Valves and valve actuation – Fluid actuated or retarded – Pilot or servo type motor
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-24
2001-10-02
Lee, Kevin (Department: 3754)
Valves and valve actuation
Fluid actuated or retarded
Pilot or servo type motor
C251S367000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06296227
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to improvements in valve units or valve assemblies of the type having a valve member mounted within a valve housing and movable to control fluid flow along a flow path, such as a water supply valve in an irrigation system for supplying water to one or more irrigation sprinklers. More particularly, this invention relates to an improved valve housing construction wherein one or more clamp members are provided for removably retaining valve housing components in a clamp-fit assembled relation. The clamp member or members are adapted for quick and easy disengagement or disassembly from the housing components, preferably without the use of tools, to permit quick and easy access to the interior of the valve housing for periodic service and/or maintenance.
Irrigation sprinkler systems commonly include a water supply valve for controlling the supply of water under pressure to one or more irrigation sprinkler devices which deliver the irrigation water to a surrounding terrain area and associated vegetation. The supply valve generally comprises a valve housing having an inlet for connection to a source of water under pressure, and an outlet for connection via suitable conduits to the associated sprinkler devices. A valve member is mounted within the valve housing for movement between open and closed positions relative to a valve seat for controlled coupling of the water supply to the sprinkler devices. In one common form, the water supply valve may include a remotely operated solenoid actuator for displacing the valve member between the open and closed positions. In addition, the supply valve may incorporate pressure regulation means such as a pressure responsive resilient diaphragm for movably positioning the valve member in a manner to maintain the downstream water pressure at a substantially constant and predetermined pressure level. For one example of a water supply valve of this type, designed primarily for use in irrigation systems, see U.S. Pat. No. 4,226,259.
In such water supply valves, the valve housing is normally constructed from two or more housing components formed from cast metal or molded plastic, and assembled with the associated valve member and resilient diaphragm movably mounted therein. In a typical configuration, the valve housing components are removably assembled by means of multiple mounting screws or bolts, whereby the housing components may be subsequently disassembled for access to the housing interior in the event that service or maintenance is required. Such disassembly of the valve housing, however, has normally required tools for removing the mounting screws or bolts, and has been a relatively time-consuming process which has not been conducive for quick and easy performance at an in-the-field installation site.
The present invention provides an improved housing construction for a water supply valve or the like, wherein valve housing components are retained in assembled relation by one or more clamp members designed for quick and easy removal without the use of tools to accommodate quick and easy access to the housing interior.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the invention, an improved valve assembly is provided with a movable valve member mounted within a valve housing, wherein the valve housing comprises an upper bonnet removably mounted on a lower or main valve body by one or more clamp members. The clamp members are adapted for quick and easy disengagement or disassembly from the valve housing, without the use of tools, to facilitate access to the valve housing interior for service or maintenance.
In a preferred form, the valve assembly includes a valve member carried by a resilient diaphragm for movement between closed and open positions with respect to a valve seat, in response to operation of a solenoid actuator which regulates the pressure within a control chamber acting upon the diaphragm. When the solenoid actuator vents the control chamber to relieve pressure therein, the diaphragm permits movement of the valve member from a normal closed position to an open position permitting flow of fluid such as water through the valve housing. Conversely, when the solenoid actuator closes the control chamber vent, fluid pressure rise within the control chamber acts against and displaces the diaphragm to move the valve member back to the closed position. A bleed port is normally provided in the valve housing bonnet and is selectively opened by a retractable bleed screw or the like to permit selective purging of air from within the control chamber. An exemplary valve assembly of this type is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,226,259, which is incorporated by reference herein.
The clamp members are mounted on the housing bonnet for releasible clamp fit engagement with the main valve body. A retainer element is removably mounted on the bonnet to engage and retain the clamp members in a normal position retaining the bonnet and main valve body in assembled relation. In the preferred form, the retainer element comprises the bleed screw which can be sufficiently retracted or removed from the bonnet to permit clamp member disengagement or disassembly therefrom and corresponding separation of the bonnet from the main valve body. Such retraction or removal of the bleed screw to release the clamp members is accompanied by water discharge through the bleed port in the event that an associated source or supply of water under pressure has not been turned off at an upstream location, thereby indicating to service personnel that the disassembly process should not proceed until the water supply is turned off.
Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2697581 (1954-12-01), Ray
patent: 4606368 (1986-08-01), McCafferty
patent: 4911401 (1990-03-01), Holcomb et al.
patent: 5829477 (1998-11-01), Graham et al.
Burcham Gregory S.
Walker Samuel C.
Anthony Manufacturing Corporation Commercial Products Division
Kelly Bauersfeld Lowry & Kelley LLP
Lee Kevin
LandOfFree
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