Patent ID: 8640732
Filing Date: 2014-02-04
Classification: F16K,G05D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A two-stage regulator comprising: a regulator body comprising a first stage segment and a second stage segment wherein the first stage segment has portions defining a piston chamber, a gland nut chamber adjacent to the piston chamber, a filter port adjacent the gland nut chamber and an inlet port adjacent to the filter port, wherein the piston chamber, gland nut chamber, filter chamber and inlet port are collectively in fluid communication; wherein the second stage segment has portions defining a diaphragm chamber and further portions defining a ball valve port, wherein the diaphragm chamber has portions defining an annular diaphragm mounting shoulder configured to receive a peripheral edge of a diaphragm and further portions defining a frustoconically tapered bottom section extending inwardly from the mounting shoulder to the portions defining the ball valve port and traversing a substantial cross-sectional area of the diaphragm chamber to provide structural support for the diaphragm when the diaphragm is in an extended position, the extended position being toward the ball valve port, wherein the ball valve port is in fluid communication with the diaphragm chamber; and wherein the first stage segment is in fluid communication with the second stage segment; a piston secured in the piston chamber, wherein the piston comprises a piston head and a piston shaft extending, from the piston head, wherein the piston head has portions defining a piston bore and further portions defining an annular piston head channel formed in an outer surface of the piston head; and wherein the piston shaft has portions defining a second piston bore in fluid communication with the piston bore and further portions defining a piston aperture in fluid communication with the second piston bore, the piston bore and the gland nut chamber; a ball valve secured in the ball valve port; and, a diaphragm secured in the diaphragm chamber registered against the diaphragm mounting shoulder.