Patent · US Expired

Flush valve

US6004175A · kind A · utility

12Cited by
14References
11Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJul 8, 1998
Grant dateDec 21, 1999
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 8, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T137/2521
  • WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A flush valve is provided which used only one moving component. A ball is used to seal either a first or second inlet when the other inlet is used to cause water to flow through the valve. The valve allows fresh water to be introduced into a second inlet in order to remove residue and debris from the cooling system from the marine propulsion engine. When fresh water is introduced into a second inlet, the ball seals the first inlet and causes the fresh water to flow through the engine cooling system. When in normal use, water flows through the first inlet and seals the second inlet by causing the ball to move against a ball seat at the second inlet. Optionally, a stationary sealing device can be provided within the second inlet and a bypass channel can be provided to allow water to flow past the ball when the ball is moved against the ball seat at the first inlet. This minimal flow of water is provided to allow lubrication for the sea water pump impeller if the sea water pump is operated during the flushing operation in contradiction to recommended procedure.

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