초록 ▼

An incrementally positionable ball valve for use in the fluid circuit of a refrigeration or air conditioning system which can be remotely controlled by a low amperage control signal is disclosed. The ball valve harnesses the pressurized refrigerant from the fluid circuit in which it is installed as

An incrementally positionable ball valve for use in the fluid circuit of a refrigeration or air conditioning system which can be remotely controlled by a low amperage control signal is disclosed. The ball valve harnesses the pressurized refrigerant from the fluid circuit in which it is installed as the primary power medium to actuate the valve. A sensor provides feedback to a controller relating to the incremental position of the valve. The controller then controls the operation of the valve in accordance with predetermined criteria. In another embodiment, the ball valve incorporates locator detents so that its incremental position can be determined by an operator manually controlling the valve. In still another aspect of the invention, a restrictor is provided for varying the flow capacity of the valve.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An incrementally positionable actuated ball valve for use in a fluid circuit of a refrigeration or air conditioning system containing an operating fluid under pressure and having a high-pressure side and a low-pressure side, said actuated ball valve comprising:a ball va

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An incrementally positionable actuated ball valve for use in a fluid circuit of a refrigeration or air conditioning system containing an operating fluid under pressure and having a high-pressure side and a low-pressure side, said actuated ball valve comprising:a ball valve comprising at least one fluid passage therethrough in combination with a valve actuator, said combination adapted to be disposed within said fluid circuit such that said fluid passage is in fluid communication with said fluid circuit;a sensor operable to detect the incremental position of said ball valve; anda controller operable to control the incremental position of said ball valve; and wherein said valve actuator comprises:a manifold having an inlet port adapted to be in constant fluid communication with said high-pressure side of said fluid circuit for supplying pressurized fluid from said fluid circuit to said valve actuator;at least one exhaust port operator comprising an outlet port adapted to be in fluid communication with said low-pressure side of said fluid circuit and a valve operable to direct said pressurized fluid to either said outlet port or said manifold;a reciprocal member disposed within said manifold for reciprocal displacement therein; anda pinion member cooperating with said reciprocal member such that a displacement of said reciprocal member causes a corresponding angular displacement of said pinion member, said pinion member also cooperating with a stem operator of said ball valve.