Fluid flow control valve

• US 20030106593A1
• Filed: 10/03/2002
• Published: 06/12/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 06/01/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: HO Underwater Acquisition LLC
• Original Assignee: Shane S. Taylor
• Inventors: Taylor, Shane S.
• Granted Patent: US 6,901,958 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 137/614.2
• CPC Class Codes: A62B 9/02 Valves non-return valves mounted in breathing masks or helmets A62B18/10
• CPC Class Codes: B63C 11/2209 First-stage regulators B63C11/2245 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B63C 11/2227 Second-stage regulators B63C11/2245 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 1/303 with a valve member, e.g. stem or shaft, passing through the seat
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 1/307 Additional means used in combination with the main valve
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 1/308 Connecting means
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 15/02 with guided rigid valve members
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 15/026 the valve member being a movable body around which the medium flows when the valve is open
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 15/033 spring-loaded
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 15/044 spring-loaded
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 15/063 the valve being loaded by a spring
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 15/18 with actuating mechanism; Combined check valves and actuated valves
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 15/182 with actuating mechanism
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 7/0133 within the flow-path
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/7795 Multi-stage
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/7837 Direct response valves [i.e., check valve type]
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/7929 Spring coaxial with valve
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/7931 Spring in inlet
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/88054 Direct response normally closed valve limits direction of flow

Abstract

A fluid flow control valve is disclosed. This valve includes a housing which defines a central passageway having fluid inlet and fluid outlet openings. A pressure responsive element is disposed within the passageway for selectively opening and closing the inlet opening to fluid flow in response to fluid pressure exerted thereon at the inlet opening. A mechanism is provided within the passageway for exerting a bias force against the pressure responsive element which is sufficient to close the inlet opening to fluid flow absent a pre-established level of fluid pressure exerted on the pressure responsive element. A fluid filter element is also disposed within the passageway; and a retainer device is positioned for removably securing the filter element within the passageway.

Claims

1. A fluid flow control valve comprising:

a housing defining a central passageway having fluid inlet and fluid outlet openings;

a pressure responsive element disposed within said passageway for selectively opening and closing said inlet opening to fluid flow in response to fluid pressure exerted thereon at said inlet opening;

a mechanism disposed within said passageway for exerting a bias force against said pressure responsive element sufficient to close said inlet opening to fluid flow absent a preestablished level of fluid pressure exerted on said pressure responsive element;

a fluid filter element disposed within said passageway; and

a retainer device for removably securing said filter element within said passageway.

2. The valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein said housing includes an attachment portion proximate said inlet opening for selective coupling to a source of high-pressure fluid.

3. The valve as claimed in claim 2, wherein said fluid comprises gas and said attachment portion is adapted for selective coupling to a tank of compressed gas.

4. The valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pressure responsive element comprises a fluid stop member having an upper end portion adapted for retractable engagement with said inlet opening.

5. The valve as claimed in claim 4, wherein said fluid stop member includes at least one fluid channeling element for directing fluid into said passageway from said inlet opening when said fluid stop member is disengaged from said inlet opening.

6. The valve as claimed in claim 4, wherein said fluid stop member comprises a piston element having a lower end portion opposite said upper end portion and which is adapted for operative engagement with said bias force exerting mechanism.

7. The valve as claimed in claim 6, wherein said piston element includes an outer peripheral surface between said upper and lower end portions, and at least one fluid channeling element associated with said piston element for directing fluid into said passageway from said inlet opening when said piston element is disengaged from said inlet opening.

8. The valve as claimed in claim 7, wherein said fluid channeling element comprises an elongated groove disposed along said piston element outer peripheral surface.

9. The valve as claimed in claim 4, wherein said fluid stop member comprises an orb having a width dimension less than the width dimension of said passageway and greater than the width dimension of said inlet opening.

10. The valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bias exerting mechanism comprises a resilient member.

11. The valve as claimed in claim 10, wherein said bias exerting mechanism comprises a coil spring and a spring containment sleeve, said coil spring having one end portion engaged with said pressure responsive element and the opposite end portion mounted in said containment sleeve.

12. The valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein said filter element is disposed between said bias exerting mechanism and said retainer device proximate said outlet opening.

13. A fluid pressure-regulated inlet valve comprising:

a valve housing defining a central bore, a fluid inlet opening and a fluid outlet opening;

a pressure regulated control element disposed within said housing bore proximate said inlet opening and mounted for movement between a closed position wherein said control element is engaged with said inlet opening to seal said bore, and an open position wherein said control element is disengaged from said inlet opening enabling fluid to pass through said bore;

a biasing mechanism for urging said pressure regulated control element to its closed position, said mechanism having a bias force of pre-selected strength requiring pressure from an exterior fluid force on said pressure regulated control element at said inlet opening of a strength exceeding said pre-selected bias force strength to disengage said control element from said inlet opening and move it to its open position;

a fluid filter disposed within said bore adapted to filter any fluid passing through said bore; and

a retainer member for securing said fluid filter within said housing bore.

14. The inlet valve as claimed in claim 13, wherein said housing includes an attachment portion proximate said fluid inlet opening for selective coupling to a source of compressed gas.

15. The inlet valve as claimed in claim 13, wherein said pressure regulated control element comprises a piston element having a head portion with a curved upper outer surface adapted for retractable engagement with said fluid inlet opening, a peripheral outer surface, and a lower end portion adapted for operative engagement with said biasing mechanism, said piston element including at least one fluid channeling element for directing fluid into said bore from said fluid inlet opening when said piston head portion is in said open position.

16. The inlet valve as claimed in claim 15, wherein said fluid channeling element comprises an elongated groove disposed along the length of said piston element peripheral outer surface.

17. The inlet valve as claimed in claim 13, wherein said pressure regulated control element comprises a spherical member having a diameter less than the width dimension of said central bore and greater than the width dimension of said fluid inlet opening.

18. The inlet valve as claimed in claim 13, wherein said biasing mechanism comprises a coil spring and a spring containment sleeve, said coil spring having one end portion operatively attached to said pressure regulated control element and the opposite end portion mounted within said containment sleeve.

19. The inlet valve as claimed in claim 13 wherein said fluid filter is conical in shape and disposed between said pressure regulated control element and said fluid outlet opening.

20. The inlet valve as claimed in claim 13, wherein said fluid filter is in the form of a substantially flat cylinder and disposed between said pressure regulated control element and said fluid outlet opening.

21. An inlet valve for a gas pressure regulator to couple the regulator to a source of pressurized gas, said valve comprising:

a housing defining a central duct with gas inlet and outlet openings defined at opposite ends thereof, said housing having an attachment portion disposed at said gas inlet opening adapted for engagement with a source of pressurized gas;

a pressure responsive element mounted within said duct proximate said gas inlet opening and adapted for movement between a first position for sealing said duct to prevent gas from entering said inlet opening, and a second position for opening said duct to permit gas to enter said inlet opening and pass through said duct;

a mechanism disposed in said duct for exerting a preselected bias force against said pressure responsive element to maintain said pressure responsive element at said first position in the absence of gas pressure from outside said housing at said gas inlet opening in excess of said preselected bias force;

a gas filter member disposed in said duct downstream from said pressure responsive element; and

a retainer element for removably securing said filter, said bias force exerting mechanism, and said pressure responsive element all within said duct.

22. The valve as claimed in claim 21, wherein said pressure regulator is a first stage regulator adapted to selectively engage a gas outlet portion of a container filled with pressurized breathable gas for use in a SCUBA system, said valve housing attachment portion comprising a collar extending outwardly from said gas inlet opening, and a yoke fixture adapted for compressing said collar and valve housing gas inlet opening against the gas outlet portion of the pressurized breathable gas container.

23. The valve as claimed in claim 21, wherein said pressure regulator is a first stage regulator adapted to selectively engage a gas outlet portion of a container filled with pressurized breathable gas for use in a SCUBA system, said valve housing attachment portion comprising a DIN connector extending outwardly from said gas inlet opening, and a threaded connection knob for removably engaging said DIN connector and valve housing gas inlet opening with the gas outlet portion of the pressurized breathable gas container.

24. The valve as claimed in claim 21, wherein said source of pressurized gas is a gas hose, and said pressure regulator is a second stage regulator adapted to selectively engage a gas outlet portion of the gas hose delivering breathable gas of an intermediate gas pressure for use as an alternate gas source in a SCUBA system, said valve housing attachment portion comprising a quick connect element associated with said gas inlet opening for attachment to said intermediate gas pressure hose, said housing further including a threaded member for attaching said valve housing gas outlet opening to the second stage regulator.

25. The valve as claimed in claim 21, wherein said pressure responsive element comprises a piston element having a head portion with an upper outer surface adapted for retractable engagement with said gas inlet opening, a peripheral outer surface, and a lower end portion adapted for operative engagement with said bias force exertion mechanism, said piston element including at least one gas channeling element for directing gas into said duct from said gas inlet opening when said piston head portion is disengaged from said gas inlet opening and in said second position.

26. The valve as claimed in claim 25, wherein said gas channeling element comprises an elongated groove disposed along the length of said piston element peripheral outer surface.

27. The valve as claimed in claim 21, wherein said pressure responsive element comprises a spherical member having a diameter less than the width dimension of said central duct and greater than the width dimension of said gas inlet opening.

28. The valve as claimed in claim 21, wherein said bias force exertion mechanism comprises a coil spring and a spring containment sleeve, said coil spring having one end portion engaged with said pressure responsive element and the opposite end portion mounted in said containment sleeve.

29. In a regulator system for use in an underwater breathing apparatus having a container of high pressure breathable gas, said regulator system having a first stage regulator adapted for coupling to the high pressure breathable gas container for reducing the pressure thereof to an intermediate pressure level, a mechanism for releasably attaching the first stage regulator to the high pressure gas container, and a second stage regulator adapted for further reducing the pressure of the breathable gas from the intermediate pressure level to a readily breathable pressure level useable by an underwater diver, the improvement wherein the mechanism for releasably attaching said first stage regulator to the outlet of the container of high pressure breathable gas comprises:

a valve housing defining a central passageway having a gas inlet opening and a gas outlet opening, said housing further including an attachment portion disposed at said gas inlet opening adapted for engagement with a high pressure breathable gas container outlet;

a pressure sensing member positioned for mounting within said passageway between a first position to close said inlet opening and seal it from the entry of gas and other fluids therein, and a second position to open said inlet opening and permit flow of gas into said inlet opening and through said passageway to said first stage regulator;

a device for exerting selective bias force against said pressure sensing member to continuously urge it to said first position and maintain it at said first position absent gas pressure at said inlet opening from the high pressure breathable gas container in excess of said selective bias force to move said pressure sensing member to its second position; and

a retaining device for removably securing said pressure sensing member and bias exerting device within said passageway.

30. The improvement as claimed in claim 29, wherein said valve housing is an integral part of said first stage regulator.

31. The improvement as claimed in claim 29, wherein said valve housing further includes a threaded post portion disposed at said gas outlet opening adapted for removable engagement with said first stage regulator.

32. The improvement as claimed in claim 29, wherein a gas filter member is disposed within said passageway of said valve housing.

33. The improvement as claimed in claim 32, wherein said gas filter member is conical in shape and disposed between said pressure sensing member and said gas outlet opening.

34. The improvement as claimed in claim 32, wherein said gas filter member is in the form of a substantially flat cylinder and disposed between said pressure sensing member and said gas outlet opening.

35. The improvement as claimed in claim 29, wherein said pressure sensing member comprises a piston element having a head portion with a curved upper outer surface adapted for retractable engagement with said gas inlet opening, a peripheral outer surface, and a lower end portion adapted for operative engagement with said bias force exerting mechanism, said piston element including at least one elongated groove disposed longitudinally along the length of said peripheral outer surface for channeling gas into said passageway from said gas inlet opening when said piston head portion is disengaged from said gas inlet opening.

36. The improvement as claimed in claim 35, wherein said piston element includes a plurality of said grooves disposed substantially equidistantly about said peripheral outer surface.

37. The improvement as claimed in claim 36, wherein said bias force exerting mechanism comprises a coil spring and a spring containment sleeve, said coil spring having one end portion engaged with said pressure sensing member and the opposite end portion mounted in said containment sleeve, the selective bias force of said coil spring being no less than approximately 10 psi.

38. In a regulator device for reducing the gas pressure of a source of pressurized breathable gas in a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus to a useable level when delivered to an underwater diver using said apparatus, the regulator device including a regulator housing, a gas inlet mechanism including a gas inlet valve for the regulator housing, pressure-sensing means for reducing gas pressure within the regulator housing at variable water depths, and an outlet mechanism for delivering breathable gas at a pressure level less than the pressure level of said gas at the gas inlet mechanism, the improvement wherein said gas inlet valve comprises:

a valve housing defining a tubular interior duct having gas inlet and gas outlet apertures at opposite ends thereof;

a gas flow control element positioned within said duct for movement between a first position to seal said gas inlet aperture to prevent entrance of gas and any other fluid into said duct, and a second position to open said gas inlet aperture to the flow of pressurized gas therethrough into said duct, said control element moving in a reciprocal manner within said tubular duct between said first and second positions;

a resilient member mounted in said duct in operative relation with said gas flow control element to create a bias force to regulate the movement of said gas flow control element between said first and second positions, the bias force created by said resilient member maintaining said gas flow control element at said first position absent sufficient pressure of breathable gas from said source at said inlet aperture to overcome the bias force of said resilient member; and

a retainer member for removably securing said gas flow control element and said resilient member within said tubular duct.

39. The improvement as claimed in claim 38, wherein said regulator device comprises a first stage regulator with said source of pressurized breathable gas comprising a high pressure SCUBA tank having a tank gas outlet member, and wherein said gas inlet valve housing further comprises an attachment portion in the form of a collar extending outwardly from said gas inlet aperture for selective attachment to said tank gas outlet member, and a threaded post portion disposed at said valve housing gas outlet aperture for engagement with said first stage regulator.

40. The improvement as claimed in claim 38, wherein said regulator device comprises a second stage regulator for use as an alternate gas source in a SCUBA system with said source of pressurized breathable gas comprising the gas outlet portion of a gas hose delivering breathable gas of an intermediate gas pressure, and wherein said gas inlet valve housing further comprises an attachment portion in the form of a quick connect element associated with from said gas inlet aperture for attachment to said intermediate gas pressure hose, and a threaded member for attaching said valve housing gas outlet aperture to said second stage regulator.

41. The improvement as claimed in claim 38, wherein said gas inlet valve further comprises a gas filter member disposed within said duct.

42. The improvement as claimed in claim 41, wherein said gas filter member is conical in shape and disposed between said gas flow control element and said gas outlet aperture.

43. The improvement as claimed in claim 41, wherein said gas filter member is in the form of a substantially flat cylinder and disposed between said gas flow control element and said gas outlet aperture.

44. The improvement as claimed in claim 41, wherein said gas flow control element comprises a piston having a head portion with a curved upper outer surface adapted for retractable engagement with said gas inlet aperture, a cylindrical outer surface, and a lower end portion adapted for operative engagement with said resilient member, said piston including at least one elongated groove disposed longitudinally along the length of said cylindrical outer surface for channeling gas into said duct from said gas inlet aperture when said piston head portion is disengaged from said gas inlet aperture.

45. The improvement as claimed in claim 44, wherein said piston includes a plurality of said grooves disposed substantially equidistantly about said cylindrical outer surface.

46. The improvement as claimed in claim 45, wherein said resilient member comprises a coil spring disposed in a spring containment sleeve, said coil spring having one end portion engaged with said piston lower end portion and the opposite end portion mounted in said containment sleeve, the selective bias force of said coil spring being no less than approximately 10 psi.

47. The improvement as claimed in claim 41, wherein said piston comprises a spherical element having a diameter less than the diameter of said tubular duct and greater than the diameter of said gas inlet aperture, and wherein said resilient member comprises a coil spring disposed in a spring containment sleeve, said coil spring having one end portion engaged with said spherical element and the opposite end portion mounted in said containment sleeve.

48. The improvement as claimed in claim 38, wherein said regulator device is a first stage regulator adapted to selectively engage a gas outlet portion of a container filled with pressurized breathable gas for use in a SCUBA system, said valve housing having an attachment portion comprising a collar extending outwardly from said gas inlet aperture, and a yoke fixture adapted for compressing said collar and valve housing gas inlet aperture against the gas outlet portion of the pressurized breathable gas container.

49. The improvement as claimed in claim 38, wherein said regulator device is a first stage regulator adapted to selectively engage a gas outlet portion of a container filled with pressurized breathable gas for use in a SCUBA system, said valve housing including an attachment portion comprising a DIN connector extending outwardly from said gas inlet aperture, and a threaded connection knob for removably engaging said DIN connector and valve housing gas inlet aperture with the gas outlet portion of the pressurized breathable gas container.

50. The improvement as claimed in claim 38, wherein said regulator device is a second stage regulator for use as an alternate gas source in a SCUBA system adapted to selectively engage a gas outlet portion of a gas hose delivering breathable gas of an intermediate gas pressure, said valve housing including an attachment portion comprising a quick connect element associated with from said gas inlet aperture for attachment to said intermediate gas pressure hose, and a threaded member for attaching said valve housing gas outlet aperture to the second stage regulator.

51. A one-way inlet valve for a first stage regulator adapted to selectively engage a gas outlet portion of a container filled with pressurized breathable gas for use in a SCUBA system, said valve comprising:

a housing defining a central duct with gas inlet and outlet apertures defined at opposite ends thereof, said housing having an attachment portion comprising a collar extending outwardly from said gas inlet aperture, and a yoke fixture adapted for compressing said collar and valve housing gas inlet aperture against the gas outlet portion of the pressurized breathable gas container;

a pressure responsive element mounted within said duct proximate said gas inlet opening and adapted for movement between a first position for sealing said duct to prevent gas from entering said inlet opening, and a second position for opening said duct to permit gas to enter said inlet opening and pass through said duct;

a mechanism disposed in said duct for exerting a preselected bias force against said pressure responsive element to maintain said pressure responsive element at said first position in the absence of gas pressure from said pressurized breathable gas container at said gas inlet opening in excess of said preselected bias force;

a gas filter member disposed in said duct downstream from said pressure responsive element; and

a retainer element for removably securing said filter, said bias force exerting mechanism, and said pressure responsive element all within said duct.

52. A one-way inlet valve for a first stage regulator adapted to selectively engage a gas outlet portion of a container filled with pressurized breathable gas for use in a SCUBA system, said valve comprising:

a housing defining a central duct with gas inlet and outlet apertures defined at opposite ends thereof, said housing having an attachment portion comprising a DIN connector extending outwardly from said gas inlet aperture, and a threaded connection knob for removably engaging said DIN connector and valve housing gas inlet aperture against the gas outlet portion of the pressurized breathable gas container;

a pressure responsive element mounted within said duct proximate said gas inlet opening and adapted for movement between a first position for sealing said duct to prevent gas from entering said inlet opening, and a second position for opening said duct to permit gas to enter said inlet opening and pass through said duct;

a mechanism disposed in said duct for exerting a preselected bias force against said pressure responsive element to maintain said pressure responsive element at said first position in the absence of gas pressure from said pressurized breathable gas container at said gas inlet opening in excess of said preselected bias force;

a gas filter member disposed in said duct downstream from said pressure responsive element; and

a retainer element for removably securing said filter, said bias force exerting mechanism, and said pressure responsive element all within said duct.

53. A one-way inlet valve for a second stage regulator for use as an alternate gas source in a SCUBA system adapted to selectively engage a gas outlet portion of a gas hose delivering breathable gas of an intermediate gas pressure, said valve comprising:

a housing defining a central duct with gas inlet and outlet apertures defined at opposite ends thereof, said housing having an attachment portion comprising a quick connect element associated with from said gas inlet aperture for attachment to said intermediate gas pressure hose, and a threaded member for attaching said valve housing gas outlet aperture to the second stage regulator;

a pressure responsive element mounted within said duct proximate said gas inlet opening and adapted for movement between a first position for sealing said duct to prevent gas from entering said inlet opening, and a second position for opening said duct to permit gas to enter said inlet opening and pass through said duct;

a mechanism disposed in said duct for exerting a preselected bias force against said pressure responsive element to maintain said pressure responsive element at said first position in the absence of gas pressure from said intermediate pressure gas hose at said gas inlet opening in excess of said preselected bias force;

a gas filter member disposed in said duct downstream from said pressure responsive element; and

a retainer element for removably securing said filter, said bias force exerting mechanism, and said pressure responsive element all within said duct.