A pneumatic valve with flexi-seals

Abstract

An improved pneumatic valve 300 employing flexi-seals 302 is disclosed. The flexi-seals 302 are annular shaped with non-circular cross-section and are fitted in peripheral groves in plunger 304 of the valve such that a portion of the flexi-seal 302 projects out of the outer circumference of the plunger 304. As the plunger 304 is moved towards a valve seat, the projecting portion of the flexi-seal 302 rests against a flat surface of the valve seat to close the passage through the valve seat. The flexi-seal design prevents plurality of bends in the flow passages of the valve, results in reduced friction during the linear movement of the plunger 304, eliminates movement of seals over edges of cross holes in the plunger bore 306. Besides the flexi-seals are flexible, do not permanently deform, and do not require lubricating media, thereby overcoming drawbacks of conventional seals used in such valves.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.