Check valve

A method of manufacturing a valve structure, comprising:

• forming a housing having an axial conduit extending from a fluid inlet at a first end to a fluid outlet at a second end;
• forming a check valve body having a first valve body section and a second valve body section, the first valve body section having an inlet port to conduct fluid through the check valve body to an outlet port in the second valve body section;
• and
• positioning the check valve body within the axial conduit of the housing forming a fluid flow path that extends from the inlet through the check valve body to the outlet, wherein a portion of the fluid flow path is formed to retain fluid to surround the check valve body to prevent gas and debris from entering the check valve body.

A valve for supplying fluid from a fluid source to a system, comprising:

• a housing having an inlet at one end for entry of fluid into the housing and an outlet at an opposite end for exit of fluid from the housing;
• a check valve disposed within the housing;
• and
• a fluid flow path in which fluid flows from the inlet through the housing to the outlet, the fluid flow path including a barrier portion wherein fluid is retained to substantially prevent gas and debris from fouling the check valve, the barrier portion providing a sufficiently small gap so that fluid is maintained in the barrier portion regardless of the orientation of the valve.