Valves and valve actuation – Reciprocating valve – Diaphragm
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-22
2001-02-20
Lee, Kevin (Department: 3753)
Valves and valve actuation
Reciprocating valve
Diaphragm
C251S335100, C251S335200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06189861
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The subject invention is directed to a high flow diaphragm valve of the general type shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,671,490; 4,732,363; and, 4,750,709. More particularly, the invention is directed to a diaphragm valve having an improved valve seat arrangement and an improved body seal using a single clamp and corner arrangement.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Diaphragm valves are generally known and include a body seal arrangement and a valve seat arrangement. The body seal typically is achieved at or near the outer peripheral area of the diaphragm by clamping and compressing the diaphragm between facing surfaces of the valve body. Imperfections in the body surf aces and diaphragm surface, however, can require very high compression of the diaphragm to achieve a satisfactory seal. Harder materials for the diaphragm exacerbate the body seal problem at the clamping surfaces.
A valve seat is used to seal off an inlet and outlet passageway by engaging with the diaphragm. Prior designs tend to have large surface areas of the seat exposed to the fluid, thus providing possible leak paths and contamination. Valve seat surfaces can be pre-formed with specific contours to improve sealing, but such steps tend to be time consuming and thus more expensive.
Accordingly, it is a general objective of the present invention to provide a diaphragm-type valve that has improved body seal and valve seat arrangements and that can be manufactured at competitive costs and performance, with higher flow rates achieved using similar overall device dimensions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a flow control device such as a diaphragm valve includes a first body and a second body; means for clamping the bodies together in an axially aligned relationship; a diaphragm seal that is disposed axially between the first and second bodies to form a seal there between; each of the first and second bodies having a generally flat surface portion near its respective outer periphery; at least one of the generally flat surfaces being adjacent an outer corner thereof; the diaphragm being singularly clamped between the generally flat portions; the diaphragm having an outer peripheral portion adjacent the generally flat surfaces and that bends over and seals at the corner.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a valve seat arrangement is provided for a diaphragm valve of the type having a first body with fluid inlet and outlet openings therein and a second body axially coupled to said first body with a contoured diaphragm seal clamped there between for controlling flow between said inlet and outlet passages, the valve seat arrangement including a first collar that surrounds one of said fluid openings and that extends axially toward the diaphragm; a second collar that is radially spaced outward from the first collar to form a recess there between; the second collar extending axially toward the diaphragm a distance greater than the first collar; a valve seat disposed in the recess; the seat extending axially beyond the second collar and being retained in the recess by the first collar; the seat having an upper surface that engages with and forms a seal with a portion of the diaphragm to close the one opening; the upper surface generally conforming to the diaphragm contour when engaged therewith.
These and other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be readily understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments with the best mode contemplated for practicing the invention in view of the accompanying drawings.
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PCT International Search Report regarding International Application No.: PCT/US98/01743.
Gotch James E.
Kitchen Dale J.
Longo Maria T.
Rasanow Victor N.
Smith Philip J.
Calfee Halter & Griswold LLP
Lee Kevin
Swagelok Company
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