Bi-directional valve device for selective control of fluid flow through multiple converging paths
Valve devices for selectively controlling fluid flow through multiple converging paths are described. An example valve device comprises a housing defining first and second inlet paths, an outlet path, a junction in fluid communication with the first and second inlet paths and the outlet path, and first and second plunger cavities. A first movable plunger is disposed in the first plunger cavity and a second movable plunger is disposed in the second plunger cavity. A control member is slidably attached to the housing and is movable between a first, proximal position with the first plunger in a first position to impede fluid flow through the first inlet path and the second plunger is in a second position, and a second, distal position with the first plunger in a second position and the second plunger in a first position to impede fluid flow through the second inlet path.
1. A valve device for selectively controlling fluid flow through multiple converging paths, said valve device comprising:
a housing defining first and second inlet paths, an outlet path, and a junction in fluid communication with the first and second inlet paths and the outlet path, the housing further defining first and second plunger cavities;
a first plunger disposed in the first plunger cavity, the first plunger adapted to move between a first position in which the first plunger impedes fluid flow through the first inlet passage and a second position;
a second plunger disposed in the second plunger cavity, the second plunger adapted to move between a first position in which the second plunger impedes fluid flow through the second inlet passage and a second position; and
a control member slidably attached to the housing and defining first and second plunger recesses, the first plunger recess sized and configured to receive a portion of the first plunger when the first plunger is in its second position and the second plunger recess sized and configured to receive a portion of the second plunger when the second plunger is in its second position;
wherein the control member is movable between a first, proximal position in which the first plunger is in its first position and the second plunger is in its second position and a second, distal position in which the first plunger is in its second position and the second plunger is in its first position;
wherein the housing defines an external surface and an ancillary passageway; and
wherein the ancillary passageway is in fluid communication with the first inlet path and terminates in an ancillary passageway opening on the external surface of the housing.
2. The valve device of claim 1 , wherein the housing has a proximal end and a distal end;
wherein the ancillary passageway opening is positioned between the control member and the proximal end of the housing.
3. The valve device of claim 2 , wherein the proximal end defines a first opening that provides fluid communication to the first inlet path and a second opening that provides fluid communication to the second inlet path; and
wherein the distal end defines a third opening that provides fluid communication to the outlet path.
4. A valve device for selectively controlling fluid flow through multiple converging paths, said valve device comprising:
a housing having an external surface, a proximal end, a distal end, and defining a main body and a cradle portion, the main body defining an internal chamber and an opening in the external surface providing access to the internal chamber, the cradle portion defining first and second inlet paths, an outlet path, a junction in fluid communication with the first and second inlet paths and the outlet path, and first and second plunger cavities;
a first plunger disposed in the first plunger cavity, the first plunger adapted to move between a first position in which the first plunger impedes fluid flow through the first inlet passage and a second position;
a second plunger disposed in the second plunger cavity, the second plunger adapted to move between a first position in which the second plunger impedes fluid flow through the second inlet passage and a second position;
a control member slidably attached to the housing and defining first and second plunger recesses, the first plunger recess sized and configured to receive a portion of the first plunger when the first plunger is in its second position and the second plunger recess sized and configured to receive a portion of the second plunger when the second plunger is in its second position; and
an ancillary passageway in fluid communication with the first inlet path and terminating in an ancillary passageway opening disposed on the external surface of the housing between the control member and the proximal end of the housing;
wherein the control member is movable between a first, proximal position in which the first plunger is in its first position and the second plunger is in its second position and a second, distal position in which the first plunger is in its second position and the second plunger is in its first position.