Seals, ball valve assemblies, and methods of operating ball valve assemblies
US8328160B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 19, 2010 |
| Grant date | Dec 11, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 29, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16K25/00
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Seals, ball valve assemblies, and methods of operating ball valves assemblies are provided. The seal includes an annular jacket, a restrictor, and a spring energizer. The annular jacket includes a first annular pocket and a second annular pocket. The restrictor is disposed in the first annular pocket and is capable of restricting shrinkage of the first annular pocket to a predetermined diameter range, if the seal is exposed to a temperature within a predetermined temperature range. The spring energizer is disposed in the second annular pocket and is configured to supply a force against the annular jacket to maintain the seal against a contact surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.