Manifold valve assembly

Abstract

Abstract A manifold valve assembly for selectively interconnecting a row of ports to control the flow of fluid in the lines coupled thereto. The assembly includes a valve block in whose upper face is formed a shallow well. Extending from the well to a plane parallel to the lower face of the block is a row of cylinders whose lower ends define valve seats that communicate with ports projecting from the lower face. A channel indented in the well serves to laterally interconnect the mouths of the cylinders with each other. Seated in the well and sealing the mouths of the cylinders is a pad of elastomeric material from which is projected a row of hollow, axially-expandable nipples that extend into and are coaxially disposed within the cylinders, the nipples all having a normal length that falls short of the valve seats. Mounted above the valve block is an actuator block having a row of tubes therein in axial alignment with the cylinders. Supported in each tube is the retractable push rod of a spring-biased click mechanism. The lower end of each rod protrudes into a respective nipple, the upper end thereof being coupled to a normally-raised push-button. The arrangement is such that when a given button is pressed in, the push rod associated therewith is advanced axially to a degree limited by the click to cause the associated nipple to expand and engage the valve seat, thereby closing the valve. When this same button is again pressed in, the click is released to cause the rod to retract and thereby open the valve, the button then being returned to its raised position. Thus by operating the buttons, one may select the valves to be opened or closed and thereby connect the lines associated with the ports in any desired manner.

Inventors

• 👤 William Miller

Bibliographic Details