Patent ID: 6571835
Filing Date: 2003-06-03
Classification: F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
A valve assembly 1, 3 comprising a first gas flow control unit 1 for controlling the flow of pressurized gas to and from a pressurized gas container 36 and a second gas flow control unit 3 for controlling the flow of gas from a high pressure gas source to the container 36, wherein the first gas flow control unit 1 comprises:a first valve housing 2 for mounting said first gas flow control unit 1 in gas flow communication with the interior of the container 36, said housing 2 having a first gas flow path 4; and a first valve 6 located in the first gas flow path 4 to open and close said path which, in use, is biased in a closed position; and wherein the second gas flow control unit 3 comprises:a second valve housing 38 for mounting said second gas flow control unit 3 in gas flow communication with the gas source, said housing having a second gas flow path 40; and a second valve 42 located in the second gas flow path 40 to open and close said path which, in use, is biased in a closed position; said assembly further comprising actuating means 22, 56 for co-operatively opening the first and second valves when the first and second gas flow control units are brought into compressed engagement, wherein said actuating means comprises a gas flow path located therethrough to provide gas flow communication between said first and second gas flow paths.