Electronically-controlled gas blending system
US4602653A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 1, 1984 |
| Grant date | Jul 29, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 1, 2004 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/2499
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A gas blending system includes a proportional mixing valve having a valve element movable between first and second limits of travel corresponding to a minimum and maximum percentage, respectively, of one of the gases in the blended mixture. The position of the valve element is detected by a detection mechanism, producing a position signal inputted to a microcomputer. The microcomputer also receives a control signal representing a desired percentage of one of the gases to be blended. The microcomputer calculates a desired valving element position as a function of the value of the control signal, and generates a drive signal as a function of a comparison made by the microcomputer between the detected valve element position and the desired position. A motor drives the valve element to the desired position in response to the drive signal. The system also includes an accumulator for accumulating a selected volume of gas mixture flowing from the outlet of the valve prior to delivery of the mixture to a downstream demand. The accumulator increases the effective peak flow rate capacity of the system, while "smoothing out" instantaneous changes in downstream flow rate demand before the effe…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.