Aseptic valve construction

Claim 2

In an aseptic valve construction, a valve body having an inlet flow passage and at least one outlet flow passage, said valve body having a valve seat surrounding the inlet flow passage, said valve body having an opening therein in alignment with the inlet passage and with said at least one outlet passage, said valve body having a shoulder providing an annular shoulder seat surrounding said opening, said shoulder seat having an annular raised lip portion at its innermost extremity and a straight portion extending away from the raised lip portion, an actuator sleeve adapted to be secured to said valve body, a shaft, means mounting said shaft in said sleeve to permit axial movement of said shaft in said sleeve, a diaphragm, means removably securing said diaphragm to said shaft, said diaphragm having a first sealing portion movable into engagement with the valve seat surrounding the inlet passage, diaphragm actuator means engaging said shaft for causing axial movement of said shaft for moving said diaphragm between open and closed positions with respect to said valve seat whereby in a closed position said diaphragm interrupts the flow of a liquid from the inlet passage through the outlet passage and in an opening position permits the flow of liquid from the inlet passage to the outlet passage and means for preventing rotation of said diaphragm as said shaft is actuated to cause movement of said diaphragm between open and closed positions, said diaphragm having a second sealing portion engaging the shoulder seat which is retained in engagement with the shoulder seat during movement of the diaphragm between open and closed positions.

Claim 3

A valve construction as in claim 1 wherein said diaphragm has an annular planar portion which lies in a plane which is substantially flush with the outlet passage so that the valve construction will drain completely when the diaphragm is moved to an open position.

Claim 4

A valve construction as in claim 1 together with a shoulder support member mounted within the diaphragm and serving to move the diaphragm into engagement with the shoulder seat.

Claim 5

A valve construction as in claim 3 together with a bleed hole extending through said shoulder support member and extending to ambient.

Claim 6

A valve construction as in claim 1 together with a position indicator means mounted on the shaft for visually indicating whether said diaphragm is in an open or closed position with respect to the valve seat.

Claim 7

A valve construction as in claim 1 wherein said actuator means includes a nut threaded on said shaft and means for retaining said nut in said actuator sleeve whereby upon the rotation of said nut said shaft is moved axially.

Claim 8

A valve construction as in claim 6 wherein said actuator means includes a knob secured to said nut for rotating said nut.

Claim 9

A valve construction as in claim 1 together with means connected to said body for establishing communication with the inlet passage.

Claim 10

A valve construction as in claim 8 wherein said means connected to said valve body for establishing communication with said inlet passage includes a pipe section extending along an axis which is perpendicular to the axis of the outlet passage.

Claim 11

A valve construction as in claim 9 wherein said pipe section is formed integral with said valve body to provide an inlet flow passage which is relatively short in length.

Claim 12

A valve construction as in claim 9 wherein said body is provided with a cleaning port communication with the outlet passage.

Claim 13

A valve construction as in claim 1 wherein said diaphragm has an annular convoluted portion which is normally bowed outwardly and which when the diaphragm is moved from a closed position to an open position, the convoluted portion will be bowed outwardly to a greater extent.

Claim 14

A valve construction as in claim 12 wherein the convoluted portion is provided with a smooth convex outer surface.

Claim 15

A valve construction as in claim 13 wherein the convoluted portion is provided with a vee-shaped circumferentially extending inner surface to provide a convoluted portion which is of non-uniform cross section.

Claim 16

In an aseptic valve construction, a valve body having an inlet flow passage and at least one outlet flow passage, said valve body having a valve seat surrounding the inlet flow passage, said valve body having an opening therein in alignment with the inlet passage and with said at least one outlet passage, said valve body having a shoulder providing an annular shoulder seat surrounding said opening, said shoulder seat having an annular raised lip portion at its innermost extremity and a straight portion extending away from the raised lip portion, an actuator sleeve adapted to be secured to said valve body, a shaft, means mounting said shaft in said sleeve to permit axial movement of said shaft in said sleeve, a diaphragm, means removably securing said diaphragm to said shaft, said diaphragm having a first sealing portion movable into engagement with the valve seat surrounding the inlet passage, diaphragm actuator means engaging said shaft for causing axial movement of said shaft for moving said diaphragm between open and closed positions with respect to said valve seat whereby in a closed position said diaphragm interrupts the flow of a liquid from the inlet passage through the outlet passage and in an opening position permits the flow of liquid from the inlet passage to the outlet passage and means for preventing rotation of said diaphragm as said shaft is actuated to cause movement of said diaphragm between open and closed positions, said diaphragm having a second sealing portion engaging the shoulder seat which is retained in engagement with the shoulder seat during movement of the diaphragm between open and closed positions being provided with a generally cylindrical bellows portion extending between the first and second sealing portions of the diaphragm, said means securing said diaphragm to said shaft including a metallic insert disposed within said first sealing portion of the diaphragm and having a cylindrical portion extending through the bellows portion and spaced form the bellows portion of the diaphragm, and shaft being removably mounted in said insert.

Claim 17

In an aseptic valve construction, a valve body having an inlet flow passage and at least one outlet flow passage, said valve body having a valve seat surrounding the inlet flow passage, said valve body having an opening therein in alignment with the inlet passage and with said at least one outlet passage, said valve body having a shoulder providing an annular shoulder seat surrounding said opening, said shoulder seat having an annular raised lip portion at its innermost extremity and a straight portion extending away from the raised lip portion, an actuator sleeve adapted to be secured to said valve body, a shaft, means mounting said shaft in said sleeve to permit axial movement of said shaft in said sleeve, a diaphragm, means removably securing said diaphragm to said shaft, said diaphragm having a first sealing portion movable into engagement with the valve seat surrounding the inlet passage, diaphragm actuator means engaging said shaft for causing axial movement of said shaft for moving said diaphragm between open and closed positions with respect to said valve seat whereby in a closed position said diaphragm interrupts the flow of a liquid from the inlet passage through the outlet passage and in an opening position permits the flow of liquid from the inlet passage to the outlet passage and means for preventing rotation of said diaphragm as said shaft is actuated to cause movement of said diaphragm between open and closed positions, said diaphragm having a second sealing portion engaging the shoulder seat which is retained in engagement with the shoulder seat during movement of the diaphragm between open and closed positions being provided with a generally cylindrical bellows portion extending between the first and second sealing portions of the diaphragm, said means securing said diaphragm to said shaft including a metallic insert disposed within said first sealing portion of the diaphragm and having a cylindrical portion extending through the bellows portion and spaced form the bellows portion of the diaphragm, and shaft being removably mounted in said insert.

Claim 18

In an aseptic valve construction, a valve body having an inlet flow passage and at least one outlet flow passage, said valve body having a valve seat surrounding the inlet flow passage, said valve body having an opening therein in alignment with the inlet passage and with said at least one outlet passage, said valve body having a shoulder providing an annular shoulder seat surrounding said opening, said shoulder seat having an annular raised lip portion at its innermost extremity and a straight portion extending away from the raised lip portion, an actuator sleeve adapted to be secured to said valve body, a shaft, means mounting said shaft in said sleeve to permit axial movement of said shaft in said sleeve, a diaphragm, means removably securing said diaphragm to said shaft, said diaphragm having a first sealing portion movable into engagement with the valve seat surrounding the inlet passage, diaphragm actuator means engaging said shaft for causing axial movement of said shaft for moving said diaphragm between open and closed positions with respect to said valve seat whereby in a closed position with diaphragm interrupts the flow of a liquid from the inlet passage through the outlet passage and in an opening position permits the flow of liquid from the inlet passage to the outlet passage and means for preventing rotation of said diaphragm as said shaft is actuated to cause movement of said diaphragm between open and closed positions, said diaphragm having a second sealing portion engaging the shoulder seat which is retained in engagement with the shoulder seat during movement of the diaphragm between open and closed positions said shoulder seat is provided with an annular raised lip portion being formed by an annular surface inclined inwardly and upwardly and an innermost portion inclined downwardly therefrom.

Claim 19

In an aseptic valve construction, a valve body having an inlet flow passage and at least one outlet flow passage, said valve body having a valve seat surrounding the inlet flow passage, said valve body having an opening therein in alignment with the inlet passage and with said at least one outlet passage, said valve body having a shoulder providing an annular shoulder seat surrounding said opening, said shoulder seat having an annular raised lip portion at its innermost extremity and a straight portion extending away from the raised lip portion, an actuator sleeve adapted to be secured to said valve body, a shaft, means mounting said shaft in said sleeve to permit axial movement of said shaft in said sleeve, a diaphragm, means removably securing said diaphragm to said shaft, said diaphragm having a first sealing portion movable into engagement with the valve seat surrounding the inlet passage, diaphragm actuator means engaging said shaft for causing axial movement of said shaft for moving said diaphragm between open and closed positions with respect to said valve seat whereby in a closed position with diaphragm interrupts the flow of a liquid from the inlet passage through the outlet passage and in an opening position permits the flow of liquid from the inlet passage to the outlet passage and means for preventing rotation of said diaphragm as said shaft is actuated to cause movement of said diaphragm between open and closed positions, said diaphragm having a second sealing portion engaging the shoulder seat which is retained in engagement with the shoulder seat during movement of the diaphragm between open and closed positions said shoulder seat is provided with an annular raised lip portion being formed by an annular surface inclined inwardly and upwardly and an innermost portion inclined downwardly therefrom.

Claim 20

In an aseptic valve construction, a valve body having an inlet flow passage and at least one outlet flow passage, said valve body having a valve seat surrounding the inlet flow passage, said valve body having an opening therein in alignment with the inlet passage and with said at least one outlet passage, said valve body having a shoulder providing an annular shoulder seat surrounding said opening, said shoulder seat having an annular raised lip portion at its innermost extremity and a straight portion extending away from the raised lip portion, an actuator sleeve adapted to be secured to said valve body, a shaft, means mounting said shaft in said sleeve to permit axial movement of said shaft in said sleeve, a diaphragm, means removably securing said diaphragm to said shaft, said diaphragm having a first sealing portion movable into engagement with the valve seat surrounding the inlet passage, diaphragm actuator means engaging said shaft for causing axial movement of said shaft for moving said diaphragm between open and closed positions with respect to said valve seat whereby in a closed position said diaphragm interrupts the flow of a liquid from the inlet passage through the outlet passage and in an opening position permits the flow of liquid from the inlet passage to the outlet passage and means for preventing rotation of said diaphragm as said shaft is actuated to cause movement of said diaphragm between open and closed positions, said diaphragm having a second sealing portion engaging the shoulder seat which is retained in engagement with the shoulder seat during movement of the diaphragm between open and closed positions a key sleeve disposed within the actuator sleeve and cooperative key means extending between the key sleeve and the shaft for preventing rotational movement of the shaft with respect to the key sleeve but permitting axial movement of the shaft with respect to the key sleeve and pin means disposed in the key sleeve and the actuator sleeve for retaining the key sleeve in a fixed rotational position with respect to the actuator sleeve.

Claim 21

In an aseptic valve construction, a valve body having an inlet flow passage and at least one outlet flow passage, said valve body having a valve seat surrounding the inlet flow passage, said valve body having an opening therein in alignment with the inlet passage and with said at least one outlet passage, said valve body having a shoulder providing an annular shoulder seat surrounding said opening, said shoulder seat having an annular raised lip portion at its innermost extremity and a straight portion extending away from the raised lip portion, an actuator sleeve adapted to be secured to said valve body, a shaft, means mounting said shaft in said sleeve to permit axial movement of said shaft in said sleeve, a diaphragm, means removably securing said diaphragm to said shaft, said diaphragm having a first sealing portion movable into engagement with the valve seat surrounding the inlet passage, diaphragm actuator means engaging said shaft for causing axial movement of said shaft for moving said diaphragm between open and closed positions with respect to said valve seat whereby in a closed position said diaphragm interrupts the flow of a liquid from the inlet passage through the outlet passage and in an opening position permits the flow of liquid from the inlet passage to the outlet passage and means for preventing rotation of said diaphragm as said shaft is actuated to cause movement of said diaphragm between open and closed positions, said diaphragm having a second sealing portion engaging the shoulder seat which is retained in engagement with the shoulder seat during movement of the diaphragm between open and closed positions a key sleeve disposed within the actuator sleeve and cooperative key means extending between the key sleeve and the shaft for preventing rotational movement of the shaft with respect to the key sleeve but permitting axial movement of the shaft with respect to the key sleeve and pin means disposed in the key sleeve and the actuator sleeve for retaining the key sleeve in a fixed rotational position with respect to the actuator sleeve.

Claim 22

In an aeseptic valve construction, a valve body having an inlet flow passage and at least one outlet flow passage, said valve body having a valve seat surrounding the inlet flow passage, sad valve body having an opening therein in alignment with the inlet passage and with said at least one outlet passage, said valve body having a shoulder providing an annular shoulder seat surrounding said opening, said shoulder seat having an annular raised lip portion at its innermost extremity and a straight portion extending away from the raised lip portion, an actuator sleeve adapted to be secured to said valve body, a shaft, means mounting said shaft in said sleeve to permit axial movement of said shaft in said sleeve, a diaphragm, means removably securing said diaphragm to said shaft, said diaphragm having a first sealing portion movable into engagement with the valve seat surrounding the inlet passage, diaphragm actuator means engaging said shaft for causing axial movement of said shaft for moving said diaphragm between open and closed positions with respect to said valve seat whereby in a closed position said diaphragm interrupts the flow of a liquid from the inlet passage through the outlet passage and in an opening position permits the flow of liquid from the inlet passage to the outlet passage and means for preventing rotation of said diaphragm as said shaft is actuated to cause movement of said diaphragm between open and closed positions, said diaphragm having a second sealing portion engaging the shoulder seat which is retained in engagement with the shoulder seat during movement of the diaphragm between open and closed positions said nut being provided with a flange together with bearing means disposed within the actuator sleeve and engaging opposite sides of the flange and means disposed within the actuator sleeve for retaining said bearing means in engagement with opposite sides of the flange.

Claim 23

In an aeseptic valve construction, a valve body having an inlet flow passage and at least one outlet flow passage, said valve body having a valve seat surrounding the inlet flow passage, sad valve body having an opening therein in alignment with the inlet passage and with said at least one outlet passage, said valve body having a shoulder providing an annular shoulder seat surrounding said opening, said shoulder seat having an annular raised lip portion at its innermost extremity and a straight portion extending away from the raised lip portion, an actuator sleeve adapted to be secured to said valve body, a shaft, means mounting said shaft in said sleeve to permit axial movement of said shaft in said sleeve, a diaphragm, means removably securing said diaphragm to said shaft, said diaphragm having a first sealing portion movable into engagement with the valve seat surrounding the inlet passage, diaphragm actuator means engaging said shaft for causing axial movement of said shaft for moving said diaphragm between open and closed positions with respect to said valve seat whereby in a closed position said diaphragm interrupts the flow of a liquid from the inlet passage through the outlet passage and in an opening position permits the flow of liquid from the inlet passage to the outlet passage and means for preventing rotation of said diaphragm as said shaft is actuated to cause movement of said diaphragm between open and closed positions, said diaphragm having a second sealing portion engaging the shoulder seat which is retained in engagement with the shoulder seat during movement of the diaphragm between open and closed positions said nut being provided with a flange together with bearing means disposed within the actuator sleeve and engaging opposite sides of the flange and means disposed within the actuator sleeve for retaining said bearing means in engagement with opposite sides of the flange.

Claim 24

In an aseptic valve construction, a valve body having an inlet flow passage and at least one outlet flow passage, said valve body having a valve seat surrounding the inlet flow passage, said valve body having an opening therein in alignment with the inlet passage and with said at least one outlet passage, said valve body having a shoulder providing an annular shoulder seat surrounding said opening, said shoulder seat having an annular raised lip portion at its innermost extremity and a straight portion extending away from the raised lip portion, an actuator sleeve adapted to be secured to said valve body, a shaft, means mounting said shaft in said sleeve to permit axial movement of said shaft in said sleeve, a diaphragm, means removably securing said diaphragm to said shaft, said diaphragm having a first sealing portion movable into engagement with the valve seat surrounding the inlet passage, diaphragm actuator means engaging said shaft for causing axial movement of said shaft for moving said diaphragm between open and closed positions with respect to said valve seat whereby in a closed position said diaphragm interrupts the flow of a liquid from the inlet passage through the outlet passage and in an opening position permits the flow of liquid from the inlet passage to the outlet passage and means for preventing rotation of said diaphragm as said shaft is actuated to cause movement of said diaphragm between open and closed positions, said diaphragm having a second sealing portion engaging the shoulder seat which is retained in engagement with the shoulder seat during movement of the diaphragm between open and closed positions a wiper seal having a portion disposed within the knob and having a portion extending beyond the knob, said wiper seal engaging the exterior surface of the actuator sleeve and serving to inhibit the passage of liquid between the actuator sleeve and the knob.

Claim 25

In an aseptic valve construction, a valve body having an inlet flow passage and at least one outlet flow passage, said valve body having a valve seat surrounding the inlet flow passage, said valve body having an opening therein in alignment with the inlet passage and with said at least one outlet passage, said valve body having a shoulder providing an annular shoulder seat surrounding said opening, said shoulder seat having an annular raised lip portion at its innermost extremity and a straight portion extending away from the raised lip portion, an actuator sleeve adapted to be secured to said valve body, a shaft, means mounting said shaft in said sleeve to permit axial movement of said shaft in said sleeve, a diaphragm, means removably securing said diaphragm to said shaft, said diaphragm having a first sealing portion movable into engagement with the valve seat surrounding the inlet passage, diaphragm actuator means engaging said shaft for causing axial movement of said shaft for moving said diaphragm between open and closed positions with respect to said valve seat whereby in a closed position said diaphragm interrupts the flow of a liquid from the inlet passage through the outlet passage and in an opening position permits the flow of liquid from the inlet passage to the outlet passage and means for preventing rotation of said diaphragm as said shaft is actuated to cause movement of said diaphragm between open and closed positions, said diaphragm having a second sealing portion engaging the shoulder seat which is retained in engagement with the shoulder seat during movement of the diaphragm between open and closed positions a wiper seal having a portion disposed within the knob and having a portion extending beyond the knob, said wiper seal engaging the exterior surface of the actuator sleeve and serving to inhibit the passage of liquid between the actuator sleeve and the knob.

Claim 26

In an aseptic valve construction, a valve body having an inlet flow passage and at least one outlet flow passage, said valve body having a valve seat surrounding the inlet flow passage, said valve body having an opening therein in alignment with the inlet passage and with said at least one outlet passage, said valve body having a shoulder providing an annular shoulder seat surrounding said opening, sad shoulder seat having an annular raised lip portion at its innermost extremity and a straight portion extending away from the raised lip portion, an actuator sleeve adapted to be secured to said valve body, a shaft, means mounting said shaft in said sleeve to permit axial movement of said shaft in said sleeve, a diaphragm, means removably securing said diaphragm to said shaft, said diaphragm having a first sealing portion movable into engagement with the valve seat surrounding the inlet passage, diaphragm actuator means engaging said shaft for causing axial movement of said shaft for moving said diaphragm between open and closed positions with respect to said valve seat whereby in a closed position said diaphragm interrupts the flow of a liquid from the inlet passage through the outlet passage and in an opening position permits the flow of liquid from the inlet passage to the outlet passage and means for preventing rotation of said diaphragm as said shaft is actuated to cause movement of said diaphragm between open and closed positions, said diaphragm having a second sealing portion engaging the shoulder seat which is retained in engagement with the shoulder seat during movement of the diaphragm between open and closed positions first and second outlet passages in said valve body and in communication with said flow passage extending through said valve body, one of said outlet passages serving as a cleaning passage to permit cleaning of the valve construction during the time the diaphragm means is in a closed position with respect to said valve seat.

Claim 27

In an aseptic valve construction, a valve body having an inlet flow passage and at least one outlet flow passage, said valve body having a valve seat surrounding the inlet flow passage, said valve body having an opening therein in alignment with the inlet passage and with said at least one outlet passage, said valve body having a shoulder providing an annular shoulder seat surrounding said opening, sad shoulder seat having an annular raised lip portion at its innermost extremity and a straight portion extending away from the raised lip portion, an actuator sleeve adapted to be secured to said valve body, a shaft, means mounting said shaft in said sleeve to permit axial movement of said shaft in said sleeve, a diaphragm, means removably securing said diaphragm to said shaft, said diaphragm having a first sealing portion movable into engagement with the valve seat surrounding the inlet passage, diaphragm actuator means engaging said shaft for causing axial movement of said shaft for moving said diaphragm between open and closed positions with respect to said valve seat whereby in a closed position said diaphragm interrupts the flow of a liquid from the inlet passage through the outlet passage and in an opening position permits the flow of liquid from the inlet passage to the outlet passage and means for preventing rotation of said diaphragm as said shaft is actuated to cause movement of said diaphragm between open and closed positions, said diaphragm having a second sealing portion engaging the shoulder seat which is retained in engagement with the shoulder seat during movement of the diaphragm between open and closed positions first and second outlet passages in said valve body and in communication with said flow passage extending through said valve body, one of said outlet passages serving as a cleaning passage to permit cleaning of the valve construction during the time the diaphragm means is in a closed position with respect to said valve seat.

Claim 28

In an aseptic valve construction, a valve body having an inlet flow passage and at least one outlet flow passage, said valve body having a valve seat surrounding the inlet flow passage, said body having an opening therein in alignment with the inlet passage and in communication with the inlet passage and with said at least one outlet passage, said body having a shoulder providing a shoulder seat surrounding said opening, an actuator sleeve adapted to be secured to said valve body, a shaft, means mounting said shaft in said sleeve to permit axial movement of said shaft in said sleeve, a diaphragm removably secured to said shaft, said diaphragm having a portion movable into engagement with the valve seat surrounding the inlet passage, diaphragm actuator means engaging said shaft for causing axial movement of said shaft for moving said diaphragm between open and closed positions with respect to said valve seat whereby in a closed position said diaphragm interrupts the flow of a liquid from the inlet passage through the outlet passage and in an open position permits the flow of liquid from the inlet passage to the outlet passage and means for preventing rotation of said diaphragm as said shaft is actuated to cause movement of said diaphragm between open and closed positions, said diaphragm having a portion engaging the shoulder seat which is retained in engagement with the shoulder seat during movement of the diaphragm between open and closed positions, said diaphragm having an annular convoluted portion which is normally bowed outwardly and which when the diaphragm is moved from a closed position to an open position, the convoluted portion will be bowed outwardly to a greater extent, said convoluted portion being provided with a smooth convex outer surface, and a vee-shaped inner surface circumferentially extending said inner vee-shaped surface having straight sides.

Claim 29

In an aseptic valve construction, a valve body having an inlet flow passage and at least one outlet flow passage, said valve body having a valve seat surrounding the inlet flow passage, said body having an opening therein in alignment with the inlet passage and in communication with the inlet passage and with said at least one outlet passage, said body having a shoulder providing a shoulder seat surrounding said opening, an actuator sleeve adapted to be secured to said valve body, a shaft, means mounting said shaft in said sleeve to permit axial movement of said shaft in said sleeve, a diaphragm removably secured to said shaft, said diaphragm having a portion movable into engagement with the valve seat surrounding the inlet passage, diaphragm actuator means engaging said shaft for causing axial movement of said shaft for moving said diaphragm between open and closed positions with respect to said valve seat whereby in a closed position said diaphragm interrupts the flow of a liquid from the inlet passage through the outlet passage and in an open position permits the flow of liquid from the inlet passage to the outlet passage and means for preventing rotation of said diaphragm as said shaft is actuated to cause movement of said diaphragm between open and closed positions, said diaphragm having a portion engaging the shoulder seat which is retained in engagement with the shoulder seat during movement of the diaphragm between open and closed positions, said diaphragm having an annular convoluted portion which is normally bowed outwardly and which when the diaphragm is moved from a closed position to an open position, the convoluted portion will be bowed outwardly to a greater extent, said convoluted portion being provided with a smooth convex outer surface, and a vee-shaped inner surface circumferentially extending said inner vee-shaped surface having straight sides.

Claim 30

A valve construction as in claim 21 wherein said vee-shaped recess has an apex which is disposed equidistant between the ends of the convoluted portion.

Claim 31

In an aseptic valve construction, a valve body having an inlet flow passage and at least one outlet flow passage, said valve body having a valve seat surrounding the inlet flow passage, said valve body having an opening therein in alignment with the inlet passage and in communication with the inlet passage and with said at least one outlet passage, said body having a shoulder providing a shoulder seat surrounding said opening, a diaphragm having a surface adapted to be moved into engagement with said valve seat and having another surface in engagement with said shoulder seat, said diaphragm having an annular convoluted portion extending between the surface engaging said valve seat and the surface engaging said shoulder seat, said convoluted portion of said diaphragm having an annular outwardly bowed portion having a smooth convex outer surface and having a cross section which is non-uniform to provide a region of reduced cross section substantially equidistant from the ends of the convoluted portion to ensure that the convoluted portion will bow outwardly in a uniform manner when the surface of the diaphragm is moved away from the valve seat and serving to prevent the convoluted portion from snapping into one position or the other.

Claim 32

In an aseptic valve construction, a valve body having an inlet flow passage and at least one outlet flow passage, said valve body having a valve seat surrounding the inlet flow passage, said valve body having an opening therein in alignment with the inlet passage and in communication with the inlet passage and with said at least one outlet passage, said body having a shoulder providing a shoulder seat surrounding said opening, a diaphragm having a surface adapted to be moved into engagement with said valve seat and having another surface in engagement with said shoulder seat, said diaphragm having an annular convoluted portion extending between the surface engaging said valve seat and the surface engaging said shoulder seat, said convoluted portion of said diaphragm having an annular outwardly bowed portion having a smooth convex outer surface and having a cross section which is non-uniform to provide a region of reduced cross section substantially equidistant from the ends of the convoluted portion to ensure that the convoluted portion will bow outwardly in a uniform manner when the surface of the diaphragm is moved away from the valve seat and serving to prevent the convoluted portion from snapping into one position or the other.

Claim 33

In an aseptic valve construction, a valve body having an inlet flow passage and at least one outlet flow passage, said valve body having a valve seat surrounding the inlet flow passage, said valve body having an opening therein in alignment with the inlet passage and in communication with the inlet passage and with said at least one outlet passage, said body having a shoulder providing a shoulder seat surrounding said opening, a diaphragm having a surface adapted to be moved into engagement with said valve seat and having another surface in engagement with said shoulder seat, said diaphragm having an annular convoluted portion extending between the surface engaging said valve seat and the surface engaging said shoulder seat, said convoluted portion of said diaphragm having an annular outwardly bowed portion having a smooth convex outer surface and having a cross section which is non-uniform to ensure that the convoluted portion will bow outwardly in a uniform manner when the surface of the diaphragm is moved away from the valve seat and serving to prevent the convoluted portion from snapping into one position or the other, said convoluted portion of said diaphragm being provided with an inner surface which is substantially vee-shaped in cross section, the apex of the vee being substantially equidistant from opposite ends of the convoluted portion.

Claim 34

In an aseptic valve construction, a valve body having an inlet flow passage and at least one outlet flow passage, said valve body having a valve seat surrounding the inlet flow passage, said valve body having an opening therein in alignment with the inlet passage and in communication with the inlet passage and with said at least one outlet passage, said body having a shoulder providing a shoulder seat surrounding said opening, a diaphragm having a surface adapted to be moved into engagement with said valve seat and having another surface in engagement with said shoulder seat, said diaphragm having an annular convoluted portion extending between the surface engaging said valve seat and the surface engaging said shoulder seat, said convoluted portion of said diaphragm having an annular outwardly bowed portion having a smooth convex outer surface and having a cross section which is non-uniform to ensure that the convoluted portion will bow outwardly in a uniform manner when the surface of the diaphragm is moved away from the valve seat and serving to prevent the convoluted portion from snapping into one position or the other, said convoluted portion of said diaphragm being provided with an inner surface which is substantially vee-shaped in cross section, the apex of the vee being substantially equidistant from opposite ends of the convoluted portion.