Abstract: A high pressure valve assembly (10) comprising a valve sleeve (14) and a valve body (16) slidably mounted in the valve sleeve (14) is disclosed, the valve body (16) and valve sleeve (14) each having first ends (18, 56) and second ends (20, 58). A sidewall (22) extends between the valve sleeve first end (18) and second end (20) which sidewall (22) has an inner surface (24) and an outer surface (26) and at least one opening (30) therethrough. The sidewall (22) also includes at least one channel (40) having a first end (42) facing the inner surface (24) at a first location closer to the first valve sleeve end (18) than to the second valve sleeve end (20) and a second end (44) facing the inner surface (24) at a second location closer to the second valve sleeve end (20) than to the first valve sleeve end (18). A method of using the valve assembly (10) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A connector (1) connects an air-inflatable mattress (4) which alternately inflatable cells (11, 12) to a pump. Air-supply lines (13, 14) from the pump are attached to male parts (2) of connector (1). Air-supply lines (15, 16) from mattress (4) connect to passages (17, 18) of female parts (3) of the connector (1). When the male parts (2) and the female parts (3) are engaged, supply lines (13, 14) are in fluid communication with fluid lines (15, 16) via passages (17, 18) in the female part (3). When the male parts (2) are removed from the connector (1) to disconnect the air supply, one-way valves (7) seal the air-supply lines (13, 14) and expose a cross-connect port (8) in interconnecting the female part passages (17, 18). Thus cells (11, 12) are interconnected and the pressure is equalized throughout the mattress (4). The invention provides a self-sealing automatic transport mode connection system upon disengagement of the male parts (2) from the mattress (4), thus eliminating user error.