Valves and valve actuation – Reciprocating valve – Push or pull operator
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-03
2001-11-27
Chambers, A. Michael (Department: 3754)
Valves and valve actuation
Reciprocating valve
Push or pull operator
C251S356000, C251S357000, C251S358000, C251S368000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06322051
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to dispensing systems, and more particularly to a valve assembly in an apparatus for dispensing beverages or the like.
Valve apparatus are commonly used in dispensing systems for controlling the flow of fluids such as beverages and condiments. Conventional valve apparatus employ rubber O-rings or similar sealing members for sealing valve chambers and other components to prevent leakage. The use of O-rings increases the parts count, and can render assembly of the valve apparatus difficult and cumbersome. O-rings can also be problematic in failing to provide the desired sealing. For example, O-rings typically have parting lines along the inner diameter and the outer diameter, which can lead to mismatch and inadequate sealing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a valve assembly which employs an elastomeric valve stem movable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the valve stem is spaced from a valve seat having a flow passage between the inlet and the outlet to allow fluid flow through the valve. In the closed position, the valve stem is moved toward the valve seat to seal the flow passage to block fluid flow therethrough. Because the elastomeric valve stem provides sealing against the valve seat, no O-rings or other separate sealing members are needed. In a specific embodiment, the valve stem is movable inside a valve chamber for controlling fluid flow therethrough, and a spring applies a spring force biasing the valve stem toward the closed position. An elastomeric spring hat is provided to support the spring inside the valve chamber. The spring hat seals the valve chamber to prevent leakage without the need for an O-ring or a separate sealing member.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a valve comprises a valve body including a valve cavity with an inlet and an outlet. The valve body has a valve seat in the valve cavity. The valve seat has a flow passage disposed between the inlet and the outlet. A valve stem is movable in the valve cavity between an open position and a closed position. The valve stem includes a substantially rigid core and a resilient shell. The resilient shell is generally tubular and surrounds at least a portion of the rigid core. The resilient shell includes a sealing surface which is spaced from the valve seat with the valve stem in the open position and which is pressed against the valve seat to block the flow passage between the inlet and the outlet with the valve stem in the closed position.
In some embodiments, the core of the valve stem comprises a longitudinal shaft. The resilient shell comprises an elastomeric material such as Santoprene™ elastomer that is molded onto the core, for example, by injection molding. The resilient shell may include an annular sealing surface. In a specific embodiment, the annular sealing surface is slanted, and makes an angle with the axis of movement of the valve stem of about 59°.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a valve comprises a valve body including a valve cavity with an inlet and an outlet. The valve body has a valve seat in the valve cavity. The valve seat has a flow passage disposed between the inlet and the outlet. A valve stem is movable in the valve cavity between an open position and a closed position. The valve stem includes a core and a resilient shell. The resilient shell is generally tubular and molded onto the core. The resilient shell includes a sealing surface which is spaced from the valve seat with the valve stem in the open position and which is pressed against the valve seat to block the flow passage between the inlet and the outlet with the valve stem in the closed position.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a valve comprises a valve body including a valve cavity with an inlet and an outlet. The valve body has a valve seat in the valve cavity. The valve seat has a flow passage disposed between the inlet and the outlet. A valve stem is movable in the valve cavity between an open position and a closed position. The valve stem includes a core and a resilient shell. The resilient shell includes a sealing surface which is spaced from the valve seat with the valve stem in the open position and which is pressed against the valve seat to block the flow passage between the inlet and the outlet with the valve stem in the closed position. The resilient shell includes a spring cavity. A resilient spring hat has a spring seat. The resilient spring hat is disposed in the valve cavity and makes a sealing contact with an inner surface of the valve cavity. A spring is connected between the spring cavity of the resilient shell and the spring seat of the resilient spring hat. In some embodiments, the resilient spring hat comprises an elastomeric material such as Santoprene™ elastomer.
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patent: 5901749 (1999-05-01), Watson
Automatic Bar Controls Inc.
Chambers A. Michael
McShane Thomas L.
Townsend and Townsend / and Crew LLP
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