Patent ID: 6907897
Filing Date: 2005-06-21
Classification: F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A diaphragm valve comprising: a valve body defining a valve passage having an inlet and an outlet; a diaphragm having first and second sides and positioned such that the first side is proximal to the valve passage; an actuator for applying an actuation force to the diaphragm, the diaphragm operable in response to the applied actuation force to transition between a closed position blocking the valve passage and an open position wherein the valve passage is at least partially open; and a heating body thermally contacting the valve body and extending proximal to the second side of the diaphragm, thereby forming a thermally conductive pathway from the valve body toward the diaphragm that facilitates maintaining an operating temperature at the diaphragm, the heating body being interposed between the diaphragm and the actuator and including a central opening in alignment with the diaphragm and the actuator; and a plunger extending through the central opening and operably coupling the actuator to the diaphragm.