Pneumatic system
AssigneeTechmaster, Inc.
InventorMichael J. Radosevic
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A pneumatic system includes a first line configured to be coupled to a container, and to convey a flow of gas from a source to the container, a second line in communication with gas in the container, a valve coupled in series with the first line, between the source and the container, and a spring member. The valve includes a body having a first port, a second port, and an exhaust port, and the valve includes a moveable element in communication with the second line and is configured to control the flow of gas through the first line as a function of the pressure of the gas within the container. The spring member is positioned to apply a biasing force to a first side of the moveable element, and the second line provides a feedback to a second side of the moveable element.
Claims20
A pneumatic system, comprising:
- a first line configured to be coupled to a container, and to convey a flow of gas from a source to the container;
- a second line in communication with gas in the container;
- a valve coupled in series with the first line, between the source and the container, wherein the valve comprises:
- a body having a first port, a second port, and an exhaust port;
- and
- a moveable element operable within the body to selectively:
- limit the flow of gas through the first port, the second port, and the exhaust port;
- place the first port in fluid communication with the second port;
- and place the container in fluid communication with the exhaust port,
- wherein the moveable element is in communication with the second line and is configured to control the flow of gas through the first line as a function of the pressure of the gas within the container;
- and
- a spring member positioned to apply a biasing force to a first side of the moveable element, wherein the second line provides a feedback to a second side of the moveable element.
A pneumatic system for actively maintaining the pressure in a container, comprising:
- a container that defines an inner volume;
- a source configured to provide a pressurized flow of gas to the container;
- a first line having an end coupled to the container;
- a second line having an end in fluid communication with the inner volume of the container;
- a valve coupled to the first line, the second line, the source, and an exhaust, wherein the valve is selectively operable in a first state to place the source in fluid communication with the first line, a second state to close off the container from the source and the exhaust, and a third state to place the container in fluid communication with the exhaust;
- and
- at least one of a spring member and a pressure regulator configured to apply a force that biases the valve into the first state, wherein the second line provides a feedback that actuates the valve into the second state or the third state based on the pressure in the container.
A method of maintaining pressure within a container, comprising:
- coupling a container to a source of pressurized gas with a first line;
- placing a second line in fluid communication with an inner volume of the container;
- and
- regulating the pressure within the container with a pneumatic system, the pneumatic system comprising:
- a valve coupled to the first line, the second line, the source of pressurized gas, and an exhaust, wherein the valve is selectively operable in a first state to place the source of pressurized gas in fluid communication with the first line, a second state to close off the container from the source of pressurized gas and the exhaust, and a third state to place the container in fluid communication with the exhaust;
- and
- at least one of a spring member and a pressure regulator configured to apply a force that biases the valve into the first state, wherein the second line provides a feedback that actuates the valve into the second state or the third state based on the pressure in the container.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.