Patent ID: 6453725
Filing Date: 2002-09-24
Classification: F16K,G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
A valve having at least four ports and first and second operating modes wherein when said valve is in said first operating mode said at least four ports become at least two pairs of adjacent ports in fluid communication with each other internal to said valve and at least two pairs of adjacent ports not in fluid communication with each other internal to said valve, at least one pair of said at least two adjacent port pairs not in fluid communication with each other internal to said valve when said valve is in said first operating mode separating at least one pair of said at least two port pairs that are in fluid communication with each other internal to valve when said valve is in said first operating mode, said valve comprising:a. first plate having on the periphery thereof said at least four ports for entry and exit of a first fluid, said at least four ports in fluid communication with at least four openings in each of first and second exterior surfaces of said first plate, each of said at least four openings associated with a respective one of said at least four ports, said at least four openings in said first exterior surface blocked when said valve is in said second operating mode; b. a second plate having a valve for entry of a second fluid and a first exterior surface having at least one opening which is in fluid communication with said second plate second fluid entry valve; c. a first diaphragm between said second exterior surface of said first plate and said first exterior surface of said second plate, said first diaphragm pressing against said second plate first exterior surface when said valve is in said second operating mode; said at least one opening in said first exterior surface of said second plate allowing when said valve is in said second operating mode fluid communication internal to said valve between all but at least one of said at least two port pairs not in fluid communication with each other internal to said valve when said valve is in said first operating mode; and a third plate having a valve for entry of said second fluid and a first exterior surface having at least two openings each of which are in fluid communication with said third plate second fluid entry valve, said third plate first exterior surface facing said first plate first exterior surface.