Patent ID: 6609696
Filing Date: 2003-08-26
Classification: A61M,F16L

Abstract:
A valve having a fluid flow path therethrough and comprising: a valve body which includes a sealing surface; a valve core disposed in said valve body and having a central throughbore which defines a fluid flow area through said valve core; a self-aligning valve seat member pivotably engaged with said valve core, said self-aligning valve seat member including a sealing surface; and spring means engaged with said valve body and said valve core, said spring means not being disposed in the fluid flow path of said valve, said spring means biasing said valve core into a closed position wherein said sealing surface of said self-aligning valve seat member engages said sealing surface of said valve body thereby prohibiting fluid flow through said valve, said valve core being slidable generally within said valve body to an open position wherein said sealing surface of said self-aligning valve seat member disengages from said sealing surface of said valve body thereby allowing fluid flow through said valve.