Abstract: By mounting a spring-like resiliently flexible member between the shoulder of a die cast valve stem and tabs or flanges of a valve housing so as to biasingly engage the valve stem with the valve housing in the closed position, a unique, self-contained, captured valve assembly is provided. In the preferred embodiment, the valve stem incorporates a dust deflecting shoulder in order to prevent unwanted debris from entering the area between the valve stem and valve housing. In another embodiment, the valve housing comprises two sections frictionally engaged with each other with one section manufactured from brass or aluminum to eliminate leakage therethrough. This valve assembly is particularly useful in gas lighters of the butane fuel type, since the embodiments of the present invention provide against leakage and secondary ignition.

Abstract: By providing a spark wheel with its side, thumb, rotation-inducing discs forming part of a unitary, one-piece member, a unique and extremely useful spark and thumb wheel unit is achieved. Furthermore, this unique construction incorporates mounting pins having varying diameters in order to facilitate and provide for mechanical assembly of the spark and thumb wheel unit in position.