U.S. patent application number 10/021467 was filed with the patent office on 2003-05-01 for modular fluid pressure regulator with bypass.
Invention is credited to Diana, Michael J., Hamilton, David L..
Application Number | 20030079786 10/021467 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21804406 |
Filed Date | 2003-05-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030079786 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Diana, Michael J. ; et
al. |
May 1, 2003 |
Modular fluid pressure regulator with bypass
Abstract
A fluid pressure regulator assembly includes a body having a
first passageway extending from a first port to a second port, and
a second passageway extending from a third port to a fourth port. A
pressure regulator is coupled between the second and third ports
for controlling the pressure of fluid flowing from the second port
to the third port. The regulator assembly further includes a bypass
valve and the body includes a housing for the bypass valve. A third
passageway extends from the first passageway to the housing, and a
fourth passageway extends from the housing to the second
passageway. The bypass valve controls flow from the first
passageway through the third passageway and the fourth passageway
to the second passageway in response to a bypass control signal
coupled to the bypass valve.
Inventors: |
Diana, Michael J.; (Orion,
MI) ; Hamilton, David L.; (South Lyon, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BARNES & THORNBURG
11 South Meridian Street
Indianapolis
IN
46204
US
|
Family ID: |
21804406 |
Appl. No.: |
10/021467 |
Filed: |
October 30, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
137/884 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G05D 16/0672 20130101;
B05B 9/03 20130101; Y10T 137/87338 20150401; Y10T 137/87885
20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
137/884 |
International
Class: |
F16K 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A fluid pressure regulator assembly including a body having
first, second and third surfaces, a first passageway extending from
a first port provided in the first surface to a second port
provided in the third surface, a second passageway extending from a
third port provided in the third surface to a fourth port provided
in the second surface, and a pressure regulator including a fifth
control port for receiving a fluid pressure signal, a sixth port in
fluid communication with the second port and a seventh port in
fluid communication with the third port to control the pressure of
fluid flowing from the second port to the third port.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the body is generally right
rectangular prism shaped.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first passageway includes a
generally right angle turn.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the second passageway includes
a generally right angle turn.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second passageway includes
a generally right angle turn.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a bypass valve, the
body including a housing for the bypass valve, a third passageway
extending from the first passageway to the housing, a fourth
passageway extending from the housing to the second passageway, the
bypass valve controlling flow from the first passageway through the
third passageway and the fourth passageway to the second passageway
in response to a bypass control signal coupled to the bypass
valve.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the body includes a fifth
passageway extending from the housing to one of the first, second
and third surfaces.
8. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the bypass valve includes a
movable valve member and a seat, the movable member and seat having
a first relative orientation to close the bypass valve and a second
relative orientation to open the bypass valve, the apparatus
further including an indicator coupled to the movable member and
visible when the movable member is in one of the first and second
orientations to indicate the condition of the bypass valve.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a first component for
providing a flow of fluid to the fluid pressure regulator assembly,
and a second component for receiving a flow of fluid from the fluid
pressure regulator assembly, the first component having an output
port having a complementary configuration to the first port, the
second component having an input port having a complementary
configuration to the fourth port, and means for maintaining the
first component and the pressure regulator assembly in an
orientation in which the output port and the first port are coupled
in fluid tight engagement and the second component and the pressure
regulator assembly in an orientation in which the input port and
the fourth port are coupled in fluid tight engagement.
10. A fluid pressure regulator assembly including a body having a
first passageway extending from a first port to a second port, a
second passageway extending from a third port to a fourth port, a
pressure regulator coupled between the second and third ports for
controlling the pressure of fluid flowing from the second port to
the third port, and a bypass valve, the body including a housing
for the bypass valve, a third passageway extending from the first
passageway to the housing, a fourth passageway extending from the
housing to the second passageway, the bypass valve controlling flow
from the first passageway through the third passageway and the
fourth passageway to the second passageway in response to a bypass
control signal coupled to the bypass valve.
11. A fluid regulating assembly including an assembly body
providing a fluid entry passageway, a fluid exit passageway, a
bypass valve communicating with the fluid entry and exit
passageways, and a regulator-mounting portion including a fluid
entry passageway exit port and a fluid exit passageway entry port,
a fluid regulator including a regulator body defining an internal
chamber having a diaphragm separating the chamber into a regulating
fluid portion and a regulated fluid portion, the regulator body
having a regulating fluid port in communication with the regulating
fluid portion to receive a regulating fluid pressure signal, the
regulator body having a regulated fluid inlet and a regulated fluid
outlet in communication with the regulated fluid portion, the
regulating fluid inlet being coupled with a source of regulating
fluid, the regulated fluid inlet being coupled to the fluid entry
passageway, and the regulated fluid outlet being coupled to the
fluid exit passageway.
12. The regulator assembly of claim 11 wherein the bypass valve has
a first orientation in which it blocks fluid flow from the fluid
entry passageway to the fluid exit passageway and a second
orientation in which it does not block fluid flow from the fluid
entry passageway to the fluid exit passageway.
13. The fluid regulating assembly of claim 12 wherein the bypass
valve is coupled to a bypass signal source to receive from the
bypass signal source a bypass signal to move the valve between the
first and second orientations.
14. The fluid regulating assembly of claim 12 further including a
seal to prevent fluid flow around the bypass valve and a vent
passageway extending between a surface of the body and the bypass
valve to indicate when the seal is leaking.
15. A bypass structure for a fluid pressure regulator of the type
having a regulator inlet port and a regulator outlet port
communicating in the regulator, the bypass structure including a
body having a fluid entry passageway, a fluid exit passageway, a
bypass passageway extending between the entry and exit passageways,
a bypass valve positioned in the bypass passageway and movable
between a first position to block fluid flow through the bypass
passageway and a second position permitting fluid flow through the
bypass passageway.
16. The bypass structure of claim 15 further including a control
signal passageway in communication with the bypass valve and a
bypass signal source coupled to the control signal passageway to
move the bypass valve between the first and second positions.
17. The bypass structure of claim 15 wherein the bypass valve
includes a bypass valve member and a seat, the bypass valve member
and seat being relatively movable to move the bypass valve between
the first position and the second position, and a flag coupled to
the bypass valve member to indicate the condition of the bypass
valve.
18. The bypass structure of claim 15 further including a seal to
prevent fluid flow around the bypass valve and a vent passageway
extending between a surface of the body and the bypass valve to
indicate a condition of the seal.
19. The apparatus of claim 15 further including a first component
for providing a flow of fluid to the bypass structure, and a second
component for receiving a flow of fluid from the bypass structure,
the fluid entry passageway including a first port, the fluid exit
passageway including a second port, the first component having an
output port having a complementary configuration to the first port,
the second component having an input port having a complementary
configuration to the second port, and means for maintaining the
output port and the first port in fluid tight engagement and the
input port and the second port in fluid tight engagement.
20. A fluid regulating assembly including a pressure regulator, a
body including a fluid entry passageway communicating fluid from a
fluid supply source to the pressure regulator, a fluid exit
passageway communicating fluid from the pressure regulator to an
exit port, and means for diverting a portion of the fluid from the
pressure regulator.
21. The fluid regulating assembly of claim 20 wherein the diverting
means has a first condition blocking fluid flow through the
diverting means and a second condition permitting fluid flow
through the diverting means.
23. The fluid regulating assembly of claim 21 further including
means for signaling the diverting means to change between the first
and second conditions.
24. The fluid regulating assembly of claim 21 further including
means for indicating the condition of the diverting means.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to systems for regulating fluid
pressure. It is disclosed in the context of a fluid pressure
regulator for a system for dispensing fluid coating materials, but
is believed to be useful in other applications as well
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Fluid pressure regulator assemblies for automotive and
industrial coating material dispensing systems are known. There
are, for example, the systems illustrated and described in U.S.
Pat. Nos. Re. 32,151; 2,583,664; 2,806,481; 3,045,691; 3,053,461;
3,150,675; 3,326,228; 3,433,262; 3,828,807; 4,148,932; 4,311,724;
4,348,425; 4,362,124; 4,592,305; 4,660,597; and, 4,828,218. The
disclosures of these patents are hereby incorporated herein by
reference. No representation is intended by this listing that a
complete search of all relevant prior art has been conducted, or
that there are no better references than the above listed patents,
or that any of the above listed patents is material to
patentability. Nor should any such representation be inferred.
[0003] Typically, whenever it is necessary or desirable to flush
the fluid supply lines to and from such a fluid pressure regulator,
the control fluid pressure, for example, compressed air pressure,
supplied to a control port of the regulator is increased
substantially, increasing the pressure of the flushing fluid,
typically, a solvent, used to flush the fluid supply lines. This
occurs in an industrial or automotive coating material dispensing
setting, for example, when it is desirable to change the color or
type of the coating material being dispensed through the fluid
pressure regulator. Increasing the pressure of the solvent flowing
through the lines increases the speed with which the circuit
between a supply of the solvent and a device which dispenses the
fluid whose pressure is being regulated is purged and cleaned and
readied for dispensing of another fluid whose pressure is to be
regulated, for example, a coating material of another color or
type. This, in turn, shortens the color change cycle between times
when articles stop being coated with a pre-color change color and
begin being coated with a post-color change color.
[0004] After several color change cycles, the components of the
regulator deteriorate and the regulator needs to be serviced. The
time between servicings could be extended if it were not necessary
to subject the regulator to such high control fluid pressure to get
the necessary solvent flow through the fluid supply lines and
regulator during solvent flushing.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0005] According to one aspect of the invention, a fluid pressure
regulator assembly includes a body having a first surface and a
second surface generally parallel to the first surface, and a third
surface generally perpendicular to the first and second surfaces. A
first passageway extends from a first port provided in the first
surface to a second port provided in the third surface. A second
passageway extends from a third port provided in the third surface
to a fourth port provided in the second surface. A pressure
regulator includes a fifth control port for receiving a fluid
pressure signal, a sixth port in fluid communication with the
second port and a seventh port in fluid communication with the
third port to control the pressure of fluid flowing from the second
port to the third port, thereby controlling the pressure of fluid
flowing from the first port to the fourth port.
[0006] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
the body is generally right rectangular prism shaped.
[0007] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the first passageway includes a generally right angle
turn.
[0008] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the second passageway includes a generally right angle
turn.
[0009] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
the second passageway includes a generally right angle turn.
[0010] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the fluid pressure regulator includes a bypass valve.
The body includes a housing for the bypass valve. A third
passageway extends from the first passageway to the housing, and a
fourth passageway extends from the housing to the second
passageway. The bypass valve controls flow from the first
passageway through the third passageway and the fourth passageway
to the second passageway in response to a bypass control signal
coupled to the bypass valve.
[0011] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the body includes a fifth passageway extending from the
housing to one of the first, second and third surfaces.
[0012] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
the bypass valve includes a movable valve member and a seat. The
movable member and seat have a first relative orientation to close
the bypass valve and a second relative orientation to open the
bypass valve. The apparatus further includes an indicator coupled
to the movable member and visible when the movable member is in one
of the first and second orientations to indicate the condition of
the bypass valve.
[0013] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the fluid regulator includes a first component for
providing a flow of fluid to the fluid pressure regulator assembly
and a second component for receiving a flow of fluid from the fluid
pressure regulator assembly. The first component includes an output
port having a complementary configuration to the first port and the
second component includes an input port having a complementary
configuration to the fourth port. The fluid regulator further
includes means for maintaining the first component and the pressure
regulator assembly in an orientation in which the output port and
the first port are coupled in fluid tight engagement, and the
second component and the pressure regulator assembly in an
orientation in which the input port and the fourth port are coupled
in fluid tight engagement.
[0014] According to another aspect of the invention, a fluid
pressure regulator assembly includes a body having a first
passageway extending from a first port to a second port, and a
second passageway extending from a third port to a fourth port. A
pressure regulator is coupled between the second and third ports
for controlling the pressure of fluid flowing from the second port
to the third port. The regulator assembly further includes a bypass
valve and the body includes a housing for the bypass valve. A third
passageway extends from the first passageway to the housing, and a
fourth passageway extends from the housing to the second
passageway. The bypass valve controls flow from the first
passageway through the third passageway and the fourth passageway
to the second passageway in response to a bypass control signal
coupled to the bypass valve.
[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, a fluid
regulating assembly includes an assembly body providing a fluid
entry passageway and a fluid exit passageway, a bypass valve
communicating with the fluid entry and exit passageways, and a
regulator-mounting portion including a fluid entry passageway exit
port and a fluid exit passageway entry port. A fluid regulator
includes a regulator body defining an internal chamber having a
diaphragm separating the chamber into a regulating fluid portion
and a regulated fluid portion. The regulator body has a regulating
fluid port in communication with the regulating fluid portion to
receive a regulating fluid pressure signal. The regulator body has
a regulated fluid inlet and a regulated fluid outlet in
communication with the regulated fluid portion. The regulating
fluid inlet is coupled with a source of regulating fluid. The
regulated fluid inlet is coupled to the fluid entry passageway and
the regulated fluid outlet is coupled to the fluid exit
passageway.
[0016] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
the bypass valve has a first orientation in which it blocks fluid
flow from the fluid entry passageway to the fluid exit passageway
and a second orientation in which it does not block fluid flow from
the fluid entry passageway to the fluid exit passageway.
[0017] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the bypass valve is coupled to a bypass signal source to
receive from the bypass signal source a bypass signal to move the
valve between the first and second orientations.
[0018] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the fluid regulating assembly includes a seal to prevent
fluid flow around the bypass valve and a vent passageway extending
between a surface of the assembly body and the bypass valve to
indicate when the seal is leaking.
[0019] According to a further aspect of the invention, a bypass
structure is provided for a fluid pressure regulator of the type
having a regulator inlet port and a regulator outlet port
communicating in the regulator. The bypass structure includes a
body having a fluid entry passageway, a fluid exit passageway, and
a bypass passageway extending between the entry and exit
passageways. A bypass valve is positioned in the bypass passageway
and is movable between a first position to block fluid flow through
the bypass passageway and a second position permitting fluid flow
through the bypass passageway.
[0020] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
the bypass structure includes a control signal passageway in
communication with the bypass valve. A bypass signal source is
coupled to the control signal passageway to move the bypass valve
between the first and second positions.
[0021] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the bypass valve includes a bypass valve member and a
seat. The bypass valve member and seat are relatively movable to
move the bypass valve between the first position and the second
position. A flag is coupled to the bypass valve member to indicate
the position of the bypass valve.
[0022] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the bypass structure includes a seal to prevent fluid
flow around the bypass valve. A vent passageway extends between a
surface of the body and the bypass valve to indicate when the seal
is leaking.
[0023] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
the bypass structure includes a first component for providing a
flow of fluid to the bypass structure and a second component for
receiving a flow of fluid from the bypass structure. The entry
passageway includes a first port and the exit passageway includes a
second port. The first component includes an output port having a
complementary configuration to the first port. The second component
includes an input port having a complementary configuration to the
second port. The bypass structure includes means for maintaining
the output port and the first port in fluid tight engagement and
the input port and the second port in fluid tight engagement.
[0024] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a fluid
regulating assembly includes a pressure regulator and a body. The
body includes a fluid entry passageway communicating fluid from a
fluid supply source to the pressure regulator and a fluid exit
passageway communicating fluid from the pressure regulator to an
exit port. The fluid regulating assembly includes means for
diverting a portion of the fluid from the pressure regulator.
[0025] Illustratively according to this aspect of the invention,
the diverting means has a first condition blocking fluid flow
through the diverting means and a second condition permitting fluid
flow through the diverting means.
[0026] Additionally illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the fluid regulating assembly includes means for
signaling the diverting means to change between the first and
second conditions.
[0027] Further illustratively according to this aspect of the
invention, the fluid regulating assembly includes means for
indicating the condition of the diverting means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] The invention may best be understood by referring to the
following detailed description and accompanying drawings which
illustrate the invention. In the drawings:
[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates top plan view of a fluid pressure
regulator assembly according to the present invention, positioned
between other components with which it may be used, illustrated
fragmentarily;
[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross sectional view of the fluid
pressure regulator assembly illustrated in FIG. 1, taken generally
along section lines 2-2 of FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross sectional view of the fluid
pressure regulator assembly illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, taken
generally along section lines 3, 5-3, 5 of FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded cross sectional view of
certain details of the pressure regulator assembly illustrated in
FIGS. 1-3;
[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates an enlarged sectional view of certain
details of the pressure regulator assembly illustrated in FIG. 3;
and,
[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective phantom view of certain
details of the pressure regulator illustrated in FIGS. 1-3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT
[0035] The fluid regulator assembly 20 includes a fluid regulator
body assembly 22 (FIGS. 2, 3 and 5) and a fluid pressure regulator
24 FIGS. 1-3). The fluid regulator body assembly 22 includes a
generally rectangular prism shaped body 26 (FIGS. 2, 3, 5 and 6)
including opposite side walls 28, 30, opposite top 32 and bottom 34
walls and opposite end walls 36, 38, each of which is generally
rectangular. Each of the opposite side walls 28, 30 includes two
longitudinally extending spaced, parallel grooves 40 (FIG. 2) which
aid in the mounting of assembly 20 on a color changer, such as the
ITW Ransburg model MCV 78011 series of color changers available
from ITW Automotive Finishing Group, 48152 West Road, Wixom, Mich.
48393. In this regard, the disclosure of the ITW Ransburg
Electrostatic Systems MCV Series Modular Color Changer Model(s):
78011-XX service manual is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
In a color changer of the type described in ITW Ransburg
Electrostatic Systems MCV Series Modular Color Changer Model(s):
78011-XX service manual, fluid regulator assembly 20 typically will
be oriented between, for example, a two-, four-, or eight-color
block assembly 39 and a flow meter block assembly 41, both
illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 1. Each groove 40 is somewhat
inverted T-shaped in configuration transverse to its longitudinal
extent.
[0036] The fluid regulator body 26 includes a substantially
right-angle fluid entry passageway 42 (FIGS. 2 and 6) having an
entry port 44 on sidewall 28 between grooves 40 and an exit port 46
at about the center of top wall 32. The fluid regulator body 26
also includes a substantially right-angle regulated fluid exit
passageway 48 having an entry port 50 offset from the center of top
wall 32 and an exit port 52 on sidewall 30 between grooves 40. The
fluid regulator body 26 also includes a passageway 54 (FIGS. 3, 5
and 6) for receiving a bypass valve assembly 56.
[0037] Bypass passageway 54 includes an opening 57 in end wall 36,
and extends inward from opening 57, intersecting fluid entry
passageway 42 at about the location of the right angle 58 in
passageway 42. The fluid regulator body 26 also includes an
obliquely extending bypass passageway 60 which intersects bypass
passageway 54 and regulated fluid exit passageway 48 at about the
location of the right angle 62 in passageway 48. Finally, fluid
regulator body 26 includes a passageway 64 for the introduction
into bypass valve assembly 56 of a control fluid signal,
illustratively a compressed air bypass signal, to bypass some fluid
around regulator 24, and a vent passageway 66 for venting regulated
fluid to indicate that (a) seal(s) in the bypass valve assembly 56
is (are) leaking, indicating that the bypass valve assembly is in
need of service. Passageways 64, 66 extend from top wall 32 and
intersect passageway 54.
[0038] The fluid pressure regulator 24 includes a generally right
circular cylindrical body 70 (FIGS. 1-4) having a radially
extending flange 72 adjacent its end wall 74. Body 70 includes a
passageway 76 including a port 78 located generally centrally on
end wall 74 for the entry of fluid, liquid coating material in this
example, the pressure of which is to be regulated. Body 70 also
includes a passageway 80 including a port 82 offset from the center
of end wall 74 for the exit of fluid, the pressure of which is
regulated by the action of regulator 24. An outlet port 83 at the
other end of passageway 80 supplies fluid at regulated pressure to,
for example, (a) coating material atomizing and dispensing
device(s).
[0039] The other end 84 of body 70 is closed by a threaded cap 86
which engages threads 88 provided on the inside wall of a flange 90
adjacent end 84. Cap 86 includes a central port 92 for a control
fluid pressure signal, in this example a compressed air signal at a
pressure sufficient to provide the desired output coating material
pressure at port 52. When they are assembled, the body 70 and cap
86 define a cavity which is divided by a diaphragm 94 (FIGS. 2-3)
into a regulating fluid, here compressed air, chamber 96 and a
regulated fluid, here liquid coating material, chamber 98.
[0040] The signal applied at port 92 is coupled through openings in
a support spacer 99 to chamber 96. Diaphragm 94 is formed from a
resilient material which is relatively inert to the regulating
fluid and the regulated fluid. Diaphragm 94 includes a regulating
fluid side support 100 and a regulated fluid side support 102
coupled together by a screw 104 which extends through openings in
both of supports 100, 102 and diaphragm 94. Diaphragm 94 and spacer
99 are clamped between body 70 and cap 86 when body 70 and cap 86
are assembled with the perimeters of diaphragm 94 and spacer 99
oriented between them. The end 106 of the screw 104 projects into
working relation with a valve closure 108 of a valve 110. The valve
closure 108 of valve 110 is normally biased by a spring 112 against
a seat 114 to prevent backflow of the regulated pressure fluid from
chamber 98 into port 46. The output of the regulator 24 is thus the
regulated pressure fluid at a pressure determined by the regulating
fluid pressure at port 92, and generally within a pound per square
inch (lb/in.sup.2, 6.895.times.10.sup.3 Nt/m.sup.2 in mks units) or
so of the pneumatic signal at port 92.
[0041] The fluid regulator body assembly 22 and fluid pressure
regulator 24 are coupled together by a fluid regulator top plate
120 (FIGS. 1-3) having a central opening 122 big enough to
accommodate body 70, but not big enough to pass flange 72, so that
flange 72 is captured between plate 120 and top wall 32 when plate
120 is placed over fluid pressure regulator 24 and attached to
fluid regulator body assembly 22 by, for example, cap screws 124.
Appropriate fluid couplers 126 (FIGS. 2-3) are positioned in ports
46 and 50 prior to this assembly step to aid in alignment of ports
46, 78 and 82, 50. Appropriate O-ring seals can be provided on
couplers 126 and in ports 44, 46, 50, 52, 78, 82, 83, 92 and seats
114, 146 as necessary. Plate 120 includes a passageway 128 (FIG. 1)
which communicates with passageway 64 to permit the bypass valve 56
control signal to pass from a source of this signal through to
bypass valve 56. Plate 120 also includes a passageway 129 which
communicates with passageway 66 to permit the detection of coating
material which leaks by seal 131 on valve assembly 56.
[0042] Turning now to bypass valve assembly 56, it includes a valve
body 130 (FIGS. 3 and 5) defining a cylinder 132. A valve piston
134 is captured within cylinder 132 by a closure 136 which is
coupled to valve body 130 by, for example cap screws 138. A spring
captured between closure 136 and piston 134 urges piston 134 away
from closure 136. Piston 134 includes a socket 140 for receiving an
end 142 of a valve closure, or needle, 144. A valve seat 146
including a complementary seat surface 148 to a surface 150 of the
other end of needle 144 is oriented at the end of passageway 54
adjacent its intersection with passageway 42, so that the position
of needle 144 away from or against seat 146 determines whether
fluid flows or does not flow through bypass passageways 54, 60
between ports 44, 52, or instead must flow through regulator 24 to
get from port 44 to port 52.
[0043] Cylinder 132 is coupled to passageway 64 via ports 152
provided in cylinder 132 above piston 134. The position of valve
56, that is, whether it is bypassing fluid introduced at port 44 to
port 52, or whether all of that fluid introduced at port 44 is
flowing through regulator 24 to get to port 52, is indicated
visually by a flag 153 provided on piston 134. If the flag 153 is
protruding through an opening 154 in the end of closure 136, valve
56 is bypassing fluid. If it is not, then bypass valve 56 is closed
and all of the fluid exiting from port 52 is being regulated by
regulator 24.
[0044] An advantage of this configuration, with separate regulator
body 26 and regulator 24, is that it permits the regulator module
24 to be removed from the regulator body 26, replaced with another
regulator 24, and taken to a remote location for servicing. This
means that the regulator 24 does not need to be disassembled in the
coating application area when the regulator 24 requires
servicing.
* * * * *