Tubular valve device and method of assembly

Abstract

A tubular valve for controlling the flow of fluids includes an outer tubular shell having pairs of ports on diametrically opposed surfaces and an inner coaxial transfer tube having pairs of openings which are selectively rotated into or out of alignment with the outer tubular ports. Deformable grommets enclose and seal the space between the outer shell and inner tube and provide lateral tubular extensions projecting through the outer ports for connection to external sources and apparatus. The inner transfer tube, which is rotatable within the grommets, provides communication for fluid flow between inlet and outlet ports and openings. Different fluids may be selectively controlled and supplied through separate outlets. During assembly, each deformable grommet is folded around an insertion device which is inserted into the outer tubular shell and twisted to release the tubular extension which projects laterally from the port. After insertion of the several grommets, the inner transfer tube is pushed through the outer shell and concentric grommets until the openings in the transfer tube are aligned with the outer shell ports. Plugs are inserted into opposite open ends of the inner tube to provide a closed sealed unit. A rotatable control knob secured at one end of the inner tube selectively positions the openings and ports to supply fluids through the tubular extensions.