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Valve assembly for high-pressure fluid reservoir

  • US 8,944,101 B2
  • Filed: 10/01/2013
  • Issued: 02/03/2015
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/22/2009
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A valve assembly configured for controlling fluid flow between a first reservoir and a second reservoir, each reservoir being arranged externally with respect to the valve assembly, the valve assembly comprising:

  • a valve housing;

    a relief valve arranged inside the valve housing and configured to open a first fluid flow path inside the valve housing when a pressure inside the first reservoir is above a first predetermined pressure value;

    a solenoid assembly arranged inside the valve housing and configured to open a second fluid flow path inside the valve housing when a rate of the fluid flow from the first reservoir to the second reservoir is above a predetermined reference value;

    a flow restrictor arranged inside the valve housing and configured to open a third fluid flow path inside the valve housing when the rate of the fluid flow from the first reservoir to the second reservoir is below the predetermined reference value, and when the pressure inside the first reservoir is below a second predetermined pressure value;

    a stop plate configured to limit travel of the piston toward the flow restrictor; and

    a catch mechanism arranged inside the valve housing and operatively connected to the solenoid assembly;

    wherein;

    the solenoid assembly includes an armature configured to selectively open and close the flow restrictor;

    the armature includes a piston and a plunger; and

    the catch mechanism connects the piston to the plunger and is configured to permit the plunger to translate away from the flow restrictor such that the third fluid flow path is opened without displacing the piston.

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