Reverse cycle valve

Claim 1

A valve comprising: a body defining an internal chamber, said chamber having a plane pressure surface at one side thereof, said body further defining a plurality of cylinders communicating with said chamber at the side thereof disposed oppositely to said plane surface, said body also defining a plurality of ports in communication with said cylinders whereby fluid may be delivered to and received from said chamber; a displaCeable conduit-defining member positioned in said chamber, said displaceable member having parallel oppositely disposed sliding surfaces; a floating plate member disposed in said chamber between said displaceable member and side of said chamber having said cylinders formed therein, said plate member having a plurality of passages therethrough, said passages being substantially aligned with said cylinders, movement of said displaceable member relative to said plate member selectively establishing and disrupting fluid communication between certain of said passages; piston means disposed in the cylinders in said body; and spring means urging said piston means into direct contact with said plate member whereby said plate member is urged against said displaceable member by said pistons to thereby provide sealing between the sliding surfaces of the valve.