Modular fluid control apparatus and method of making
US4456168A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 22, 1981 |
| Grant date | Jun 26, 1984 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 22, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T403/1616
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A modular pneumatic control apparatus controls a mixed air handling units in an air conditioning system. The apparatus includes a single configured manifold module plate having a plurality of function module plug-in connectors and a plurality of input/output plug-in connectors. Function modules have complementary plug-in connectors for connection to the manifold module are designed with common opposite outer plates having surface passageways abutting a center plate with openings to define a particular circuit. The outer plates have all external ports for defining any function module used in any system. The manifold module is a constant architecture and acts as an interface between the system sensors and load devices and the function modules which create the desired complex control systems. Only a relatively small number of function modules are required. An interactive computer based design procedure can produce a series of questions to define the necessary function modules and supporting components and connections to completely design a system with only a minimal understanding of the control instrumentation and their characteristics.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.