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Excess flow valve devices, which are responsive to pressure and flow conditions in a bi-directional system, including structures to restrict flow in one direction through openings of a stopper of an excess flow valve based on balancing forces from at least a spring and a frictional force caused by t

Excess flow valve devices, which are responsive to pressure and flow conditions in a bi-directional system, including structures to restrict flow in one direction through openings of a stopper of an excess flow valve based on balancing forces from at least a spring and a frictional force caused by the flow. Bi-directional system employing at least one pressure delayer responsive to pressure and flow impulses to protect a tank valve of a storage tank or a regulator during a refill phase or a discharge phase.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A bi-directional system, comprising: a storage tank;a regulator;a spending line connecting the storage tank to the regulator;a fill line connected to the spending line;a check valve between the storage tank and the fill line and configured to allow flow into the storage tank;a tank valve between

1. A bi-directional system, comprising: a storage tank;a regulator;a spending line connecting the storage tank to the regulator;a fill line connected to the spending line;a check valve between the storage tank and the fill line and configured to allow flow into the storage tank;a tank valve between the storage tank and the fill line and in parallel with the check valve; anda distal pressure delayer having an inlet connected to the fill line and an outlet connected to the tank valve. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the distal pressure delayer is configured to delay a flow of fluid through the distal pressure delayer when a flow impulse is provided to the inlet of the distal pressure delayer. 3. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a proximal pressure delayer valve having an inlet connected to the storage tank and an outlet connected to the tank valve. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the proximal pressure delayer is configured to delay a flow of fluid through the proximal pressure delayer when a flow impulse is provided to the inlet of the proximal pressure delayer. 5. The system of claim 1, further comprising: an output pressure delayer having an inlet connected to the tank valve and an outlet connected to the regulator. 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the output pressure delayer is configured to delay a flow of fluid through the output pressure delayer when a flow impulse is provided to the inlet of the output pressure delayer. 7. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a mid-stage valve disposed downstream of the regulator. 8. A bi-directional system, comprising: a storage tank;a regulator;a spending line connecting the storage tank to the regulator;a fill line connected to the spending line;a check valve between the storage tank and the fill line and configured to allow flow into the storage tank;a tank valve between the storage tank and the fill line and in parallel with the check valve; andan output pressure delayer having an inlet connected to the tank valve and an outlet connected to the regulator. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the output pressure delayer is configured to delay a flow of fluid through the output pressure delayer when a flow impulse is provided to the inlet of the output pressure delayer. 10. The system of claim 8, further comprising: a distal pressure delayer having an inlet connected to the fill line and an outlet connected to the tank valve. 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the distal pressure delayer is configured to delay a flow of fluid through the distal pressure delayer when a flow impulse is provided to the inlet of the distal pressure delayer. 12. The system of claim 8, further comprising: a proximal pressure delayer valve having an inlet connected to the storage tank and an outlet connected to the tank valve. 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the proximal pressure delayer is configured to delay a flow of fluid through the proximal pressure delayer when a flow impulse is provided to the inlet of the proximal pressure delayer. 14. The system of claim 8, further comprising: a mid-stage valve disposed downstream of the regulator. 15. A method of controlling fluid flow, comprising: during a refill phase, receiving a first flow impulse of a fluid from a fill line to a bi-directional spending line, whereby the first flow impulse is directed toward a tank valve of a storage tank and a regulator connected by the spending line;delaying the first flow impulse to the tank valve, wherein the tank valve is disposed between the fill line and a storage tank, whereby the fluid is substantially directed to the storage tank through a check valve connected to the storage tank in parallel with the tank valve; anddelaying the first flow impulse to the regulator, whereby leakage of the regulator during the refill phase is reduced. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein delaying the first flow impulse to the tank valve further comprises: reducing a flow path in a distal pressure delayer in response to friction in the distal pressure delayer caused by the first flow impulse. 17. The method of claim 15, wherein delaying the first flow impulse to the regulator further comprises: reducing a flow path in an output pressure delayer in response to friction in the output pressure delayer caused by the first flow impulse. 18. The method of claim 15, further comprising: during a discharge phase, receiving a second flow impulse from the storage tank to the spending line; anddelaying the second flow impulse to the regulator, whereby leakage of the regulator during the discharge phase is reduced. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein delaying the second flow impulse to the regulator further comprises: reducing a flow path in an output pressure delayer in response to friction in an output pressure delayer caused by the second flow impulse.