Fluid handling – Systems – With selective motion for plural valve actuator
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-17
2001-08-14
Michalsky, Gerald A. (Department: 3753)
Fluid handling
Systems
With selective motion for plural valve actuator
C137S636200, C137S872000, C251S901000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06273137
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates in general to mechanical control apparatus for valves and actuators and, in particular, to apparatus which utilizes a flexible moveable band to control movement of fluids or to be controlled by movement of fluids.
In the fields of robotics, control of manufacturing processes, all types of fluid handling and transportation, and the like, it is oftentimes necessary to control the movement and positioning of mechanical components. For example, in robotic systems, it is necessary to control the movement and positioning of components such as an arm, finger or other grasping element, etc. It is desirable in the control of the movement and positioning of mechanical components that the movements be precise and fluid. It is also desirable that the mechanical systems be operable in a variety of environments, from underwater environments to outer space.
One approach to controlling the movement and positioning of mechanical components is the use of fluidics, a technology that employs fluid dynamic phenomena to perform sensing, control, information processing and actuation functions. Of course, in the use of fluids, a complex variety of valves are typically required, valves which should be reliable, precise and hopefully economical to manufacture and use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a simple, efficient and reliable band-controlled valve/actuator.
It is another object of the invention to provide such a valve/actuator which is compact and contains few moving parts.
It is a further object of the invention to provide such a valve/actuator which avoids the need for sliding, friction-producing components.
It is also an object of the invention to provide such a valve/actuator which may be used in a wide range of environments.
It is still another object of the invention to provide such a valve/actuator which requires low operating energy.
It is still a further object of the invention to provide such a valve/actuator which is inexpensive in construction and easy to use.
The above and other objects of the invention are realized in a specific illustrative embodiment of a valve for controlling the flow of fluid from a source to a sink, the valve including a base having an upper surface and an aperture extending from the upper surface through the base for allowing the flow of fluid from the source to the sink when the aperture is not covered. Also included is an elongate, flexible band disposed on the base, with a first portion of the band in contact with the upper surface of the base, and a second portion of the band extending forwardly of the first portion and then upwardly and rearwardly above at least a part of the first portion. Finally, a control mechanism is coupled to the second portion of the band to selectively move the second portion forwardly or rearwardly to respectively cover or uncover the aperture with the first portion of the band, to thereby respectively prevent or allow the flow of fluid through the aperture.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the aperture may be formed to be elongate in forwardly and rearwardly directions, with a varying width so that the amount of fluid allowed to flow through the aperture would depend upon how much of the aperture were uncovered.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a plurality of apertures may be provided to allow for control of fluid flowing to a plurality of sinks.
In still another aspect of the invention, the base may be formed to be cylindrical, annular, or simply flat and linear, with a similarly shaped upper surface. The band would be shaped accordingly to move and selectively cover or uncover the upper surface of the base.
In a further aspect of the invention, the combination and structure of the base, flexible band and control mechanism can be adapted to function as an actuator. For example, by providing a source of gas under pressure, in communication with the volume between the first portion and second portion of the band as described above, and by closing off all other sides of this volume, gas supplied to the volume causes the band to move forwardly. Then, coupling an object to the second portion of the band will result in the object being moved (actuated) simply by supply of gas to the volume between the first and second portions of the band.
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Dec. 1967, Research Report SC-RR-67-656A, Sandia Laboratory.
Davis Clark C.
Jacobsen Stephen C.
Knutti David F.
Michalsky Gerald A.
Sarcos, Inc.
Thorpe North & Western LLP
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