Patent ID: 6363959
Filing Date: 2002-04-02
Classification: G05D,Y10T

Abstract:
A fluid pressure regulator for use within a fluid system including a source of a pressurized fluid, said regulator having an inlet couplable in fluid communication with said source and an outlet, and said system being operable in a flow mode wherein a flow of said pressurized fluid is to be supplied from the outlet of said regulator at a specified outlet pressure and, alternately, in a no-flow mode, said regulator comprising:a fluid passageway defined between the inlet and an outlet of said regulator for the flow of said fluid therethrough; a valve assembly having a poppet movable along a longitudinal axis of said regulator between a first position closing said fluid passageway to the flow of said fluid for the operation of said system in said no-flow mode, and a variable second position throttling the flow of said fluid through said passageway for the operation of said system in said flow mode; a diaphragm coupled in force transmitting communication with said poppet and disposed in fluid communication with said fluid passageway such that a fluid pressure force of said fluid is applied thereto, said fluid pressure being applied on said diaphragm in a first direction urging said valve element toward said first position; an adjustable main pressure setting assembly for applying a select outlet pressure setting force on said diaphragm in a second direction opposite said first direction urging said valve element toward a said second position; and a differential pressure setting assembly actuable to apply a differential force on said diaphragm in said second direction further urging said valve element toward said second position, said differential force being applied to said diaphragm independent of said outlet pressure setting force, whereby said diaphragm is responsive to a net summation of the fluid pressure, outlet pressure setting, and differential forces to balance said poppet in said first or said second position, and whereby with said main pressure setting assembly being adjusted to regulate the flow of fluid from said regulator at an outlet pressure which is less than said specified outlet pressure, said differential pressure setting assembly is actuable at about the start of the operation of said system in said flow mode to apply said differential force on said diaphragm such that the flow of said fluid from said regulator is regulated at an outlet pressure which is about said specified outlet pressure, and wherein said differential pressure setting assembly is de-actuable at about the start of the operation of said system in said no-flow mode to terminate the application of said differential force on said diaphragm.