Patent ID: 8668183
Filing Date: 2014-03-11
Classification: F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A valve assembly comprising: (a) a main valve body comprising an outer valve body and an inner valve body and having a longitudinal bore, wherein: (b) a piston longitudinally movable within the bore of the main valve body and having an inner end and an outer end, said piston defining: (c) a first magnet incorporated into the inner end of the piston; and (d) a second magnet retained by a magnet holder incorporated into the inner valve body, with the first and second magnets being oriented to produce an attractive magnetic force between the first and second magnets, and with said magnet holder being configured to define at least one longitudinal fluid flow path; such that: (e) the attractive force between the first and second magnets biases the piston toward a closed position with the inner end of the piston in sealing engagement with the inner valve seat, such that fluid flow through the valve assembly is prevented; and (f) a vacuum of sufficient strength applied to the outer end of the valve body will urge the piston out of sealing engagement with the inner valve seat, toward an open position in which fluid can flow outward through the valve via the longitudinal flow paths of the piston and the magnet holder, with the attractive force between the first and second magnets retaining a residual value effective to bias the piston toward the closed position when the vacuum strength drops.