Valve assembly
US7073532B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 22, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jul 11, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 22, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/86759
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A valve assembly (10) comprises a valve stem (14) with a bore (15) and radial apertures (17), and a sleeve (18) closed atone end and slidable over the valve stem (14) to obstruct the apertures (17). At the end of the valve stem opposite the outlet end, the valve stem (14) defines a fluidic vortex chamber (22) with both tangential inlets (28) and non-tangential peripheral inlets (26), and with an axial outlet (24) communicating with the bore (15). The sleeve (18) defines at least one radial port (32) near its closed end. The valve assembly operates in a conventional fashion except when approaching closure. Once the last of the apertures (17) in the valve stem has been closed, the only flow path is through the fluidic vortex chamber (22). Further movement of the sleeve (18) alters the distribution of the flow between the non-tangential inlets (26) and the tangential inlets (28), so adjusting the strength of the fluidic vortex and the resistance to fluid flow. The valve assembly (10) suppresses erosive and cavitational wear of the valve mechanism, and can provide a wide range of flow modulation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.