Patent ID: 6554014
Filing Date: 2003-04-29
Classification: F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
A valve comprising:a sleeve having a wall with an inner surface, the inner surface defining an axial bore; a spool disposed within the axial bore of the sleeve, the spool having a wall with an inner surface, the inner surface defining an axial bore, the spool having an exterior surface, at least two sets of radial holes being defined in the wall of the spool, the two sets of radial holes at least partially communicating with the axial bore of the spool, wherein the exterior surface of the spool comprises: a generally cylindrical portion between the two sets of radial holes; a plurality of annular protrusions, each being in at least partial contact with the inner surface of the wall of the sleeve, at least one of the plurality of annular protrusions being disposed between one of the two sets of radial holes and the generally cylindrical portion, at least one of the plurality of annular protrusions being disposed between the other of the two sets of radial holes and the generally cylindrical portion, wherein the generally cylindrical portion extends from about one of the plurality of annular protrusions to about another of the plurality of annular protrusions, and wherein the generally cylindrical portion, the annular protrusions between which the cylindrical portion extends, and the inner surface of the sleeve define a channel, wherein at least first, second, third and fourth sets of radial holes are defined in the wall of the sleeve, the first set of radial holes of the sleeve being at least in partial communication with one of the two sets of radial holes of the spool, the second and third sets of radial holes of the sleeve each being at least in partial communication with the channel, and the fourth set of radial holes of the sleeve being at least in partial communication with the other of the two sets of radial holes of the spool; a first guide member moveable within the valve along an axis of the valve, the first guide member having an axial through-bore; a second guide member moveable within the valve along an axis of the valve, the second guide member having an axial through-bore; a connecting member extending through the axial through-bores of the first and second guide members, the connecting member comprising a first end and a second end, the first end being disposed in the axial through-bore of the first guide member, the first end comprising a means for engaging the first guide member, the second end being disposed in the axial through-bore of the second guide member, the second end being connected to the spool; and a means for urging the first and second guide members apart.