Patent ID: 6062258
Filing Date: 2000-05-16
Classification: G05D,Y10T

Abstract:
A gas pressure regulator comprising:a valve body having an inlet passage, an outlet passage, a valve chamber interconnecting the inlet and outlet passages, an axial bore extending along an axial direction from adjacent the valve chamber to an open end of the bore at an outer face of the valve body, and an aperture connecting the valve chamber to the outlet passage and the axial bore;a valve assembly axially movable within the valve chamber between a closed position closing the aperture and an open position wherein the aperture is open to permit gas flow to the outlet passage and the axial bore, the valve assembly being biased toward the closed position and including a valve pin extending axially through the aperture into the axial bore;a flexible diaphragm mounted to the valve body to sealingly close the open end of the axial bore;a plunger mounted in the axial bore for axial movement therein, the plunger comprising a solid generally cylindrical body having an outer peripheral surface defining an outer perimeter, the outer peripheral surface fitting closely within the axial bore about substantially the entire outer perimeter thereof;a spring assembly contacting the side of the diaphragm opposite the plunger and operable to apply a biasing force to the diaphragm to urge the plunger against the valve pin so as to urge the valve assembly toward the open position; anda cup-shaped cap mounted to the valve body so as to retain the spring assembly in operable, engagement with the diaphragm, the cap including a plunger-retaining surface intruding into the path of movement of the plunger to limit the extent to which the plunger is able to move away from the valve chamber;the plunger and cap being configured such that at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the plunger remains closely engaged in the axial bore when the plunger is in contact with the plunger-retaining surface.