US 11,885,437 B2
Stem seal cartridge for valve
Sean Michael Allen, Chattanooga, TN (US); Paul S. Gifford, Chattanooga, TN (US); and Alexander Michael Jenkins, Chattanooga, TN (US)
Assigned to Mueller International, LLC, Atlanta, GA (US)
Filed by Mueller International, LLC, Atlanta, GA (US)
Filed on Apr. 13, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/719,467.
Prior Publication US 2023/0332717 A1, Oct. 19, 2023
Int. Cl. F16K 41/04 (2006.01)
CPC F16K 41/04 (2013.01) 44 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A valve comprising:
a valve body;
a valve member positioned inside the valve body and configured to selectively open and close the valve upon rotation of the valve member;
a valve stem extending from the valve body, at least a portion of the valve stem coupled to the valve member, separable from the valve member, and movable with respect to the valve member during removal or installation to create a gap between the valve stem and the valve member;
a stem sealing device secured to the valve body and encircling the valve stem, the stem sealing device defining an annular shape and configured to seal a gap between the valve stem and the valve body; and
a valve riser secured to the valve body and allowing access to the stem sealing device and replacement of the stem sealing device without displacement of the valve riser or an actuator secured thereto and without cutting of a seal stem of the stem sealing device, the actuator configured to rotate the valve member.