Patent ID: 7011110
Filing Date: 2006-03-14
Classification: F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A high capacity coaxial gas valve, comprising: an electrically energizable solenoid coil having a coil axis; an outer armature axially movable proximally toward and distally away from the coil, parallel to the coil axis; an inner armature inside the outer armature, axially movable proximally toward and distally away from the coil, parallel to the coil axis, the inner armature being drawn proximally when the solenoid coil is energized; a first valve, having a first valve seat and a first valve member, the first valve member movable between a closed position in which the first valve member abuts the first valve seat, and an open position in which the first valve member is spaced from the first valve seat; a first spring member resiliently biasing the first valve member to its open position; a second valve, having a second valve seat on the first valve member, and a second valve member formed on the outer armature, the second valve member movable with the outer armature between a closed position in which the second valve member abuts the second valve seat, and an open position in which the second valve member is spaced from the second valve seat; a second spring member engaging the outer armature and resiliently biasing the second valve member carried thereon to its closed position; a third valve, having a third valve seat and a third valve member on the inner armature, the third valve member movable with the inner armature between a closed position in which the third valve member abuts the third valve seat, and an open position in which the third valve member is spaced from the third valve seat; a third spring member engaging the inner armature and resiliently biasing the third valve member carried thereon to its closed position, whereby energizing the solenoid coil causes the inner armature to move proximally against the bias of the third spring member, moving the third valve member to its open position, the movement of the inner armature causing the outer armature to move proximally against the bias of the second spring member, moving the second valve member to its open position, and allowing the first valve member to move under bias of the first spring member to its open position.