Patent ID: 7303713
Filing Date: 2007-12-04
Classification: A01K,B29C,B29K,B67B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of forming a valve assembly for delivering a fluid from a fluid bag to an animal caging system for housing an animal, the method comprising: forming an upper member having a piercing member, the upper member having a fluid channel defined therethrough; and injection molding a sealing member, so that the sealing member is secured to the upper member during the injection molding of the sealing member injection molding a base having a base fluid channel defined therethrough; injection molding a stem member having an actuation portion and a top portion having a lower surface, wherein the stem member is constructed and arranged to be disposed at least partially within the base fluid channel; and disposing a spring element within the base fluid channel; wherein a portion of the spring element abuts the lower surface to apply a biasing force to the stem member; wherein the spring element comprises at least one group of dead coils, thereby facilitating prevention of tangling of a plurality of spring members when the spring members are arranged during assembly.