DIAPHRAGM VALVE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME

• US 3,556,465 A
• Filed: 06/09/1969
• Issued: 01/19/1971
• Est. Priority Date: 06/09/1969
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Robert K. Little
• Original Assignee: Robert K. Little
• Inventors: Little, Robert K.
• Application Number:
  US04/831,650
• Time in Patent Office: 589 Days
• US Class Current: 251/61.1
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 7/17 the diaphragm being actuated by fluid pressure

Abstract

A diaphragm valve having an annular valve seat and a spaced opposed valve assembly comprising a fabric-reinforced elastic diaphragm capsule molded around a metal supporting disc. Low pressure fluid is selectively introduced within the elastic capsule to resiliently expand the capsule toward the valve seat. The elastic capsule is reinforced around the circumference of the disc edge by a layer of tire cord fabric which permits a hemispherical expansion of the capsule without permitting a destructive stretching of the capsule in this region.

Claims

1. A diaphragm valve comprising means defining a valve seat, a valve assembly opposed from said valve seat, said valve assembly comprising a plate disposed in parallel spaced relation to said valve seat, said plate having a front face facing said valve seat and a rear face directed away therefrom, an elastomeric capsule molded around said plate, a fabric reinforcement molded within said capsule, said fabric reinforcement extending around the circumference of said plate in overlying relation with portions of each of said plate faces, said capsule being adhesively bonded to the rear face of said plate, and means permitting passage of a pressure fluid to the front face of the plate to resiliently expand the capsule toward said valve seat.

2. A valve as claimed in claim 1 wherein said fabric is stretchable predominantly in one direction, said fabric being disposed in said capsule with the predominant direction of stretch running circumferentially around said plate.

3. A valve as claimed in claim 2 wherein said fabric comprises tire cord skimmed with uncured rubber.

4. A valve as claimed in claim 1, said valve seat having an annular configuration, and said plate being disc-shaped.

5. A valve as claimed in claim 1 including means for selectively controlling the flow of pressure fluid to and from said capsule to selectively control the position of said capsule.

6. A valve assembly for a diaphragm valve comprising a plate having front and rear faces, and elastomeric capsule molded around said plate, a fabric reinforcement molded within said capsule, said fabric reinforcement extending around the circumference of said plate in overlying relation with portions of each of said plate surfaces, said capsule being adhesively bonded to the rear face of said plate, and means permitting passage of a pressure fluid to the front face of said plate to resiliently expand the capsule portion adjacent said face into a hemispherical shape.

7. A valve as claimed in claim 6, wherein said plate is disc-shaped.

8. A valve as claimed in claim 6 wherein said fabric is stretchable predominantly in one direction, said fabric being disposed in said capsule with the predominant direction Of stretch running circumferentially around said plate.

9. A valve as claimed in claim 8 wherein said fabric comprises tire cord skimmed with uncured rubber.