US 7,299,817 B2Granted

Passive, double acting, vacuum actuated vent valve

AssigneeHoneywell International Inc.

InventorsGary L. Gisler, James T. Hanks, Carlos J. Stevens, Robert E. Winkel

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Abstract

A valve is provided for use on a control moment gyroscope (CMG) having a housing separating an internal environment from an external environment. The valve includes a valve housing, a valve element, and bellows. The valve housing is configured to couple to the CMG housing and includes an inner surface defining a cavity, an outer surface, and an opening extending therebetween. The valve element is disposed within the valve housing cavity and is movable between a closed position, in which fluid is prevented from flowing through the valve housing opening, and an open position, in which fluid may flow through the valve housing opening. The bellows is disposed within the valve housing and coupled to the valve element and has an internal chamber. The bellows selectively moves the valve element closed and open in response to a differential pressure between the bellows internal chamber and the valve housing cavity.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A vent valve assembly comprising:

a housing including an opening formed thereon, the housing defining an interior therein that is substantially evacuated;
a vent valve coupled to the housing, the vent valve including:
a valve housing including an inner surface, an outer surface, and an opening extending therebetween, the inner surface defining a cavity in fluid communication with the housing opening;
a valve element disposed at least partially within the valve housing cavity and movable between a closed position, in which fluid is prevented from flowing through the valve housing opening into the housing interior, and an open position, in which fluid may flow through the valve housing opening into the housing interior;
and
bellows disposed at least partially within the valve housing and coupled to the valve element, the bellows having an internal chamber and configured to selectively move the valve element between the closed and open position in response to a differential pressure between the bellows internal chamber and the valve housing cavity.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.