Fluid flow control valve with bi-directional shutoff

US6974121B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Fisher Controls International LLC · US

Inventors

• David John Koester · Gladbrook, US
• Sarah Lynn Dvorak · Ames, US
• Lynn Mahncke · Marshalltown, US
• Brandon Wayne Bell · West Monroe, US
• Loree Lee Bovee · Marshalltown, US
• Gary Alan Witt · Sherman, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 19, 2002
• Grant date: Dec 13, 2005
• Expiry date: Mar 25, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16K5/204
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A control valve of the ball type with bi-directional shutoff capabilities is disclosed. The ball valve including an inlet and an outlet, a ball element and a seal assembly. When closing the valve, the ball element, which is eccentrically mounted on a shaft, rotates to abut the seal assembly. While closed, the seal assembly including a seal housing, a main seal and a resilient member, contacts the ball element at the main seal, while the resilient member biases the main seal toward the ball element. The seal assembly further includes a secondary flowpath between the main seal and seal housing, which is restricted by two unidirectional seal rings.