Patent ID: 6622983
Filing Date: 2003-09-23
Classification: B24C,F16K

Abstract:
A valve for controlling a flow of particles from a pressurized source to a machine comprising:a) a valve body defining a particle chamber and featuring an inlet port and an exit orifice in communication with the particle chamber, said inlet port in communication with the pressurized source of particles and said exit orifice in communication with the machine; b) a seat positioned around said exit orifice; c) a shaft featuring a nose piece and positioned within said particle chamber, said shaft movable between a closed position where said nose piece engages said seat so that said exit orifice is closed to prevent the flow of particles to the machine and an open position where said nose piece is removed from said seat to permit the flow of particles to the machine; d) an actuating mechanism attached to the shaft for moving the shaft between the closed and open positions; and e) a flexible barrier surrounding and engaging said shaft and separating said particle chamber from said actuating mechanism.