Patent ID: 6959908
Filing Date: 2005-11-01
Classification: F16K

Abstract:
1. A flexible wedge for a gate valve, adapted for being linearly displaced by a valve stem along a longitudinal stem axis within a gate valve body, the flexible wedge being displaceable between an open position and a closed position, said flexible wedge comprising: a pair of pressure retaining plates having inclined seating surfaces on outer faces thereof for mating with corresponding valve seats within said valve body to prevent fluid flow therethrough when said gate valve wedge is in said closed position; and a central wedge body disposed between and linking said pressure retaining plates, said central wedge body defining two offset slots extending partially into said central wedge body from opposed edges thereof and overlapping in a depth-wise direction to define a deflectable web portion between said offset slots, said slots being asymmetrical relative to transversely extending plane bisecting the flexible wedge and defining said longitudinal stem axis therein.