Patent ID: 6435202
Filing Date: 2002-08-20
Classification: G05B,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for selectively coupling a fluid supply with a fluid receiver, the method comprising:providing first, second and third solenoid valves each having a plurality of ports, and each being alternately actuatable between open and closed positions; and providing a plurality of inlet and outlet pathways each extending from a respective port of one of said solenoid valves to a port of another of said solenoid valves, wherein said solenoid valves are disposed in fluid communication with one another, said first solenoid valve in fluid communication with said second solenoid valve and said second solenoid valve in fluid communication with said third solenoid valve; providing a five port, four way by-pass valve; and coupling one port of said by-pass valve to the fluid supply and another port of said bypass valve to the fluid receiver such that actuation of said by-pass valve selectively couples the fluid source with the fluid receiver while bypassing said first, second and third solenoid valves; wherein actuation of any two of said first, second and third solenoid valves alternately couples and de-couples the fluid supply with the fluid receiver.