US 12,181,071 B2 · Constructing a valve bellows for a valve

Abstract

A bellows is configured for use on a valve. These configurations may include a corrugated section that is hollow to receive a valve stem therethrough. At its ends, the corrugated section can terminate at adapters. In one implementation, additive manufacturing can construct the bellows as a unitary or monolithic unit, avoiding welds or fasteners that can complicate manufacture of the parts. This techniques can create interfaces between the corrugated section and the adapters that comprises the same material as the adjacent parts.

Claims16

Dependent claims

A valve, comprising:

a valve stem;
a bellows surrounding the valve stem, the bellows formed monolithically by additive manufacturing that results in a homogenous material structure with a pair of adapters on either end, the pair of adapters including a first adapter and a second adapter that receive the valve stem,
an extension forming a hollow tube that surrounds the bellows;
and
a bonnet disposed on one end of the extension to clamp one of the adapters therebetween,
wherein the bellows comprises,
a first wall forming a first cylinder around the valve stem, and
a second wall, separated on both ends from the first wall, and forming a second cylinder around the first cylinder.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

18/085,639Filed 21 Dec 2022

Published

US 2024/0209958 A127 Jun 2024

Granted

31 Dec 2024

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification5 codes

F16K 41/10
Spindle sealings: with diaphragm, e.g. shaped as bellows or tube
B33Y 80/00
Products made by additive manufacturing
F16K 27/12
Construction of housing ; Use of materials therefor: covers for housings
F16K
Valves

Constructing a valve bellows for a valve

Life of this patent

Constructing a valve bellows for a valve

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16