Patent ID: 7475863
Filing Date: 2009-01-13
Classification: F16K

Abstract:
1. A valve assembly comprising: a housing defining a main fluid passage having an inlet and an outlet; a valve seat disposed along the main fluid passage within the housing between the inlet and outlet passages; a diaphragm having a main portion for engaging the valve seat, an outer portion for mounting the diaphragm on the housing, and a webbing portion intermediate the main portion and the outer portion, the webbing portion flexing as the diaphragm moves, wherein the diaphragm is disposed at least primarily upstream of the valve seat and movable between a closed position where the main portion engages the valve seat to close flow through the main fluid passage and an open position where the main portion is spaced from the valve seat to permit flow through the main passage; and a piston movable relative to the housing, the main portion of the diaphragm, and the webbing, and capable of selectively limiting the travel of the diaphragm, wherein the piston includes an enlarged portion for engaging, and providing support for, at least a part of the webbing portion to limit movement of the webbing portion.