US20020179153A1 - Fluid flow control valve - Google Patents

Abstract

A fluid flow control valve is disclosed. This valve includes a housing which defines a central passageway having fluid inlet and fluid outlet openings. A pressure responsive element is disposed within the passageway for selectively opening and closing the inlet opening to fluid flow in response to pressure exerted thereon at the inlet opening. A mechanism is provided within the passageway for exerting a bias force against the pressure responsive element sufficient to close the inlet opening to fluid flow absent a pre-established level of pressure exerted on the pressure responsive element in opposition to the bias force. Finally, a retainer device is positioned for removably securing the pressure responsive element and bias force exerting mechanism within the passageway.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/872,130, filed Jun. 1, 2001, the contents of which are specifically incorporated herein by reference.[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention[0002]
• The present invention relates generally to fluid flow control and regulation devices and, more particularly, to one-way flow control devices and valves for pressurized fluids, especially gas. Specifically, the present invention relates to such flow control devices particularly adaptable as inlet valves for first and second stage regulator members used in scuba diving units to prevent the entry of water and other contaminates into the regulator member without interfering with the proper flow of breathable gas.[0003]
• 2. Description of the Prior Art[0004]
• Fluid flow regulator and control devices of various types are well known in the art. Both liquid and gas regulator devices have been adapted for a wide variety of commercial and industrial assemblies and apparatus. However, the adaptation of such devices to high-pressure environments having relatively small fluid control apertures and valves is highly specialized. This is particularly true in the field of scuba (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) diving equipment and regulators.[0005]
• Within the past several decades, the sport of scuba diving has enjoyed considerable popularity so that there exists an entire industry for supplying equipment for the sport. Moreover, the popularity of the sport continues to increase dramatically. This industry manufactures and sells a wide variety of instruments, devices and equipment to enable a person to properly breathe underwater and remain beneath the water's surface for extended periods of time. One of the most vital concerns in the manufacture of underwater breathing apparatus is the need for a source of air or other breathable gas mixtures at substantially constant pressure. That is, in order to allow a person to breathe properly, it is necessary to have a source of air or other breathable gas, the pressure of which does not fluctuate randomly at the point of intake.[0006]
• Typically, scuba divers utilize a pressurized source of breathable gas, such as compressed air as well as mixed gas blends, at a relatively high initial pressure which may exceed 3,000 psi and even reach 4500-5000 psi in certain technical diving situations. Pressure regulators have been developed over the years to deliver such breathable gas to a diver at ambient pressure regardless of the depth of the scuba diver. Consequently, the breathable gas is typically reduced in pressure in staged steps. The first step is performed by a first stage regulator member of a dual stage regulator assembly which reduces the tank pressure of approximately 3,000 psi or greater to a constant intermediate pressure of about 120-140 psi. The first stage regulator is mounted directly to the high-pressure source of gas, such as a scuba tank outlet valve, and the intermediate pressure gas is then directed through a pressure hose exiting the first stage regulator member.[0007]
• The intermediate pressure gas from the pressure hose is then delivered to a second stage regulator member which generally has a diaphragm arrangement to further reduce gas pressure and provide breathable gas to the diver at a usable, that is ambient, pressure. The second stage regulator member may be in the form of a primary regulator utilized by the scuba diver as a primary source of breathing gas, or it may be in the form of what is commonly called an alternate gas or air source, or an octopus. The alternate air source is utilized for emergency breathing situations and is frequently combined with an inflator valve for use with buoyancy control devices. Moreover, intermediate gas pressure lines or hoses may also extend from the first stage regulator member to provide gas for other purposes, such as use with a dry exposure suit and the like.[0008]
• Once the dual stage regulator assembly is attached to a scuba tank gas outlet valve to create an entire scuba unit, the scuba unit is an environmentally closed or sealed system. In other words, the system wherein compressed gas passes from the tank through the first stage regulator, the intermediate pressure hoses and to the inner side of the second stage regulator member diaphragm, is limited only to compressed gas and is not exposed to the environment in any manner. The exterior or outer side of the second stage regulator member diaphragm, however, is exposed to the ambient environment, including water. It is essential, then, that the regulator assembly gas delivery system remains dry both during its use when connected to a scuba tank as well as when it is not being used and is disconnected from a scuba tank. Otherwise, contaminants, such as salt water, fresh water, wash water, airborne particulates and the like, will contaminate the assembly if allowed to enter the interior of the regulator assembly, such as at the gas inlet opening. Such contamination can include the rusting and corrosion of internal metal air filters and other internal parts of the regulator assembly as well as possibly clogging small apertures or orifices and thus preventing the regulator assembly from operating properly if even at all.[0009]
• While it is simple to observe how a regulator assembly can remain dry when fully installed to a scuba tank and in use, a problem occurs once the regulator assembly is disconnected from a tank after a dive is over. As previously mentioned, the gas in the tank is delivered to the first stage regulator member through a tank outlet valve. There are two basic and most common types of valve connection arrangements between a scuba tank and the first stage regulator member which are standard in the art. However, other less common connection arrangements are also available, such as those utilized in technical diving and rebreather units. The first typical connection is the most common and is known as a yoke connection wherein the first stage regulator member has a round opening plugged by a metal filter surrounded by a raised collar with an O-ring thereabout. In this arrangement, the tank outlet valve has a small aperture at the middle of a round recessed area, the raised collar snugly fitting within the recessed area so that the O-ring is fitted against it. A yoke fitting is secured to the first stage regulator member and surrounds the tank outlet valve, and a hand knob is hand tightened against the back of the tank valve to force the raised collar against the round recessed area so that the O-ring is snugly compressed therebetween. The second common connection arrangement is called a DIN valve connection wherein the first stage regulator member simply screws directly into the tank valve outlet opening using five or seven threads depending upon the pressure to be contained within the tank.[0010]
• Heretofore, a dust and water cap has generally been used as standard equipment for covering the opening of an air pressure inlet valve of the first-stage regulator member when the regulator is not in use. The dust cover is typically either plastic or rubber and is held in place by the yoke and hand knob. Moreover, the valve connection of the DIN valve arrangement as well as the alternate air source for the intermediate pressure hose also generally have removable caps which cover the inlet opening when not in use. When a scuba diver completes his or her diving, the gas cylinder valve is released from the regulator inlet valve. At this time, ideally the dust and water cap is attached to the top of the air inlet valve to prevent water and contaminates such as described above from entering the air inlet valve and contaminating, rusting and/or corroding the internal air filter and other internal parts inside the valve. Unfortunately, as can be imaged, divers often forget to install the dust cap on the air inlet valve and/or the cap on the alternate air regulator member inlet, and the internal regulator filter then becomes contaminated when the scuba equipment is washed down after a dive or later when the valve is exposed to outdoor elements. This is particularly true of new or student divers. The contamination can cause a gas restriction inside the regulator assembly and a potential breathing hazard to the diver. Also, the gas restriction can cause the high-pressure gas to break apart portions of the air filter, which can cause internal damage and failure of working parts inside the regulator assembly. Further, water entering the regulator assembly at either the first or second stage regulator members can cause internal rusting and corrosion of the working parts and failure of the regulator. While significant technical advances have been made over the years since the advent of the scuba diving system, this problem of preventing inadvertent or negligent contamination of the regulator system has never been satisfactorily addressed. In almost 60 years of scuba diving equipment development, a dust cover manually put into place by the diver is the best that has been achieved to date.[0011]
• U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,226,257, 5,685,297 and 5,687,712 all disclose scuba diving regulator assemblies and valves therein, but none address the problem discussed above nor are they directed to regulator inlet valve construction in any particular manner. Consequently, there remains a significant need in general and more specifically in the diving industry, for a fluid, and in particular breathable gas, control system that will allow gas to flow into regulator members as required yet prevent any fluid or particulate contaminants from passing into the regulator inlet valves inadvertently without requiring one to remember to physically place a cover or cap over the inlet valve when not in use. The present invention with all its various embodiments addresses this significant problem in fluid flow systems in general and more particularly in the use of breathable gas regulators for scuba diving systems, oxygen delivery systems, emergency breathing systems and the like.[0012]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• Accordingly, it is one object of the present invention to provide an improved fluid flow regulation device.[0013]
• It is another object of the present invention to provide a one-way control valve arrangement wherein fluid may flow through the valve only at pre-established pressures.[0014]
• Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a valve arrangement for use with compressed gas wherein the valve prevents entry of any fluid or other particulate matter yet enables easy flow of pressurized gas therethrough.[0015]
• Still another object of the present invention is to provide an inlet valve construction for use in scuba regulator assemblies which allows the free flow of gas to the diver yet prevents the entry of water or other fluid as well as airborne contaminates.[0016]
• A further object of the present invention is to provide an inlet valve assembly for use in both first and second stage members of scuba regulator assemblies which eliminates the need for separate cover elements to prevent the entry of water or other fluid as well as airborne contaminates into the regulator assembly.[0017]
• To achieve the foregoing and other objects and in accordance with the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, a fluid flow control valve is disclosed. This valve includes a housing which defines a central passageway having fluid inlet and fluid outlet openings. A pressure responsive element is disposed within the passageway for selectively opening and closing the inlet opening to fluid flow in response to pressure exerted thereon at the inlet opening. A mechanism is provided within the passageway for exerting a bias force against the pressure responsive element sufficient to close the inlet opening to fluid flow absent a pre-established level of pressure exerted on the pressure responsive element in opposition to the bias force. Finally, a retainer device is positioned for removably securing the pressure responsive element and bias force exerting mechanism within the passageway.[0018]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The accompanying drawings which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with a description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:[0019]
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a typical first-stage regulator member of a yoke-style dual stage regulator assembly for a scuba diving unit incorporating a known prior art gas inlet valve arrangement;[0020]
• FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the inlet valve arrangement of FIG. 1 taken substantially along line[0021]2-2 of FIG. 1;
• FIG. 3 is a front plan view of a typical gas outlet yoke-style connection valve of a standard scuba tank as is well known in the art;[0022]
• FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the first stage regulator member of FIG. 1 connected to the gas outlet yoke-style connection valve of the standard scuba tank of FIG. 3;[0023]
• FIG. 5 is a side plan view of one yoke-style inlet valve embodiment as constructed in accordance with the present invention and adapted for using fluid flow pressure for valve operation;[0024]
• FIG. 6 is a top plan view taken substantially along line[0025]6-6 of FIG. 5;
• FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view taken substantially along line[0026]7-7 of FIG. 5;
• FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along line[0027]8-8 of FIG. 5 and illustrating the inlet valve embodiment in a closed position to prevent fluid flow therethrough;
• FIG. 9 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of the inlet valve embodiment illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 8;[0028]
• FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the pressure responsive element of FIG. 9 taken substantially along line[0029]10-10 of FIG. 9;
• FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the pressure responsive element of FIG. 9 taken substantially along line[0030]11-11 of FIG. 9 FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the spring containment sleeve of FIG. 9 taken substantially along line12-12 of FIG. 9;
• FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view substantially similar to FIG. 8 but illustrating the inlet valve embodiment in an open position to permit fluid flow therethrough;[0031]
• FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a first stage regulator member with a yoke connection modified to include an inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention with its components in position for mounting within the inlet portion thereof;[0032]
• FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a second yoke-style inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention in a closed position to prevent fluid flow therethrough and adapted for using fluid flow pressure for valve operation;[0033]
• FIG. 16 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of the inlet valve embodiment illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 15;[0034]
• FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view substantially similar to FIG. 15 but illustrating this inlet valve embodiment in an open position to permit fluid flow therethrough;[0035]
• FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a third yoke-style inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention in a closed position to prevent fluid flow therethrough and adapted for using fluid flow pressure for valve operation;[0036]
• FIG. 19 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of the inlet valve embodiment illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 18;[0037]
• FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view substantially similar to FIG. 18 but illustrating this third inlet valve embodiment in an open position to permit fluid flow therethrough;[0038]
• FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a fourth yoke-style inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention in a closed position to prevent fluid flow therethrough and adapted for using fluid flow pressure for valve operation;[0039]
• FIG. 22 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of the inlet valve embodiment illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 21;[0040]
• FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view substantially similar to FIG. 21 but illustrating this fourth inlet valve embodiment in an open position to permit fluid flow therethrough;[0041]
• FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view illustrating yet another yoke-style inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention in a closed position to prevent fluid flow therethrough and adapted for using fluid flow pressure for valve operation;[0042]
• FIG. 25 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of the inlet valve embodiment illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 24;[0043]
• FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view substantially similar to FIG. 24 but illustrating this particular inlet valve embodiment in an open position to permit fluid flow therethrough;[0044]
• FIG. 27 is a side plan view of a DIN-style inlet valve embodiment and connection arrangement as constructed in accordance with the present invention;[0045]
• FIG. 28 is a top plan view taken substantially along line[0046]28-28 of FIG. 27;
• FIG. 29 is a bottom plan view taken substantially along line[0047]29-29 of FIG. 27;
• FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along line[0048]30-30 of FIG. 27 and illustrating this DIN-style inlet valve embodiment in a closed position to prevent fluid flow therethrough and adapted for using fluid flow pressure for valve operation;
• FIG. 31 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of the DIN-style inlet valve embodiment illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 30;[0049]
• FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view illustrating still another yoke-style inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention in a closed position to prevent fluid flow therethrough and adapted for using fluid flow pressure for valve operation while particularly illustrating an alternate bias mechanism;[0050]
• FIG. 33 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of the yoke-style inlet valve embodiment illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 32;[0051]
• FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view substantially similar to FIG. 32 but illustrating the inlet valve embodiment in an open position to permit fluid flow therethrough;[0052]
• FIG. 35 is a top plan view, partially broken away, of a second stage, alternate gas regulator component of a known two-stage regulator assembly having a quick connect/disconnect junction;[0053]
• FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of a quick connect/disconnect junction as illustrated in FIG. 35 but modified to incorporate integrally therewith an inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention, the inlet valve embodiment being illustrated in a closed position to prevent the flow of fluid therethrough and adapted for using fluid flow pressure for valve operation.[0054]
• FIG. 37 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of the inlet valve embodiment illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 36;[0055]
• FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view substantially similar to FIG. 36 but illustrating this particular inlet valve embodiment in an open position to permit fluid flow therethrough;[0056]
• FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the first stage regulator component with a part in elevation of yet another known type of yoke-style two-stage regulator device for a scuba unit;[0057]
• FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view of an inlet valve constructed in accordance with the present invention adapted for using fluid flow pressure for valve operation and modified to replace the standard inlet valve and yoke retainer of the first stage regulator component of FIG. 39;[0058]
• FIG. 41 is an exploded perspective view of the first stage regulator component of still another known type of yoke-style two stage regulator device for a scuba unit; and[0059]
• FIG. 42 is a partial sectional view of the unit illustrated in FIG. 41 modified to incorporate an inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention as an integral portion of the first stage regulator component thereof and adapted for using fluid flow pressure for valve operation.[0060]
• FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another yoke-style inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention in a closed position to prevent fluid flow therethrough but adapted for using mechanical contact pressure for valve activation;[0061]
• FIG. 44 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of the inlet valve embodiment illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 43;[0062]
• FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view substantially similar to FIG. 43 but illustrating this inlet valve embodiment in an open position to permit fluid flow therethrough;[0063]
• FIG. 46 is a top plan view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 43;[0064]
• FIG. 47 is a top plan view of an embodiment similar to that illustrated in FIG. 46 but having a modified pressure responsive member;[0065]
• FIG. 48 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of the inlet valve embodiment of FIG. 48;[0066]
• FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a modification of the yoke-style inlet valve embodiment of FIG. 15 wherein the valve is adapted for using mechanical contact pressure for valve activation;[0067]
• FIG. 49A is a cross-sectional view of a yoke-style inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention similar to the embodiment of FIG. 49 but illustrating still another bias mechanism embodiment;[0068]
• FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view illustrating yet another yoke-style inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention in a closed position to prevent fluid flow therethrough and adapted for using mechanical contact pressure for valve activation;[0069]
• FIG. 51 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of the inlet valve embodiment illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 50;[0070]
• FIG. 52 is a cross-sectional view substantially similar to FIG. 50 but illustrating this inlet valve embodiment in an open position to permit fluid flow therethrough;[0071]
• FIG. 53 is a cross-sectional view of another quick connect/disconnect junction similar to that illustrated in FIG. 36 but adapted for using mechanical contact pressure for valve activation;[0072]
• FIG. 54 is an exploded plan view of the internal components of the inlet valve embodiment illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 53;[0073]
• FIG. 55 is a cross-sectional view substantially similar to FIG. 53 but illustrating this particular inlet valve embodiment in an open position to permit fluid flow therethrough;[0074]
• FIG. 56 is a perspective view of a yoke-style inlet valve embodiment as constructed in accordance with the present invention and similar to that illustrated in FIG. 5 but adapted for using mechanical contact pressure for valve activation and in position for attachment to a Scuba tank valve;[0075]
• FIG. 57 is a perspective view of a DIN-style inlet valve embodiment as constructed in accordance with the present invention and similar to that illustrated in FIG. 27 but adapted for using mechanical contact pressure for valve activation and in position for attachment to a Scuba DIN-type tank valve;[0076]
• FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional view illustrating yet another yoke-style inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention in a closed position to prevent fluid flow therethrough and adapted for using mechanical contact pressure for valve activation;[0077]
• FIG. 59 is a top plan view of the pressure responsive element embodiment illustrated in FIG. 58;[0078]
• FIG. 60 is a perspective view of yet another pressure responsive element embodiment for use with the inlet valve embodiment illustrated in FIG. 58;[0079]
• FIG. 61 is a partial sectional view of a modified first stage regulator component of still another known type of yoke-style two stage regulator device for a scuba unit similar to that illustrated in FIG. 42 but adapted for using a magnetic switch for valve activation;[0080]
• FIG. 62 is a cross-sectional view of a yoke-style inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 15 and 49 but illustrating yet another bias mechanism embodiment utilizing magnetic members;[0081]
• FIG. 63 is a cross-sectional view of a yoke-style inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention similar to the embodiment of FIG. 15 but illustrating an alternate bias mechanism and valve activation embodiment;[0082]
• FIG. 64 is a cross-sectional view of a yoke-style inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention and illustrating yet another alternate bias mechanism and mechanical valve activation embodiment;[0083]
• FIG. 64A is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along[0084]line64A-64A of FIG. 64;
• FIG. 64B is a partial cross-sectional view taken substantially along[0085]line64B-64B of FIG. 64;
• FIG. 65 is a cross-sectional view of a yoke-style inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention and illustrating still another alternate bias mechanism and mechanical valve activation embodiment with the inlet valve embodiment in a closed position;[0086]
• FIG. 66 is a cross-sectional view of the yoke-style inlet valve embodiment illustrated in FIG. 65 but illustrating the inlet valve embodiment in an open position;[0087]
• FIG. 67 is a partial sectional view of a modified first stage regulator component of still another known type of yoke-style two stage regulator device attached a scuba unit valve and illustrating still another alternate bias mechanism and mechanical valve activation embodiment;[0088]
• FIG. 68 is a cross-sectional view of a yoke-style inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention and illustrating a further alternate bias mechanism and mechanical valve activation embodiment with the inlet valve embodiment in a closed position; and[0089]
• FIG. 69 is a cross-sectional view of a yoke-style inlet valve embodiment constructed in accordance with the present invention similar to that of FIG. 68 but illustrating still another alternate bias mechanism and mechanical valve activation embodiment with the inlet valve embodiment in a closed position.[0090]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
• The present invention is directed to a valve arrangement, both removable as well as integral, for controlling fluid flow in devices of various types. More particularly, the valve of the present invention is designed as an inlet valve to enable one-way fluid flow into a device while preventing undesirable materials from entering the device. The preferred embodiments of the invention which are illustrated in detail herein are particularly adapted for use in gas pressure regulators for scuba (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) diving units. It should be understood, however, that the present invention may be utilized with or incorporated as a part of any type of device or apparatus wherein fluid in the form of liquid or gas must enter the device under pressure. Other such examples may include fire, rescue and air emergency breathing units as well as oxygen units.[0091]
• Referring first to FIGS.[0092]1-4, ascuba unit10 of standard well-known design is illustrated having aregulator assembly12 and atank14 for compressed breathable gas. Typically, thescuba tank14 is a steel or aluminum cylinder designed to contain compressed gas at substantial pressures, i.e. well over 3000 psi. The most preferred breathable gas is simply compressed air. However, a variety of gas mixtures, such as nitrogen/oxygen blends commonly referred to as Nitrox as well as other gas blends which may include various other inert gases, are becoming more commonly used by the recreational scuba diver. It should be understood, therefore, that when the terms breathable gas or compressed air are used in this application, such terms are intended to also include other types of gas mixtures both common and uncommon to the scuba diving industry. Another compressed gas mixture which may benefit from the present invention includes argon which is occasionally used in conjunction with dry suit inflation rather than breathable gas mixtures. These applications will be discussed in greater detail below.
• The[0093]tank14 of thescuba unit10 includes a gas inlet/outlet valve16 which typically includes avalve body portion18 threadable into thetank14, a hand operatedcontrol knob20 for opening and closing thevalve16, and an inlet/outlet opening22. In one form of tank valve connection, that is the yoke-type valve, theopening22 generally includes a recessedarea24 which contains asmall orifice26 that communicates with the interior of thetank14 through thevalve body portion18. Anannular ridge28 surrounds therecess24 to form an annular groove wherein a removable O-ring30 is provided between theridge28 and therecess24. This arrangement insures an airtight seal with any device that is secured to theopening22. This particular arrangement for thevalve16 is for attachment to a yoke-type regulator as described below. The other basic tank inlet/outlet arrangement (not illustrated) is designed for attachment to a DIN valve, and in this embodiment theridge28 is in the form of a collar which projects substantially outwardly from thevalve body18 and includes threads that are designed for threaded engagement with a DIN valve regulator as described further below.
• The[0094]regulator assembly12 is a dual or two-stage regulator and typically includes a firststage regulator member32 and a secondstage regulator member33. The firststage regulator member32 is removably secured to thetank valve outlet22 and is designed to reduce the gas pressure from thetank14 of 3000 or more psi to an intermediate gas pressure of approximately 140 psi. The intermediate pressure gas then passes through ahose36 to the secondstage regulator member33, wherein the gas pressure is further reduced to ambient pressure which is dependent upon the depth of the scuba diver. In this manner, the diver can readily breathe the gas from the secondstage regulator member33 at any depth.
• In a yoke-type regulator, the[0095]housing34 includes a gas inlet opening38 which is surrounded by a raised collar orflange40. Ametal filter member42 is positioned within thehousing34 below theopening38 for the purpose of filtering any and all gas and other materials entering theopening38. A C-clip44 is utilized to hold thefilter42 in theopening38. Anut46 maintains ayoke48 in position at theopening38. Theyoke48 is typically a U-shaped or an A-shaped element that is sized sufficiently to permit thetank valve16 to be positioned between thecollar40 and the top of theyoke48. Ahand knob50 with ascrew member52 passes through the top of theyoke48 in is designed to tighten against thebackside53 of thetank valve16 to press thecollar40 against theridge28 and O-ring30 of thetank valve16 to secure the two members together. In certain regulator designs, thenut46, thecollar40, thefilter42 and the C-clip44 are all part of a valve housing which is threadably secured within a bore disposed in theregulator housing32. In other designs, these components are individually mounted within the bore as an integral part of thehousing32.
• As is clearly evident, when the first[0096]stage regulator member32 is not secured to atank valve16, liquid and other contaminants including airborne particulates can enter theinlet opening38 and pass into thefilter42 and the rest of theregulator assembly12. Since it is a recommended procedure to thoroughly rinse or soak all scuba diving equipment in clean fresh water after each use, entry of water into theinlet opening38 would prove disastrous to the proper operation of theregulator assembly12. This is because water will rust and corrode the internal metal components of theregulator assembly12 as well as damage other attached components such as a dive computer, and particulate contaminants can block small orifices and otherwise cause galvanic or other reactions within theregulator assembly12, all of which will at least negatively affect the operation of the regulator and possibly cause it or its attached components to fail entirely. It would be a dangerous situation if the first stage regulator member failed during its use by a scuba diver while under water.
• This problem has been well recognized since the advent of the scuba unit, and for well over[0097]50 years the answer has been to provide adust cover54. Thedust cover54 is generally made of plastic or rubber and is removably positioned over or against thecollar40 when the firststage regulator member32 is not in use. Thescrew52 is tightened against the top56 of thedust cover54 to press thedust cover54 firmly against theinlet opening38, thereby preventing entry of water and other contaminants. A similar removable cap arrangement is utilized for the second stage regulator alternate air source as described below. Unfortunately, it is a common mistake to forget to place thedust cover54 over theinlet opening38 before rinsing theregulator assembly12, thereby flooding the first or secondstage regulator members32,33. Alternatively, thedust cover54 may be positioned properly but is not sufficiently tight to prevent entry of water into theinlet opening38. The present invention obviates the requirement for thedust cover54 and the entire problem inherent with its use.
• The fluid flow control valve of the present invention can be constructed and designed as a separate valve unit which is threadably secured within a regulator member housing. Alternatively, the valve assembly of the present invention can be formed as an integral part of the regulator assembly housing so that only the individual components are removable rather then the entire valve assembly containing the individual components as in the first instance. Therefore, it should be understood that while the specific embodiments illustrated herein may be in one form or the other, the present invention is not to be specifically limited to either form. Moreover, while the specific embodiments illustrated and discussed below are specific adaptations for use with a scuba diving regulator assembly, the present invention is not to be limited thereby and may be utilized with any type of fluid inlet control valve wherein the fluid is under compression. Thus, the present invention should be limited only by the claims as set forth at the end of this application and as interpreted in view of the prior art.[0098]
• Referring now with particularity to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.[0099]6-14, a fluidflow control valve60 includes ahousing62 having a top orinlet end64, acentral shaft65 and a bottom oroutlet end66. Thehousing62 may be made of any suitable water-resistant material and is preferably galvanized metal. Theinlet end64 of thehousing62 is the functional equivalent of the inlet opening38 illustrated in FIGS. 1 & 2. Thehousing shaft65 includes a threadedportion68 which is designed to engage a bore69 (FIG. 14) disposed within the firststage regulator housing34. A nut-shapedportion70 is the functional equivalent of thenut46 illustrated in FIGS. 1 & 2 and is designed to assist in threadably engaging thevalve housing62 into theregulator housing34 as well as to hold theyoke48 in position. A removable O-ring72 is provided to help maintain a watertight seal and keep the interior of theregulator housing34 dry as well as prevent the escape of pressurized gas. A raisedcollar74 is provided for engagement against the O-ring30 of the tank valve inlet opening22, and agroove76 is disposed radially inwardly from thecollar74 to assist in the engagement ofcollar74 against the tank valve inlet opening22 as well as providing a channel for draining loose water away from the inlet opening. This enables theinlet end64 to remain free from water to prevent its inadvertent entry into thehousing62.
• An[0100]axial bore78 extends along the interior length of thehousing62. The diameter “y” of thebore78 is substantially uniform along its entire length except for the portion adjacent the upper orinlet end64. The end opening the80 of thebore78 has a diameter “x” narrower than the diameter “y” of thebore80. In preferred form, an annular curvedradial lip82 is formed in the upper end portion of thebore78 so as to narrow the diameter “y” of thebore78 gradually to form theopening80 having a diameter “x”. An annularinternal groove84 is provided within thebore78 proximate the lower orbottom end portion66 of thehousing62 and is sized to mount a removable C-clip86 therein.
• A pressure responsive member or[0101]element88 is positioned within thebore78 proximate the upper orinlet end64. In this particular embodiment, the pressureresponsive element88 is in the form of apiston90 having ahead portion92 terminating in an uppercurved surface94 which seals against thelip82 and projects outwardly from theopening80. This outward projection also assists in keeping water away from the junction of theopening80. It should be understood that while curved upper surfaces at the end of the pressureresponsive element88, such as thesurface94, are preferred and illustrated throughout this application, other surface shapes and arrangements may be used to plug or seal theopening80.
• An[0102]internal pocket96 is formed in the lower portion of thepiston90 and terminates in anend opening98. A plurality of fluid channeling elements preferably in the form of longitudinal channels orgrooves100 are disposed along the outer surface of thepiston90 and extend from theend opening98 and terminate short of the uppercurved surface94. In this manner, fluid cannot flow along thechannels100 unless thehead portion92 has been disengaged from thelip82 and theopening80. In preferred form, a bias mechanism in the form of acoiled spring102 is provided and is sized to fit within thepocket96. Theupper end portion104 of thecoiled spring102 terminates at the upper end portion of thepocket96, while thelower end portion106 of thecoiled spring102 extends outwardly from thepocket96. In preferred form, aspring containment sleeve108 is provided having aninternal cavity110 for receiving thelower end portion106 of thecoiled spring102. Thesleeve108 terminates abase portion110 which includes a plurality ofnotches112 which are preferably sized and spaced according to thelongitudinal channels100 of thepiston90. Ametal filter element114 having anenlarged base115 is provided below thecontainment sleeve108 and is sized and shaped to block theentire bore78 so that any fluid passing through thebore78 must pass through thefilter114. The c-clip86 is preferably positioned within theannular groove84 below themetal filter114.
• Referring particularly to FIG. 8, the[0103]inlet valve60 is illustrated in a closed position wherein the uppercurved surface94 of thepiston90 is in firm contact with theannular lip82 so as to seal theopening80 to thebore78. The bias mechanism in the preferred form of thecoil spring102 creates a bias force against thepiston90 and the bottom of thecontainment sleeve108 so as to press theupper surface94 against theinternal lip82. Thecontainment sleeve108, thefilter114 and the c-clip86 are all sized, shaped and positioned so that thebias mechanism102 provides sufficient bias force to close thepiston90 against thelip82 and seal theopening80. In this closed position, neither fluid, liquid nor particulate matter of any kind can pass into thebore78 through theinlet80.
• Referring to FIG. 13, when a compressive force is exerted axially against the[0104]upper surface94 of thepiston90 and is of sufficient strength to overcome the bias force of thespring102, thepiston90 moves axially into thebore78. This movement of thepiston90 disengages theupper surface94 from theannular lip82 thereby opening theend80. Fluid may then pass through theopening80 and into thebore78. Thechannels100 and thenotches112 permit such fluid entering theopening80 to pass along the exterior length of thepiston90 and thecontainment sleeve108, through thefilter114, and to exit out the end opening116 of thebore78.
• As a result of the above arrangement and referring now to FIG. 14, when the[0105]valve60 forms the inlet opening for a firststage regulator member32, the normally closed position of thevalve60 resulting from the bias force of thespring member102 as illustrated in FIG. 8 prevents water and airborne particulates from entering the first stage regulator housing. This construction eliminates the need for thedust cap54 in that thepiston90 which is engaged against theannular lip82 will seal theinlet valve60 from any exterior fluid or contaminant material. When a firststage regulator member32 containing thevalve60 of the present invention is attached to a scubatank outlet valve16, however, the force from the compressed gas in thetank14 overcomes the bias force of thespring102 to press thepiston90 into thebore78. This action permits the compressed gas to pass through thebore78, out theexit opening116 and into theregulator housing34. The bias force of thespring102 may be adjusted to any desired strength. However, in order to permit the maximum amount of breathable gas from thetank14 to be utilized by a scuba diver through the first stage regulator member, the bias force is preferably set as low as possible yet of sufficient strength to firmly engage theupper surface94 against theannular lip82 to close theopening80 when the firststage regulator member12 is not attached to ascuba tank14. While this bias strength force may be selected at any level, a minimum force of preferably 5-10 psi should probably be established to prevent inadvertent entry of fluid or contaminants into thebore78 andregulator member32 when theregulator member32 is disconnected from a scubatank outlet valve16. It should be understood, however, that this minimum force is a variable which may be selected and adjusted as needed.
• Referring now to FIGS.[0106]15-17, a second embodiment of the fluid flow control valve of the present invention is disclosed. This embodiment is preferably in the form of avalve member118 that includes ahousing62 constructed substantially identical to the prior embodiment of FIGS.5-14. Thehousing62 of this embodiment includes the upper orinlet end portion64, an bottom oroutlet end portion66, acentral bore78, an annularinner lip82 forming anarrowed end opening80, and anexit opening116. In this particular embodiment, the bias mechanism is also acoil spring102. However, in this embodiment, thelower end portion106 of thespring102 is positioned around thefilter member114 against thebase115 thereof. There is no spring containment sleeve in this embodiment. Theupper end portion104 of thespring102 is engaged with a pressureresponsive element88 as in the prior embodiment.
• In this particular embodiment, the pressure[0107]responsive element88 is preferably in the form of asolid piston head120 having an uppercurved surface122 similar to thesurface94 of the prior embodiment. A plurality of axially aligned and spacedlongitudinal grooves124 form fluid channeling elements and operate in the same manner as thegrooves100 of the prior embodiment. However, thebottom portion126 of thepiston head120 includes a raisedelement128 which forms anannular shoulder130. Theupper end portion104 of thespring102 is sized to surround theshoulder130 to securely engage theend portion126 of thepiston head120. When thevalve member118 is in its closed position as illustrated in FIG. 15, the piston headupper surface122 engages theannular lip82 so as to close theopening80. When a fluid force is exerted axially against the piston headupper surface122, the piston head is moved into thebore78 as with the prior embodiment to allow the fluid to pass through theopening80, through thechannels124, through thefilter114 and out theexit opening116. Again, when thevalve member118 is utilized with a scuba regulator, the fluid exerting the pressure on the piston headupper surface122 is preferably compressed breathable gas.
• Referring now to FIGS.[0108]18-20, a third embodiment of the fluid flow control valve of the present invention is disclosed. This embodiment is preferably in the form of avalve member132 that includes ahousing62 constructed substantially identical to the prior embodiments for FIGS.5-17. Thehousing62 of this embodiment includes the upper orinlet end portion64, an bottom oroutlet end portion66, acentral bore78, an annularinner lip82 forming anarrowed end opening80, and anexit opening116. In this embodiment, the bias mechanism is also acoil spring102, and thelower end portion106 of thespring102 is positioned to be engaged within aspring containment sleeve108 having abase portion110 withnotches112, as in the embodiment of FIGS.5-14. In this particular embodiment, however, thefilter member134 is substantially flat as opposed to the conical shape of the prior embodiments, the c-clip86 holding all the internal components of thevalve132 in place within thebore78. Theupper end portion104 of thespring102 is engaged with a pressureresponsive element88 as in the prior embodiments.
• In this particular embodiment the pressure[0109]responsive element88 is in the form of asolid element136 having an uppercurved surface138 similar to thesurfaces94 and122 of the prior embodiments. A plurality of axially aligned and spacedlongitudinal grooves140 form fluid channeling elements and operate in the same manner as thegrooves100 and124 of the prior embodiments. However, thebottom portion142 of theelement136 includes aplunger mechanism144 having ashaft146 extending downwardly from the bottom142 and anannular foot148. Theupper end portion104 of thespring102 engages thefoot148 to exert and transfer the bias force from thespring102 to theelement136. When thevalve member132 is in its closed position as illustrated in FIG. 18, the elementupper surface138 engages theannular lip82 so as to close theopening80. When a fluid force is exerted axially against the elementupper surface138, theelement136 is moved into thebore78 as with the prior embodiments to allow the fluid to pass through theopening80, through thechannels140, through thenotches112, through thefilter134 and out theexit opening116. Again, when thevalve member118 is utilized with a scuba regulator, the fluid exerting the pressure on the elementupper surface138 is preferably compressed breathable gas. When the fluid pressure ceases to be exerted against the elementupper surface138, the bias force from thespring mechanism102 pushes theelement136 axially so as to reengage theupper surface138 with theannular lip82 thereby closing thevalve132.
• Referring now to FIGS.[0110]21-23, a fourth embodiment of the fluid flow control valve of the present invention is disclosed. This particular embodiment includes avalve member150 that is substantially identical to thevalve member118 of FIGS.15-17 except for the construction of the pressureresponsive element88. In this embodiment as with all the embodiments, like numerals designate like parts. In this particular embodiment, the pressureresponsive element88 is in the form of asolid piston head152 having an uppercurved surface154 similar to thesurface122 of the embodiment of FIGS.15-17. A plurality of axially aligned and spacedlongitudinal grooves156 form fluid channeling elements and operate in the same manner as thegrooves124 of the prior embodiment. However, thebottom portion158 of thepiston head152 includes an annular, radially recessedgroove160 which forms aradial shoulder162. Theupper end portion104 of thespring102 is sized to surround theshoulder162 and seat in thegroove160 to securely engage theend portion158 of thepiston head152. When thevalve member150 is in its closed position as illustrated in FIG. 21, the piston headupper surface154 engages theannular lip82 so as to close theopening80. When a fluid force is exerted axially against the piston headupper surface154, the piston head is moved into thebore78 as with the prior embodiment to allow the fluid to pass through thebore78, through thechannels156, through thefilter114 and out theexit opening116. Again, when thevalve member150 is utilized with a scuba regulator, the fluid exerting the pressure on the piston headupper surface154 is preferably compressed breathable gas.
• Yet another embodiment of the fluid flow control valve of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS.[0111]24-26. This embodiment includes avalve member164 that is substantially similar to thevalve member150 of the prior embodiment of FIGS.21-23 except for the construction of the pressureresponsive element88. In this particular embodiment, the pressureresponsive element88 is preferably in the form of an orb orball166 having a continuous curved outer surface, any portion of which may serve as an uppercurved surface168 similar to thesurface154 of the embodiment of FIGS.21-23. Theball166 is sized to have a diameter greater than the diameter “x” of theopening80, yet smaller than the diameter “y” of thebore78. Theball166 is seated in theupper end portion104 of thespring102 and held in position on thespring102. When thevalve member164 is in its closed position as illustrated in FIG. 24, a portion of the surface of theball166 engages theannular lip82 so as to close theopening80. When a fluid force is exerted axially against the ballupper surface168 projecting slightly beyond theopening80, theball166 is moved into thebore78 as with the prior embodiments. The fluid is then allowed to pass into thebore78, past the outer surface of theball166 which has a narrower diameter than thebore78, through thefilter114 and out theexit opening116. Again, when thevalve member164 is utilized with a scuba regulator, the fluid exerting the pressure on the ballupper surface168 is preferably compressed breathable gas.
• Referring now to FIGS.[0112]32-34, still another embodiment of the fluid flow control valve of the present invention is illustrated. This embodiment is very similar to the embodiment of FIGS.24-26 and includes avalve member170 having ahousing62 structured substantially identical to the prior embodiments. The internal components of thevalve member170 are similar to those of thevalve member164 illustrated in FIGS.24-26 except for the construction of thespring bias element172 and its connection to the pressure responsive or sensingmember88. In this particular embodiment, the pressureresponsive element88 is again preferably in the form of an orb orball174 having a continuous curved outer surface. Thespring bias element172 includes anupper end portion176 projecting from aspring lever arm178, and abase cage portion180. Thecage portion180 is sized and shaped to slidingly fit over a conical shapedmetal filter114 and rest on thefilter base115. Theball174 is fixed to the distal end of theend portion176.
• The[0113]ball174 is fixed to theupper portion176 of the spring biaselement lever arm178 so that a portion of its upper outer surface may serve as an uppercurved surface182 similar to thesurface168 of the embodiment of FIGS.24-26. Theball174 is sized to have a diameter greater than the diameter “x” of theopening80, yet smaller than the diameter “y” of thebore78. Theball178 is fixed to the upper distal end of thelever arm178 so that when thevalve member170 is in its closed position as illustrated in FIG. 32, the ball uppercurved surface182 engages theannular lip82 so as to close theopening80. When a fluid force is exerted axially against the ballupper surface182 projecting slightly beyond theopening80, theball174 is moved angularly into thebore78 controlled by thelever arm178. The fluid is then allowed to pass into thebore78, past the outer surface of theball174 having a narrower diameter than thebore78, through thefilter114 and out theexit opening116. Again, when thevalve member170 is utilized with a scuba regulator, the fluid exerting the pressure on the ballupper surface182 is preferably compressed breathable gas. Upon cessation of the axial force from the compressed gas or other fluid, thelever arm178 moves theball174 back into its closed position wherein theupper surface182 engages theannular lip82 and closes theopening80.
• Referring now to FIGS.[0114]27-31, another embodiment of the invention is illustrated wherein it is adapted for use in a DIN valve arrangement. As previously explained, theDIN valve184 includes ahousing186 with rearexterior thread members188 that are designed to screw thehousing184 into a first stage regulator housing similar to thehousing32 of FIG. 1, only adapted for a DIN-style valve rather than a yoke-style valve. Aseparate attachment element190 is designed to slide over thehousing184 and engage thenut portion192 of thehousing184. Theexterior threads194 are designed to screw into a compatible aperture located in the outlet/inlet valve housing16 of ascuba tank cylinder14. The aforementioned elements of the DIN-style housing184 are all standard features well known to the art. However, the remaining features of thevalve184 including the internal components thereof are all adapted in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
• The upper or fluid[0115]inlet end portion196 of thehousing186 includes thenut192, and the lower or fluidoutlet end portion198 of thehousing186 includes theexterior threads188. Acenter shaft portion200 interconnects theinlet portion196 with theoutlet portion198. Theupper end portion196 includes anannular groove202 disposed in theend surface204 of thenut192, and an O-ring206 is disposed within thegroove202. Anend collar208 projects outwardly from thesurface204 of thenut192. Acentral bore210 is disposed within thehousing186 similar to thebore78 of the prior embodiments and has a diameter “y”. Thebore210 includes aninlet opening212 having a diameter “x” which is less than the diameter “y” of thebore210, again similar to the prior embodiments. Theend opening212 is disposed in thecollar208 and defines a curved annularinterior lip214. A pressure responsive orsensitive element88, aspring bias mechanism102 and aspring containment sleeve108 similar to those of FIGS.5-13 are preferably utilized within thebore210 of thehousing186 of the present embodiment. Due to the fact that DIN-type valves184 are considerably longer than yoke-type valves60, atubular spacer element216 is positioned between the bottom of thecontainment sleeve base112 and thebase plate115 of thefibrous metal filter114. A c-clip86 is utilized to maintain the position of all the aforementioned components within thebore210.
• As described in the previous embodiments, the pressure[0116]responsive element88 preferably in the form of apiston92 includes a curvedupper surface94. Theupper surface94 is shaped to firmly engage the innerannular lip214 when thevalve184 is in its closed position as illustrated in FIG. 30. When fluid pressure, as in the form of compressed gas from a scuba tank, is exerted in an inward axial direction against thesurface94 of thepiston92 and is of sufficient strength to overcome the bias force applied by thespring102, thespring102 is compressed and thepiston92 moved axially inwardly into thebore210. When this occurs, the fluid may then pass through theopening212, through the fluid channels orgrooves100, through thenotches112, through the interior of thespacer216, through thefibrous metal filter114 and out the exit opening218. As with the prior embodiments, undesirable fluids and particulate material cannot enter thevalve184 when it is in its closed position due to the bias force of thespring102 against thepiston92. However, when pressurized fluid, such as in the form of compressed gas or air from a scuba tank, is exerted against thesurface94 of thepiston92, thepiston92 is moved and the gas or air passes through thevalve184 and into the first stage regulator.
• Referring now to FIGS.[0117]35-38, a secondstage regulator member220 is illustrated in the form of an alternate air or gas source as previously described. Theillustrated regulator member220 includes anair inflator valve222 for controlling inflation of a buoyancy control device (not illustrated) typical in the art, and aquick disconnect valve224. Thequick disconnect valve224 of standard exterior design is arranged for connecting an intermediate pressure hose such ashose226 of FIG. 4 to the secondstage regulator member220. As previously described, the secondstage regulator member220 is designed to reduce the intermediate pressure of the compressed breathable gas from thehose226 to ambient pressure so that a diver may readily breathe it through amouth piece228. Thevalve224 includes ahousing230 which is threadably positioned within theregulator member220. Thehousing230 includes aninlet end portion232 and anoutlet end portion234. Theoutlet end portion234 includesexterior thread members236 for engagement with areceiver nut238 which is part of theregulator assembly220. A pair offlanges240,242 and a pair of O-rings244,246 assist in maintaining thevalve housing230 within theregulator member220.
• The[0118]housing230 preferably includes an interioraxial bore248 which extends the length thereof. As in the prior embodiments, theaxial bore248 has a diameter “y” and terminates at theinlet end portion232 in aninlet opening250, which has a narrower diameter “x”. An interiorannular lip252 is formed at theinlet portion232 to define theopening250. A pressure responsive orsensitive element254 is preferably formed as apiston256 having elongated channelingelements258 in the form of grooves along the exterior surface thereof. An uppercurved surface260 is sized and shaped to engage theannular lip252 so as to seal theopening250 when thevalve224 is in its closed position as illustrated in FIG. 36. Thespring bias member262 is provided for engaging the interior of thepiston256 at itsupper end portion264. Thelower end portion266 of thespring bias member262 is positioned within acontainment sleeve268 having a base270 withfluid passage notches272. Thebase270 of thecontainment sleeve268 rests against a fibrousmetallic filter114, and a C-clip86 is utilized as in the prior embodiments to maintain the components discussed above within thecentral bore248. When anintermediate hose226 is attached to theinlet end portion232 of thevalve224 and compressed gas introduced therein, the pressure from the gas against theupper surface260 of thepiston254 presses thepiston254 into the bore248 (see FIG. 38) against the force of thebias member262. As in prior embodiments, the compressed gas can then enter the inlet opening250 to pass along thegrooves258 into thecentral bore248, through thenotches272, through thefilter114 and then out theexit opening274.
• Referring now to FIGS. 39 & 40, a standard and known first[0119]stage regulator member276 is illustrated. Theregulator member276 includes aninlet opening278 which contains a standard metal filter therein. An end cap oryoke retainer element280 is utilized to seal theregulator end opening278. Thisregulator member280 may be modified for use with the present invention as illustrated in FIG. 40. In this instance, the end cap oryoke retainer nut280 and the metal filter within theopening278 are removed. In their place, aninlet valve282 is inserted into theopening278. Thevalve282 includes ahousing284 havingthreads286 and O-ring elements288,290 to engage thethreads292 to secure thehousing284 to theregulator member276. Atubular element294 extends downwardly from theupper surface296 of thehousing282. Thetubular element294 includes acentral bore298 which extends the entire length thereof and terminates at theinlet end portion296 in anopening300 which has a narrower diameter than thebore298, as in the prior embodiments. A pressureresponsive element302 includes an uppercurved surface304 which engages an annularinner lip306 when in the closed position as illustrated in FIG. 40. A plurality of elongated channelinggrooves308 are disposed along the surface of thepiston member302. A biasing mechanism in the form of acoil spring310 is positioned within thepiston302 and extends into asleeve containment member312. A flat fibrous metallic filter the form of a wafer-like structure314 is positioned below thecontainment sleeve312, and a c-clip86 is utilized to maintain the internal components within thecentral bore298. Again, when fluid pressure is exerted against the uppercurved surface304 of thepiston member302, thepiston302 is pressed into thebore298 to enable the pressurized fluid to pass through the channelinggrooves308, through thefilter314 and out theexit opening316.
• Referring now to FIGS. 41 & 42, another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated wherein the present invention is in the form of an integral valve arrangement disposed within a regulator housing. More specifically, a first[0120]stage regulator member320 of standard design includes ahousing322, a plurality of high andlow pressure outlets324,326, and aninlet element328. A diaphragm (not illustrated) is typically positioned within thehousing322 below theinlet element328. A high-pressure seat330 is disposed within thehousing322 on the high-pressure side of the diaphragm. Apin332 and apin support334 are provided for engaging the high-pressure seat330. Aspring336, an O-ring338 and abackup ring340 are all disposed about the high-pressure seat330. Aspring block342 is provided for engaging the upper end of the high-pressure seat330. Asecond spring element344 is positioned on the upper end of thespring block342, and afilter member346 is positioned thereon and maintained in place by a c-clip86. Anend cap348, ayoke48, ahand knob50 and adust cover54 are also all provided. As can be seen by this assembly, the integral valve components within thevalve housing322 are all potentially exposed to water and solid contaminants if thedust cover54 is not properly positioned as previously described.
• Referring now to FIG. 42, the[0121]standard regulator320 of FIG. 41 has been modified to incorporate the present invention as an integral part thereof. In this particular embodiment, theregulator member350 includes ahousing352 having aninlet end portion354. Thehousing352 includes acentral bore356 which passes axially along the length thereof. Anend cap358 is threadably engageable with the base of thehousing352. A diaphragm ofstandard design360 is positioned at the inner surface of theend cap358. Disposed within the lower portion of thebore356 within thehousing352 is apin332, apin support334, a high-pressure seat330, a high-pressureseat spring element336, an O-ring338, thebackup ring340, and aspring block342, all components standard to the knownregulator member320. In this particular in embodiment, however, a pressure responsive or sensitive element in the form of apiston362 is positioned within thebore356 at theinlet end portion354. Thepiston362 includes an uppercurved surface364, and an innerannular lip366 is provided to define the end opening368 of thebore356. The diameter of theend opening368 is less than the diameter of thebore356 as in the prior embodiments. In this manner, the uppercurved surface364 of thepiston362 engages theannular lip366 to seal theend opening368 when thevalve350 is in its closed position as illustrated in the FIG. 42.
• The lower end portion of the[0122]piston member362 includes aprojection370 having a diameter less than thepiston member362 thereby forming anannular shoulder372. Abias mechanism374 preferably in the form of a coil spring is positioned between thepiston element362 and thefilter346, the upper end portion of thespring374 being disposed about theannular shoulder372. A removable high-pressure crown376 with an O-ring378 is provided below the high-pressure seat330. Aspacer element380 is positioned between thecrown376, and a c-clip86 is provided to maintain all the components in position within thebore372. Finally, anintermediate spring382 is provided on the intermediate pressure side of thediaphragm360 and is disposed within thetightener element384 which is engageable within theend cap358. Thetightener member384 can be utilized to adjust the intermediate pressure of thediaphragm360. As a result of this construction, thepiston element362 maintains theopening368 in a sealed condition as a result of the bias from thespring374. Once thehousing350 is attached to a source of pressurized gas, the force from the pressurized gas against thecurved surface364 presses thepiston element362 into thebore356 to allow compressed gas to pass into thebore356 and against thediaphragm360.
• The embodiments described above are considered to be fail-safe in that they are continuously maintained in a closed position absent a preestablished external pressure exerted against the pressure response mechanism thereof. Furthermore, the above embodiments are particularly designed to be responsive to fluid pressure in the form of gas or liquid for opening the inlet valves and moving the pressure responsive element from a closed position to an open position thereby enabling the fluid or gas to flow through the valve. An alternative fail-safe mechanism for operating the inlet valve of the present invention involves mechanical pressure in the form of physical contact against the pressure responsive element in lieu of fluid pressure.[0123]
• Referring now to FIGS.[0124]43-46, a fluidflow control valve390 includes ahousing62 having a top orinlet end64, acentral passageway78 and a bottom or outlet end66 as in the prior embodiments and in particular as in FIG. 15. As previously indicated, like numerals indicate like parts between the various figures herein. In this particular embodiment, the pressureresponsive element392 is adapted to move reciprocally within thepassageway78 in response to external pressure exerted thereon, likewise similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15. However, in this particular embodiment the pressureresponsive element392 is adapted to respond to pressure in the form of physical contact exerted against theoutermost end portion394 thereof in lieu of fluid pressure.
• In this preferred form, the pressure[0125]responsive element392 is generally bullet-shaped and is preferably in the form of a cylindrical member tapered to apointed end portion394. A plurality of longitudinal channels orgrooves396 are disposed along the exterior surface of theelement392 and are adapted to permit fluid to flow therethrough into thepassageway78 when thevalve390 is in its open position as illustrated in FIG. 45, similar to thegrooves124 in the embodiment of FIG. 15. As in prior embodiments, an annular curvedradial lip398 is formed in theupper end portion64 of thepassageway78. The upper taperedannular portion400 of theelement392 is sized and shaped to engage thelip398 when thevalve390 is in a closed position as illustrated in FIG. 43, thechannels396 being positioned below the contact point between thetapered portion400 and thelip398 to prevent fluid from flowing into thepassageway78. Again, as in the prior embodiments, a bias mechanism in the form of acoiled spring102 urges the pressureresponsive element392 to its closed position absent a preestablished mechanical pressure against theend portion394. When thisinlet valve390 is mounted to a scuba tank valve inlet22 (FIG. 3), theend portion394 of the pressure responsive392 is pressed inwardly into thepassageway78 by contact with thetank inlet surface24, thereby opening thevalve390 and permitting fluid flow to pass from the tank valve throughpassageway78.
• Referring now to FIGS.[0126]47-48, a slight modification of the prior embodiment of FIGS.43-46 is illustrated. In this particular embodiment, the pressureresponsive element402 of thevalve390′ is not a bullet-shaped cylinder with an annular surface, but rather is an elongated square member having theupper portions404 angled inwardly toward each other. Theupper portions404 terminate in atruncated end surface406 which, like theend portion394 of the prior embodiment, is designed to mechanically engage a tankvalve inlet surface24 to create external pressure thereon and force thevalve390′ to an open position.
• Another modification of the embodiments of FIGS.[0127]4348 is illustrated in FIG. 49. In this particular embodiment, theinlet valve408 is virtually identical to the valve illustrated in FIG. 21 except for a modification which enables it to be responsive to mechanical pressure in the form of physical contact in lieu of fluid pressure at theinlet end64. In this embodiment, apin element410 is mounted to the pressureresponsive piston head152 and extends outwardly therefrom to terminate in acontact head412. In this particular embodiment, thecontact head412 is adapted to engage atank valve surface24 to physically press the pressureresponsive piston head152 into thepassageway78, thereby enabling fluid to flow into thepassageway78.
• The embodiment of FIG. 49, or for that matter any other embodiment illustrated herein, may be modified further to provide an alternative[0128]bias exerting mechanism102. This modification is illustrated in FIG. 49A. In this particular embodiment, the bias exerting mechanism is in the form of aSchraeder® valve414, a trademarked product used in tire and many other pressure filling situations. Thisvalve414 is a high pressure, spring-loaded 2-way air valve typically used in tire valve stems. The high pressure, 2-way valve414 is preferably mounted to abracket416 to maintain thevalve414 in thepassageway78. Thevalve414 includes a spring-loadedplunger rod418 which is engaged with abottom shoulder420 of the pressureresponsive piston head152. In this manner, when physical pressure is exerted against thecontact head412 of thepin element410, the bias created by thevalve414 is overcome, and thepiston head152 is moved into thepassageway78 to allow fluid to flow therethrough.
• Referring now to FIGS.[0129]50-52, another mechanical pressure-activated embodiment is illustrated. This embodiment illustrates a fluid flow control valve which is quite similar functionally and in design to thevalve390 of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.43-45 except for the shape of the pressureresponsive element424. In this particular embodiment, the pressureresponsive element424 preferably includes a firstcylindrical portion426 for positioning within thepassageway78, a plurality offluid channels427 disposed along the outer surface of the firstcylindrical portion426, a secondcylindrical portion428 of smaller diameter extending outwardly from the firstcylindrical portion426, and abeveled portion430 transitioning between the twocylindrical portions426,428. Thebeveled portion430 is sized and shaped for engagement with the annular curvedradial lip432 formed in the upper end portion of thepassageway78. The second cylindrical portion terminates in anend surface434, which is sized and shaped for engagement with a scubatank valve surface24 to physically press the pressureresponsive element424 into thepassageway78, thereby enabling fluid to flow into thepassageway78 through thefluid channels427.
• Referring now to FIGS.[0130]53-55, aquick disconnect valve436 is illustrated and is similar to thequick disconnect valve224 illustrated in FIGS.35-38. In this particular embodiment, however, thevalve436 is adapted for opening to fluid flow in response to mechanical pressure in the form of physical contact at the valve inlet similar to the embodiment of FIGS.43-52. In this embodiment, thevalve436 is virtually identical to thevalve embodiment224 of FIG. 36 except that the pressure responsive orsensitive element438 is preferably in the form of a two-cylinder piston similar the above embodiment of FIGS.50-52. In this embodiment, thepiston element438 preferably includes a firstcylindrical portion440 for positioning within theaxial bore248, a plurality offluid channels442 disposed along the outer surface of the firstcylindrical portion440, a secondcylindrical portion444 of smaller diameter extending outwardly from the firstcylindrical portion440, and abeveled portion446 transitioning between the twocylindrical portions440,444. Thebeveled portion446 is sized and shaped for engagement with theannular lip252 formed in the upper end portion of theaxial bore248. The secondcylindrical portion444 terminates in anend surface448. When an intermediate hose226 (see FIG. 4) is attached to theinlet end portion232 of thevalve436, physical pressure from thehose226 against theend surface448 of thepiston element438 presses thepiston element438 into thebore248 as illustrated in FIG. 55 in opposition to the force of thebias member262. As in prior embodiments, compressed gas from thehose226 can then enter the inlet opening250 to pass along thegrooves442 of the firstcylindrical portion40 into thecentral bore248.
• Referring now to FIG. 56, the yoke-style inlet valve embodiment of FIGS.[0131]43-45 is illustrated in position for attachment to a Scuba tank valve similar to that of FIG. 3. In this illustration, thevalve390 is positioned for engagement with the tank valve opening22 of thetank valve16. As can be seen, theoutermost end portion394 of the pressureresponsive element392 is adapted to contact thevalve opening surface24 and respond to pressure from such physical contact exerted thereagainst by moving into the interior of thevalve390 and thereby opening thevalve390 to gas flow from thetank14 once thetank control knob20 is turned to release the compressed gas from thetank14.
• FIG. 57 illustrates a similar view as that of FIG. 56 but shows a DIN-style[0132]inlet valve embodiment450 as constructed in accordance with the present invention. Thevalve450 is similar to that illustrated in FIGS.27-31 but is adapted for using mechanical contact pressure for valve activation by contact with a Scuba DIN-type tank valve452. As illustrated herein, the pressure responsive orsensitive element454 extends outwardly from thefluid end portion196 of thevalve450 and is adapted for engagement within theDIN valve opening456 against thevalve surface458. This physical pressure against theelement454, like that against theelement392 of the prior embodiment, exerts sufficient pressure to press the pressure responsive element into thevalve450 in opposition to the normal bias force present within the valve and open thevalve450 to flow of compressed gas from thetank14′.
• Referring now to FIGS.[0133]58-59, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 50 is modified slightly to accommodate certain types of specialty scuba tank valves, especially in the technical scuba diving arena. An example of such specialty tank valves includes those valves which utilize 6 mm Allen keyholes, which would typically not operate with the embodiments of FIGS.50-52. In this modified embodiment, thevalve460 includes a pressureresponsive element462 preferably having a firstcylindrical portion464 for positioning within thepassageway78, a plurality offluid channels466 disposed along the outer surface of the firstcylindrical portion464, a secondcylindrical portion468 of smaller diameter extending outwardly from the firstcylindrical portion464, and abeveled portion470 transitioning between the twocylindrical portions464,468. Thebeveled portion470 is sized and shaped for engagement with the annular curvedradial lip432 formed in the upper end portion of thepassageway78.
• The second cylindrical portion terminates in an[0134]end surface472 which is concave in shape so that the annularperipheral edge474 engages a scuba tank valve surface to physically press the pressureresponsive element462 into thepassageway78. This concave shape of thesurface472 is necessitated due to the Allen keyhole arrangement of the specialty tank valve. Consequently, a plurality ofchannels476 are provided that extend from thesurface472 to the perimeter of the secondcylindrical portion468. In this manner, when the pressureresponsive element462 is physically pressured into thepassageway78, gas from the scuba tank valve passes into the small area above thesurface472, through thechannels476, along the upper portion of thepassageway78, through thechannel grooves466 and then through the remainder of thepassageway78 out theexit opening116.
• Referring to FIG. 60, a slight modification to the embodiment of FIGS.[0135]58-59 is illustrated. In this embodiment, a pressureresponsive element478 is provided for use in thevalve460. Theelement478 preferably includes anupper surface480 and a plurality oftooth elements482 projecting upwardly therefrom. Thetooth elements482 each have anend surface484 which engages a scubatank valve surface24, as does theedge474 of the prior embodiment. The tooth elements are spaced from each other to form a plurality ofslots486, which serve the same function as thechannels476 of the prior embodiment.
• Referring now to FIG. 62, another[0136]inlet valve490 is virtually identical to thevalves150 and408 illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 49, respectively, except for a modification to the bias exertion mechanism. Thisvalve490 may be either in the form of a fluid pressure activated valve like that of FIG. 21 or in the form of a valve responsive to mechanical pressure from physical contact like that of FIG. 49. If thevalve490 is in a mechanical pressure activated form, then thepin element410 is included therewith. Otherwise, thepiston head152 is activated by fluid pressure as in the embodiment of FIG. 21.
• In this particular embodiment, the bias exertion mechanism is in the form of a pair of[0137]magnetic members492,494 having opposite polarities. The uppermagnetic member492, which is illustrated as having a positive polarity, is secured to the bottom of thepiston element152. The bottommagnetic member494, illustrated as having a negative polarity, is mounted to asupport bracket496 which in turn is secured within thepassageway78 above thefilter element114. In this embodiment, then, the opposing polarities of themagnetic members492,494 create a bias force between them that urge thepiston element152 to its closed position absent an opposing force exerted against the piston elementouter surface154 either in the form of fluid pressure directly against thesurface154 or physical mechanical pressure against thepin element410.
• The above embodiments are all disclosed and described as fail safe devices in that the inlet valves are all positively closed by a bias force of some type exerted from within the valve, and to open them requires an opposing external force of some type to overcome the internal bias force. However, certain valve configurations of the present invention can also be opened and closed manually without a spring-type bias force being exerted from within the valve.[0138]
• Referring now to FIG. 61, an[0139]inlet valve arrangement497 constructed in accordance with the present invention is disposed within a first stage scuba regulator. Thevalve497 is similar to that of FIGS. 15 and 21 and is illustrated wherein thevalve497 is in the form of ahousing62 having aninlet opening64. In this embodiment, however, thepiston element498 is in the form of a large magnetic member also functioning as a piston similar to the prior embodiments. However, amagnetic switch member500 is provided exterior to thehousing62 and functions to maintain themagnetic piston element498 in a closed position blocking the inlet opening64 regardless of fluid pressure exerted against theupper surface502 of thepiston498. When it is desired to allow fluid to flow into thevalve497, theswitch500 is deactivated thereby allowing fluid pressure to push thepiston element498 into the interior of thevalve housing62 as in prior embodiments. If it is desired to cease fluid flow, then theswitch500 is simply reactivated, and themagnetic piston element498 is moved to its closed position as illustrated in FIG. 61.
• Another manually activated inlet valve assembly constructed in accordance with the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 63. In this embodiment, a[0140]valve504 includes ahousing505 having a piston orfluid control element506 similar to piston elements of the prior embodiments. Thecontrol element506 is movable between a closed position wherein thepiston element506 engages the innerannular lip507 of thepassageway78, and an open position wherein theupper surface509 of thecontrol element506 is disengaged from theannular lip507. Thecontrol element506 includesfluid channels508 through which fluid passes when thecontrol element506 is moved away from theannular lip507 into thepassageway78.
• In this embodiment, an actuating armature in the form of a[0141]pin element510 is provided. Thepin element510 penetrates thehousing505 and has aninner end portion512 disposed within thepassageway78 and anouter end portion514 disposed exterior to thehousing505. When thepin element510 is pressed into thepassageway78, it engages thebottom surface515 of thepiston control element506 and maintains a bias-like force thereagainst to maintain thecontrol element506 in its closed position. When it is desired to open thevalve504, thepin element510 is partially withdrawn from thepassageway78 so that thecontrol element506 can be moved into thepassageway78 by external fluid pressure, the pin elementinner end portion512 providing a stop member to limit travel of thecontrol element506 down the passageway. However, thecontrol element506 is moved a sufficient distance into thepassageway78 by the external fluid force so that fluid may then flow through thechannels508 and then through thepassageway78.
• Another manually activated valve embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS.[0142]64-66. In this embodiment, aninlet valve516 is manually activated similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 61 and 63. In this embodiment, avalve housing518 is provided and includes an internal passageway orchannel520. The upper end portion of thechannel520 includes a plurality of threadedmembers522. Acontrol element524 is provided to control the fluid flow through thevalve516. Thecontrol element524 is preferably in the form of a generallycylindrical member525 and includes an activatingarmature528 designed to move the control element between a first closed position and a second open position. The control elementcylindrical member525 preferably includes a plurality of external threadedmembers526 which are engageable with the threadedmembers522 in thechannel520. The activatingarmature528 is preferably in the form of an elongated pin extending outwardly from thecylindrical member525 beyond the inlet opening of thechannel520 and thevalve516. Thecontrol element524 includes a plurality of slottedopenings530. When it is desired to close thevalve assembly516, thearmature528 is rotated in a first direction, such as counterclockwise, until thecontrol element524 blocks the inlet of thechannel520 as illustrated in FIG. 64. When it is desired to open thevalve516 to fluid flow, thearmature528 is simply rotated in a second opposite direction, such as clockwise, until thecontrol element524 moves into thechannel520 and fluid flows therein through theslots530.
• Another manually activated valve assembly which is constructed in accordance with the present invention is disclosed in FIGS.[0143]65-66. In this embodiment, avalve532 includes ahousing534 having aninternal passageway78 terminating in anannular lip82 to define the valve inlet opening as in prior embodiments. Afluid control element536 is provided in thepassageway78 and includes abeveled portion538 adapted for engaging theannular lip82 thereof similar to the prior embodiments. Thecontrol element536 also includes anelongated end portion540 extending outwardly from thevalve housing534 for engaging a scuba tank valve for either manual or fluid flow pressure activation. Moreover, thecontrol element536 includes abody portion542 within thepassageway78 that includes a plurality ofratchet teeth544 along one side thereof and a plurality offluid flow channels545 extending along the exterior surface thereof.
• An activating[0144]armature547 is provided and preferably is in the form of arotatable shaft member548 extending through thevalve housing534 and into thepassageway78. The outer end portion of theshaft member548 external to thehousing534 includes arotation knob550. Theknob550 is provided to enable one to rotate theshaft member548 as desired. The interior end portion of theshaft member548 preferably includes apinion gear552 which is designed to engage theratchet teeth544 of thecontrol element536. In this manner, therotation knob550 may be turned in one direction to force the control element beveledportion538 against theannular lip82 to close thevalve532 to fluid flow. Thevalve532 may be opened to fluid flow by rotating theknob550 in the opposite direction until theend portion540 has been moved into thepassageway78, thereby enabling fluid to flow through thecontrol element channels545 and along thepassageway78. Thecontrol element536, however, cannot be inadvertently opened or closed without a substantial rotation of theknob550.
• Referring now to FIGS.[0145]67-68, another manual activation valve embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. In this embodiment, avalve560 includes ahousing562 having aninternal passageway78 similar to the embodiment of FIGS.65-66. It should be noted that thehousing562 may be an integral part of the first stage regulator housing as illustrated in FIG. 67, or it may be removably engageable therewith as illustrated in FIG. 68. In either event, acontrol element564 includes anend portion566 extending slightly exterior to the inlet opening of thepassageway78 and is a curved surface adapted to engage theannular lip82 of thepassageway78 when in a closed position. A plurality offluid channels567 are disposed along the exterior surface of thecontrol element564, and a plurality ofratchet teeth568 are disposed on thebody portion570 of thecontrol element564 along one side thereof.
• An activating armature is provided and preferably is in the form of a[0146]rotatable shaft member572 extending through thevalve housing562 and into thepassageway78. The outer end portion of theshaft member572 external to thehousing562 includes arotation knob574. As in the prior embodiment, theknob574 is provided to enable one to rotate theshaft member572 as desired. The interior end portion of theshaft member572 includes apinion gear576 which is designed to engage theratchet teeth568 of thecontrol element564. In this manner, therotation knob574 may be turned in one direction to force thecontrol element surface566 against theannular lip82 to close thevalve560 to fluid flow. Thevalve560 may be opened to fluid flow by rotating theknob574 in the opposite direction until theend portion566 has been moved into thepassageway78, thereby enabling fluid to flow through thecontrol element channels567 and into and throughpassageway78.
• A final embodiment of the present invention which is also manually activatable is illustrated in FIG. 69. In this particular embodiment, a[0147]valve assembly580 includes ahousing582 having aninternal passageway78 with anannular lip82 at the inlet opening thereof, as in the prior embodiments. Acontrol element584 includes a curvedouter surface586 adapted to engage theannular lip82 when thevalve580 is in its closed position. Thecontrol element584 also includes amain body portion588 that extends into thepassageway78 and includes a plurality offluid channels590.
• An activating[0148]armature assembly592 includes arotatable adjustment shaft594 which extends into thehousing582 and has arotation knob portion596 disposed exterior to thehousing582. Theshaft member594 terminates at its opposite end in the form of anend piston598. Aninternal enclosure600 is disposed in thehousing582 adjacent to and opening into thepassageway78, and aninternal slot602 is provided in the controlelement body portion588 immediately adjacent theenclosure600. Theend piston598 is disposed in theenclosure600.
• A[0149]lever arm604 is mounted to apin mount606 and includes a firstlever end portion608 extending into theenclosure600 and a second oppositelever end portion610 extending into theslot604. In one preferred form, aresilient member612 is positioned under thefirst end portion608 of thelever arm604 with the rotatableshaft end piston598 positioned over and against thefirst end portion608 opposite to theresilient member612. Thesecond end portion610 of thelever arm604 is positioned to move between upper andlower surfaces614,616, respectively, of theslot610. In this manner, when theknob596 is rotated in a first direction to press theend piston598 against thefirst lever arm608 and move thefirst lever arm608 downwardly against theresilient member612, this motion is translated to upward movement of thesecond lever arm610 against theupper slot surface614 to push thecontrol element584 upwardly within thepassageway78 to engage thesurface586 with theannular lip82. When thecontrol knob596 is rotated in an opposite second direction, theresilient member612 pushes thefirst lever arm608 upwardly within theenclosure600 which moves thesecond lever arm610 downwardly against the slotlower surface616, thereby pushing thecontrol element584 into thepassageway78 to disengage from theannular lip82 to permit fluid to flow into thepassageway78 through thechannels590.
• As can be seen from the above, the present invention solves a problem which has existed from the very beginning of the sport of scuba diving. The present invention provides for a relatively simple yet very effective arrangement for preventing the inadvertent entry of water and other contaminants into the first or second stage regulator members of a scuba diving unit. The present invention eliminates the need for a manual dust cap and, more importantly, for the requirement that the user of a scuba diving unit remember to place the dust cap in position prior to cleaning and/or storing the equipment. The present invention can be constructed in any number of different forms so as to be compatible with virtually every type of first stage regulator design presently manufactured and sold. The present invention can be in the form of an independent valve member which may be utilized to retrofit existing first stage regulators as well as used with newly manufactured regulator assemblies. In the alternative, the present invention can be constructed as an integral part of a regulator with its components readily accessible for repair and/or replacement.[0150]
• The present invention may also be utilized with second stage regulators when in the form of alternate air sources. Additionally, the present invention may be utilized with any type of gas used in the scuba diving industry, including all types of breathable gas mixtures as well as other types of systems that are used in scuba diving but not necessarily for breathing. Specifically, cylinders of compressed argon are utilized to inflate dry suits and are separate and apart from the breathing mixture for a scuba diver. The present invention may be utilized with the gas regulator for such compressed argon systems. Moreover, extended range scuba divers require the use of multiple compressed breathing gas tanks for decompression purposes. As such, the scuba diver, when performing such extended range functions, must change regulator connections between tanks while underwater. Heretofore, this process flooded the regulators, creating initial breathing problems as well as causing the difficulty of cleaning and drying the internal components of the regulators after the extended range dive was concluded. The present invention obviates these problems and permits easy changing of compressed gas bottles while underwater. Moreover, the present invention may also be utilized in an inlet valve arrangement for rebreather scuba units.[0151]
• Finally, it should be understood that while the present invention was initially developed for the scuba diving industry, it has much broader implications and applications. It can be utilized with any type of fluid flow environment and device and should not be simply limited to gaseous fluids. Any type of device or system wherein fluid under pressure is directed into a one-way inlet valve may benefit from the present invention by being adapted in accordance therewith. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited by the specific illustrations and embodiments described in detail above.[0152]
• The foregoing description and the illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail in varying modifications and alternate embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the foregoing description of the present invention is exemplary only, and that the scope of the present invention is to be limited only to the claims as interpreted in view of the prior art. Moreover, the invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.[0153]

Claims (78)

I claim:

1. A fluid flow control valve comprising:

a housing defining a central passageway having fluid inlet and fluid outlet openings;

a pressure responsive element disposed within said passageway for selectively opening and closing said inlet opening to fluid flow in response to pressure exerted thereon at said inlet opening;

a mechanism disposed within said passageway for exerting a bias force against said pressure responsive element sufficient to close said inlet opening to fluid flow absent a preestablished level of pressure exerted on said pressure responsive element in opposition to said bias force; and

a retainer device for removably securing said pressure responsive element and bias force exerting mechanism within said passageway.

2. The valve as claimed inclaim 1, wherein said pressure responsive element is adapted to selectively open said inlet opening to fluid flow in response to fluid pressure exerted thereon at said inlet opening in opposition to said bias force.

3. The valve as claimed inclaim 2, wherein said housing includes an attachment portion proximate said inlet opening for selective coupling to a source of high-pressure fluid.

4. The valve as claimed inclaim 3, wherein said fluid comprises gas and said attachment portion is adapted for selective coupling to a tank of compressed gas.

5. The valve as claimed inclaim 1, wherein said pressure responsive element includes a contact member extending outwardly from said housing fluid inlet, said contact member being sized and shaped to selectively open said inlet opening to fluid flow in response to physical pressure exerted against said contact member in opposition to said bias force.

6. The valve as claimed inclaim 5, wherein said housing includes an attachment portion proximate said inlet opening for selective coupling to a source of high-pressure fluid for exerting physical pressure on said contact member to overcome said bias force and open said inlet opening to fluid flow from said source of high-pressure fluid.

7. The valve as claimed inclaim 1, wherein said pressure responsive element comprises a fluid stop member having an upper end portion adapted for retractable engagement with said inlet opening.

8. The valve as claimed inclaim 7, wherein said fluid stop member includes at least one fluid channeling element for directing fluid into said passageway from said inlet opening when said fluid stop member is disengaged from said inlet opening.

9. The valve as claimed inclaim 7, wherein said fluid stop member comprises a piston element having a lower end portion opposite said upper end portion, said lower end portion being adapted for operative engagement with said bias force exerting mechanism.

10. The valve as claimed inclaim 9, wherein said piston element further includes an outer peripheral surface disposed between said upper and lower end portions, and at least one fluid channeling element associated with said piston element for directing fluid into said passageway from said inlet opening when said piston element is disengaged from said inlet opening.

11. The valve as claimed inclaim 10, wherein said fluid channeling element comprises an elongated groove disposed along said piston element outer peripheral surface.

12. The valve as claimed inclaim 7, wherein said fluid stop member comprises an orb having a width dimension less than the width dimension of said passageway and greater than the width dimension of said inlet opening.

13. The valve as claimed inclaim 1, wherein said bias exerting mechanism comprises a resilient member.

14. The valve as claimed inclaim 13, wherein said bias exerting mechanism comprises a coil spring and a spring containment sleeve, said coil spring having one end portion engaged with said pressure responsive element and the opposite end portion mounted in said containment sleeve.

15. The valve as claimed inclaim 13, wherein said bias exerting mechanism comprises a high pressure, 2-way valve.

16. The valve as claimed inclaim 1, wherein said bias exerting mechanism comprises a magnetic member associated with said pressure responsive element for exerting a magnetic force sufficient to urge said pressure responsive element to close said inlet opening, and a magnetic switch assembly adapted to selectively alter the magnetic force exerted by said magnetic member to open said inlet opening.

17. The valve as claimed inclaim 1, wherein said bias exerting mechanism comprises a pair of magnetic members disposed in said passageway and having opposite polarities to create said bias force against said pressure responsive element.

18. The valve as claimed inclaim 1, wherein a fluid filter element is disposed in said passageway between said bias exerting mechanism and said retainer device proximate said outlet opening.

19. A pressure-regulated inlet valve for controlling the flow of fluid, said valve comprising:

a valve housing defining a central bore, a fluid inlet opening and a fluid outlet opening;

a pressure regulated control element disposed within said housing bore proximate said inlet opening and mounted for movement between a closed position wherein said control element is engaged with said inlet opening to seal said bore, and an open position wherein said control element is disengaged from said inlet opening enabling fluid to pass through said bore;

a biasing mechanism for urging said pressure regulated control element to its closed position, said mechanism having a bias force of pre-selected strength requiring pressure from an exterior force on said pressure regulated control element at said inlet opening of a strength exceeding said pre-selected bias force strength to disengage said control element from said inlet opening and move it to its open position; and

a retainer member for securing said biasing mechanism and pressure regulated element within said housing bore.

20. The inlet valve as claimed inclaim 19, wherein said pressure regulated control element is adapted to selectively open said inlet opening to fluid flow in response to fluid pressure exerted thereon at said inlet opening in opposition to said bias force.

21. The inlet valve as claimed inclaim 20, wherein said housing includes an attachment portion proximate said fluid inlet opening for selective coupling to a source of compressed fluid for opening and closing said fluid regulated control element.

22. The inlet valve as claimed inclaim 21, wherein said pressure regulated control element comprises a piston element having a head portion with a curved upper outer surface adapted for retractable engagement with said fluid inlet opening, a peripheral outer surface, and a lower end portion adapted for operative engagement with said biasing mechanism, said piston element including at least one fluid channeling element for directing fluid into said bore from said fluid inlet opening when said piston head portion is in said open position.

23. The inlet valve as claimed inclaim 21, wherein said pressure regulated control element comprises a spherical member having a diameter less than the width dimension of said central bore and greater than the width dimension of said fluid inlet opening.

24. The inlet valve as claimed inclaim 19, wherein said pressure regulated control element further includes a contact member extending outwardly from said housing fluid inlet opening, said contact member being sized and shaped to selectively open said inlet opening to fluid flow in response to physical pressure exerted against said contact member in opposition to said bias force.

25. The inlet valve as claimed inclaim 24, wherein said housing includes an attachment portion proximate said inlet opening for selective coupling to a source of high-pressure fluid for exerting physical pressure on said contact member to overcome said bias force and open said inlet opening to fluid flow from said source of high-pressure fluid.

26. The inlet valve as claimed inclaim 19, wherein said biasing mechanism comprises a coil spring and a spring containment sleeve, said coil spring having one end portion operatively attached to said pressure regulated control element and the opposite end portion mounted within said containment sleeve.

27. The inlet valve as claimed inclaim 19, wherein said biasing mechanism comprises a high pressure, 2-way valve.

28. The inlet valve as claimed inclaim 19, wherein said biasing mechanism comprises a pair of magnetic members disposed in said central bore and having opposite polarities to create said bias force against said pressure regulated control element.

29. The inlet valve as claimed inclaim 19, wherein a fluid filter is disposed within said bore and is adapted to filter any fluid passing through said bore.

30. The inlet valve as claimed inclaim 29, wherein said fluid filter is conical in shape and disposed between said pressure regulated control element and said fluid outlet opening.

31. The inlet valve as claimed inclaim 29, wherein said fluid filter is in the form of a substantially flat cylinder and disposed between said pressure regulated control element and said fluid outlet opening.

32. An inlet valve for a gas pressure regulator to couple the regulator to a source of pressurized gas, said valve comprising:

a housing defining a central duct with gas inlet and outlet openings defined at opposite ends thereof, said housing having an attachment portion disposed at said gas inlet opening adapted for engagement with a source of pressurized gas;

a pressure responsive element mounted within said duct proximate said gas inlet opening and adapted for movement between a first position for sealing said duct to prevent gas from entering said inlet opening, and a second position for opening said duct to permit gas to enter said inlet opening and pass through said duct;

a mechanism disposed in said duct for exerting a preselected bias force against said pressure responsive element to maintain said pressure responsive element at said first position in the absence of external pressure on said pressure responsive element from outside said housing at said gas inlet opening in excess of said preselected bias force; and

a retainer element for removably securing said bias force exerting mechanism and said pressure responsive element within said duct.

33. The valve as claimed inclaim 32, wherein said pressure regulator is a first stage regulator adapted to selectively engage a gas outlet portion of a container filled with pressurized breathable gas for use in a SCUBA system, said valve housing attachment portion comprising a collar extending outwardly from said gas inlet opening, and a yoke fixture adapted for compressing said collar and valve housing gas inlet opening against the gas outlet portion of the pressurized breathable gas container.

34. The valve as claimed inclaim 32, wherein said pressure regulator is a first stage regulator adapted to selectively engage a gas outlet portion of a container filled with pressurized breathable gas for use in a SCUBA system, said valve housing attachment portion comprising a DIN connector extending outwardly from said gas inlet opening, and a threaded connection knob for removably engaging said DIN connector and valve housing gas inlet opening with the gas outlet portion of the pressurized breathable gas container.

35. The valve as claimed inclaim 32, wherein said source of pressurized gas is a gas hose, and said pressure regulator is a second stage regulator adapted to selectively engage a gas outlet portion of the gas hose delivering breathable gas of an intermediate gas pressure for use as an alternate gas source in a SCUBA system, said valve housing attachment portion comprising a quick connect element associated with said gas inlet opening for attachment to said intermediate gas pressure hose, said housing further including a threaded member for attaching said valve housing gas outlet opening to the second stage regulator.

36. The valve as claimed inclaim 32, wherein said pressure responsive element comprises a piston element having a head portion with an upper outer surface adapted for retractable engagement with said gas inlet opening, a peripheral outer surface, and a lower end portion adapted for operative engagement with said bias force exertion mechanism, said piston element including at least one gas channeling element for directing gas into said duct from said gas inlet opening when said piston head portion is disengaged from said gas inlet opening and in said second position.

37. The valve as claimed inclaim 36, wherein said piston element is adapted to selectively open said inlet opening to gas flow in response to pressurized gas exerted thereon at said inlet opening in opposition to said bias force, the upper outer surface of said piston head portion being adapted for impact by said gas pressure from a source of pressurized gas.

38. The valve as claimed inclaim 36, wherein said piston element includes a contact member extending outwardly from said inlet opening, said contact member being sized and shaped to selectively open said inlet opening to gas flow in response to physical pressure exerted against said contact member in opposition to said bias force.

39. The valve as claimed inclaim 32, wherein said pressure responsive element comprises a spherical member having a diameter less than the width dimension of said central duct and greater than the width dimension of said gas inlet opening.

40. The valve as claimed inclaim 32, wherein said bias force exertion mechanism comprises a coil spring and a spring containment sleeve, said coil spring having one end portion engaged with said pressure responsive element and the opposite end portion mounted in said containment sleeve.

41. The valve as claimed inclaim 32, wherein said bias force exertion mechanism comprises a high pressure, 2-way valve.

42. The valve as claimed inclaim 32, wherein said bias force exertion mechanism comprises a pair of magnetic members disposed in said central bore and having opposite polarities to create said bias force against said pressure responsive element.

43. In a regulator system for use in an underwater breathing apparatus having a container of high pressure breathable gas, said regulator system having a first stage regulator adapted for coupling to the high pressure breathable gas container for reducing the pressure thereof to an intermediate pressure level, a mechanism for releasably attaching the first stage regulator to the high pressure gas container, and a second stage regulator adapted for further reducing the pressure of the breathable gas from the intermediate pressure level to a readily breathable pressure level useable by an underwater diver, the improvement wherein the mechanism for releasably attaching said first stage regulator to the outlet of the container of high pressure breathable gas comprises:

a valve housing defining a central passageway having a gas inlet opening and a gas outlet opening, said housing further including an attachment portion disposed at said gas inlet opening adapted for engagement with a high pressure breathable gas container outlet;

a pressure responsive member positioned for mounting within said passageway between a first position to close said inlet opening and seal it from the entry of gas and other fluids therein, and a second position to open said inlet opening and permit flow of gas into said inlet opening and through said passageway to said first stage regulator;

a device for exerting selective bias force against said pressure responsive member to continuously urge it to said first position and maintain it at said first position absent external pressure exerted thereon at said inlet opening from the high pressure breathable gas container in excess of said selective bias force to move said pressure responsive member to its second position; and

a retaining device for removably securing said pressure responsive member and bias exerting device within said passageway.

44. The improvement as claimed inclaim 43, wherein said valve housing is an integral part of said first stage regulator.

45. The improvement as claimed inclaim 43, wherein said valve housing further includes a threaded post portion disposed at said gas outlet opening adapted for removable engagement with said first stage regulator.

46. The improvement as claimed inclaim 43, wherein a gas filter member is disposed within the passageway of said valve housing.

47. The improvement as claimed inclaim 43, wherein said pressure responsive member comprises a piston element having a head portion with a curved upper outer surface adapted for retractable engagement with said gas inlet opening, a peripheral outer surface, and a lower end portion adapted for operative engagement with said bias force exerting mechanism, said piston element including at least one elongated groove disposed longitudinally along the length of said peripheral outer surface for channeling gas into said passageway from said gas inlet opening when said piston head portion is disengaged from said gas inlet opening.

48. The improvement as claimed inclaim 47, wherein said piston element includes a plurality of said grooves disposed substantially equidistantly about said peripheral outer surface.

49. The improvement as claimed inclaim 48, wherein said bias force exerting mechanism comprises a coil spring and a spring containment sleeve, said coil spring having one end portion engaged with said piston element lower end portion and the opposite end portion mounted in said containment sleeve, the selective bias force of said coil spring being no less than approximately 10 psi.

50. In a regulator device for reducing the gas pressure of a source of pressurized breathable gas in a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) to a useable level when delivered to an underwater diver using said apparatus, the regulator device including a regulator housing, a gas inlet mechanism including a gas inlet valve for the regulator housing, pressure-sensing means for reducing gas pressure within the regulator housing at variable water depths, and an outlet mechanism for delivering breathable gas at a pressure level less than the pressure level of said gas at the gas inlet mechanism, the improvement wherein said gas inlet valve comprises:

a valve housing defining a tubular interior duct having gas inlet and gas outlet apertures at opposite ends thereof;

a gas flow control element positioned within said duct for movement between a first position to seal said gas inlet aperture to prevent entrance of gas and any other fluid into said duct, and a second position to open said gas inlet aperture to the flow of pressurized gas therethrough into said duct, said control element moving in a reciprocal manner within said tubular duct between said first and second positions;

a resilient member mounted in said duct in operative relation with said gas flow control element to create a bias force to regulate the movement of said gas flow control element between said first and second positions, the bias force created by said resilient member maintaining said gas flow control element at said first position absent external pressure on said gas flow control element at said inlet aperture to overcome the bias force of said resilient member; and

a retainer member for removably securing said gas flow control element and said resilient member within said tubular duct.

51. The improvement as claimed inclaim 50, wherein said regulator device comprises a first stage regulator with said source of pressurized breathable gas comprising a high pressure SCUBA tank having a tank gas outlet member, and wherein said gas inlet valve housing further comprises an attachment portion in the form of a collar extending outwardly from said gas inlet aperture for selective attachment to said tank gas outlet member, and a threaded post portion disposed at said valve housing gas outlet aperture for engagement with said first stage regulator.

52. The improvement as claimed inclaim 50, wherein said regulator device comprises a second stage regulator for use as an alternate gas source in a SCUBA system with said source of pressurized breathable gas comprising the gas outlet portion of a gas hose delivering breathable gas of an intermediate gas pressure, and wherein said gas inlet valve housing further comprises an attachment portion in the form of a quick connect element associated with said gas inlet aperture for attachment to said intermediate gas pressure hose, and a threaded member for attaching said valve housing gas outlet aperture to said second stage regulator.

53. The improvement as claimed inclaim 50, wherein said gas inlet valve further comprises a gas filter member disposed within said duct.

54. The improvement as claimed inclaim 50, wherein said gas flow control element comprises a piston having a head portion with a curved upper outer surface adapted for retractable engagement with said gas inlet aperture, a cylindrical outer surface, and a lower end portion adapted for operative engagement with said resilient member, said piston including at least one elongated groove disposed longitudinally along the length of said cylindrical outer surface for channeling gas into said duct from said gas inlet aperture when said piston head portion is disengaged from said gas inlet aperture.

55. The improvement as claimed inclaim 54, wherein said piston is adapted to selectively open said inlet aperture to gas flow in response to pressurized gas exerted thereon at said inlet opening in opposition to said bias force, the upper outer surface of said piston head portion being adapted for impact by said gas pressure from a source of pressurized gas.

56. The improvement as claimed inclaim 54, wherein said piston element includes a contact member extending outwardly from said inlet aperture, said contact member being sized and shaped to selectively open said inlet aperture to gas flow in response to physical pressure exerted against said contact member in opposition to said bias force.

57. The improvement as claimed inclaim 54, wherein said resilient member comprises a coil spring disposed in a spring containment sleeve, said coil spring having one end portion engaged with said piston lower end portion and the opposite end portion mounted in said containment sleeve, the selective bias force of said coil spring being no less than approximately 10 psi.

58. The improvement as claimed inclaim 54, wherein said resilient member comprises a high pressure, 2-way valve.

59. The improvement as claimed inclaim 54, wherein said resilient member comprises a pair of magnetic members disposed in said passageway and having opposite polarities to create said bias force against said piston.

60. The improvement as claimed inclaim 50, wherein said piston comprises a spherical element having a diameter less than the diameter of said tubular duct and greater than the diameter of said gas inlet aperture, and wherein said resilient member comprises a coil spring disposed in a spring containment sleeve, said coil spring having one end portion engaged with said spherical element and the opposite end portion mounted in said containment sleeve.

61. The improvement as claimed inclaim 50, wherein said regulator device is a first stage regulator adapted to selectively engage a gas outlet portion of a container filled with pressurized breathable gas for use in a SCUBA system, said valve housing having an attachment portion comprising a collar extending outwardly from said gas inlet aperture, and a yoke fixture adapted for compressing said collar and valve housing gas inlet aperture against the gas outlet portion of the pressurized breathable gas container.

62. The improvement as claimed inclaim 50, wherein said regulator device is a first stage regulator adapted to selectively engage a gas outlet portion of a container filled with pressurized breathable gas for use in a SCUBA system, said valve housing including an attachment portion comprising a DIN connector extending outwardly from said gas inlet aperture, and a threaded connection knob for removably engaging said DIN connector and valve housing gas inlet aperture with the gas outlet portion of the pressurized breathable gas container.

63. The improvement as claimed inclaim 50, wherein said regulator device is a second stage regulator for use as an alternate gas source in a SCUBA system adapted to selectively engage a gas outlet portion of a gas hose delivering breathable gas of an intermediate gas pressure, said valve housing including an attachment portion comprising a quick connect element associated with from said gas inlet aperture for attachment to said intermediate gas pressure hose, and a threaded member for attaching said valve housing gas outlet aperture to the second stage regulator.

64. A one-way inlet valve for a first stage regulator adapted to selectively engage a gas outlet portion of a container filled with pressurized breathable gas for use in a SCUBA system, said valve comprising:

a housing defining a central duct with gas inlet and outlet apertures defined at opposite ends thereof, said housing having an attachment portion comprising a collar extending outwardly from said gas inlet aperture, and a yoke fixture adapted for compressing said collar and valve housing gas inlet aperture against the gas outlet portion of a pressurized breathable gas container;

a pressure responsive element mounted within said duct proximate said gas inlet opening and adapted for movement between a first position for sealing said duct to prevent gas from entering said inlet opening, and a second position for opening said duct to permit gas to enter said inlet opening and pass through said duct;

a mechanism disposed in said duct for exerting a preselected bias force against said pressure responsive element to maintain said pressure responsive element at said first position in the absence of external pressure exerted on said pressure responsive element from said pressurized breathable gas container at said gas inlet opening in excess of said preselected bias force;

a gas filter member disposed in said duct downstream from said pressure responsive element; and

a retainer element for removably securing said filter, said bias force exerting mechanism, and said pressure responsive element all within said duct.

65. A one-way inlet valve for a first stage regulator adapted to selectively engage a gas outlet portion of a container filled with pressurized breathable gas for use in a SCUBA system, said valve comprising:

a housing defining a central duct with gas inlet and outlet apertures defined at opposite ends thereof, said housing having an attachment portion comprising a DIN connector extending outwardly from said gas inlet aperture, and a threaded connection knob for removably engaging said DIN connector and valve housing gas inlet aperture against the gas outlet portion of a pressurized breathable gas container;

a pressure responsive element mounted within said duct proximate said gas inlet opening and adapted for movement between a first position for sealing said duct to prevent gas from entering said inlet opening, and a second position for opening said duct to permit gas to enter said inlet opening and pass through said duct;

a mechanism disposed in said duct for exerting a preselected bias force against said pressure responsive element to maintain said pressure responsive element at said first position in the absence of external pressure exerted on said pressure responsive element from said pressurized breathable gas container at said gas inlet opening in excess of said preselected bias force;

a gas filter member disposed in said duct downstream from said pressure responsive element; and

a retainer element for removably securing said filter, said bias force exerting mechanism, and said pressure responsive element all within said duct.

66. A one-way inlet valve for a second stage regulator for use as an alternate gas source in a SCUBA system adapted to selectively engage a gas outlet portion of a gas hose delivering breathable gas of an intermediate gas pressure, said valve comprising:

a housing defining a central duct with gas inlet and outlet apertures defined at opposite ends thereof, said housing having an attachment portion comprising a quick connect element associated with said gas inlet aperture for attachment to an intermediate gas pressure hose, and a threaded member for attaching said valve housing gas outlet aperture to a second stage regulator;

a pressure responsive element mounted within said duct proximate said gas inlet opening and adapted for movement between a first position for sealing said duct to prevent gas from entering said inlet opening, and a second position for opening said duct to permit gas to enter said inlet opening and pass through said duct;

a mechanism disposed in said duct for exerting a preselected bias force against said pressure responsive element to maintain said pressure responsive element at said first position in the absence of external pressure exerted on said pressure responsive element at said gas inlet opening in excess of said preselected bias force; and

a retainer element for removably securing said bias force exerting mechanism and said pressure responsive element within said duct.

67. An inlet valve for a fluid pressure regulator to couple the regulator to a source of pressurized fluid, said valve comprising:

a valve housing defining a central interior passageway having fluid inlet and fluid outlet apertures at opposite ends thereof;

a fluid flow control element positioned within said passageway for movement between a first position to seal said fluid inlet aperture to prevent entrance of any fluid into said passageway, and a second position to open said fluid inlet aperture to the flow of pressurized fluid therethrough into said passageway, said control element moving in a reciprocal manner within said passageway between said first and second positions;

an actuating mechanism operatively connected to said fluid flow control element for activating said valve by regulating movement of said control element between said first and second positions, said actuating mechanism selectively maintaining said fluid flow control element in said first position and enabling movement thereof from said first to said second positions to open said fluid inlet aperture to the flow of pressurized fluid therethrough into said passageway; and

a retaining assembly for removably securing said fluid flow control element and said actuating mechanism within said housing.

68. An inlet valve as claimed inclaim 67, wherein said actuating mechanism includes a bias exerting member.

69. An inlet valve as claimed inclaim 68, wherein said bias exerting member comprises a resilient spring element.

70. An inlet valve as claimed inclaim 68, wherein said bias exerting member comprises a magnetic member adapted to exert a magnetic force on said control element to create said bias.

71. An inlet valve as claimed inclaim 67, wherein said actuating mechanism comprises an activating armature adapted for regulating movement of said control element between said first and second positions.

72. An inlet valve as claimed inclaim 71, wherein said activating armature is mounted in said valve housing.

73. An inlet valve as claimed inclaim 72, wherein said activating armature is mounted for movement between first and second armature positions corresponding to said control element first and second positions within said passageway.

74. An inlet valve as claimed inclaim 73, wherein said activating armature comprises an elongated pin element having an inner end projecting through said housing into said passageway, said pin element having a first position wherein said inner end is positioned against said control element to urge said control element into its first control element position to close said aperture, and a second position wherein said pin element is longitudinally movable to withdraw said inner end from said passageway to permit said control element to move to its second control element position to open said aperture to fluid flow.

75. An inlet valve as claimed inclaim 73, wherein said activating armature comprises a rotatable shaft member extending into said housing, and a force transmitting element engaging said control element within said passageway and being responsive to rotation of said shaft member to move said control element between said first and second control element positions.

76. An inlet valve as claimed inclaim 75, wherein said rotatable shaft member includes a rotation knob disposed at the end portion thereof exterior to said housing for manually controlling the rotation of said shaft member, and wherein said force transmitting element comprises a pinion gear member disposed at the interior end portion of said shaft member and engaged with said control element for moving said control element between said first and second positions within said passageway in response to rotation of said knob.

77. An inlet valve as claimed inclaim 75, wherein said rotatable shaft member is adapted for longitudinal movement within said housing and includes a rotation knob disposed at the end portion thereof exterior to said housing for manually controlling the rotation and subsequent longitudinal movement of said shaft member within said housing, and wherein said force transmitting element comprises a lever element disposed within the interior of said housing and including first and second end portions, the interior end portion of said shaft member being engaged with said lever element first end portion for reciprocal movement thereof in response to longitudinal movement of said shaft member, and said control element being engaged with said lever element second end portion adapted for moving said control element between said first and second positions within said passageway in response to movement of said lever element caused by rotation of said knob and longitudinal movement of said shaft member.

78. An inlet valve as claimed inclaim 73, wherein said activating armature comprises an elongated pin element rotatably movable between first and second pin element positions and having an inner end portion attached to said control element and an outer end portion extending exterior to said control element and said housing, and wherein said control element is threadably secured to the interior surface of said passageway, said pin element first position maintaining said control element in its first control element position to close said aperture, said pin element being rotatable to its second position wherein said control element is longitudinally movable into said passageway by rotation thereof by said pin element to move said control element to its second control element position to open said aperture to fluid flow.

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