Patent ID: 6228019
Filing Date: 2001-05-08
Classification: F16K,G05D,Y10T

Abstract:
A life support system, comprising:a pressure suit;a gas supply source; anda valve assembly for controlling the pressure in the pressure suit by communicating gas between the gas supply source and the pressure suit, the valve assembly including:a valve body having a first port connected to the pressure suit and a second port connected to the gas supply source;a valve seat defined in the valve body;a valve member shiftably mounted within the valve body, the valve member being moveable to a first position in which the valve member contacts the valve seat to thereby prevent flow communication between the first and second ports, the valve member further being moveable to a second position in which the valve member is spaced away from the valve seat to thereby permit flow communication between the first and second ports;an actuator operatively engaging the valve member for shifting the valve member between the first and second positions, the actuator comprising a stepper motor, the stepper motor having a threaded output shaft, and wherein the valve member includes a valve stem having a female threaded member engaging the output shaft and being moveable along the output shaft as the output shaft is rotated, whereby operation of the stepper motor causes incremental movement of the valve member.