Patent ID: 6708708
Filing Date: 2004-03-23
Classification: B64C,F15B,G05D,Y10T

Abstract:
A pneumatic actuation control system for controlling a pressurizable object that defines a contained volume, said system comprising:a pressure controller capable of directing fluid flow, wherein said pressure controller is capable of directing an amount of fluid to the contained volume such that a pressure of fluid within the contained volume exceeds a pressure of fluid external to the contained volume by a predefined positive pressure, wherein said pressure controller is further capable of adjusting the pressure of fluid within the contained volume, and wherein said pressure controller is capable of adjusting the pressure by at least one of providing additional fluid to the contained volume and drawing an amount of fluid from the contained volume when the pressure external to the contained volume changes; an eductor capable of drawing fluid from within the contained volume to thereby decrease the pressure of fluid within the contained volume; and a valve in fluid communication with said pressure controller, said eductor and the pressurizable object, wherein said valve is controllably operable in at least one of a pressure mode and a vacuum mode, wherein when said valve operates in the pressure mode said valve permits said pressure controller to at least one of directing an amount of fluid to the contained volume and adjusting the pressure of fluid within the contained volume, and wherein when said valve operates in the vacuum mode said valve permits said eductor to draw fluid from the contained volume.