Fluid handling – Line condition change responsive valves – Line flow effect assisted
Patent
1997-11-21
1999-03-16
Ferensic, Denise L.
Fluid handling
Line condition change responsive valves
Line flow effect assisted
13750546, F16K 1734
Patent
active
058817654
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND AND GENERAL SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention is applicable to a wide range of gas pressure-regulating applications, but is designed for particularly advantageous use in propane outdoor cooking appliance applications. For example, the device may be used to supply an appliance with a consistent pressure in the range of 11 inches of water column when provided with inlet pressures up to 250 psig. Many conventional devices used in these applications experience three flow performance limitations that are inherent to their design. The first limitation is termed "droop, " i.e. pressure droop, which is caused by the change in the effective area of the diaphragm as it moves and the loss of load experienced by the diaphragm control spring throughout the same motion. These factors combine to cause the delivery (output) pressure to decrease as flow increases. The described invention partially overcomes this limitation by using velocity boosting to compensate. Velocity boosting subjects the diaphragm to a lower pressure than the controlled downstream pressure, which allows for a larger valve opening and higher flow rates. The second limitation, hysteresis or backlash, is partially caused by change of direction of friction forces throughout the range of motion for the device. Hysteresis causes inconsistency in the performance of such a device. The described invention reduces the effect of this limitation by providing a novel floating suspension for valving and velocity-boost components together with smoothly rounded continuous guides and slide surfaces providing essentially point-to-point controlled, low-friction contact for mechanism control. This combined with novel and improved component configurations and actuation mechanisms provides a device having novel control and operational characteristics which produce significantly enhanced performance consistency. The third limitation is caused by physical obstructions in the flow path direction. The described invention has eliminated virtually all unnecessary obstructions from the flow stream.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Broadly stated, the principal object of the invention is to provide a new and novel gas pressure regulator for use in propane outdoor cooking appliance applications and the like, different from the type customarily used heretofore in this field, having novel and advantageous structures and features which provide significantly improved results. A further object of the invention is to provide an enhanced-performance, single-stage regulator valve having novel and advantageous physical componentry which cooperatively provides substantially and uniquely improved results and enables use of very small inlet orifice diameter, small diaphragm diameter and small overall regulator size, providing for reduced costs as well as implementation advantages. A still further and more particular object of the invention is to provide an improved pressure regulator valve having novel internal componentry which provides velocity boosting features in a novel and enhanced manner. Another important object of the invention is to provide an enhanced-performance, low-cost regulator that lends itself effectively to the use of automated manufacturing equipment and provides for ease of assembly. Additional objects of the invention, as well as additional advantages thereof, will become apparent following consideration of the ensuing disclosure.
These and other features, advantages and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims and appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The following brief description of the figures, and the related figures themselves, exemplifies a particular preferred embodiment of the invention constituting the best mode presently contemplated. As will be understood, other embodiments of the invention as well as changes and variations in the particular structure shown in these figures are no doubt possible and may very well
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Heald Paul W.
Turney Christopher G.
Farid Ramyar
Ferensic Denise L.
S. H. Leggitt Company
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