Valve flapper with dynamic circumference seal
US6439255B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 17, 2000 |
| Grant date | Aug 27, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 17, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/0525
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A valve assembly including a body defining a passageway having a longitudinal axis, a rotatable shaft extending into the passageway, generally perpendicular to the axis of the passageway, and a flapper secured to the shaft within the passageway and movable upon rotation of the shaft between an opened position and a closed position. The flapper includes a groove in an outer circumference, and a seal is received in the groove. The seal has an outer circumference greater than the outer circumference of the flapper so the entire outer circumference of the seal contacts a wall of the passageway when the flapper is moved to the closed position. The seal also has an inner circumference greater than an inner circumference of the groove of the flapper such that an enclosed space is defined between the seal and the groove. An aperture provides fluid communication between the enclosed space and the passageway.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.