Patent ID: 7503344
Filing Date: 2009-03-17
Classification: F15B,F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A metering valve assembly of the type that selectively directs hydraulic fluid under high pressure to a load, the valve assembly comprising: a valve block defining a first port that receives hydraulic fluid from a source, and a second port that directs hydraulic fluid to the load; a rotatable valve member having an axially facing surface in which first and second apertures are formed that are in fluid communication with each other, and that can be placed in selective communication with the first and second ports, respectively, to direct hydraulic fluid from the source the load; at least one metering sealing assembly that provides an interface between the valve block and the axially facing surface of the valve member, wherein the metering sealing assembly includes a gasket defining a flow path therethrough, wherein the gasket surrounds one of the first and second ports and defines a flange that abuts the axially facing surface of the valve member and that is sized to completely overlap and seal the corresponding aperture in at least one position of the valve member, and to provide continuously increasing communication between the flow path through the gasket and the corresponding aperture as the valve member is rotated toward a position in which maximum communication is provided between the flow path and the aperture; a second metering sealing assembly that provides an interface between the valve block and the axially facing surface of the valve member, wherein the second metering sealing assembly includes a tubular gasket that surrounds the other of the first and second ports and defines a flange that is sized to completely overlap and seal the corresponding aperture in at least one position of the valve member and to provide continuously increasing communication between the flow path through the gasket and the corresponding aperture as the valve member is rotated toward a position in which maximum communication is provided between the flow path and the aperture; and a drain extending through the valve block connected to a fluid reservoir, wherein the drain can be selectively aligned with one of the apertures.