Patent ID: 8573255

Claim:
A valve assembly configured for controlling fluid flow between a first reservoir and a second reservoir, the valve assembly comprising: a relief valve configured to open a first fluid flow path when a pressure inside the first reservoir is above a first predetermined pressure value; a solenoid assembly configured to open a second fluid flow path when a rate of the fluid flow from the first reservoir to the second reservoir is above a predetermined reference value; a flow restrictor configured to open a third fluid flow path when the rate of the fluid flow from the first reservoir to the second reservoir is below the predetermined reference value, and when the pressure inside the first reservoir is below a second predetermined pressure value, wherein the solenoid assembly includes an armature configured to selectively open and close the flow restrictor, and the armature includes a piston and a plunger, and wherein the piston is connected to the plunger by a catch mechanism configured to permit the plunger to translate away from the flow restrictor such that the third fluid flow path is opened without displacing the piston; a housing including the first, second, and third fluid flow paths, wherein the relief valve, the solenoid assembly, and the flow restrictor are arranged inside the housing; a plunger spring configured to press the plunger against the flow restrictor to maintain the flow restrictor in a closed position, wherein the plunger spring is configured to generate a force sufficient to close the third fluid flow path when the pressure inside the first reservoir is a positive value, but insufficient to close the third fluid flow path when the pressure inside the first reservoir is a negative value; and a coil configured to energize the armature and overcome a force of the plunger spring to open the flow restrictor.