The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 29, 2001
Filed:
Mar. 16, 1999
Oded E. Sturman, Woodland Park, CO (US);
Benjamin Grill, Woodland Park, CO (US);
Sturman BG, LLC, Woodland Park, CO (US);
Abstract
Herein is provided an improved proportional fluid control valve. The proportional valve includes a fluid valve that controls the flowrate of an output fluid. The fluid valve is coupled to a pressure chamber of the control valve. The position of the fluid valve, and the corresponding flowrate of the output fluid, can be varied by changing the pressure of a working fluid within the pressure chamber. The pressure within the pressure chamber can be increased by a piston that pumps working fluid from a reservoir to the chamber. The piston is coupled to a first solenoid and a spring that move the piston in a reciprocating pumping motion. The pressure of the working fluid within the pressure chamber can be decreased by opening a bleeder valve that allows working fluid to flow from the pressure chamber back to the reservoir. The bleeder valve is coupled to a second solenoid and a spring that open and close the valve. The first and second solenoids are connected to a controller that generates digital signals which energize the solenoids and move the piston and bleeder valve, accordingly. The controller can move the fluid valve and vary the output fluid flowrate by energizing the solenoids and either increasing or decreasing the pressure within the pressure chamber.