Patent ID: 6138990
Filing Date: 2000-10-31
Classification: F16K,G05D

Abstract:
In a fluid valve assembly, the combination comprising:a valve body having a cavity and fluid inlet and outlet passages communicating with the cavity, the cavity determined by a circumferential side wall and a bottom wall, the side wall having a circumferential lip disposed generally parallel to and at a preselected height above the bottom wall, the inlet passage opening into the cavity at an inlet port in the bottom wall, the inlet port having a valve seat with a generally circular aperture;a generally spherical valve element of a preselected diameter disposed within the cavity and adapted to engage the seat to thereby close the inlet port, the valve element displaceable relative to the aperture between a first (open) position determined by a preselected separation between the element and aperture, and a second (closed) position wherein the element engages the seat, thereby closing the inlet port; andmeans for providing an upward force on the valve element at any position between and including said first and second positions.