Bi-directional sealing method to control fluid flow between an air inlet and a pressure chamber
US4752445A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 20, 1985 |
| Grant date | Jun 21, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 20, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61L2/24
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method for controlling air flow from an inlet to a chamber and from the chamber through the inlet to atmosphere wherein an ethylene oxide gas sterilization process is practiced in the chamber, which process includes conditions of controlled alternating vacuum and pressure. The method employs a diaphragm actuated two-way valve in the inlet line in combination with a remotely mounted three-way solenoid valve. The chamber is sealed against air flow during conditions of vacuum by spring biasing, and during conditions of pressure by spring and pressure biasing, a closure against an orifice in the two-way valve. The vacuum in the chamber is relieved at predetermined periods by selectively exerting sufficient fluid pressure against the diaphragm of the two-way valve to force the closure, which is operatively connected to the diaphragm, away from the orifice into an open position. The three-way solenoid valve selectively directs fluid to the diaphragm to exert fluid pressure against it and directs fluid to a location remote from the diaphragm to withdraw the fluid pressure exerted against the diaphragm.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.