Patent ID: 7080820
Filing Date: 2006-07-25
Classification: F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A valve having reduced seal wear and reduced friction comprising: a valve body having an inlet and an outlet forming a passage in the valve body; a valve stem extending into the valve body; a disc rotatable by the valve stem to open and close the passage, the disc having a perimeter; a valve seal having an elliptical first shape with a major axis greater than a minor axis, the valve seal deforming through contact with the disc as the disc rotates to a closed position to a second shape different from the first shape in which the valve seal substantially contacts the disc perimeter, thereby to substantially close the passage, wherein the valve seal is formed of a resilient material that substantially returns to the first shape when the disc subsequently moves back toward an open position; and a valve seal retainer to secure the valve seal in the first elliptical shape.