Patents by Inventor David C. Kerg

David C. Kerg has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7533866
    Abstract: A sanitary diaphragm valve is provided that includes a generally dome shaped diaphragm having a central boss that can be connected to or driven by a valve actuator. The diaphragm includes an outer peripheral edge and a relatively thin web portion that connects the boss to the outer edge. In one embodiment, the web portion is arcuate or dome shaped. The thinner web portion permits the diaphragm to have an extended cycle life and to permit the valve to operate at higher fluid pressures. The thin web may be defined by two different contoured surfaces, one convex and the other concave, such as formed by two radiuses. A valve body is provided that includes a bowl shaped valve cavity. This valve cavity includes an outer vertical edge to permit more thorough cleaning and to eliminate entrapment areas. The valve assembly provides support surfaces for the diaphragm that reduces stress on the diaphragm particularly at higher operating pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Ronnie A. Browne, David C. Kerg
  • Patent number: 7364132
    Abstract: A sanitary diaphragm valve is provided that includes a generally dome shaped diaphragm having a central boss that can be connected to or driven by a valve actuator. The diaphragm includes an outer peripheral edge and a relatively thin web portion that connects the boss to the outer edge. In one embodiment, the web portion is arcuate or dome shaped. The thinner web portion permits the diaphragm to have an extended cycle life and to permit the valve to operate at higher fluid pressures. The thin web may be defined by two different contoured surfaces, one convex and the other concave, such as formed by two radiuses. A valve body is provided that includes a bowl shaped valve cavity. This valve cavity includes an outer vertical edge to permit more thorough cleaning and to eliminate entrapment areas. The valve assembly provides support surfaces for the diaphragm that reduces stress on the diaphragm particularly at higher operating pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Swagelok Company
    Inventors: Ronnie A. Browne, David C. Kerg
  • Patent number: 6860469
    Abstract: A rotary actuator for a valve includes a cam mechanism for transmitting opening force to a movable valve member to move the valve member off a valve seat, against the bias of a closing spring. The cam mechanism does not transmit spring force to the valve member when the valve member is being moved to the closed position or is in the closed position. Also, the parts of the cam mechanism have a large surface area of contact when the valve is in the open position, to minimize unit loading of the cam surfaces. The movable cam is movable axially relative to the actuator handle. The movable valve member is blocked from rotation relative to the valve body. The cam mechanism does not transmit spring force to the movable valve member when the valve member is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Swagelok Corporation
    Inventors: David C. Kerg, David Manacapelli
  • Publication number: 20040036050
    Abstract: A rotary actuator for a valve includes a cam mechanism for transmitting opening force to a movable valve member to move the valve member off a valve seat, against the bias of a closing spring. The cam mechanism does not transmit spring force to the valve member when the valve member is being moved to the closed position or is in the closed position. Also, the parts of the cam mechanism have a large surface area of contact when the valve is in the open position, to minimize unit loading of the cam surfaces. The movable cam is movable axially relative to the actuator handle. The movable valve member is blocked from rotation relative to the valve body. The cam mechanism does not transmit spring force to the movable valve member when the valve member is in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: David C. Kerg, David Manacapelli
  • Publication number: 20020100503
    Abstract: A sanitary diaphragm valve is provided that includes a generally dome shaped diaphragm having a central boss that can be connected to or driven by a valve actuator. The diaphragm includes an outer peripheral edge and a relatively thin web portion that connects the boss to the outer edge. In one embodiment, the web portion is arcuate or dome shaped. The thinner web portion permits the diaphragm to have an extended cycle life and to permit the valve to operate at higher fluid pressures. The thin web may be defined by two different contoured surfaces, one convex and the other concave, such as formed by two radiuses. A valve body is provided that includes a bowl shaped valve cavity. This valve cavity includes an outer vertical edge to permit more thorough cleaning and to eliminate entrapment areas. The valve assembly provides support surfaces for the diaphragm that reduces stress on the diaphragm particularly at higher operating pressures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: Ronnie A. Browne, David C. Kerg
  • Patent number: 6394417
    Abstract: A sanitary diaphragm valve is provided that includes a generally dome shaped diaphragm having a central boss that can be connected to or driven by a valve actuator. The diaphragm includes an outer peripheral edge and a relatively thin web portion that connects the boss to the outer edge. In one embodiment, the web portion is arcuate or dome shaped. The thinner web portion permits the diaphragm to have an extended cycle life and to permit the valve to operate at higher fluid pressures. The thin web may be defined by two different contoured surfaces, one convex and the other concave, such as formed by two radiuses. A valve body is provided that includes a bowl shaped valve cavity. This valve cavity includes an outer vertical edge to permit more thorough cleaning and to eliminate entrapment areas. The valve assembly provides support surfaces for the diaphragm that reduces stress on the diaphragm particularly at higher operating pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Swagelok Co.
    Inventors: Ronnie A. Browne, David C. Kerg