Patent ID: 6234198
Filing Date: 2001-05-22
Classification: F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
A combined vacuum relief and pressure containing valve assembly for relieving vacuum developing within an associated vessel and for containing elevated pressures developing within the vessel, comprising:a housing having an internal passage divided into a first passageway and a second passageway which communicates with said first passageway, and a valve seat demarcating said first passageway and said second passageway;a spherical valve disposed to occupy said first passageway, wherein said valve is entrapped within said housing, and wherein said valve seat is dimensioned and configured to constrain said valve from entering said second passageway and to close communication between said first passageway and said second passageway when said valve seats against said valve seat,wherein said second passageway communicates to said valve from below said valve and also to ambient atmosphere, and said first passageway is disposed to communicate with said valve from above said valve and to extend and terminate below said valve when said valve assembly is in a position wherein said valve is located above said valve seat, whereinsaid housing is formed in two mating parts including a base containing said valve seat and a cap incorporating a cage constraining said valve to move only vertically relative to said valve seat when said valve assembly is vertically oriented,said second passageway is formed in said base, andsaid first passageway passes through both said base and said cap.