Fluidic valve mechanism

US5003780A · kind A · utility

Inventor

• Ronald L. Shellhause · Vandalia, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 28, 1989
• Grant date: Apr 2, 1991
• Expiry date: Dec 28, 2009

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T137/7754
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A fluid flow sensitive valve mechanism is positioned in a valve chamber between first and second inlet-outlet ports and controls the opening and closing of a third inlet-outlet port in response to the flow of fluid to and from the valve chamber through two or more of the ports. The valve mechanism includes a valve member and a valve positioning device. The inpingement of fluid flow acts on various surfaces of the valve mechanism so that (1) when fluid flows from the first port into the valve chamber the valve mechanism is move to close the third port and to keep the third port closed so long as there is thereafter no fluid flowing from the second or third port into the valve chambr, and (2) when fluid flows through the first port from the valve chamber, whether from the second port or the third port or both, the valve mechanism is moved to open the third port. The valve mechanism is shown as being embodied in a master cylinder, in a generic push-pull hydraulic cable arrangement, and in a vehicle parking brake system where the valve mechanism is in a hydraulic substitute for the Bowden wire type of parking brake cable.