Patent ID: 7703740
Filing Date: 2010-04-27
Classification: F16K

Abstract:
1. A pilot operated valve with clog resistant capabilities comprising; a valve body having an input port and an output port which are in fluid communication, said input port being connected to a water supply and said output port connected to an appliance; a main fluid flow through said valve body and a restricted fluid flow through said valve body; a sealing member movable within said valve body between an open position wherein said sealing member does not block main fluid flow, and a closed position wherein said sealing member blocks main fluid flow; an input pilot aperture for the restricted fluid flow in fluid communication with a reservoir, the output of which is in communication with an output pilot aperture that is of a larger area than the input pilot aperture; a pilot fluid path that is in communication with the input to said input pilot aperture and is independent of said sealing member; an input to said pilot fluid path that is in proximity to said input port; a plunger made of ferromagnetic material being moveable within a pilot cavity enclosure with a first elastic sealing element at a first end of said plunger providing a means of blocking fluid flow through said input pilot aperture when said plunger is at one limit of its allowable movement, and a second elastic sealing element at the second end of said plunger to block fluid flow through said output pilot aperture when said plunger is at the other limit of its allowable movement; and a pilot operated valve in which the position of said plunger is controlled by a solenoid such that when said solenoid is in an energized state said plunger moves to a position where said first elastic element on said first end of said plunger blocks fluid flow through said input pilot aperture, and when said solenoid is in a de-energized state said plunger moves to a position where said second elastic element blocks fluid flow through said output pilot aperture; wherein a pilot fluid path is provided for fluid flow to said input pilot aperture by fitting an inner housing within an outer housing, said outer housing having a channel fabricated on its inner surface to allow fluid to flow to said input pilot aperture.