US2763262A - Source selector for breathing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Sept. 18, 1956 R. KIMES 2,763,262

SOURCE} SELECTOR FOR BREATHING APPARATUS Filed Jan. 19, 1955 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 ROBERT K/MES,

IN VEN TOR.

Sept. 18", 1956 R. KIMES SOURCE SELECTOR FOR BREATHING APPARATUS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 19, 1955 q DIVING ROBERT K /ME 5',

IN VEN TOR.

United States Patent SOURCE SELECTOR FOR BREATHING APPARATUS .Robert Kimes, Culver City, Calif., assignor to The Garrett Corporation, Los Angeles, Calif., a corporation of California The present invention relates generally to a valve and relates more specifically to a 'diverter type valve for use, :for example, in connection with a breathing apparatus.

in breathing apparatus such as, for example, that used in connection with underwater diving, exploration, or activity in contaminated atmospheres and the like, it is desirable that a mouthpiece, nose and mouth mask, or full face mask be placed in position prior to ,entry of the user into water or other non-breatha'ble atmospheres or surrounding fluid media. In prior arrangements, with a mouthpiece, mask or otherface covering in position, and wherein a source of breathable gas was provided, breathing within or without the unbreathable ambient medium had to be done from the provided independent supply at all times when the mask or mouthpiece was in place. This action utilized the provided supply of breathable gas under conditions when such use was not necessary, thereby wasting the supply.

Accordingly, it'has become necessary to provide valve means for use in conjunction with a breathing apparatus, and specifically a mouthpiece or mask arrangement, to enable the user rapidly, efiiciently and effective'ly to switch from breathing the surrounding atmosphere to the supply of breathable gas, and'vice versa.

It is therefore one important object of the present invention to provide a valve for use in connection with a breathing apparatus, said valve'being simple in construction, reliable and-eflective in use and rapid in operation.

Another important object of the present invention is toprovi'de .a'valve for use in connection'witha breathing apparatus and wherein components thereof are maintained at .a minimum number commensurate with the efficient and eflective operation of the valve.

,A further important object of the present invention is to provide a-.valve foruse inconnection witha breathing apparatus-whereinrmanual operating means forthe valve is easily accessible to permit effective operation :of the valve whenpositioned in association withthe faceand/or respiratory system of the user.

Other and further important objects of .the present invention will become apparent from the detailed disclosures in the following specification, appended claims and accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is atop plan view of the valve of the present invention, shown diagrammatically in use in connection with a breathing apparatus;

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view through the present valve as taken substantially as indicated by'line 22, Fig. ,1;

Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially as indicatedby line 3-3, Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 .is a rear elevational view of the valve taken as indicated by line 4.-4, Fig. 1;

Fig. 5 is a detail perspective view of the valve body used in connection with the present valve;

Fig. 6 is a detail perspective view of the valve member also utilized in the present valve; and

"ice

Fig. 7 is a transverse sectional view similar to Fig. 3 with parts in different positions.

With reference to the drawings, the valve of the present invention is shown in Fig. 1 as indicated generally at 10. As shown diagrammatically, the valve 10 is adapted for use primarily in connection with a breathing apparatus such as an underwater breathable gas regulator as indicated generally at 11. The regulator 11 may be, for example, of the type disclosed in my copending application Serial Number 427,195, filed May 3, 1-954, and relating to a respiration device.

Generally, as shown diagrammatically in Fig. 1, the regulator 11 includes an inhalation chamber 12 and an exhalation chamber 13. One side of the chamber 1.3 is formed by a movable wall or diaphragm 14 which carries an exhalation valve 15. Ports 16, through the diaphragm 14, permit flow of gas from the chamber 13 and past the valve 15, thereafter to be exhausted ,to the surrounding fluid medium, by means of openings 17 in a cover 18. Breathable gas is admitted to the chamber 12 from a source, which may take the form of a tank or cylinder 2b, by means of a metering valve 21. The valve 21 is operably associated with the diaphragm 1:4 and biasedtoward a closed position by means of a compression spring 22. Thus, an inhalation produced reduction in pressure in chamber 13, induced through a conduit 23, will move the diaphragm 14 inwardly toward the chamber 13, thereby to open the valve 21 through use of a suitable lever arrangement 24 and permit flow of the breathable gastrorn the cylinder 20 into the chamber 12, and from the chamber 12 to a point of use through a conduit 25. The conduits 2'3 .and 25 may take the form of flexible hoses, as indicated at 26 and 27 respectively, that extend, through use of the valve 10, to the respiratory system of the user. Eathalation products are conducted by way of the conduit 23 to the chamber 13 and outwardly into the surrounding fluid medium by way of ports 16, valve 15 and openings 17 in the cover 18.

As shown in the drawings, the valve 10 includes ,a generally cylindrical valve body indicated vgenerally at 30. This valve body is shown in detail in Pig. 5. The valve further includes a generally cylindrical valve member pivotally disposed within the valve body and indicated generally at 31. This valve member is shown in detail in Fig. ,6.

The valve body 30 and valve member ,311may be molded from a resilient material such as, for example, nylon. The valve body 36 has anopen ended longitudinal slot 32 disposed through oneside thereof. Additionally, a circumferential slot 33 is also formed in "the longitudinally central area of the valve body, one end of this circumferential slot-being in communicationwith the longitudinal slot 32. An integral mouthpiece connection 34 extends radially outwardly from one side of the valve body diametrically opposite from the longitudinal slot 32. The mouthpiece connection 34 has a plurality of passageways 35 formed therein and separated byrmeans of structural stiffening webs 36. The passageways 35 communicate with the elongated interior of the valve body which is defined by a cylindrical inner surface37 thereof. The valve body 30 further includes on the outer surface thereof, a pair of circumferential stiffening-ribs 38, the ends thereof, adjacent the longitudinal slot 32, being somewhat wider, as at 40, to define notches 4-1, {the purpose of which will be later described. The mouthpiece connection 34 is generally elliptical with apair of circumferential flanges or enlargements .42 being formed thereabout. The flanges 42cooperate with similar mating grooves in and serve to retain .a flexible mouthpiece 43 on the mouthpiece connection ,34. The mouthpiece 43 maybe made from rubber or the like, and includes a semicircular portion 44, adapted for insertion beneath the lips of the user, and a pair of gripping members 45 which are adapted for extension between the teeth of the user, thereby to maintain the teeth in a separated condition and the interior of the mouth in communication with an interior passageway 46 through the mouthpiece. The passageway 46 is in communication with the passages 35 in the mouthpiece connection 34.

In regard to the use of the mouthpiece 43, it is to be understood that this particular adaptation of the invention is by Way of example only and that the present valve may be used with face masks, nose and mouth covering devices or the like, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

As discussed hereinbefore, the valve member 31 is adapted to be pivotally positioned within the valve body 30. For this purpose, the valve member 31 includes a pair of spaced peripheral flanges 50, the opposed surfaces 51 of which are adapted for engagement with end surfaces 52 of the valve body, thereby to limit axial movement of the valve member relative to the valve body. A pair of journals 53 are positioned adjacent the surfaces 51 of the flanges 50, with these journals being adapted for sliding engagement with the inner surface 37 of the valve body 30. Thus, the flanges t and the journals 53 define a central reduced diameter portion 54 on the valve member 31 with this portion being disposed in spaced relationship to the inner surface 37 of the valve body, thereby to define an annular space 55 therebetween. This annular space is maintained and assured by means of a pair of semicircular ribs 56 that are disposed radially outwardly from the outer surface of the central portion 54 of the valve member 31. The outer peripheral edges of the ribs 56 are the same diameter as that of the journals 53 and are adapted for contact with the inner surface 37 of the valve body 30, thereby to prevent any undesirable deformation of the central area of the valve body inwardly toward the space 55, defined between the valve body and the valve member.

The longitudinal outer ends of the valve member 31 are provided with cylindrical hose attachment fittings 60, the ends of which terminate in radially outwardly extending flanges 61. A longitudinal bore 62 extends through the valve member including the fittings 60. The hoses 26 and 27 are adapted for disposition about the fittings 60 and for retention thereon by means of suitable clamps 63. It is to be noted that the first convolution of the hoses lies over the flanges 61 to relieve undesirable stresses in the hoses at these points. The

clamps 63, shown by way of example, are provided with hook arrangements 64 to maintain them in position about the ends of the hoses 26 and 27, providing a fluid tight seal between the hoses and the fittings 60.

The valve member 31 further includes a manual operating lever 65 that is formed integrally therewith and extends radially outwardly from the reduced diameter central portion 54. The operating lever is adapted for disposition in the circumferential slot 33 in the valve body 30. Additionally, the valve member 31 includes a radially extending boss 66 that is formed integrally therewith and extends outwardly from the central reduced diameter portion 54. The boss 66 extends radially approximately to the diameter of the journals 53 and longitudinally between these journals. The boss 66 is further provided with a passage 67 therethrough which extends radially with respect to the valve member 31 and communicates with the bore 62 in the valve member. A plurality of spacing webs 68 are disposed within the passage 67 in order to stiffen the material in this area. The areas of the passages 35 in the mouthpiece connection 34, passages 67 in the boss 66 and longitudinal bore 62 are such as to prevent any undesirable restriction to fluid flow therethrough. Of these, the passages 35 have the greatest area with the passage 67 being next smallest. Thus the valve of the present invention elim- 4 inates any possibility of pressure drop in the flow of breathable gas therethrough.

The boss 66 is provided with a groove 70 which extends about the passage 67 and is spaced a slight distance therefrom. A sealing means in the form of an O-ring 71 is adapted for disposition in the groove 70 with this O-ring being further adapted for cooperation with the inner surface 37 of the valve body 30 and the inner edges of the webs 36, thereby to provide a fluid tight seal between the space and the passage 67. It may be seen and it should be understood that the seal 71 may be eliminated by manufacture of the valve member 31 from suitable resilient material or by design of an eflective labyrinth type seal arrangement about the passageway 67.

In order that the valve body 30 may be held in tight circumferential engagement with the journals 53 and ribs 56 of the valve member 31, a pair of clips 72 are disposed circumferentially across the longitudinal slot 32 in the valve body. These clips have end portions that are adapted for engagement with the notches 41 defined adjacent the enlargement 40 on the ends of the stiffening ribs 38. The clips 72 may be made from a suitable spring material in order that constant circumferential tension may be maintained on the valve body 30. The clips 72 may be eliminated if desired by construction of the valve body 30 with sufficient stiffness to maintain the above mentioned tension on the valve member 31.

In order to limit rotation of the valve member 31 relative to the valve body 30, and to prevent engagement of the operating lever 65 with either one side of the longitudinal slot 32 or one end of the circumferential slot 33 and inadvertent circumferential deformation of the valve body, a stop member 75 is disposed longitudinally outwardly from one end surface 52 of the valve body. This stop member is adapted for cooperation with a circumferential notch 76 formed in the peripheral edge of one of the flanges 50 on the valve member 31.

Thus, it may be seen that the user has the choice of either breathing from the surrounding atmosphere or alternately from the provided supply of breathable gas from the source 20. With the manual operating lever 65 being disposed in the position shown in Figs. 14 of the drawings, the interior of the mouthpiece 43 will be in communication with the bore 62 of the valve member, by way of the passage 35 in the mouthpiece connection 34 and passage 67 formed through the boss 66 of the valve member 31. When the manual operating lever 65 is in a position as shown in Fig. 7 of the drawings, the user may breathe from the surrounding atmosphere, with the interior of the mouthpiece 43 being in communication therewith by way of the passage 35 in the mouthpiece connection 34, the space 55, defined between the interior surface 37 of the valve body 30 and the reduced diameter portion 54 of the valve member 31, and the slots 32 and 33. Rotation of the valve body 30 is normally restricted by the positioning of the mouthpiece 43 in the mouth or the attachment of a mask to the face of the user. The slight twisting of the flexible hoses 26 and 27, upon pivotal movement of the valve member in the valve body, is negligible. 1

Actually, it will be seen that the valve member may be pivotally moved by the user without use of the lever 65, by merely grasping the hoses in the area of the fittings and rotating these hoses together with the valve member 31. As a matter of fact, for such operation, the lever may be completely eliminated. For convenience of the diver, the outer surface, as shown in Fig. 4, of the valve body 30 may further be provided with suitable indicia as, for example Diving and Surface, so that the manual operating lever 65 may properly be positioned depending upon the source of breathable gas desired by the user.

The valve of the present invention is capable of use not only in connection with, as stated hereinbefore, the mouthpiece as illustrated and other mask or mouthpiece arrangements, but has other features which extend its usefulness. For example, when the present valve is utilized in conjunction with the type of regulator illustrated at 11, the user may remove the entire breathing apparatus together with the mouthpiece from his person while underwater or in a non-breathable atmosphere without the regulator and hoses becoming filled or appreciably contaminated. With the mouthpiece valve in the position shown in Fig. 3, the mouthpiece may be removed from the mouth during an exhalation cycle with simultaneous pivotal movement of the valve member 31 to the position shown in Fig. 7. With this procedure, it is to be noted that water or contaminating gas will not flood the system of the breathing apparatus, which is thereafter effectively closed by reason of the termination of the connection between the hoses Z6 and 27 and the passageway 35 leading to the mouthpiece 43. This position of the valve 10 may also be set in a spare fully charged complete unit prior to submersion in the event it is desired to leave a spare unit on the bottom to be available as may be necessary for extensive underwater exploration or other activity. With the breathing apparatus of the type indicated at 11, it is obvious that the cylinder shut-off valve 80 between the supply source 20 and valve 21 must be opened prior to entry of freshly charged apparatus into the water. During descent, a slight flow from the source 20 is necessary and will occur in order that pressures within the apparatus, hoses, and valve 10 may be equalized with the pressure of the surrounding fluid medium.

The additional breathing apparatus may thereafter be utilized or the previously removed unit may be reutilized as the user may thereafter desire. Due to the particular construction of the type of regulator 11, it becomes only necessary to pivot the valve member to the position shown in Fig. 3 and reinsertion of the mouthpiece 43 into the mouth for resumption of breathing from the source 20. The valve may be moved rapidly from one position to another to enable the user to expel any small amount of Water that may have collected in the valve, his mouth or the regulator 11.

It will be seen that the present valve may be used as a mixing valve by positioning the valve member 31 intermediate its extreme positions and presentation of different effective areas to the passageways 35.

It may thus be seen that the valve arrangement of the present invention is constructed from only two major components that are simple in design, efficient in operation, and effective in use. Additionally, it may be seen that the present device may rapidly be converted for breathing from either of two sources.

Having thus described the invention and the present embodiment thereof, it is desired to emphasize the fact that many modifications may be resorted to in a manner limited only by a just interpretation of the following claims.

I claim:

1. A valve for use in connection with a breathing apparatus, said valve comprising: a generally cylindrical body; a tubular mouthpiece connection extending from said body and communicating with the interior thereof; a cylindrical valve member pivotally positioned in said valve body; breathing hose attachment means on said valve member; said valve member having a reduced diameter portion having a diameter less than an inner surface diameter of said valve body; a radially extending boss disposed upon said reduced diameter portion; an opening in said boss adapted for communication with the interior of said valve member and with said tubular mouthpiece connection, said mouthpiece being alternately communicable with the-space between said reduced diameter portion of said valve member and said inner surface of said valve body, upon pivotal movement of said valve member; and seal means disposed about said opening, said seal means being adapted for engagement with said inner surface of said valve body.

2. A valve for use in connection with a breathing apparatus, said valve comprising: a generally cylindrical valve body; a tubular mouthpiece connection extending from said body and communicating with the interior thereof; a longitudinal slot through said body; a circumferential slot in said body, one end of said circumferential slot communicating with said longitudinal slot; a cylindrical valve member pivotally positioned in said valve body; breathing hose attachment fittings disposed on each end of said valve member; a central portion in said valve member, said central portion having a diameter less than an inner surface diameter of said valve body; an operating lever disposed radially outwardly from said valve member, said lever being adapted for extension through said circumferential slot in said valve body; a radially extending boss disposed from said central portion; an opening in said boss adapted for communication with the interior of said valve member and with said tubular mouthpiece connection, said mouthpiece alternately being adapted for communication with the space between said central portion of said valve member and said inner surface of said valve body upon pivotal movement of said valve member by manual movement of said lever in said circumferential slot; and seal means disposed about said opening, said seal means being adapted for engagement with said inner surface of said valve body.

3. A valve for use in connection with a breathing apparatus, said valve comprising: a generally cylindrical valve body; a tubular mouthpiece connection extending from said body and communicating with the interior thereof; a longitudinal slot through said body; a circumferential slot in said body, one end of said circumferential slot communicating with said longitudinal slot; a cylindrical valve member pivotally positioned in said valve body; means for restricting axial movement of said valve member in said valve body; breathing hose attachment fittings disposed on each end of said valve member; a central portion in said valve member, said central portion having a diameter less than an inner surface diameter of said valve body to define a space therebetween; an operating lever disposed radially outwardly from said central portion, said lever being adapted for extension through said circumferential slot in said valve body; a radially extending boss disposed from said central portion; an opening in said boss adapted for communication with the interior of said valve member and with said tubular mouthpiece connection, said mouthpiece alternately being adapted for communication with said space between said central portion of said valve member and said inner surface of said valve body upon pivotal movement of said valve member by manual movement of said lever in said circumferential slot; a groove spaced from and surrounding said opening; and seal means disposed in said groove, said seal means being adapted for engagement with said inner surface of said valve body.

4. A valve for use in connection with a breathing apparatus, said valve comprising: a generally cylindrical valve body; a tubular mouthpiece connection extending from said body and communicating with the interior thereof; a longitudinal slot through said body; a circumferential slot in said body, one end of said circumferential slot communicating with said longitudinal slot; a cylindrical valve member pivotally positioned in said valve body; breathing hose attachment fittings disposed on each end of said valve member; journals disposed on said valve member within ends of said valve body, said journals being adapted for contact with an inner surface of said valve body; a central portion in said valve member, said central portion having a diameter less than said inner surface diameter of said valve body to define a space therebetween; an operating lever disposed radially outwardly from said central portion, said lever being adapted for extension through said circumferential slot in said valve body; a radially extending boss disposed from said central portion; an opening in said boss adapted for communication with the interior of said valve member and with said tubular mouthpiece connection, said mouthpiece alternately being adapted for communication with said space between said central portion of said valve member and said inner surface of said valve body upon pivotal movement of said valve member and by manual movement of said lever in said circumferential slot; and seal means disposed about said opening, said seal means being adapted for engagement with said inner surface of said valve body.

5. A valve for use in connection with a breathing apparatus, said valve comprising: a generally cylindrical valve body; a tubular mouthpiece connection extending from said body and communicating with the interior thereof; a longitudinal slot through said body; a circumferential slot in said body, one end of said circumferential slot communicating with said longitudinal slot; a cylindrical valve member pivotally positioned in said valve body; means for restricting axial movement of said valve member in said valve body; breathing hose attachment fittings disposed on each end of said valve member; journals disposed on said valve member within ends of said valve body, said journals being adapted for contact with an inner surface of said valve body; a central portion in said valve member, said central portion having a diameter less than said inner surface diameter of said valve body to define a space therebetween; an operating lever disposed radially outwardly from said central portion, said lever being adapted for extension through said circumferential slot in said valve body; a radially extending boss disposed from said central portion; an opening in said boss adapted for communication with the interior of said valve member and with said tubular mouthpiece connection, said mouthpiece alternately being adapted for communication with said space between said central portion of said valve member and said inner surface of said valve body upon pivotal movement of said valve member by manual movement of said lever in said circumferential slot; a groove spaced from and surrounding said opening; and seal means disposed in said groove, said seal means being adapted for engagement with said inner surface of said valve body.

6. A valve for use in connection with a breathing apparatus, said valve comprising: a generally cylindrical valve body molded from flexible material; a tubular mouthpiece connection extending from said body and communicating with the interior thereof; a longitudinal slot through said body; a circumferential slot in said body, one end of said circumferential slot communicating with said longitudinal slot; a cylindrical valve member pivotally positioned in said valve body; means for restricting axial movement of said valve member in said valve body; breathing hose attachment fittings disposed on each end of said valve member; journals disposed on said valve member within ends of said valve body, said journals being adapted for contact with an inner surface of said valve body; a central portion in said valve member, said central portion being disposed between said journals and having a diameter less than said inner surface diameter of said valve body to define a space therebetween; an operating lever disposed radially outwardly from said central portion, said lever being adapted for extension through said circumferential slot in said valve body; a radially extending boss disposed from said central portion; an opening in said boss adapted for communication with the interior of said valve member and with said tubular mouthpiece connection, said mouthpiece alternately being adapted for communication with said space between said central portion of said valve member and said inner surface of said valve body upon pivotal movement of said valve member by manual movement of said lever in said circumferential slot; a groove spaced radially outwardly from and surrounding said opening; seal means disposed in said groove, said seal means being adapted for engagement with said inner surface of said valve body; and clip means for securing said valve body in tight circumferential engagement With said journals of said valve member.

7. A valve for use in connection with a breathing apparatus, said valve comprising: a generally cylindrical valve body molded from flexible material; a tubular mouthpiece connection extending from said body and communicating with the interior thereof; a longitudinal slot through said body; a circumferential slot in said body, one end of said circumferential slot communicating with said longitudinal slot; a cylindrical molded valve member pivotally positioned in said valve body; flange means formed on said valve members for restricting axial movement for said valve member in said valve body; breathing hose attachment fittings disposed on each end of said valve member; journals disposed on said valve member within ends of said valve body, said journals being adapted for contact with an inner surface of said valve body; a central portion in said valve member, said central portion being disposed between said journals and having a diameter less than said inner surface diameter of said valve body to define a space therebetween; an operating lever disposed radially outwardly from said central portion, said lever being adapted for extension through said circumferential slot in said valve body; a radially extending boss disposed from said central portion; an opening in said boss adapted for communication with the interior of said valve member and with said tubular mouthpiece connection, said mouthpiece alternately being adapted for communication with said space between said central portion of said valve member and said inner surface of said valve body upon pivotal movement of said valve member by manual movement of said lever in said circumferential slot; a groove spaced radially outwardly from and surrounding said opening; seal means disposed in said groove, said seal means being adapted for engagement with said inner surface of said valve body; and clips engaging notches on each end of said valve body and extending over said longitudinal slot for maintaining said valve body in tight circumferential engagement with said journals of said valve member.

8. A valve for use in connection with a breathing apparatus, said valve comprising: a body having a lateral mouthpiece opening and an atmospheric opening communicating with the interior thereof; a tubular valve member pivotally positioned in said body, said valve member and body being shaped to provide a passage therebetween; breathing hose receiving means on said valve member, said valve member having a lateral opening communicating with the interior thereof, pivotal movement of said valve member alternately establishing communication between the openings in said body through said passage and between one of the openings in said body and the interior of said valve member through the lateral opening therein; and seal means disposed between the body and valve member to prevent communication between the interior of the valve member and said passage at all times.

9. A valve for use in connection with a breathing apparatus, said valve comprising: a body having a lateral mouthpiece opening and an atmospheric opening communicating with the interior thereof; a tubular valve member pivotally positioned in said body, said valve member and body being shaped to provide a passage therebetween; interengaging means on said body and valve member to prevent relative longitudinal movement thereof; breathing hose receiving means on said valve member, said valve member having a lateral opening communicating with the interior thereof, pivotal movement of said valve member alternately establishing communication between the openings in said body through said passage and between one of the openings in said body and the interior of said valve member through the lateral opening therein; and seal means disposed between the body and valve member to prevent communication between the interior of the valve member and said passage at all times.

10. A valve for use in connection with a breathing apparatus, said valve comprising: a body having a lateral mouthpiece opening and an atmospheric opening communicating with the interior thereof; a tubular valve member pivotally positioned in said body, said valve member and body being shaped to provide a passage therebetween; interengaging means on said body and valve member to limit pivotal movement of said valve member; breathing hose receiving means on said valve member, said valve member having a lateral opening communicating with the interior thereof, pivotal movement of said valve member alternately establishing communication between the openings in said body through said passage and between one of the openings in said body and the interior of said valve member through the lateral opening therein; and seal means disposed between the body and valve member to prevent communication between the interior of the valve member and said passage at all times.

11. A valve for use in connection with a breathing apparatus, said valve comprising: a body having a lateral mouthpiece opening and an atmospheric opening communicating with the interior thereof; a tubular valve member pivotally positioned in said body, said valve member and body being shaped to provide a passage therebetween; a first interengaging means 011 said body and valve member to prevent relative longitudinal movement thereof; a second interengaging means on said body and valve member to limit pivotal movement of said valve member; breathing hose receiving means on said valve member, said valve member having a lateral opening communicating with the interior thereof, pivotal movement of said valve member alternately establishing communication between the openings in said body through said passage and between one of the openings in said body and the interior of said valve member through the lateral opening therein; and seal means disposed between the body and valve member to prevent communication between the interior of the valve member and said passage at all times.

No references cited.

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