US 12,228,218 B2
Retaining ring and method of manufacture
Lucas J. Schmitt, Conrad, IA (US); Steven Hostetter, Colfax, IA (US); and Aaron Anderson, Marshalltown, IA (US)
Assigned to FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC, Marshalltown, IA (US)
Filed by FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC, Marshalltown, IA (US)
Filed on Jul. 16, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/378,101.
Prior Publication US 2023/0018750 A1, Jan. 19, 2023
Int. Cl. F16K 3/24 (2006.01); F16K 1/46 (2006.01); F16K 5/02 (2006.01); F16K 41/02 (2006.01); F16K 5/18 (2006.01)
CPC F16K 3/243 (2013.01) [F16K 1/46 (2013.01); F16K 5/0271 (2013.01); F16K 41/02 (2013.01); F16K 5/18 (2013.01)] 13 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A retaining ring for a valve plug assembly, the retaining ring comprising:
a first ring portion having an end portion and an inner surface with a central axis extending along a circumference of the first ring portion, and a rib disposed on the inner surface of the first ring portion between the end portion and the central axis and offset from the central axis; and
a second ring portion having an end portion and an inner surface with a central axis extending along a circumference of the second ring portion, and a rib disposed on the inner surface of the second ring portion between the end portion and the central axis and offset from the central axis, the second ring portion coupled to the first ring portion,
wherein each of the ribs disposed on the inner surfaces of the first and second ring portions are configured to mate with a groove of a valve plug including a distal end with a first diameter and a proximal end with a second diameter, and
wherein the inner surface and an outer surface of the first ring portion and the second ring portion define a thickness, the thickness equal to the difference between the first diameter and the second diameter of the valve plug.