US 7,320,337 B2
Fluid distribution and control valve and use thereof to supply enriched air to the occupants of an aircraft
Jean Arnault, Saint Nazaire les Eymes (France); and Stéphane Lessi, Grenoble (France)
Assigned to L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme a Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude, Paris (France)
Filed on Mar. 25, 2005, as Appl. No. 11/90,108.
Claims priority of application No. 04 50605 (FR), filed on Mar. 26, 2004.
Prior Publication US 2005/0211318 A1, Sep. 29, 2005
Int. Cl. F16K 11/07 (2006.01)
U.S. Cl. 137—625.69  [137/625.68] 7 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An apparatus which may be used as a fluid distribution and control valve, said apparatus comprising:
a) a valve body, wherein:
1) said valve body comprises at least two pairs of chambers; and
2) each said pair is substantially connectable to an external fluid circuit;
b) a mobile structure, wherein said mobile structure is moveable by a control means for selectively establishing fluid communication between said chambers, said mobile structure comprising;
1) a first portion of said mobile structure;
2) a second portion of said mobile structure; and
3) an elastic means for loading said first and said second portions with respect to each other;
c) an internal penetrating passage formed by said mobile structure;
d) an internal bearing surface located at a first end of said internal passage;
e) a stationary piston head, wherein:
1) said internal bearing surface cooperates in a sliding manner with said piston head; and
2) said internal bearing surface is capable of moving beyond either side of said piston head; and
f) an end chamber of said valve body, wherein said internal passage is in fluid communication with said end chamber when said mobile structure is in an extreme position, wherein said control means comprises:
1) a rod extending into said first portion;
2) a head connected to the end of said rod, wherein said head is substantially located between said first and said second portions.