Patent ID: 6354319
Filing Date: 2002-03-12
Classification: G05D,Y10T

Abstract:
A regulating apparatus for regulating the pressure of fluid following though a conduit system, the system comprising:a lower housing connected in the conduit system and defining a valve seat extending between an upstream portion of the system and a downstream portion of the system; an upper housing disposed on the lower housing; a valve stem adapted for axial movement in the lower housing; a valve head connected to one end of the valve stem and cooperating with the seat in a manner to control the flow of fluid through the seat and through the lower housing and the conduit system; two spaced membranes disposed in the upper housing to define at least two chambers in the upper housing, the membranes being connected to the valve stem in a manner so that movement of the membranes causes corresponding movement of the valve stem and the valve head relative to the valve seat to control the flow of fluid through the seat and through the lower housing and the conduit system; a first passage for connecting the downstream portion of the conduit system to one of the chambers to apply a load to one of the membranes in proportion to the fluid pressure in the downstream portion so that changes in the fluid pressure in the downstream portion causes corresponding changes to the load on the one membrane, corresponding movement of the valve stem and the valve head, and corresponding changes to the fluid flow through the lower housing; and a second passage connecting the upstream portion of the conduit system to the other chamber to apply a load to the other membrane in proportion to the fluid pressure in the upstream portion so that changes in the upstream pressure causes corresponding changes in the load on the other membrane, corresponding movement of the valve stem and the valve head, and corresponding changes to the fluid flow through the lower housing.