Vacuum actuated sheath valve
US5653251A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 6, 1995 |
| Grant date | Aug 5, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 6, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/87643
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A linear sheath valve having a valve platform and a conforming cover. The valve platform can have inlet and outlet channels to carry liquid into and out of the valve. An elastomeric membrane is held under tension between the cover and the valve platform so as to control the flow of liquid between channels. The cover includes an expansion area on the cover surface adjacent to the membrane and between the inlet and outlet. Liquid flows through the valve when it is drawn by a vacuum. The vacuum operates on both the flow path exit, but also above the membrane, lifting it to open the flow path. Discontinuance of the vacuum allows the membrane to seal the inlet and outlet, thus again preventing any flow between them.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.