Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
159 words
In a valve having a sleeve with axially spaced inlet and outlet ports, a valve member movable within said sleeve to control flow from said inlet to said outlet port, seal means at said inlet port positioned by said sleeve and extending through said inlet port into sealing contact with said valve member, said valve member having a first portion adjacent said inlet port to control flow therethrough and a second portion adjacent said outlet port to control flow therethrough, said second portion comprising a cylindrical area substantially the same in diameter as the interior area of the sleeve through which it moves, said first and second portions being axially spaced apart a distance such that movement of said valve member toward a closing position causes said second portion to close said outlet port before said first portion closes said inlet portion thereby reducing pressure on said seal means at closure of said inlet port by said first portion.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
159 words
In a valve having a sleeve with axially spaced inlet and outlet ports, a valve member movable within said sleeve to control flow from said inlet to said outlet port, seal means at said inlet port positioned by said sleeve and extending through said inlet port into sealing contact with said valve member, said valve member having a first portion adjacent said inlet port to control flow therethrough and a second portion adjacent said outlet port to control flow therethrough, said second portion comprising a cylindrical area substantially the same in diameter as the interior area of the sleeve through which it moves, said first and second portions being axially spaced apart a distance such that movement of said valve member toward a closing position causes said second portion to close said outlet port before said first portion closes said inlet portion thereby reducing pressure on said seal means at closure of said inlet port by said first portion.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
52 words
The valve of claim 1 further characterized in that there are a plurality of inlet ports and a plurality of outlet ports in said sleeve, said valve member being both reciprocally and rotatably movable relative to said sleeve to control the flow of fluid from said inlet ports to said outlet ports.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
46 words
The valve of claim 2 further characterized in that said valve member first portion includes a cylindrical area substantially the same in diameter as the interior of said sleeve, with said seal means being in contact with said cylindrical area when said mixing valve is closed.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
61 words
The valve of claim 3 further characterized in that said first portion cylindrical area includes a notch selectively movable into register with said sleeve inlet ports to control the flow of fluid therethrough, that portion of said cylindrical area adjacent said notch having a peripheral area formed and adapted to prevent any tendency to nip said seal member in contact therewith.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
The valve of claim 4 further characterized in that said peripheral areas have a smooth contour.