Robert R Rupp

Author:

Robert O. Rupp

ISBN #:

0313281653

Author:

Robert O. Rupp

ISBN #:

0313281785

Author:

Robert O. Rupp

ISBN #:

0887361218

US Patent:

44496940, May 22, 1984

Filed:

Mar 22, 1982

Appl. No.:

6/360236

Inventors:

Ralph J. Hobart - Westerville OH
Robert D. Rupp - Westerville OH
Paul F. Mastro - Dublin OH

Assignee:

Nibco, Inc. - Elkhart IN

International Classification:

F16K 520

US Classification:

251171

Abstract:

The present invention relates to a ball valve having a housing with an axial passage way through the housing providing fluid communication between first and second ends of the housing. A rotatable ball is arranged within the axial passageway for selectively opening and closing the axial passageway. A seal is arranged within the axial passageway near the first end of the housing such that the seal is adapted to abut a surface on the rotatable ball. A blocking member is provided for selectively preventing axial movement of the seal towards the first end and for permitting axial movement of the seal towards the surface of the rotatable ball independently of the blocking member. In a preferred embodiment, the seal is arranged on a seal carrier which has an annular groove in an outer peripheral surface. The blocking member comprises an annular retaining ring which is threadedly secured within the axial passageway at the first end of the housing and is arranged in the annular groove in the outer peripheral surface of the seal carrier. An external diameter of the annular groove in the seal carrier is less than an internal diameter of the annular retaining ring.