Sprung gate valves movable by an actuator
Valves having a sprung gate of various constructions are disclosed. In one embodiment, the sprung gate includes a first endless elastic band having an inner perimeter defining an open space sandwiched between a first gate member and a second gate member that each define an opening therethrough in an open position portion thereof. The first endless elastic band is sandwiched therebetween with its open space oriented for alignment with the opening in both of the first and second gate members, which are aligned with one another to form a passage through the sprung gate. In one aspect, the first endless elastic band in positioned inward a distance from the outer sides of the first and second gate members and spaces the first gate member a distance apart from the second gate member thereby defining a channel having a bottom defined by the first endless elastic band.
1. A sprung gate for a valve comprising:
a first endless elastic band having an inner perimeter defining an open space; and
a first gate member and a second gate member each defining an opening therethrough in an open position portion thereof and defining a closed position portion;
wherein the first endless elastic band is sandwiched in compression between the first and second gate members with the open space thereof oriented for alignment with the opening in both of the first and second gate members, which are aligned to form a passage through the sprung gate;
wherein the first endless elastic band is positioned inward a distance from the outer perimeter of the open position portion and the closed position portion, spaces the first and second gate members a distance apart to define a channel that extends around the outer surface of the sprung gate along the outer surface of the first endless elastic band for fluid flow around the sprung gate, and applies a bias force to the first gate member and the second gate member biasing them away from one another; and
wherein the first endless elastic band, the first gate member, and the second gate member are collectively movable linearly between an open position and a closed position within a conduit.
2. The sprung gate of claim 1 , wherein the first endless elastic band is generally oval-shaped or is generally 8-shaped.
3. The sprung gate of claim 1 , wherein the first and second gate members each include an actuator connector portion.
4. The sprung gate of claim 1 , wherein the first and second gate members each include a track in which the first endless elastic band is seated.
5. The sprung gate of claim 1 , wherein the first gate member defines a second opening therethrough in the closed position portion thereof, and the second gate member, in the closed position portion thereof, includes a plug projecting from an inner surface toward the second opening in the first gate member.
6. The sprung gate of claim 5 , wherein the first endless elastic band is generally 8-shaped.
7. The sprung gate of claim 1 , further comprising a second endless elastic band and an inner gate member sandwiched between the first and second gate members with the inner gate member having the first and the second endless elastic bands seated against opposing sides thereof, wherein the inner gate member defines an opening therethrough aligned with the openings in the open position portions of the first and second gate members.
8. The sprung gate of claim 7 , wherein at least one of the first and second gate members define a second opening therethrough in the closed position portion thereof, and wherein the inner gate member has substantially continuous exterior surfaces on opposing sides of a closed position portion thereof, which is aligned with the second opening.
9. The sprung gate of claim 8 , wherein the first and the second gate members each define a second opening therethrough in the closed position portions thereof.
10. The sprung gate of claim 1 , wherein the first endless elastic band is a bellowed elastic band, wherein the bellows are oriented transverse to the direction of flow therethrough.
11. A device comprising:
a valve mechanism comprising a conduit separated into a first section and a second section by a pocket having a sprung gate of claim 1 seated therein; and
an actuator connected to the sprung gate;
wherein the actuator moves the sprung gate between an open position and a closed position and the channel around the outer surface of the first endless elastic band vents fluid from the pocket during the movement between the open position and the closed position.
12. The device of claim 11 , wherein the actuator includes a rigid piston that is at least partially pneumatically activated.
13. The device of claim 11 , wherein the first endless elastic band is generally oval-shaped or is generally 8-shaped.
14. The device of claim 11 , wherein the first gate member defines a second opening therethrough in the closed position portion thereof, and the second gate member, in the closed position portion thereof, includes a plug projecting from an inner surface toward the second opening in the first gate member.
15. The device of claim 11 , wherein at least one of the first and second gate members define a second opening therethrough in the closed position portion thereof, and further comprising a second endless elastic band and an inner gate member sandwiched between the first and second gate members with the inner gate member having the first and the second endless elastic bands seated against opposing sides thereof, wherein the inner gate member defines an opening therethrough aligned with the openings in the open position portions of the first and second gate members, and has substantially continuous exterior surfaces on opposing sides of a closed position portion thereof, which is aligned with the second opening.
16. The device of claim 11 , wherein the pocket includes a vent port.