Multi-stage pressure regulator and method for fluid pressure regulation

A fluid pressure regulator comprising:

• a first stage valve comprising a moveable first stage piston comprising a central axis and arranged to open and close a fluid flow path to control flow of fluid through the valve, and a gas delivery conduit formed as a single, unitary part with said first stage piston, wherein said gas delivery conduit extends along said central axis such that a distal end of said gas delivery conduit is in direct fluid communication with a second valve chamber of a second stage valve, wherein the gas delivery conduit is moveable into and out of the second valve chamber;
• a body, wherein said first stage valve is disposed within said body, and wherein said body is formed to include a vent extending therethrough;
• a piston spring disposed within said body and urging said moveable first stage piston downwardly;
• a piston seal arranged to engage with a stepped surface of said moveable first stage piston and with a tapered surface of said piston bore to control the flow of gas from inside said moveable first stage piston;
• when said moveable first stage piston is moved downwardly by said piston spring, fluid flow from inside said moveable first stage piston is stopped by said piston seal, although fluid flow from said first valve chamber is permitted;
• when said moveable first stage piston is moved upwardly, fluid flow from inside said moveable first stage piston is permitted, but fluid flow from said first valve chamber is stopped.

A multi-stage fluid pressure regulator comprising:

• a first stage body including a first stage piston bore and defining a first stage valve chamber;
• a first stage valve comprising a moveable first stage piston comprising a central axis and arranged to open and close a fluid flow path to control flow of fluid through the valve, and a gas delivery conduit formed as a single, unitary part with said first stage piston, wherein said gas delivery conduit extends along said central axis;
• a second stage body including a second stage piston bore and defining a second stage valve chamber, the second stage body coupled to the first stage body such that the second stage valve chamber is in fluid communication with the first stage valve;
• a second stage valve arranged to open and close a fluid flow path to control flow of fluid from the second stage valve chamber;
• and
• a second stage piston arranged for movement in the second stage piston bore to open and close the second stage valve, the second stage piston having an inner side and an outer side,
• wherein the first and second stage bodies are moveable relative to each other to adjust a pressure of fluid provided from the first stage valve to the second stage valve chamber;
• wherein said first stage valve is disposed within said first stage body, and wherein said first stage body is formed to include a vent extending therethrough;
• a piston spring disposed within said body and urging said moveable first stage piston downwardly;
• a piston seal arranged to engage with a stepped surface of said moveable first stage piston and with a tapered surface of said piston bore to control the flow of gas from inside said moveable first stage piston;
• when said moveable first stage piston is moved downwardly by said piston spring, fluid flow from inside said moveable first stage piston is stopped by said piston seal, although fluid flow from said first valve chamber is permitted;
• when said moveable first stage piston is moved upwardly, fluid flow from inside said moveable first stage piston is permitted, but fluid flow from said first valve chamber is stopped.