Patent attributes
There is disclosed a valve cap for sealing an aperture in a pump; a plugging assembly for use in a valve cap to provide a seal at an aperture in a pump; a docking unit for use with a plugging assembly for sealing an aperture in a pump; and a method of sealing an aperture in a pump. In an embodiment of the invention, a valve cap (10) for sealing an aperture (12) in a pump is disclosed which comprises a valve plug (16) for locating against a wall (18) of the aperture, the plug including, a first engaging means (40); a compression unit (20) fastened to the pump, the compression unit including a plurality of springs (56) to apply a compressive load upon the plug and second engaging means (62, 64); a docking unit (24) for landing on the compression unit, the docking unit including one or more pistons (92) to apply a compressive load upon said springs and third engaging means (74, 76, 78); wherein said first and third engaging means sequentially interlock with said second engaging means to lock said plug to said compression unit and seal said plug against said aperture.
