Fluid flow-sensor and valve

Abstract

A fluid flow-sensor and valve apparatus includes a housing having an inlet for receiving a fluid from a fluid supply and an outlet for dispensing the fluid. The housing includes at least one main passage communicating with the outlet for conveying the fluid thereto and at least one secondary passage communicating with the main passage for sensing fluid flow through the main passage. Within the housing, a valve is arranged for controlling the fluid flow through the main passage. The valve includes a resilient section that, in a dynamic condition, flexes in response to a pressure differential across it exceeding a predetermined "cracking pressure," to thereby permit fluid flow through the main passage. When the fluid pressure exceeds the "cracking pressure" and fluid flows through the main passage, a component of such fluid flow enters the secondary passage, as long as the pressure in the secondary passage is lower than the fluid pressure in the main passage, thus generating a fluid flow signal indicative of fluid flow through the main passage. Preferably, the valve is a one-piece resilient structure of the type known as an "umbrella valve," and the apparatus is embodied in a small, compact module which is removably mountable in a fluid flow-directing block or the like. The flow signal can be used for a variety of purposes including, for example, actuating a pump which dispenses liquid, e.g., lubricant or coolant, to an air tool or the like, in which embodiment the fluid flow through the apparatus may be the compressed air used to operate the air tool.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.