US2746073A - Spring biased valve with lock - Google Patents

Description

May 22, 1956 Filed Sept. 26, 1952 C. C. HARRIS SPRING BIASED VALVE WITH LOCK INVENTO'R Carl C Her/"21$ BY W ATTORNE Y5 United States Patent SPRING nrnsnn VALVE wrrn Loon Carl C. Harris, Orange, Mass, assignor to The Rivet-- Manufacturing Company, Grange, Mass., a corporation of Massachusetts Application September 26, 1952, Serial No. 311,740

24 Claims. (Cl. 15-138) This invention relates to dispensers for the dispersing of fluids, including the volatile cleaning fluids, perfumes, and the like and particularly to a valve for such dispensers which will keep the valve positively closed, when not in use, thereby preventing loss of the fluid due to evaporation or other causes.

Dispensers theretofore known such as those disclosed by Evans, U. S. Patent No. 1,904,041 and Lupo, U. S. Patent No. 1,941,751, have had certain inherent defects. In each of these devices, the valve may be inadvertently opened or not firmly closed so that leakage of the liquid is possible. Further, in both Evans and Lupo, evaporation is inevitable since the valve is held closed by a spring which biases the valve against the seat. Such an arrangement is unsatisfactory, since it would be necessary, in order to assure perfect sealing, to have a spring of impractical strength.

Many efforts have been made to overcome these objections, one such effort being illustrated in Lurz Patent No. 2,575,180. The Lurz construction however introduces other objections, the chief of which are the large number of small, interfitting internal parts required and the fact that the Lurz valve requires a special form of container and is not adaptable for use with conventional bottles.

An object of the present invention is to provide a manually operable dispensing valve which may be locked against accidental operation or leakage.

Another object is to provide, a simple, efiicient, inexpensive lockable dispensing valve especially suitable for dispensing volatile liquids.

A still further object is to provide a valve having a locking mechanism which will not affect or decrease the flow past the valve when the valve is open.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a unitary, lockable dispensing valve, easily attachable to a bottle or container.

Another object is to provide a fluid dispensing device with a positive valve lock to prevent loss of fluid due to inadvertent actuation of the valve.

An additional object is to provide a dispensing device with a positive valve lock whereby the valve is held against its seat in positive sealing contact thereby preventing evaporation of the fluid to be dispensed.

These and other objects and advantages reside in novel features of construction, arrangement and combination of parts as will hereinafter be more fully set forth and pointed out in the appended claims.

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a preferred embodiment of the dispenser having a dispersing brush and mounted on a fluid container;

Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a portion of the dispenser shown in Figure 1 showing the details of the valve and locking mechanism.

Figure 3 is a front view of a modified form of dispenser;

Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along 2,746,073 Patented Why 22, 1956 the line 44 of Figure 3 showing the details of the modified valve and locking mechanism;

Figure 5 is a side elevation of a further modified form of dispenser showing the valve in unlocked position;

Figure 6 is an elevational view similar to that shown in Figure 5, but with the valve in a locked position;

Figure 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of a further embodiment of the novel valve and lock mechanism as applied to a perfume bottle or the like;

Figure 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of a further modification of the novel lockable valve shown mounted on a plastic fluid container;

Figure 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of a further embodiment of the novel lockable valve as applied to a brush applicator.

Referring to the drawing wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, the numeral 29- generally designates a dispensing assembly comprising a container 22 having a threaded neck 24 to which a cap 26 having a knurled portion 28 is secured. The cap 26 has a hollow projecting member 30 with a central passage 32 which communicates with container 22, the hollow member 30 terminating in a head generally designated 34. v

A bore 44 extends through the head 34 beyond th end of the passage 32 and on one side of the head 34, a cup-shaped extension or housing 36 surrounds the bore 44. The extension or housing is internally threaded as indicated at 42 and has a flat bottom 48 surrounding the bore 44. A valve seat 45, which may be recessed as at 48, surrounds the bore 44, and a small passage 50 connects the passage 32 with the valve seat 46.

An annular nut 52 having a central opening 58, a threaded portion 56 and a knurled flange 54 is threaded in the extension or housing 36. Adjacent the bottom 40 of the extension 36, the nut 52 has an inwardly projecting flange having a smaller central opening 69. The shoulder 62 connecting the openings 58 and 69 is preferably inclined.

An actuator 64 having a threaded recess 66 and spring seat 68 is disposed within the opening 53 of the nut 52. A valve stem '70 is slidably mounted in guide bore 44 and is secured at one end to the actuator 64 by means of threads 72 and 66. A valve closure member 74 is secured on the opposite end of the stem 70 and bears against the valve seat 46 within the recess 48 to close the passage 50, the valve 74 being smaller than the recess 48. A screw driver slot 76 in the outer face '78 of the valve 74 facilitates assembly of the valve stem and actuator.

A suitable washer 80 may be provided to insure sealing of the outlet duct 50 by the valve '74. A spring 82 between the spring seat 68 of the actuator 64 and the bottom 40 of the extension 36 biases the actuator 64 away from the bottom 40 thereby urging the valve 74 toward the valve seat 46. i

A dispenser support generally designated at 84 extends from the body member 30 and head 34- and comprises an elongated base 86 slightly wider than the valve seat 46. A continuous flange 88 extends outward from the periphery of the base 36 and has an internal shoulder 90, to frictionally hold the body 91 of a brush 92. The shoulder 90 is spaced from the valve 74 to permit unrestricted movement of the valve. The body 91 is perforated so that when the valve 74 is open, liquid from the passage 50 can pass through the body 91 and wet the bristles 92. i

A slot 94 is provided in the flange to receive a protruding lug 96 of the body 90. The lug is'provided in order to facilitate removal of the holding element when the brush 92 has become worn or damaged thereby necessitating replacement.

In operation, the valve 74 is normally closed by the spring 82 and fluid within the passage 32 is prevented from passing through the outlet duct 56 to the brush 92. When it is desired to release the fluid to the brush, the actuator 64 is depressed and the valve stem 76 slides in the guide bore 44 moving the valve 74 away from the valve seat and permitting flizid to pass from the bore 32 through the passage and onto the brush where it is then dispersed over the article to which the fluid is to be applied.

In order to prevent inadvertent actuation of the valve or leakage or evaporation of the fluid, the valve of the present invention may be securely locked in a closed position. In order to lock the valve the nut 52 is threaded out of the housing or body 36 toward the actuator 64 until the inclined shoulder portion 62 abuts the bottom of the actuator. Further threading of the nut will draw the valve 74 firmly against the valve seat 46 compressing the washer 86 thereby insuring a tight seal and thus preventing loss or evaporation of the fluid.

Referring now to Figures 3 and 4 there is shown a modification wherein the numeral 98 designates a slot extending radially outwardly from the recess 45. An element 1% is secured in the slot 76 of valve 74 and has a portion forming a key 162 which extends into the slot 1% and prevents rotation of the valve 74 without interfering with movement toward and from the valve seat 46. In the modification shown in Figure 3 the extension 36 has a smooth internal bore 38 in which the actuator 64 has a sliding fit. For ease of operation, the actuator 64 may be provided extensions or wings, having shoulders 106. The valve 74 is held against rotation by the lug 1G2 engaging the slot 98 so that rotation of actuator 64 by wings 164 will draw the valve 74 and actuator together; Turning of the wings 164 causes the shoulders 106 to abut the top of the extension 36 and further turning will draw the valve 74 toward the valve seat 46 thereby compressing the washer and effectively sealing OK the outlet duct. To open the valve the actuator 64 is backed-off until the shoulders 106 are clear of the top of housing 36 as shown in Figure 3. Downward pressure on the actuator 64 will then move the stem 76 downward and consequently the valve 74 will move away from the seat permitting fluid to flow from bore 32, through outlet passage 50 and on to a brush 92, as shown in Figure 1.

Referring now to Figures 5 and 6 there is shown a further modification wherein 198 indicates a pair of cam surfaces formed on the upper surface of housing 36 in a spiral path from low points 116 to high points 112. The highpoints and low points of the respective cams are 180 degrees apart. The actuator 114 has a smooth cylindrical portion 116 which is slidable within extension 36, and a knurled head 11% of larger diameter than the cylindrical portion 116 so that there is a shoulder 12i) overhanging the cylindrical portion 116. A pair of followers 122, 180 degrees apart, are formed on the shoulder 12% and engage the cam surfaces 108. With the followers 122 directly over the low points of the earns, the actuator 114 can be depressed inwardly compressing a spring 82 (not shown but similar to that in Figures 2, 3 and 4), and thereby opening a valve 74 (as shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4). Rotation of the actuator 180 degrees will result in the followers 122 traveling along the spiral cam path 1 3% toward the high points 112 and outwardly from the housing 36 until the valve 74 (not shown) is drawn tightly against the sealing member 86 and valve seat 46. When the valve 74 is firmly seated the valve is eflectively locked in position by virtue of the wedging action of the inclined cam surfaces 108 on the followers 122. Simply rotating the actuator 114 in the opposite direction 180 degrees will immediately put the device in condition for dispensing a fluid from within the body member 36.

Referring now to Figure 7 there is shown a further embodiment of the invention particularly adapted for attachment to the neck of a fluid container for dispensing perfumes, lotions, and the like. Numeral 126 designates a fluid container such as a perfume bottle, having threaded neck 123. A cylindrical body 130 is provided with a pair of oppositely extending threaded bores 132 and 134 separated by an intermediate wall portion 136. The bore 132 is particularly adapted for engagement with threads 128 at the neck of bottle 126. A centrally disposed bore 138 in wall 136 interconnects bores 132 and 134 and provides a through passage for a valve stem 14% having a head 142 at one end which serves as a valve closure member. The diameter of bore 138 is relatively larger than the diameter of valve stem 144 for a purpose to be hereinafter described. A nut 144 having a knurled shoulder portion 146 is provided with an externally threaded barrel portion 148 for threaded engagement with bore 134. Nut 144 is also provided with a pair of concentric bores 150 and 152 interconnected by a sloping shoulder portion 154. Valve stern extends through the bore and into bore 152, the diameters of which are considerably larger than the diameter of the valve stem. A coil spring 156 loosely fits over valve stem 140 and also loosely tits within the bore 150 and has an end in bearing engagement with face 153 of wall 136. An actuating button 161) loosely flts within bore 152 and is provided with a threaded bore 162 for threadedly engaging threaded end 164 of valve stem 140. The button is also provided with an annular recess 166, concentric with and considerably larger than the diameter of bore 162, which receives the opposite end of spring 156. The button is threaded on the stem sufficiently to compress the spring and thereby create a biasing force in the spring tending to force, the button outwardly which consequently draws valve closure member 142 against the face 168 of wall 136 thereby shutting off bore 138. Resilient gasket 171'; is located between valve closure member 142 and face 168 to assure complete closure of bore 138 to prevent ieakage of the fluid out of the container. It may be preferable to have the gasket extend over and be secured to the entire face 168 to form a seal between the bottle and face 168 as well as a seal for the valve head 142.

As previously pointed out bores 138 and 156 are relatively larger than the diameter of the valve stem 140, and bore 152 is relatively larger than the diameter of button 160, as a result there are clearance passages 172 between stem 14%) and bore 138, 174 between stem 149 and bore 150, and 176 between button and bore 152, the purpose of which will be readily seen from the following description of operation.

As shown in Figure 7 the valve is ina closed but unlocked position. If it is desired to apply perfume or lotion to a surface, for example the hand, the container is tipped unside down so that smooth surface 178 of .button 160 is in contact with the surface of the hand. A slight inward pressure of the container against the hand will cause button 160 to be moved inwardly which in turn will cause valve closure member 142 to move inwardly away from face 168. The liquid in the container will then flow downwardly through passages 172, 174 and 176 and onto the hand where it can be dispersed or spread by a rubbing action of smooth surface 178 over the hand.

When the unit is to be stored or carried in a pocketbook or pocket, the valve is locked to prevent inadvertent actuation of the valve or leakage or evaporation of the fluid. This is accomplished by outwardly threading nut 144 until sloping shoulders 154 contact the end of push button 161). Further outward threading of the nut will put an outward force on the button which will in turn draw the closure member 142 tightly against surface 168 causing the resilient seal to be tightly compressed between closure member 142 and face 168 thereby closing off bore 138 and forming a fluid tight seal therearound.

One of the principal advantages of the modification shown in Figure 7 is that the valve may be used on standard screw-cap bottles for dispensing cleaning fluid, perfume, hair dressing lotions and like liquids.

Referring now to Figure 8 there is shown still a further embodiment of the invention. Numeral 180 designates a fluid container, which may be of a resilient plastic material, for after shave lotion or the like, having a threaded neck 182. Cylindrical body 184 is provided with a pair of oppositely extending threaded bores 186 and 188 separated by an intermediate wall portion 191) which is provided with aperture 192 connecting bores 186 and 188. Bore 186 is particularly adapted for engagement' with threads 182 at the neck of the bottle 189. Gasket 194 is interposed between the top of the neck of the bottle and the adjacent face of wall 190 to form a tight fluid seal therebetween.

A combined actuator and dispenser generally designated 196 comprises a threaded body portion 198 threadedly received in bore 188 and in integral shank 200 slidably received in aperture 192. A central bore 202 extends through the threaded body and shank and is threaded at its inner end for receiving closure member 204. Gasket 266 is mounted on the outer periphery of the shank for sealing purposes to be hereinafter described. A pair of apertures 208 connect bore 202 with the exterior of shank 200.

In operation, the dispense fluid the device is in the condition illustrated in Figure 8. The container is tipped upside down and shaken, or if used with a plastic bottle the bottle is squeezed. Fluid in the container will pass through apertures 208 into bore 202 from whicn it will flow to the surface to which fluid is to be applied. To close the dispensing unit the body 198 is threadedly moved outwardly to move apertures 2t38 above intermediate wall 190, at the same time closure member 294 is moved against the inner face of intermediate wall 190 to compress gasket 205 therebetween forming a leak-proof seal preventing fluid in the container to pass to bore 292.

Referring to Figure 9 there is illustrated a brush applicator similar to that illustrated in Figure 2, similar parts being indicated by the same numerals. The valve, which is a further modification, comprises an actuator 219 threadedly received in housing 36 and provided with a threaded blind hole 212 for receiving the threaded end of stem 214 slidably mounted 'in bore 44. The opposite end of stem 214 is provided with an integral closure member 216 which is received in recess 48 adjacent passage 50. Gasket 218 is mounted on stem 214 in contact with the adjacent face of closure member 216.

As illustrated in Figure 9 the valve is open to permit fluid to flow from passage 32 through passage 59 to a brush (not shown) mounted in flange 88. To close the valve and seal the passage 50 actuator 210 is threaded outwardly until gasket 218 is firmly compressed between the bottom of recess 48 and closure member 216 thus positively preventing any leakage of fluid through passage 50.

It has been found, in practice, that lockable valve and dispersing means as described in the foregoing provide a practical solution to the hitherto unanswered problem of providing a simple, effective and safe dispenser for volatile. fluids such as cleaning fluids and perfumes while preventing loss or evaporation of the fluids when the dispenser is not in use.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiment is therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended 'to be embraced therein.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States Letters Patent is:

1. A unitary valve mechanism comprising a body having two open ended portions, a partition separating said portions, a passage formed in said partition, a closure member on one side of said partition movable to seat against said partition and thereby cover said passage, an actuator on the opposite side of said partition, means interconnecting the closure member and the actuator, resilient means between the partition and the actuator to bias said actuator and closure member to a passage closing position, and locking means on said actuator operatively engaging said body and said actuator to positively force said closure member to its closed position.

2. The device as set forth in claim 1' wherein the looking means comprises a cam extending outwardly from one side of the body adjacent the actuator, means movably carried by said body and operatively interconnecting said cam and said actuator to positively force the closure member to its closed position.

3. The device as set forth in claim 1 wherein the lockmeans comprises a cam on the body having an inclined surface extending outwardly from one side of the body adjacent the actuator, a follower secured to the actuator in alignment with the cam, means for moving said actuator to cause the follower to engage the inclined surface of the cam, said actuator being free to move to open or close the closure member when said follower is in a1inement with the low point of the cam surface; said follower and cam serving to positively force the closure member to its closed position when said following ongages the high point of the cam surface.

4. The device as set forth in claim 1 wherein the locking means comprises a cam on the body having a surface extending outwardly from a side thereof in a continuous spiral path from a minimum to a maximum position and adjacent to and extending around the actuator, a follower secured to the actuator in alinement with the cam surface, said actuator being rotatable with respect to sail cam surface to selectively position the follower in confronting relation with the minimum and maximum position of the cam surface, the follower being spaced from the cam surface when thte portions confront the minimum portion of the cam surface to permit said actuator to be moved in said one direction to open the closure member, and said follower being in contacting engagement with the cam surface when said portions confront to maximum portion of the cam surface to positively force the closure member to its closed position.

5. The device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said locking element comprises a surface on a side of the body, abutments formed on the actuator and in opposed relation to said surface, means limiting movement of the connecting means and closure member to a direction for opening and closing of the closure member, said actuator being adjustably mounted on said connecting means to alternately engage said abutments with said surface to positively force said closure member to its closed position, and to space said abutrnents from said surface to permit movement of said actuator in said one direction to open said closure member.

' 6. The device as set forth in claim 1 wherein the locldng element comprises a surface on said side of the body in a plane transverse to the direction of movement of the closure member, abutrnents secured to the actuator in a plane transverse to the direction of movement of the closure member and in opposed relation to said surface, means to maintain said connecting means and closure member in non-rotative relation with respect to the body, said actuator being rotatively adjustable with respect to said connecting means for separate movement of said actuator in said one direction to engage said abutments with said surface and force to closure member to its biased position, and in said opposite direction to space said abutments and surface and permit unitary movement of said actuator and closure member in said one direction to open said closure member.

7. A dispersing device comprising a body having two open ended portions and a partition separating said portions, a hollow member for containing a fluid connected to said body, a passage in said partition connecting one open ended portion to said hollow member to permit fluid to flow out of the hollow member, a closure member mounted on said body in said one open en tion adjacent to and movable toward aw said passage opening in said one open ended portion to open and close said passage, an actuator for said closure member extending outwardly from the other open ended portion of the body and accessible for operation from the exterior of the body, means operatively connecting the closure member and actuator for unitary movement in one direction to open the closure member and in the opposite direction to close the closure member, resilient means engaging said other side of said partition and the actuator for biasing the closure member in said opposite direction, dispersing means, supporting means mounted on said body and hollow member and extending outwardly therefrom for holding the dispersing means in close proximity to the closure means to receive fluid from the hollow member when said closure means is in open position, and a locking element selectively with said body and said actuator to positively force said closure member to its closed position.

8. The device as set forth in claim 7 wherein the locking element comprises cam surfaces formed on the body and extending outwardly from a side thereof from a minimum to a maximum position and coextensive with the actuator, follower means secured to the actuator and having portions in confronting relation with the cam surfaces, the confronting portions of said follower being selectively engageable with the maximum position of the cam surfaces to positively force the closure member to its closed position.

9. The device as set forth in claim 8 wherein the dispersing means comprises a back having openings therein, bristles secured to said back and extending outwardly therefrom, said back being mounted in the supporting means with the side of the back remote from the bristles in close proximity to the closure member so that fluid flowing past the closure member when the closure member is open will pass through the openings of the back and on to the bristles.

10. The .device as set forth in claim 7 wherein said locking element comprises a surface on a side of the body, abutments formed on the actuator and in opposed relation to said surface, means to limit movement of the connecting means and closure member in a direction for opening and closing of the closure member, said actuator being adjustably mounted on said connecting means to alternately engage said abutments with said surface to positively force said closure member to its closed position, and to space said abutments from said surface to permit movement in said one direction to open said closure member.

11. A unitary valve mechanism comprising a body having a passage, a closure member mounted on said body adjacent to and movable toward and away from said passage to open and close said passage, an actuator movably mounted on said body and extending outwardly from a side of the body and accessible for operation from the exterior of said body, means operatively connecting the closure member and actuator for unitary movement to open and close the passage, resilient means biasing said actuator and closure member to passage closing position, and locking means within said body operatively engaging said body and said actuator to positively force said closure member to its closed position.

12. A unitary valve mechanism comprising a hollow body having an intermediate wall within said body, a

passage in said wall interconnecting opposite sides of said wall to permit a fluid to pass from one side to the other of said wall, a closure member mountedon said body adjacent to and movable toward and away from said passage to open and close said passage, an actuator movably mounted on said body and extending outwardly from a side of the body and accessible for operation from the exterior of said body, means operatively conmeeting the closure member and actuator for unitary movement to open and close the passage, resilient means biasing said actuator and closure member to passage closing position, and locking means within said body operatively engaging said body and said actuator to positively force said closure member to its closed position.

13. A dispersing device comprising a body, a hollow member for containing a fluid connected to said body, a-

passage connecting said hollow member to a side of the body to permit fluid to flow out of the hollow member, a closure member mounted on said body adjacent to and movable toward and away from said passage to open and close said passage, an actuator for said closure member extending outwardly from a side of the body and accessible for operation of the exterior of the body, means operatively connecting the closure member and actuator for unitary movement in one direction to open the closure member and in the opposite direction to close the closure member, resilient means biasing the closure member in said opposite direction, dispersing means, supporting means mounted on said body and hollow member and extending outwardly therefrom for holding the dispersing means in close proximity to the closure means to receive fluid from the hollow member when said closure means is in open position, and a locking means selectively engageable with said body and said actuator, said locking means comprising a face portion on said actuator extending substantially transverse to the direction of movement of the closure member, a member mounted within said body and having a portion substantially transverse to the direction of movement of the closure member and in confronting relation with said face portion, said member being adjustable with respect to said body in said one direction to space said portion from the face portion to permit movement of said actuator in said one direction to open the closure member, and said member being adjustable in said opposite direction to engage said portion with said face portion to positively force said closure member to its closed position.

14. The device as set forth in claim 13 wherein the locking means comprises a cylindrical member within said body and coacting spiral surfaces on the exterior of said member and the interior of said body to enable said member to be adjustable with respect to said body.

15. The device as set forth in claim 13 wherein the locking means comprises a face portion on said actuator extending substantially transverse to the direction of movement of the closure member, a member mounted within said body and having a portion substantially transverse to the direction of movement of the closure member and in confronting relation with said face portion, said member being adjustable with respect to said body in said one direction to space said portion from the face portion to permit movement of said actuator in said one direction to open the closure member, and said member being adjustable in said opposite direction to engage said face portion to positively force said closure member to its closed position.

16. A unitary valve mechanism comprising a body having two open ended portions, a partition separating said portions, an aperture formed in said partition and constituting a passage from one end of the body to the other end, a closure member on one side of said partition, an actuator on the opposite side of said partition, means interconnecting the closure member and the actuator and passing through said aperture, the sizes of the interconnecting means and the aperture being such as to allow a substantial clearance therebetween, resilient means between the partition and the actuator to bias said actuator and closure to a passage closing position, and locking means Within said body operatively engaging said body and said actuator to positively force said closure member to its closed position.

17. The device as set forth in claim 16 wherein the locking means comprises a cylindrical member within said body and coacting spiral surfaces on the exterior of said member and the interior of said body to enable said member to be adjustable with respect to said body.

18. The device as set forth in claim 16 wherein the locking means comprises a face portion on said actuator extending substantially transverse to the direction of movement of the closure member, a member mounted within said body and having a portion substantially transverse to the direction of movement of the closure member and in confronting relation with said face portion, said member being adjustable with respect to said body in said one direction to space said portion from the face portion to permit movement of said actuator in said one direction to open the closure member, and said member being adjustable in said opposite direction to engage said face portion to positively force said closure member to its closed position.

19. A valve mechanism comprising a body having a passage, a valve for closing said passage, a valve stem secured to said valve and extending through said body, spring means operatively connected to said valve stem and said body for biasing said valve stem to passage closing position, a sleeve carried by said body and surrounding said stem on the side of said body opposite said valve, threads on the end of said valve stem opposite said valve, an actuator for said valve stem having a portion rotatable and slidable within said sleeve, blind threads in said actuator for mating engagement with the threads on the valve stem, and a shoulder on said actuator extending over said sleeve, whereby upon rotation of said actuator in one direction, the shoulder engages the sleeve to lock the valve in closed position and upon rotation in the other direction, the actuator is moved away from the shoulder to free the valve for movement by the actuator against the biasing of the spring.

20. A valve mechanism as defined in claim 19 in which the spring means comprises a coil spring encircling said valve stem within said sleeve and engaging said body and said actuator.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,037,680 Spitzenberg Sept. 3, 1912 1,083,532 Grayham Jan. 6, 1914 1,759,998 Platt May 27, 1930 1,904,041 Evans Apr. 18, 1933 1,941,751 Lupo Jan. 2, 1934 1,941,898 Iddings Jan. 2, 1934 1,961,371 Mapes June 5, 1934 2,376,052 Hacmac May 15, 1945 2,445,130 Turner July 13, 1948 2,452,215 Williams Oct. 26, 1948 2,529,808 Martin Nov. 14, 1950 2,549,539 Bown Apr. 17, 1951 2,550,863 Roehr May 1, 1951 2,558,272 Rubenstein June 26, 1951 2,565,954 Dey Aug. 28, 1951 2,575,180 Lurz Nov. 13, 1951 2,655,480 Spitzer Oct. 13, 1953 FOREIGN PATENTS 251,163 Gemany Sept. 28, 1912

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