Bifaced Patents (Class 251/195)
  • Patent number: 11725739
    Abstract: A sealing ring made of an elastomer material is fitted on the front side of an essentially rectangular valve plate for sealing a vacuum valve opening. On the rear side, the valve plate has a recess with an undercut boundary wall which forms a sloping surface which, for fastening the valve plate on a carrier, is braced with a sloping surface of the carrier. The valve plate has a lug which protrudes beyond the rear side thereof and has a through-passage bore through which a clamping screw is screwable into a threaded bore of the carrier, for bracing the valve plate sloping surface with the carrier sloping surface. In a side view of the valve plate, seen parallel to the longitudinal sides, the straight-line extension of the longitudinal center axis of the through-passage bore runs past the sloping surface at a distance from the rear side of the valve plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: VAT Holding AG
    Inventor: Lukas Schaltegger
  • Patent number: 11480252
    Abstract: A gate for a gate valve includes a first body portion and a second body portion. The first body portion has a disc shape and a first wedging element extending from the disc shape. The second body portion has a disc shape and a second wedging element extending from the disc shape. The second body portion is pivotably connected to the first body portion. A gate valve includes a valve body and the gate. The valve body includes a first opening, a second opening, a flow passage from the first opening to the second opening, and a gate channel intersecting the flow passage. The gate is configured to move along a center axis of the gate channel between a closed position where the gate is fully in the flow passage to block fluid flow through the flow passage and an open position where fluid can flow through the flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: KENNEDY VALVE COMPANY
    Inventor: Paul Kennedy
  • Patent number: 11280412
    Abstract: An anti-rotation device for preventing separation of a valve stem and valve disc(s) in a gate valve in a nuclear reactor power plant of the type where connection means, such as a wedge or disc hub, is threadedly engaged by the valve stem to actuate the valve and a method for maintenance or repair of the valve without disassembly of the valve or removal of the valve actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: MPR Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Butler, Paul Knittle
  • Patent number: 11231112
    Abstract: A gate for a gate valve includes a first body portion and a second body portion. The first body portion has a disc shape and a first wedging element extending from the disc shape. The second body portion has a disc shape and a second wedging element extending from the disc shape. The second body portion is pivotably connected to the first body portion. A gate valve includes a valve body and the gate. The valve body includes a first opening, a second opening, a flow passage from the first opening to the second opening, and a gate channel intersecting the flow passage. The gate is configured to move along a center axis of the gate channel between a closed position where the gate is fully in the flow passage to block fluid flow through the flow passage and an open position where fluid can flow through the flow passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: Kennedy Valve Company
    Inventor: Paul Kennedy
  • Patent number: 11149861
    Abstract: Provided is a gate valve with a disk replacement structure. The gate valve is installed on a pipe, and comprises: a valve body having a blocking space formed therein, a pair of flange pipes formed to communicate with the blocking space, and a cover mounted on an upper side thereof to close the blocking space; a disk arranged in the blocking space to be lifted and provided with a mounting hole which is formed on an upper surface thereof and has a lifting nut therein; and an operating rod installed on the cover to lift the disk. An insertion hole is formed on the cover to penetrate the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Inventors: Jae Hyun Kim, Do Wan Kim
  • Patent number: 10982559
    Abstract: A segmented flow path assembly and spline seals therefore are provided. A method for cooling a spline seal is also provided. In one exemplary aspect, a spline seal is provided that may be positioned at least in part in a groove defined by a first flowpath segment and at least in part in a oppositely facing groove defined by an adjacent flowpath segment. The spline seal may span the gap between the adjacent flowpath segments and provide sealing therefore. The spline seal includes features that allow a cooling flow to bypass the spline seal to cool the hot side of the seal as well as to meter the flow by the seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Sergio Filippi
  • Patent number: 9562613
    Abstract: An expanding gate valve assembly includes a segment and a gate Inner faces of the segment and gate are configured for slidable contact and angled faces of the segment and gate are configured for slidable contact to form a first gate assembly interface. The first gate assembly interface can further include a tab on the gate configured to contact a base surface of the segment to form a second gate assembly interface. A spring can be coupled between the gate and the segment to maintain at least the first gate assembly interface. The tab can be disposed below the segment to provide a lifting engagement with the base surface of the segment. The first gate assembly interface can be ledge-free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Integrated Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Sumeet Arora
  • Patent number: 9435439
    Abstract: An air discharge valve comprises a pipe connection base, a rotary member, at least one seal member and a buffer member. The pipe connection base comprises at least one pipe member which comprises an orifice; the rotary member and the buffer member are both axially connected with the pipe connection base to rotate about a rotation axis relative to the pipe connection base; the rotary member comprises at least one operational part, and the at least one seal member is connected with the rotary member and corresponded to the orifice; the buffer member comprises at least one corresponding operational part, and a rotation buffering space is reserved between each corresponding operational part and each operational part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: APEX MEDICAL CORP.
    Inventor: Wen Bin Shen
  • Patent number: 9151393
    Abstract: A two way gate valve includes a valve chamber having a first entrance coupled with a first chamber, a second entrance coupled with a second chamber, and an openable and closable chamber cover; a moving module having a first sealing plate for sealing the first entrance, a second sealing plate for sealing the second entrance, and a moving module body to which the first and the second sealing plates are mounted; a push-pull module having a push-pull module body coupled with the moving module body such that the moving module body can linearly move, a first operating body for moving the moving module in a first entrance direction such that the first sealing plate seals the first entrance, and a second operating body for moving the moving module in a second entrance direction such that the second sealing plate seals the second entrance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: NEW POWER PLASMA CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Dae-Kyu Choi
  • Patent number: 8960641
    Abstract: A vacuum valve having a valve rod (11) which has a longitudinal axis (20) and which carries at least one closing member (9, 10) for closing at least one valve orifice (2, 3) and which can be displaced by a longitudinal drive (18), in a longitudinal direction (21) lying parallel to the longitudinal axis (20) of the valve rod (11), from an initial position, in which the vacuum valve is open, into an intermediate position and can be displaced by a transverse drive (19) from the intermediate position to at least one end position in which the vacuum valve is closed. A transmission piece (23) which is guided displaceably in the longitudinal direction (21) by at least one guide part (24) is secured to the valve rod (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: VAT Holding AG
    Inventor: Thomas Blecha
  • Patent number: 8950729
    Abstract: Valve (1), in particular vacuum valve, having a passage opening (2) and a closure member (3), it being possible for the closure member (3) to be moved by a valve drive (4) of the valve (1) in a closing direction (5) from an open position, in which it releases the passage opening (2), into a closed position, in which it closes the passage opening (2), and in the reverse direction. The closure member (3) is arranged in the closed position between two valve seats (6, 7) which lie opposite one another and surround the passage opening (2), and a first closure member part (8) of the closure member (3) bears against a first of the valve seats (6) in the closed position and a second closure member part (9) bears against the second valve seat (7) in the closed position. The closure member parts (8, 9) are mounted such that they can be displaced relative to one another in the closing direction (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: VAT Holding AG
    Inventors: Friedrich Geiser, Thomas Blecha
  • Publication number: 20150034851
    Abstract: A system includes a split gate valve with first and second gate sections coupled together and configured to move together within a cavity of the split gate valve between an open position and a closed position. The split gate valve includes a rolling actuator to reduce friction and to convert a rotational input into a linear motion to move the first and second gate sections between the open and closed positions. The split gate valve also includes at least one expansion bar configured to bias the first and second gate sections from one another to seal against opposite seats of the split gate valve, wherein each expansion bar includes a spring mechanism configured to compress upon moving the first and second gate sections into and beyond the closed position to prevent buckling of the expansion bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Loc Gia Hoang, S. Mark Svoboda
  • Patent number: 8936701
    Abstract: The present invention features a coke drum de-heading system that includes a de-header valve. The de-header valve includes: (1) a main body; (2) a live loaded seat assembly coupled to the main body and comprising a dynamic, live loaded seat, a live seat adjustment mechanism coupled to the main body and designed to control and adjust the force and resulting seat load of the dynamic, live loaded seat, and a force transfer module in juxtaposition to the dynamic, live loaded seat for transferring the force from the live loaded seat adjustment mechanism to the dynamic, live loaded seat; (3) a static seat positioned opposite from and counteracting or counterbalancing the dynamic, live loaded seat; and (4) a blind or sliding blind capable moving in a linear, bi-directional manner within the de-header valve and between the dynamic, live loaded seat and the static seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Curtiss-Wright Flow Control Corporation
    Inventor: Ruben F. Lah
  • Patent number: 8905374
    Abstract: The invention provides a double disc gate valve where the discs are movable in a casing by a disc manipulation structure which can change an orientation of at least one of the valve discs relative to the center plane away from an initial orientation by movement of an outer disc carrier relative to an inner disc carrier. The relative movement between the disc carriers is initiated automatically during opening and closing of the valve. The change in orientation facilitates sealing between the discs and valve seats by a gradually established contact between the discs and the seats and the required opening and closing force may therefore be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Kongsberg Esco AS
    Inventors: Anders Nygaard, Roar Gravningen
  • Patent number: 8888068
    Abstract: A system includes a split gate valve with first and second gate sections coupled together and configured to move together within a cavity of the split gate valve between an open position and a closed position. The split gate valve includes a rolling actuator to reduce friction and to convert a rotational input into a linear motion to move the first and second gate sections between the open and closed positions. The split gate valve also includes at least one expansion bar configured to bias the first and second gate sections from one another to seal against opposite seats of the split gate valve, wherein each expansion bar includes a spring mechanism configured to compress upon moving the first and second gate sections into and beyond the closed position to prevent buckling of the expansion bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Loc Gia Hoang, S. Mark Svoboda
  • Patent number: 8794593
    Abstract: A gate valve assembly having metallic valve seats that are axially resilient and maintain a static sealing interface between the valve seat and a body pocket and a sliding dynamic sealing interface between the valve seat and a gate in the valve assembly. The valve seats are annular members having slots formed radially through the valve seats from the inner and outer circumferences. Sleeves may be provided that are coaxial to the valve seats; the sleeves may be on the inner surface of the valve seats, outer surface of the valve seats, or both. Shims may optionally be set in the slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Jon B. Kahn
  • Patent number: 8679299
    Abstract: The present invention features a coke drum de-heading system comprising (a) at least one coke drum having an orifice therein; (b) a de-header valve removably coupled to the coke drum designed to de-head the coke drum; and (c) an exchange system, including an upper and lower bonnet and other elements and members adapted to integrate the de-heading system, and particularly the de-header valve, into the manufacturing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Curtiss-Wright Flow Control Corporation
    Inventor: Ruben F. Lah
  • Publication number: 20130277590
    Abstract: Valve (1), in particular vacuum valve, having a passage opening (2) and a closure member (3), it being possible for the closure member (3) to be moved by a valve drive (4) of the valve (1) in a closing direction (5) from an open position, in which it releases the passage opening (2), into a closed position, in which it closes the passage opening (2), and in the reverse direction. The closure member (3) is arranged in the closed position between two valve seats (6, 7) which lie opposite one another and surround the passage opening (2), and a first closure member part (8) of the closure member (3) bears against a first of the valve seats (6) in the closed position and a second closure member part (9) bears against the second valve seat (7) in the closed position. The closure member parts (8, 9) are mounted such that they can be displaced relative to one another in the closing direction (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Friedrich Geiser, Thomas Blecha
  • Patent number: 8512525
    Abstract: The present invention features a coke drum de-heading system that enables the de-heading of a coke drum without having to physically remove the head units. This is essentially accomplished using one of a variety of specially designed de-header valves that may be removably coupled to a coke drum much the same way a conventional head or flange unit would be attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Curtiss-Wright Flow Control Corporation
    Inventor: Ruben F. Lah
  • Patent number: 8511642
    Abstract: A closing unit for a vacuum valve includes a first valve plate (7) for closing a first valve opening (2) of the vacuum valve, a second valve plate (8) for closing a second valve opening (3) of the vacuum valve, and a carrier plate (19) that lies between the valve plates (7, 8) to which the valve plates (7, 8) are fastened detachably. For fastening a corresponding valve plate (7, 8) to the carrier plate (19), at least one clamping piece (20, 21) is used by which interacting clamping surfaces (22-26) are clamped with each other. Of the interacting clamping surfaces (22-26), at least one is constructed as an angular surface by which the corresponding valve plate (7, 8) is pressed against the carrier plate (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: VAT Holding AG
    Inventors: Stefan Schoch, Andreas Mark, Eligio Belleri
  • Patent number: 8459608
    Abstract: The present invention provides more efficient, cost effective coke drum valve devices and system as well as more efficient, cost effective methods for isolating the flow of matter in a delayed coker unit operation. Specifically, embodiments of the invention relate to various seat systems used in valves for delayed coking operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Curtiss-Wright Flow Control Corporation
    Inventor: Ruben F. Lah
  • Patent number: 8434511
    Abstract: A pendulum gate valve including an expandable gate which pivots when unexpanded to selectively block a vacuum or other pressure-differential passage. The valve includes a valve plate sealing one side of the passage and a ring or barrier plate abutting an opposed side of the passage when the gate member is expanded. A compression spring biases apart the valve plate and ring to close the valve by means of respective two-stage hangers attached thereto, extending along the spring, and having distal ends capturing the spring. Pneumatic pressure applied to a pneumatic cavity formed between the middles of the two-stage hangers and accommodating the spring forces apart the valve plate and ring to open the valve in the blocking position. Thereby if pressure fails, the valve fails to a sealed state. The axially movable valve or barrier plate is advantageously water cooled to allow use with a heated processing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: GT Advanced CZ LLC
    Inventors: Dick S. Williams, William L. Luter
  • Patent number: 8327866
    Abstract: A gate valve seat for a gate valve includes a seat having a stepped outer wall surface, with a spring, spacer ring, front facing lip seal, and a rear facing lip seal disposed about the stepped outer surface of the seat. The spring may be releasably locked into a compressed configuration for installation of the gate of the gate valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: GE Oil & Gas Pressure Control LP
    Inventor: Glenn C. Parks, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8297591
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to methods for sealing a processing chamber with a slit valve door. The door initially raises from a position below the opening for the processing chamber to a raised position. The door then expands until an O-ring that is on the door just touches the sealing surface. Then, the door expands again to compress the O-ring against the sealing surface. The door expands by flowing a gas into the interior volume of the door. By controlling the pressure buildup within the door, the speed with which the door expands is controlled to ensure that the door gently contacts the sealing surface and then compresses against the sealing surface. Thus, the door may be prevented from contacting the sealing surface with too great a force that may jolt or shake the processing chamber and produce undesired particles that may contaminate the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Takayuki Matsumoto, Shinichi Kurita
  • Patent number: 8282074
    Abstract: The present invention provides more efficient, cost effective coke drum isolation valve devices and system as well as more efficient, cost effective methods for isolating the flow of matter from location to another in the delayed coker unit operation where the valve comprises a first seat; a second seat aligned with said first seat; a blind; a main body having an orifice dimensioned to align with an orifice in said line; wherein said main body is coupled to said line; an upper and lower bonnet coupled to said main body, wherein said bonnets may be removed in order to replace valve parts without separating the main body from the line; and a plate located inside a bonnet, wherein the plate comprises a planar surface that contacts a surface of the blind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Curtiss-Wright Flow Control Corporation
    Inventors: Ruben F. Lah, Gary Larsen
  • Patent number: 8235355
    Abstract: A slide valve, in particular for blocking a line conveying media, is provided with a multi-part housing (2) having a passage opening (3). Disposed in this housing (2) are two slider plates (4, 5), parallel to one another, moveable at right angles to the passage opening (3), and which can be moved from an open position into a closed position tightly blocking the passage opening (3) by means of a common drive mechanism (10). Means are provided for connecting the two slider plates (4, 5) to one another and to the drive mechanism (10), and which in the closed position allow a pre-determined relative movement of the slider plates (4, 5) in relation to one another in their direction of movement. Thus, even with tolerance deviations with regard to the slider plates and/or their counter-surfaces, a long-lasting blocking function of both slider plates is guaranteed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: SISTAG AG Absperrtechnik
    Inventor: Hans-Jörg Sidler
  • Patent number: 8123197
    Abstract: The present invention provides more efficient, cost effective ethylene productions isolation valve devices and system as well as more efficient, cost effective methods for isolating the flow of matter from one location to another in an ethylene productions operation where the valve comprises a first seat; a second seat aligned with said first seat; a blind; a main body having an orifice dimensioned to align with an orifice in said line; wherein said main body is coupled to said line; an upper and lower bonnet coupled to said main body, wherein said bonnets may be removed in order to replace valve parts without separating the main body from the line; and a plate located inside a bonnet, wherein the plate comprises a planar surface that contacts a surface of the blind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Curtiss-Wright Flow Control Corporation
    Inventors: Ruben F. Lah, Gary Larsen
  • Publication number: 20100219362
    Abstract: For a vacuum valve including a wall (1) with a valve opening (6) and a valve seat surrounding the valve opening (6) and a valve plate (7), during the closing of the vacuum valve starting from the open position of the valve plate (7), the valve plate (7) is moved over a main section of the closing path in a main closing direction (14) that is parallel to the valve plate (7) and parallel to the plane of the sealing surface (10) or the sealing ring of the valve seat, and is then moved, following the main section of the closing path, over a final section running at an angle to the valve plate (7) and at an angle to the plane of the sealing surface (10) or the sealing ring of the valve seat for guiding the valve plate (7) onto the valve seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: VAT HOLDING AG
    Inventor: Bernhard Duelli
  • Patent number: 7731151
    Abstract: A pendulum vacuum gate valve comprised of a housing for enclosing a valve plate assembly having a pair of air pressure actuated floating seal plates disposed on opposite sides of the valve plate assembly which is actuated by a gate arm to reciprocate between open and closed positions and intermediate stop positions for controlling gas flow between intake and exhaust conduits connected to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Inventor: Kenneth K L Lee
  • Patent number: 7600528
    Abstract: A double-disk slide valve (10), the shut-off plates (16, 17) of which are displaceable by means of an actuator rod (21) and which is provided with a bridging pipe (22) having two sealing rings (23, 24) that are in operative engagement with corresponding housing sealing seats (14, 15) of the slide valve housing (11) when the slide valve is in the open position. At least one of the two housing sealing seats (14, 15) rests, by the action of a resilient element (25), under predetermined pressure against the sealing ring(s) (23, 24) associated with the bridging pipe (22) when the slide valve is in the open position and against the peripheral edge of the shut-off plate(s) (16, 17) when the slide valve is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Z&J Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Ekkehard Brzoska, Norbert Marx, Friedel Heller
  • Patent number: 7562859
    Abstract: A gate valve for controlling fluid flow, with a valve body forming a cylindrical flowbore and a gate cavity intersecting the flowbore to provide opposed openings. Seat pockets formed in the opposed openings may optionally include a metal carrier ring. A non-metallic bridging seal formed as a face seal is provided between the first seal surface of the annular seat element and the seat pocket. The bridging seal bridges any gap formed at the first seal surface such that sealing engagement is maintained across the gap at all times as the gate moves between open and closed positions, while still permitting limited axial movement of the annular seat element. Preferred embodiments of the bridging seal include tongue and groove seals and bridge ring inserts. A secondary seal to the seat pocket may be included as a corner, periphery or face seal, for example as an O-ring, U-ring or wiper seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Stream-Flo Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Tony M. Lam, Andrew F. Masson, Tianle Guo, Glen M. Eleniak
  • Patent number: 7494107
    Abstract: An isolation valve is preferably applied to the semiconductor industry for sealing a process vessel and also operates effectively at plus-atmospheric pressures. A double containment gate valve assembly includes a housing and a movable head assembly within the housing. The housing includes a first access opening and a second access opening. The head assembly is configurable into a first position where an access path through the first and second access openings is clear, and a second position where the access path is blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Supercritical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexei Sheydayi, Thomas Sutton
  • Patent number: 7455201
    Abstract: A pressing means for pressing a slide plate against a fixed plate by uniform pressure has simple, strong construction and can be easily assembled. A slide gate valve unit includes a pair of pressing members 10 having a U-shaped cross section and capable of receiving protrusions 11 protruding from sides of a base frame secured to the lower surface of the bottom wall of a molten metal container and the lower surfaces of side parts of a slide case 4. Elastic members 12 are extended between upper parts 10a of the pressing members and the upper surfaces of the protrusions of the base frame. Side parts of the slide case 4 are supported on the upper surfaces of the lower parts 10b of the pressing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Shinagawa Refractories Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Mitsui, Mototsugu Osada
  • Publication number: 20080251749
    Abstract: The present invention provides more efficient, cost effective ethylene productions isolation valve devices and system as well as more efficient, cost effective methods for isolating the flow of matter from one location to another in an ethylene productions operation where the valve comprises a first seat; a second seat aligned with said first seat; a blind; a main body having an orifice dimensioned to align with an orifice in said line; wherein said main body is coupled to said line; an upper and lower bonnet coupled to said main body, wherein said bonnets may be removed in order to replace valve parts without separating the main body from the line; and a plate located inside a bonnet, wherein the plate comprises a planar surface that contacts a surface of the blind.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Ruben F. Lah, Gary Larsen
  • Patent number: 7325783
    Abstract: A valve seat has an outer surface, a rearward end, a face and a forward end. A passage extends from the rearward end to the face. A valve element slidingly contacts the face. Stress relief flanges are located on the face in areas of high bearing stress. Each flange has a thickness that allows it to deflect slightly to reduce bearing stresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Vetco Gray Inc.
    Inventor: Rick C. Hunter
  • Patent number: 7306200
    Abstract: A controlled rate feeder system for fine particle solids and a method thereof includes a seat-and-backseat structure, a seat plate assembly, a backseat plate assembly, at least one biasing device, and an actuator assembly. The seat-and-backseat structure has an inlet and an outlet which are connected together by at least one passage. The seat plate assembly is moveable to any position between covering and exposing the inlet. The backseat plate assembly is positioned adjacent to and moveable with the seat plate assembly. At least one biasing device is positioned between the seat plate assembly and the backseat plate assembly which biases the seat plate assembly and the backseat assembly apart. The biasing device also biases the seat plate assembly against an inner surface of the seat-and-backseat structure and the backseat plate assembly against another inner surface of the seat-and-backseat structure. The actuator assembly moves the seat plate assembly to any position between covering and exposing the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Progress Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Joe W. Cochran
  • Patent number: 7306201
    Abstract: A gate valve for controlling fluid flow, in which a valve body forms a cylindrical flowbore and includes a gate cavity intersecting the flowbore to provide opposed openings into the flowbore. Seat pockets are formed in the opposed openings, each with a radial base and a side wall, and may optionally include metal carrier ring sealed in the seat pockets. The gate is slidably movable within the valve body between open and closed positions. Annular seat elements are mounted in each seat pocket for limited axial movement on opposite sides of the gate, with a first seal surface for sealing against the seat pocket or optional carrier ring, and a second seal surface for sealing against the gate. A non-metallic bridging seal formed as a face seal is provided between the first seal surface of the annular seat element and the seat pocket (or optional carrier ring).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Stream-Flo Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tony M. Lam
  • Patent number: 7270311
    Abstract: A pendulum gate valve includes a housing defining a valve chamber, the valve housing having a vacuum-chamber opening in a front wall and an access opening in a rear wall aligned with the vacuum-chamber opening and defining a through-hole extending from one side of the valve housing to the other side for providing access to the vacuum chamber, a carriage assembly pivotally mounted within the valve housing and moveable between a open position remote from the openings and a closed position between the openings, a valve plate reciprocally mounted on one side of the carriage assembly and movable between an unsealed position spaced from the vacuum-chamber opening and a sealed position sealing the vacuum-chamber opening, a valve-plate actuator carried on the carriage assembly for moving the valve gate between the unsealed and sealed positions, a retractable support reciprocally mounted on another side of the carriage assembly movable between a retracted position spaced from the access opening and an extended positio
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: Arthur J. Brenes
  • Patent number: 7246637
    Abstract: A balanced valve for controlling the flow of fluids in conduits, the valve comprising: (a) a casing formed of sidewalls and a casing top and bottom, defining an interior; (b) a fluid inlet in a sidewall of the casing and a fluid outlet in an opposite sidewall of said casing; (c) four similar inner walls positioned in square configuration within the interior and configured to define together with a chamber top and bottom, an enclosed central chamber, each wall having a fluid port of similar size; (d) a fluid channel within the interior of the casing, commencing at the fluid inlet and branching to provide equal flows of fluid to fluid ports in opposite inner walls and a fluid channel extending from the fluid outlet and extending within the interior, branching to provide equal flows of fluid to the fluid ports of a different pair of opposite inner walls; (e) a frame linearly movable within said central chamber between an open and a closed position; and (f) four gates supported in square configuration on said fra
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: Albert W. Patterson
  • Patent number: 7234679
    Abstract: A gate valve has a transfer chamber-side valve element and a process chamber-side valve element connected to a single shaft. A rotary latch pivotably supported on an inner surface of one of the valve element with the rotary latch having a latch surface at a forward end thereof, wherein when a rotational force is applied to the rotary latch in one direction, the latch surface is pressed against a joint surface of the single shaft, whereby the valve element is latched to said single shaft, and when a rotational force is applied to the rotary latch in the opposite direction, the latch surface is separated from the joint surface of the single shaft to unlatch the valve element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: Tsuneo Ishigaki
  • Patent number: 7114702
    Abstract: In a slide valve, especially for coating installations, for fluidic separation of two modules or chambers, interconnected through an opening, containing at least one slide plate, integrated in a housing transfixed by said opening, and which may be bidirectionally moved between an inactive position, releasing said opening, and an operating position, completely covering said opening, and at least a closing drive, which may be activated to act upon said slide plate in its operating position and for its sealing contact in a closed position against a sealing surface transfixing said housing, according to the invention, at least one of said closing drives is firmly attached inside housing, relative to the activating movement of said slide plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Applied Films GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Andreas Sauer
  • Patent number: 7086638
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a slit valve is provided that is adapted to seal an opening and that includes a valve housing having a first wall, a first opening formed in the first wall, a second wall and a second opening formed in the second wall. The slit valve also includes a closure member having a sealing portion adapted to contact the second wall and seal the second opening, and a bracing member moveable relative to the sealing portion and adapted to contact the first wall. The slit valve further includes at least one actuating mechanism adapted to (1) move the sealing portion toward the second wall and into contact with the second wall; and (2) move the bracing member away from the sealing portion and into contact with the first wall so as to brace the sealing portion against the second wall. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Shinichi Kurita, Ke Ling Lee, Wendell T Blonigan
  • Patent number: 7066443
    Abstract: A gate valve has a transfer chamber-side valve element and a process chamber-side valve element connected to a single shaft actuated with a single three-position air cylinder to selectively close a process chamber opening and a transfer chamber opening or fully open both the openings to allow an object to pass therethrough. A lever member is secured to the single shaft. A roller supported by the lever member is kept in engagement with a cam groove of a cam member. A cam support member for supporting the cam member is connected to the piston rod of the three-position air cylinder. A spring is interposed between the lever member and the cam support member. When the piston rod is in the first (lower extremity) position, both the transfer chamber-side valve element and the process chamber-side valve element fully open the transfer chamber opening and the process chamber opening, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: SMC Corporation
    Inventor: Tsuneo Ishigaki
  • Patent number: 6966538
    Abstract: A gate valve has a valve rod equipped with a valve plate having a pair of valve plate surfaces, wherein the valve rod is tilted by an actuator to thereby effect highly reliable valve opening/closing operation with a simple construction. In the gate valve, the valve rod, which is equipped with the valve plate with the pair of valve plate surfaces, is rotatably supported, and raised and lowered by a raising/lowering cylinder, the valve rod being tilted by an actuator, a combination of a cam member and a cam raising/lowering cylinder, a combination of a driving block and a cylinder, or a combination of a connection member and a driving device (not shown) to thereby effect valve opening/closing with the pair of valve plate surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Irie Koken Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuzo Hayashi, Tatsuo Saito, Manabu Yabe, Masaharu Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 6905107
    Abstract: A sealable door assembly including a frontplate which faces an opening to be sealed, a backplate operatively coupled to the frontplate, and at least one inflatable member located between the frontplate and the backplate. When inflated, the inflatable member moves the frontplate into sealing engagement with the opening. In one embodiment the inflatable member includes one or more vacuum grade bellows. A movable mechanism moves the door assembly to selectively occlude the opening. Once the door assembly occludes the opening, the inflatable member is inflated and expands forcing the frontplate in a direction normal to the opening, thereby sealing the opening. The door assembly may be mounted within a pocket formed in an outer wall of a transfer chamber, and a sealing plate may be employed to form a gas tight region within the pocket. The gas tight region may be pressurized to enhance the door's seal of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeff Blahnik
  • Patent number: 6854708
    Abstract: A valve achieves a high-vacuum seal and opens and closes with no sliding or otherwise abrading contact between the sealing plate and the valve seat, while maintaining pressure of the plate against the valve seat in the event of a failure in the valve actuation mechanism. These results are attained by use of a composite valve plate that includes a sealing plate joined to a support block through a retractable resilient connector. During retraction, the sealing plate is drawing close to the block by a pneumatic actuator internal to the composite valve plate, the actuator arranged to oppose and overcome a mechanical resilient element also contained within the valve plate that urges the sealing plate outward from the support block to effect the seal when the actuator is not engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: MDC Vacuum Products Corporation
    Inventors: Jose L. Contin, Neli Ulea
  • Patent number: 6845783
    Abstract: A linear actuated disk valve for a fluid conveyance system constructed with a valve body having an internal chamber and a passage through the valve body, the valve body having opposite ends with external connectors that continue the passage and that are connectable to other components in the fluid conveyance system, the improvements being a displaceable cam action closure member in the chamber of the valve body, the closure member having a disk retainer assembly with a disk retainer and at least a pair of circular closure disks engageable with the disk retainer formed by a cam on the retainer and a cam track on the disk being laterally displaced on initial linear displacement of disk retainer with the disk retainer being connected to an actuator shaft with an improved sealing assembly for sealing the shaft at the top of the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Everlasting Valve Company, Inc.
    Inventor: C. James Sheppard
  • Publication number: 20040245488
    Abstract: A flexible wedge for a gate valve, linearly displaceable within a valve body between an open position and a closed position, comprises a pair of pressure retaining plates and a central wedge body therebetween. The pressure retaining plates have inclined seating surfaces on opposed outer faces thereof for mating with corresponding valve seats within the valve body to prevent substance flow therethrough when the gate valve wedge is in the closed position. The central wedge body is disposed between, and integrally links, the pressure retaining plates. The central wedge body defines at least two offset slots which extend partially into the central wedge body from opposed edges thereof and which overlap in a depth-wise direction to define a deflectable web portion between the offset slots. The deflectable web portion permits flexibility of the gate valve wedge, while limiting stress and deformation of the seating surfaces on the pressure retaining plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventor: Alexander Stanley Isbitsky
  • Publication number: 20040245489
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a slit valve is provided that is adapted to seal an opening and that includes a valve housing having a first wall, a first opening formed in the first wall, a second wall and a second opening formed in the second wall. The slit valve also includes a closure member having a sealing portion adapted to contact the second wall and seal the second opening, and a bracing member moveable relative to the sealing portion and adapted to contact the first wall. The slit valve further includes at least one actuating mechanism adapted to (1) move the sealing portion toward the second wall and into contact with the second wall; and (2) move the bracing member away from the sealing portion and into contact with the first wall so as to brace the sealing portion against the second wall. Numerous other aspects are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Shinichi Kurita, Ke Ling Lee, Wendell T. Blonigan
  • Patent number: 6612546
    Abstract: A valve, such as a gate valve, includes a housing having a fluid conduit and defining a valve seat and a support surface, a seal plate, a counter plate, an actuator for moving the seal plate and the counter plate between an open position and a closed position, and a coupling mechanism operatively coupled between the seal plate, the counter plate, and the actuator. The seal plate is in sealed engagement with the valve seat, and the counter plate is in engagement with the support surface in the closed position. The coupling mechanism retracts the counter plate from the support surface subsequent to retraction of the seal plate from the valve seat as the valve is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Varian, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven P. Young, Vaclav Myslivec