Patent ID: 7066199

Claim:
A valve apparatus for use in regulating the flow of fluid between a first fluid side and a second fluid side in a hydraulic circuit, comprising: a valve guide; a valve seat comprising a first end located in the first fluid side, a second end located in the second fluid side and a bore formed in and extending through the valve seat; a valve stem engaged to the valve guide and comprising a reduced diameter portion having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the remainder of the valve stern, wherein the reduced diameter portion of the valve stem cooperates with the bore to create a fluid flow passage that extends entirely through the valve seat, the valve stem being moveable between a first position where the fluid passage is open and a second position where the fluid passage is closed; a plurality of ribs arrayed about an opening of the bore, each rib comprising a pair of sides extending parallel to the valve stem from a proximal end at the second end of the valve seat to a distal end, and extending perpendicular to the valve stem from an internal edge to an external edge, whereby fluid flows past each of the sides when the fluid passage is open; and a relief compression spring positioned between the valve seat and the valve guide.