Fluid flow control valve
US5960812A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 25, 1997 |
| Grant date | Oct 5, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 25, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/1654
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A valve and method of operation for controlling the flow of fluid from a pressurized fluid source while maintaining a secure seal against fluid leakage over long periods of time. The valve includes a valve body formed with an inlet channel which extends through a strain concentrating portion. The strain concentrating portion has an ultimate strength less than that of support portions of the body. An actuator applies a load to the valve body sufficient to create a stress which exceeds the ultimate strength of the strain concentrating portion. The strain concentrating portion then fractures into parts separated by a gap. The fracture forms openings from the inlet channel into the gap to create a flow path from the fluid source into an outlet channel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.