Dual valve apparatus for enabling quick measurement of pressure

Abstract

A dual valve apparatus enables quick measurement of pressure contained within a housing. The housing has a main body, a check valve housed in the main body and a cover whose removal renders the check valve accessible. The check valve is normally compressed against a check valve seat to provide a first seal that prevents leakage of the pressure. The dual valve apparatus includes a modified cover, a valve body and a valve stem. The modified cover defines first and second bores axially offset from and in communication with one another. The first bore is at least partially threaded. When the modified cover is secured to the main body, the second bore is aligned with the check valve. The valve body accommodates a valve bore from its protuberant end to its threaded end. The protuberant end is shaped to mate with a female portion of a quick connect coupling. The threaded end screws into the first bore of the modified cover. Movable within the bores, the valve stem at its head end is normally compressed against a valve seat formed within the protuberant end of the valve bore to provide a second seal that further prevents leakage of the pressure. Mating the female portion to the protuberant end of the dual valve apparatus causes the valve stem to move away from its seat. The valve stem in turn unseats the check valve thereby providing access to and enabling measurement of the pressure.