Directly operated pneumatic valve having a differential assist return

A directly operated valve assembly, comprising:

• a valve body including a fluid inlet port, at least one fluid discharge port and a flow passage in communication with both the inlet port and the discharge port, the flow passage having a first sealing diameter and a second sealing diameter smaller than the first sealing diameter;
• a valve member having first and second valve heads being slidably positionable within the flow passage, the first valve head having a first head diameter and the second valve head having a second head diameter smaller than the first head diameter;
• a seating element disposed on the valve member adaptable to seal in a first position abutting the first sealing diameter and a second position abutting the second sealing diameter;
• and
• an actuator directly mounted to the valve body operable to generate a driving force to move the valve member in a first direction;
• wherein in the second position the pressurized fluid acting on a difference in area determined between the first head diameter and the second sealing diameter creates a net return force operable to direct the valve member in a second direction opposite to the first direction upon cessation of the driving force.

A directly operated valve assembly, comprising:

• a valve body including a fluid inlet port, at least one fluid discharge port and a flow passage in communication with both the inlet port and the discharge port, the flow passage having a first sealing diameter and a second sealing diameter smaller than the first sealing diameter;
• a valve member having first and second valve heads being slidably positionable within the flow passage, the first valve head having a first head diameter and the second valve head having a second head diameter smaller than the first head diameter;
• a seating element disposed on the valve member adaptable to seal in a first position abutting the first sealing diameter and a second position abutting the second sealing diameter;
• an actuator directly mounted to the valve body operable to generate a driving force to move the valve member in a first direction;
• and
• a biasing member positionable between the valve member and the valve body adapted to bias the valve member in a second direction opposite to the first direction;
• wherein in the second position the pressurized fluid acting on a difference in area between the first head diameter and the second sealing diameter creates a net return force which together with a biasing force of the biasing member are operable to direct the valve member in a second direction opposite to the first direction upon cessation of the driving force.

A method for controlling the functions of a directly operated valve assembly, the valve assembly having a valve actuator directly connected to a valve body, a flow passage axially extending within the valve body, a valve member including a first valve portion, the flow passage having a first sealing diameter and a second sealing diameter;

• the method comprising:
• slidably supporting the valve member within the flow passage wherein the first valve portion contacts the valve actuator;
• generating a driving force with the valve actuator to directly move the valve member in a first direction;
• and
• providing the second sealing diameter smaller than the first sealing diameter and the first valve portion wherein a plurality of forces acting on the valve member to result in a net return force operable to assist in moving the valve member in a second direction opposite to the first direction upon removal of the driving force.