Plural fluid proportioning apparatus

Claim 2

Apparatus for mixing a primary fluid with a secondary fluid in a predetermined proportion; comprising: a body having an inlet and a cavity in fluid communication with said inlet, said body also having an outlet and a chamber in fluid communication with said outlet; primary seat means defining a primary port providing fluid communication between said cavity and said chamber; valving means extending across said primary port and mounted in said chamber for movement between a closed position blocking fluid communication through said port from said cavity and to said chamber and a variable open position spaced from said port affording fluid communication through said port so that the primary fluid may be flowed through said body from said inlet to said outlet; means applying a substantially constant force to said valving means in the direction of said cavity for biasing the same into said flow blocking position; means providing a reservoir in said cavity for containing a secondary fluid to be proportioned with said primary fluid in said chamber; means associated with said reservoir and providing a secondary port opening into said chamber interiorly of said primary port; plug means carried by said valving means and disposed within said secondary port for cooperating therewith to meter the flow of said secondary fluid from said reservoir and into said chamber in relation to the spacing of said valving means from said primary port as determined by the flow of primary fluid; conduit means for flowing said secondary fluid into said reservoir and through said secondary port for mixing with said primary fluid in said chamber; means for supplying said secondary fluid under pressure; control valve means associated with said supply means and said conduit means to said reservoir for regulating the pressure of said secondary fluid in said reservoir; and means for actuating said control valve means in response to changes in pressure to said primary fluid to increase said secondary fluid pressure in response to an increase in the pressure of said primary fluid and to decrease said secondary fluid pressure in response to a decrease in the pressure of said primary fluid; whereby primary fluid flowing through the apparatus displaces the valving means into a predetermined position corresponding to the rate of primary fluid flow for positioning the plug means at a predetermined position with respect to the secondary port, thereby accurately metering the amount of secondary fluid mixed with primary fluid in the chamber.

Claim 3

Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said chamber overlies said cavity and said force applying means includes a weight of a predetermined magnitude carried by said valving means to seat said valving means against its primary seat means by gravity.

Claim 4

Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said inlet opens laterally into said cavity and said outlet opens laterally into said chamber so that the primary fluid flows through the primary port in a direction transverse to its flow path into the body.

Claim 5

Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said actuating means includes means for sensing the pressure of said primary fluid adjacent said inlet, means for sensing the pressure of said secondary fluid upstream of said reservoir, means for comparing said sensed pressures, and operator means responsive to said pressure comparing means for opening and closing said control valve means to regulate the pressure of said secondary fluid in said reservoir.

Claim 6

Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said pressure comparing means includes a pressure chamber and a diaphragm extending across said pressure chamber, said primaryfluid pressure-sensing means communicating pressure to one side of said diaphragm in said pressure chamber and said secondaryfluid pressure-sensing means communicating pressure to the other side of said diaphragm in said pressure chamber, said operator means being connected to said diaphragm so that said control valving means moves in response to flexure of said diaphragm in said pressure comparing chamber.

Claim 7

Apparatus for mixing a primary fluid with a secondary fluid in a predetermined proportion; comprising: a body having an inlet and a cavity in fluid communication with said inlet, said body also having an outlet and a chamber overlying said cavity and in fluid communication with said outlet; said inlet opening laterally into said cavity and said outlet opening laterally into said chamber so that the primary fluid flows through the primary port in a direction transverse to its flow path into the body; primary seat means defining a primary port providing fluid communication between said cavity and said chamber; valving means having a planar surface confronting said primary seat means and extending across said primary port and mounted in said chamber for movement between a closed position blocking fluid communication through said port from said cavity and to said chamber and a variable open position spaced from said port affording fluid communication through said port so that the primary fluid may be flowed through said body from said inlet to said outlet; means including a weight of a predetermined magnitude carried by said valving means applying a substantially constant force to said valving means in the direction of said cavity for urging the same into said flow blocking position by gravity; means providing a reservoir in said cavity for containing a secondary fluid to be proportioned with said primary fluid in said chamber; means associated with said reservoir and providing a secondary port opening into said chamber interiorly of said primary port; said primary port having an annular configuration about an axis extending in the direction of movement of said valving means and said secondary port being located coaxially of said primary port; plate means disposed between said cavity and said chamber transverse to the path of movement of said valving means, said plate means having spaced confronting edges providing said primary port with said annular shape and having another edge defining said secondary port with a circular shape; plug means carried by said valving means and disposed within said secondary port for cooperating therewith to meter the flow of said secondary fluid from said reservoir and into said chamber in relation to the spacing of said valving means from said primary port as determined by the flow of primary fluid; said plug having a tapered peripheral surface about said axis depending below the level of said planar surface into said secondary port and said secondary port having a shape corresponding to said surface for cooperating therewith to define an annular flow passage having a variable area dependent on the spacing of said valving means from its port with the area increasing as the spacing increases between the valving means and its seat; and conduit means for flowing said secondary fluid into said reservoir and through said secondary port for mixing with said primary fluid in said chamber; whereby primary fluid flowing through the apparatus displaces the valving means into a predetermined position corresponding to the rate of primary fluid flow for positioning the plug means at a predetermined position with respect to the secondary port, thereby accurately metering the amount of secondary fluid mixed with primary fluid in the chamber.

Claim 8

Apparatus for mixing a primary fluid with a secondary fluid in a predetermined proportion; comprising: a body having an inlet and a cavity in fluid communication with said inlet, said body also having an outlet and a chamber overlying said cavity and in fluid communication with said outlet; said inlet opening laterally into said cavity and said outlet opening laterally into said chamber so that the primary fluid flows through the primary port in a direction transverse to its flow path into the body; primary seat means defining a primary port providing fluid communication between said cavity and said chamber; valving means having a planar surface confronting said primary seat means and extending across said primary port and mounted in said chamber for movement between a closed position blocking fluid communication through said port from said cavity and to said chamber and a variable open position spaced from said port affording fluid communication through said port so that the primary fluid may be flowed through said body from said inlet to said outlet; means including a weight of a predetermined magnitude carried by said valving means applying a substantially constant force to said valving means in the direction of said cavity for urging the same into said flow blocking position by gravity; means providing a reservoir in said cavity for containing a secondary fluid to be proportioned with said primary fluid in said chamber; means associated with said reservoir and providing a secondary port opening into said chamber interiorly of said primary port; said primary port having an annular configuration about an axis extending in the direction of movement of said valving means and said secondary port being located coaxially of said primary port; plate means disposed between said cavity and said chamber transverse to the path of movement of said valving means, said plate means having spaced confronting edges providing said primary port with said annular shape and having another edge defining said secondary port with a circular shape; plug means carried by said valving means and disposed within said secondary port for cooperating therewith to meter the flow of said secondary fluid from said reservoir and into said chamber in relation to the spacing of said valving means from said primary port as determined by the flow of primary fluid; said plug having a tapered peripheral surface about said axis depending below the level of said planar surface into said secondary port and said secondary port having a shape corresponding to said surface for cooperating therewith to define an annular flow passage having a variable area dependent on the spacing of said valving means from its port with the area increasing as the spacing increases between the valving means and its seat; and conduit means for flowing said secondary fluid into said reservoir and through said secondary port for mixing with said primary fluid in said chamber; whereby primary fluid flowing through the apparatus displaces the valving means into a predetermined position corresponding to the rate of primary fluid flow for positioning the plug means at a predetermined position with respect to the secondary port, thereby accurately metering the amount of secondary fluid mixed with primary fluid in the chamber.

Claim 9

Apparatus for mixing a primary fluid with a secondary fluid in a predetermined proportion; comprising: a body having an inlet and a cavity in fluid communication with said inlet, said body also having an outlet and a chamber in fluid communication with said outlet; primary seat means defining a primary port providing fluid communication between said cavity and said chamber; valving means extending across said primary port and mounted in said chamber for movement between a closed position blocking fluid communication through said port from said cavity and to said chamber and a variable open position spaced from said port affording fluid communication through said port so that the primary fluid may be flowed through said body from said inlet to said outlet; means applying a substantially constant force to said valving means in the direction of said cavity for urging the same into said flow blocking position; means providing a reservoir in said cavity for containing a secondary fluid to be proportional with said primary fluid in said chamber; means associated with said reservoir and providing a secondary port opening into said chamber interiorly of said primary port; plug means carried by said valving means and disposed within said secondary port for cooperating therewith to meter the flow of said secondary fluid from said reservoir and into said chamber in relation to the spacing of said valving means from said primary port as determined by the flow of primary fluid; conduit means for flowing said secondary fluid into said reservoir and through said secondary port for mixing with said primary fluid in said chamber; whereby primary fluid flowing through the apparatus displaces the valving means into a predetermined position corresponding to the rate of primary fluid flow for positioning the plug means at a predetermined position with respect to the secondary port, thereby accurately metering the amount of secondary fluid mixed with primary fluid in the chamber; control valve means associated with said supply means and said conduit means to said reservoir for regulating the pressure of said secondary fluid in said reservoir; and means for actuating said control valve means in response to changes in pressure of said primary fluid to increase said secondary fluid pressure in response to an increase in the pressure of said primary fluid and to decrease said secondary fluid pressure in response to a decrease in the pressure of said primary fluid.

Claim 10

Apparatus for mixing a primary fluid with a secondary fluid in a predetermined proportion; comprising: a body having an inlet and a cavity in fluid communication with said inlet, said body also having an outlet and a chamber in fluid communication with said outlet; primary seat means defining a primary port providing fluid communication between said cavity and said chamber; valving means extending across said primary port and mounted in said chamber for movement between a closed position blocking fluid communication through said port from said cavity and to said chamber and a variable open position spaced from said port affording fluid communication through said port so that the primary fluid may be flowed through said body from said inlet to said outlet; means applying a substantially constant force to said valving means in the direction of said cavity for urging the same into said flow blocking position; means providing a reservoir in said cavity for containing a secondary fluid to be proportional with said primary fluid in said chamber; means associated with said reservoir and providing a secondary port opening into said chamber interiorly of said primary port; plug means carried by said valving means and disposed within said secondary port for cooperating therewith to meter the flow of said secondary fluid from said reservoir and into said chamber in relation to the spacing of said valving means from said primary port as determined by the flow of primary fluid; conduit means for flowing said secondary fluid into said reservoir and through said secondary port for mixing with said primary fluid in said chamber; whereby primary fluid flowing through the apparatus displaces the valving means into a predetermined position corresponding to the rate of primary fluid flow for positioning the plug means at a predetermined position with respect to the secondary port, thereby accurately metering the amount of secondary fluid mixed with primary fluid in the chamber; control valve means associated with said supply means and said conduit means to said reservoir for regulating the pressure of said secondary fluid in said reservoir; and means for actuating said control valve means in response to changes in pressure of said primary fluid to increase said secondary fluid pressure in response to an increase in the pressure of said primary fluid and to decrease said secondary fluid pressure in response to a decrease in the pressure of said primary fluid.

Claim 11

Apparatus for mixing a primary fluid with a secondary fluid in a predetermined proportion; comprising: a body having an inlet and a cavity in fluid communication with said inlet, said body also having an outlet and a chamber in fluid communication with said outlet; primary seat means defining a primary port providing fluid communication between said cavity and said chamber; valving means extending across said primary port and mounted in said chamber for movement between a closed position blocking fluid communication through said port from said cavity and to said chamber and a variable open position spaced from said port affording fluid communication through said port so that the primary fluid may be flowed through said body from said inlet to said outlet; means applying a force to said valving means in the direction of said cavity for urging the same into said closed position; means providing a reservoir in said cavity for containing a secondary fluid to be proportioned with said primary fluid in said chamber; means associated with said reservoir and providing a secondary port opening into said chamber interiorly of said primary port; plug means carried by said valving means and disposed within said secondary port for cooperating therewith to meter the flow of said secondary fluid from said reservoir and into said chamber in relation to the spacing of said valving means from said primary port as determined by the flow of primary fluid; conduit means for flowing said secondary fluid into said reservoir and through said secondary port for mixing with said primary fluid in said chamber; whereby primary fluid flowing through the apparatus displaces the valving means into a predetermined position corresponding to the rate of primary fluid flow for positioning the plug means at a predetermined position with respect to the secondary port, thereby accurately metering the amount of secondary fluid mixed with primary fluid in the chamber; first bypass port means in said valving member establishing fluid communication between said inlet and said outlet for said primary fluid when said valving means is in a closed position and second bypass port means establishing fluid communication between said secondary fluid reservoir and said chamber, said first port means being of a greater cross sectional area than said second bypass port means and said first and second bypass ports being of a predetermined relative cross sectional area to provide flow therethrough in relation to the predetermined ratio of said fluids mixed in said chamber.

Claim 12

Apparatus for mixing a primary fluid with a secondary fluid in a predetermined proportion; comprising: a body having an inlet and a cavity in fluid communication with said inlet, said body also having an outlet and a chamber in fluid communication with said outlet; primary seat means defining a primary port providing fluid communication between said cavity and said chamber; valving means extending across said primary port and mounted in said chamber for movement between a closed position blocking fluid communication through said port from said cavity and to said chamber and a variable open position spaced from said port affording fluid communication through said port so that the primary fluid may be flowed through said body from said inlet to said outlet; means applying a force to said valving means in the direction of said cavity for urging the same into said closed position; means providing a reservoir in said cavity for containing a secondary fluid to be proportioned with said primary fluid in said chamber; means associated with said reservoir and providing a secondary port opening into said chamber interiorly of said primary port; plug means carried by said valving means and disposed within said secondary port for cooperating therewith to meter the flow of said secondary fluid from said reservoir and into said chamber in relation to the spacing of said valving means from said primary port as determined by the flow of primary fluid; conduit means for flowing said secondary fluid into said reservoir and through said secondary port for mixing with said primary fluid in said chamber; whereby primary fluid flowing through the apparatus displaces the valving means into a predetermined position corresponding to the rate of primary fluid flow for positioning the plug means at a predetermined position with respect to the secondary port, thereby accurately metering the amount of secondary fluid mixed with primary fluid in the chamber; first bypass port means in said valving member establishing fluid communication between said inlet and said outlet for said primary fluid when said valving means is in a closed position and second bypass port means establishing fluid communication between said secondary fluid reservoir and said chamber, said first port means being of a greater cross sectional area than said second bypass port means and said first and second bypass ports being of a predetermined relative cross sectional area to provide flow therethrough in relation to the predetermined ratio of said fluids mixed in said chamber.

Claim 13

A valve for mixing a primary fluid with a secondary fluid in a predetermined proportion comprising: a body having a first inlet for primary fluid and a second inlet for secondary fluid and an outlet, separate port means providing fluid communication between said first and second inlets and said outlet, a valving member extending across said first and second port means and mounted in a chamber for vertical movement in response to fluid flow through said port means, means carried by said valving member to bias said member into a lower limit position normally closing fluid flow through said port means, means slidably mounting said valving member for said vertical movement in said chamber, first bypass port means in said valving member establishing fluid communication between said first inlet and said outlet for said primary fluid and second bypass port means establishing fluid communication between said second inlet and said outlet when said valving means is in its lower closed position, said first bypass means being of a greater cross sectional area than said second bypass port means and said first and second bypass ports being of a predetermined relative cross sectional area to provide flow therethrough in relation to the predetermined ratio of said primary and secondary fluids.

Claim 14

A valve for mixing a primary fluid with a secondary fluid in a predetermined proportion comprising: a body having a first inlet for primary fluid and a second inlet for secondary fluid and an outlet, separate port means providing fluid communication between said first and second inlets and said outlet, a valving member extending across said first and second port means and mounted in a chamber for vertical movement in response to fluid flow through said port means, means carried by said valving member to bias said member into a lower limit position normally closing fluid flow through said port means, means slidably mounting said valving member for said vertical movement in said chamber, first bypass port means in said valving member establishing fluid communication between said first inlet and said outlet for said primary fluid and second bypass port means establishing fluid communication between said second inlet and said outlet when said valving means is in its lower closed position, said first bypass means being of a greater cross sectional area than said second bypass port means and said first and second bypass ports being of a predetermined relative cross sectional area to provide flow therethrough in relation to the predetermined ratio of said primary and secondary fluids.

Claim 15

A balanced pressure valve, comprising: a valve body having a valving chamber with aligned outlets spaced from one another and an inlet into said chamber between said outlets. a spool displaceable axially in said chamber, said spool having one end slidably received in one of said outlets and a neck at its other end slidably received in the other one of said outlets. an operator having an outer end portion extending axially from said one end of said spool for displacing said spool in said chamber, said neck and operator each having a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of said spool, said neck and operator each having different cross-sectional areas with the difference between the spool area and the neck area corresponding to the area of the operator, whereby the spool is balanced in the valving chamber when the same pressure is applied in the valve chamber and to the outer end portion of the operator.

Claim 16

A balanced pressure valve, comprising: a valve body having a valving chamber with aligned outlets spaced from one another and an inlet into said chamber between said outlets. a spool displaceable axially in said chamber, said spool having one end slidably received in one of said outlets and a neck at its other end slidably received in the other one of said outlets. an operator having an outer end portion extending axially from said one end of said spool for displacing said spool in said chamber, said neck and operator each having a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of said spool, said neck and operator each having different cross-sectional areas with the difference between the spool area and the neck area corresponding to the area of the operator, whereby the spool is balanced in the valving chamber when the same pressure is applied in the valve chamber and to the outer end portion of the operator.

Claim 17

Apparatus for mixing a primary fluid with a secondary fluid in a predetermined proportion; comprising: a body having an inlet and a cavity in fluid communication with said inlet, said body also having an outlet and a chamber in fluid communication with said outlet; said inlet opening laterally into said cavity and said outlet opening laterally into said chamber so that the primary fluid flows through the primary port in a direction transverse to its flow path into the body; primary seat means defining a primary port providing fluid communication between said cavity and said chamber; said primary port having an annular configuration about an axis extending in the direction of movement of said valving means and said secondary port being located coaxially of said primary port; valving means extending across said primary port and mounted in said chamber for movement between a closed position blocking fluid communication through said port from said cavity and to said chamber and a variable open position spaced from said port affording fluid communication through said port so that the primary fluid may be flowed through said body from said inlet to said outlet; means applying a force to said valving means in the direction of said cavity for urging the same into said closed position; said chamber overlying said cavity and said force applying means including a weight of a predetermined magnitude carried by said valving means to seat said valving means against its primary seat means by gravity; means providing a reservoir in said cavity for containing a secondary fluid to be proportional with said primary fluid in said chamber; means associated with said reservoir and providing a secondary port opening into said chamber interiorly of said primary port; plug means carried by said valving means and disposed within said secondary port for cooperating therewith to meter the flow of said secondary fluid from said reservoir and into said chamber in relation to the spacing of said valving means from said primary port as determined by the flow of primary fluid; conduit means for flowing said secondary fluid into said reservoir and through said secondary port for mixing with said primary fluid in said chamber; whereby primary fluid flowing through the apparatus displaces the valving means into a predetermined position corresponding to the rate of primary fluid flow for positioning the plug means at a predetermined position with respect to the secondary port, thereby accurately metering the amount of secondary fluid mixed with primary fluid in the chamber.

Claim 18

Apparatus for mixing a primary fluid with a secondary fluid in a predetermined proportion; comprising: a body having an inlet and a cavity in fluid communication with said inlet, said body also having an outlet and a chamber in fluid communication with said outlet; said inlet opening laterally into said cavity and said outlet opening laterally into said chamber so that the primary fluid flows through the primary port in a direction transverse to its flow path into the body; primary seat means defining a primary port providing fluid communication between said cavity and said chamber; said primary port having an annular configuration about an axis extending in the direction of movement of said valving means and said secondary port being located coaxially of said primary port; valving means extending across said primary port and mounted in said chamber for movement between a closed position blocking fluid communication through said port from said cavity and to said chamber and a variable open position spaced from said port affording fluid communication through said port so that the primary fluid may be flowed through said body from said inlet to said outlet; means applying a force to said valving means in the direction of said cavity for urging the same into said closed position; said chamber overlying said cavity and said force applying means including a weight of a predetermined magnitude carried by said valving means to seat said valving means against its primary seat means by gravity; means providing a reservoir in said cavity for containing a secondary fluid to be proportional with said primary fluid in said chamber; means associated with said reservoir and providing a secondary port opening into said chamber interiorly of said primary port; plug means carried by said valving means and disposed within said secondary port for cooperating therewith to meter the flow of said secondary fluid from said reservoir and into said chamber in relation to the spacing of said valving means from said primary port as determined by the flow of primary fluid; conduit means for flowing said secondary fluid into said reservoir and through said secondary port for mixing with said primary fluid in said chamber; whereby primary fluid flowing through the apparatus displaces the valving means into a predetermined position corresponding to the rate of primary fluid flow for positioning the plug means at a predetermined position with respect to the secondary port, thereby accurately metering the amount of secondary fluid mixed with primary fluid in the chamber.

Claim 19

Apparatus according to claim 11 wherein said plug having a tapered peripheral surface about said axis and said secondary port having a shape corresponding to said surface for cooperating therewith to define an annular flow passage having a variable area dependent on the spacing of said valving means from its port with the area increasing as the spacing increases between the valving means and its seat.

Claim 20

Apparatus according to claim 12 wherein said valving means has a planar surface confronting said primary seat means and said plug surface depending below the level of said planar surface into said secondary port.

Claim 21

The apparatus according to claim 13 including plate means disposed between said cavity and said chamber transverse to the path of movement of said valving means, said plate means having spaced confronting edges providing said primary port with said annular shape and having another edge defining said secondary port with a circular shape.

Claim 22

Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein said plate means includes an annular inner plate element having said other edge defining said secondary port and an annular outer plate element cooperating with said inner plate for defining said primary port, and including means removably mounting said plates to said body to afford ready removal and replacement of said plates.

Claim 23

Apparatus for mixing a primary fluid with a secondary fluid in a predetermined proportion; comprising: a body having an inlet and a cavity in fluid communication with said inlet, said body also having an outlet and a chamber in fluid communication with said outlet; primary seat means defining a primary port providing fluid communication between said cavity and said chamber; valving means extending across said primary port and mounted in said chamber for movement between a closed position blocking fluid communication through said port from said cavity and to said chamber and a variable open position spaced from said port affording fluid communication through said port so that the primary fluid may be flowed through said body from said inlet to said outlet; said valving means having one dimension in its path of movement and another dimension transverse to its path of movement, said one dimension being less than the other, and including means constraining said valving means for movement in a predetermined path relative to said primary port while preventing said valving means from tilting as it moves; said constraining means including surface means in said chamber surrounding the periphery of said valving means for slidably receiving the same, a stem extending in the path of movement of said valving means, and bearing means spaced from said surface means for slidably receiving said stem; means applying a force to said valving means in the direction of said cavity for urging the same into said closed position; means providing a reservoir in said cavity for containing a secondary fluid to be proportioned with said primary fluid in said chamber; means associated with said reservoir and providing a secondary port opening into said chamber interiorily of said primary port; plug means carried by said valving means and disposed within said secondary port for cooperating therewith to meter the flow of said secondary fluid from said reservoir and into said chamber in relation to the spacing of said valving means from said primary port as determined by the flow of primary fluid; conduit means for flowing said secondary fluid into said reservoir and through said secondary port for mixing with said primary fluid in said chamber; whereby primary fluid flowing through the apparatus displaces the valving means into a predetermined position corresponding to the rate of primary fluid flow for positioning the plug means at a predetermined position with respect to the secondary port, thereby accurately metering the amount of secondary fluid mixed with primary fluid in the chamber.

Claim 24

Apparatus for mixing a primary fluid with a secondary fluid in a predetermined proportion; comprising: a body having an inlet and a cavity in fluid communication with said inlet, said body also having an outlet and a chamber in fluid communication with said outlet; primary seat means defining a primary port providing fluid communication between said cavity and said chamber; valving means extending across said primary port and mounted in said chamber for movement between a closed position blocking fluid communication through said port from said cavity and to said chamber and a variable open position spaced from said port affording fluid communication through said port so that the primary fluid may be flowed through said body from said inlet to said outlet; said valving means having one dimension in its path of movement and another dimension transverse to its path of movement, said one dimension being less than the other, and including means constraining said valving means for movement in a predetermined path relative to said primary port while preventing said valving means from tilting as it moves; said constraining means including surface means in said chamber surrounding the periphery of said valving means for slidably receiving the same, a stem extending in the path of movement of said valving means, and bearing means spaced from said surface means for slidably receiving said stem; means applying a force to said valving means in the direction of said cavity for urging the same into said closed position; means providing a reservoir in said cavity for containing a secondary fluid to be proportioned with said primary fluid in said chamber; means associated with said reservoir and providing a secondary port opening into said chamber interiorily of said primary port; plug means carried by said valving means and disposed within said secondary port for cooperating therewith to meter the flow of said secondary fluid from said reservoir and into said chamber in relation to the spacing of said valving means from said primary port as determined by the flow of primary fluid; conduit means for flowing said secondary fluid into said reservoir and through said secondary port for mixing with said primary fluid in said chamber; whereby primary fluid flowing through the apparatus displaces the valving means into a predetermined position corresponding to the rate of primary fluid flow for positioning the plug means at a predetermined position with respect to the secondary port, thereby accurately metering the amount of secondary fluid mixed with primary fluid in the chamber.

Claim 25

Apparatus according to claim 16 wherein said surface means has a recess around the valving means and said outlet opens into said recess, said recess having a widthwise dimension less than said one dimension of said valving means so that said surface means engages the valving means a spaced distance from its primary seat when said valving means is in its flow blocking position, said bearing means being located in said reservoir and said stem extending into said reservoir through said port, whereby the valving means is guided positively as it moves toward and away from its primary seat.

Claim 26

Apparatus for mixing a primary fluid with a secondary fluid in a predetermined proportion; comprising: a body having an inlet and a cavity in fluid communication with said inlet, said body also having an outlet and a chamber in fluid communication with said outlet; primary seat means defining a primary port providing fluid communication between said cavity and said chamber; valving means extending across said primary port and mounted in said chamber for movement between a closed position blocking fluid communication through said port from said cavity and to said chamber and a variable open position spaced from said port affording fluid communication through said port so that the primary fluid may be flowed through said body from said inlet to said outlet; said body having a wall extending transversely to the path of movement of the valving means a spaced distance from said primary port means and abutment surface means disposed in the path of movement of said valving means for engaging said valving means to limit movement thereof away from said primary port and to define a space between said valving means and said wall when said valving means is in its outer limit position, and including at least one fluid passage in said valving means to afford fluid communication between said cavity and said space for controlling the pressure differential on opposite sides of said valving means to dampen movement of said valving means; means applying a force to said valving means in the direction of said cavity for urging the same into said closed position; means providing a reservoir in said cavity for containing a secondary fluid to be proportioned with said primary fluid in said chamber; means associated with said reservoir and providing a secondary port opening into said chamber interiorly of said primary port; plug means carried by said valving means and disposed within said secondary port for cooperating therewith to meter the flow of said secondary fluid from said reservoir and into said chamber in relation to the spacing of said valving means from said primary port as determined by the flow of primary fluid; conduit means for flowing said secondary fluid into said reservoir and through said secondary port for mixing with said primary fluid in said chamber; whereby primary fluid flowing through the apparatus displaces the valving means into a predetermined position corresponding to the rate of primary fluid flow for positioning the plug means at a predetermined position with respect to the secondary port, thereby accurately metering the amount of secondary fluid mixed with primary fluid in the chamber.

Claim 27

Apparatus for mixing a primary fluid with a secondary fluid in a predetermined proportion; comprising: a body having an inlet and a cavity in fluid communication with said inlet, said body also having an outlet and a chamber in fluid communication with said outlet; primary seat means defining a primary port providing fluid communication between said cavity and said chamber; valving means extending across said primary port and mounted in said chamber for movement between a closed position blocking fluid communication through said port from said cavity and to said chamber and a variable open position spaced from said port affording fluid communication through said port so that the primary fluid may be flowed through said body from said inlet to said outlet; said body having a wall extending transversely to the path of movement of the valving means a spaced distance from said primary port means and abutment surface means disposed in the path of movement of said valving means for engaging said valving means to limit movement thereof away from said primary port and to define a space between said valving means and said wall when said valving means is in its outer limit position, and including at least one fluid passage in said valving means to afford fluid communication between said cavity and said space for controlling the pressure differential on opposite sides of said valving means to dampen movement of said valving means; means applying a force to said valving means in the direction of said cavity for urging the same into said closed position; means providing a reservoir in said cavity for containing a secondary fluid to be proportioned with said primary fluid in said chamber; means associated with said reservoir and providing a secondary port opening into said chamber interiorly of said primary port; plug means carried by said valving means and disposed within said secondary port for cooperating therewith to meter the flow of said secondary fluid from said reservoir and into said chamber in relation to the spacing of said valving means from said primary port as determined by the flow of primary fluid; conduit means for flowing said secondary fluid into said reservoir and through said secondary port for mixing with said primary fluid in said chamber; whereby primary fluid flowing through the apparatus displaces the valving means into a predetermined position corresponding to the rate of primary fluid flow for positioning the plug means at a predetermined position with respect to the secondary port, thereby accurately metering the amount of secondary fluid mixed with primary fluid in the chamber.

Claim 28

A balanced pressure valve, comprising: a valve body having a valving chamber with aligned outlets spaced from one another and an inlet into said chamber between said outlets, a spool displaceable axially in said chamber, said spool having one end slidably received in one of said outlets and a neck at its other end slidably received in the other one of said outlets, an operator extending axially from said one end of said spool for displacing said spool in said chamber, said spool having one shoulder between its one end and said operator and another shoulder between its other end and said neck, said neck and spool being shaped to cooperate with said outlets for defining flow passages therebetween when said valve is in its open flow position with said spool shoulders spaced from said outlets, and said shoulders being shaped for cooperating with said outlets to block fluid flow therethrough when said valve is in its closed flow position with said one spool shoulder received within its associated outlet, said neck and operator each having a cross-sectional area smaller than and different from the cross-sectional area of said spool with the difference between the spool area and the neck area corresponding to the area of the operator, whereby the spool is balanced in the valving chamber when the same pressure is applied in the chamber and to one end of the operator.

Claim 29

A balanced pressure valve, comprising: a valve body having a valving chamber with aligned outlets spaced from one another and an inlet into said chamber between said outlets, a spool displaceable axially in said chamber, said spool having one end slidably received in one of said outlets and a neck at its other end slidably received in the other one of said outlets, an operator extending axially from said one end of said spool for displacing said spool in said chamber, said spool having one shoulder between its one end and said operator and another shoulder between its other end and said neck, said neck and spool being shaped to cooperate with said outlets for defining flow passages therebetween when said valve is in its open flow position with said spool shoulders spaced from said outlets, and said shoulders being shaped for cooperating with said outlets to block fluid flow therethrough when said valve is in its closed flow position with said one spool shoulder received within its associated outlet, said neck and operator each having a cross-sectional area smaller than and different from the cross-sectional area of said spool with the difference between the spool area and the neck area corresponding to the area of the operator, whereby the spool is balanced in the valving chamber when the same pressure is applied in the chamber and to one end of the operator.

Claim 30

A valve according to claim 19 wherein said spool has a pair of diametrically-opposed flutes extending axially between its shoulders, and said neck has a pair of axially-extending diametrically-opposed recesses, said flutes and recesses cooperating with said outlets to provide said flow passages when said valve is in its open flow position.

Claim 31

A valve according to claim 19 including means mounting said neck-receiving outlet for adjustment axially of said spool to enable said outlets to be located so as to be opened and closed substantially simultaneously by said spool shoulders.

Claim 32

A balanced pressure valve, comprising: a valve body having a valving chamber with aligned outlets spaced from one another and an inlet into said chamber between said outlets, a spool displaceable axially in said chamber, said spool having one end slidably received in one of said outlets and a neck at its other end slidably received in the other one of said outlets, an operator extending axially from said one end of said spool for displacing said spool in said chamber, said neck and operator each having a cross-sectional area smaller than and different from the cross-sectional area of said spool with the difference between the spool area and the neck area corresponding to the area of the operator, pressure-responsive means connected on one side to said operator for displacing said spool in said chamber, and means for applying a pressure on the other side of said pressure-responsive means, whereby said spool is balanced in an open position in said valving chamber when pressure in the valving chamber corresponds to the pressure on the other side of the pressure-responsive means.

Claim 33

A balanced pressure valve, comprising: a valve body having a valving chamber with aligned outlets spaced from one another and an inlet into said chamber between said outlets, a spool displaceable axially in said chamber, said spool having one end slidably received in one of said outlets and a neck at its other end slidably received in the other one of said outlets, an operator extending axially from said one end of said spool for displacing said spool in said chamber, said neck and operator each having a cross-sectional area smaller than and different from the cross-sectional area of said spool with the difference between the spool area and the neck area corresponding to the area of the operator, pressure-responsive means connected on one side to said operator for displacing said spool in said chamber, and means for applying a pressure on the other side of said pressure-responsive means, whereby said spool is balanced in an open position in said valving chamber when pressure in the valving chamber corresponds to the pressure on the other side of the pressure-responsive means.

Claim 34

A valve according to claim 22 wherein said valve body has a flow passage providing fluid communication between said outlets for conjoining fluid flowing therethrough into a single valve outlet, and said valve body has a pressure chamber and a diaphragm mounted in said pressure chamber to provide said pressure-responsive means.

Claim 35

A valve comprising: a body having an inlet cavity and an outlet chamber overlying said inlet cavity, an annular port providing fluid communication between said chamber and said cavity, a valving member extending across said port and mounted in said chamber for vertical movement in response to fluid flow through said port, means carried by said valving member to bias said member into a lower limit position blocking fluid flow through said port, means slidably mounting said valving member for said vertical movement in said chamber, said valving member having a disc-like configuration and said slidable mounting means including surface means defining said chamber and surrounding said valving member at a level spaced from said port, and including bearing means spaced from said surface means at another level and associated with said valving member for cooperating therewith to prevent the same from tilting as it moves in the chamber.

Claim 36

A valve comprising: a body having an inlet cavity and an outlet chamber overlying said inlet cavity, an annular port providing fluid communication between said chamber and said cavity, a valving member extending across said port and mounted in said chamber for vertical movement in response to fluid flow through said port, means carried by said valving member to bias said member into a lower limit position blocking fluid flow through said port, means slidably mounting said valving member for said vertical movement in said chamber, said valving member having a disc-like configuration and said slidable mounting means including surface means defining said chamber and surrounding said valving member at a level spaced from said port, and including bearing means spaced from said surface means at another level and associated with said valving member for cooperating therewith to prevent the same from tilting as it moves in the chamber.

Claim 37

A valve according to claim 24 wherein said valving member has a plurality of relatively thin peripherally-spaced extensions engaging said surface means at spaced locations and said biasing means includes a mass having its center of gravity located below said extensions.

Claim 38

A valve according to claim 25 including an elongated stem depending from said valving member and slidably received by said bearing means at said other level below said port.

Claim 39

A valve according to claim 26 including means defining an orifice interiorly of said port and a reservoir below said orifice, a tapered plug surrounding said stem and extending into said reservoir through said orifice, and means associated with said stem for removably mounting said plug.

Claim 40

A valve according to claim 27 wherein said stem is located centrally of said valving member, and said plug has a frusto-conical shape with a base on one end mounted to the valving member, said plug-mounting means including threaded means engaging the other end of said plug for urging said plug into engagement with said valving member.

Claim 41

A valve according to claim 27 wherein said plug has a predetermined lengthwise dimension between its ends and including means associated with said valving member to limit upward movement in said chamber to a distance corresponding to said lengthwise dimension to prevent the lower end of the plug from elevating above the level of the orifice in the normal course of operation of the valve.