Robert M Patrick

US Patent:

20030034072, Feb 20, 2003

Filed:

Aug 14, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/218550

Inventors:

Quy Bui - Bamberg SC, US
William Fralick - Bamberg SC, US
Robert Patrick - Bamberg SC, US

International Classification:

F16K021/10

US Classification:

137/514000

Abstract:

Valve assemblies are provided that are adapted and configured to quickly start up and shut off a spray or liquid flow. Exemplary valve assemblies according to the present disclosure effectively minimize and/or prevent dripping from occurring during the start up and shut off of the valve assembly, and/or at times when flow through the valve assembly is suspended. A non-constant clearance between a spring-biased piston and an elongated member is provided, and an elastic member seals therebetween. As the elastic member interacts with the piston in different clearance regions, variable frictional forces are applied to the piston. In further exemplary embodiments, the surface area for force application from the upstream side exceeds the surface area for application of force from the downstream side. The disclosed valve assemblies have a variety of applications, including spray or liquid flow applications that include nozzles and orifices, such as fuel supply applications, agricultural applications and spray drying applications.

US Patent:

53238079, Jun 28, 1994

Filed:

Aug 18, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/108871

Inventors:

James B. Gauld - Bamberg SC
William D. Fralick - Bamberg SC
Robert M. Patrick - Orangeburg SC

Assignee:

Delavan Inc. - West Des Moines IA

International Classification:

F16K 1502

US Classification:

13754315

Abstract:

A check valve having a reduced or zero pressure drop and more particularly such a valve in combination with a spray nozzle. The check valve includes a sealed gas chamber which has within it a closed-cell foam element which insures that some gas remains in the chamber even if the primary seal fails. The new valve/nozzle combination allows valve operating pressure to be set very close to nozzle operation pressure which allows the nozzle to achieve full spray more quickly at start-up and a more immediate cessation of flow at shut off.