Abstract: A gate valve is provided having a housing with an interior channel, and a gate which slideably engages the channel. The valve includes a peripheral seal, positioned in the channel to prevent the flow of fluid around the edges of the gate. The valve also includes a transverse seal positioned in the housing to prevent the flow of fluid along the planar surfaces of the gate. The transverse seal includes a generally U-shaped casing disposed about a packing material. The packing material maintains pressure against the casing, thus forcing the casing against the gate. The surface of the casing which is adjacent the gate includes a plurality of raised ribs. The casing includes a bottom member, and two oppositely disposed legs. Each leg has a foot at its distal end, extending away from the packing. Scraping blades are positioned adjacent to each leg member and its corresponding foot. The scraping blades clean debris from the gate, and prevent "rolling" of the seal into the channel.

Abstract: The present invention includes an improved transverse seal in a gate valve having an assembly portion and a gate. The assembly portion comprises a body, a chest and a top structure or bonnet. The improved transverse seal is located within the chest of the assembly portion and is in constant contact with the gate on each side of the gate. This transverse seal comprises a pliable, longitudinally extending casing of generally U-shaped cross section having a bottom member in contact with the gate and two oppositely disposed leg members. The bottom member is provided with a plurality of raised ribs. A packing material rests within the cavity of the casing, to provide support and pressure on the transverse seal. The oppositely disposed leg members also include longitudinally extending flanges at their distal ends. A rigid scraping blade is placed adjacent to each leg member and rests on its corresponding flange such that one edge of the scraping blade continuously contacts the gate.