Abstract: The present invention relates to a ball and seat valve having an improved design that increase the reliability and fracture resistance of the seat. The fracture resistance of the seat is increased by providing the seat with a beveled edge. When a force is exerted on the seat along its central axis, the beveled edge creaes a compressive component of force on the inside of the seat. The ball and seat valve is particularly useful when the seat is fabricated from a ceramic material. The ball and seat valve is useful in industries where it is subjected to a highly corrosive environment, such as the oil pumping industry.

Abstract: An electrical steam iron having a housing for mounting of the components of the iron including an electrical heating element, a steam generating chamber, temperature controls, and a handle. A sole plate member made of ceramic material is mounted on the bottom of an aluminum connecting shoe portion of the housing by a resilient sealing and connecting material bonded between the connecting shoe portion and the sole plate member.