Valve for developing variable output pressure
OwnerClement R. Tompson, Garrett Grunerinventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A valve is disclosed which receives a fluid such as gas at an input port and varies the fluid pressure at the output port in response to an electrical control signal. In one embodiment, a magnet-coil combination responds linearly to a control current to vary the bias on a fluid restriction device to thereby modify the pressure of the fluid at the outlet. In another embodiment, a flexible bellows transmits the force generated by the magnet-coil combination to the fluid restriction device.
Claims9
In a fluid flow valve having fuel inlet and outlet ports, having a flow restriction device for altering the flow of fluid between the inlet and outlet ports, and having a diaphragm for biasing the restriction device in a position to effect a given fluid pressure at the outlet port, the improvement comprising:
- an annular magnet having north and south poles separated by a circular groove;
- an armature coil form riding in said groove;
- a coil wound on said coil form and receiving a control current indicative of a desired fluid pressure at the outlet port for developing a mechanical force on said coil form in response to the control current, said coil form being constructed of non-ferrous metal for damping its movement and for conducting heat away from the coil;
- and
- a flexible cable coupled between said armature coil form and the restriction device for responding to the force developed by the coil form so as to vary the bias on the restriction device and vary the fluid pressure at the outlet port at equilibrium.
In a gas valve having a gas inlet and a gas outlet in mutual communication via a gas flow conduit, having a movable restriction device in the conduit for altering the gas pressure at the outlet port, having a diaphragm one side of which is in pressure communication at the outlet port and coupled to the restriction device for holding the latter at a desired restriction position and having an opposite side in communication with a reference chamber, and having means for force biasing the diaphragm so as to position the restriction device for developing a given gas outlet pressure at equilibrium, the improvement comprising:
- electro-magnetic means adapted to receive a control signal for developing a mechanical force as a function of the control signal control signal;
- flexible bellows means responsive to the mechanical force for transmission of said force to the diaphragm for controlled movement of the diaphragm and the restriction device, said bellows means being mounted to isolate the reference chamber from said electro-magnetic means,
- whereby said bellows means prevents gas from reaching said electro-magnetic means in the event of a break in the diaphragm and whereby receipt of a control signal causes said electro-magnetic means to flex said bellows means, resulting in movement of said diaphragm and the restriction device for altering the outlet pressure of the gas at equilibrium.
In a fluid flow valve having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet in mutual communication via a fluid flow conduit, having a pressure regulating diaphragm in fluid pressure communication with the outlet port, the improvement comprising:
- a first flexible bellows mounted to define an isolated presure region between the diaphragm and said first bellows,
- a cable connecting said first bellows to the diaphragm for pulling the diaphgram upwardly in response to upward force upon the first bellows;
- a second bellows mounted so as to seal said first bellows from the atmosphere and so as to define a low pressure chamber between said first and second bellows;
- a spring compressed between said first and second bellows;
- and
- means adapted to receive a control signal for applying an upward force on said second bellows when a change in fluid pressure at the outlet port is desired,
- whereby force on said second bellows is transmitted to the diaphragm via said low pressure chamber, said first bellows and the cable coupling the first bellows to the diaphragm, and whereby fluid leaking through the diaphragm is doubly isolated by said first and second bellows, and a leak in either of said first and second bellows causes said spring to urge the bellows apart so as to impart maximum fluid pressure at the outlet.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.