Patent ID: 6129103
Filing Date: 2000-10-10
Classification: F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
A timed control valve for being installed in a fluid line upstream from a regular user-controlled valve which is capable of being adjustably opened to allow a fluid to flow through the fluid line and closed to prevent the fluid from flowing through the fluid line, the regular user-controlled valve in the fluid line being capable of being opened to allow at least a normal flow of the fluid therethrough, said control valve comprising:a housing having an inlet portion for being connected to the fluid line for receipt of the fluid therefrom and an outlet portion for being connected to the fluid line for the discharge of the fluid thereto toward the regular user-controlled valve;a valve element in said housing for normally being in an open position for at least the normal flow of the fluid to pass therethrough and for alternatively being in a closed position for preventing the normal flow of the fluid therethrough;sensing means disposed at one of said inlet portion and said outlet portion for sensing at least the normal flow of the fluid;valve element control means for controlling said open position and said closed position of said valve element;said valve element control means including timing means;said sensing means being operable connected to said valve control means to cause a beginning of a first predetermined period of time of said timing means when at least the normal flow is sensed by said sensing means;said valve element control means causing said valve element to be moved to said closed position at least at an end of said first predetermined period of time;selective opening means for opening said valve element after said valve element has been closed by said valve element control means to prevent at least the normal flow from being sensed by said sensing means;said selective opening means including said timing means having a second predetermined period of time beginning after said end of said first predetermined time; andsaid valve element control means causing said valve element to be opened at an end of said second predetermined period of time.