Patent ID: 7735520

Claim:
A bypass valve assembly for use with a fluid device having an inlet and an outlet, said assembly comprising: at least one plate defining a main body having a transverse inlet opening defined therethrough, and a cylindrical wall portion defining a transverse outlet opening through the main body, the outlet opening being spaced from the inlet opening and orientated coaxially with the fluid device outlet in use, the cylindrical wall portion having a bypass opening formed therein, and a bypass passage formed in the main body and extending between the inlet opening and the bypass opening; and a flexible flapper disposed and maintained within the outlet opening, the flapper having a free end portion movable between an open position, apart from the bypass opening, and a closed position, overlying the bypass opening, the free end portion being dimensioned to restrict flow through the bypass opening when disposed at its closed position; wherein the flapper is biased into the closed position; and wherein the inlet and outlet openings are coupled in use in fluid communication respectively with the fluid device inlet and outlet for fluid flow through the fluid device.