| 摘要 |
An in-line valve for mounting within an existing fluid line to temporarily block the flow of fluid downstream from the valve without interrupting the flow of fluid upstream of the valve. Two valve half bodies create a cylindrical aperture therebetween which is complementary to the conduit when securely mounted thereon. Extending through the center of each valve half body is an aperture generally orthogonal to, and passing through, the first aperture. An annular shaft extends through the second aperture which has at least two outer diameters with a shoulder presented at the point of diametric change. Encircling at least a portion of the main shaft is an annular flexible seal with one end abutting the shoulder allowing the smaller diameter of the main shaft to extend therethrough. The cutter abuts the flexible seal such that the seal is interposed between the larger diameter of the main shaft and the cutter. The draw bars opposite end has a hex nut threadably engaging the draw bar such that when the hex nut is tightened, the cutter is pulled toward the main shaft, thereby decreasing the distance between the shoulder of the main shaft, and the cutter, which applies a force against the flexible seal thereby expanding the seal within the conduit, and sealing it. The invention also pertains to the method of blocking the flow of fluid through a conduit without first interrupting the flow of fluid therethrough. |
