Patent ID: 7021330
Filing Date: 2006-04-04
Classification: F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A diaphragm valve comprising: a valve body defining a valve passage having an inlet and an outlet; a valve seat surrounding one of the inlet and the outlet, the valve seat having an annular seating surface extending radially from said one of the inlet and the outlet, and adjacent the valve passage; a flexible diaphragm having first and second sides, the diaphragm positioned adjacent the valve passage opposite the valve seat with the first side facing toward the seating surface of the valve seat, the diaphragm operable in response to an applied actuation force to flex between an open position whereby the valve passage is at least partially open and a closed position whereby the first side of the diaphragm is pressed against the valve seat to thereby block the valve passage; an enclosed space adjacent the second side of the diaphragm; and a venting passage in communication with the enclosed space, the seating surface being sized and shaped to contact a substantial portion of the first side of the diaphragm when the diaphragm is flexed to the closed position, thereby facilitating heat transfer between the valve seat and the diaphragm and inhibiting condensation on the first side of the diaphragm.