Abstract This disclosure describes a differential pressure valve for indicating fluid flow between an inlet port, supplied with fluid from a source, to an outlet port which connects with fluid accessories, which utilize the fluid from the source. It comprises a block of suitable material with a central cylindrical bore. Two annular bushings are sealed into the block, defining a cylindrical cavity therebetween. The inlet port is connected through a large orifice to the central cavity at one end. The outlet port is connected to the central cavity through two or more orifices of smaller, selected sizes at the other end. There is a free or floating piston which is sealably movable in the central cavity. In one position the free piston is interposed between the inlet orifice and both of the outlet orifices. The floating piston is adapted, by differential pressure below and above its seal in the central cavity, to move upwardly under the effect of the differential pressure, until it uncovers the smallest of the plural orifices leading from the central cavity to the outlet. If the rate of fluid flow out of the outlet is small then the pressure differential across the floating piston will be reduced to a value which will prevent further movement of the floating piston. However, if the pressure on the outlet is still low, due to large fluid flow out of the outlet, then the differential pressure forces the floating piston still farther until it uncovers the larger orifice, and so on.
A positive fluid flow indicator valve comprising: a. a housing having a central cylindrical bore, and means to close and seal both ends of said bore to form a central cavity; b. a floating piston sealed into said central cavity; c. inlet orifice means connecting said cylindrical bore at the first end thereof to an inlet conduit; d. a plurality of outlet orifice means of selected sizes connecting said cylindrical bore near the second end thereof to an outlet conduit, said plurality of orifices arrayed along said bore; e. a first and a second rod carried by said floating piston, said rods of equal area and sealed through said means to close and seal said cylindrical bore, at least a first rod extending through said housing; and f. means for equalizing pressure across said floating piston.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
136 words
A positive fluid flow indicator valve comprising: a. a housing having a central cylindrical bore, and means to close and seal both ends of said bore to form a central cavity; b. a floating piston sealed into said central cavity; c. inlet orifice means connecting said cylindrical bore at the first end thereof to an inlet conduit; d. a plurality of outlet orifice means of selected sizes connecting said cylindrical bore near the second end thereof to an outlet conduit, said plurality of orifices arrayed along said bore; e. a first and a second rod carried by said floating piston, said rods of equal area and sealed through said means to close and seal said cylindrical bore, at least a first rod extending through said housing; and f. means for equalizing pressure across said floating piston.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The valve as in claim 1 in which said inlet orifice is of area at least equal to the sum of the areas of said plurality of outlet orifices.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The valve as in claim 1 in which the outlet orifice closest to said inlet orifice is smaller in area than the outlet orifice farther away from said inlet orifice.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
The valve as in claim 1 in which said means for equalizing pressure comprises seal means between said first rod and said floating piston, said seal means held closed by spring force.