Patent ID: 6971404
Filing Date: 2005-12-06
Classification: B60T,F15B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A pneumatic valve for selectively controlling fluid flow through a pneumatic system of a vehicle, the pneumatic valve comprising: (a) a housing having a cavity, an inlet in selective fluid communication with the cavity, and an outlet, the pneumatic valve adapted to be coupled to a pneumatic system of a vehicle, where the inlet is in fluid communication with a pneumatic source and the outlet is in fluid communication with a pneumatically operated device; (b) a flow controller disposed within the housing for selectively controlling fluid flow into the housing when the pneumatic valve is coupled to the pneumatic system, the flow controller being actuatable between an open position, where the inlet is in fluid communication with the cavity and the outlet is in fluid communication with the pneumatically operated device, and a closed position, where the flow controller substantially impedes fluid from flowing into the housing, the flow controller being actuatable between the open and closed positions in response to a predetermined fluid pressure within the pneumatic system, wherein the housing is contoured in a predetermined shape, such that an axis extending longitudinally through the outlet is substantially perpendicular to an axis extending longitudinally through the housing, wherein the predetermined shape of the housing is substantially oval; and (c) a plurality of guides formed with the housing for engagement with the flow controller, the plurality of guides engaging a portion of the flow controller without substantially impeding fluid flow into the housing when the pneumatic valve is coupled to the pneumatic system.