Valves and valve actuation – Electrically actuated valve – Having means to produce proportional flow
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-07
2001-04-24
Lee, Kevin (Department: 3753)
Valves and valve actuation
Electrically actuated valve
Having means to produce proportional flow
C251S129160
Reexamination Certificate
active
06220569
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a proportional flow valve of the electrically controlled, magnetically operated type.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Proportional valves are useful in pneumatic control circuits, and may be used, for example, to control precise gas flow through the valve. An example of such a valve is shown in the U.S. patent to Hutchings, U.S. Pat. No. 5,232,196. Hutchings shows an electrically operated pneumatic valve in which a combination valve member and magnetically operated armature in the form of poppet are biased by a three-lobed flat spring so as to proportionally control flow. Energization of a solenoid, controls or meters the output flow of the valve.
Unfortunately, in the Hutchings valve, the armature consists of a solenoid plunger and a poppet of substantial weight.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a proportional valve of this type having a movable valve element which is in the form of a “spider,” and which also comprises the armature operated by the electromagnet coil. The spider includes springs which bias the armature-valve element against a port, so that the armature normally closes the port. The use of a spider substantially reduces the armature weight.
It is the objective of this invention to provide a magnetically operated type valve wherein the application of a very small amount of electric power to the magnet coil will create a proportional relationship between the electrical current of the magnet coil to a precise control of valve flow.
A valve in accordance with the invention includes a body structure presenting a first port entering an internal cavity or chamber. Also, communicating with said cavity is a second port. Flow through the first port is controlled by a movable valve element which is a magnetically responsive armature in the form of a “spider.” More specifically, the armature is at the center of the spider, and the “legs” and “beams” of the spider comprise a plurality of springs that extend radially or transversely outwardly. At their outer ends, the beams are mounted so that they bias or press against an angled surface of the valve case causing the armature to rest against the first port valve seat, so that that port is normally closed. The spider thus provides support for the armature that obviates the sliding friction or “scrubbing” that accompanies solenoid-type armatures. In the embodiment, during electrical activation of the valve, the armature is used to control flow between the first port and second port that both communicate with the cavity.
The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention shall be made apparent from the accompanying drawings and the description thereof.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3766935 (1973-10-01), Clippard, III
patent: 3786831 (1974-01-01), Clippard, III
patent: 3827672 (1974-08-01), Stampli
patent: 3921670 (1975-11-01), Clippard, Jr. et al.
patent: 4245815 (1981-01-01), Willis
patent: 4635683 (1987-01-01), Nielsen
patent: 4664136 (1987-05-01), Everett
patent: 4954799 (1990-09-01), Kumar
patent: 5232196 (1993-08-01), Hutchings et al.
patent: 5424704 (1995-06-01), Dolle
patent: 5544674 (1996-08-01), Kelly
patent: 6079435 (2000-06-01), Franz et al.
patent: 2303450 (1974-08-01), None
Clippard Instrument Laboratory, Inc.
Lee Kevin
Wood Herron & Evans L.L.P.
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