US3841344A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Gas mixing systems
Assignee: AIRCRYO Inc A CA CORP
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Filing: 1973-06-06
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Granted: 1974-10-15
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Expires: 1993-06-06
Abstract
Abstract A gas mixing system wherein a supply line is provided for each of the two or more gases to be mixed. Dome-loaded regulators are provided in each supply line upstream of mixer metering valves and are controlled by a common control pressure. The output pressure of these regulators is substantially the same as the control pressure. In the event the regulator outlet pressure becomes less than the control pressure applied thereto, a poppet automatically opens to allow supply gas to flow into the regulator to increase the outlet pressure to equalize the outlet pressure and the control pressure. In the event the regulator outlet pressure is greater than the control pressure, another poppet automatically opens to vent the excess outlet pressure to atmosphere to again cause an equalization of the outlet pressure and the control pressure. A downstream regulator controls the back pressure in a mixing chamber where the gases from the mixer metering valves are combined, and the downstream regulator is loaded by the same control pressure that controls the upstream regulators. The downstream regulator responds to changes in the control pressure, yet inlet pressure on the downstream regulator is maintained at a set predetermined pressure below the control pressure to insure a constant pressure differential at all times across the metering valves. An adjustable pressure switch in the system actuates a solenoid valve to fill an accumulator tank when the accumulator pressure drops to a first level below upstream pressure, and secures the valve when the accumulator pressure reaches a second level below upstream pressure. All control pressures are provided by a single system regulator, which may be set in accordance with system requirements.
Inventors
- 👤 D Slack
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 04:31
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05D; G05D11/00; G05D11/02; G05D11/03; G05D16/00; G05D16/024; G05D16/14; G05D16/18; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/0318; Y10T137/0324; Y10T137/0329; Y10T137/0352; Y10T137/2496; Y10T137/2499; Y10T137/8593; Y10T137/87571; Y10T137/87676; Y10T137/87684
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
147 words
A gas mixing system, comprising in combination: a plurality of supply lines for different gases; a metering valve in each supply line; a confluence downstream of said metering valves, whereat said individual gases are mixed; a controllable pressure regulator, positioned in each line upstream of said metering valve; a delivery line, for supplying mixed gas from said confluence to a utilization point; a controllable back pressure regulator, positioned downstream of said confluence, to thereby control back pressure across said metering valves; an accumulator tank adapted to receive and contain a portion of the mixed gases; a pressure responsive switch connected to control the pressure in said accumulator tank by controlling feed of the mixed gases from said confluence to said tank to maintain said pressure in said accumulator tank within selected limits; and control means connected to commonly control upstream pressure regulators and said back pressure regulator.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
147 words
A gas mixing system, comprising in combination: a plurality of supply lines for different gases; a metering valve in each supply line; a confluence downstream of said metering valves, whereat said individual gases are mixed; a controllable pressure regulator, positioned in each line upstream of said metering valve; a delivery line, for supplying mixed gas from said confluence to a utilization point; a controllable back pressure regulator, positioned downstream of said confluence, to thereby control back pressure across said metering valves; an accumulator tank adapted to receive and contain a portion of the mixed gases; a pressure responsive switch connected to control the pressure in said accumulator tank by controlling feed of the mixed gases from said confluence to said tank to maintain said pressure in said accumulator tank within selected limits; and control means connected to commonly control upstream pressure regulators and said back pressure regulator.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
A system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said control means is further connected to commonly control said pressure responsive switch.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
A system in accordance with claim 2 wherein said control means is connected to provide a common control pressure to provide control for said upstream pressure regulators, said back pressure regulator and said pressure responsive switch.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
45 words
A system in accordance with claim 3, wherein said control means for providing a common control pressure comprises a single system regulator, providing said common control pressure by a common output line connected to said upstream and downstream regulators, and to said pressure responsive switch.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
A system in accordance with claim 4, wherein said system regulator derives its input from one of said gas supply lines.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
A system in accordance with claim 4 wherein said back pressure regulator is dome controlled by the control pressure and is adapted to maintain its inlet pressure at a predetermined pressure below the control pressure.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
A system in accordance with claim 4 wherein said upstream pressure regulators are dome controlled by the control pressure and are adapted to maintain their outlet pressure at the same pressure as the control pressure.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system in accordance with claim 4, including a solenoid-actuated valve in said delivery line downstream of said confluence, said valve being actuated by said pressure responsive switch.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
65 words
A system in aCcordance with claim 4, wherein said upstream regulator has an inlet and outlet for connecting said regulator in said supply line, and includes a regulator portion for maintaining its outlet pressure at the same pressure as the control pressure; and a relief portion for venting gas from the line connected to said outlet when said outlet pressure rises above said selected level.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
97 words
A system in accordance with claim 9, wherein said upstream regulator includes a regulator portion and a pressure relief portion, and a pair of poppet valves respectively mounted in said regulator and relief portions, said poppet valves being actuated by a diaphragm pressurized on alternate sides by said control and outlet pressures; opening of one of said poppets by displacement of said diaphragm in one direction effecting said flow of supply gas to said outlet, and opening of said other poppet valve by movement of said diaphragm in the opposite direction effecting said venting from said outlet.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
A system in accordance with claim 10, wherein said poppets are opposed, and actuated to unseat by displacement of said diaphragm, said diaphragm being mounted therebetween.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
110 words
A system in accordance with claim 9, wherein said downstream regulator includes an inlet and an outlet and a movable poppet valve therebetween, said poppet valve being urged to a position to stop the flow from said inlet by domeloading control pressure applied at one end of said poppet, and urged to an open position permitting flow to said outlet by regulated inlet pressure at the opposite end of said poppet; and said regulator including internal spring biasing means acting co-directionally with said inlet pressure, whereby said inlet pressure is held to a set value below said control loading pressure in accordance with the force provided by said biasing spring.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
70 words
A system in accordance with claim 9, wherein said pressure responsive switch includes a cylinder and a displaceable piston; said piston being biased at one end by said control pressure and at the opposite end by a spring and said accumulator pressure; and a microswitch, constituting the circuit closing element in said pressure responsive switch, being actuated by displacement of said piston due to unbalancing of the opposing forces thereon.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
19 words
A system in accordance with claim 13, wherein said spring compression is adjustable to yield a desired biasing level.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-10-14 | 1978-04-15 | 1978-10-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-10-14 | 1982-04-15 | 1982-10-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-10-14 | 1986-04-15 | 1986-10-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |