Computer controllable multi-port valve

Abstract

Developed primarily as a selector for use with a system for analyzing gases from any one of sixteen remote positions, the valve includes a platen containing on one surface sixteen circumferentially aligned input ports and one central output port. Rotatable adjacent the opposite surface of the platen is a selector manifold having a conduit that connects the central output port with any one of the input ports. To rotate the manifold to a new position, a solenoid connected to the rotating shaft on the manifold lifts the manifold from the platen while simultaneously engaging a clutch on a continuously rotating motor shaft. When the selector manifold reaches the desired sample position, identified precisely by the position of a digital encoder disc, the solenoid is released and a spring disengages the motor clutch and forces the selector manifold to seal against the selected port in the platen.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.