Patent ID: 7255127
Filing Date: 2007-08-14
Classification: G05D,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A vacuum regulation device comprising: a body having a hollow cylindrical interior, a source aperture in fluid communication with said interior a vent aperture in fluid communication with said hollow cylindrical interior, and an output aperture in fluid communication with said hollow cylindrical interior; a cylindrically shaped piston movably disposed within said hollow cylindrical interior of said body and sized to establish a fluid seal with said hollow cylindrical interior of said body, said piston situated between said source aperture and said output aperture, said piston defining a first chamber within said body in fluid communication with said source aperture, said piston further defining a second chamber within said body in fluid communication with said vent aperture, said piston further including a piston aperture therethrough; a spring disposed within said first chamber and about said tube and situated in contact with said movable piston and the interior of said body, said spring urging said piston toward said output aperture; a hollow cylindrical tube attached to said piston to form a piston-tube assembly, said tube disposed in said piston aperture and attached to said piston such that the piston-tube interface includes a fluid seal therebetween, said tube extending into said first chamber and into said second chamber, said tube movably engaging said output aperture in said second chamber and forming a fluid seal therebetween; and wherein a source of vacuum is connected to said source aperture and said vacuum regulation device operates in a first mode of operation such that fluid flows into said output aperture, through said hollow tube and out said source aperture, and further wherein said vacuum regulation device operates in a second mode of operation wherein said output aperture is partially obstructed thereby reducing air flow therethrough and inducing a negative air pressure within said tube thereby urging said piston and said tube towards said spring and compressing said spring, and wherein said vacuum regulation device operates in a third mode of operation wherein said output aperture is substantially obstructed and said piston and said hollow tube are urged towards said spring within said hollow cylindrical interior and said tube makes contact with the interior of said body and limiting fluid flow through said tube.