Patent ID: 6976664
Filing Date: 2005-12-20
Classification: F16K

Abstract:
1. A single-piece construction valve comprising: a casing having an obstruction free straight-through bore flow axis and lock-in grooves; a removable, cylindrical flexible element for communicating fluid through said valve that fits into said casing, and has fixed tolerance-fitted rigid backup cups on each end of said element, wherein the length of said element is greater than the valve casing length, said element is compressed into said valve thereby removing tension from said element, and said element has a protruding lip that fits into and is removable from said lock-in grooves; and a manual or pneumatic actuator, whereby said actuator does not require fluid, wherein a piston operates a compressor bar in said actuator, and wherein the actuator possesses a mechanical stop to prevent over-compression of the flexible element when the actuator is fully engaged.