Valves and pumps using said valves

Abstract

Improved, rigid valves for pumps include outlet valve portions having a valve seal portion and one or more surfaces which create pockets between the outlet valve and an interior wall of a pump to collect and trap particulates in a formulation being pumped.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A valve for a pump, comprising:
 a valve stem;   an outlet valve at a first end of the valve stem, comprising:
 a valve seal portion; 
 at least one surface extending from the valve seal portion towards the valve stem; 
   a valve disc at a second end of the valve stem.   
     
     
         2 . The valve of  claim 1 , wherein the valve disc comprises a cup shape. 
     
     
         3 . The valve of  claim 1 , wherein the valve disc comprises a conical shape. 
     
     
         4 . The valve of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one rib running a portion of the length of the valve stem between the outlet valve and the valve disc. 
     
     
         5 . The valve of  claim 1 , wherein the outlet valve further comprises at least one ridge about a portion of the at least one surface extending from the valve seal portion towards the valve stem. 
     
     
         6 . The valve of  claim 1 , wherein the outlet valve further comprises at least one band about a portion of the at least one surface extending from the valve seal portion towards the valve stem. 
     
     
         7 . The valve of  claim 1 , wherein the outlet valve further comprises at least one divot in the outlet valve. 
     
     
         8 . A pump, comprising:
 a base;   a bellow seated in the base;   a cap securing the bellow in the base;   a valve in an interior portion of the base, the valve comprising:
 an outlet valve comprising a valve seal portion seated against an interior wall of the base and at least one surface extending into an interior of the base; 
 a valve stem in communication with the at least one surface; 
 a pocket between the outlet valve and the interior wall of the base; and 
 a valve disc at an end opposite the outlet valve; 
   an attachment adapter seated against the valve disc and securing the valve in the base.   
     
     
         9 . The pump of  claim 8 , wherein the pocket is between the valve seal portion seated against an interior wall of the base and the valve stem. 
     
     
         10 . The pump of  claim 8 , wherein the outlet valve further comprises at least one ridge encircling a portion of the outlet valve. 
     
     
         11 . The pump of  claim 8 , wherein the outlet valve further comprises at least one band encircling a portion of the outlet valve. 
     
     
         12 . The pump of  claim 8 , wherein the outlet valve further comprises at least one divot in the outlet valve. 
     
     
         13 . The pump of  claim 8 , wherein the valve disc comprises a cup shaped valve disc. 
     
     
         14 . The pump of  claim 8 , wherein the valve disc comprises a conical shaped valve disc. 
     
     
         15 . The pump of  claim 8 , further comprising a product in the pump, the product comprising particulates.