Non-refillable valve

Abstract

A nonrefillable valve is provided that allows for an initial filling of a container, but prevents subsequent refilling of the container. The valve operating assembly includes a valve stem and a valve core which is slidably received in the distal end of the valve stem. In a first position, the valve core resides above a rim or protrusion within the chamber. After filling of the container, a second position is defined when the valve stem is operated to force the valve core beyond the protrusion and in seating engagement with a valve seat, thus sealing the container. The valve is then selectively operated in a third or open position to discharge the container as desired. Subsequent refilling of the container is prevented by the force of fluid reentering the valve which forces the valve core to its seated engagement with the valve seat.

1 - 20 . (canceled)  
   
   
       21 . A non-refillable valve adapted for use with a pressure container, said valve comprising: 
 a valve stem disposed in a longitudinally extending chamber, and being movable in said chamber, said valve stem including a valve core communicating with said valve stem, said valve core being independently movable in said chamber relative to said valve stem, said valve core including a flange;    a handle interconnected to said valve stem for operating said valve stem;    a safety clip detachably attachable to said valve stem substantially adjacent said handle, wherein when said safety clip is engaged with said valve stem said safety clip prevents said flange from being advanced past a protrusion located in said chamber;    wherein said valve operates to allow fluid to flow through a transverse opening in said chamber to fill the container when said valve stem is in a first position.    
   
   
       22 . A non-refillable valve, as claimed in  claim 21 , wherein said protrusion is located adjacent said transverse opening.  
   
   
       23 . A non-refillable valve, as claimed in  claim 21 , wherein said valve stem has a bore formed therein, and said valve core is slidably received in said bore and movable in said bore as influenced by the positioning of said valve stem and by pressure of a fluid entering or exiting said valve.  
   
   
       24 . A non-refillable valve, as claimed in  claim 21 , wherein said valve operates to seal the container to prevent filling and discharge of the container when said safety clip is removed from said valve stem and when said valve stem is placed in a second position, the second position achieved by extending an end of said valve stem below said protrusion and forcing said valve core beyond said protrusion and into contact with a valve seat.  
   
   
       25 . A non-refillable valve, as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein: 
 said valve stem is positionable in a third position to allow flow of fluid out of said pressure container and back through said chamber and said transverse opening; however, said third position preventing flow of fluid through said transverse opening and said chamber into the pressure container, thus preventing the refilling of the container.    
   
   
       26 . A non-refillable valve, as claimed in  claim 25 , wherein: 
 said third position is defined by said valve stem being raised to a level allowing said valve core to slide upward in response to fluid pressure from the container, or slide downward in response to pressure from fluid entering the chamber, said downward movement of said valve core causing said valve core to seal itself with respect to said valve seat.    
   
   
       27 . A method of controlling flow to and from a pressure container, said method comprising: 
 attaching a valve to the pressure container, the valve including a valve stem disposed in a longitudinally extending chamber and being movable in the chamber, the valve stem including a valve core communicating with the valve stem, the valve core being independently movable in the chamber relative to the valve stem, the valve core including a flange, the valve further including a handle integral with the valve stem for operating the valve stem, the valve stem including a slot for receiving a safety clip detachably attachable to the slot, wherein when the safety clip is engaged with the valve stem, the safety clip prevents the flange from being advanced past a protrusion located adjacent a transverse opening in the chamber;    setting the valve to a first position wherein the valve core is positioned in the chamber above the protrusion;    interconnecting the safety clip to the slot;    providing a first flow of fluid through the valve and into the container for filling the container with a desired fluid;    removing the safety clip form the slot; and    operating the valve to move the valve core downwardly beyond the protrusion and in seating engagement with a valve seat of the valve, thus sealing the pressure container.    
   
   
       28 . The method as claimed in  claim 27 , further comprising operating the valve to a third open position allowing fluid to evacuate from the container back through the valve.