US20010032954A1 - Springless seat cup - Google Patents
Springless seat cup Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20010032954A1 US20010032954A1 US09/781,760 US78176001A US2001032954A1 US 20010032954 A1 US20010032954 A1 US 20010032954A1 US 78176001 A US78176001 A US 78176001A US 2001032954 A1 US2001032954 A1 US 2001032954A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- base portion
- seat cup
- seat
- nipple
- nipple portion
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
- F16K31/44—Mechanical actuating means
- F16K31/52—Mechanical actuating means with crank, eccentric, or cam
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/08—Details
- B67D1/12—Flow or pressure control devices or systems, e.g. valves, gas pressure control, level control in storage containers
- B67D1/14—Reducing valves or control taps
- B67D1/1405—Control taps
- B67D1/145—Control taps comprising a valve shutter movable in a direction perpendicular to the valve seat
- B67D1/1466—Control taps comprising a valve shutter movable in a direction perpendicular to the valve seat the valve shutter being opened in a direction opposite to the liquid flow
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K41/00—Spindle sealings
- F16K41/10—Spindle sealings with diaphragm, e.g. shaped as bellows or tube
- F16K41/103—Spindle sealings with diaphragm, e.g. shaped as bellows or tube the diaphragm and the closure member being integrated in one member
Definitions
- This invention relates to a novel valve in general and more specifically to a valve construction embodying a novel seal or sealing means.
- the particular valve assembly here involved and the novel seal which forms a part of the valve assembly are particularly well suited for use in the liquid food dispensing industry but are by no means restricted to such application.
- Seat cups in general, are widely known and derive their name from the fact that they act against a valve seat and have an overall cup-like configuration.
- Seat cups are generally fabricated from silicone or a like elastomeric resilient material and include a cylindrical base portion and a co-axial nipple portion extending from the base portion and connected thereto by a shoulder.
- the nipple portion is reduced in cross-sectional dimension with respect to the base portion and is generally cylindrical or frusto-conical converging away from the base. This assembly forms an upwardly opening chamber or recess resembling a cup.
- the nipple portion terminates in a surface transverse to the longitudinal axis of the seat cup, thereby providing a free or distal end which, as will become apparent hereinafter, provides a portion which is adapted to cooperate sealingly with a valve seat.
- a seat cup of this prior design When a seat cup of this prior design is operatively placed in the seal chamber of a valve, the base portion is held against axial and lateral displacement relative to the valve body in a position aligned with, but removable from, the valve seat.
- the nipple portion extends from the base portion toward the valve seat and its free end engages the seat in a fluid-tight sealing relationship to control fluid flow through the valve.
- a suitable means is employed to mount the nipple removably to the inner end of a reciprocal valve stem which is also aligned with the valve seat.
- the valve stem projects outwardly from the seat cup recess and an opposite, free end of the stem is connected to an actuator.
- the nipple portion of the seat cup is also partially retracted relative to the seat. Due to flexure at the shoulder, the nipple portion telescopes within the base portion when retracted. Such retraction results in breaking the seal at the valve seat, thereby permitting fluid flow through the valve.
- the seat cup has been biased into sealing engagement with the seat through use of a separate spring.
- a coil spring is coaxially positioned about the stem and a first end of the spring is engaged with a flange on the inner end of the stem while a second end of the spring is engaged with a fixed portion of the valve.
- the spring ensures that the nipple portion of the seat cup is maintained in tight sealing relation with the valve seat. While this arrangement has proven to be effective, use of a spring adds considerable cost and some complexity to the valve. Therefore, in light of the foregoing, it has been deemed desirable to develop a “springless” seat cup which includes means integral therewith for positively biasing the seat cup into engagement with the valve seat after being retracted away from same, even after many cycles of use.
- a seat cup seal for a valve includes a base portion and a nipple portion projecting outwardly from the base portion.
- the nipple portion and said base portion define a blind bore about a longitudinal axis that opens in the base portion.
- the nipple portion defines a transverse end wall at an outermost end relative to the base that is adapted for sealingly engaging an associated valve seat.
- a flexible shoulder portion interconnects the base portion and the nipple portion so that said nipple portion is selectively movable between a first, relaxed position where the transverse end wall is spaced a first distance from the base and a second, retracted position where the transverse end wall is spaced a second distance from the base, with the second distance being less than the first distance.
- a plurality of biasing ribs projects outwardly from and extending between the base portion and the nipple portion. The biasing ribs, which are conformed in one of several suitable arrangements, bias or urge the nipple portion toward the first position when it is in its second position. In this manner, the seat cup does not require a coil spring or other separate biasing agent to urge the transverse end wall into sealing engagement with the associated valve seat.
- One advantage of the present invention is that it provides a new and improved seat cup for a valve which does not require use of a separate spring for biasing the seat cup into engagement with a sealing seat of the valve.
- Another advantage of the present invention resides in the provision of a springless seat cup which includes smoothly transitioned regions between interconnected portions and controlled wall thicknesses so that it resists breakage even after many thousands of cycles.
- a further advantage of the present invention is found in the provision of a springless seat cup for a valve which greatly simplifies assembly of the valve and reduces the cost of same.
- FIG. 1 is a side view, partially in cross-section and partially in elevation, of a springless seat cup formed in accordance with the present invention as operatively positioned in an associated valve assembly to block the flow of liquid therethrough;
- FIG. 2 illustrates the valve assembly and seat cup of FIG. 1, with the seat cup shown in its open position to permit liquid flow through the valve assembly;
- FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the springless seat cup illustrated in FIG. 1;
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4 - 4 of FIG. 3;
- FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the seat cup illustrated in FIG. 3;
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6 - 6 of FIG. 5;
- FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of an alternative springless seat cup formed in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8 - 8 of FIG. 7;
- FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the seat cup shown in FIG. 7;
- FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10 - 10 of FIG. 9;
- FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of still another alternative springless seat cup formed in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the springless seat cup shown in FIG. 11;
- FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13 - 13 of FIG. 11.
- valve assembly is illustrated and indicated generally at 10 .
- the valve assembly 10 comprises a body 11 having a fluid outlet 12 and a fluid inlet 13 .
- a fluid passageway 14 is provided in the valve body 11 , the former being in communication with the outlet and inlet 12 , 13 , respectively.
- the passageway 14 comprises a sealing seat 15 oriented transversely of the axis of the outlet 12 .
- the passageway 14 is otherwise defined by a frusto-conical region 16 which merges into an enlarged cylindrical actuator opening 18 .
- the portions 16 , 18 together define a seal-receiving chamber C.
- the actuator opening 18 is threaded on its outer periphery 19 to receive a correspondingly threaded cap assembly 20 .
- the cap assembly 20 comprises an actuator including a bonnet member 21 having a central opening 22 to receive a stem 23 which is slidable relative to the bonnet member.
- a handle 24 is pivotally attached to the stem 23 by a pin 25 .
- the handle 24 includes an arcuate cam portion 26 for purposes to be hereinafter described.
- the stem 23 includes an enlarged knob 27 on its lower extremity which is connected to the remainder of the stem 23 by a reduced-diameter cylindrical portion 28 .
- a radially enlarged flange 29 separates the knob 27 and reduced-diameter portion 28 from the remainder of the stem 23 .
- a seat cup component 34 received in the seal chamber C is a seat cup component 34 made from silicone or another suitable elastomeric or resilient material.
- the seat cup 34 comprises a generally tubular, cylindrical nipple portion 35 with a curved, transverse end wall 36 closing the distal end of the nipple 35 .
- the end wall 36 when the seat cup is operatively received in the chamber C, is adapted to engage the sealing seat 15 in a fluid-type relationship.
- the nipple portion 35 may alternatively be conformed to have any other suitable overall shape, e.g., frusto-conical converging toward the end wall 36 .
- a blind bore 37 formed generally along the longitudinal axis of the seat cup 34 with the inner end of the bore 37 defined by an enlarged portion 38 which is similar in configuration to the knob 27 on the end of the stem 23 .
- the knob 27 is removably snap-fitted into the enlargement 38 and the reduced-diameter cylindrical stem portion 28 is received in the remainder of the bore 37 .
- the seat cup 34 further comprises a tubular or otherwise conformed base portion 40 which is coaxial with the nipple portion 35 and radially enlarged relative thereto.
- the base portion 40 need not necessarily be tubular, and other shapes for same are contemplated within the scope of the present invention.
- the tubular base portion 40 has a wall thickness T 1 .
- An upper edge 42 of the tubular base portion 40 abuts an inner surface 44 of the bonnet member 21 , while the cylindrical outer surface 46 of the tubular base portion 40 lies adjacent the enlarged cylindrical portion 18 of the seat cup chamber C.
- the nipple portion 35 and the tubular base portion 40 are interconnected by a flexible transverse shoulder portion 50 .
- the shoulder portion 50 comprises a wall thickness T 2 which is reduced relative to the wall thickness T 1 of the tubular base portion 40 .
- the shoulder portion 50 also defines a fillet region 52 which smoothly blends the nipple portion 35 into the tubular base portion 40 .
- the wall thickness T 2 of the shoulder portion 50 also defines an inner curved shoulder surface 54 which generally corresponds to the fillet region 62 .
- the seat cup 34 further comprises a plurality of biasing ribs R which project radially outwardly therefrom and are preferably uniformly and circumferentially spaced about an outer surface of the nipple portion 35 .
- the ribs R extend axially between the end wall 36 and the tubular base portion 40 , preferably parallel to the axis of the bore 37 . It has been found most preferable to form the seat cup 34 with a total of at least seven such ribs R, e.g., the seat cup 34 includes eight, although less can be used without departing from the overall scope and intent of the present invention.
- Each rib R includes a first end 60 connected to the shoulder 50 , a top land surface 62 , and a second end 64 connected to the end wall 36 .
- the top land surface 62 at the first end 60 of each rib R curves outwardly, away from the nipple portion 35 and blends into the cylindrical surface 46 of the tubular base portion 40 .
- each rib has a height H 1 (FIG. 6) which, together with the thickness T 2 of the shoulder 50 , defines a substantial thickness T 3 which is greater than the thickness T 1 of the base portion 40 and, thus, more resistant to deformation.
- the top land surface 62 curves inwardly toward the nipple portion 35 and blends smoothly into the end wall 36 . This, then, ensures that the end wall 36 comprises a smooth and uninterrupted portion for mating in a fluid-tight manner with the seat 15 of the valve body 11 .
- the top land surfaces 62 of the ribs R lie adjacent the frusto-conical region 16 defining the chamber C to ensure proper alignment of the seat cup 34 in the chamber.
- each bottom land region 70 connects with the end wall 36 , without interrupting a portion thereof which is adapted to mate with the valve seat 15 .
- each rib R defines a uniform circumferential width or thickness along its axial length.
- FIG. 1 illustrates the seat cup 34 in its first or normally closed position wherein the end wall 36 of the nipple portion 35 is sealingly engaged with the valve seat 15 .
- the bonnet member 21 exerts a preloading force on the seat cup 34 toward the valve seat 15 as controlled by the threaded connection 19 between the bonnet 21 and the body 11 .
- the preloading force is transmitted to the end wall 36 primarily through the biasing ribs R. This preloading ensures a fluid-tight seal between the wall 36 of the seat cup 34 and valve seat 15 when the seat cup is in this first, normally closed position.
- the relatively reduced wall thickness T 2 of the shoulder region 50 promotes flexure of the seat cup 34 in that region so that the nipple portion 35 retracts away from the seat 15 and telescopes partially into the tubular base portion 40 so that the end wall 36 is moved to a second position closer to the base portion 40 .
- Retraction of the nipple portion 35 relative to the tubular portion 40 in this manner also results in deformation of the ribs R at their first ends 60 .
- the thickness T 3 of the walls of the seat cup 34 at the first end 62 of each rib R provides a biasing force which resists this retraction of the nipple portion 35 relative to the valve seat 15 .
- the ribs R bias the nipple portion 35 away from the tubular base portion 40 toward and into fluid-tight engagement with the valve seat 15 without aid of a coil spring or other like separate biasing device.
- FIGS. 7 - 10 illustrate an alternative springless seat cup 134 in accordance with the present invention. Except as shown in FIGS. 7 - 10 and/or as described herein, the seat cup 134 is otherwise the same as the seat cup 34 . Consequently, in FIGS. 7 - 10 , like portions of the seat cup 134 relative to the seat cup 34 are identified with like reference numerals which are 100 greater than the reference numerals used in FIGS. 1 - 6 . New portions of the seat cup 134 are identified with new reference numerals and letters.
- the nipple portion 135 of the seat cup 134 is joined to the tubular base portion 140 by way of a transverse shoulder 150 .
- the shoulder 150 comprises an arcuate fillet region 152 which smoothly transitions and blends the nipple portion 135 into the shoulder 150 .
- the shoulder portion has a wall thickness T 4 which is greater than the thickness T 2 used in the seat cup 34 , but still less than the wall thickness T 1 of the tubular base portion 140 to promote flexure of the shoulder 150 .
- the seat cup 134 also comprises a plurality of biasing ribs R′ which are similar to the ribs R in that they extend continuously between and connect the shoulder 150 and the end wall 136 .
- the ribs R′ have a T-shaped cross-section owing to the fact that they have a smaller circumferential width adjacent the nipple portion 135 and a larger circumferential width at the top land surface 200 spaced radially from the nipple portion 135 , i.e., the top land surface 200 of each rib R′ is wider relative to a base portion 202 of each rib.
- the top land surface 200 intersects the shoulder 150 at an angle which is preferably approximately 900 .
- the top land surface 200 curves inwardly toward the nipple portion 135 and blends smoothly into the end wall 136 so as not to interrupt that portion of the wall 136 which is adapted to mate with the seat 15 of an associated valve body 11 .
- the valleys or bottom land regions 210 interconnecting or defined between adjacent ribs R′ are provided by the nipple portion 135 , itself, i.e., the base portion 202 of each T-shaped rib R′ is connected to the nipple portion 135 and projects radially outward therefrom.
- the springless seat cup 134 functions in the same manner as the springless seat cup 34 in that the ribs R′ bias the end wall 136 into engagement with the seat 15 for purposes of blocking fluid flow from the inlet 13 to the outlet 12 of an associated valve body 11 . Furthermore, the reduced wall thickness T 4 in the shoulder region 150 relative to the wall thickness T 1 of the tubular base portion 140 promotes flexure in the shoulder region. Accordingly, the seat cup 134 is selectively movable away from the seat 15 by rotational movement of the handle 24 of an associated valve body 11 , but returns to its normally closed position in engagement with the seat 15 , upon the handle 24 being released due to the biasing force of the ribs R′.
- FIGS. 11 - 13 illustrate still another alternative springless seat cup 234 in accordance with the present invention. Except as shown in FIGS. 11 - 13 and/or as described herein, the seat cup 234 is otherwise the same as the seat cup 34 . Consequently, in FIGS. 11 - 13 , like portions of the seat cup 234 relative to the seat cup 34 are identified with like reference numerals which are 200 greater than the reference numerals used in FIGS. 1 - 6 . New portions of the seat cup 234 are identified with new reference numerals and letters.
- the nipple portion 235 of the seat cup 234 defines a circular cross-section with a cylindrical outer surface.
- the base portion 240 is preferably cylindrical or, as shown, slightly tapered toward the nipple portion 235 .
- the nipple portion 235 is joined to the base portion 240 by way of a transverse shoulder 250 .
- the shoulder 250 comprises an arcuate region 252 which smoothly transitions and blends the nipple portion 235 into the shoulder 250 .
- the shoulder portion 250 has a wall thickness T 6 less than the wall thickness T 7 of the base portion 240 to promote flexure of the shoulder 250 .
- the seat cup 234 also comprises a plurality of biasing ribs R′′ that extend between and connect the shoulder 250 and the nipple portion 235 .
- the ribs R′′ have a non-uniform cross-section along their axial length.
- the ribs R′′ define a first portion R 1 ′′ that has a larger circumferential width than a second rib portion R 2 ′′ that is separated from the shoulder by the first portion R 1 ′′.
- the first portion R 1 ′′ tapers moving toward the end wall 236 and blends into the second rib portion R 2 ′′.
- the second portion R 2 ′′ itself, preferably defines a uniform width along its length.
- Each rib R′′ terminates approximately halfway between the shoulder 250 and the end wall 236 , and the portion of the nipple 235 axially between the ribs R′′ and the end wall 236 is preferable smooth and purely cylindrical.
- the springless seat cup 234 functions in the same manner as the springless seat cup 34 in that the ribs R′′ bias the end wall 236 into engagement with the seat 15 for purposes of blocking fluid flow from the inlet 13 to the outlet 12 of an associated valve body I 1 . Furthermore, the reduced wall thickness T 6 in the shoulder region 250 relative to the wall thickness T 7 of the base portion 240 promotes flexure in the shoulder region. Accordingly, the seat cup 234 is selectively movable away from the seat 15 by rotational movement of the handle 24 of an associated valve body II, but returns to its normally closed position in engagement with the seat 15 , upon the handle 24 being released due to the biasing force of the ribs R′′.
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Abstract
Description
- This application claims priority from U.S. provisional application No. 60/182,359 filed Feb. 14, 2000.
- This invention relates to a novel valve in general and more specifically to a valve construction embodying a novel seal or sealing means. The particular valve assembly here involved and the novel seal which forms a part of the valve assembly are particularly well suited for use in the liquid food dispensing industry but are by no means restricted to such application.
- For ease of description, the seal will be referred to hereinafter as a “seat cup.” Seat cups, in general, are widely known and derive their name from the fact that they act against a valve seat and have an overall cup-like configuration. Seat cups are generally fabricated from silicone or a like elastomeric resilient material and include a cylindrical base portion and a co-axial nipple portion extending from the base portion and connected thereto by a shoulder. The nipple portion is reduced in cross-sectional dimension with respect to the base portion and is generally cylindrical or frusto-conical converging away from the base. This assembly forms an upwardly opening chamber or recess resembling a cup. The nipple portion terminates in a surface transverse to the longitudinal axis of the seat cup, thereby providing a free or distal end which, as will become apparent hereinafter, provides a portion which is adapted to cooperate sealingly with a valve seat.
- When a seat cup of this prior design is operatively placed in the seal chamber of a valve, the base portion is held against axial and lateral displacement relative to the valve body in a position aligned with, but removable from, the valve seat. The nipple portion extends from the base portion toward the valve seat and its free end engages the seat in a fluid-tight sealing relationship to control fluid flow through the valve. A suitable means is employed to mount the nipple removably to the inner end of a reciprocal valve stem which is also aligned with the valve seat. The valve stem projects outwardly from the seat cup recess and an opposite, free end of the stem is connected to an actuator. Upon use of the actuator to move the stem away from the seat, the nipple portion of the seat cup is also partially retracted relative to the seat. Due to flexure at the shoulder, the nipple portion telescopes within the base portion when retracted. Such retraction results in breaking the seal at the valve seat, thereby permitting fluid flow through the valve.
- Heretofore, the seat cup has been biased into sealing engagement with the seat through use of a separate spring. In prior devices, a coil spring is coaxially positioned about the stem and a first end of the spring is engaged with a flange on the inner end of the stem while a second end of the spring is engaged with a fixed portion of the valve. The spring ensures that the nipple portion of the seat cup is maintained in tight sealing relation with the valve seat. While this arrangement has proven to be effective, use of a spring adds considerable cost and some complexity to the valve. Therefore, in light of the foregoing, it has been deemed desirable to develop a “springless” seat cup which includes means integral therewith for positively biasing the seat cup into engagement with the valve seat after being retracted away from same, even after many cycles of use.
- In accordance with the present invention, a seat cup seal for a valve includes a base portion and a nipple portion projecting outwardly from the base portion. The nipple portion and said base portion define a blind bore about a longitudinal axis that opens in the base portion. The nipple portion defines a transverse end wall at an outermost end relative to the base that is adapted for sealingly engaging an associated valve seat. A flexible shoulder portion interconnects the base portion and the nipple portion so that said nipple portion is selectively movable between a first, relaxed position where the transverse end wall is spaced a first distance from the base and a second, retracted position where the transverse end wall is spaced a second distance from the base, with the second distance being less than the first distance. A plurality of biasing ribs projects outwardly from and extending between the base portion and the nipple portion. The biasing ribs, which are conformed in one of several suitable arrangements, bias or urge the nipple portion toward the first position when it is in its second position. In this manner, the seat cup does not require a coil spring or other separate biasing agent to urge the transverse end wall into sealing engagement with the associated valve seat.
- One advantage of the present invention is that it provides a new and improved seat cup for a valve which does not require use of a separate spring for biasing the seat cup into engagement with a sealing seat of the valve.
- Another advantage of the present invention resides in the provision of a springless seat cup which includes smoothly transitioned regions between interconnected portions and controlled wall thicknesses so that it resists breakage even after many thousands of cycles.
- A further advantage of the present invention is found in the provision of a springless seat cup for a valve which greatly simplifies assembly of the valve and reduces the cost of same.
- Still other benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains upon reading and understanding the following specification.
- The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangements of parts, preferred embodiments of which are described in detail herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof and wherein:
- FIG. 1 is a side view, partially in cross-section and partially in elevation, of a springless seat cup formed in accordance with the present invention as operatively positioned in an associated valve assembly to block the flow of liquid therethrough;
- FIG. 2 illustrates the valve assembly and seat cup of FIG. 1, with the seat cup shown in its open position to permit liquid flow through the valve assembly;
- FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the springless seat cup illustrated in FIG. 1;
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line4-4 of FIG. 3;
- FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the seat cup illustrated in FIG. 3;
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line6-6 of FIG. 5;
- FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of an alternative springless seat cup formed in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line8-8 of FIG. 7;
- FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the seat cup shown in FIG. 7;
- FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line10-10 of FIG. 9;
- FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of still another alternative springless seat cup formed in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the springless seat cup shown in FIG. 11; and,
- FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line13-13 of FIG. 11.
- Referring to FIG. 1, a valve assembly is illustrated and indicated generally at10. The
valve assembly 10 comprises abody 11 having afluid outlet 12 and afluid inlet 13. Afluid passageway 14 is provided in thevalve body 11, the former being in communication with the outlet andinlet - The
passageway 14 comprises a sealingseat 15 oriented transversely of the axis of theoutlet 12. Thepassageway 14 is otherwise defined by a frusto-conical region 16 which merges into an enlarged cylindrical actuator opening 18. Theportions actuator opening 18 is threaded on itsouter periphery 19 to receive a correspondingly threadedcap assembly 20. - The
cap assembly 20 comprises an actuator including abonnet member 21 having acentral opening 22 to receive astem 23 which is slidable relative to the bonnet member. Ahandle 24 is pivotally attached to thestem 23 by apin 25. Thehandle 24 includes anarcuate cam portion 26 for purposes to be hereinafter described. Thestem 23 includes an enlargedknob 27 on its lower extremity which is connected to the remainder of thestem 23 by a reduced-diametercylindrical portion 28. A radially enlargedflange 29 separates theknob 27 and reduced-diameter portion 28 from the remainder of thestem 23. - With reference now also to FIGS.3-6, received in the seal chamber C is a
seat cup component 34 made from silicone or another suitable elastomeric or resilient material. Theseat cup 34 comprises a generally tubular,cylindrical nipple portion 35 with a curved,transverse end wall 36 closing the distal end of thenipple 35. Theend wall 36, when the seat cup is operatively received in the chamber C, is adapted to engage the sealingseat 15 in a fluid-type relationship. Of course, thenipple portion 35 may alternatively be conformed to have any other suitable overall shape, e.g., frusto-conical converging toward theend wall 36. - Provided in the
end wall 36 of thenipple portion 35 is ablind bore 37 formed generally along the longitudinal axis of theseat cup 34 with the inner end of thebore 37 defined by anenlarged portion 38 which is similar in configuration to theknob 27 on the end of thestem 23. Theknob 27 is removably snap-fitted into theenlargement 38 and the reduced-diametercylindrical stem portion 28 is received in the remainder of thebore 37. - The
seat cup 34 further comprises a tubular or otherwise conformedbase portion 40 which is coaxial with thenipple portion 35 and radially enlarged relative thereto. Again, thebase portion 40 need not necessarily be tubular, and other shapes for same are contemplated within the scope of the present invention. Thetubular base portion 40 has a wall thickness T1. Anupper edge 42 of thetubular base portion 40 abuts aninner surface 44 of thebonnet member 21, while the cylindricalouter surface 46 of thetubular base portion 40 lies adjacent the enlargedcylindrical portion 18 of the seat cup chamber C. - The
nipple portion 35 and thetubular base portion 40 are interconnected by a flexibletransverse shoulder portion 50. Theshoulder portion 50 comprises a wall thickness T2 which is reduced relative to the wall thickness T1 of thetubular base portion 40. Theshoulder portion 50 also defines afillet region 52 which smoothly blends thenipple portion 35 into thetubular base portion 40. The wall thickness T2 of theshoulder portion 50 also defines an innercurved shoulder surface 54 which generally corresponds to thefillet region 62. - The
seat cup 34 further comprises a plurality of biasing ribs R which project radially outwardly therefrom and are preferably uniformly and circumferentially spaced about an outer surface of thenipple portion 35. The ribs R extend axially between theend wall 36 and thetubular base portion 40, preferably parallel to the axis of thebore 37. It has been found most preferable to form theseat cup 34 with a total of at least seven such ribs R, e.g., theseat cup 34 includes eight, although less can be used without departing from the overall scope and intent of the present invention. - Each rib R includes a
first end 60 connected to theshoulder 50, atop land surface 62, and asecond end 64 connected to theend wall 36. Thetop land surface 62 at thefirst end 60 of each rib R curves outwardly, away from thenipple portion 35 and blends into thecylindrical surface 46 of thetubular base portion 40. At thisfirst end 62, each rib has a height H1 (FIG. 6) which, together with the thickness T2 of theshoulder 50, defines a substantial thickness T3 which is greater than the thickness T1 of thebase portion 40 and, thus, more resistant to deformation. At the opposite,second end 64 of each rib R, thetop land surface 62 curves inwardly toward thenipple portion 35 and blends smoothly into theend wall 36. This, then, ensures that theend wall 36 comprises a smooth and uninterrupted portion for mating in a fluid-tight manner with theseat 15 of thevalve body 11. As is apparent in FIG. 1, it has been found most preferable that, when theseat cup 34 is operatively placed in the chamber C with theend wall 36 engaged with theseat 15, thetop land surfaces 62 of the ribs R lie adjacent the frusto-conical region 16 defining the chamber C to ensure proper alignment of theseat cup 34 in the chamber. - With reference again to FIGS.3-6, the ribs R are separated from each other by circumferentially extending bottom land or
valley regions 70 which are preferably arcuate and transition smoothly into the ribs R. Thebottom land regions 70 between successive ribs R extend from afirst end 72 which connects to and blends smoothly into theshoulder fillet region 52. At an oppositeaxial end 74, eachbottom land region 70 connects with theend wall 36, without interrupting a portion thereof which is adapted to mate with thevalve seat 15. Also, each rib R defines a uniform circumferential width or thickness along its axial length. - Operation of the
springless seat cup 34 will now be explained with particular reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. In an operative position, theseat cup 34 is received in the chamber C as described above. FIG. 1 illustrates theseat cup 34 in its first or normally closed position wherein theend wall 36 of thenipple portion 35 is sealingly engaged with thevalve seat 15. In this first position, thebonnet member 21 exerts a preloading force on theseat cup 34 toward thevalve seat 15 as controlled by the threadedconnection 19 between thebonnet 21 and thebody 11. The preloading force is transmitted to theend wall 36 primarily through the biasing ribs R. This preloading ensures a fluid-tight seal between thewall 36 of theseat cup 34 andvalve seat 15 when the seat cup is in this first, normally closed position. - With reference now also to FIG. 2, manual rotation of the
handle 24 about the pin 25 (in either direction) causes thecam surface 26 thereof to bear against thebonnet member 21 and, consequently, results in thestem 23 being pulled away from theseat 15. Due to the interconnection of thestem 23 and theseat cup 34 in thebore 37 andenlarged portion 38 thereof, thestem 23 exerts a pulling force on thenipple portion 25 of theseat cup 34 in a direction away from theseat 15. Thetubular base portion 40 of theseat cup 34 is restrained from movement away from theseat 15 due to the abutment between itsupper edge 42 and the bonnetinner surface 44. Also, the wall thickness T1 of thetubular base portion 40 is sufficient so that it resists deformation. The closely surroundingcylindrical portion 18 of thevalve body 11 also supports thetubular base portion 40 of theseat cup 34 and prevents lateral movement thereof. - On the other hand, the relatively reduced wall thickness T2 of the
shoulder region 50 promotes flexure of theseat cup 34 in that region so that thenipple portion 35 retracts away from theseat 15 and telescopes partially into thetubular base portion 40 so that theend wall 36 is moved to a second position closer to thebase portion 40. Retraction of thenipple portion 35 relative to thetubular portion 40 in this manner also results in deformation of the ribs R at their first ends 60. However, the thickness T3 of the walls of theseat cup 34 at thefirst end 62 of each rib R provides a biasing force which resists this retraction of thenipple portion 35 relative to thevalve seat 15. Accordingly, upon a user of thevalve 10 releasing thehandle 24, the ribs R bias thenipple portion 35 away from thetubular base portion 40 toward and into fluid-tight engagement with thevalve seat 15 without aid of a coil spring or other like separate biasing device. - FIGS.7-10 illustrate an alternative
springless seat cup 134 in accordance with the present invention. Except as shown in FIGS. 7-10 and/or as described herein, theseat cup 134 is otherwise the same as theseat cup 34. Consequently, in FIGS. 7-10, like portions of theseat cup 134 relative to theseat cup 34 are identified with like reference numerals which are 100 greater than the reference numerals used in FIGS. 1-6. New portions of theseat cup 134 are identified with new reference numerals and letters. - The
nipple portion 135 of theseat cup 134 is joined to thetubular base portion 140 by way of atransverse shoulder 150. Like theseat cup 34, theshoulder 150 comprises anarcuate fillet region 152 which smoothly transitions and blends thenipple portion 135 into theshoulder 150. The shoulder portion has a wall thickness T4 which is greater than the thickness T2 used in theseat cup 34, but still less than the wall thickness T1 of thetubular base portion 140 to promote flexure of theshoulder 150. - The
seat cup 134 also comprises a plurality of biasing ribs R′ which are similar to the ribs R in that they extend continuously between and connect theshoulder 150 and theend wall 136. However, as is evident from FIG. 8, the ribs R′ have a T-shaped cross-section owing to the fact that they have a smaller circumferential width adjacent thenipple portion 135 and a larger circumferential width at thetop land surface 200 spaced radially from thenipple portion 135, i.e., thetop land surface 200 of each rib R′ is wider relative to abase portion 202 of each rib. At afirst end 204 of each rib R′, thetop land surface 200 intersects theshoulder 150 at an angle which is preferably approximately 900. At an opposite,second end 208 of each of the biasing ribs R′, thetop land surface 200 curves inwardly toward thenipple portion 135 and blends smoothly into theend wall 136 so as not to interrupt that portion of thewall 136 which is adapted to mate with theseat 15 of an associatedvalve body 11. - As is most readily apparent in FIGS. 8 and 9, the valleys or
bottom land regions 210 interconnecting or defined between adjacent ribs R′ are provided by thenipple portion 135, itself, i.e., thebase portion 202 of each T-shaped rib R′ is connected to thenipple portion 135 and projects radially outward therefrom. - The
springless seat cup 134 functions in the same manner as thespringless seat cup 34 in that the ribs R′ bias theend wall 136 into engagement with theseat 15 for purposes of blocking fluid flow from theinlet 13 to theoutlet 12 of an associatedvalve body 11. Furthermore, the reduced wall thickness T4 in theshoulder region 150 relative to the wall thickness T1 of thetubular base portion 140 promotes flexure in the shoulder region. Accordingly, theseat cup 134 is selectively movable away from theseat 15 by rotational movement of thehandle 24 of an associatedvalve body 11, but returns to its normally closed position in engagement with theseat 15, upon thehandle 24 being released due to the biasing force of the ribs R′. - FIGS.11-13 illustrate still another alternative
springless seat cup 234 in accordance with the present invention. Except as shown in FIGS. 11-13 and/or as described herein, theseat cup 234 is otherwise the same as theseat cup 34. Consequently, in FIGS. 11-13, like portions of theseat cup 234 relative to theseat cup 34 are identified with like reference numerals which are 200 greater than the reference numerals used in FIGS. 1-6. New portions of theseat cup 234 are identified with new reference numerals and letters. - The
nipple portion 235 of theseat cup 234 defines a circular cross-section with a cylindrical outer surface. Thebase portion 240 is preferably cylindrical or, as shown, slightly tapered toward thenipple portion 235. Thenipple portion 235 is joined to thebase portion 240 by way of atransverse shoulder 250. Like theseat cup 34, theshoulder 250 comprises anarcuate region 252 which smoothly transitions and blends thenipple portion 235 into theshoulder 250. Theshoulder portion 250 has a wall thickness T6 less than the wall thickness T7 of thebase portion 240 to promote flexure of theshoulder 250. - The
seat cup 234 also comprises a plurality of biasing ribs R″ that extend between and connect theshoulder 250 and thenipple portion 235. However, as is evident from FIGS. 11 and 12, the ribs R″ have a non-uniform cross-section along their axial length. Specifically, adjacent theshoulder 250, the ribs R″ define a first portion R1″ that has a larger circumferential width than a second rib portion R2″ that is separated from the shoulder by the first portion R1″. The first portion R1″ tapers moving toward theend wall 236 and blends into the second rib portion R2″. The second portion R2″, itself, preferably defines a uniform width along its length. Each rib R″ terminates approximately halfway between theshoulder 250 and theend wall 236, and the portion of thenipple 235 axially between the ribs R″ and theend wall 236 is preferable smooth and purely cylindrical. - Here, again, the
springless seat cup 234 functions in the same manner as thespringless seat cup 34 in that the ribs R″ bias theend wall 236 into engagement with theseat 15 for purposes of blocking fluid flow from theinlet 13 to theoutlet 12 of an associated valve body I1. Furthermore, the reduced wall thickness T6 in theshoulder region 250 relative to the wall thickness T7 of thebase portion 240 promotes flexure in the shoulder region. Accordingly, theseat cup 234 is selectively movable away from theseat 15 by rotational movement of thehandle 24 of an associated valve body II, but returns to its normally closed position in engagement with theseat 15, upon thehandle 24 being released due to the biasing force of the ribs R″. - The invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments. Modifications and alterations may occur to others upon reading the preceding specification. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they are encompassed by the appended claims as construed literally and/or according to the doctrine of equivalents.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/781,760 US6454243B2 (en) | 2000-02-14 | 2001-02-12 | Springless seat cup |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US18235900P | 2000-02-14 | 2000-02-14 | |
US09/781,760 US6454243B2 (en) | 2000-02-14 | 2001-02-12 | Springless seat cup |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20010032954A1 true US20010032954A1 (en) | 2001-10-25 |
US6454243B2 US6454243B2 (en) | 2002-09-24 |
Family
ID=22668112
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/781,760 Expired - Fee Related US6454243B2 (en) | 2000-02-14 | 2001-02-12 | Springless seat cup |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US6454243B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2335733A1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
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US7000468B2 (en) | 2003-04-04 | 2006-02-21 | Bunn-O-Matic Corporation | Electronic level gauge |
WO2006072468A1 (en) * | 2005-01-03 | 2006-07-13 | Mark Indigne | Stopcock closure plug |
US20090021787A1 (en) * | 2007-07-17 | 2009-01-22 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Medium processing apparatus and controlling method of the same |
US20130334262A1 (en) * | 2012-06-18 | 2013-12-19 | Bunn-O-Matic Corporation | Accessible faucet handle |
US20150008354A1 (en) * | 2013-07-05 | 2015-01-08 | Schuf Armaturen Und Apparatebau Gmbh | Control Cone for Control Valves, in Particular Angle Control Valves, for Critical Operating States |
US11198603B1 (en) * | 2020-08-07 | 2021-12-14 | Suzhou Oasis Electronic Co., Ltd. | Push type anti-scalding water dispenser |
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US20040251444A1 (en) * | 2003-06-10 | 2004-12-16 | Levey Kenneth R. | Valve |
GB2414016B (en) * | 2004-03-26 | 2007-04-11 | Diageo Ireland | A valve assembly for a beverage dispenser |
CA2673874C (en) | 2007-01-16 | 2015-04-21 | The Meyer Company | Faucet valve with safety handle |
US8485221B2 (en) * | 2007-09-19 | 2013-07-16 | Zurn Industries, Llc | Flush valve handle and check valve assembly |
JP2015057563A (en) * | 2013-08-12 | 2015-03-26 | 株式会社テクノ高槻 | Valve structure |
RU2681871C1 (en) * | 2018-04-02 | 2019-03-13 | Федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего образования "Ярославский государственный технический университет" ФГБОУВО "ЯГТУ" | Control valve |
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Cited By (12)
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US7000468B2 (en) | 2003-04-04 | 2006-02-21 | Bunn-O-Matic Corporation | Electronic level gauge |
WO2006072468A1 (en) * | 2005-01-03 | 2006-07-13 | Mark Indigne | Stopcock closure plug |
US20080121297A1 (en) * | 2005-01-03 | 2008-05-29 | Mark Indigne | Stopcock Closure Plug |
AU2005324056B2 (en) * | 2005-01-03 | 2011-08-11 | Mark Indigne | Stopcock closure plug |
KR101098111B1 (en) | 2005-01-03 | 2011-12-26 | 마크 인디그네 | Stopcock closure plug |
US20090021787A1 (en) * | 2007-07-17 | 2009-01-22 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Medium processing apparatus and controlling method of the same |
US8634097B2 (en) | 2007-07-17 | 2014-01-21 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Medium processing apparatus and controlling method of the same |
US20130334262A1 (en) * | 2012-06-18 | 2013-12-19 | Bunn-O-Matic Corporation | Accessible faucet handle |
US9624086B2 (en) * | 2012-06-18 | 2017-04-18 | Bunn-O-Matic Corporation | Accessible faucet handle |
US20150008354A1 (en) * | 2013-07-05 | 2015-01-08 | Schuf Armaturen Und Apparatebau Gmbh | Control Cone for Control Valves, in Particular Angle Control Valves, for Critical Operating States |
US9541201B2 (en) * | 2013-07-05 | 2017-01-10 | Schuf Armaturen Und Apparatebau Gmbh | Control cone for control valves, in particular angle control valves, for critical operating states |
US11198603B1 (en) * | 2020-08-07 | 2021-12-14 | Suzhou Oasis Electronic Co., Ltd. | Push type anti-scalding water dispenser |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US6454243B2 (en) | 2002-09-24 |
CA2335733A1 (en) | 2001-08-14 |
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