Patent ID: 8245728
Filing Date: 2012-08-21
Classification: F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A miniature quantum valve configured to regulate the flow rate of a fluid by allowing passage of very small, discrete increments of fluid through the valve, comprising: a) a valve body having first and second chambers in fluid communication with each other, and each having first and second ends, the first chamber having at least one pressure inlet to receive pressurized fluid and at least one return outlet to release fluid; b) a valve rod movably disposed in the first chamber, and having a plurality of fluid passages spaced longitudinally along the valve rod, the valve rod being movable to align one of the fluid passages with one of the at least one pressure inlet or the at least one return outlet in the first chamber to allow fluid to flow through the first chamber; and c) a plug movably disposed in the second chamber between the first and second ends of the second chamber, the plug being configured to move toward one of the first or second ends upon a volume of pressurized fluid entering the second chamber from the first chamber at the other of the first or second ends, and to direct a corresponding specified volume of pressurized control fluid out of the second chamber at the end opposite that end in which the fluid entered, and ultimately out the at least one return outlet, wherein the valve body comprises: a first pressurized fluid passageway extending between the first ends of the first and second chambers, respectively, to enable the flow of the pressurized fluid from a pressurized fluid source to the first end of the second chamber through one of the at least one pressure inlets, a first return fluid passageway extending between the first ends of the first and second chambers, respectively, to enable the flow of fluid from the first end of the second chamber through one of the at least one return outlets, a second pressurized fluid passageway extending between the second ends of the first and second chambers, respectively, to enable the flow of the pressurized fluid from a pressurized fluid source to the second end of the second chamber through one of the at least one pressure inlets, and a second return fluid passageway extending between the second ends of the first and second chambers, respectively, to enable the flow of fluid from the second end of the second chamber through one of the at least one return outlets.