Patent ID: 6672332
Filing Date: 2004-01-06
Classification: G05D,Y10T

Abstract:
An adjustable pressure regulator for controlling the delivery of a gas from a high pressure source to a low pressure device at a desired outlet pressure, the adjustable pressure regulator comprising:a body having an inlet port and an outlet port and defining a flow path through a piston for gas from the high pressure source to the low pressure device; an insert, having a proximal end and a distal end, positioned in the body, said insert defining at least one inlet opening, an outlet opening at the distal end, and a flow path for gas there between; the piston, having a proximal end and a distal end, positioned in the body such that the proximal end of the piston is near the distal end of the insert, for reciprocating movement relative thereto, the piston defining a flow path for gas there through, the bore forming the flow path having a first chamber within the piston expanding to an enlarged diameter to further reduce gas pressure, at least one gas inlet port, an insert docking chamber at its proximal end, and a back pressure region at its distal end; the insert docking chamber including a sealing member comprising a disk positioned for sealing engagement with the distal end of the insert, the piston being moveable relative to the insert between a closed state wherein the docking chamber sealing member engages the distal end of the insert to isolate the insert gas outlet opening from the at least one piston inlet port, and an opened state wherein the docking chamber sealing member is disengaged from the distal end of the insert to permit flow communications from the insert outlet port to the piston inlet port; and a biasing element disposed for cooperating engagement with the piston to bias the piston and insert into the opened state, wherein when pressure at the piston back pressure region is greater than the desired outlet pressure, the piston is moved, against the biasing element, to engage the insert, interdicting the further flow of pressurized gas, and wherein when the pressure in the back pressure region is lower than the desired pressure, the force of the biasing element causes the piston to disengage form the insert, allowing the flow of pressurized gas.