In re Self
Opinion
This appeal is from the decision of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) Board of Appeals (board) sustaining final rejections of various claims, and making a new rejection under 37 CFR 1.196(b), in appellant’s application serial No. 809,645, for reissue of U. S. Patent 3,514,074 for “High Energy Loss Fluid Control.” We affirm.
Background
Two problems which have long vexed the industrial control valve art are severe noise and valve damage due to cavitation and erosion. These problems are most serious in “severe service” applications, such as in refineries, chemical plants, and nuclear power plants. The aerodynamic noise generated at such facilities is often so great that it constitutes not only an occupational health hazard but also a public nuisance. Cavitation and erosion can drastically shorten valve life. Cavitation is especially destructive. It occurs when a sudden decrease in pressure causes gas bubbles in a very rapidly flowing fluid, and then a sudden increase in pressure causes the bubbles to collapse. The resultant force can tear away the inside surfaces of a valve.
The invention is a fluid flow control device which reduces the velocity of fluids passing through it by forcing them through long, narrow channels which may have many abrupt turns. The velocity-reduction means specifically comprises a stack of abutting rings having grooves carved on their faces.
Footnotes
671 F.2d 1344 (In re Self) — published by Counsel Stack Legal Research, free access to 12M+ legal documents.