Graduated release valve
US6227521A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 30, 1999 |
| Grant date | May 8, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 30, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60T15/54
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus incrementally reduces pressure in a first volume in response to an increase in pressure in a second volume. A valve body defines a bore that houses a piston and supply and return passages that communicate with first and second ends of the bore, respectively. The valve body also defines a release passage that connects the bore with the first volume and an exhaust passage that connects the bore with atmosphere. An inlet valve opens when pressure in the second volume increases relative to pressure in the supply passage. An outlet valve opens when pressure in the second volume decreases relative to pressure in the return passage. The piston is biased in a closed position against the first end and defines a passageway through which the first and the second ends communicate. When pressure increases in the second volume, the inlet valve opens causing the first end to pressurize and move the piston to an open position in which the release and exhaust passages communicate. This allows the first volume to vent gradually to atmosphere. As the pressure gradually equalizes between the first and second ends via the passageway, the piston returns to its closed position thereby discon…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.