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US 5,685,697 AGranted
Combined check valve and pressure sensor
AssigneeITT Automotive Electrical Systems, Inc.
InventorsHarry C. Buchanan, Jr., Peter S. Zhou
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A check valve, for use in a vacuum accumulator. The check valve includes a movable gate, which blocks fluid flow. The gate carries a first electrical contact, which mates with a second electrical contact, when the gate closes, thereby issuing a signal which indicates closure. The invention eliminates the need for a separate pressure sensor, for sensing pressure within the accumulator.
Claims4
A check valve, comprising:
- a) a diaphragm, which mates with a seal, when pressure differential across the diaphragm exceeds a threshold;
- b) leaf springs
- i) for supporting the diaphragm;
- ii) for providing a spring force which said pressure differential must overcome;
- and
- iii) which, together with the diaphragm, define one or more channels for fluid flow, when said pressure differential falls below said threshold.
- c) a first electrical contact, supported by the diaphragm;
- and
- d) a second electrical contact, occupying a stationary position, to which the first electrical contact connects, when the diaphragm moves to a predetermined position.
6 more elements
In the operation of a vacuum boost system in a vehicle, wherein a vacuum pump draws vacuum in an accumulator, and a check valve maintains the vacuum, the improvement comprising:
- a) detecting opening of the check valve;
- b) running the pump for a predetermined time after the opening;
- c) waiting for a time delay after step 1b);
- and then
- d) examining whether the check valve has closed, and
- i) if so, terminating running of the pump,.
- ii) if not, repeating step (b).
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.