Patent ID: 6516707
Filing Date: 2003-02-11
Classification: B05B,G05D

Abstract:
An apparatus for controlling the flow rate of compressed air to a tool, said tool being optimally operative dependent upon receiving a specified flow rate of said compressed air, said apparatus comprising:an air inlet for receiving compressed air from an air pressurizing source; an air outlet for transmitting the compressed air to the tool; a first air flow path between the inlet and the outlet; a second air flow path between the inlet and the outlet; a first air diverter valve pneumatically connected to the air inlet, first air flow path and second air flow path, said first air diverter valve directing the flow of compressed air from the air inlet to either the first air flow path or the second air flow path; a second air diverter valve connected to the air outlet, first air flow path and second air flow path, said second air diverter valve directing the flow of compressed air from either the first air flow path or the second air flow path to the air outlet; said first air flow path including an air flow controller, said air flow controller comprising: a fixed orifice obstruction for producing a pressure differential of air flowing between a first point and a second point in said first air flow path; a spring biased needle, said needle being slidable through a lateral opening in said fixed orifice obstruction for controlling the flow rate of air therethrough; a diaphragm for controlling the position of the needle; a first air portal tube pneumatically connecting said first point to one side of said diaphragm and a second air portal tube pneumatically connecting said second point to the other side of said diaphragm so that a pressure differential between said first and second points results in producing substantially the same pressure differential between said one side and said other side of said diaphragm, thereby causing said diaphragm to deflect which in turn causes said needle to move into or out of said obstruction; and said second air flow path including a pressure regulator for regulating the pressure of air in the second air flow path.