Steven C Welch

US Patent:

6976664, Dec 20, 2005

Filed:

Aug 11, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/638658

Inventors:

Steven D. Welch - Earleville MD, US
Robert J. Elbich - Fogelsville PA, US
Erik Zetterstrand - Palmerton PA, US

Assignee:

Mitos Technologies, Inc. - Phoenixville PA

International Classification:

F16K007/04

US Classification:

251 4

Abstract:

A gasketless, straight-through bore fluid flow pinch valve and flexible, removable tubing element for improved sanitary conditions in production facilities. The valve casing is joined by fittings that enable separation of the casing to remove and replace the flexible element, which includes all wetted surfaces. The fittings may be one or more hinges to permit partial separation of the valve casing, which permits the element to remain on-line while maintenance is performed on the valve. The flexible element is a silicone or PTFE-composite which is in an axially compressed state when locked into the valve by rigid, tolerance-fitted backup cups on the molded ends of the element, which increases the process life of the element.

US Patent:

7383853, Jun 10, 2008

Filed:

Sep 7, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/935033

Inventors:

Steven D. Welch - Earleville MD, US
Robert J. Elbich - Fogelsville PA, US
Erik Zetterstrand - Palmerton PA, US

Assignee:

Parker-Hannifin Corp. - Cleveland OH
Exigo Manufacturing, Inc. - Bath PA

International Classification:

F16K 7/20

US Classification:

13731507, 251 4, 251 7, 251366, 251368

Abstract:

A multi-port valve arrangement and removable valve element for use in sanitary environments that comprises at least three ports formed by the joining of at least two valve casing bodies at angles necessary to accommodate multiple connecting fluid streams. A seamless, flexible element is used within the valve arrangement to connect the fluid streams. The valve casings may be hinged on one side to permit removal of the top portion of the valve casings and removal/exchange of the flexible element without complete disassembly of the valve casing and without the use of tools.

US Patent:

7686027, Mar 30, 2010

Filed:

Jun 9, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/157282

Inventors:

Steven D. Welch - Earleville MD, US
Robert J. Elbich - Fogelsville PA, US
Erik Zetterstrand - Palmerton PA, US

Assignee:

Parker Intangibles, LLC - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

F16K 7/20
F16K 27/00

US Classification:

137 1518, 13731507, 251 4, 251 7, 251366

Abstract:

A multi-port valve arrangement and removable valve element for use in sanitary environments that comprises at least three ports formed by the joining of at least two valve casing bodies at angles necessary to accommodate multiple connecting fluid streams. A seamless, flexible element is used within the valve arrangement to connect the fluid streams. The valve casings may be hinged on one side to permit removal of the top portion of the valve casings and removal/exchange of the flexible element without complete disassembly of the valve casing and without the use of tools.