Fuller Company

David F Gillett

Anthony Goodwin

Keith V Simpson

The invention relates to a valve of the iris diaphragm type. The valve comprises first and second annular body members having respective first and second recesses therein and an annular recess between such first and second body members. A flexible valve closure sleeve is provided with first and second annular mounting flanges at opposite ends and an intermediate flange. The first and second mounting flanges are engaged respectively in the first and second recesses, and the intermediate flange disposed in the annular recess defined between the first and second body members so as to be angularly moveable relative thereto and relative to the first and second annular mounting flanges. Operating means are connected with the intermediate flange for moving the flange between closed and open positions corresponding to closed and open positions of the valve closure sleeve. The valve further comprises securing means for securing the first and second annular body members relative to one another, wherein the first and second body members have respective external fixing regions which are mutually spaced apart, and wherein the securing means comprises a plurality of releasable clamping devices which are spaced apart circumferentially of the body member, wherein each clamping device includes a spacer element engaged between respective fixing regions and a clamping element which embraces the fixed regions so as to hold the latter against the spacer element.

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Congleton, United Kingdom

David F Gillett