US3570541A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Three-way directional control valve
Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
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Filing: 1968-11-29
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Granted: 1971-03-16
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Expires: 1988-11-29
Abstract
Abstract A three-way directional control valve comprises a poppet member reciprocally mounted therein to selectively communicate the working port of a fluid actuated device with either a pressurized fluid source or exhaust. The poppet member comprises at least one annular, elastomeric member secured thereon to form spaced seating surfaces adapted to engage respective seats to effect such selective communication. A three-way directional control valve functions to either pressurize or exhaust the working port of a fluid actuated device. The valve''s durability, leakage rate and ability to quickly respond upon actuation comprise primary design problems. In addition, the valve must normally be designed to adapt it for integration into rather complex fluid circuit combinations.
Inventors
- 👤 Maurice F Franz
- 👤 Philip S Webber
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 08:15
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16K; F16K11/00; F16K11/02; F16K11/04; F16K11/044; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/8593; Y10T137/86493; Y10T137/86574; Y10T137/86622; Y10T137/8663
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
206 words
A directional control valve comprising: a housing having consecutive first, second and third ports defined therein; a first conically shaped seating means located between said first and second ports; a second conically shaped seating means located between said second and third ports and disposed in juxtaposed and diverging relationship relative to said first conically shaped seating means; a poppet member reciprocally mounted in said housing in unattached and self-aligning relationship therewith for selectively communicating said second port with either said first or third port; said poppet member comprising annular, elastomeric means attached thereto forming first and second annular seating surfaces located between and adjacent to said first and second conically shaped seating means, respectively; and a single piston secured to one end of said poppet member in axial alignment therewith and defining a control chamber with said housing separated from said first port by said piston and inlet means for selectively communicating a pilot fluid pressure to said control chamber for selectively moving said poppet member, said piston having an elastomeric O-ring sealing means mounted thereon for isolating said control chamber from said first port, said poppet member freely rockable in said housing about said O-ring whereby said seating surfaces align with their respective seating means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
206 words
A directional control valve comprising: a housing having consecutive first, second and third ports defined therein; a first conically shaped seating means located between said first and second ports; a second conically shaped seating means located between said second and third ports and disposed in juxtaposed and diverging relationship relative to said first conically shaped seating means; a poppet member reciprocally mounted in said housing in unattached and self-aligning relationship therewith for selectively communicating said second port with either said first or third port; said poppet member comprising annular, elastomeric means attached thereto forming first and second annular seating surfaces located between and adjacent to said first and second conically shaped seating means, respectively; and a single piston secured to one end of said poppet member in axial alignment therewith and defining a control chamber with said housing separated from said first port by said piston and inlet means for selectively communicating a pilot fluid pressure to said control chamber for selectively moving said poppet member, said piston having an elastomeric O-ring sealing means mounted thereon for isolating said control chamber from said first port, said poppet member freely rockable in said housing about said O-ring whereby said seating surfaces align with their respective seating means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
31 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said housing comprises a plurality of stacked, parallel members secured together, said first and second conically shaped seating means each formed on a separate member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein each of said first and second annular seating surfaces is conically shaped.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
47 words
The invention of claim 3 wherein the included angle of each of said conically shaped, annular seating surfaces is selected from a range of from 50 to 120* and each of said conically shaped, annular seating means is selected from a range of from 60 to 130*.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
52 words
The invention of claim 4 wherein the included angle of each of said conically shaped, annular seating surfaces is slightly less than the included angle of each of said conically shaped, annular seating means. The invention of claim 1 wherein each of said first and second annular seating surfaces is spherically shaped.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
49 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein said poppet member further comprises at least one radial flange formed thereon and positioned between said first and third ports to engage and be completely encapsulated by portions of said annular elastomeric means for aiding in the retention thereof on said poppet member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
41 words
The invention of claim 7 wherein said annular elastomeric means comprises first and second annular members separated by said radial flange on said poppet member, said first and second annular seating surfaces respectively formed on said first and second annular members.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
41 words
The invention of claim 8 wherein each of said first and second annular seating surfaces is conically shaped and forms an included angle slightly less than the included angle formed by each of said first And second conically shaped seating means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention of claim 8 wherein said annular elastomeric means comprises a single annular member circumventing and encapsulating said radial flange.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein one end of said spool terminates substantially at said second conically shaped seating means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
45 words
The invention of claim 1 wherein one end of said spool has an extension forming a stem portion which extends past said second conically shaped seating means and further comprising guide means engaging said stem portion for guiding and centering said spool during actuation thereof.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
24 words
The invention of claim 12 wherein said guide means comprises a cup-shaped member secured to said housing and having said stem portion positioned therein.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
The invention of claim 12 wherein said guide means comprises a bore formed in said housing and having said stem portion positioned therein.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
31 words
The invention of claim 12 wherein said guide means comprises a spring positioned between said housing and said spool for normally urging said spool toward said first conically shaped seating means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-03-15 | 1974-09-14 | 1975-03-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-03-15 | 1978-09-14 | 1979-03-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-03-15 | 1982-09-14 | 1983-03-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |