Fluid handling – Line condition change responsive valves – Direct response valves
Patent
1997-12-18
1999-07-20
Rivell, John
Fluid handling
Line condition change responsive valves
Direct response valves
137226, F16K 1514, F16K 1502
Patent
active
059244445
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
The present invention generally relates to a device for releasing fluid from a relatively high pressure source to a relatively low pressure receiver. More particularly, the invention relates to a valve for rapidly deflating pressurized containers, such as pneumatic vehicle tires, to desired, predetermined pressures.
2. Background
Many conventional devices for relieving fluid pressure from a container are known to exhibit undesirable characteristics. Such undesirable characteristics include slowness of pressure relief, instabilities or oscillations in the motion of valve components during pressure relief resulting in high frequency noise (i.e., a "screech"), excessively high wear rate on sealing components, and short valve life. Additionally, conventional devices typically suffer from hysteresis during the opening and closing functions of the valve. This hysteresis leads to an inaccurate and unrepeatable threshold relief pressure. Therefore, a need exists for an accurate valve that can relief pressure quickly without oscillation and component wear. The present invention fulfills this need among others.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a valve for releasing fluid from a relatively higher pressure source to a relatively lower pressure receiver. The valve comprises a housing having a first cavity, a second cavity, and an annular internal sealing surface. The first and second cavities are axially disposed, and the annular interior sealing surface is axially disposed between them. The first cavity also has a connection mechanism for operatively connecting to the source. The valve also comprises an elastomeric ring and a poppet disposed coaxially within the housing. The poppet has a substantially cylindrical side wall, at least a portion of which is an external sealing surface. Additionally, the poppet has fluid channels for channeling the fluid from the first cavity radially outward through at least one orifice in the side wall. The poppet is axially movable at least between a closed position and an opened position. In the closed position, the elastomeric ring contacts the exterior sealing surface and the interior sealing surface such that the first cavity is hermetically sealed from the second cavity. In the open position, the orifice is disposed relative to the elastomeric ring such that fluid radially exiting the orifice deforms the elastomeric ring outwardly forming a gap between the side wall and the elastomeric ring. The gap enhances the egress of fluid from the first cavity to the second cavity. The valve also comprises an actuator for controlling the poppet's axial movement between the closed and open positions.
One preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a valve with selectable relief pressures. In yet another embodiment, the valve provides visual indication of the pressure in the fluid container. A further embodiment provides for the input of fluid through the relief valve. These and other features and benefits of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout different views. The drawings are schematic and not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating principles of the invention.
FIGS. 1a & 1b are schematic axial sectional views of the valving mechanism according to principles of this invention in a closed and open position respectively;
FIG. 2 is a schematic axial sectional view of an embodiment of the apparatus;
FIGS. 3a & 3b is an enlarged schematic axial sectional view of a fragmental portion of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in an open and closed position respectively;
FIG. 4 is a schem
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Innovent Inc.
Rivell John
LandOfFree
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