Incrementally positionable ball valve
US6220566A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 22, 1998 |
| Grant date | Apr 24, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 22, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/86614
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An incrementally positionable ball valve for use in the fluid circuit of a refrigeration or air conditioning system which can be remotely controlled by a low amperage control signal is disclosed. The ball valve harnesses the pressurized refrigerant from the fluid circuit in which it is installed as the primary power medium to actuate the valve. A sensor provides feedback to a controller relating to the incremental position of the valve. The controller then controls the operation of the valve in accordance with predetermined criteria. In another embodiment, the ball valve incorporates locator detents so that its incremental position can be determined by an operator manually controlling the valve. In still another aspect of the invention, a restrictor is provided for varying the flow capacity of the valve.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.