Patent ID: 6116264
Filing Date: 2000-09-12
Classification: F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
A multi-port valving system for the diversion of the flow of a fluid through a plurality of ducts including an inlet duct, an exhaust duct and two or more diversion ducts, the valve system comprising:a. a housing having a plurality of ports including an inlet port couplable to the inlet duct, an exhaust port couplable to the exhaust duct, and two or more diversion ports corresponding in number to the number of diversion ducts;b. a first rotatable shaft positioned substantially in said housing;c. a first damper coupled to said first rotatable shaft such that said first damper pivots when said first shaft rotates;d. a second rotatable shaft positioned substantially in said housing;e. a second damper coupled to said second rotatable shaft such that said second damper pivots when said second shaft rotates;f. a first actuator means coupled to said first rotatable shaft for causing movement of said first rotatable shaft;g. a second actuator means coupled to said second rotatable shaft for causing movement of said second rotatable shaft; andh. control means for selectively controlling operation of said first actuator means and said second actuator means relative to one another,wherein said first actuator means controlled by said control means causes movement of said first damper that may be coordinated with, but is independent of, movement of said second damper by said second actuator means, also controlled by said control means, in a manner that prevents simultaneous sealing of said ports such that there remains an open fluid pathway between said inlet port and said exhaust port.