Diverse Material Seal At Valve Interface Patents (Class 251/332)
  • Patent number: 8292260
    Abstract: An impulse tolerant valve body is longitudinally deformable, acting through its convex valve seat interface and a concave valve seat to beneficially reduce closing energy impulse amplitude, increase impulse duration, damp induced resonance vibrations, and narrow the characteristic vibration spectrum. Elastic longitudinal valve body deformability results from elasticity in valve body construction materials and, in certain embodiments, from at least one fluid-filled internal elastic space in fluid communication with at least one internal surge chamber via at least one fluid flow restrictor. Fluid flow from elastic space to surge chamber allows substantially central longitudinal valve body compression, followed by elastic valve body rebound with reverse fluid flow. Beneficial effects are achieved through dissipation of impulse energy as heat lost through fluid flow friction and valve body hysteresis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: Dennis W. Gilstad
  • Patent number: 8267371
    Abstract: An impulse tolerant valve body has at least one internal variable-volume space capable of elastic longitudinal compression and rebound. Each such space is filled with incompressible fluid and has fluid communication with at least one internal surge chamber. A closing energy impulse due to valve closing causes elastic longitudinal compression of at least one variable-volume space, with consequent flow of incompressible fluid to at least one surge chamber via at least one fluid flow restrictor. During subsequent elastic rebound, incompressible fluid flows from at least one surge chamber to at least one variable-volume space, again via at least one fluid flow restrictor. A portion of valve closing impulse energy is thus redistributed as heat generated due to fluid friction losses and valve body hysteresis loss. Valve closing energy impulse amplitude is thereby reduced, impulse duration is increased, vibration spectrum is narrowed and induced resonance vibrations are damped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Dennis W. Gilstad
  • Patent number: 8141849
    Abstract: A valve body and seal assembly comprises a valve body symmetrical about a longitudinal axis and comprising a circumferential seal retention groove and a frusto-conical valve body impact area for contacting a valve seat. An elastomeric seal is cast-in-place in the circumferential seal retention groove. Each seal comprises first and second seal sections in contact via an intra-seal interface, the interface simultaneously extending radially outward and longitudinally. First seal sections may comprise a first polyurethane having a higher modulus than a second polyurethane of which second seal sections may be comprised. First seal sections are cast and partially cured in a mold which is rotating about the longitudinal axis. Second seal sections are cast after the first seal sections are partially cured, resulting in the intra-seal interface shape described above. Cross-linking between first and second seal sections across the intra-seal interface is thus facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Inventor: George H. Blume
  • Patent number: 8104740
    Abstract: A flow control device is provided comprising: a housing (19) including a first chamber (21) communicated with an inlet port (11) and a second chamber (22) communicated with an outlet port (12); a cylindrical portion (25), which extends in the second chamber, for communicating the first chamber with the second chamber; a valve seat (61) provided at a forward end portion (25a) of the cylindrical portion; and a valve body (32) for opening and closing the valve seat, wherein at least one of the valve seat and the valve body is made of a material, the heat deformation of which is smaller than that of material composing the cylindrical portion. Due to the foregoing, it is possible to stably adjust the flow rate of a fluid of a high temperature and pressure. A pressure chamber (29), which is communicated with the second chamber and provided with a pressure port (18), may be arranged in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Surpass Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroki Igarashi
  • Patent number: 8091864
    Abstract: A fluid flow connector and a method of manufacturing the same wherein the fluid flow connector utilizes a valve having a plunger which is made by overmolding a soft exterior to a hard core. The soft exterior being overmolded to the hard core by either insert or multi-shot methods. The method also including attaching the soft exterior to the hard core mechanically and/or by molecular bonding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: DS Smith Plastics Limited
    Inventor: Mark A. Smith
  • Patent number: 8037897
    Abstract: A valve apparatus that has a longitudinal axis therethrough comprises a valve seat member, a valve closure member, a fluid flow path, and a resilient valve insert member. The valve seat member comprises a hollow bore and a first frustoconical contact surface that has an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter. The valve closure member comprises a valve body and a second frustoconical contact surface that is adapted to seal against the first frustoconical contact surface in a strike face area. The valve closure member is movable along the longitudinal axis of the valve apparatus. The fluid flow path extends through the bore of the valve seat member and between the valve seat member and the valve closure member. This fluid flow path is closed when the second frustoconical contact surface is sealed against the first frustoconical contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Inventor: William Ray McIntire
  • Patent number: 7909057
    Abstract: A valve insert including a ring made of a resilient material. The ring has a shape that is defined by the rotation of an irregular polygon around a central axis. Superposing a quadrilateral and a circle forms the irregular polygon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: Berton L. Vicars
  • Publication number: 20100140295
    Abstract: A valve assembly includes, in one embodiment, a housing sealably attachable to a flexible container. The housing has a passageway and an upper stop disposed in the passageway. A plug includes an upper portion having a first peripherally-extending recess, and a lower portion defining a lower stop and at least one passageway extending past the lower portion. A seal is positionable in the recess. A compression spring is disposed between the stops to bias the plug downwardly to engage the seal with an upper opening of the passageway in the housing. The valve assembly has a self-closing position, and an open position upon a force being applied to the bottom portion of the plug so that the seal is disposed away from the upper opening to allow liquid to pass through the passageway in the housing and through the at least one passageway in the lower portion of the plug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Emil SHULTIS
  • Publication number: 20100140525
    Abstract: A filling valve apparatus for filling a container with a fluid. The apparatus includes a body portion and a stem. A sleeve is disposed over the stem and is removable from the stem and the body portion when the filling valve apparatus is serviced. A seal is mounted to the bottom of the sleeve. At least one component is movably connected to the sleeve and remains connected to the sleeve when the sleeve is removed from the stem and the body portion during the servicing of the filling valve apparatus. Similarly, a valve assembly, having a housing and a movable plunger is removable from the body portion. At least one member is mechanically connected to one of the housing and plunger for creating a unitary valve assembly that remains intact when the valve assembly is removed from the body portion during servicing of the filling valve apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Applicant: ADCOR INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Demetrios Stavrakis, Edwin K. Ruble, Michael J. Brown
  • Patent number: 7726630
    Abstract: A valve flow-directing vessel (42) comprising a sleeve (44) having a threaded installation portion (84) for connection to a receiving member, a plunger (46) movable within the sleeve (44) between a closed position and an opened position, and an orifice insert (48/50) fixedly attached to the sleeve (44). The orifice insert (48/50) defines an orifice (132) that is sealed when the plunger (46) is in the closed position and unsealed when the plunger (46) is in the opened position. The orifice (132) is the entrance to a passageway (130) having an exit (134) communicating with a delivery passage of the receiving member, and this exit (134) is positioned beyond the threaded installation portion (84) of the sleeve (44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: Brian M. Cripps, Dennis Mudge, Kevin Wilson
  • Patent number: 7708255
    Abstract: A thermal deburring apparatus has a pressure-tight closeable deburring chamber connected to an environment via a ventilation passage having a passage direction; a ventilation valve closing said ventilation passage and having a stationary valve seat encompassing said ventilation passage, a valve tappet that is movable in said passage direction, and a seal affixed to said valve tappet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Hans-Juergen Conrad
  • Patent number: 7641175
    Abstract: A valve body substantially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis has at least one internal space and comprises guide means and two separately formed portions joined by at least one cylindrical web. One or more passages spaced apart from the longitudinal axis allow fluid communication between at least one internal space and space external to the valve body. At least one internal space may be substantially filled with a substantially incompressible flowable substance to facilitate pressure equalization across the valve body. Forging or casting valve body portions to near-net-shape prior to joining minimizes machining necessary to achieve a final desired shape. Increased valve durability and reduced metal wear arise from reduced valve body weight and correspondingly reduced impact loading as the valve body moves to seal against a valve seat. Valve sealing may be aided by an elastomeric seal in a peripheral integral seal retention groove of the valve body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: George H. Blume
  • Publication number: 20090242818
    Abstract: A diaphragm valve including a valve body, a diaphragm assembly and an actuator assembly having a housing body that isolates the actuator from the ambient atmosphere. The diaphragm assembly is welded to the valve body to reduce and/or eliminate fluid leakage around the diaphragm assembly. Additionally or alternatively, the housing body for the actuator assembly may be welded to the valve body to reduce fluid leakage. The welding may be performed using ultrasonic welding techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: ENTEGRIS, INC.
    Inventors: John A. Leys, Mike Schleicher
  • Patent number: 7591450
    Abstract: A valve body and seal assembly comprises a valve body having one or more circumferential seal retention grooves and a dual-durometer elastomeric seal cast-in-place in at least one groove. Each seal comprises first and second sections in contact along a substantially non-planar intra-seal interface. First seal sections typically comprise polyurethane having a higher modulus than the polyurethane typically comprising second seal sections. Residual elastomer shrinkage stress present after curing of a cast-in-place dual-durometer elastomeric seal is redistributed within the seal sections to maintain beneficial preload. Seal configurations described herein are also associated with decreased shear-related elastomer fatigue and extrusion damage associated with repeated valve seat impact. Valve service life is increased by beneficial preload maintained by the synergistic interaction of first and second seal sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Inventor: George H. Blume
  • Publication number: 20090218536
    Abstract: A trim assembly for a control valve includes a seal for sealing a leak path, where the seal is provided to advantageously in high-temperature applications, e.g., applications including temperatures of at least 450° F. (232.22° C.). The control valve comprises a valve body and control element. The control element is disposed within the valve body for controlling the flow of fluid therethrough. The trim assembly comprises a valve seat and a retention ring. The valve seat is fixed to the valve body, and the retention ring is threadably connected to the valve seat. The seal can be effected by an annular graphite seal compressed between the trim assembly and the valve body, or by a metal-to-metal contact between the retention ring and the valve body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: William E. Wears, Galen D. Wilke, John Christen
  • Publication number: 20090127488
    Abstract: A control valve having a retainer for securing a seat ring within the valve body of the device is disclosed. The seat ring is disposed within a bore in the fluid flow path of the valve body of the control valve, and the retainer is attached to the inner surface of the valve body to retain the seat ring within the bore. The retainer includes threaded openings therethrough for receiving bolts that are tightened down on the seat ring to hold the seat ring against the inner surface of the bore and/or a gasket to form a tight seal and prevent leakage when the control device is in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Michael McCarty, Michel K. Lovell
  • Patent number: 7513483
    Abstract: A valve body and seal assembly comprising a valve body having one or more peripheral integral seal retention grooves and one or more peripheral single-durometer and/or dual-durometer elastomeric seals, each seal being cast-in-place in an integral seal retention groove having adhesion-inhibiting surfaces and offset circular serrations of predetermined height on opposing groove walls. Adhesion-inhibiting surfaces reduce or eliminate internal elastomer stress due to curing of cast-in-place elastomeric seals. Serrations on each of the opposing groove walls are offset to accommodate differing stress concentrations in the walls. Opposing groove walls diverge peripherally. Offset serrations result in decreased metal fatigue from impact and bending stress. Offset serrations also improve valve sealing and increase valve service life by maintaining correct seal position on the valve body while minimizing background stress in the seal elastomer(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Inventor: George H. Blume
  • Publication number: 20090008591
    Abstract: A check valve assembly with an extended operational life. The check valve assembly includes a poppet with conically shaped arms and planar seating surfaces. The planar seating surfaces conform to seating surfaces in the valve assembly. The poppet moves back and forth between two operative positions. In each operative position, a planar seating surface on the poppet sealingly conforms to another planar sealing surface in the check valve assembly. The use of planar seating surfaces extends the operational life of the check valve assembly. The aerodynamic shape of the conically shaped arms facilitates fluid flow over the poppet and, when fluid flows over the poppet, generates forces that function to minimize movement of the poppet and to maintain the poppet in a desired orientation when the poppet moves from one operative position to another operative position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventor: Larry R. Gordon
  • Patent number: 7467641
    Abstract: A metering valve for hydrofluoric plants, comprising a flow chamber for the flow of the fluid, housing a plug and having an inlet passage and another outlet passage, a guide body through which the actuator stem for actuating the plug member runs, and an actuator head. The flow chamber internally has guides parallel to the stem which guide the plug. A ring constituted of an iron, copper and nickel alloy is screwed in at the outlet passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Petroquimica Espanola, S.A.
    Inventor: José María Del Castillo Miró
  • Patent number: 7458558
    Abstract: Method and apparatus 10 for releasing pressure that may have built up behind a plug 18 in a controlled manner. Environmental and safety regulations mandate that all bleeder valves in a gas and liquid hydrocarbon and chemical service require metal plugs 18 to be installed downstream of the valve to ensure a positive shut off. Removal of these plugs 18 can create a hazardous condition if there is not a good seat on the bleeder valve. Pressure can build up behind the plug 18 and as the bull plug is removed, an uncontrolled pressure release can occur. The apparatus 10 is a safety device, serving as a plug 18 and also providing a method for releasing the pressure that may have built up behind the plug in a controlled manner. The device 10 comprises a carbon steel plug 18 fabricated with a vent hole 20 for controlled pressure release and a carbon steel modified hex bolt 22 having a tapered seat 26.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Inventor: Patricia Toth
  • Publication number: 20080230124
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for replacing seals in recreational vehicles gate valves without removing valve housing from plumbing. The method for replacing blade seals in a gate valve features coupling a valve housing of the gate valve to suitable plumbing, the valve housing having a removable blade seal cartridge slidably arranged and latched therein in order to receive a movable blade of a drive unit of the valve gate to control the flow of the medium through the valve gate and to prevent the medium from entering the drive unit; and unlatching the removable blade seal cartridge from the valve housing so as to enable replacement of the blade seal cartridge without having to remove the valve housing from the suitable plumbing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: David L. Phillips, Ashfaq M. Mir, Rufino Naval
  • Patent number: 7357151
    Abstract: Improved fluid control devices are provided for metering pressure effectively in environments that may contain solid particles and in which the ambient pressure is subject to change. Such a valve comprises a valve body containing a plunger assembly contacting a first spring, said plunger assembly having a cavity and including a second spring and a poppet assembly engaged to said second spring within said cavity; and valve seat means located in position to contact said poppet assembly and essentially prohibit flow through the valve when fluid pressure at the valve inlet is less than a predetermined differential pressure plus a fluid pressure at the valve outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company
    Inventor: Steven B. Lonnes
  • Patent number: 7334603
    Abstract: A check valve has an elastic valve body portion and an inelastic valve body portion and a valve seat. The valve body is fixed to a valve shaft, and a valve body abutment plate for abutting the elastic valve body portion is supported to the valve shaft. The valve body abutment plate includes an elastic valve body portion pressing portion for pressing on an outer peripheral portion of the elastic valve body portion and a backflow fluid pressure exerting hole for causing fluid pressure from the fluid outlet side to be exerted on the elastic valve body portion. A spring for urging the valve body into abutment with the valve seat through the valve body abutment plate is interposed between the valve body abutment plate and a shaft support portion provided on the fluid outlet side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Miura Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomohisa Takeda
  • Patent number: 7334598
    Abstract: This pressure regulator is specifically designed to operate with a portable compressed gas cartridge thus reducing the high vapor pressure found in compressed gas cartridges down to a substantially consistent outlet pressure. Due to the nature of the crowded regulator art, the soon to be embodied pressure regulator has been specifically embodied for use in the portable compressed gas cartridge harnessing art and this specific use is carried into the claims. Exemplified in the pressure regulator embodiments is a reduced amount of components over existing designs. Additionally, safety and reliability features have been integrated into the design and will shortly be taught in the following paragraphs. A burp-off feature in all embodiments will be exemplified that vents back-pressure spikes as well as a method of adjusting the burp-off back-pressure spikes independent of regulated pressure in some embodiments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Anthony Scott Hollars
  • Publication number: 20080039802
    Abstract: A medical valve transitions between an open mode that permits fluid flow, and a closed mode that prevents fluid flow. To that end, the valve has a housing with an inlet and an outlet, and actuator moveable distally within the housing. The medical valve also has a resilient member with an aperture. The distal movement of the actuator opens the aperture within the resilient member, thereby transitioning the medical valve from the open to the closed mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Applicant: NYPRO INC.
    Inventors: Todd S. Vangsness, Jeffrey F. Kane, Ian Kimball
  • Patent number: 7222837
    Abstract: A valve body having at least one internal hollow or space comprises two separately formed portions joined by at least one cylindrical web. Internal space may communicate with space outside the valve body via a fluid passage, and internal space may be filled with a substantially incompressible flowable substance to facilitate pressure equalization across the valve body. Forging or casting valve body portions to near-net-shape prior to joining minimizes machining necessary to achieve a final desired shape. Increased valve durability and reduced metal wear arise from the reduced valve body weight and correspondingly reduced impact loading as the valve body moves to seal against a valve seat. A single-durometer or dual-durometer elastomeric seal may be cast and cured in place in a peripheral integral seal retention groove, coupled thereto in part through welding flash protruding into the groove and/or through at least one serration in the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventor: George H. Blume
  • Patent number: 7168440
    Abstract: A valve body and seal assembly comprising a top-stem-guided valve body having at least one cast-in-place elastomeric seal insert in a peripheral seal retention groove and a cast-in-place top guide stem sleeve is made by pouring and curing liquid elastomer in at least one mold comprising the peripheral seal retention groove and the top guide stem. Mold surfaces contacting the poured elastomer are adhesion-inhibiting surfaces which reduce or eliminate background elastomer stress due to shrinkage during curing of the elastomer, and which allow limited relative movement of cast-in-place elastomer with respect to the valve body. Serrations on each of the opposing walls of the seal retention groove are offset to moderate differing stress concentrations in the groove walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventor: George H. Blume
  • Patent number: 6959718
    Abstract: There is provided a valve enabling complete prevention of leakage and a backflow and having durability and less noise, and further there may be implemented a valve capable of predicting the tendency of occurrence of damage on the functions of the valve before the functions of the valve are actually damaged. In a valve having a valve chamber 5 formed between a fluid inlet 2 and a fluid outlet 3, a valve element 6 disposed in the valve chamber 5 is composed of an elastic member and an inelastic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Miura Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Kayahara, Shigehiro Watanabe, Tomohisa Takeda
  • Patent number: 6932322
    Abstract: A valve body of an on-off valve that minimizes the deviation of opening and closing characteristics of a valve member made of an elastic polymer material and provided in a valve body of the on-off valve due to expansion caused by the fluid handled thereby and that maintains the specified opening and closing operation. A base portion of the valve member made with an elastic polymer material is inserted in an attachment hole of a valve element of a valve body with space constituted by a small-diameter-hole portion left at the hole bottom. A constricted-diameter portion formed in a tip opening of the attachment hole is embedded in the valve member to secure the base portion of the valve member. Axial elongation due to swelling of the valve member is distributed as forward elongation and rearward elongation sandwiching the site of securing by the constricted-diameter portion, which minimizes the axial elongation of a tip portion with a valve face and curtails deviation from the settings for on-off timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Zama Japan
    Inventor: Yuzuru Yanaka
  • Patent number: 6896238
    Abstract: A micro-machined valve assembly includes a valve diaphragm that will not adhere to a valve seat during elevated temperature operation. The valve assembly has a valve seat, a diaphragm suspended over the valve seat, the diaphragm configured to contact the valve seat upon the application of an actuating pressure on the diaphragm. The diaphragm has a continuous film of a first material, where a portion of the first material in a region where the diaphragm contacts the valve seat includes a first metallic material. The absence of an adhesive or the addition of the metal layer extends the operating temperature of the valve by preventing adhesion of the diaphragm to the valve seat during high temperature operation. Selection of an appropriate material for the metal layer can improve chemical inertness of valve, thereby reducing the possibility that the material flowing through the valve will react with the metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Tak Kui Wang
  • Patent number: 6840504
    Abstract: A high-pressure switching valve device. A valve main body pressed to contact with an end face of a valve seat when the high-pressure switching valve device is closed, and a seal member pressed to contact with the end face of the valve seat when the high-pressure switching valve device is closed. When the high-pressure switching valve device is closed, the seal member is located on a high-pressure side and the valve main body is located on a low-pressure side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shoichi Hagiwara, Masaru Gamoh, Nobutaka Teshima, Kiyoshi Yoshizumi, Takeshi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6776360
    Abstract: A gun-like spray device having a spray nozzle assembly at the discharge end and a reciprocatably movable valve needle for controlling the liquid flow through the discharge nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly includes an orifice member which defines a liquid discharge orifice and a rigid valve seat for centering and precisely locating the valve needle in a closed position. An annular resilient sealing member is secured within the orifice member for engaging and creating a liquid seal about the valve needle separate and apart from the rigid seat when the valve needle is in a closed position. The spray nozzle assembly may be used with spray devices having different sized valve needles and includes a first rigid valve seat downstream of the resilient sealing member for receiving a relatively small diameter valve needle and a second rigid valve seat upstream of the resilient sealing member for receiving a relatively large diameter valve needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Spraying Systems Co.
    Inventors: James Haruch, Gerald P. Ferrazza
  • Publication number: 20040124393
    Abstract: A valve seal structure enabling the replacement of a metal seal ring, comprising a main body, a metal seat ring prepared separately from the main body to seal a flow channel of the main body, a set ring assembling the metal ring seat to the main body at the periphery of the flow channel in a detachable manner, a first elastomeric ring sheet to seal the boundary between the metal seal ring and the main body and a second ring sheet to seal the boundary between the metal seat ring and the set ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Okumura Engineering Corp.
    Inventor: Hideyuki Shimomura
  • Publication number: 20040089836
    Abstract: A gate valve assembly includes a valve seat and a valve. The valve seat includes a passage opening and a contacting region surrounding the passage opening. The valve includes a groove located on a marginal region of the valve, and a sealing body positioned in the groove. The passage opening is closed by covering the valve over the valve seat, and an upper surface of the sealing body is tightly contacted with the contacting region. Therefore, the valve is prevented from rubbing against the valve seat and producing particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Wei-Yueh Wu
  • Patent number: 6698720
    Abstract: In a valve member adapted to co-operate with an annular seat and comprising a plate with an annular channel for receiving a gasket which is crimped by folding in an outer wall of the channel, any risk of the gasket being ruptured is minimized by the outer surface of the gasket presenting, in the absence of any stress being exerted thereon, a first region extending frustoconically towards the central axis of the valve member, which first region is extended by a second region extending frustoconically away from the central axis, and by the outer wall of the channel being folded progressively towards the first region so as to fit snugly against the shape thereof without penetrating into the material of the gasket, without exerting any stress thereon, and without compressing it. The valve member is suitable for use in particular in thermostat valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Vernet S.A.
    Inventors: Alain Bouloy, Lionel Mabboux, Jean Chamot
  • Patent number: 6698719
    Abstract: A seal arrangement for a vacuum valve with a valve body in which is arranged a valve opening having a longitudinal axis and which has an inner jacket surface surrounding the valve opening and forming a valve seat, and with a valve plate which closes the valve opening in the closed state of the vacuum valve and which has an outer jacket surface surrounding the valve plate, said inner jacket surface and said outer jacket surface being located opposite one another in the closed state of the valve. The seal arrangement comprises a sealing ring which is arranged in an annular groove arranged at the outer or inner jacket surface and which has groove flanks and a groove base, and a sealing surface which is provided at the inner or outer jacket surface and which has a conical shape relative to the longitudinal axis the valve opening and which is contacted by the sealing ring in the closed state of the vacuum valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: VAT Holding AG
    Inventor: Friedrich Geiser
  • Patent number: 6676108
    Abstract: A control valve includes a valve body and a valve seat mounted within the valve body. A valve element is mounted in the valve body and bears in a closed position on the valve seat to block a fluid passage formed in the valve body. An actuating rod is configured for axial movement and acts upon the valve element to move the valve element into an open position. At least one of the actuating rod and the valve element has an annular piston surface and is in communication with a fluid passage through an equalizing line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventors: Erwin Weh, Wolfgang Weh
  • Patent number: 6629682
    Abstract: A vacuum valve comprises a wall with a valve opening and a valve seat, a valve plate which is pressed against the valve seat in the closed state, an elastic sealing ring which is arranged at the valve plate or at the valve seat and, in the closed state of the valve, is pressed by a pressing force against a sealing surface arranged at the valve seat or at the valve plate and seals the valve opening, and a supporting ring which is made of plastic and which is arranged at the valve plate or at the valve seat and, at least in the closed state of the vacuum valve, lies closer to the valve opening than the sealing ring, viewed from the sealing ring, and limits the pressing force acting on the sealing ring in the closed state of the vacuum valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Assignee: VAT Holding AG
    Inventor: Bernhard Duelli
  • Publication number: 20030151018
    Abstract: In a solenoid valve, for preventing an elastic sheet used in a valve portion from being damaged by high-pressure gas flow, and without a seal in a wiring portion connected to a coil preventing pressure leakage from the wiring portion difficult to be sealed, particularly in a solenoid valve used for distribution control of high-pressure gas, a valve body is made of an inelastic material and dome-shaped, and a sheet surface facing the valve body is divided in a radial direction into an inelastic sheet surface closer to an axis of the valve body in a radial direction, and an elastic sheet surface far from the axis. The former is inclined to the valve body at a predetermined angle &thgr;1 to a line orthogonal to the axis of the valve body. The latter is inclined at an angle &thgr;2 larger than the angle &thgr;1 of the inelastic sheet surface. An elastic sheet surface in a boundary portion between the former and the latter is set on the same position as or lower than the inelastic sheet surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Publication date: August 14, 2003
    Inventors: Nobutaka Teshima, Kiyoshi Yoshizumi
  • Publication number: 20030052297
    Abstract: To provide a poppet valve seal mechanism in which a seal member does not fall out from a groove, and the metal touch is not generated. A groove 15 to which a seal member 17 is mounted is formed such that a width of an opening 15a of the groove 15 is smaller than an maximum width of inside of the groove 15 and a cross section area of the groove 15 is smaller than that of the seal member 17. A maximum width of a portion of the seal member 17 accommodated in the groove 15 is greater than a width of the opening of the groove. A width of the opening 15a is constant over its entire peripheral. An inner wall forming the inside of the groove 15 is formed with communication holes 33 and 34 which bring the inside of the groove 15 and the outside of the groove 15 into communication with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: SMC Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Enzaki, Toyonobu Sakurai, Mamoru Fukuda
  • Patent number: 6517076
    Abstract: The invention concerns a new seal system for resolving the problem of the contamination of special fluids carried in pumps and moreover providing improved sealing by virtue of its special geometry and design. According to the invention, one of the elements to be connected can replace the seal owing to the fact that the seal system includes a combination of two elements to be connected with a fine film ring, one of the elements to be connected having a geometry able to effect a double indentation on the film ring. The invention may be used in pumps and circuits for fluids of the semiconductor industry. The three elements of the seal system, including the pump body, tube, and film ring, may be made of PFA.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corporation
    Inventor: Frederic S. Menage
  • Patent number: 6497246
    Abstract: A snap pilot used to pneumatically energize and de-energize a control device, such as a valve. The pilot has two valves—one to admit pilot pressure, and one to exhaust pressure. The pilot incorporates valves having an elastomeric seal but maintaining the precision of metal to metal contact. In the preferred embodiment, the elastomeric seal is an O-ring placed in a groove, without adhesive, having only a small amount of deflection when the seat is closed, whereby simultaneous metal-to-metal and elastomer-to-metal contact is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Ivy J. Nicewarner, John J. Frese, James N. Reed
  • Patent number: 6453940
    Abstract: A combination valve including a metal sleeve and a valve body. The valve body is formed of a resilient material and insert bonded or vulcanized to the metal sleeve and includes a cylindrical elongated member defining a passageway therethrough and an annular umbrella portion integrally extending from the elongated member. The elongated member is disposed within the metal sleeve and has converging flexible lips. The metal sleeve includes a plurality of prongs at one end and the valve body includes a top surface. The prongs of the metal sleeve extend to the top surface of the valve body, whereby the valve can be press-fitted into location without damaging the valve body. Between the prongs of the metal sleeve are gaps which permit the molding material to flow from the umbrella portion to the elongated member during the molding of the combination valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Federal-Mogul Corporation
    Inventors: Larry J. Tipton, Aaron E. Kiser
  • Patent number: 6354565
    Abstract: A washer assembly 30 includes a resilient sealing member 44 having a cylindrical wall 48 with a first axial end 49 and an opposite second axial end 51. A wall 50 extends radially inward from first axial end 51. The member 44 is seated in a housing 46 having a base 54 and skirt 56 extending axially from the base. The skit 56 extends axially beyond the second axial end 51 of the member 44 and terminates in an annular surface 53 having an inner diameter which is substantially co-terminus with an outer diameter of the second axial end 51.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: Phillip George Doust
  • Patent number: 6318400
    Abstract: The hydraulic shuttle valve has two coaxial supply ports and a transverse function port to direct fluid coming from alternative control sources to a blow out preventor (BOP). The valve includes a moveable shuttle with opposing tapered metal sealing surfaces to alternatively engage opposing coaxial metal valve seats. The shuttle moves back and forth into alternative sealing engagement depending on which supply port has the highest fluid pressure. As the shuttle moves from engagement with one metal seat to engagement with another, there is low or no interflow from one supply port to the other, thus maximizing the amount of fluid directed to the function port. An obtuse metal point is formed on each metal valve seat which comes into contact with a respective outward tapered sealing surface on the shuttle. Repeated movement of the shuttle to and fro displaces a portion of the metal point into a recessed chamfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Gilmore Valve Company
    Inventors: Rodney C. Hope, Richard R. Watson, F. Harold Hollister
  • Patent number: 6257268
    Abstract: The pressure biased shuttle valve assembly in the pressure biased shuttle valve operates in conjunction with a remote operated vehicle (ROV) to actuate blow-out preventers and thus shut in the well during emergency situations. The pressure biased shuttle valve assembly opens in response to fluid pressure from the ROV. It requires little or no flow to open. These pressure biased shuttle valves are typically located subsea on a lower marine riser platform (LMRP). These platforms are sometimes brought to the surface for a periodic testing and maintenance. The pressure biased shuttle valve assembly is also used as a repair kit which facilitates easy maintenance and repair when the LMRP is brought to the surface. In one embodiment, the shuttle is rigidly connected to a piston rod. In another embodiment, there is a flexible connection between the piston rod and shuttle. The purpose of the flexible connection is to encourage a better seal in smaller size valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Gilmore Valve Company
    Inventors: Rodney C. Hope, F. Harold Hollister
  • Patent number: 6227223
    Abstract: The present invention provides an interchangeable modular valve-actuator combination whereby the valve stem on the valve and the actuators are configured to be interchangeably engageable. The components of the valve-actuator are sized accordingly so that when engaged, the valve-actuator combination fits within the confines of an emergency hood located under the dome of a transportable tanker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Provacon, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Crochet, Edward A. Sentilles, III
  • Patent number: 6213413
    Abstract: A fuel injection valve is provided with an injection nozzle having an injection hole for fuel injection, a valve body for closing the injection hole, and an elastic body provided on one of a wall surface of the injection nozzle and a wall surface of the valve body. The elastic body is provided such that when the valve body closes the injection hole, the wall surface of the valve body comes into abutment with the wall surface of the injection nozzle after the valve body has come into abutment with the injection nozzle through the elastic body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Susumu Kojima, Keiso Takeda
  • Patent number: 5924672
    Abstract: A valve and actuator in combination with a transportation tank to operate off of low pneumatic pressures including a valve having a valve body with a tank end, a valve seat near the tank end of the valve body, the valve seat having a valve sealing surface; a stem chamber extending through the valve body, the stem chamber having an actuator port, a seat port, and an outlet port; a valve stem slidably positioned in the stem chamber, the valve stem having a plug end and a plug attached to the plug end, the plug having a plug sealing surface to sealingly contact the valve sealing surface; an actuator having a hollow housing with a valve end, the valve end attached to the valve body; a plurality of piston assemblies, each having a piston slidable in the housing and a partition fixed in the housing, the piston and the partition defining an actuator chamber; piston spacers joining the pistons so that each piston is fixed in position with respect to the others; the pistons being operatively joined to the valve stem;
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Provacon, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Crochet, Edward A. Sentilles, III
  • Patent number: 5884705
    Abstract: An equalizing subsurface safety valve for controlling fluid flow in a well conduit has a tubular body member with a longitudinal bore extending therethrough, and a flapper hingably connected within the tubular body member to alternately permit and prevent fluid flow through the longitudinal bore. The flapper is biased to a normally closed position to prevent fluid flow through the longitudinal bore. A fluid passage is provided for fluid communication between the longitudinal bore adjacent a first side of the flapper when the flapper is in a closed position and a second side of the closed flapper. A valve closure member is mounted across the fluid passage adjacent the first side of the flapper and is movable along an axis generally transverse to the longitudinal bore, and abuts a valve seat assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Camco International Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas G. Hill, Jr.