Pneumatic actuation control system and method of operation
US6708708B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 25, 2002 |
| Grant date | Mar 23, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 13, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/87217
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A pneumatic actuation control system includes a pressure controller, an eductor and a valve. The pressure controller is capable of directing an amount of fluid to the contained volume such that a pressure within the contained volume exceeds a pressure external to the contained volume by a predefined positive pressure. The pressure controller can also adjust the pressure within the contained volume when the pressure external to the contained volume changes. The eductor can draw fluid from the contained volume to thereby decrease the pressure within the contained volume. The valve is controllably operable in either a pressure mode or a vacuum mode, where the valve either permits the pressure controller to provide fluid to the contained volume, or permits the eductor to draw fluid from the contained volume. As such, the system provides precision pressure control over a broad range of external pressures while compensating for rapid pressure changes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.