Importance

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Abstract

A strainer for trapping solid particles entrained in a fluid flowing through the strainer includes a two-chambered housing, each chamber containing a removable strainer basket. The strainer also includes a plurality of valve mechanisms for routing fluid flow through the two chambers in a predetermined manner. A user actuated directional flow control valve includes a multi-ported ball member rotatably supported by and between a pair of opposed valve seat plates, each associated with a respective one of the chambers wherein rotation of the ball directs fluid flow through it into one or the other or both of the chambers. An optional seal member, engageable with the ball, acts at a predetermined position of the ball member to block inlet fluid flow through any of the ports in the ball member thereby providing a shut off condition. A pair of spring biased, normally closed, check valves are used to automatically control the flow of strained fluid out of the strainer chambers.

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First Claim