US Patent 7806138 Valve manifold device for use with small propane canisters

A valve manifold device for coupling a gas operated appliance in fluid communication to gas cylinders, comprising a manifold having at least two inlet ports and an outlet port, at least two inlet valves respectively attached in fluid communication to the inlet ports of the manifold while being releasably attachable in fluid communication to an outlet assembly on the one pound gas cylinders, and an outlet coupling attached in fluid communication to the outlet port of the manifold and releasably attachable, directly or indirectly, in fluid communication to the gas operated appliance. The inlet valves may be check valves having an interior opening that serves as a gas conduit through the valve and into the manifold. The outlet coupling may have an annular outlet collar compatible with a standard POL, Type 1 or 1-20 connector and may include a check valve.