초록 ▼

An automatically switching valve measures pressure at an outlet line using an electric, pressure-sensitive switch which can be set to close at a predetermined pressure threshold within relatively narrow tolerances such that a pressure regulator can be placed between the pressurized gas supply tanks

An automatically switching valve measures pressure at an outlet line using an electric, pressure-sensitive switch which can be set to close at a predetermined pressure threshold within relatively narrow tolerances such that a pressure regulator can be placed between the pressurized gas supply tanks and the switching valve. Closing of the pressure-sensitive switch in response to the drop in pressure below the predetermined threshold sends an electric signal to a relay. In response to the electric signal, the relay causes a different inlet line to be selected, thus changing the particular pressurized gas supply from which the outlet line receives pressurized gas. When gas is supplied through a first inlet line, an electric signal from the pressure-sensitive switch causes the relay to toggle to supply gas through a second inlet line. A subsequent signal from the pressure-sensitive switch causes the relay to toggle back to again supply gas through the first inlet line. No manual resetting of the switching valve according to the present invention is required. The electric signal of the pressure-sensitive switch also triggers a remote signaling device to signal a remote location. For example, the electric signal can trigger dialing of a predetermined telephone number by an automatic dialer. When connected to the remote location, the dialer can transmit a predetermined message which uniquely identifies a particular pressurized gas dispensing installation as the installation in which an empty pressurized-gas supply is detected.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [6.] An apparatus comprising:at least two inlet lines for receiving a pressurized gas from respective regulators;an outlet line;a switching mechanism which is operatively coupled between the inlet lines and the outlet line and which can couple a selected one of the inlet lines

[ What is claimed is:] [6.] An apparatus comprising:at least two inlet lines for receiving a pressurized gas from respective regulators;an outlet line;a switching mechanism which is operatively coupled between the inlet lines and the outlet line and which can couple a selected one of the inlet lines to the outlet line such that pressurized gas passes through the selected inlet line to the outlet line; anda pressure sensing mechanism which is operatively coupled to the switching mechanism and a remote signaling mechanism and which is configured to sense a drop in pressure in at least one of the selected inlet line and outlet line and which is further configured to cause the switching mechanism to couple a first one of the inlet lines to the outlet line in response to the sensed drop in pressure;wherein the switching mechanism comprises:a solenoid; anda relay which has a respective state for each of the inlet lines.