Title: Spring element for use in sliding gate valve

Abstract: Spring elements are described that are especially adapted for use in high temperature environments such as for example in sliding gate valves for metal pouring vessels. The spring elements include an expansable chamber defined in part by a bellows member and a thrust surface adapted to apply the spring force. The chamber is filled with a thermally expansive fluid operative to expand the chamber and thus apply the spring force when exposed to elevated temperatures and conversally, to effect retraction of the same when the elevated temperatures are removed.

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Inventors: Lothmann, Joseph (Langerwehe, DE, US)

Application Number: 772694
Filing Date: 1977-02-28
Publication_date: 1980-02-19
Assignee: United States Steel Corporation (Pittsburgh, PA)
Primary Class(es): 222/600 222/512
Other Classes:
US Patent Ref:

598982	Feb, 1898	Egger	267/65.
3664653	May, 1972	Walker	267/122.
3926406	Dec, 1975	Hind	251/176.

Other Refs: 413732297824

May, 1946	IT
Jun, 1971	SU

Primary Examiner: Spar, Robert J.
Assistant Examiner: Handren, Frederick R.
Attorney: Carney; John F.