Gas by-pass valve

Details Gas by-pass valve Gas by-pass valve

1999-05-05

2001-02-13

Shaver, Kevin (Department: 3754)

Valves and valve actuation

Reciprocating valve

Push or pull operator

C251S321000, C251S900000, C128S205240

Reexamination Certificate

active

06186477

ABSTRACT:

This invention relates to pressurized gas delivery systems and more particularly to a microvalve for controlling the flow of oxygen from a supply source to a user.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
It is well known to use gas flow regulators in conjunction with supply sources of gases such as tanks of oxygen containing high pressure oxygen or oxygen gas mixtures, to control both the pressure and the rate of flow of the oxygen or oxygen mixture being released from the tank. More recently, there have been developed separate oxygen control devices that conserve the oxygen supply by limiting its release only during useful times, as for example, only during the inhalation period of the breathing cycle of a patient using the oxygen. Such devices are sensitive to drops in pressure caused by inhalation to activate the oxygen flow only during inhalation.
It also is known to provide in such devices an alternate flow path for the gas mixture or oxygen to be inhaled by the user, as for example a continuous flow by-pass path to be selectively controlled by actuating a valve in the gas flow by-pass path.
Because of the inherent properties of pressurized gases and the need to control carefully their flow rates for human use, we have invented a new microvalve for use in gas flow systems that both is simple in manufacture and will be accurate and reliable in use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention comprises a microvalve that may be used in a wide variety of gas flow systems, and conveniently can, but need not, be integral with a gas flow control device. The valve itself contains means such as a casing and cap for defining a valve chamber having gas flow inlet and value seat. Positioned within the valve chamber is a moveable plunger that is held by suitable spring means against the valve seat of the microvalve's outlet port to close the valve seat and prevent gas flow through the outlet port. According to our invention, the valve seat is on an axis displaced from the axis of the valve chamber, and the plunger includes an
0
-ring, a portion of the leading annular face of which provides the seal against the out let port. To allow the flow of gas through the outlet port, a valve activating stem moves the plunger and O-ring away from the value seat by overcoming the spring means and thereby permitting the gas to flow through the valve.


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