Orifice valve for bulk solids

Abstract

This invention relates to an orifice valve having a moveable gate to control the flow of solids in a closed conveying system. The invention encompasses a valve housing with two complementary valve sections, each of a unitary construction. A single plate is laser cut and bent to present a first planar surface, two opposed sidewalls and an end wall. The sidewalls include an integral flange section which presents planar surfaces that are placed in facing relationship with the planar flange surfaces of a second housing member so that the two form a closed cavity. A blade is received in the cavity and is reciprocal between open and closed positions so as to accommodate the flow of material or to block the flow. Appropriate retainers hold the two sections in place. In the preferred embodiment a second end wall is also integral with the housing section and is formed from the same plate stock as the first planar section, the sidewalls and the first end wall. The second end wall extends perpendicular to the planar section of the housing and is bent 180° to extend in a second direction that is parallel and opposite and is then bent again at an obtuse angle to extend in a third direction toward the planar surface and finally is bent again at a second obtuse angle to extend in a fourth direction parallel to and in contact with the planar surface. A novel guide seal member comprises spaced planar elements which are adapted to be sandwiched between the two opposed flanges of the housing sections, a second section which extends transversely to the planar section and presents a bearing surface across which the blade moves, and a third section which extends transversely to the planar section at the opposite end thereof and overlaps the flanges. A shim is received between the spaced planar elements of the guide seal member to insure proper spacing of the housing sections.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.