Patent ID: 6742542
Filing Date: 2004-06-01
Classification: F15B,F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
A pneumatic multiport valve comprising:a valve body having a first and a second connection passage therein, the first connection passage configured for connection to a source of a compressed air and the second connection passage configured for connection to an inflatable item; a surface disposed on the valve body, the surface having a first opening therethrough in communication with the first connection passage, a second opening therethrough in communication with the second connection passage, and a third opening therethrough in communication with the second connection passage, and a fourth opening therethrough in communication with an atmosphere; a flexible membrane secured to the surface so as to sealingly encompass the first, second, third, and fourth openings; a first valve chamber disposed between the surface and the membrane in communication with the first opening and in selective communication with the second opening; a second valve chamber disposed between the surface and the membrane in selective communication with the third opening and in communication with the fourth opening; two sealing elements disposed on the membrane defining sealing surfaces for selectively sealing the second and third openings from the first and second valve chambers, respectively; and two activation elements, each for activating a respective sealing element such that the respective sealing element can be selectively engaged or disengaged from a respective one of the second and third openings to place the second connection passage in communication with the first or second valve chamber to thereby inflate or deflate the inflatable item.