstream end 26 of the valve body 22, as shown in FIG. 3 . The central portion 60 of the diaphragm 50 includes an upstream face 62 that is recessed inwardly from the upstream end 56 of the diaphragm 50, and a downstream face 64 that is recessed inwardly from the downstream end 58 of the diaphragm 50. That is, the thickness of the central portion 60 of the diaphragm 50 is less than the thickness of the outer surface 54 of the diaphragm 50. For example, the outer surface 54 of the diaphragm 50 may be 0.119 to 0.131 inches thick, and the center portion 60 of the diaphragm 50 may be 0.102 to 0.106 inches thick.

[0033] The center portion 60 further includes a plurality of holes 66 extending therethrough and spaced circumferentially about the center portion 60. While the above exemplary embodiment of the present invention illustrates eight (8) holes formed through the center portion 60 of the diaphragm 50 and spaced at 45° intervals, other embodiments of the present invention may include more or fewer than eight (8) holes spaced at intervals other than 45°. In still other embodiments of the present invention, the holes 66 may be spaced at varying intervals. In one embodiment of the present invention, the holes 66 may taper at an angle of 1° from upstream to downstream. In other words, each hole 66 may have a larger diameter at the upstream surface 62 of the center portion 60 and a smaller diameter at the downstream surface 64 of the center portion 60.

[0034] The diaphragm 50 further includes an outer collar 68 and an inner collar 70, shown in Figures 5 and 7. The outer collar 68 is aligned with the outer surface 54 of the diaphragm 50 and extends from a downstream end 72 aligned with the downstream end 58 of the diaphragm 50 to an upstream end 74 aligned with the upstream end 56 of the diaphragm 50. As further shown in Figure 3, the outer collar 68 extends from the upstream end 74 of the outer collar 68, which contacts the inner surface 36 of the valve cap 24, to the downstream end 72 of the outer collar 68, which is disposed beyond the upstream end 26 of the valve body 22. As a result, the downstream end 72 of the outer collar 68 of the diaphragm 50 is disposed between the inner surface 36 of the valve cap 24 and the outer surface 34 of the valve body 22 along an overlap portion 76 with the upstream end 26 of the valve body 22.

[0035] The inner collar 70 is spaced inwardly from and concentrically aligned with the outer collar 68. For example, the outer collar 68 may have an outer diameter of 0.360 to 0.368 inches and an inner diameter of 0.307 to 0.313 inches, while the inner collar 70 may have an outer diameter of 0.218 to 0.222 inches and an inner diameter of 0.154 inches. The inner collar 70 includes a downstream end 78 that is axially spaced from the downstream face 64 of the center portion 60 of the diaphragm 50. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7 , the downstream end 78 of the inner collar 70 is located further upstream than the downstream end 72 of the outer collar 68.

[0036] In other embodiments of the present invention, the downstream end 78 of the inner collar 70 may be axially aligned with the downstream end 72 of the outer collar 68. In yet other embodiments of the present invention, the downstream end 78 of the inner collar 70 may be downstream from the downstream end 72 of the outer collar 68.

[0037] FIG. 3 illustrates the downstream end 78 of the inner collar 70 contacting a surface formed from a step on the upstream end 26 of the valve body 22. The downstream end 78 of the inner collar 70 includes a sealing surface 82 for sealing an upstream portion 84 of the bore 42 from a downstream portion 86 of the bore 42. FIG. 8 shows an enlarged view of the sealing surface 82 of the inner collar 70. The sealing surface 82 includes two axially extending annular ridges 88 spaced apart by an annular groove 90. In this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the width of the groove 90 is the same as the width of the ridges 88. The width of the groove 90 and the width of the ridges 88 may each be 0.009 inches. Furthermore, the depth of the groove 90 may be 0.006 inches. Also, while the exemplary embodiment of the present invention illustrates the use of two ridges 88 and one intervening groove 90, it is contemplated that other embodiments of the present invention may use any number of ridges 88 and associated intervening grooves 90.

[0038] The ridges 88 create a multi-point sealing surface 82. That is, each ridge 88 of the sealing surface 82 creates an independent seal with the upstream end 26 of the valve body 22. Thus, each ridge 88 can independently contact the upstream end 26 of the valve body 22 to seal the downstream portion 86 of the bore 42 from the upstream portion 84 of the bore 42. The multi-point sealing surface 82 provides sealing redundancy, allowing a proper seal to be achieved even if a piece of debris becomes lodged in the inner collar 70 between the diaphragm 50 and the valve body 22. That is, if a piece of debris becomes lodged between one ridge 88 and the sealing surface formed by the upstream end 26 of the valve body 22 or in the groove 90, the other ridge 88 will not be prevented from contacting the sealing surface of the upstream end 26 of the valve body 22 and sealing the downstream portion 86 of the bore 42 from the upstream portion 84 of the bore 42.

[0039] The diaphragm 50 also includes a stem seat 96 for receiving the upstream end 52 of the stem 46. As shown in FIG. 5 , the stem 46 includes a stem head 98 at the upstream end 52 of the stem 46 and disposed within the stem seat 96. The stem 46 also includes a stem body 100 extending from the stem head 98 to the downstream end 48 of the stem 46. The stem head 98 has a larger diameter than the stem body 100 and is disposed within the stem seat 96 of the diaphragm 50. As further described above, the stem body 100 tapers from a larger diameter upstream to a smaller diameter downstream. In one embodiment of the present invention, the stem 46 may have a length of 1.175 inches. It is also contemplated that the downstream end 48 of the stem 46 may include a rounded edge having a radius of 0.020 inches.

[0040] 7 and 8 further depict cross-sectional views of the stem head 98 disposed within the stem seat 96. The stem head 98 includes a base 102 having a first diameter and a stepped portion 104 downstream of the base 102 and having a second diameter. The diameter of the base 102 is greater than the diameter of the stepped portion 104. Moving downstream, the stepped portion 104 of the stem head 98 drops down to a stem body 100 having a diameter less than the diameter of the stepped portion 104 of the stem head 98. In one embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the base 102 may range from 0.199 inches to 0.201 inches, and the diameter of the stepped portion 104 may be 0.120 inches.

[0041] In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the stem head 98 may taper from the diameter of the base 102 to the diameter of the stepped portion 104. In yet other embodiments of the present invention, the stem head 98 may include the base 102 without the stepped portion 104.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 8 , the diaphragm 50 surrounds the stem head 98, securing the stem head 98 within the stem seat 96 of the diaphragm 50. The diaphragm 50 includes an annular extension 106 that extends radially inward from the inner collar 70 at a location 108 adjacent the downstream end 78 of the inner collar 70. The extension 106 mimics the offset between the diameter of the base 102 of the stem head 98 and the diameter of the stepped portion 104 of the stem head 98. That is, the extension 106 of the diaphragm 50 extends radially inward from the inner collar 70 a distance equal to half the difference between the diameter of the base 102 and the diameter of the stepped portion 104. Thus, the diaphragm 50 remains in contact with the outer surface 110 of the stem head 98, securing the stem head 98 within the stem seat 96 of the diaphragm 50.

[0043] The stem 46 and diaphragm 50 may be formed in a co-molding process by first forming the stem 46 and then forming the diaphragm 50 around the stem head 98. In the first molding step, the stem 46 is molded as described above with respect to the stem head 98 and stem body 100. The previously mentioned base 102 and step 104 of the stem head 98 include the advantage that flash associated with the molded stem 46 is minimized.

[0044] 5, the stem head 98 includes dimples 112 spaced circumferentially about the outer surface 110 of the stem head 98. The benefits of these dimples 112 are discussed further below. While the above exemplary embodiment of the present invention depicts the use of eight (8) dimples 112 spaced circumferentially about the outer surface 110 of the stem head 98, it is contemplated that various embodiments of the present invention may include any number of dimples 112.

[0045] In a second molding step, the diaphragm 50 is molded to surround the stem head 98. The resulting diaphragm 50 includes the previously described outer collar 68, inner collar 70, extension 106, center portion 60, and aperture 66. During molding of the diaphragm 50, material of the diaphragm 50 can flow to either side of the stem head 98 and pass through the recesses 112 in the stem head 98, such that the material properly surrounds the stem head 98 and secures it within the stem seat 96. As a result of this co-molding process, the diaphragm 50 can surround the stem head 98 while still being formed in a single piece without any seams. As shown in FIG. 4, the center portion 60 of the diaphragm 50 may also include additional apertures 154 disposed in the center of the center portion 60. These apertures 154 are configured to improve the manufacturability of the diaphragm 50 and aid in the release of the diaphragm 50 from a mold after molding.

[0046] In use, pivoting the stem 46 in any direction causes movement of the diaphragm 50 away from the sealing surface formed by the upstream end 26 of the valve body 22. In particular, actuation of the stem 46 causes displacement of the sealing surface 82 of the inner collar 70 from the upstream end 26 of the valve body 22, allowing water to flow from the upstream portion 84 of the lumen 42 to the downstream portion 86 of the lumen 42 and to the animal. Figures 3, 5, and 7 further show that the holes 66 in the diaphragm 50 are disposed between the outer collar 68 and the inner collar 70. As liquid travels from the upstream end 56 of the diaphragm 50 to the downstream end 58 of the diaphragm 50, the liquid is forced through the holes 66. Thus, when the stem 46 is pivoted in any direction, a portion of the inner collar 70 is displaced from the upstream end 26 of the valve body 22, allowing water to flow from the upstream portion 84 of the bore 42, through the hole 66 in the diaphragm 50, and into the downstream portion 86 of the bore 42.

[0047] By using a diaphragm 50 that surrounds the stem head 98, the diaphragm 50 completes the seal between the valve cap 24 and the valve body 22. As a result, an O-ring is not required to surround the stem 46 at the stem head 98. By eliminating the O-ring found in other animal water valves, the stem 46 has a wider fulcrum around which to pivot with greater control and consistency of flow and actuation forces. For example, the valve 10 of the present invention will actuate from a force of ±2 grams, as opposed to ±4 to ±12 grams associated with comparable animal water valves that include an O-ring in the stem head. Furthermore, the resulting flow of the present invention has a range of ±15 mL, as opposed to ±20 to ±60 mL associated with comparable animal water valves that include an O-ring in the stem head. Thus, the improved diaphragm 50 and stem 46 design of the present invention results in more consistent flow and reduced flow variability.

[0048] Referring again to FIG. 3 , the upstream end 116 of the valve cap 24, associated with the upstream end 18 of the housing 12, is shaped like a shank configured to mate with a docking mechanism (not shown) of an animal watering system or with another water source, such as a tank, bag, or the like. To inhibit debris from entering the valve element, a water-permeable plug 118 is disposed in the bore 42 upstream of the diaphragm 50 forming the valve element. In this embodiment, the plug 118 is a sintered metal plug disposed within the upstream end 116 of the valve cap 24 to prevent debris from entering the bore 42 at the inlet 20 when the valve 10 is disconnected from the docking mechanism or other water source. The sintered metal plug 118 may comprise a stainless steel member press-fit or otherwise retained within the bore 42 at the upstream end 116 of the valve cap 24. Alternatively, the plug 118 may comprise a polymeric material that is resistant to temperature changes, thermal expansion of surrounding materials, and chemical reactions associated with chlorine, acids, autoclaving, and the like. Exemplary polymers include R-5100 RADEL® polyphenylsulfone, R-5800 RADEL® polyphenylsulfone, and HU1004 ULTEM™ polyetherimide. Figure 9 depicts an end view of plug 118 positioned within the downstream end 12 of housing 12 from inlet 20 of water supply valve 10.

[0049] 3 , the bore 42 may include a plug section 122 disposed at the upstream end 18 of the housing 12. The diameter of the plug section 122 may be larger than the diameter of the adjacent section 124. As a result, a radial step 126 is formed at the downstream end 128 of the plug section 122 as the diameter of the plug section 122 changes to the diameter of the adjacent section 124. In one embodiment of the present invention, the plug 118 is press-fit such that the downstream end 130 of the plug 118 is at or adjacent to the step 126 at the downstream end 128 of the plug section 122. That is, the step 126 acts as a natural stop that prevents the plug 118 from being forced further into the bore 42. In other embodiments of the present invention, the downstream end 130 of the plug 118 may be spaced from the step 126.

[0050] The plug 118 may have a length of 2-8 mm, as opposed to the 0.1 mm thickness associated with commonly used meshes and filters. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention may include a 4 mm long plug 118. Plugs 118 having lengths less than 2 mm or greater than 8 mm are also contemplated by the present invention.

[0051] 10 is an enlarged view of the plug 118, depicting the lattice structure 132 of the sintered plug 118. The lattice structure 132 is configured with pores sized between 20 and 80 micrometers to capture debris ranging in size from 20 to 80 micrometers. More specifically, the exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a plug 118 having a lattice structure 132 with pores sized approximately 50 micrometers to prevent the intrusion of debris of a 50 micrometer size.

[0052] By extending the lattice structure 132 of the plug 118 along a length of 2-8 mm, the plug 118 provides a multi-pass, multi-stage filtration action that stabilizes the pressure and flow of the liquid at the downstream end 130 of the plug 118 for a consistent flow. The length of the plug 118 also provides the lattice structure 132 with multiple tiers of pores. That is, if debris blocks one of the pores, the flow through the plug 118 will be virtually unaffected because the lattice structure 132 has hundreds, if not thousands, of pores for water to flow through along the length of the lattice structure 132.

[0053] The plug 118 can generate steam pressure during autoclaving of the valve 10. Such pressure can remove most or all of the trapped debris from the plug 118. By extending the lattice structure 132 along the length of the plug 118, as opposed to, for example, a 0.1 mm thick mesh, pressure can be built up within the plug during autoclaving, pushing out debris trapped within the lattice structure 132 of the plug 118.

[0054] In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the upstream end 120 of the plug 118 is aligned flush with the upstream end 116 of the valve cap 24. In various embodiments of the present invention, the upstream end 120 of the plug 118 may extend beyond the upstream end 116 of the valve cap 24, may be flush with the upstream end 116 of the valve cap 24, or may be recessed from the upstream end 116 of the valve cap 24. As noted above, the plug 118 may comprise stainless steel or a polymer such as, but not limited to, R-5100 RADEL® polyphenylsulfone, R-5800 RADEL® polyphenylsulfone, and HU1004 ULTEM™ polyetherimide. As a result, the plug 118 may be formed to include the lattice structure 132 described above by a variety of processes in various embodiments of the present invention. For example, the plug 118 may be formed through a sintering process or through a 3D printing process.

[0055] Referring now to FIG. 11 , an enlarged cross-section of the downstream end 14 of the water inlet valve 10 is shown to better depict the outlet 16, stem 46, and shield. The shield in this embodiment includes a stem hat 134 attached to the downstream end 48 of the stem 46. The stem hat 134 may be formed from stainless steel or a similar material. For example, the stem hat 134 may include 316L stainless steel. The stem hat 134 includes a cap 136 disposed at the downstream end 138 of the stem hat 134 and a disk 140 disposed at the upstream end of the stem hat 134. The cap 136 is a hollow cylindrical element having a closed outer end and an open inner end. The stem cap 136 covers the downstream end 48 of the stem 46 and is configured to be coupled to the downstream end 48 of the stem 46. For example, the downstream end 48 of the stem 46 may be inserted into the stem cap 136 through the open inner end of the stem cap 136 and press fit into the cap 136 of the stem hat 134 .

[0056] The stem hat 134 also includes a disk 140 disposed at an upstream end 142 of the stem hat 134. The stem hat 134 is configured to extend radially from the stem 46 at a point 144 adjacent an upstream side 146 of the outlet 16 of the housing 12. For example, the downstream surface 150 of the disk 140 may be axially spaced between 0.001 and 0.005 inches upstream from the outlet 16. This axial spacing allows the stem 46 in this embodiment to deflect or pivot upwardly by 2 to 2.7 degrees or more in any direction without contacting the upstream edge 156 of the wiping surface or the downstream end 30 of the valve body 22.

[0057] The disc 140 has a diameter larger than the diameter of the outlet 16. Additionally, the disc 140 is sized so that an outer edge 148 of the disc 140 remains laterally outward of the outlet 16 during deflection of the stem 46. That is, when the stem 46 is maximally deflected, the disc 140 remains positioned over the outlet 16. As a result, the stem hat 134 protects the valve 10 from debris entering the outlet 16.

[0058] Because the disc 140 is disposed upstream from the outlet 16, liquid may pass through the disc 140 before exiting the outlet 16. For example, liquid dispensed by the valve 10 must travel along the upstream surface 152 of the disc 140, along the outer edge 148 of the disc 140, and along the downstream surface 150 of the disc 140 to travel to the outlet 16. The liquid then exits the outlet 16. The liquid is now free to travel along the stem hat 134 or along the flared wiping surface 44 at the downstream end 14 of the housing 12. Advantageously, the liquid can then displace any debris located along the flared wiping surface 44 of the valve guard 28 by a scrubbing effect. The wiping surface 44 also wipes debris from the outer surface of the disc 140 during valve actuation and the resulting radial disc movement.

[0059] The disk 140 of the stem hat 134 also acts to prevent axial movement of the stem 46 and diaphragm 50 due to an animal pushing against the downstream end 48 of the stem 46. If an animal pushes against the downstream end 48 of the stem 46, the upstream surface 152 of the disk 140 will contact the downstream end 30 of the valve body 22 before the stem 46 and diaphragm 50 have moved substantially upstream along the longitudinal axis. Thus, the stem hat 134 also prevents potential animal or handling damage from pushing against the downstream end 48 of the stem 46 and affecting the seal of the diaphragm with the valve body 22.

[0060] Other embodiments and uses of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is understood that the invention is not limited to the specific materials, methods, preparation, operating / analytical conditions, etc. shown and described herein, but that the invention is intended to encompass such modifications within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. a housing having an upstream end, a downstream end, and a bore formed therein and extending from the upstream end to the downstream end; a valve element and a valve actuator located at least partially within the bore; and a plug disposed within the bore at the upstream end of the valve element, the plug having a lattice structure extending along a length of the plug, the length being between 2 and 8 mm; Including, The animal water valve is configured such that the lattice structure has pores having a size between 20 micrometers and 100 micrometers.

2. 2. The animal water valve of claim 1, wherein the upstream end of the plug is flush with the upstream end of the housing.

3. 10. The animal water valve of claim 1, wherein the pores include pores having a size of 50 micrometers.

4. 10. The animal water valve of claim 1, wherein the plug comprises a sintered metal plug.

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