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Abstract

A check valve for controlling the flow of fluid through a pipe or other means defining a passageway. The valve comprises an elastomeric valve element that permits flow of fluid through the passageway in a downstream direction while preventing the flow of fluid in the upstream direction. The valve element has a base that is secured to the means defining the passageway, there being an opening in the base through which fluid can flow. Flow of fluid is controlled by vanes projecting downstream from the base, each vane being flexibly connected to the base and being movable about its line of connection with the base between an open position in which the vanes permit ready flow of fluid in a forward direction, and a closed position in which the vanes make sealing engagement with each other, thus preventing upstream flow of fluid. The vanes are shaped to resist external pressures and a separate rigid supporting member is employed that has a base that is secured, with the base of the valve element to the means defining the passageway. The rigid member has a sleeve that supports the vanes adjacent their zones of pivotal connection to the base of the element against external fluid pressure. The construction permits the vanes to move from closed to open positions whenever the pressure on the upstream side of the valve element exceeds the pressure downstream of the valve element and to close when the pressure downstream of the valve element exceeds the pressure upstream of the valve element, thereby preventing flow of fluid in the upstream direction.

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First Claim