Fluid controller with diaphragm and piston
AssigneeAir-Dry Corporation
InventorFrancis Leighton
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A fluid flow controller comprises a casing and includes a valve that is actuatable by either a diaphragm or a piston. Diaphragm actuation is provided by a diaphragm held by a retainer, the retainer being axially moveable within the casing in response to fluid pressure on the diaphragm. Piston actuation is provided by (i) the retainer and (ii) sealing means at the periphery of the retainer for providing fluid tight engagement between the casing and the retainer. With either diaphragm or piston actuation, even if the diaphragm ruptures, substantially no fluid can bypass the retainer, and the flow controller continues to function. A relief valve prevents rupture of the diaphragm if the fluid pressure exceeds a predetermined valve.
Claims14
A fluid flow controller comprising:
- (a) a casing having a longitudinal axis, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet;
- (b) a diaphragm within the casing and means providing fluid communication between the fluid and the diaphragm;
- (c) a retainer for the diaphragm, the retainer being axially moveable within the casing in response to fluid pressure on the diaphragm;
- (d) means for biasing the retainer against said axial movement;
- and
- (e) sealing means providing fluid-tight engagement between the casing and the retainer so that if the diaphragm ruptures, substantially no fluid can bypass the retainer and the flow controller continues to function.
A fluid flow controller comprising:
- (a) a casing having a longitudinal axis and a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet;
- (b) a diaphragm within the casing and means providing fluid communication between the diaphragm and the fluid;
- (c) a piston in fluid-tight engagement with the casing positioned so that the diaphragm is between the fluid and the piston;
- and
- (d) means for biasing the piston and the diaphragm against the pressure of the fluid;
- wherein if the diaphragm ruptures, the flow controller continues to function because of the piston.
A fluid flow controller comprising:
- (a) a casing having a longitudinal axis, a fluid inlet, and a fluid outlet;
- (b) a diaphragm within the casing and means providing communication between the diaphragm and the fluid;
- (c) a retainer for the diaphragm, the retainer being axially movable within the casing in response to fluid pressure on the diaphragm;
- (d) means for biasing the retainer against said axial movement;
- and
- (e) pressure relief means through the retainer for releasing fluid when the pressure of the fluid exceeds a predetermined value for preventing rupture of the diaphragm.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.