Shock absorbing means for flow control devices

In a fluid operated valve having a body including a flow passage therethrough;

• a hard annular seat ring mounted within the valve body about the flow passage;
• a fluid pressure responsive reciprocable valve member mounted within the valve body for movement between open and closed positions relative to said flow passage and adapted to seat in closed position on said hard seat ring and to exert an impact force against said hard seat ring when seating thereon;
• a flexible connecting member having inner and outer peripheral portions with said inner peripheral portion being connected to said hard seat ring about the entire outer periphery of said seat ring and extending in a generally radial direction outwardly therefrom to said outer peripheral portion;
• and
• anchoring means connected to said outer peripheral portion of said flexible member to permit flexing of said connecting member after initial contact of said reciprocable valve member with said hard seat ring to absorb impact loads resulting from contact of said valve member against said hard seat ring, said flexible member flexing relative to said anchoring means upon impact of said valve member against said hard seat ring and axial movement of said hard seat ring resulting from such impact.