Patent Document

BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Valves are used in many applications wherein control of flow of a fluid is required or desired. This includes controlling the flow of includes such as oil, fuel, water, gases, etc. Some valves operate to control fluid flow by positioning valving members to control the amount of fluid allowed to pass through the valve. Other valves operate in a switching fashion wherein fluid flow is either turned on or turned off. Such valves may be found in consumer and commercial appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, refrigerators, beverage vending machines, boilers, etc., whereby water is allowed to flow for a predetermined period of time or until a predetermined volume has been dispensed therethrough. The control of the valve operation may typically be performed by an electronic control circuit, such as a microprocessor based controller, along with its associated drive circuitry, to open and/or close the valving member within the valve. 
         [0002]    A problem with such switching valves is the force necessary to open the valving member against the static pressure of the process fluid acting on one side of the valving member. Depending on the application, this pressure may be quite high, particularly when compared with the low pressure on the opposite side of the valving member which, in many appliance applications, is at atmospheric pressure. In addition to the static fluid pressure acting on the valving member tending to keep it closed, many such switching valves also include a spring positioned to apply a force on the valving member. This spring force allows the valve to be closed upon the removal of a drive signal, and maintains a bias force on the valving member to keep it closed. 
         [0003]    In such configurations, the valve actuator must overcome both the force generated by the static fluid pressure, which can be quite high and may vary from installation to installation, as well as the spring force, both of which are acting to keep the valve closed. Once these two forces have been overcome, however, the force necessary to continue to open the valve to its fully open position is substantially reduced as the pressure differential across the valving member face drops dramatically. Once this pressure has been equalized, the only remaining force against which the actuator must act is the spring force. 
         [0004]    Many electronically controlled switching valves include an electrically actuated solenoid to directly act on a plunger connected to the valving member to move the valving member to its open position. Unfortunately, due to the high pressure differentials that exist for a closed valve and the spring force, the actuator needs to be relatively large so that it is able to reliably operate the valve under all operating conditions and installations. In many industries, such as the consumer appliance industry, strict governmental and certifying agency requirements place a heavy premium on an electric power usage. Further, the appliance industry is highly competitive and the cost of actuators, alone or in addition to the production costs of the valve, provides a significant detriment to developing new technologies and implementing same in the industry. 
         [0005]    One example of a prior art instrument for controlling fluid flow is illustrated by  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 1  shows a water supply valve that includes a valve body  10  and an electromagnet unit  20 . The valve body  10  includes a water inlet  11 , a water outlet  12 , and a chamber  14  between the water inlet  11  and the water outlet  12 . The water inlet  11  is connected with the chamber  14  via a connecting passage  11   a , and a valve seat  13  is provided in the central portion of the chamber  14 . 
         [0006]    The electromagnet unit  20  drives a first valve  15  to be attached to and detached from the valve seat  13  inside the chamber  14 , so that the chamber  14  and the water outlet  12  are connected to and separated from each other. The first valve  15  also partitions the inside of the chamber  14  into the upper and lower sections, such that a pressure chamber  14  is defined in the upper section. 
         [0007]    In addition, the first valve  15  includes a diaphragm  15   a  and a diaphragm holder  15   b . The first valve  15  also has a first water passage  17  in the peripheral portion thereof beyond the valve seat  13 , and a second water passage  18  in the central portion thereof. The first water passage  17  connects the chamber  14  with a pressure chamber  16 , and the second water passage  18  connects the pressure chamber  16  with the water outlet  12 . 
         [0008]    In the first and second water passages  17  and  18 , the second water passage  18  is opened and closed by a second valve  23  on the lower end of a plunger  22  that is installed inside the electromagnet unit  20  under a downward elastic force from a spring  21 . Here, the first water passage  17  has an inner diameter smaller than that of the second water passage  18 , and controls a flow of supply water following the opening and closing of the second water passage  18 . 
         [0009]    When power is not supplied to the electromagnet unit  20 , the plunger  22  is brought into close contact with the valve seat  13  under its weight and the downward elastic force of the spring  21  and, at the same time, supply water supplied from the water inlet  11  pushes the first valve  15  upward instantaneously in the initial stage. This is because the elastic force of the spring  21 , which presses the plunger  22 , is smaller than supply water pressure. 
         [0010]    However, the first valve  15 , which is pushed upward, is directly closed by the supply water pressure. That is, right after water pressure is applied to the underside of the first valve  15 , a portion of supply water is introduced into the pressure chamber  16  through the first water passage  17  in the first valve  15 . The supply water introduced in this fashion applies a certain pressing force to the upper surface of the first valve  15  to bring the first valve  15  into close contact with the valve seat  13 , thereby maintaining a closed circuit state. In this fashion, it is possible to achieve the closed circuit state that stops water supply without consuming electrical power. 
         [0011]    In addition, when power is applied to the electromagnet unit  20 , the plunger  22  of the electromagnet unit  20  is pushed upward, thereby opening the second water passage  18  of the first valve  15 , which was closed by the second valve  23 . At this time, the water in the pressure chamber  16  is caused to flow instantaneously toward the water outlet  12  under the atmospheric pressure through the second water passage  18 , thereby dropping the pressure inside the pressure chamber  16  to the same as the atmospheric pressure. The force acting on the first valve  15  is released, so that the pressure of water supplied from the water inlet  11  causes the first valve  15  to drop to the upper surface of the valve seat  10 . At the same time, a supply water passage passing through the water inlet  11 , the chamber  14 , and the water outlet  12  of the valve body  10  is maintained in the open circuit state, thereby achieving the intended water supply state. 
         [0012]    In order to remove impurities from supply water, which passes through the power-saving electromagnetic water supply valve as described above, a filter  24  is necessarily provided adjacent to the water inlet  11 . While the filter  24  prevents the first water passage  17  and the second water passage  18  from being clogged by the cohesion of impurities, these small particles becoming trapped in filter  24  significantly reduce the flow rate compared to an amount of introduced water. In addition, impurities accumulated in the filter increase resistance and thus water is not properly supplied. 
         [0013]    Thus, valves such as valve  15  must be carefully engineered and sized to allow proper fluid flow from the inlet into the pressure chamber  16  in order to maintain the valve in a closed condition without requiring power input. This demands careful milling and/or injection molding and construction of the valve and the water passage  17 . Moreover, any pollutants in the water source entering the inlet and passing the filter may clog water passage  17 . This requires one to either clean or replace the valve in order to provide for keeping the valve in the closed state as blocking water passage  17  prevents equilibrium from establishing between the inlet and pressure chamber  16 , instead forcing valve  15  open and causing a leak or further damaging the valve. Moreover, low water pressure could also impact the valve as the ambient pressure may be insufficient to either flow through water passage  17  or insufficient to move valve  15  once the plunger  22  is moved. 
         [0014]    Valve construction is further complicated because not only does the static or atmospheric pressure of water systems vary across locations, as well as within a particular location, but pollutant levels also contribute to clogging and/or blocking valving mechanisms, thereby inhibiting their function and requiring frequent service calls to either unblock or replace units that no longer function. This problem is especially prevalent in areas that couple low fluid pressures, such as municipality provided water systems, with high pollutant content of the provided fluid. 
         [0015]    What is needed in the art are environmentally friendly, low cost methods for allowing valving mechanisms to function in low pressure situations, especially in low pressure situations where the fluid being controlled contains pollutants. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0016]    Objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention. It is intended that the invention include modifications and variations to the system and method embodiments described herein. 
         [0017]    The present invention provides a unique water valve and methods for controlling fluid flow. In one embodiment a water valve is provided. The water valve includes a chamber defining an inlet and an outlet. An anchor is disposed in the chamber and engages a pull element. A sealing cylinder in the chamber engages the pull element. A membrane is also located in the chamber and includes a proximal surface facing toward the inlet and a distal surface facing away from the inlet. The membrane defines a central cavity that engages the sealing cylinder, and a continuous substantially radial surface surrounding and extending from the central cavity. In an anchor first position the pull element closes a small valve seat defined in the sealing cylinder and water flows through a bypass channel to engage the distal surface of the membrane. In an anchor second position, displacement of the anchor moves the pull element to open the small valve seat and water flows through the small valve seat through an interior of the sealing cylinder and out via the outlet; and in an anchor third position, the sealing cylinder is displaced by the pull element and opens a main valve seat such that water flows substantially from the inlet through the outlet. 
         [0018]    Also, in the anchor third position, water flows substantially from the inlet through the outlet wherein in the anchor third position, water flows substantially from the inlet through the outlet while flow reduces, or altogether ceases, through the small valve seat and may flow from the inlet through the outlet without passing through a filter. Additionally, the sealing cylinder may be at least partially encircled by a filter. Still further, only water passing through the filter at least partially encircling the sealing cylinder contacts the distal surface of the membrane. Indeed, only water passing through the filter at least partially encircling the sealing cylinder may flow through the small valve seat and out the outlet. The membrane, meanwhile, may be flexible. Also, the diameter of the bypass may be smaller than the diameter of the small valve seat. Further still, the membrane may only define one opening extending through the membrane, such as the central cavity. 
         [0019]    In another embodiment, a method of regulating fluid flow is disclosed. A housing is formed comprising an inlet and an outlet for a fluid stream. A membrane may be placed in the housing with a proximal face directed toward the inlet and a distal face directed away from the inlet. A control flow pathway may be formed in the housing that exerts pressure on the distal surface of the membrane while preventing fluid from exiting via the outlet. A movable member may be positioned in the housing that influences the control pathway, wherein repositioning the movable member may open a first valve seat and may allow the fluid stream to exit the control flow pathway. The movable member may be further positioned to open a second valve seat, wherein opening the second valve seat may allow fluid to flow from the inlet to the outlet and bypass the control pathway. Further, when the second valve seat is open, fluid may flow from the inlet through the outlet without passing through a filter. Also, a sealing cylinder may be positioned in the housing that is at least partially surrounded by a filter. Still further, only water passing through the filter at least partially surrounding the sealing cylinder may contact the distal surface of the membrane. Even further, only water passing through the filter at least partially encircling the sealing cylinder may flow through the first valve seat valve seat and out the outlet. Also, the membrane may be flexible. The diameter of the control pathway at its entrance may be smaller than a diameter of the first valve seat. Also, only a single passage may extend through the membrane. 
         [0020]    Additional aspects of particular embodiments of the invention will be discussed below with reference to the appended figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]    A full and enabling disclosure, including the best mode thereof, to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying Figures, in which: 
           [0022]      FIG. 1  is an illustration of a prior art valve system. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is an angled, plan view of one embodiment of a water valve disclosed herein. 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the water valve of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  illustrates one embodiment of a water valve of the present disclosure with an anchor in a possible first position. 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  illustrates one embodiment of a water valve of the present disclosure with an anchor in a possible second position. 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  illustrates one embodiment of a water valve of the present disclosure with an anchor in a possible third position. 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  illustrates one possible embodiment of sealing cylinder engaged with a pull element and anchor. 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  illustrates an enlarged, cut-away view of a sealing cylinder fluid passage. 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  shows a plan view of one embodiment of a sealing cylinder of the current disclosure. 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  shows a top down view of the sealing cylinder of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 11  shows a plan view of one embodiment of a pull element of the present disclosure. 
           [0033]      FIG. 12  shows a cross-sectional view of the pull element of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 13  illustrates one embodiment of a membrane of the present disclosure. 
           [0035]      FIG. 14  illustrates a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 15  illustrates another embodiment of a membrane of the present disclosure. 
           [0037]      FIG. 16  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the membrane of  FIG. 15 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0038]    Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter, one or more examples of which are set forth below. Each embodiment is provided by way of explanation, not limitation, of the subject matter. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment, may be used in another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
         [0039]    In general, the present disclosure is directed to an improved water valve and methods for regulating fluid flow. Copending application Ser. No. 13/804,835, filed contemporaneously herewith, is also directed to valves and fluid regulation and is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.  FIG. 2  illustrates a plan view of one possible embodiment of water valve  100  of this disclosure.  FIG. 3  shows a cross sectional view of water valve  100 . As  FIG. 3  illustrates, a chamber  102  includes an inlet  101  and an outlet  103 . Anchor  104  is disposed in chamber  102  and engages a pull element  106 . A sealing cylinder  108  in chamber  102  engages pull element  106 . Membrane  110  is also located in chamber  102  and includes proximal surface  112  facing toward inlet  101  and distal surface  114  facing away from inlet  101 . Membrane  110  may define a central cavity  116 . In some embodiments, membrane  110  may only define a single opening or passage extending from the proximal to distal face through membrane  110 , such as central cavity  116 . In other embodiments, membrane  110  may contain additional openings aside from central cavity  116 . However, in a preferred embodiment, membrane  110  only defines a single passage, central cavity  116 , extending through membrane  110 . Membrane  110  may define a continuous, unbroken substantially radial surface  118  surrounding and extending from central cavity  116 . 
         [0040]    Membrane  110  may also engage sealing cylinder  108 . Engagement between membrane  110  and sealing cylinder  108  may be accomplished by frictional engagement between membrane  110  and sealing cylinder  108 . Alternatively, sealing cylinder  108  may include a contoured or shaped geometry to engage, hold or otherwise interface with central cavity  116 . Further, various mating configurations such as a male/female arrangement, tooth and slot, dovetail, etc., may be used for engaging membrane  110  and sealing cylinder  108 . In a preferred embodiment, the inner diameter of membrane  110  may be sized smaller than the outer diameter of sealing cylinder  108  in order to ensure tight engagement between the two. 
         [0041]    Sealing cylinder  108  may engage the main valve seat at a distal portion of sealing cylinder  122  located toward inlet  101  and outlet  103 . This engagement may be enhanced by incorporating flat seal  128 , which can be made from synthetics, rubbers or plastics. Flat seal  128 , as well as any ring seal, ring seal rods, or membranes discussed herein, may be formed from rubber such as HNBR, NBR, or EPDM. Flat seal  128  may also be formed from neoprene, silicone and soft plastics. Flat seal  128  may partially or completely surround sealing cylinder  108  and engage main valve seat  124 . Flat seal  128  may be circular or otherwise shaped as known to those of skill in the art. Flat seal  128  may engage sealing cylinder  122  by frictional engagement, mating geometries, adhesives, welding, etc., as known to those of skill in the art. In one preferred embodiment, flat seal  128  is held in place by surrounding sealing cylinder  108  and being held in place between flat seal upper engagement surface  132  and flat seal lower engagement surface  134  of sealing cylinder  122 . Sealing cylinder  122  may also form the small valve seat  120  as well as define small valve seat opening  130  by defining an opening in the proximal portion of sealing cylinder  108  through which fluid may flow once pull element  106  loses contact with sealing cylinder  108 . Sealing cylinder  108  may also define an interior passage  122  through which fluid entering small valve seat opening  130  may flow and eventually escape via outlet  103 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 4  illustrates water valve  100  with anchor  104  in a first position  200 . Movement of anchor  104  may be effectuated by means known to those of skill in the art such as hydraulic activation, pneumatic, piezoelectric, electromagnetic, etc. Reversal of the movement may be accomplished by deactivating the motivating means. In a preferred embodiment, electromagnet  202  and spring  204  work together to position anchor  104  within sleeve  206  contained within chamber  102 . Anchor  104  is preferably corrosion resistant and formed from magnetic steel. It slides within sleeve  206  and may have specific geometries  208  on proximal surface  209 , closest to inlet  101 , that engages with pull element  106 , for instance, a round mating geometry may be formed on proximal surface  209 , or other shapes as known to those of skill in the art, that enable anchor  104  to engage and pull or push pull element  106  into and out of engagement with sealing cylinder  108 . Spring  204  may be placed circumferentially around anchor  104 . A bobbin  208  may surround and enclose spring  204  and anchor  104 . A coil  210  may circumferentially, or otherwise as known to those of skill in the art, engage bobbin  208  surrounding at least a portion of bobbin  208 . 
         [0043]    In anchor first position  200 , electromagnet  202  is not activated. Pull element  106  sits atop sealing cylinder  108  and closes small valve seat  120  and small valve seat opening  130 . Water or fluid flowing into inlet  101 , shown by arrow A, flows through filter  126 , shown by arrow B, through fluid passage  212 , shown by arrow C, and engages distal surface  114  of membrane  110 , shown by arrows D. In anchor position  200 , the force generated by pressure on membrane distal surface  114  is greater than the force generated by pressure on membrane proximal surface  112 . Small valve seat  120  and small valve seat opening  130  are both closed by pull element  106 , thereby preferably preventing any fluid flow through the interior  122  of sealing cylinder  108  and out via outlet  103 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 5  illustrates anchor  104  in an anchor second position  300 . Activation of electromagnet  202 , or other motivating means as known to those of skill in the art, moves anchor  104 , compresses spring  204 , and thereby moves pull element  106 , which is engaged to anchor  104 , away from sealing cylinder  108 . Movement of pull element  106  thus opens small valve seat  120  and small valve opening  130 . Based on this movement, water or fluid flowing into inlet  101 , shown by arrow A, flows through filter  126 , shown by arrow B, through fluid passage  212 , shown by arrow C, and engages distal surface  114  of membrane  110 , shown by arrow D. Now, with small valve seat  120  and small valve seat opening  130  both open, water can flow through small valve seat  120  and small valve seat opening  130 , shown by arrow E. Water or fluid may then pass through the interior  122  of sealing cylinder  108 , shown by arrow F, and exit valve  100  via outlet  103 , as shown by arrow G. In this configuration, pressure is still exerted on distal membrane surface  114 , but this pressure is now lessened due to water or fluid flowing through small valve seat  120  and small valve seat opening  130  and out of valve  100  via outlet  103 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 6  illustrates anchor  104  in an anchor third position  400 . In anchor third position  400 , electromagnet  202 , or other motivating means as known to those of skill in the art, further moves anchor  104  distally, away from inlet  101 , further compresses spring  204 , and thereby further moves pull element  106 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , engagement portion  402  of pull element  106  contacts engagement surface  404  of sealing chamber  108 . This allows pull element  106  to move or displace sealing chamber  108  distally, away from inlet  101 , in order remove sealing chamber  108  from engagement or contact with main valve seat  124  in order to open main valve seat  124 . Engagement between sealing chamber  108  and main valve seat  124  may occur directly, whereby a surface of sealing chamber  108  contacts and occludes or blocks main valve seat  124 . Alternatively, engagement between sealing chamber  108  and main valve seat  124  may occur via flat seal  128 . Flat seal  128  may partially or completely encircle or surround sealing cylinder  108  and may engage main valve seat  124  in order to block or occlude main valve seat  124 . As  FIG. 6  illustrates, movement of sealing cylinder  108  distally, away from inlet  101 , removes flat seal  128  from blocking or occluding main valve seat  124 , thereby opening the main valve seat  124 . 
         [0046]    As  FIG. 6  shows, anchor position  400  allows water or fluid to flow into valve  100  via inlet  101 , shown by arrow A. However, because main valve seat  124  and main valve seat opening  406  are open, water now flows and engages filter  126 , the lower portion of sealing cylinder  108 , as well as flat seal  128 , as well as flows toward main valve seat  124 , as shown by arrows H. Further, water may then flow out main valve seat opening  406  and exit via the valve  100  outlet  103 , illustrated by arrow I. 
         [0047]    In anchor position  400 , water or fluid flow through passage  212  of sealing cylinder  108  is substantially reduced and may altogether cease. While some very minimal flow may still be possible, this is unlikely given that the diameter of the flow path created by opening main valve seat  124  and exposing main valve seat opening  406  is much greater than the diameter of the control path formed by fluid passage  212  and small valve set  120  and small valve seat opening  130 . This is also the case for water or fluid flow through small valve seat  120  and small valve seat opening  130  based on the water through inlet  101  now seeking the path of least resistance, escaping through main valve seat  124  and main valve seat opening  406  and exiting via outlet  103 . 
         [0048]    In the configuration illustrated by  FIG. 6 , pressure on membrane distal surface  114  is significantly less than the pressure on membrane proximal surface  112 , facing toward inlet  101 . Moreover, membrane  110 , as shown by  FIG. 6 , due to the effects of the motivating means, such as, for example, electromagnet  202 , and of the changed pressure differential between the membrane&#39;s proximal  112  and distal  114  surfaces has now “flexed” distally, away from inlet  101 , in order to further assist with moving sealing cylinder  108  distally and opening main valve seat  124  and main valve seat opening  406 . This further promotes fluid exiting via outlet  103  as a the movement of membrane  110  further opens the cavity  408  containing main valve seat  124  and thereby allowing a larger volume to flow through and exit via main valve seat opening  406 . 
         [0049]    As  FIG. 6  shows, in the anchor third position  400 , water or fluid flows substantially from the inlet  101  and exits via outlet  103  without flowing through passage  212  and the fluid flow through filter  126  is substantially, or altogether, reduced, as is any flow through small valve seat  120  or small valve seat opening  130 . Indeed, this flow arrangement may clean filter  126  as water or fluid will engage the outward facing portion  410  of filter  126  and remove any detritus or debris, not shown, affixed thereto. Thus, water passes substantially or predominately from the inlet to the outlet without being filtered and may even clean filter  126  used for water flowing through passage  212  to engage membrane distal surface  114 . 
         [0050]    While anchor  104  is described by the term “position” with respect to  FIGS. 4-6 , those of skill in the art will recognize that a multitude, or range, of positions are possible as described herein based on the disclosure pertaining to a respective FIGURE of a particular anchor “position.” The disclosure should not be considered or limited to anchor  104  as disposed statically or rigidly or in a particular fixed position via the positions illustrated in  FIGS. 4-6 . Variations and various placements of anchor  104  may accomplish the results described in each of  FIGS. 4-6  and multiple such positions are not only possible but are herein fully supported and disclosed as would be recognized by those of skill in the art. 
         [0051]      FIG. 7  illustrates one possible embodiment of a sealing cylinder  500  engaged with a pull element  502 .  FIG. 7  shows sealing cylinder  500  engaged with pull element  502 , which is also engaged with anchor  504 . As explained herein, when the anchor is displaced distally, away from the inlet, this effects movement in pull element  502  due to the mating geometry coupling anchor  504  with pull element  502 . Pull element  502  and anchor  504  may have various capture or mating geometries  522 . This may include specific shapes for engaging with one another. Anchor  504  and/or pull element  502  may be shaped or formed and may be ridged, curved, include flanges, grooves, struts, supports, or otherwise be formed to securely engage and/or hold to one another and not separate, especially during movement of anchor  504  under influence of motivating means such as electromagnet  202 . The mating geometries may include a male/female arrangement of corresponding structures as known to those of skill in the art. Anchor  504  may additionally be shaped, as known to those of skill in the art, to allow water to pass over or around its surface in order to not impede flow during operation. Pull element  502  may be formed from rubbers as described herein. In a preferred embodiment, pull element  502  is formed from rubber soft enough to seal small valve seat  120  but hard enough to maintain its shape when effecting movement of sealing cylinder  108 . 
         [0052]    Sealing cylinder  500  may define an engagement chamber  524  for receiving pull element  502 . Engagement chamber  524  allows for pull element  502  to initially separate from small valve seat  508  to open small valve seat opening  510 , without effecting movement of sealing cylinder  500 . This may be accomplished, as illustrated in one embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 , by having engagement chamber  524  shaped to allow pull element  502  to slidably move, both distally, away from the inlet, not shown, and proximally, toward the inlet, not shown, with respect to small valve seat  508 . Thus, pull element  502  is capable of opening small valve seat  508  and small valve seat opening  510  without requiring movement of sealing cylinder  500 . Thereby providing access to sealing cylinder interior  514 . 
         [0053]    Further, in order to displace sealing cylinder  500  and/or flat seal  512  from a main valve seat, not shown, pull element  502  may be essentially ‘T’ shaped with respect to the portion of pull element  502  enclosed or captured by engagement chamber  524  of sealing cylinder  500 . While shown as ‘T’ shaped, one skilled in the art would recognize that other shapes and configurations are also possible. A pull element engagement surface  518 , may be formed on a distal surface  526 , facing away from the inlet, and may engage with a sealing cylinder engagement surface  520  formed on a proximal surface  528 , facing toward the inlet, that may be formed in an upper portion of engagement chamber  524 . By engagement of the respective engagement surfaces  518  and  520 , anchor  504 , via pull element  502 , may effectuate movement of sealing cylinder  500  away from a main valve seat, not shown. 
         [0054]    Filter  516  may partially or full encircle sealing cylinder  500 . In a preferred embodiment, filter  516  encircles a portion of sealing cylinder  500  and covers sealing cylinder fluid passage  506  in order to filter fluid passing through fluid passage  506 . Filter  516  may be welded, affixed with adhesives, “snap fit” or otherwise engaged with sealing cylinder  500  as known to those of skill in the art. Filter  516  may be formed from wire, plastic mesh, perforated metal, or shaped plastic cylinders. In a preferred embodiment, filter  516  may be press-fitted onto sealing cylinder  500 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 8  illustrates an enlarged, cut-away view of a fluid passage in a sealing cylinder  500 . Fluid passage  506  may defined in sealing cylinder  500  either by boring, molding, heat forming, etc., as known to those of skill in the art. In a preferred embodiment, allowed a slight overlap during molding may be used to form passage  506 . As  FIG. 8  illustrates, filter  516  covers fluid passage  506  such that only water or fluid entering passage  506  is filtered prior to exiting passage  506 . This arrangement may help prolong valve life as only a small or “control” portion of the water—control in the sense that the water or fluid entering passage  506  helps “control” closure of the valve due to exerting pressure on the distal surface  114 , facing away from the inlet, side of membrane  110 —entering the valve, as opposed to all water entering the inlet as discloses in various prior art mechanisms, needs to be filtered in order to maintain the integrity of the valve and prevent occlusion of the small valve seat  508 , small valve seat opening  510  and/or to prevent debris from interfering with the seal between pull element  502  and valve seat  508  or opening  510 . This also protects the membrane, not shown, from abrasion or other physical damage caused by debris or detritus in the water supply as filter  516  removes and screens same prior to water or fluid encountering the membrane. Further, in a preferred embodiment, the diameter of fluid passage  506  is less than or smaller than the diameter of small valve seat opening  510 . Even further, all openings in the flow line subsequent to water or fluid flowing through fluid passage  506  may be larger in diameter than the diameter of small valve seat opening  510 . 
         [0056]      FIG. 8  also illustrates membrane engagement surface  525  formed into the exterior of sealing cylinder  500 . Membrane  110 , not shown, may engage to sealing cylinder  500  via frictional engagement, mating geometries as described herein or known to those of skill in the art, adhesives, or other means as known to those of skill in the art. As  FIG. 8  discloses, lower lip  528  and upper lip  530  may serve to hold membrane  110  in engagement with the exterior of sealing cylinder  500 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 9  shows a plan view of one embodiment of a sealing cylinder of the present disclosure.  FIG. 10  is a top down view of the sealing cylinder of  FIG. 9 . Sealing cylinder  500  may be shaped to not impede water flow from water entering the control chamber, or membrane influencing, portion of the water valve via fluid passage  506 . This includes forming sealing cylinder  506  with open structures, such as engagement chamber  524 , so that water exiting fluid passage  506  may engage the distal surface of the membrane, not shown without being impeded by sealing cylinder  500 . Fluid passage  506 , as shown in  FIG. 10 , may be created by allowing a small overlap when an injection molding arrangement is used to form sealing cylinder  500 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 11  shows a plan view of one embodiment of a pull element of the present disclosure. Pull element  502  may be solid or hollow. In a preferred embodiment, pull element  502  is hollow and defines a cavity  532  for containing mating geometry  522 , not shown, for affixing pull element  502  to anchor  504 , not shown. FIG.  12  shows a cross-sectional view of the pull element of  FIG. 11 . Pull element  502  includes cavity  532  that houses mating geometry  522  to allow for secure engagement between anchor  504 , not shown, and pull element  502 . Mating geometry  522  may be shaped to have a specific engagement contour, shape, or geometry with anchor  504 , such as male/female engagement, tongue in groove, twist engagement, or other specific geometries as known to those of skill in the art. Pull element  502  may also include engagement surface  520  for contacting and pulling sealing cylinder  500 , not shown. 
         [0059]    Pull element  502  may be formed from various materials. In a preferred embodiment, pull element  502  is formed from rubber as well, including HNBR, NBR, or EPDM. EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber) is preferred because of its resistance to chlorine that may be present in water supplies. 
         [0060]      FIG. 13  illustrates one embodiment for a membrane  960  that may be employed in a valve as disclosed herein.  FIG. 14  illustrates a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 13 . While  FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate membrane  960  as having a generally circular appearance, the membrane may be shaped in any manner known to those of skill in the art in order to fit and function within water valve  100 , this includes but is not limited to oblong, ellipses, squares, rectangles, triangles, polygons, etc. The membrane may be constructed from suitable flexible materials, including but not limited to rubbers, silicones, neoprenes, etc. 
         [0061]    Membrane  960  preferably is flexible to accommodate position shifts, as well as flexing under influence by anchor  504  and/or water pressure on the membrane&#39;s proximal surface, facing toward the inlet, during use in water valve  100 . As  FIG. 13  illustrates, membrane  960  may have specifically shaped sealing geometries for engaging sealing cylinder  500 , membrane sealing chamber geometry  962 , as well as geometries for engaging sleeve  206  such as membrane sleeve geometry  964 . These sealing geometries render membrane  960  impervious to water flowing through the membrane as well as ensure a water-tight engagement between membrane  960  and sleeve  206  as well as sealing cylinder  500 . Membrane  960  is free from openings that would allow water to pass through the membrane  960 , central cavity  116 , as discussed above, engages and seals against sealing cylinder  500 . Membrane  960  may also have sleeve engagement features  966  for engaging sleeve  206 . While  FIG. 13  illustrates six sleeve engagement features  966 , the disclosure is not so limited and more or less sleeve engagement features  966  may be present ranging from one continuous engagement feature to separated features having one, two, three, four, five, six, or more separate sleeve engagement features  966 . 
         [0062]    Membrane  960  should also be able to withstand pressure. For instance, in a preferred embodiment membrane  960  should be able to withstand a pressure of 24 bar, but lower and higher pressures are also included in this disclosure. For instance, membrane  960  should be able to withstand pressures ranging between 0-24 bar, including ranges therein such as 0-5 bar, 5-10 bar, 15-20 bar, and 20-24 bar, including individual pressures contained therein. Membrane  960  may also be formed with engagements such as  966  to lock the membrane into engagement with connecting members. Membrane  960  may also include a pressure ring  961  for engaging with sealing cylinder  500  via exerting pressure for frictional or other contact with membrane engagement surface  526 .  FIG. 14  is a cross sectional view of  FIG. 13  and shows proximal surface  845  (inlet facing) and distal surface  843  (facing away from the inlet). Membrane  960  serves to seal the portions of water valve  100  containing the distal membrane surface  843  and proximal membrane surface  845  from one another as well as to prevent leakage around sealing chamber  500 . 
         [0063]      FIG. 15  illustrates an alternative embodiment of membrane  700  that may be employed in the present disclosure. Membrane  700  includes engagement members  702  for locking membrane  700  in place with opposing connecting members, not shown. Membrane  700  also includes pressure ring  704  for engaging with sealing cylinder  500  via pressure or frictional engagement at membrane engagement surface  526 . Membrane  700  has a distal surface  706  facing away from inlet  101  and a proximal surface  708  facing toward inlet  101 . Membrane  700  also includes raised protrusions  710  that help prevent sticking between membrane  700  and any features in water valve  100  that may come into contact with membrane  700  in either its “relaxed” position in the anchor first position or its “flexed” configuration in the anchor third position or for positions between these two.  FIG. 16  illustrates a cross-sectional view of the membrane of  FIG. 15 . 
         [0064]    The current disclosure presents several advances over the prior art including a membrane free of holes, other than the central cavity  116 , that may become clogged by detritus or require completely filtered water. Also, a smaller portion of water entering the valve is filtered, just the portion of water eventually contacting membrane distal surface  114  and/or passing through small valve seat  120 , as opposing to valve mechanisms that filter the entire volume of water entering the valve, thus leading to increased clogs that damage the valve and require periodic maintenance or upkeep, or valve replacement. Further, opening of main valve seat  124  is accomplished by dual action of the pressure differential between the membrane proximal and distal surfaces and movement of the anchor. This arrangement also helps maintain the valve in a closed position when the anchor is not activated as pressure on the membrane distal surface  114  keeps sealing cylinder  108  in place on main valve seat  124 . Further, filter  126  not only filters only a small portion of water entering valve  100  but it can be cleansed by water or fluid flowing over filter outer facing  410  and sweeping the debris along with the fluid flow out outlet  103 . Also, by increasing the diameter of the control water pathway from its initiating point at fluid passage  212  through small valve seat opening  130  and main valve seat opening  406 , this encourages fluid flow from the control portion of the mechanism (the area containing the membrane distal surface  114 ) as the anchor and membrane open small valve seat  120  and eventually main valve seat  124 . The small diameter of fluid passage  212  also discourages water from entering the control portion when main valve seat  124  is open, thus relieving pressure on the distal membrane surface  114  and reducing the amount of energy required to keep main valve seat  124  open. 
         [0065]    When small valve seat  120 , and therefore small valve seat opening  130 , are closed, pressure from inlet  101  through passage  212  and surrounding sealing cylinder  108  and both sides of membrane  110  are equal. Pressure in sealing cylinder interior  122  through main valve seat  124  and outlet  103  is at ambient pressure. When anchor  104  moves to the anchor first position  200 , pressure in the valve changes. Pressure on membrane distal surface  114  is now less than pressure on membrane proximal surface  112  but the pressure on membrane distal surface  114  remains higher than the ambient pressure existing in sealing cylinder interior  122 , main valve seat  124  and outlet  103 . Here, fluid exits via small valve seat  120  but flow through passage  212  to enter the control portion of the valve (the portion of the valve allowing for pressure to be exerted on membrane distal surface  114 ) is significantly reduced or ceases altogether as fluid flows through small valve seat  120  faster than it can enter passage  212 . This pressure differential begins to lift membrane  110 . When main valve seat  124  and main valve seat opening  406  are opened, pressure through inlet  101 , fluid passage  212 , on both sides of membrane  110 , and in main valve seat  124  are equal, while outlet  103  is subject to ambient pressure. 
         [0066]    As used herein the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents. The term “combination” is inclusive of blends, mixtures, alloys, reaction products, and the like. Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of skill. Compounds are described using standard nomenclature. The term “and a combination thereof” is inclusive of a combination of one or more of the named components, optionally with one or more other components not specifically named that have essentially the same function. 
         [0067]    While the subject matter has been described in detail with respect to the specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of the foregoing, may readily conceive of alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to these embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure should be assessed as that of the appended claims and any equivalents thereto.

Technology Category: 2