Patent ID: 7139219

Claim:
A valve configured for generating a pressure pulse within a conduit by at least partially interrupting flow of a pressurized fluid circulating through the conduit, comprising: (a) an inlet port configured to couple in fluid communication with the conduit through which the pressurized fluid is circulating; (b) an outlet port configured to couple in fluid communication with the conduit through which the pressurized fluid is circulating; (c) a plurality of fluid passages configured to selectively couple in fluid communication with said inlet port; (d) a poppet that is actuated by the pressurized fluid to cycle between an open position and a closed position, such that when in said closed position, said poppet at least partially interrupts a flow of the pressurized fluid through said outlet port; and (e) a pilot disposed within said poppet, said pilot being reciprocated back and forth between first and second positions during each cycle by the pressurized fluid, such that a position of said pilot determines which of said plurality of fluid passages is coupled in fluid communication with said inlet port.