Valve having concentric fluid paths
AssigneeIntelligent Energy Limited
InventorRussell H. Barton
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A valve assembly is provided with concentric fluid paths and may be used on a hydrogen generator to transport liquid reactant to the hydrogen generator and hydrogen gas. The valve assembly includes a housing defining first and second fluid paths, a first valve member disposed in the first fluid path, and a second valve member disposed in the second fluid path. The assembly includes a connector including a first elongated member configured to engage the first valve member to open the first valve member to allow a first fluid to flow through the first fluid path, and a second fluid port including a second elongated member configured to allow fluid to flow through the second fluid path. The valve assembly is concentric in that the second fluid path surrounds at least a portion of the first fluid path.
Claims19
A concentric valve assembly comprising:
- a housing defining a first fluid path and a second fluid path;
- a first valve member disposed in the first fluid path;
- a second valve member disposed in the second fluid path;
- and
- a connector comprising:
- a first member having a first fluid passage and configured to engage the first valve member to open the first valve member to allow a first fluid to flow through the first fluid path, and
- a second member having a second fluid passage and configured to engage the second valve member to open the second valve member to allow fluid to flow through the second fluid path,
- wherein the second fluid path surrounds at least a portion of the first fluid path;
- wherein the first and second fluid paths are configured to prevent fluid leakage between the first and second fluid paths.
A hydrolytic hydrogen generator comprising;
- a container;
- a reaction area within the container;
- a first reactant provided in the reaction area;
- a liquid solution comprising a second reactant, wherein the first and second reactants react to produce hydrogen gas and byproducts;
- and
- a concentric valve assembly comprising:
- a housing defining a first fluid path and a second fluid path;
- a first valve member disposed in the first fluid path;
- a second valve member disposed in the second fluid path;
- and
- a connector comprising
- a first elongated member having a first fluid passage and configured to engage the first valve member to open the first valve member to allow a first fluid to flow through the first fluid path, and
- a second member having a second fluid passage and configured to engage the second valve member to open the second valve member to allow fluid to flow through the second fluid path,
- wherein the second fluid path surrounds at least a portion of the first fluid path;
- wherein the first and second fluid paths are configured to prevent fluid leakage between the first and second fluid paths.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.