Patent Document

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to fluid flow systems, and more particularly to a check valve assembly that regulates fluid flow rate and enhances stoppage and re-starting of fluid flow in piping systems. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     Piping systems exist to facilitate the flow of fluids (e.g., liquid, gas (such as air) or plasma). For example, homes, schools, medical facilities, commercial buildings and other occupied structures generally require integrated piping systems so that water and/or other fluids can be circulated for a variety of uses. Liquids and/or gases such as cold and hot water, breathable air, glycol, compressed air, inert gases, natural gases, cleaning chemicals, waste water, plant cooling water and paint and coatings are just some examples of the types of fluids and gases that can be deployed through piping systems. Tubing/piping types can include, for example, copper, stainless steel, CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) and PEX (cross-linked polyethylene). For purposes of the present disclosure, the term “pipe” or “piping” will be understood to encompass one or more pipes, tubes, piping elements and/or tubing elements. 
     Piping connections are necessary to join various pieces of pipe and must be versatile in order to adapt to changes of pipe direction, fluid types and fluid flow rates required in particular piping system implementations. For example, fittings and valves may be employed at the ends of open pieces of pipe that enable two pieces of pipe to fit together in a particular configuration. Among fitting types there are elbows, “tees”, couplings adapted for various purposes such as pipe size changes, ends, ball valves, stop valves, check valves and partial angle connectors, for example. 
     Valves have different purposes depending upon the application. Washing machines, heaters, sinks, ice makers and other home and commercial appliances typically operate with fluid flow valves in order to regulate fluid flow operations and prevent damage. For example, if a washing machine hose bursts, it can discharge hundreds of gallons of water in an hour or less, and cause catastrophic damage as a result. A flow check valve or stop valve can be provided on the washing machine and can include a sensor to sense the water flow and automatically shut the water off if a hose bursts, for example. 
     Check valves are provided with two ports—one that allows fluid to enter and one that allows fluid to leave. Check valves operate to allow fluid to flow in one direction only through the valve. Flow check valves operate to monitor and maintain the flow rate of fluid through the valve, regardless of the inbound pressure. In any piping system, maintaining the balance of fluid flow to fluid pressure is paramount. The present invention provides a flow check valve that maintains the balance of fluid flow to fluid pressure in a manner that avoids leaks, flooding and other valve problems in the event of downstream system failure. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     The present invention provides, in part, a valve assembly and method that maintains balance of flow to pressure in fluid and gas piping system applications. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a main body component adapted to retain a chamber body component, a fluid control plate and seal, and a chamber cap. The chamber body component is slidably maintained within the main body component. A resilient gland member is securably attachable to one end of the main body component and the chamber body component, and acts as a seal and a memory for returning the chamber body component to a standard operating position upon fluid pressure environment shifting the chamber body component towards a shut off position. The chamber cap, gland member and a piston seal support member (also called a pressure plate member) act as an end body member securable to an end of the main body component and chamber body component. The chamber body component can include a head portion with a sealing ring maintained therein, with the sealing ring slidably engaging the inner surface of the main body component during operation. 
     As a flow check valve, the present invention is not necessarily concerned with preventing water or fluid from flowing back into the system. In one embodiment, the flow check plate (also known as a restrictor plate) of the present invention is secured to the flood stop control seal, which acts as a valve. The valve is biased in the open position and is set to allow certain flow (e.g., 2.5 gallons per minute) via the restrictor plate. The valve and plate are unaffected by the fluid pressure, but react to variations in the fluid flow. The remainder of the device acts as a regulator in order to maintain the balance of flow to pressure. For example, if pressure goes from 35 psi (pounds per square inch) to 80 psi within the device, the chamber body component (a.k.a., the piston) will be pushed towards the flood stop control seal and the gland member will be stretched. The chamber body front end will eventually engage the flood stop control seal, at which time the overflow ports of the chamber body member will be inside an interior chamber of the device exposed to a positive displacement area formed between the main body component and the chamber body component. Further, the fluid diverted through the overflow ports will stay in this interior chamber and act to retain the piston in the engaged position preventing water flow through or past the valve. When the pressure subsides, the gland member is then strong enough and has sufficient retention connections with the main body component and chamber body component to retract and bring the piston back, allowing fluid flow past the valve and releasing the check. The overflow ports are then re-positioned back in the second portion of the main body chamber exposed to an area between the main body component&#39;s rampart member and the chamber cap. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, the valve assembly of the present invention can be inserted into existing piping or tubing systems as a retrofit device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded front perspective view of one embodiment of the valve assembly of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded front perspective view of one embodiment of the valve assembly of the present invention, with components shown in cross-section. 
         FIG. 3  is a front cross-sectional view of the chamber body component in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of a cap member in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the cap member taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a front view in cross-section of one embodiment of the main body member of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a breakout view of encircled portion  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  is a top plan view of a gland member in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the gland member taken along line  9 - 9  of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 10  is a breakout view of encircled portion  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is a front perspective view of the cross-section of the valve assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the valve assembly of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is an exploded front perspective view of the embodiment of the valve assembly of  FIG. 12 , with components shown in cross-section. 
         FIG. 14  is a front cross-sectional view of the chamber body component in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a front view of one embodiment of the flow restrictor in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of the flow restrictor of  FIG. 15  taken along line  16 - 16 . 
         FIG. 17A  is a front view of a pressure plate in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17B  is a cross-sectional view of the pressure plate of  FIG. 17A  taken along line  17 B- 17 B. 
         FIG. 18A  is a front view of a fluid control plate in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18B  is a rear view of the fluid control plate of  FIG. 18A . 
         FIG. 18C  is a left side cross-sectional view of the fluid control plate of  FIGS. 18A and 18B , taken along the line  18 C- 18 C of  FIG. 18B . 
         FIG. 19A  is a top plan view of a cap member in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19B  is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the cap member taken along line  19 A- 19 A of  FIG. 19A . 
         FIG. 20A  is a front view of one embodiment of the gland member of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20B  is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the gland member taken along line  20 B- 20 B of  FIG. 20A . 
         FIG. 20C  is a breakout view of encircled portion V of  FIG. 20B . 
         FIG. 20D  is a breakout view of encircled portion W of  FIG. 20B . 
         FIG. 21  is a front perspective view of the cross-section of a valve assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-11 , the valve assembly  10  of the present invention includes a main body component  15  and a chamber body component  20 . It will be appreciated that the assembly of the present invention is provided so as to be inserted, affixed and/or installed within a piping or tubing component (not shown). 
     The main body component  15  and chamber body component  20  are substantially cylindrical bodies with fluid passageways extending axially therethrough, and these components are axially aligned when engaged in accordance with the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, main body component  15  and chamber body component  20  are made of brass. In another embodiment of the present invention, one or both of these components may consist of copper or nylon, or other suitable material for the purposes undertaken in accordance with the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  6  and  7 , the main body component  15  includes an outer wall  22  and an inner wall  24 . Together, the inner wall  24  and outer wall  22  comprise an integrated wall. The outer wall  22  of main body component  15  is capable of securely engaging the inner wall of a piping or tubing component. 
     The outer wall  22  extends from a cap edge portion  26  at a first axial end  28  of the main body component  15  to a grooved edge portion  30  at a second axial end  32  of the main body component  15 . The cap edge  26  is a machined lip extending radially outwardly of the outer wall  22  of the main body component and includes a pipe or tube facing internal face  34 , an outer face  36  and an outer edge  38 . As shown in  FIGS. 6-7 , the grooved edge portion  30  is formed so as to provide a radially outwardly extending retaining edge  40  having a pipe or tube facing external face  42 , an outer edge  44  and an inner face  46 . The grooved edge portion  30  further includes an outer wall  48  and a body portion side wall  50 , such that the body portion side wall  50 , the outer wall  48  and the inner face  46  of the retaining edge  40  form an annular groove  52  extending circumferentially around the main body component  15 . The annular groove  52  receives an exterior lip of a gland member as described hereafter. 
     The inner wall  24  of the main body component  15  includes a radially inwardly extending rampart member  55  having a first side wall  56 , a second side wall  58  and an interior edge  60 . The rampart member  55  assists in providing a channel  51  and a physical resistance structure employed by the chamber body  20  and further assists in establishing a positive displacement area during operation of the present invention as will be described hereinafter. In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the rampart member second side wall  58  cooperates with the chamber body member  20  to form a positive displacement cavity  59 . 
     The interior edge  60  is capable of slidingly engaging the chamber body component  20  during operation of the present invention, as described in more detail hereafter. In one embodiment of the present invention, the inner wall  24  includes a tapered surface element  62  at the first axial end  28  of the main body component  15 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the tapered surface element  62  begins at a taper point  64  extending circumferentially around the inner wall  24  and ends at a position  66  under an interior lip  65  of the cap edge  26 . In this way, the tapered surface element  62  and the cap edge interior lip  65  can engage a fluid control plate as described in more detail hereafter. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the chamber body component  20  includes an outer wall  70  and an inner wall  72 , together comprising an integrated wall, with the outer wall  70  capable of slidingly engaging the interior edge  60  of the rampart member  55  of main body component  15 . In this way, the chamber body component  20  is not permitted to veer off its axial course during operation, and space is provided appropriately between the outer wall  70  of the chamber body component  20  on both sides of the rampart member  55  of the main body component to permit fluid flow, as shown in  FIGS. 11 and 21 . The chamber body component  20  can take the form of a substantially cylindrical body element having a channel or cavity  21  therethrough to permit axial flow of fluids. 
     The chamber body component  20  is also formed to include one or more propulsion ports  75  in order to permit fluid to flow in and out of the cavity of the chamber body component during operation. In one embodiment of the present invention, the propulsion ports  75  are positioned so as to function only upon saturation of the flow area, as will be described in more detail hereafter. The outer wall  70  of the chamber body component  20  extends from a first axial end  76  to a second axial end  78 . The chamber body component  20  is formed to include a chamber body head member  80  extending radially outwardly from the outer wall  70  proximate the first axial end  76  and a gland engaging end  82  extending radially outwardly from the outer wall  70  proximate the second axial end  78 . As shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the head member  80  extends substantially perpendicularly from the outer wall  70  while the gland engaging end  82  extends as indicated at  83  at an acute angle from the outer wall. It will be appreciated that, while the present invention contemplates other embodiments wherein such extension angles differ from that shown in  FIG. 3 , the angles shown in  FIG. 3  assist in structurally supporting the chamber body component  20  within the overall device of one embodiment of the present invention during operation. 
     In the embodiment of the present invention as shown in  FIGS. 14 and 21 , the gland engaging end  382  of the chamber body component  320  does not extend radially in either direction from the outer wall  470 . Further, the chamber body component  320  is tapered at the gland engaging end  382 , which permits the gland member  330  and the cap  315  to securably engage the chamber body component  320  while maintaining the substantially consistent diameter D of radial passageway  321  through the chamber body component  320  when cap  315  is inserted, as shown in  FIG. 21 . Further, as shown in  FIGS. 14 and 21 , the head member  480  of the chamber body component  320  can be provided with radially extending internal  302  and external  304  lobes defining a sealing ring gap  305  therebetween. The sealing ring gap  305  is adapted to receive a sealing ring  308  that is at least partially if not substantially or entirely maintained in the gap  305  when engaging the inner wall  24  of the main body component  15  during operation of this embodiment of the present invention. The internal lobe  302  has an outer wall surface  309  and the external lobe  304  has an outer wall surface  307  that are slidably engageable with the main body component inner wall  24  during operation. 
     As shown in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the gland engaging end  82  of the chamber body component  20  includes an external body wall  84 , an outer radial wall  86  and an outer axial wall  88 . The outer radial wall  86  includes an inner face  91  and an outer face  92 , and the outer axial wall  88  includes an inner face  93 , an outer face  94  and a radial internal edge  95 . An annular groove  100  is formed by the outer radial wall inner face  91 , the outer axial wall inner face  93  and the first external body wall  84  of the chamber body component  20 . The annular groove  100  receives an interior lip of a gland member as described hereafter. 
     As shown in the embodiment of the chamber body component  320  illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the gland engaging end  382  includes an outer radial wall  386 , an inner radial wall  387  and an outer axial wall  388 . The inner radial wall  387  and the outer axial wall  388  cooperatively engage the interior lip of a gland member as described hereafter. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the radius R1 of the first portion  61  of the main body component chamber that houses the chamber body head member  80  is greater than the radius R2 of the second portion  63  of the main body component chamber. This arrangement assists in creating the desired fluid pressure differential between that occurring near the fluid outbound area (i.e., the area around where plate  170  is located) and that occurring near the fluid inbound area (i.e., from the area where gland  130  is located). Additionally, in one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 6 , the chamber body head member  80  has a radius R4 that is slightly less than the radius R1 of the first portion  61  of the main body component chamber, and the chamber body component  20  radius R5 (to outer wall  70 , shown in  FIG. 3 ) is slightly less than the internal radius R3 of the rampart member  55  within main body component  15 . In one embodiment, the relationship of the respective radii can be such that the chamber body head member radius R4 is from 0.002 to 0.015 inches less than the radius R1 of the first portion  61  of the main body component chamber, inclusive, and chamber body component radius R5 is similarly from 0.002 to 0.015 inches less than the radius R3 of the rampart member  55 . At the 0.002 inch difference, the maximum amount of tolerable friction occurs. If the distance exceeds the 0.015 inch difference, the chamber body head member  80  and component  20  may not slide evenly within the main body component chamber  61  and within the area encircled by the rampart member  55 , respectively. As such, there may not be enough balancing pressure or back pressure to support proper operation of the components of the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the annular groove  52  within the main body component  15  faces radially outwardly while the annular groove  100  within the chamber body component  20  faces radially inwardly. This arrangement permits the present device to securely engage the gland member described below while maintaining substantially coaxial and parallel alignment of the main body component and chamber body component. Such an arrangement and positioning assists the present device during operation such that fluids and gases do not escape or infiltrate the present invention components as an unintended consequence. In the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIGS. 14 and 21 , there is no annular groove within the chamber body component  320 . However, the chamber body component  320  is similarly securely engageable with the end body arrangement  350  in this embodiment. The end body arrangement  350  can comprise, for example, the gland member  330 . The end body arrangement can also comprise the gland member  330 , a pressure plate member  355  and chamber cap  315 .  FIGS. 12 and 13  illustrate various components employed in alternative embodiments of the present invention to those shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , including main body component  15 , chamber body component  320 , end body arrangement  350 , with gland member  330 , pressure plate member  355  and chamber cap  315 .  FIGS. 12 and 13  also show fluid control plate  370 , flow restrictor  380  and sealing ring member  308 . Once assembled, the chamber body component  320  modulates during operation to restrict fluid flow based upon the inbound fluid pressure. The restricted flow volume flows over the flow restrictor  380 . In the event the downstream flow is greater than the restricted volume, the chamber body component  320  shuttles forward to stop the fluid flow. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , the inner wall  72  of the chamber body component  20  is provided with a thread  110  proximate the second axial end  78  for receiving an end cap  115  as described hereafter. The inner wall  72  further extends through the chamber body head member  80 , extending radially inwardly to form an interior ring  120  having a first side wall  122 , a second side wall  124  and a radially inward edge  126 . A bevel wall  128  extends from the inner wall  72  at a position adjacent the first side wall  122  of the interior ring  120 , and the bevel wall  128  is angled so as to cooperatively engage a control seal during operation of the present invention, as described hereafter. In the embodiment of the present invention as shown in  FIGS. 14 ,  19 A,  19 B and  21 , for example, the inner wall  472  of chamber body component  320  is similarly provided with a thread  310  proximate the gland engaging end  382  for receiving an end cap  315 . Further, the inner wall  472  of the embodiment of  FIG. 14  has a comparable interior ring  320  having a first side wall  322 , a second side wall  324  and a radially inward edge  326 . A bevel wall  328  extends from the inner wall at a position adjacent the first side wall  322  of the interior ring  320 , and the bevel wall  328  is angled so as to cooperatively engage a control seal  389  of restrictor  380  (see  FIG. 16 ) during operation of the present invention. 
     One embodiment of the gland member  130  of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 1-2  and  8 - 10 . As shown therein, the gland member  130  comprises a unitary, substantially rigid yet somewhat flexible element that acts as both a sealing member and a spring or pressure-balancing member for the device of the present invention. In embodiments of the present invention, the gland member  130  is a ring-shaped device having a solid body forming a central opening therethrough such that the gland member is effectively hollow. The gland member has a radially outer wall  132 , a radially inner wall  134  and an exterior wall  136 . The gland member  130  further is formed with an interior face  138  having a substantially C-shaped cross-section with exterior  140  and interior  142  lip elements. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the exterior lip  140  includes a front wall  150 , a radially inward wall  152  and an interior wall  154 , and the interior lip  142  includes a front wall  160 , a radially inward wall  162  and an interior wall  164 . Further, each of the gland member exterior wall  136 , radially outer wall  132  and radially inner wall  134  includes a respective inner surface  144 ,  145 ,  146 , whereby the respective inner surfaces  144 ,  145 ,  146  and the lip members  140 ,  142  cooperatively engage the annular grooves  52 ,  100  of the main body component  15  and the chamber body component  20 , respectively. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the front wall  150  of the exterior lip  140  extends further outwardly than the front wall  160  of the interior lip  142 , and the interior wall  154  of the exterior lip  140  extends further inwardly than the interior wall  165  of the interior lip  142 . Such an arrangement provides the exterior lip  140  with greater surface area and thereby greater strength of connection with main body component than the interior lip  142  enjoys with the chamber body component  20 . Further, as shown in the embodiment of the present invention shown in  FIG. 10 , the radially outer wall  132  of the gland member is thicker in width and shorter in length than the radially inner wall  134 . As a result, the interior lip  142  has a modest amount of additional flexibility to thereby operate as intended, by permitting the chamber body component  20  to move axially within the main body component chamber. In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the length L1 of the radially inner wall  132  can range from approximately 125% to approximately 167% the length L2 of the radially outer wall  134 , and the width W1 of the radially inner wall  132  can range from approximately 20% to approximately 40% the width W2 of the radially outer wall  134 . In a further embodiment of the present invention, the width W3 of the exterior lip radially inward wall  152  is approximately 175% to approximately 300% the width W4 of the interior lip radially inward wall  162 . 
     In embodiments of the present invention as shown in  FIGS. 20A through 20D  and  21 , the gland member  330  includes a similar radially outward portion  430  to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 8-10 , including an exterior lip  340 . In this embodiment, the gland member  330  includes a radially outer wall  332 , a radially inner wall  334 , an exterior wall  336  and an interior face  338 . The interior face  338  of the gland member  330  engages the gland engaging end  82  of the embodiment of the chamber body component  320  shown in  FIG. 21 . Together with the pressure plate member  355  and chamber cap  315 , the gland member  330  is securely engageable with the chamber body component  320 . In embodiments of the present invention, the gland member  330  can comprise the same material as gland member  130 . In embodiments of the present invention, the exterior wall  336  of the gland member  330  shown in  FIG. 20B  is provided with a thickness T of from 0.0001 inches to 0.25 inches, inclusive. The thickness T of gland member  330  determines the travel of chamber body component  320  during operation, as the thicker the thickness T, the less the chamber body component  320  will travel axially. As shown in  FIG. 21 , the exterior lip  340  of the gland member cooperatively engages the annular groove  52  of the main body component when secured in position. As further shown in  FIGS. 20A through 20D , the radially inner wall  334  of gland member  330  has a flange portion  432  extending axially inwardly, which can securely engage radially inner wall  472  (see  FIG. 14 ) of chamber body member  320 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the flange portion  432  is substantially perpendicular to the exterior wall  336 , and can be provided with a beveled edge  434  for securely engaging a body ridge element  415  in the outer wall  416  of chamber cap  315 . In embodiments of the present invention the flange portion  432  extends a distance F from the face  338  of the exterior wall  336 , as shown in  FIG. 20D , while the lip  340  extends a distance L from the face of the exterior wall, as shown in  FIG. 20C . Distance L can be provided as longer than distance F in embodiments of the present invention, in order to provide increased strength of securement on the radially outer portion of the end body arrangement  350 , and in order to accommodate the additional internal elements, such as the chamber cap  315  and chamber body component  320 . 
     In the embodiment of the invention as shown in  FIGS. 19A through 21 , the chamber cap  315  has a neck portion  417  of sufficient axial width to accommodate snug and cooperative engagement of the radially inner wall  334  of the gland member  330  when engaged. Further, the lip  340  can be provided as shown in  FIG. 20C  with a substantially rounded radially inner surface  341  (similar to sealing ring  308 ). The interior walls  338 ,  339  of gland member  330  engage the retaining edge  40  of the main body component when secured. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 ,  4  and  5 , a chamber cap  115  is provided in the form of a substantially cylindrical-shaped body  205  having a cavity  208  extending axially therethrough with a head portion  210  at one end  212  of the body  205 . The head portion  210  can be of any shape that can be manipulated for clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation, and is shown in  FIG. 4  in a hexagonal shape. The body portion  205  is provided with an external thread  214  for mating with the internal thread  110  of the chamber body component  20 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 19A and 19B , a similar chamber cap  315  is shown with similar features to cap  115 . However, cap  315  includes a head portion  313 , a body portion  311  having a cavity  312  extending axially therethrough. The cap further has a neck portion  417 , with the body portion  311  having an outer surface that includes a thread  418  for mating with thread portion  310  of chamber body component  320 . The cap neck portion  417  and ridge  415  provide a gland-engaging segment. A plate engaging segment  419  extends from the neck portion  417  adjacent the head portion  313  and engages plate member  355  when cap  315  is securely retained within chamber member  320 . When securing the cap  315  with chamber body member  320  via threaded engagement, the plate member  355  is placed around the neck portion of the chamber cap  315  (similar to a washer around a bolt or screw), and the plate member  355  then engages the outer wall  336  of the gland member  330 , the inner side wall  516  of the cap head portion  313  and the plate engaging segment  419  of the cap neck portion  417 . The arrangement of the gland member  330 , pressure plate member  355  and cap member  315  provide a secure seal at the ends of the main body member  15  and chamber body member  320  during operation. As shown in  FIGS. 17A and 17B , the pressure plate member  355  is a ring-shaped device having a solid body forming a central opening  356  therethrough. The pressure plate member is provided with a first side portion  357 , a second side portion  358 , a radially outer edge  359  and a radially inner edge  353 . When secured between the chamber cap  315  and gland member  330 , the first side portion  357  is cooperatively engaged with the gland member wall  336 , the second side portion  358  is cooperatively engaged with the cap head inner wall  516  and the inner edge  353  is cooperatively engaged with the plate engaging segment  419  of the cap neck portion. 
     In one embodiment of the present invention as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  11  and  12 , a fluid control plate  170  is designed with one or more fluid control plate flow ports  172  to allow fluid to flow therethrough. The fluid control plate  170  can receive a flow restrictor  180  extending through a central axial opening  173  of the plate, and the flow restrictor  180  thereby extends axially inwardly and into the first portion  61  of the cavity of the main body component  15 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the flow restrictor  180  includes a flood stop control seal or plunger seal  182  that assists in sealing the fluid flow during operation of the device, when required. As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  11 , the control seal  182  can have a wider flow-facing end  186  tapered to a narrower downstream end  184 . The outer edge  188  of the flow-facing end  186  of the control seal  180  is adapted to mate with the bevel wall  128  of the chamber body component  20  in substantially flush relation during operation if and when the valve is positioned in shut-off position. The flow restrictor  180  includes a neck portion  189  that securely fits within central axial opening  173  of the plate, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 11 . The edge  175  of the fluid control plate  170  can be considered a stabilizer edge and wall  174  can be considered a snap slope edge in that the fluid control plate can snap into position within the main body component  15  as a result of the tapered surface element  62  in the main body member inner wall  24 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the fluid control plate  170  and the flow restrictor  180  with flood stop control seal  182  are separate components, with the flow restrictor  180  being insertable and retainable within fluid control plate  170  by pushing downstream end  184  through the central axial opening  173  of the fluid control plate  170 . An upstream central plug element  187  of the flow restrictor  180  is also provided and can assist with restricting fluid flow during operation as the chamber body component  20  is pushed towards the flow restrictor  180 , as the ring extension  124  surpasses and encircles the plug element  187  if fluid flow exceeds allowed rates, as described in connection with the operation of the invention elsewhere herein. In one embodiment of the present invention, the fluid control plate  170  can be formed of a polymeric material such as polyoxymethylene (POM) and the flow restrictor  180  with flood stop control seal  182  can be formed of EPDM rubber (ethylene propylene diene monomer (M-class) rubber) material. Similarly, the gland members  130 ,  330  described herein can be formed of EPDM rubber, for example, or similar elastomeric material, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. 
     In the embodiment of the present invention as shown in  FIGS. 18A through 18C  and  21 , the fluid control plate  370  is substantially similar to plate  170  in  FIG. 11 , including flow ports  472  and central axial opening  475 . The edge  477  of the fluid control plate  370  can be considered a stabilizer edge and wall  474  can be considered a snap slope edge in that the fluid control plate  370  can snap into position within the main body component  15  as a result of the tapered surface element  62  in the main body member inner wall  24 . In one embodiment of the present invention, as shown in  FIG. 18C , the edge  477  extends at an angle E of between approximately one degree and 30 degrees, inclusive. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , flow restrictor  380  can be modified from restrictor  180  such that it is larger and therefore contains additional surface area for engaging plate  370  and the head portion  480  of the chamber body member  320 . In this way, restrictor  380  can better resist being forced through the central opening in the plate  370  during operation, which may otherwise occur with high fluid flow rates and/or pressures. The flow restrictor  380  shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16  includes a neck portion  385  for secure engagement and retention within central axial opening  475  of plate  370 . The flow restrictor  380  also includes a flood stop control seal or plunger seal  382  that assists in sealing the fluid flow during operation of the device, when required. As shown in  FIG. 16 , the control seal  382  can have a wider flow-facing end  388  tapered to a narrower downstream end  384 . The outer edge  389  of the flow-facing end  388  of the control seal  382  is adapted to mate with the bevel wall  328  of the chamber body component  320  in substantially flush relation during operation if and when the valve is positioned in shut-off position. In one embodiment of the present invention, additional supporting material for the flow-facing end  388  can be provided such as illustrated in dashed lines at  395  in order to give the control seal further strength and surface area. In one embodiment of the present invention, the fluid control plate  370  and the flow restrictor  380  with flood stop control seal  382  are separate components, with the flow restrictor  380  being insertable and retainable within fluid control plate  370  by pushing downstream end  384  through the central axial opening  475  of the fluid control plate  370 . An upstream central plug element  387  of the flow restrictor  380  is also provided and can assist with restricting fluid flow during operation as the chamber body component  320  is pushed towards the flow restrictor  380 , as the ring extension  324  surpasses and encircles the plug element  387  if fluid flow exceeds allowed rates, as described in connection with the operation of the invention elsewhere herein. In one embodiment of the present invention, the fluid control plate  370  can be formed of a polymeric material such as polyoxymethylene (POM) and the flow restrictor  380  with flood stop control seal  382  can be formed of EPDM rubber (ethylene propylene diene monomer (M-class) rubber) material. 
     With regard to a method of assembly of the valve device of the present invention shown in  FIG. 11 , the chamber body component  20  is inserted through an opening  190  at the first axial end  28  of the main body component  15 , and the fluid control plate  170  with flow restrictor  180  and flood stop control seal  182  is inserted and secured into the cap portion  26  of the main body component  15 . The gland member  130  is secured to the main body component  15  and the chamber body component  120  such that the external  140  and internal  142  lips of the gland member  130  securely engage the annular grooves  52 ,  100  described above. The chamber cap  115  is then inserted through the gland member  130  such that the external thread  214  on the chamber cap  115  securely engages the internal thread  110  on the chamber body component  20 . 
     With regard to a method of assembly of the valve device of the present invention shown in  FIG. 21 , a sealing ring  308  is inserted into chamber  305  in the chamber body component  320 , and the chamber body component  320  is inserted through the main body component  15  in a manner similar to that described above. The plate  370  and flow restrictor  380  are also inserted and secured into the main body component  15  as described above. The gland member  330  is secured to the main body component  15  and the chamber body component  320  such that the external  340  lip and interior face  338  of the gland member  330  securely engage the chamber body component  320 . The pressure plate member  355  is then placed around the body of the chamber cap  315  so as to securely engage the plate engaging segment  419  of the chamber cap  315 . In one embodiment of the present invention, the pressure plate outer diameter P (see  FIG. 17A ) is at least 101% of the outer diameter Z (see  FIG. 14 ) of chamber body component  320 . The chamber cap  315  is then inserted through the gland member  330  such that the external thread  311  on the chamber cap  315  securely engages the internal thread  310  on the chamber body component  320  and such that the plate member  355  is securely retained between the gland member  330  and the cap head portion  313 . 
     In operation, fluid such as water enters from a piping or tubing element (not shown) into the valve assembly  10  of the present invention from the first axial end of the main body component  15 . It will be appreciated that the fluid can be liquid or gas, and will further be appreciated that the specific gravity of the fluid is inconsequential to the operation of the present invention. The fluid enters at a fluid rate measured, for example, in gallons per minute. If the fluid flow maintains the desired rate (e.g., 2.4 gallons per minute), the valve assembly  10  is unaffected and permits free flow through the cavity of the chamber body component  20  (or  320 ) and past the flow stop control seal  182  and through the ports  172  in the fluid control plate  170  (or, in the embodiment of  FIG. 21 , similar elements of restrictor  380  and plate  370 ). If the incoming fluid flow increases, fluid pressure will build up outside of the chamber body component  20  (or  320 ) and will extend around the end of the chamber body component (for example, in the areas  250  around the head portion  205  of the chamber cap  115 , or alternatively the head portion  313  of cap  315 ) to push the chamber cap  115  (or  315 ) towards the fluid control plate end of the assembly. In this process, the chamber body component  20  (or  320 ) will come closer to the fluid sealing member  182  (or  382 ), and the gland member  130  (or  330 ) will stretch to permit the extension of the chamber body component. Additionally, propulsion ports  75  (or  375 ) will move from a position where they permit fluid to evacuate the chamber body member into channels  255  in  FIG. 11  (or  505  in  FIG. 21 ) alongside chamber body component  20  ( 320  in  FIG. 21 ), to where they permit fluid to evacuate the chamber body member in the positive displacement cavity  59  (or  559  in  FIG. 21 ) and first portion  61  of the chamber of the main body component  15  beyond the rampart member  55  of the main body member  15 . The propulsion ports  75  ( 375  in  FIG. 21 ) thus facilitate some evacuation of fluid from the chamber body member, but ultimately allow the fluid to continue building up and pushing the chamber body member towards the fluid control seal  182  (or  382  in  FIG. 21 ), since the positive displacement cavity  59  ( 559  in  FIG. 21 ) is relatively small, and the chamber body member will be pushed by fluid within cavity  61  as the fluid pressure builds up against chamber head portion  80  ( 480  in  FIG. 21 ). It will be appreciated that some balancing fluid flow may occur through slender channels  193 ,  195  shown in  FIG. 11  (or similar channels in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 21 ), assisting with back pressure for the device. 
     When the fluid flow is so great that the fluid control seal  182  (or  382  in  FIG. 21 ) seals against the seal engaging bevel edge  128  (or  328  in  FIG. 14 ) of the chamber body component  20  (or  320  in  FIG. 21 ), no more fluid can exit through the fluid control plate  170  ( 370  in  FIG. 21 ). Once the flow rate is reduced externally (e.g., from the incoming area  250  in  FIG. 11 , or similar areas in  FIG. 21 ), the pressure on the chamber body component is relaxed, and the chamber body component is returned via pressure from the gland member  130  ( 330  in  FIG. 21 ) away from the fluid control seal  182  ( 382  in  FIG. 21 ). To the extent similar operations are not described above for the embodiments of the present invention as shown in  FIGS. 12 through 21 , it will be appreciated that such embodiments of the present invention can facilitate similar operation to that described above in connection with the embodiments of the present invention as depicted in  FIGS. 1 through 11 . 
     It will be appreciated that the present invention requires no spring, and no sealing ring or O-ring type device in order to facilitate movement of adjacent components in valve devices. Further, the present invention can be provided in a form factor that is significantly smaller than that of other devices. In one embodiment of the present invention, the length of the device when assembled is no greater than 1.25 inches. It will further be appreciated that the present invention is versatile and can be employed with fluids and gases of various types. In one embodiment, the device of the present invention can be employed in environments where fluid flow rates range up to 150 gallons per minute or more, or where air pressure is 250 pounds per square inch or more. As sealing rings can build up frictional pressure and heat over time, they can wear down. Additionally, an oil or silicon impregnated seal can suffer from lower tolerances to high pressure and heat, or may potentially ignite or explode at higher temperatures and/or pressures. As the present invention does not employ such seals, it can bear higher temperatures, flow rates and pressures accordingly. Further, as the present invention does not employ steel or other metal, such as might be present in a spring, for example, the present invention is further able to bear higher temperatures, flow rates and pressures. 
     The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the claims of the application rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Technology Category: y