Release valve and method for venting a system
US6682844B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 27, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jan 27, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 18, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/3087
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A release valve is disclosed which in one embodiment includes a housing having a passageway extending therethrough and defining an inlet and an outlet, and a membrane extending across the passageway between the inlet and the outlet. The membrane is operable to permit passage through the passageway of gas at a first pressure, inhibit passage through the passageway of liquid at the first pressure, and permit passage of liquid at a second pressure greater than the first pressure. The release valve may also include a check valve for inhibiting passage of gas from the outlet to the inlet. The release valve is suitably employed in fuel cell systems such as in a cooling system thereof.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.