초록 ▼

A fluid flow-sensor and valve apparatus includes a housing having an inlet for receiving a fluid from a fluid supply and an outlet for dispensing the fluid. The housing includes at least one main passage communicating with the outlet for conveying the fluid thereto and at least one secondary passage

A fluid flow-sensor and valve apparatus includes a housing having an inlet for receiving a fluid from a fluid supply and an outlet for dispensing the fluid. The housing includes at least one main passage communicating with the outlet for conveying the fluid thereto and at least one secondary passage communicating with the main passage for sensing fluid flow through the main passage. Within the housing, a valve is arranged for controlling the fluid flow through the main passage. The valve includes a resilient section that, in a dynamic condition, flexes in response to a pressure differential across it exceeding a predetermined "cracking pressure," to thereby permit fluid flow through the main passage. When the fluid pressure exceeds the "cracking pressure" and fluid flows through the main passage, a component of such fluid flow enters the secondary passage, as long as the pressure in the secondary passage is lower than the fluid pressure in the main passage, thus generating a fluid flow signal indicative of fluid flow through the main passage. Preferably, the valve is a one-piece resilient structure of the type known as an "umbrella valve," and the apparatus is embodied in a small, compact module which is removably mountable in a fluid flow-directing block or the like. The flow signal can be used for a variety of purposes including, for example, actuating a pump which dispenses liquid, e.g., lubricant or coolant, to an air tool or the like, in which embodiment the fluid flow through the apparatus may be the compressed air used to operate the air tool.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A fluid flow-sensor and valve comprising:a housing having an inlet for receiving a fluid from a fluid supply and an outlet for dispensing said fluid, said housing having at least one main passage for conveying said fluid to said outlet, and at least one secondary passage

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A fluid flow-sensor and valve comprising:a housing having an inlet for receiving a fluid from a fluid supply and an outlet for dispensing said fluid, said housing having at least one main passage for conveying said fluid to said outlet, and at least one secondary passage for communicating with said at least one main passage to sense fluid flow through said at least one main passage;a valve arranged on said housing for controlling fluid flow through said at least one main passage;said at least one secondary passage communicating with said at least one main passage inside said housing to receive a portion of the fluid flow therein, such that said portion of said fluid is indicative of fluid flow through said main passage, whereby said valve controls flow of said fluid portion into said at least one secondary passage; anda fluid-pressure responsive device connected to said at least one secondary passage to receive said fluid portion, said fluid-pressure responsive device including a pump having a pump passage leading to a pump outlet, said fluid portion for actuating said pump to produce a flow through said pump passage to said pump outlet.