Fluid handling – Line condition change responsive valves – With separate connected fluid reactor surface
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-17
2001-10-16
Hepperle, Stephen M. (Department: 3753)
Fluid handling
Line condition change responsive valves
With separate connected fluid reactor surface
C251S129200, C251S285000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06302143
ABSTRACT:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
Not Applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not Applicable.
REFERENCE TO “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”
Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to fluid pressure regulating valves, and more specifically to two-stage servo gas pressure regulators convertible to separate output pressure ranges, such as those typically used in natural and LP fuel gas controls.
2. Background of the Invention
Fluid pressure regulating valves are widely used in a number of applications. One important application is in the control of gas pressure in gas heating appliances. Typically the heat output such appliances is controlled by metering the combustion gas through an orifice operating on a known and controlled pressure drop. Because the supply conditions for the gas may vary, a pressure regulating valve is used to achieve the known pressure drop, and therefore a known gas flow to the burner. Usually a spring reference is used for maintaining the constant pressure drop, and a service adjustment is provided for fine tuning the regulated pressure. Also, single-stage valve designs are known which facilitate replacement of the reference spring to permit valve conversion for operation with different gases having different characteristics, for example, natural gas and LP gas.
Two-stage gas regulators are used to switch the pressure regulation, and hence the burner heat output, between a low pressure and a higher pressure regulation point. This is often accomplished by a solenoid energized by the heating system control.
Many types of regulating valves have been provided in the prior art to accomplish these tasks. Some have used multiple regulators in one housing, which can lead to complex and expensive assembly. Others have used complex linkages for internal adjustments. Others have provided high and low adjustments which are interrelated, complicating the adjustment process. However, no known two-stage valve designs readily permit reference spring replacement to provide for simple conversion for operation with different gases.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a pressure regulating valve with two-stage operation and independent adjustability of low and high regulated pressures. According to the present invention there is provided a regulating valve having a valve housing defining a valve seat and a flow rate control diaphragm mounted in the housing proximate the valve seat for controlling flow therethrough as a function of extension of a regulator spring located between the diaphragm and a spring retainer. Position of the retainer relative to the valve seat is controlled in part by an actuator through a linkage including a pivoting lever. A pair of adjustable stops are positioned to engage the lever and establish limits for its motion, thereby providing the low and high pressure set points for the valve.
The lever may be mounted on a removable cap on the housing, removal of which permits removal of a shaft which carries the regulator spring. The lever may be of a T-shaped configuration, with the shaft, solenoid and stops engaging individual projecting portions of the lever to achieve a compact assembly in which adjustments and conversion are facilitated.
REFERENCES:
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patent: 5345963 (1994-09-01), Dietiker
patent: 5413141 (1995-05-01), Dietiker
patent: 5435343 (1995-07-01), Buezis
patent: 317892A (1929-08-01), None
Hepperle Stephen M.
Honeywell International , Inc.
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