Patent · US Expired

Inflatable valve

US4840191A · kind A · utility

21Cited by
21References
17Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 5, 1988
Grant dateJun 20, 1989
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 5, 2008

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T137/0491
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An inflatable valve member includes a valve body received in a fluid line and defining a generally annular flow passage therewith. A flexible member disposed on the valve body is selectively inflated to open and close the flow passage. A filter is interposed between the valve body and flexible member. The filter prevents injection of the flexible member in a pre-cured state into an internal passage provided in the valve body. A bonding material is provided between the flexible member and the valve body to provide a secure mechanical engagement therebetween as the material is cured to a cross-linked polymer state. The bonding of the flexible member also eliminates crevices in the final assembled valve member. The fluid line also includes a linear portion at the outlet to facilitate drainage of the valve.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.