Valve apparatus for expansible chamber

Abstract

Improved valve apparatus for expansible chamber devices, such as reciprocating piston compressors, includes in a preferred embodiment, a chamber having two chamber intake ports, each normally closed by a respective valve member. A first valve member is biased to close a first port, and a second member is more forcefully biased to close a second port which is larger in cross-sectional area than the first port. The first valve member opens the first port in response to an intake pressure differential less than that which will open the second port. Subsequently, and upon increased intake pressure differential, the second valve member opens the second port and reduces the working pressure affecting the first valve. This permits the first valve to positively close its port at or near the end of the suction stroke of the piston, the second valve also closing its port due to the more forceful bias. Reverse "gushing" is thereby significantly reduced and minimized, or totally prevented, while at the same time, initial intake is facilitated to reduce or eliminate starving. Valve plates and inlet restrictors are eliminated, and overall output and efficiency are significantly improved. The valving apparatus of the invention may also be used in connection with chamber exhaust for further increased efficiency.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.