Other

Valco Instruments Company, Inc.

Frank A Stearns

This disclosure sets forth a diaphragm valve operative with N ports deployed in an upper head. The ports all connect to a diaphragm having a bead defining a flow path around the diaphragm connecting all the ports. In the cylinder below the upper head, there are upper and lower pistons which are forced apart to define a fluid receiving chamber. The fluid receiving chamber is enlarged on the introduction of fluid above a certain pressure thereby raising half of the piston rods bearing against the diaphragm and reduction of fluid pressure in the chamber lowers those push rods and raises an alternate set of push rods to accomplish diaphragm switching by deformation of the resilient material defining the diaphragm.

Multiple port diaphragm valve

A pressure operated valve actuator is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, fluid under pressure is introduced at either end to actuate the device. The device includes a cylindrical body having top and bottom end caps which close the body. On the interior, there is a central shaft which is rotated. A piston traverses the internal cavity of the housing, the piston being urged by pressure introduced above or below the piston. The piston is prevented from rotation by specified guide posts. As the piston traverses the length of the apparatus, engagement is made by the piston and the central shaft with helical grooves receiving a ball bearing. This achieves rotational motion from the linear movement of the piston to the central shaft. This rotational movement is imparted to the shaft, and, dependent on scale factors, a specified amount of rotation, such as one-quarter turn, can be obtained. The apparatus functions bidirectionally.

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Houston, TX, United States of America

Frank A Stearns