Rotatable valve assembly
US5984269A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 23, 1996 |
| Grant date | Nov 16, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 23, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/7898
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Rotatable valve assembly includes a mounting mechanism for rotatably mounting the valve in a housing, the mounting mechanism including a shaft having an outside end extending through the housing. A conversion mechanism converts fluid pressure in the housing into torque exerted on the shaft. A release mechanism is located outside the housing for preventing rotation of the shaft and valve when the torque exerted on the shaft is below a selected magnitude. The release mechanism allows the shaft to rotate when the torque exerted on the shaft exceeds a selected magnitude. A seal is provided for sealing the gap between the housing and the valve in the closed position. The seal has a first portion secured to the housing on a first side of the rotational axis of the valve, a second portion secured to the valve on a second side of the rotational axis, a first transitional portion coinciding with the rotational axis, and a second transitional portion coinciding with the rotational axis. The seal is unsecured to the valve or the housing and the transitional portions so that the seal may flex in the transitional portions as the valve rotates between the closed position and the open position. T…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.