Patent ID: 6536533
Filing Date: 2003-03-25
Classification: A62C,Y10T

Abstract:
An electro-pneumatic actuator for controlling a flow of a pressurized first fluid in response to a decrease in pressure of a pressurized second fluid and an electrical signal, said actuator comprising:a first valve adapted to be in fluid communication with said first fluid, said first valve being openable by decreasing first fluid pressure within said first valve to allow flow of said first fluid therethrough, said first valve being normally closed; a second valve being in fluid communication with said first valve, said second valve being openable to allow flow of a portion of said first fluid from said first valve thereby decreasing said first fluid pressure within and opening said first valve, said second valve being adapted to be in fluid communication with said second fluid and openable by said decreasing second fluid pressure within said second valve; and an electrical activating means engaging said second valve for normally maintaining said second valve in said closed position, said electrical activating means releasing said second valve in response to said electrical signal, said second valve opening in response to said electric signal and said decrease in pressure of said second fluid thereby decreasing said first fluid pressure in said first valve and allowing said first valve to open to allow flow of said first fluid through said outlet orifice.