Patent ID: 6227229
Filing Date: 2001-05-08
Classification: F15C,F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
Apparatus for controlling flow of a fluid including:a body portion having one or more inlets and first and second opposing outlets, the first outlet having a relatively rigid valve seat defining a first valve outlet port, and the second outlet having a flexible valve seat defining a second valve outlet port;a valve support assembly including a stem and configured for movement relative to the first and second outlets, said valve support assembly including a flexible valve member mounted to said stem portion, said flexible valve member having sufficient size to block flow through the first valve outlet port when in contact with the rigid valve seat;said stem positioned relative to the body portion so that the flexible valve member is positioned inside the body portion upstream of the first valve outlet port;an enlarged portion of said stem being located downstream of the second valve outlet port and being larger than the second valve outlet port to block flow when in contact with said flexible valve seat;such that when the valve support assembly is in a first open position, both the flexible valve member and the enlarged portion are spaced from the first valve outlet port and the second valve outlet port, respectively, allowing fluid introduced into the body to exit the body through the first and second outlet ports; andwhen the valve support assembly is in a second closed position, both the flexible valve member and the enlarged portion are in sealing contact with the flexible valve seat and the rigid seat, respectively, shutting off the flow of fluid through the valve body.