WO2004052772A1

WO2004052772A1 - Dispensing valve for fluids

Info

Publication number: WO2004052772A1
Application number: PCT/US2002/039399
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mitchell A. Friedman; Joseph E. Koehler
Original assignee: International Dispensing Corporation
Priority date: 2002-12-10
Filing date: 2002-12-10
Publication date: 2004-06-24
Also published as: AU2002364543A1

Abstract

A dispensing valve (12) for fluids is disclosed which provides for ease of use by requiring only a minimal force exerted on the valve actuator (24) to maintain the valve in an open position. The valve may be manufactured with a variety of port (17a) configurations to provide for the dispensing of fluids of varying viscosities. The valve body (13) and actuator (24) are formed with reinforcing structural members to allow the dispensing valve to be sterilized through high levels of radiation and through high temperature steam and chemical sterilization processes without degrading the valve structure or operation.

Description

Dispensing Valve for Fluids

Technical Field

The present invention relates to fluid dispensing apparatus and, more particularly, to a robust, relatively simple, low-cost, and easily actuatable dispensing valve for dispensing fluid from a source of such fluid, which valve may withstand sterilization procedures, including irradiation up to 5.0 M AD and high temperature steam and chemical sterilization processes, without degradation of the integrity of the valve structure or operation, and thus may be used for dispensing a wide variety of products ranging from aseptic products (free from microorganisms), to sterile products, to non-sterile products.

Background Art

Dispensing valves for dispensing fluid from fluid containers, systems, or other sources of such fluid are shown by U.S. Patent Nos. 3,187,965; 3,263,875; 3,493,146; 3,620,425; 4,440,316; 4,687,123; and 5,918,779. Such valves can be used, for example, in a system for dispensing beverages or other liquids used by consumers in the home. Low cost, trouble-free, and reliable valve actions are significant considerations in such applications. Low cost is particularly important if the valve is to be sold as a disposable item as, for example, where the valve is provided with a filled fluid container and discarded along with the container when the fluid has been consumed.

In U.S. Patent No. 3,187,965, a dispensing valve for a milk container is shown having a generally integral valve body connected at one end to the milk container. The valve body has an L-shaped passage formed therein defining an inlet opening at one end in communication with the milk container and at the opposite end a discharge outlet for discharging the milk to the exterior of the container. A plunger bore in the valve body provides means for slidably mounting a plunger member. A valve seal fixedly connected to the inner end of the plunger member can be moved by the plunger member to open and close the inlet opening. The opposite or outer end of the plunger member extends to the exterior of the milk container. A push button having a diameter substantially larger than the plunger member is mounted to the outer end of the plunger member and disposed in the valve body so that the push button is exposed for engagement by a user's finger. A compression type spring is engaged between the push button and the valve body. Thus, when a force is exerted against the push button to move the valve seal and open the inlet opening for dispensing milk from the container, the spring at all time exerts a substantial counter force on the push button for returning the valve seal to a closed position. The force exerted by the compression spring tends to increase directly with the inward displacement of the plunger member. Therefore, the user must exert considerable inward force on the push button to hold the valve open.

Another valve, shown in United States Patent 3,263,875, uses a similar plunger member and valve body to that of the '965 patent. A resilient diaphragm having a peripheral portion engaged with the valve body acts both as a return spring and as a push button. Unfortunately, commercially available valves having such diaphragmatic actuator members have in the past required the user to exert considerable force to hold the valve open while dispensing the liquid. Likewise, commercial attempts have been made to provide low-cost dispensing valves for use with disposable containers, but such efforts have met with limited success. For example, Waddington & Duval Ltd. provide a press tap for use with disposable containers (such as wine boxes, water bottles, and liquid laundry detergent containers) under model designations COM 4452 and COM 4458, both of which provide a depressible button actuator operatively connected to a valve closure for moving the valve closure away from a valve seat to dispense fluid. Unfortunately, the valve constructions are configured such that fluid to be dispensed will rest within the dispensing chamber of the valve behind the valve seat after use and thereby outside of any refrigerated or insulated container in which the liquid is stored, thus increasing the risk of spoilage of the volume of fluid resting within the valve body after each use. Moreover, many fluid dispensing applications require vigorous sterilization procedures prior to use of the dispensing equipment, including irradiation at exposures of up to as high as 5.0 MRAD, and high temperature steam and chemical sterilization procedures. The thin-walled polyethylene construction of the valve bodies of the Waddington & Duval dispensing valves cannot withstand such sterilization procedures, and in fact become brittle and prone to failure when exposed to such procedures, thus greatly limiting their use for dispensing food products. Even further, the polyethylene valve closure of the Waddington & Duval dispensing valve construction is highly thermally conductive, such that heat transfer may easily occur between the exterior of the fluid container and the contents of the container simply through the valve structure, again raising the risk of spoilage of the contents.

Similarly, the Jefferson Smurfit Group provides a similar tap for use with disposable containers under the model designation VITOP. Once again, the Jefferson Smurfit Group tap construction is configured such that fluid to be dispensed will rest within the dispensing chamber of the valve behind the valve seat after use and thereby outside of any refrigerated or insulated container in which the liquid is stored, once again increasing the risk of spoilage of the volume of fluid resting within the valve body after each use. Likewise, the thin-walled polypropylene construction of the valve body of the Jefferson Smurfit Group dispensing valve cannot withstand the above-described sterilization procedures, and also becomes brittle and prone to failure when exposed to such procedures, thus greatly limiting their use for dispensing food products. And, as above, the polyester elastomer closure of the Jefferson Smurfit Group dispensing valve construction is highly thermally conductive, such that heat transfer may easily occur between the exterior of the fluid container and the contents of the container simply through the valve structure, again raising the risk of spoilage of the contents.

Thus, although substantial effort has been devoted in the art heretofore towards development of low-cost valves of this general type, there remains an unmet need for a valve which is easier to use and which does not require that the user exert such large forces to hold the valve open. This problem is complicated by the fact that the spring or other resilient member should provide the force necessary to assure leak- free seating of the valve seal when the plunger member is in the closed position. Likewise, there remains an unmet need for a disposable valve that is sufficiently robust so as to be able to withstand vigorous sterilization procedures, which reduces heat transfer through the valve between the interior and exterior of the fluid container, and which does not trap fluid outside of the intended storage vessel between dispensing cycles.

There is further need for a valve that can be adapted, during manufacture, to provide the desired liquid flow rate for a particular set of conditions such as liquid viscosity and the liquid pressure or "head" available to force the liquid through the valve body. A valve that discharges a thick, high-viscosity fluid such as cold maple syrup or orange juice concentrate at a desirable rate will discharge a low-viscosity fluid such as water or wine under the same pressure at a far higher rate. It would be desirable to provide a valve that can be fabricated readily using normal production techniques such as injection molding in a range of configurations, having different resistance to fluid flow, to provide for different conditions. It would be particularly desirable to provide a valve that can be fabricated in a variety of configurations with only minor modifications to the molds and other tools used to make the valve.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides a dispensing valve for fluids that provides for ease of use by requiring only a minimal force exerted on the valve actuator to maintain the valve in an open position. The valve may be manufactured with a variety of port configurations to provide for the dispensing of fluids of varying viscosities. The valve body and actuator are formed with reinforcing wings and internal stabilizing frames to allow the dispensing valve to be sterilized through high levels of radiation and through high temperature steam and chemical sterilization processes without degrading the valve structure or operation. It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to enable a fluid-dispensing valve that avoids the disadvantages of the prior art.

It is another object of the present invention to enable a fluid dispensing valve that requires minimal force to maintain the valve in an open position while providing leak-free closure of the valve when seated in a closed position. It is another object of the present invention to enable a fluid dispensing valve that may be manufactured in a variety of configurations to allow effective application to fluids of varying viscosities with only minor modifications to manufacturing equipment used to make the valve.

It is still another object of the instant invention to enable a fluid dispensing valve that is of sufficiently robust construction so as to withstand sterilization procedures including exposure to high levels of radiation and high temperature steam and chemical sterilization without degrading the performance or integrity of the valve structure.

It is yet another object of the instant invention to enable a fluid-dispensing valve that reduces heat transfer from the exterior of a liquid container to which the valve is attached to the interior of the container. It is even yet another object of the instant invention to enable a fluid- dispensing valve that prevents the storage of fluid behind the valve closure and outside of the fluid container after each dispensing cycle.

In accordance with the above objects, a dispensing valve for fluids is disclosed which provides for ease of use by requiring only a minimal force exerted on the valve actuator to maintain the valve in an open position, and which offers a simple, ergonomic design and robust functionality capable of dispensing a wide variety of products. The valve body and actuator are preferably formed of a polypropylene copolymer with an average wall thickness of approximately 0.0625 inches, and the valve seal is preferably formed of a thermoplastic rubber having an average thickness of about 0.032 inches. Reinforcing wings provide added strength to the discharge outlet of such valve, while stabilizing frames configured within such valve body strengthen the valve actuator enclosure. Such dimensional characteristics and materials allow the dispensing valve to withstand the highest aseptic sterilization regimentation as outlined by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and maintain the sterility of a product as specified by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) guidelines. More specifically, the dispensing apparatus is able to withstand either gamma or cobalt irradiation at the maximum dose of 5.0 MRAD (50 Kilogray) in the first phase of the sterilization process. The dispensing apparatus is then able to withstand the high temperatures associated with steam and chemical sterilization processes required in the filling process. The dispensing apparatus is capable of withstanding such combined sterilization regimens without degrading the valve structure or operation. Thus, the valve of the instant invention may be used to dispense products ranging from aseptic products (free from microorganisms) including but not limited to dairy, 100% juice and soy products, to commercially sterile products including but not limited to preserved juice and coffee products, to non-sterile fluids such as chemical solvents.

In order to allow a minimal force for holding the valve in an open position, a resilient valve actuator having the characteristics of a nonlinear spring is provided at an actuator end of the valve body and operatively connected to a plunger, with the opposite end of the plunger having mounted thereon a resilient valve seal. An intermediate discharge outlet is positioned between the actuator end and the valve seal, such discharge outlet being placed in fluid communication with the interior of a fluid container to which the valve is attached when the valve is in an open position. A valve port wall is positioned between the valve seal and the dispensing chamber providing a plurality of ports for controlling the flow of fluid through the valve body when the valve is in an open position. The valve and the valve port wall are positioned such that when the valve is installed on a liquid container, virtually no liquid will be trapped by the valve structure outside of the insulated container, thus preventing the spoilage of a dose of liquid resting in the valve after each dispensing cycle. A push-button is provided for actuating the dispensing valve and is exposed to the exterior of a fluid container to which the dispensing valve is attached. The valve may be manufactured with a variety of port configurations to provide for the dispensing of fluids of varying viscosities.

The simplicity and functionality of the dispensing valve of the instant invention enables its manufacture and automatic assembly with high cavity tools, which in turn reduces manufacturing costs and offers the market a low cost dispensing solution. The simplicity and functionality of the design also enable the dispensing apparatus to be easily customized in the manufacturing process to fit a wide range of dispensing packages such as a flexible pouch, flexible bag, or semi-rigid plastic container. The dispensing valve of the instant invention is also configured to adapt easily to a wide range of filling machines and filling conditions worldwide.

The various features of novelty that characterize the invention will be pointed out with particularity in the claims of this application.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention are considered in more detail, in relation to the following description of embodiments thereof shown in the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 shows a fluid container having a dispensing valve thereon in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention for the manual dispensing of fluid from the container;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the dispensing valve shown in FIGURE 1; FIG. 3 is an end view of the actuation end of the dispensing valve body shown in FIGURES 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is an end view of the inlet end of the dispensing valve body shown in FIGURES 1 and 2; FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-section of the dispensing valve shown in FIGURE 2;

FIG. 5a is a cross-section of the dispensing valve shown in FIGURE 2; FIG. 6 is an elevational view of certain components for the dispensing valve shown in FIGURES 1 - 5;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the valve seal shown in FIGURES 5 and 5a; FIG. 7a is a cross-section of the valve seal taken along line 'A-A' of FIGURE 7; and

FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating certain forces acting during operation of the valve of FIGURES 1 - 7.

Best Models^') for Carrying Out the Invention Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a container or vat 10 having a fluid disposed therein. A dispensing valve 12 in accordance with the present invention is connected for dispensing the fluid in container 10. While dispensing valve 12 is shown for dispensing the fluid under gravity flow, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that this is merely for purposes of illustration and not by way of limitation. Dispensing valve 12 is also applicable for dispensing fluid where the source of fluid is under a head of pressure provided by a source other than gravity.

As is further shown in Figures 2 to 7 of the drawings, dispensing valve 12 has a generally tubular valve body 13 having an outer wall 13a and an inner wall 13b. The valve body has an inner or inlet end 7, and an opposite outer or actuation end 9, and an axial direction extending between these ends. Although valve body 13 is shown generally in the form of a round cylindrical tube, the valve body may be round, square, octagonal or other shape adapted for the application to which dispensing valve 12 will be applied. Valve body 13 is provided with features 14 for connecting such valve body 13 to container 10 or other source of fluid to be dispensed so as to bring the inlet opening 15 (Figure 5) formed in the valve body 13 in communication with the fluid to be dispensed. The particular connecting features 14 depicted in the drawings include ribs encircling the exterior of the valve body near the inlet end 7. Such ribs are arranged to form a fluid-tight, press-fit connection between the exterior of the valve body and the interior of an outlet provided in the container. Other suitable connecting and sealing features may be used in addition to or in lieu of the ribs. For example, valve body 13 can be provided with threads or bayonet-type locking features matable with features of container 10. In addition, auxiliary sealing elements such as resilient 0-rings or other gaskets can be provided on container 10 or on valve body 13 for engagement between such valve body 13 and such container 10. A positioning ring 14a is provided circumscribing valve body 13 just above connecting features 14. When dispensing valve 12 of the instant invention is installed on container 10, positioning ring 14a abuts the exterior wall of such container.

A discharge outlet 16 is formed in the valve body at a location on the valve body between the inlet end 7 and actuator end 9. Outlet 16 is disposed outside of container 10 or other source of fluid when the valve body is engaged with the container. Discharge outlet 16 is generally in the form of a short tubular member extending in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the valve body and communicating with the interior of the valve body. A pair of reinforcing wings 11a and 1 lb is provided to strengthen discharge outlet 16 and valve body 13. Such wings extend from discharge outlet 16 in a direction toward actuator end 9 and are connected to the outside wall 13b of valve body 13. Such wings 11a and lib may also extend in an opposite direction from discharge outlet 16 and connect to positioning ring 14a. Reinforcing wings 11a and l ib provide strength and stability for discharge outlet 16 when dispensing valve 12 undergoes sterilization processes.

As will be discussed in greater detail below, discharge outlet 16 extends from a port wall on the interior of the valve body, which port wall is ordinarily closed with a valve seal. In its closed position (seated against the port wall), the valve seal is positioned a short axial distance from positioning ring 14a, preferably not more than about 0.25 inches, so as to limit the amount of fluid contained within the portion of the valve outside of the fluid container to the volume within the inlet end of the valve between positioning ring 14a and the valve seal. As shown more particularly in Figures 4 and 5, valve port wall 17 extends across the interior of body 13 between inlet opening 15 and discharge outlet 16. The valve port wall defines a set of holes or valve ports 17a, as well as a valve seat 18 encircling the valve ports 17a and facing toward the inlet opening 15. The valve port wall also defines a plunger guide opening 17b adjacent the central axis of the valve body.

As best seen in Figure 5, a plunger guide support wall 5 extends across valve body 13 just outward of discharge opening 16, so that plunger guide support wall 5 lies between the discharge opening and the actuator end of the valve body. A tubular plunger guide 20 extends outwardly from the plunger guide support wall, toward the actuator end 9 of the valve body. Plunger guide 20 is aligned with the plunger guide opening 17b of the valve port wall, and is reinforced by a plurality of stabilizing frames 6 disposed between the inner wall 13b of valve body 13 and tubular plunger guide 20. Stabilizing frames 6 provide strength and stability for plunger guide 20 and valve body 13 when dispensing valve 12 undergoes sterilization processes.

Valve body 13 also has a pair of grip wings 30 and 31 projecting outwardly from the remainder of the valve body at actuator end 9. Grip wings 30 and 31 extend generally in directions perpendicular to the axial direction of valve body 13 and perpendicular to the direction of discharge opening 16. Valve body 13 desirably is formed from a polymeric material compatible with the fluid to be dispensed as, for example, a thermoplastic such as polypropylene or other polyolefin. In a preferred embodiment, valve body 13 is formed from a polypropylene copolymer.

A plunger member 21 is slidably mounted in plunger guide 20. Plunger member 21 desirably is also made of polypropylene or other plastic material. In a preferred embodiment, plunger member 21 is likewise formed from a polypropylene copolymer.

Referring to Figure 6, plunger member 21 has an inner end 22 and an outer end 23. A cylindrical stop member 28 and actuator 24 are formed integrally with plunger member 21 at the outer end 23 of plunger member 21 remote from the inner end 22. Actuator 24 has a dome-shaped resilient section 25, so sized that the perimeter 26 of this dome-shaped section can be mounted or held from escaping by a ledge or groove 27 disposed on the inner wall 13b of valve body 13, just inward of the actuator end 9 of the valve body 13. The dimensions of the actuator are selected to provide the desired resilient action and force/deflection characteristics as discussed below.

In one exemplary embodiment, the plunger, stop member, and actuator, including resilient element 25, are molded as a unit from polypropylene. Resilient element 25 is generally conical and about 1 inch in diameter, with an included angle of about 160°. That is, the wall of the conical resilient section lies at an angle A (Figure 6) of 10° to the plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the plunger member. The resilient element 25 is about 0.012 inches thick at its perimeter and about 0.018 inches thick at its juncture with stop member 28. Stop member 28 is about 0.292 inches in diameter. Thus, the ratio between the axial extent x of the conical resilient section and the average thickness of the resilient section is about four. Stop member 28 coacts with a stop shoulder 29 formed by the outer end of the plunger guide 20. Thus, the distance that the plunger 21 can be moved when force is exerted on the plunger member at actuator 24 will be determined by the distance stop member 28 can travel before contact is made with stop shoulder 29. The inner end 22 of plunger member 21 extends through the plunger guide support wall 5, through discharge outlet 16 and through the plunger guide opening 17b of valve port wall 17 into the inlet opening 15.

A resilient valve seal 19 in the form of a shallow conical member is fixedly connected to the inner end 22 of plunger member 21, as by a coupling element 22a which can be force fitted into engagement with a sized opening 19a in the valve seal 19 shown in Figures 7 and 7a because of the resilient nature of the materials from which the valve seal 19 and plunger 21 are fabricated. Valve seal 19 can be formed from essentially any resilient material, which will not react with or contaminate the fluid being dispensed, and which will not melt or degrade under the conditions encountered in service. The periphery of valve seal 19 overlies valve seat 18 and seals against the valve seat when the valve is in the closed position depicted in Figure 5.

In operation, dispensing valve 12 is mounted to container 10 as shown in Figure 1. The discharge opening points downwardly outside of the container, whereas finger grip wings 30 and 31 project horizontally. The valve normally remains in the fully closed position depicted in Figure 5. In this position, the resilience of actuator 24 urges plunger 21 outwardly, toward the actuator end 9 of the valve body 13, and holds valve seal 19 in engagement with seat 18, so that valve seal 19 blocks flow from the inlet opening 15 to ports 17a and discharge opening 16. In this condition, the pressure of the fluid in the container tends to force the valve seal 19 against seat 18, thereby closing the valve tighter. Those portions 17c of the valve port wall 17 immediately surrounding the ports 17a support valve seal 19 and prevent it from buckling through into discharge opening 16. This helps to assure that valve seal 19 will not be broken in the event very large fluid pressures are applied, as may occur, for example, if container 10 is shaken or dropped. Stated another way, valve seal 19 can be so soft and flexible that if support portions 17c of the valve port wall 17 were absent, the valve seal 19 would be susceptible to such buckling. This ability to use a soft flexible valve seal without fear of leakage under extreme conditions in turn facilitates formation of an effective seal at seat 18. The valve port wall 17 also provides an additional guide for plunger 21, which facilitates sliding movement of plunger 21, reduces any tendency of the plunger to bind, and keeps valve seal 19 concentric with seat 18.

In the embodiment of the instant invention shown in Figure 5, a separate push button element 60 is provided for manual engagement by a user to operate the dispensing valve. Push button 60 is preferably formed as a disk having a generally planar top surface 61 and a bottom surface 62 on the opposite side from the top surface 61. Extending downward from and centrally located on bottom surface 62 is an engagement pin 63. In the embodiment of the instant invention depicted in Figure 5, the dome-shaped resilient section 25 of actuator 24 is provided with a central opening 64 sized to receive engagement pin 63 therein and to hold the same in place via a friction fit. Preferably, engagement pin 63 is provided a circumferential ring 63a positioned around pin 63 adjacent to the point at which pin 63 attaches to bottom surface 62. Ring 63a defines a ledge 63b generally parallel to bottom surface 62. When inserted into actuator 24, pin 63 thus fits snugly within central opening 64 in actuator 24, while ledge 63b lies flush against the top face of actuator 24. Thus, when push button element 60 is pushed downward, only ledge 63b comes in contact with actuator 24, ensuring that the dome-shaped resilient section does not lose its shape or its nonlinear spring characteristic when the button is actuated. Thus, depressing push button element 60 downward and into tubular volume body 13 likewise causes plunger member 21 and valve seal 19 to move in an opening direction aligned with the central axis of the valve body and transverse to valve port wall 17, precisely as described above.

The user can open the valve by grasping the finger grip wings 30 and 31 with his or her fingers and pressing his or her thumb against the center section of the button 61 so as to intentionally move actuator 24, plunger member 21, and valve seal 19 in an opening direction aligned with the central axis of the valve body and transverse to valve port wall 17. Such movement takes the plunger member 21 and valve seal 19 from the normally closed position towards an open position, in which stop member 28 on the plunger engages stop shoulder 29 on the plunger guide 20 of the valve body 13. In such open position, valve seal 19 is remote from valve port wall 17 and remote from seat 18, so that valve seal 19 does not occlude ports 17a and hence fluid can flow from container 10 to discharge opening 16. As the user forces plunger 21 inwardly towards the open position, resilient element 25 is deformed. The closing or outward force applied by resilient element 25 may rise as the plunger 21 is displaced. However, the closing force does not increase linearly with inward displacement toward the open position. As schematically shown in graphical form in Figure 8, the closing force curve 46 for the valve 12 as described above first rises with opening displacement from the closed position 40, but then the increase in closing force per unit opening displacement declines until the plunger 21 and valve seal 19 reach a point of maximum closing force at an intermediate position 42, at which point the outward or closing force begins to decline with increasing opening displacement. The valve preferably exhibits a maximum closing force of 2 to 2.5 pounds at intermediate position 42. The outward or closing force exerted by the resilient element 25 then decreases further with further opening displacement. However, the plunger 21 reaches the full open position 44 where stop member 28 engages stop wall 29 (Figure 5) and arrests opening displacement before the outward or closing force declines to zero. At such full open position 44, the valve preferably requires a holding force of only 0.75 pounds. Stated another way, the dome-shaped or conical resilient element 25 provides a nonlinear spring characteristic with rising and falling force sections. The travel distance set by stop member 28 and stop shoulder 29 is selected so that the full open position lies on the falling force section of the characteristic curve, with an opening force less than the maximum achieved during travel. In the exemplary embodiment discussed above, the total travel from full closed position to full open position is from about 0.25 inches to about 0.75 inches.

The fluid flow resistance of the valve in the open position is controlled in large measure by the flow resistance of ports 17a. Thus, the fluid flow resistance of the valve can be selected to fit the application by selecting the number and size of the ports. The number and size of ports 17a can be varied through only slight modification of injection molding apparatus (such as by varying movable pin positions within such a mold structure). This allows the manufacturer to make valves for almost any application with only insignificant tooling costs. Furthermore, by constructing each of the valve elements as discussed above, namely, forming the valve body from a polypropylene copolymer having a minimum average wall thickness of 0.0625 inches, and forming the valve seal from a thermoplastic rubber having an average thickness of about 0.032 inches, the valve structure may be subjected to the vigorous sterilization processes necessary for using the valve in food applications, including irradiating the structure at up to 5.0 MRAD and subjecting the structure to high temperature chemical and steam sterilization processes, without causing the valve structure to become brittle or otherwise jeopardizing the integrity of the valve's structure or operation. Since the dispensing valve 12 as described above is made with only a few parts formed by conventional, simple molding techniques, it is relatively simple in operation and cheap to manufacture. It is inherently reliable, and does not require extreme precision in manufacture.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. Those skilled in the art of spring design will readily recognize that other shapes for the resilient element 25 of the actuator 24, such as rectangular, cruciform, and octagonal can also be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, as discussed above, the resilient element 25 may be disposed at the exposed or actuator end of the plunger, so that the resilient section acts as part of the push button and closes the actuator end of the housing. However, this is not essential, and the resilient element can be disposed within the valve body, at a location inaccessible to the user, as explained in detail above through use of push button element 60. In addition, although it is highly advantageous to form the resilient element integrally with the plunger member, this is not essential. Conversely, valve seal 19 can be formed integrally with plunger member 21, rather than assembled to the plunger member as discussed above, with the resilient element 25 attached afterwards. Furthermore, the resilient element may optionally be formed from plastic or metal.

Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiments and certain modifications of the concept underlying the present invention, various other embodiments as well as certain variations and modifications of the embodiments herein shown and described will obviously occur to those skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with said underlying concept. It should be understood, therefore, that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically set forth herein. The present embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Industrial Applicability For the industrial application of dispensing valves, it is desirable to provide a valve structure that is easier to use than traditional dispensing valves, which does not require that the user exert excessively large forces to hold the valve open while ensuring a leak- free seating of the valve when in the closed position, and which is of robust construction to enable the valve to be sterilized through high levels of radiation and through high temperature steam and chemical sterilization processes. It is also desirable to provide a valve that is adapted for ready fabrication using normal production techniques such as injection molding in a range of configurations having different resistance to fluid flow to provide for varying fluid viscosities and pressure. Herein disclosed is a dispensing valve for fluids that provides for ease of use by requiring only a minimal force exerted on the valve actuator to maintain the valve in an open position by providing a resilient valve actuator that is operatively connected to a plunger, with the opposite end of the plunger having mounted thereon a resilient valve head. An intermediate discharge outlet is positioned between the actuator end and the valve head and in fluid communication with the interior of- a fluid container. A valve port wall is positioned between the valve head and the dispensing chamber providing a plurality of ports for restricting the flow of fluid through the valve body when the valve is in an open position. A push-button actuator exposed to the exterior of a fluid container to which the dispensing valve is attached is provided for actuating the dispensing valve. Support frames are provided to support the plunger and guide member in the valve body actuator end and reinforcing wings are provided to support the discharge outlet.

Claims

What is claimed is: 1. A dispensing valve for fluids comprising: a valve body comprising: a first elongate channel having a rigid exterior wall defining a generally annular passage extending from a fluid inlet end to an actuator end; a fluid discharge outlet intermediate said inlet end and said actuator end; a valve port wall intermediate said inlet end and said discharge outlet, said valve port wall defining a valve port; and a guide member situated within said actuator end and attached to said discharge outlet; a resilient valve seal moveable from a closed position in which said valve seal occludes said valve port to an open position in which said valve seal does not occlude said valve port; a resilient actuator operatively connected to said resilient valve seal and operatively engaging said valve body so that said resilient actuator exerts a closing force on said resilient valve seal biasing said resilient valve seal towards said closed position, movement of said resilient actuator and said resilient valve seal being guided by said guide member; and support means disposed between said guide member and an interior wall of said valve body; wherein said valve body, said resilient valve seal, and said resilient actuator are formed from materials selected for their ability to withstand gamma and cobalt irradiation exposure of at least 5.0 MRAD.

2. The dispensing valve of claim 1, wherein: said support means comprises at least one support frame disposed between said guide member and said interior wall of said valve body.

3. The dispensing valve of claim 2, further comprising: means for reinforcing said discharge outlet with respect to said valve body.

4. The dispensing valve of claim 3, wherein: said reinforcing means comprises at least one wing member extending from said rigid exterior wall of said first elongate channel to said discharge outlet.

5. The dispensing valve of claim 1, said resilient actuator exhibiting a nonlinear relationship between said closing force and displacement of said resilient valve seal from said closed position.

6. The dispensing valve of claim 1, wherein: said valve port wall transverses said annular passage adjacent said discharge outlet, said valve port comprising at least one hole in said valve port wall, said valve port wall further defining a valve seat encircling said at least one hole.

7. The dispensing valve of claim 1, further comprising: a plunger member reciprocally mounted within said valve body and having an outer end and in inner end, said outer end being attached to said resilient actuator, and said inner end being attached to said resilient valve seal.

8. The dispensing valve of claim 7, further comprising: means for arresting opening movement of said plunger member and said resilient valve seal when said plunger member and said resilient valve seal reach said open position.

9. The dispensing valve of claim 7, further comprising: a stop element on said plunger member and a stop element on said valve body, said stop elements engaging one another so as to arrest opening movement of said plunger member and said resilient valve seal when said plunger member and said resilient valve seal reach said open position.

10. The dispensing valve of claim 7, wherein said discharge outlet further comprises: a second elongate channel having a rigid exterior wall defining a generally annular passage having an end terminating inside said valve body in fluid communication with said fluid inlet end and an open outlet end remote from said valve body, such second elongate channel extending from said valve port to said open outlet end.

11. The dispensing valve of claim 10, wherein: a portion of said rigid exterior wall of said second elongate channel forms a barrier intermediate said valve port wall and said actuator end of said valve body.

12. The dispensing valve of claim 11, wherein: said portion of said rigid exterior wall of said second elongate channel defines an opening.

13. The dispensing valve of claim 12, further comprising: a guide member aligned with said opening and extending from said portion of said rigid exterior wall in a direction toward said actuator end of said valve body for supporting said plunger.

14. The dispensing valve of claim 10, wherein: said discharge outlet is substantially perpendicular to the major axis of said valve body.

15. The dispensing valve of claim 7, said resilient actuator further comprising: a central portion connected to said plunger member and a peripheral portion engaged with said valve body.

16. The dispensing valve of claim 7, wherein: said resilient actuator is formed integrally with said plunger member.

17. The dispensing valve of claim 7, wherein: said outer end of said plunger member is exposed for manual engagement by a user to open said dispensing valve, and said resilient actuator forms at least part of a push button for manual engagement by the user.

18. The dispensing valve of claim 17, further comprising: an actuator opening at said actuator end, said push button substantially occluding said actuator opening.

19. The dispensing valve of claim 7, wherein: said resilient actuator is of a substantially conical form.