Valve with non-refillable device for a pressurised container

Abstract

A non-refillable valve for a pressure container, which comprises a non-refillable device comprising of a spring loaded port sealing member having an end T-piece and a plug to hold the spring is provided at the outlet nozzle such that when the valve is in the active position of filling, the stem of the spindle is in the lifted position and the port sealing member is in the pulled position by means of the spring, thereby providing a communication between outlet nozzle and the container for filling and after completion of filling, the end T-piece is pulled and cut off whereby the port sealing member gets retracted, because of the spring, to seal the side port and thereby preventing the flow of fluid in the filling direction while permitting flow of fluid in the opposite direction for discharging.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to non-refillable valve for a pressure container.

[0002] There is a need for a relatively simple and inexpensive valve which will allow evacuation and normal filling of the pressure container under normal pressure and temperature conditions, adequate filling of the pressure container during charging, selective discharge of the pressure container, and effective prevention of improper and unauthorized refilling of the container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Pressure tanks or other pressure containers are usually filled under carefully controlled conditions at a charging station and then distributed to various places for use. When empty, it is intended that the containers be disposed of for destruction in the case of single use containers. Unfortunately, the attractive economics of refilling containers at points of use or otherwise re-pressurizing them under less than carefully supervised conditions has resulted, in the less consequential cases, in the introduction of impurities or inferior refills and, in the more consequential cases, to injurious explosions. The re-use of pressure containers is highly objectionable for many reasons, which relate to safety.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 3,704,813 discloses a fluid dispensing valve assembly having a body one end of which is formed for securing to a container. The body forms a conduit having only one through passage for filling and discharging fluid. There is a shut-off valve operable for controlling the flow of fluid through the passage. The shut-off valve has an externally accessible control. There is a convertible means in the body comprising of an initially inactive check valve initially in condition to accommodate the flow of fluid through the passage in both the filling and discharge directions. The check valve is convertible after an initial filling operation into an active check valve in the passage in series with the shut-off valve. The initially inactive check valve includes a movable valve member, a valve seat, means for basing the valve member toward the valve seat, and detent means effective initially to prevent the co-operation of the valve member with the valve seat.

[0005] The detent means is inoperable, after an initial filling operation, to enable the valve member to engage on the seat. The check valve, when active, is operative to pass fluid only in the discharge direction. The check valve, after being rendered active to obstruct the flow of fluid selectively in the filling direction, is guarded against access from the exterior of the valve assembly when secured to a container for re-opening the passage to the flow of fluid in the filling direction. Thereby a container equipped with the valve assembly can be evacuated and then filled with fluid in the initial condition of the valve assembly but is substantially non-refillable after conversion of the convertible means.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,543,980 discloses a valve for a pressurized container having a blocking element therein which is adapted to occupy an initial location in which fluid can move in and out of the container past the blocking element. The valve and blocking element are further configured such that the blocking element can be irreversibly moved to a position in which the valve permits escape of fluid under pressure exerted from the inside of the container, but which automatically closes in response to exposure to an external pressure greater than the pressure inside the container. The blocking element is formed of at least one flexible radially extending arm whose lateral radius is reduced upon movement of the blocking element from the initial location to the final location. The at least one arm expands within the final location to prevent return of the blocking element to the initial location.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,573,611 discloses a non-refillable valve for a pressure container which includes a housing with a central bore, which has a lower portion that is narrower than its middle portion which in turn is narrower than its upper portion. A side port is present in the lower region of the middle portion and an outlet nozzle is attached to the side port.

[0008] The lower end of the housing is adapted to sealingly engage the pressure to provide communication there between. The valve stem is rotatably positioned in the upper portion of the central bore. A tube is mounted on the internal end of the valve stem, which extends to the middle portion of the central bore. A resilient valve sealing member has a body portion and an upper flange that extends upwardly and outwardly from the body. A longitudinal passageway is present part way through the body portion. A vertical post is positioned in the middle of the longitudinal passageway and slidingly engaging the tube on the bottom of the valve stem. The flange portion of the sealing member is compressingly positioned in the upper portion of the central bore when the valve is inactive or being filled. The valve sealing member is pushed into the middle portion by means of the valve stem when the valve is placed in the active position. The sealing member engages the seating interface when any refill of the container with pressurized fluid is attempted.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,813,575 discloses a non-refillable valve for a pressure container which includes a housing with a central bore which has a lower portion that is narrower than its middle portion which, in turn, is narrower than its upper portion. A side port is present in the lower region of the middle portion and an outlet nozzle is attached to the side port. The lower end of the housing is adapted to sealingly engage the pressure container to provide communication therebetween. The valve step is rotatably positioned in the upper portion of the central bore. The valve stem contains a vertical bore in its bottom portion. A resilient valve sealing member has a body portion and a top pin, which slidably fits into the bore in the valve stem. The sealing member has a top rim portion, which has a continuous outer surface and does not have any slots, indentations or the like. Also, the body portion does not have any arm or arms (particularly around its periphery). The top rim portion of the sealing member is comprisingly positioned in the upper portion of the central bore when the valve is inactive or being filled. The valve sealing member is pushed into the middle portion by means of the valve stem when the valve is placed in the active position. The non-compressed top rim of the sealing member is wider than the upper portion of the central bore, which prevents movement of the sealing member back into the upper portion of the central bore. The sealing member engages the seating interface when any refill of the container with pressurized fluid is attempted.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,502 discloses a non-refillable valve for a pressure container which includes a housing with a central passageway, which has a lower portion that is narrower than its middle portion which in turn is narrower than its upper portion. A side port is present in the lower region of the middle portion and an outlet nozzle is attached to the side port. The lower end of the housing is adapted to sealingly engage the pressure to provide communication there between. The valve stem is rotatably positioned in the upper portion of the central passageway. The internal end of the valve stem extends into the middle portion of the central passageway and has a longitudinal central bore present part way through the body portion. A resilient valve sealing member has a body portion and an upper flange that extends upwardly and outwardly from the body. A vertical post is positioned in the middle of the top surface of the upper flange and slidingly and rotatably engages the central bore on the bottom of the valve stem. A washer-shaped member fits over the vertical post in a slidable and rotatable manner. The washer-shaped member can be free floating on the valve sealing member or can be adhered to the bottom of the valve stem or top of the valve sealing member. The flange portion of the sealing member is compressingly positioned in the upper portion of the central bore when the valve is inactive or being filled. The valve sealing member is pushed into the middle portion by means of the valve stem when the valve is placed in the active position. The sealing member engages the seating interface when any refill of the container with pressurized fluid is attempted.

THE SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An object of the invention is to provide a non-refillable valve for compressed gas containers/cylinders.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to supply the pressure container with the valve in the closed position to the charging station with a positive pressure of an inert gas such as Nitrogen inside the container to prevent any rusting inside the container and thereby reducing the possibility of contamination or deterioration in the quality of the fluid that will be filled or discharged into or from the pressurized container.

[0013] A further object of the present invention resides in providing a valve system for containers of liquefied gas under pressure for allowing the container to be filled initially and in which the valve system can then be modified immediately after the first filling in a virtually permanent manner by the persons responsible for the first filling, for preventing subsequent filling operations.

[0014] A still further object of the invention resides in providing a valve system for dispensing liquefied fluid from a container in which there is provision for a first-time filling operation, readily modified after the first fill so that any attempts to refill the container would necessitate tampering and would leave tell-tale marks. This feature is aimed at providing a defense for the manufacturer who originally filled the container in case the container should later be refilled by another.

[0015] The foregoing and other objects of the invention and the various features of novelty and advantages will be more fully appreciated from the description below of the illustrative embodiments of the invention which are shown in the accompanying drawings. In each of these embodiments, there is a valve system for controlling the flow of fluid between an external port through which the fluid is supplied or discharged and an internal port that opens into the container. The valve system is secured permanently to the container. It has an external accessible operating part for opening the discharge passage, when required. The non-refillable arrangement for preventing the flow of fluid in the filling direction after the container has once been filled is housed in the port through which the fluid is discharged. The non-refilling arrangement is virtually inaccessible so that it remains effective to prevent a refilling operation. In each embodiment, the valve system includes provision for an initial filling operation that can be readily and, in a secured manner, modified for preventing refilling.

[0016] To achieve the said objectives, this invention provides a non-refillable valve for a pressure container comprising:

[0017] a housing having a central bore which has a lower and upper portion narrower than the middle portion, and having a side port communicating with the lower region of the middle portion of the central bore, the lower end of the said housing being adopted to sealingly engage on the pressure container in a manner which provides communication between the pressure container and the lower portion of the central bore;

[0018] an outlet nozzle having a horizontal bore lengthwise therethrough, the said outlet nozzle being positioned on the side of the housing and being in communication with the middle portion of the central bore through the side port in the housing;

[0019] a spindle with a stem and knob positioned in the upper portion of the central bore in a rotatable manner, which advances the stem of the spindle back and/or forth inside the central bore such that in the closed position of the valve, the bottom conical portion of the stem of the spindle will be positioned sealingly at the seating interface between the middle portion and the lower portion of the central bore, and in the open position of the valve, the bottom conical portion of the stem of the spindle will be in the lifted position thereby providing communication between the pressure container and outlet nozzle through the lower portion and middle portion of the central bore,

[0020] characterized in that a non-refillable device comprising of a spring loaded port sealing member having an end T-piece and a plug to hold the spring is provided at the outlet nozzle such that when the valve is in the active position of filling, the stem of the spindle is in the lifted position and the port sealing member is in the pulled position by means of the spring, thereby providing a communication between outlet nozzle and the container for filling and after completion of filling, the end T-piece is pulled and cut off whereby the port sealing member gets retracted, because of the spring, to seal the side port and thereby preventing the flow of fluid in the filling direction while permitting flow of fluid in the opposite direction for discharging.

[0021] The port sealing member comprising a cylindrical body having extensions on both sides, the diameter of the extension towards the side port is smaller than that of the cylindrical body and the extension towards outlet nozzle on the other side and the extension towards the outlet nozzle is further having an end T-piece.

[0022] The cylindrical body with extensions and the end T-piece form one single piece.

[0023] The pressure container is a pressurized gas container or a cylinder.

[0024] The container or cylinder contains inert gas at a positive pressure to prevent rusting before fitting.

[0025] The valve stem is mounted inside the upper portion of the central bore in a screwable manner.

[0026] The spindle stem has an externally located knob as an integral part for turning the spindle stem.

[0027] An O-ring is mounted in a groove in the spindle stem positioned in the upper portion of the central bore and sealingly engages with the upper portion or chamber of the central bore.

[0028] The port sealing member is made of a resilient plastic.

[0029] The spring used for maintaining the port sealing member in position is made of stainless steel.

[0030] The plug utilized for maintaining the non-refillable device in position is made of resilient plastic or is metallic and the outermost lip of the outlet nozzle is crimped.

[0031] As compared to the device of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,543,980; 4,573,611; 4,813,575; 5,295,502; the present invention differs in that:

[0032] The non-refillable device is equipped inside the outlet nozzle and not in the central bore wherein the container or the gas cylinder can be supplied to the filler with the valve in the closed position with a positive pressure of inert gas to prevent any rusting inside the container or cylinder.

[0033] The possibility of unintentional closing of the valve by clock-wise rotation of the stem of the spindle is eliminated since the container or cylinder is supplied with the valve in the closed position.

[0034] The presence of Nitrogen or any inert atmosphere inside the pressurized container or cylinder will deter any rusting inside the container or cylinder thereby reducing the possibility of contamination of the fluid that will be filled or discharged into or from the pressurized container or cylinder.

[0035] The duration taken for filling or discharging the pressurized fluid into or from the container or cylinder is comparable with those of a container or cylinder not equipped with a non-refillable valve.

[0036] The non-refillable device of the instant invention is tamper-proof.

[0037] As compared to the device of U.S. Pat. No. 3,704,813 the present invention differs in that:

[0038] The threaded reducing nozzle at the outlet nozzle of the valve is eliminated for the reason that on removal of the threaded reducing nozzle at the outlet nozzle of the valve, refilling of the container or cylinder can be effected by extracting out the non-refillable device from inside the outlet nozzle of the valve.

[0039] The provision of a reducing nozzle at the outlet nozzle of the valve is economically disadvantageous.

[0040] The non-refillable device of the instant invention is tamper-proof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

[0041] The present invention relates to non-refillable containers and in particular to a valve system for containers having provision for a first-time filling operation.

[0042] The invention valve is a non-refillable valve, which allows one filling and then selective discharging. The invention valve is designed to prevent, and does prevent, the refilling of pressure container. In this manner, the invention valve allows actual attainment of governmental requirement for a valve that prevents refilling of certain pressure containers.

[0043] The invention valve is effective, but relatively simple, and is inexpensive to construct. The invention valve is fail-proof in the matter of charging, storing and selective discharging. Subsequent filling of the pressure container is prevented by the invention valve.

[0044] The non-refillable valve of the invention can be used for fluid, that is gases and/or liquids. The fluid can contain solids that are discharged from the pressure container as entrained solids, etc., Many forms of liquefiable fluids are sold in disposable containers. Small metal tanks containing liquefied propane, liquefied butane and refrigerants, such as Freons are examples. When containers of such type are filled by manufacturer who has full control of the starting conditions of the containers and of the filling procedure and the specifications, a relatively safe product can be distributed to the end users. However, sometimes empty or partially empty containers are collected and these are refilled by poorly skilled and poorly equipped persons. The result is often a hazardous product. The non-refillable valve of the invention prevents such problems and associated danger.

[0045] By way of summary, the invention valve is installed on a container and shipped empty to the filler. Evacuation and filling of the container is achieved by means of a passageway through the outlet nozzle into the chamber in the valve housing and through the bottom passageway into the pressure container. The port sealing member is prevented from sealing the side port by means of a spring and the end T-piece attached to the port sealing member.

[0046] The valve is maintained in the closed position with a positive pressure of an inert gas inside during shipment to prevent any rusting inside the container and to prevent any contamination of the fluid that will be filled into the container. An O-ring seals the top turnable spindle stem during filling to prevent any loss of product to the atmosphere during the filling process. Initially, the valve is opened for the filling process. After filling the container with the desired quantity of the fluid, the valve is closed by turning the stem of the spindle towards downward condition. The end T-piece, on the port sealing member, is pulled out and severed whereby the port sealing member seals on the side port in a leak-proof manner. The container is ready for withdrawal of the fluid.

[0047] During withdrawal of the fluid from the pressure container, the pressure of the fluid is exerted on the port sealing member against the spring and the fluid is allowed to be discharged, as desired.

[0048] During any attempt to refill the container, the pressure from outside source will exert on the port sealing member in addition to the already exerted force by the spring whereby the side port will be sealingly engaged with the port sealing member. This will prevent any refilling of a partially or completely empty pressure container from an outside source.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING

[0049] The invention will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0050] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the non-refillable valve of the invention in closed position before sending to the container filling facility.

[0051] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the non-refillable valve of the invention in its filling position with the spindle outwardly rotated to the top-most position.

[0052] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the non-refillable valve of the invention in the closed position after filling the fluid inside the container.

[0053] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the non-refillable valve of the invention showing the pulling and cutting of the end T-piece at the end of the snap strip whereby the container is rendered ready for use for withdrawal of fluid from the container.

[0054] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the non-refillable valve of the invention with the spindle in the outwardly rotated condition for discharge of the fluid from the container.

[0055] FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the non-refillable valve of the invention in its attempted refilling position, after partial or complete discharge of the fluid.

[0056] FIG. 7 is an enlarged side view of the port sealing member with the snap strip and end T-piece fitted inside the nozzle which is permanently attached to the side port of the non-refillable valve of the invention.

[0057] FIG. 8 is an enlarged side view of the spring utilized for exerting force on the port sealing member towards engaging with the side port inside the nozzle which is permanently attached to the side port of the non-refillable valve of the invention.

[0058] FIG. 9 is an enlarged side view of the threaded plug utilized for holding the spring and port sealing member in position inside the outlet nozzle permanently attached to the side port of the non-refillable valve of the invention and provides a central outlet for discharge of the fluid from the container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] Referring to FIG. 1, pressure container or pressure system 019 is provided with non-refillable valve 004 for filling and selective emptying of container 019. The valve 004 is permanently attached to container 019 as shown in FIG. 1 at 018.

[0060] In FIG. 1, valve 004 is provided with a housing 017 which has a central bore B. The central bore B communicates with the interior of container 019 through the lower portion or chamber 016. The central bore B has an uppermost portion or chamber 024, an upper portion or chamber 026, middle portion or chamber 028, and a lower portion or chamber 016.

[0061] The upper chamber 026 is smaller in diameter than the middle chamber 028 and the middle chamber 028 is larger in diameter than the lower chamber 016. The interface between the upper chamber 026 and the middle chamber 028 forms a flat and horizontal rim. The interface between the middle chamber 028 and lower chamber 016 forms a flat and horizontal rim 030. The curved edge 031 formed by the interface between the flat rim 030 and lower chamber 016 serves as the valve seat. The Side outlet nozzle 007 has a lengthwise bore 012.

[0062] The outlet nozzle 007 is positioned on the sidewall of the valve housing 017 so that the bore 012 communicates directly with the lower region of the middle chamber 028. The nozzle 007 is externally threaded 006 for attachment to an external source (not shown) of a pressurized fluid, usually a pressurized gas. Any other suitable attachment can be used to connect to an external source of compressed gas to the side nozzle 007.

[0063] The wall portion 023 of the housing 017 encompasses the sides of the uppermost chamber 024, which has a diameter larger than that of the upper chamber 026. Wall portion 023 can be thinner than the rest of the housing 017 because it is not subjected to the force caused by the compressed gas. The wall portion 023 is internally threaded. The valve spindle 020 has a stem 002 and a knob 001 with both forming an integral single piece. The stem 002 is positioned in uppermost chamber 024 and upper chamber 026 when the valve 004 is in open position. The central portion of the stem 002 has an enlarged portion 022, which is externally threaded and thereby threadingly engages the internally threaded portion of the wall portion 023. In this manner and by means of the knob 001, the stem 002 can be rotatably turned in the central bore B so as to advance up or down in the uppermost chamber 024 and in the upper chamber 026.

[0064] An O-ring 025 is mounted in the O-ring groove 027 located almost at the centre between the threaded portion and the bottom of the stem. The O-ring 025 can be made of any suitable resilient material such as rubber which should be compatible with the fluid in use. The end portion of the stem 002 below the O-ring groove 027 is labeled 029. The end portion 029 of the stem 002 is getting engaged with the curved portion 031 at the interface of middle chamber 028 and the lower chamber 016. The bottom surface of the stem 002 is labeled 032.

[0065] The upper lip 021 of the wall portion 023 is thinner than the internally threaded portion of the wall portion 023. When the valve stem 002 is in place in the central bore B, the upper lip 021 of the wall portion 023 is crimped 003 over as shown in FIG. 1 so as to restrict the upward movement of enlarged portion 022 of the stem 002. The crimped upper lip 003 also prevents the easy removal of the valve spindle 020 from central bore B of housing 017 and provides ease and economy in the manufacture and assembly of the valve 004.

[0066] The internally threaded portion of the uppermost chamber 024 has a vertical dimension which is sufficiently short so that the O-ring is always in contact with the upper chamber 026. The O-ring is in compression between the wall of the inner chamber 026 and the stem 002, thereby providing a hermetic seal between the wall of the inner chamber 026 and the stem 002 even against pressurized fluid.

[0067] An inside threading 033 provided at the bottommost portion of the lower portion or chamber 016 of the housing 017 of the valve 004 enables one to identify any leakage through the crimped portion 003 of the valve housing 017 or through the outlet nozzle 007 when the valve is either in the open or in the closed condition.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, the port sealing member 005 is a cylindrical body 034 with extensions on both sides. The diameter of the extension on the port sealing member 005 towards the side port 015 of the valve is labeled 035 and is lower than the main cylindrical body 034 and the diameter of the extension on the port sealing member 005 towards the outlet nozzle 007 labeled 036 is higher than that of the extended portion of the port sealing member 005 towards the side port 015.

[0069] A snap strip with an end T-piece 009 forms an integral part of the port sealing member 005 and is attached to the port sealing member 005 on the side of the outlet nozzle.

[0070] The spring 014, preferably of stainless steel, is engaged on the port sealing member 005 at the end towards the outlet nozzle on the cylindrical portion 036 of the port sealing member 005.

[0071] The spring 014 is kept in the compressed position by means of the plug 013 so as to keep the port sealing member 005 in a tightly sealed condition by engaging in mesh with the side port 015 of the valve 004 inside the outlet nozzle 007. The sealing is maintained in such a manner that any attempt for refilling the container is rendered ineffective.

[0072] However, during discharge of the fluid from the container 029, the fluid will exert pressure on the port sealing member 05 thereby compressing the spring towards the plug 013 which is threaded from outside. The plug 013 gets engaged with the inside threading at the outlet of the nozzle 007. The plug 013 towards the spring 014 has a projection at the centre on which the spring 014 gets engaged and is maintained in proper position.

[0073] To assemble the valve 004, the spindle 020 comprising of the stem 002, the knob 001 and the O-ring 025 is inserted into the central bore B through the uppermost chamber 024. The outer threading 022 on the spindle gets threaded with the inner threading of the housing 017 at the uppermost chamber 024. The knob 001 is rotated clock-wise so that the various parts are in the closed position of the valve 004 as shown in FIG. 1.

[0074] The upper lip 021 is crimped inwardly to seal the expanded portion 022 of the stem 002 in uppermost chamber 024. In this manner, it is difficult to remove the spindle 020 from the housing 017 of the valve 004. In this position, the bottom portion 029 of the stem will get tightly sealed with the curved portion 031 at the interface of the middle chamber 028 and the lower chamber 016.

[0075] To assemble the non-refillable device inside the outlet nozzle 007 on the side port 015 of the valve 004, the port sealing member 005 and its integral snap strip with the end T-piece 009, the spring 014 and the plug 013 are inserted one behind the other in the order inside the outlet nozzle 007. The outside threading on the plug 013 gets engaged with the threading inside the outlet nozzle 007. The end T-piece 009 will rest in flush with the outer surface of the plug 013 inside the provided groove. The outer lip of the nozzle 007 is crimped 011 to prevent the removal of the non-refillable device, which may lead to unauthorized refilling of a partially or completely empty container.

[0076] In operation, the non-refillable valve 004 permanently attached to the container 019 is kept in the closed position as shown in FIG. 1. The spindle 020 is rotated in the anti-clock wise direction for upward movement as shown in FIG. 2. In this manner, the lower chamber 016, the middle chamber 028 and the side port 015 are in communication with the source of compressed fluid.

[0077] The pressure container is initially evacuated to remove the air or inert atmosphere from inside the container through the nozzle 007 by connecting a flexible hose to the threaded portion 006. The other end of the flexible hose is connected to an external source (not shown) of evacuation. During filling, the compressed fluid flows from its source through the outlet nozzle 007, side port 015, middle chamber 028, lower chamber 016 and into the pressure container 019.

[0078] Once the pressure container 019 is filled, the knob 001 is rotated in the clock-wise direction to move inwardly to engage the bottom portion 029 of the spindle 020 with the curved portion 031 at the interface of the middle chamber 028 and the lower chamber 016 as shown in FIG. 3.

[0079] After the filling operation has been completed, the end T-piece 009 is slightly pulled up from its position and cut off as shown in FIG. 4. The port sealing member 005 along with the spring 014 gets retracted to remain completely in sealing on the side port 015 inside the outlet nozzle 007 and becomes effective in preventing the flow of fluid in the filling direction while freely accommodating flow of fluid in the opposite direction for discharging or dispensing of the fluid.

[0080] To allow a controlled discharge of the contents in the container 019, the knob 001 is rotated anti-clockwise to move the stem 002 outwardly, as far as necessary, to allow the rate of discharge, as desired as shown in FIG. 5.

[0081] After the fluid has been completely discharged from the container 019, the non-refillable device at the outlet nozzle 007 at the side port 015 will prevent any refilling or reuse of the container 019 as shown in FIG. 6.

[0082] With the stem 002 of the spindle 020 screwed outward to the uppermost position, the valve 004 is in the activated open condition. Any attempt to refill the container 019 through the outlet nozzle 007 at the side port 015 of the valve 004 will exert a force by means of the pressure of the fluid which will be an additional force to that of the spring 014 which is already being exerted on the port sealing member 005. This keeps the port sealing member 005 sealed against the side port 015 inside the outlet nozzle 007.

[0083] Even if the container is turned upside down or placed on its side, there will not be any effect on the function of the non-refillable device. The O-ring 025, port sealing member 005 and the snap strip with the end T-piece 009, the plug 013 and the spindle 020 comprising of the stem 002 and knob 001 are non-metallic parts and are made out of materials which are chemically resistant and compatible to the fluid used in the container. The remaining part of the valve 004 is made of strong metal such as steel with electrolytic nickel plating both from outside and inside.

[0084] One of the important features of the invention is the location of the non-refillable device inside the outlet nozzle 007 fixed permanently to the side port 015 of the valve 004 in such a manner that the non-refillable device will not interfere with flow path of the fluid in and/or out.

[0085] The other important features of the invention with the location of the non-refillable device inside the outlet nozzle 007 fixed permanently to the side port 015 of the valve 004 is the possibility of supplying the pressure container or cylinder to the filler with the valve 004 in the closed position after introduction of an inert gas at a slightly positive pressure inside the container or cylinder. Maintaining a positive pressure of an inert gas such as Nitrogen inside the container 019 will prevent any rusting inside the container or cylinder and further, will reduce the possibility of contamination or deterioration in the quality of the fluid that will be filled into or discharged from the pressurized container or cylinder.

[0086] The invention of the non-refillable valve has been primarily described above for compressed gas and for pressurized fluid containers.

[0087] Although the invention has been described with reference to some preferred embodiments, it is not intended that the broad scope of the herein-described non-refillable valve of the invention be limited thereby but that some modifications and variations are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of this invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A non-refillable valve for a pressure container comprising:

a housing having a central bore which has a lower and upper portion narrower than the middle portion, and having a side port communicating with the lower region of the middle portion of the central bore, the lower end of the said housing being adopted to sealingly engage on the pressure container in a manner which provides communication between the pressure container and the lower portion of the central bore;

an outlet nozzle having a horizontal bore lengthwise therethrough, the said outlet nozzle being positioned on the side of the housing and being in communication with the middle portion of the central bore through the side port in the housing;

a spindle with a stem and knob positioned in the upper portion of the central bore in a rotatable manner, which advances the stem of the spindle back, and/or forth inside the central bore such that in the closed position of the valve, the bottom conical portion of the stem of the spindle will be positioned sealingly at the seating interface between the middle portion and the lower portion of the central bore, and in the open position of the valve, the bottom conical portion of the stem of the spindle will be in the lifted position thereby providing communication between the pressure container and outlet nozzle through the lower portion and middle portion of the central bore,

characterized in that a non-refillable device comprising of a spring loaded port sealing member having an end T-piece and a plug to hold the spring is provided at the outlet nozzle such that when the valve is in the active position of filling, the stem of the spindle is in the lifted position and the port sealing member is in the pulled position by means of the spring, thereby providing a communication between outlet nozzle and the container for filling and after completion of filling, the end T-piece is pulled and cut off whereby the port sealing member gets retracted, because of the spring, to seal the side port and thereby preventing the flow of fluid in the filling direction while permitting flow of fluid in the opposite direction for discharging.

2. The non-refillable valve for a pressure container as claimed in claim 1 wherein said port sealing member comprising a cylindrical body having extensions on both sides, the diameter of the extension towards the side port is smaller than that of the cylindrical body and the extension towards outlet nozzle on the other side and the extension towards the outlet nozzle is further having an end T-piece.

3. The non-refillable valve for a pressure container as claimed in claim 2 wherein the cylindrical body with extensions and the end T-piece form one single piece.

4. The non-refillable valve for a pressure container as claimed in claim 1 wherein said pressure container is a pressurized gas container or a cylinder.

5. The non-refillable valve for a pressure container as claimed in claim 4 wherein said container or cylinder contains inert gas at a positive pressure to prevent rusting before fitting.

6. The non-refillable valve for a pressure container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said valve stem is mounted inside the upper portion of the central bore in a screwable manner.

7. The non-refillable valve for a pressure container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the spindle stem has an externally located knob as an integral part for turning the spindle stem.

8. The non-refillable valve for a pressure container as claimed in claim 1 wherein an O-ring is mounted in a groove in the spindle stem positioned in the upper portion of the central bore and sealingly engages with the upper portion or chamber of the central bore.

9. The non-refillable valve for a pressure container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the port sealing member is made of a resilient plastic.

10. The non-refillable valve for a pressure container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the spring used for maintaining the port sealing member in position is made of stainless steel.

11. The non-refillable valve for a pressure container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the plug utilized for maintaining the non-refillable device in position is made of resilient plastic or is metallic and the outermost lip of the outlet nozzle is crimped.