Intra-cylinder tubular pressure regulator

A fluid control system for dispensing high-pressure fluid at reduced pressure, said system comprising:

• a container for storage and dispensing of a fluid, said container having an outlet;
• and
• a fluid flow control device connected to said outlet of said container, said fluid flow control device comprising:
• at least a first fluid flow path having a main fluid inlet in fluid communication with said container and a main fluid outlet;
• a high-pressure shut-off valve in said first fluid flow path to selectively open or close said fluid flow path;
• and
• a fluid pressure regulator in said first fluid flow path for providing fluid at said main fluid outlet at a selected pressure, said fluid pressure regulator being of a generally tubular configuration having a fixed inlet end and a moveable closed end, said fluid pressure regulator being downstream of said high-pressure shut-off valve and being located inside said container, said fluid pressure regulator comprising:
• a fluid inlet;
• a fluid outlet;
• a first fluid flow path between said fluid inlet and said fluid outlet;
• a valve seat positioned in said first fluid flow path and dividing said fluid inlet and said fluid outlet;
• a valve element regulating flow through said valve seat;
• a longitudinally corrugated metal tube defining an inflatable fluid cavity that contracts axially, responsive to inflation;
• a wall portion of said cavity that moves responsive to inflation and deflation of said cavity;
• a second fluid flow oath communicating between said cavity and a source of pressure outside said cavity;
• and
• a link transmitting the movement of said wall portion to said valve element, thereby moving said valve element with respect to said valve seat responsive to inflation and deflation of said cavity.