Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
239 words
A rotary valve comprising, in combination, a. a generally annular valve body defining a fluid flow passage, b. a fluid flow control element rotatably supported in the flow passage for controlling the flow of fluids through the valve, c. an annular yieldable, pressure-responsive valve seat positioned in the flow passage for cooperation with the flow control element to establish a fluid flow barrier through said passage, d. a temperature-responsive valve seat energizer ring positioned in the flow passage for imposing a force on the valve seat to cause said seat to establish a fluid-tight seal with the flow control element and the valve body, said energizer ring having an annular frusto-conical surface, and e. means for retaining the energizer ring in position against the valve seat, said retaining means including a frusto-conical surface complementary to and in contact with the energizer ring frusto-conical surface, said energizer ring having a coefficient of contraction greater than the coefficient of contraction of said valve body and energizer ring retaining means, whereby when the valve is subjected to a reduction in temperature the energizer ring contracts more than the valve body and retaining means and the aforesaid frusto-conical surfaces cooperate to cause radial and axial movement of the energizer ring with respect to the valve body and retaining means to exert a seal-effecting force both radially and axially on the valve seat, thereby to maintain the established fluid flow barrier through said passage.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
239 words
A rotary valve comprising, in combination, a. a generally annular valve body defining a fluid flow passage, b. a fluid flow control element rotatably supported in the flow passage for controlling the flow of fluids through the valve, c. an annular yieldable, pressure-responsive valve seat positioned in the flow passage for cooperation with the flow control element to establish a fluid flow barrier through said passage, d. a temperature-responsive valve seat energizer ring positioned in the flow passage for imposing a force on the valve seat to cause said seat to establish a fluid-tight seal with the flow control element and the valve body, said energizer ring having an annular frusto-conical surface, and e. means for retaining the energizer ring in position against the valve seat, said retaining means including a frusto-conical surface complementary to and in contact with the energizer ring frusto-conical surface, said energizer ring having a coefficient of contraction greater than the coefficient of contraction of said valve body and energizer ring retaining means, whereby when the valve is subjected to a reduction in temperature the energizer ring contracts more than the valve body and retaining means and the aforesaid frusto-conical surfaces cooperate to cause radial and axial movement of the energizer ring with respect to the valve body and retaining means to exert a seal-effecting force both radially and axially on the valve seat, thereby to maintain the established fluid flow barrier through said passage.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
53 words
A rotary valve according to claim 1 wherein the valve seat comprises a leg portion extending generally radially outwardly from the flow passage, and at least one pressure-responsive sealing lip extending in a generally axial direction from the leg portion along the flow control element when said element is in its closed position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
A rotary valve according to claim 1 wherein the valve seat comprises two pressure-responsive annular sealing lips extending in opposite directions from the leg portion of said valve seat.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
A rotary valve according to claim 1 wherein the energizer ring remains dimensionally stable when exposed to temperatures well above ambient.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
83 words
A rotary valve according to claim 1 wherein the valve seat includes a concave surface that diverges radially outwardly away from the adjacent surface of the flow control element when the valve is closed, whereby sealing contact between the flow control element and the valve seat as the valve is closed begins with annular thin-line contact and subsequently varies progressively in response to increased fluid pressure, thereby causing the area of said sealing contact to increase with an increase in said fluid pressure.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
44 words
A rotary valve according to claim 1 wherein the flow control element is rotatably mounted on an axis that is offset radially from the axis of the flow passage, and offset along said flow passage axis from a plane through said flow control element.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
37 words
A rotary valve according to claim 1 wherein the energizer ring cooperates with the retainer means to vary the magnitude of sealing contact of the valve seat with the flow control element in response to temperature cycling.