Patent ID: 6213144
Filing Date: 2001-04-10
Classification: F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
A pneumatically actuated fluid flow valve comprising:a one-piece housing defining a substantially linear fluid flow path, said one piece housing comprising a central portion and first and second end portions, wherein said central portion and said first and second end portions each comprise flanges which extend outwardly by a substantially equal amount, and wherein said central portion is coupled on each side to a respective end portion by a pleated segment of said one-piece housing, each of said pleated segments being deformable such that said central portion is moveable between said end portions along said substantially linear fluid flow path;a poppet attached to one of said end portions and positioned in said substantially linear fluid flow path such that said central portion abuts said poppet to stop fluid flow through said valve when said central portion is moved toward one of said end portions; anda press fit sleeve enclosing said one piece housing, said press fit sleeve having an inner surface sized to abut the ends of said flanges so as to form seals between said flanges and said inner surface of said sleeve, thereby forming a first air pocket between said central portion and said first end portion and a second air pocket between said central portion and said second end portion, said sleeve additionally comprising a first air control port coupled to said first air pocket and a second air control port coupled to said second air pocket.