U.S. patent application number 10/611201 was filed with the patent office on 2004-01-08 for universal regulator tester.
Invention is credited to Colby, Daniel H..
Application Number | 20040003652 10/611201 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26910851 |
Filed Date | 2004-01-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040003652 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Colby, Daniel H. |
January 8, 2004 |
Universal regulator tester
Abstract
A universal regulator tester is disclosed wherein a bleed valve
is used to exhaust pressurized gas through an exhaust passage that
is designed and configured to simulate the pneumatic action of an
actuation of a marker. The universal regulator tester can be used
to test apparatuses with pressures up to 1200 PSI and can be used
on pneumatic paintball guns, markers and similar devices
Inventors: |
Colby, Daniel H.; (Elk Grove
Village, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Jeffrey A. Pine
BANIAK PINE & GANNON
Suite 1200
150 N. Wacker Drive
Chicago
IL
60606-1606
US
|
Family ID: |
26910851 |
Appl. No.: |
10/611201 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10611201 |
Jun 30, 2003 |
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09899417 |
Jul 5, 2001 |
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6584850 |
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60216269 |
Jul 6, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
73/37 ;
73/1.72 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01L 19/0007 20130101;
G01L 19/0015 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
73/37 ;
73/1.72 |
International
Class: |
G01M 019/00; F16K
037/00 |
Claims
1. A universal regulator tester for use on a pneumatic device,
comprising: a main body having an internal chamber with a bleed
passage, a pressure passage, inlet passage, a safety burst disk
passage, and an exhaust, said bleed passage houses a bleed chamber,
a bleed value comprised of a valve pin and a valve handle, and
configured such that pressurized air can be exhausted through said
bleed chamber and out said exhaust by movement of said valve handle
to move said valve pin, said pressure passage houses a pressure
gauge for displaying a pressure measurement of said internal
chamber, said inlet passage houses a seat, a washer, and a jam hex
nut are inserted and configured into said inlet passage and secured
within said internal chamber to act as a seat as part of said bleed
valve, said inlet passage is sealed by use of a O-ring and a
fitting, said fitting configured for attachment to a marker to be
tested, said safety burst disk passage houses a safety burst disk
and a safety orifice washer.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a pneumatic tester of air
systems, i.e., for testing the output delivery pressure of
regulators, etc., and more particularly, the present invention
relates to a universal regulator tester for testing pneumatic
valves and regulators either connected to a pressure vessel or
those, which stand-alone.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In recent years, as the popularity of paintball games has
grown, there has been a proliferation of different types of
paintball guns, air guns or markers, and the devices that are used
in conjunction with these markers. These new markers and related
devices have become necessary due to the increased level of play as
users of these markers improve and hone their skills.
[0003] The early types of markers and related devices provided an
adequate level of play. However, the onset of more experienced
players, along with challenging paintball gun tournaments, now
provides an arena where better markers and peripherals are required
to sufficiently compete.
[0004] As such, there is a great need for an apparatus that can
test the air systems of these devices. The recent demand for both
increased safety and peak performance within the paintball industry
has created a need for a pneumatic tester to accurately tune and
maintain equipment at the cutting edge.
[0005] As such, a need exists for a device that allows a player to
test certain capabilities of a marker and air system before,
during, and after competitions and tournaments. Some of these
capabilities include the ability to adjust and test the output
pressure level, or muzzle velocities for marker systems as the
input pressure decays.
[0006] Further, a need exists to be able to perform different
diagnostic tests that simulate the marker system in question.
Satisfaction of such a need would allow a player to become familiar
with how the marker system will perform under various
conditions.
[0007] Moreover, many players utilize marker systems that utilize
many different components produced by many different manufacturers.
A need exists for players in the paintball industry to universally
test their respective systems that are being used, regardless of
the manufacturers of the marker system or components.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention is an apparatus for testing pneumatic
valves and regulators either connected to a pressure vessel or
those which stand alone. Due to the recent demands for both
increased safety and peak performance within the paintball
industry, individuals have been forced to accurately tune and
maintain their equipment at the cutting edge.
[0009] The tester of the present invention, known as a Guardian,
allows the individual to simulate a marker connected to an air
system. The Guardian's passages and internal chamber have been
calculated to emulate the internal spacing most commonly found in
the majority of markers within the industry today. This creates a
system that can most accurately recreate the action of a regulator
or pneumatic valve used in conjunction with the sport of
paintball.
[0010] The Guardian is equipped with a low-pressure safety device
that will prevent harm being done to the user if there is a
malfunction in the system being tested. It is equipped with a
rotary bleed valve that makes the unit easy to use with one hand,
enabling the user to securely hold onto the system being tested
with his free hand. The unit's heavy external knurling maintains
this single handed ability even under the most severe conditions.
The rotary bleed valve redirects discharge air alongside the tester
to prevent dirt, debris and foreign material from impeding or
injuring the user. The tester is equipped with a large 180-degree
sweep gauge for quick easy reading.
[0011] Through the use of adapters, the Guardian tester can examine
and service a variety of systems not limited to the paintball
industry. The tester is equipped with an industry standard CGA 320
female thread in its main body for testing secondary regulators and
pneumatic valves. It also comes equipped with an adapter that has a
CGA 320 male thread and 1/8-27 N.P.T. female port for testing
systems that utilize a line or hose assembly connecting it to the
pressure vessel.
[0012] A standard valve pin and seat, such as that produced by Air
America, have been used in the configuration of the tester to allow
the user to repair or rebuild the unit while in the field with
common parts if the need arises.
[0013] When using the system, the Guardian is first securely
connected to the unit needing test (primary or secondary
regulator). For most secondary regulators the unit is screwed into
the Guardian's female CGA 320 port. The rotary bleed valve is
closed completely seating the regulator pin onto the seat.
[0014] Air pressure is allowed to enter the tester through either
the adapter or the CGA 320 fitting. Upon the air entering the main
body, it in turn simultaneously applies pressure to the safety port
and safety, along with the port that contains the pressure gauge.
This causes the pressure gauge to read system pressure and allows
the user to adjust the pressure of his system if he so wishes.
[0015] Pressure is maintained within the main body by sealing its
escape past the pin and seat. Based upon the reading on the gauge
and its actions, different diagnostic evaluations could be made.
Air can be released from the tester by opening the rotary bleed
valve, which allows air to pass over the pin and seat and exit
through passages of a predetermined size and length creating a
marker discharge simulation.
[0016] Based on the actions of the gauge, diagnostic evaluations
can once again be made on the condition of the system being tested
and its overall condition and performance. Air leaving the tester
exits its bleed passages and is directed downward, by the design
and contour of the rotary bleed valve, along the sides of the
tester to prevent harm to the user or surrounding individuals.
[0017] To stop the flow of pressurized air the user simply rotates
the rotary bleed valve in the opposite direction. To simulate the
cycling of a marker's rate of fire, the user can simply open and
close the valve rhythmically to emulate the marker's cycle rate;
diagnostic reading can once again be taken to make determinations
upon the system's condition.
[0018] For testing primary systems, the use of the adapter with the
CGA 320 male thread is needed to be utilized as an interface
between the system being tested and the tester. The adapter allows
for a variety of different primary system configurations to be
attached to the Guardian tester. The interface (fitting) on the
adapter can also be changed to be compatible with the fittings
utilized with other manufacturers' air systems, making the Guardian
a true universal tester.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is an exploded sectional view of a universal
regulator tester for use in testing a regulator for markers in
accordance with the present invention;
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] The present invention is universal regulator tester designed
to accurately test marker systems with output pressures up to 1,200
PSI. The present invention is compatible with virtually all of the
paintball guns or markers currently used in the sport of Paintball.
The preferred embodiment of the present invention incorporates a
high-pressure safety device, a precision pressure gauge, a precise
bleed valve pin, valve adjustment, an exhaust passage, and a
connecting port and an adapter for connecting the present invention
to various marker systems to be tested.
[0021] FIG. 1 shows an exploded sectional view of the universal
regulator tester 10 in accordance with the present invention. As
will be described in detail herein, the universal regulator tester
10 consists of a main body 11 having an internal chamber 12 with
four passages and an internal chamber. In the preferred embodiment,
the main body 11 is precision machined and made from 7075 T651
aluminum, although other high strength materials such as stainless
steel and other aluminum alloys can be used in the manufacture of
the device. The main body 11 can withstand internal pressures of up
to 26,000 PSI, however in the preferred embodiment, the operating
pressures of the tester 10 are up to 1,200 PSI.
[0022] FIG. 1 shows the four passages of the tester 10. The exhaust
passage is located on the backside of the regulator valve pin 22.
In the present invention, a bleed passage 14 is used as a bleed
valve 21 to bleed pressure gas off of the tester 10 and through the
exhaust passage (not shown). The bleed passage 14 and a bleed
chamber 13 house a regulator valve pin 22 and a handle 24 for
adjusting the position of the regulator valve pin 22.
[0023] An exhaust passage is used to exhaust pressurized gas from
the tester. The exhaust passage extends from the bleed chamber 13
to the exterior of the tester 10. The use of a bleed valve and
exhaust passage is well known by one having ordinary skill in the
art. However, in the preferred embodiment, the exhaust passage is
designed and configured such that exhausting pressurized gas from
the tester 10 and through the exhaust passage simulates the
pneumatic discharge action of a marker. This unique design and
configuration allows one to perform various diagnostic tests on a
marker's air system.
[0024] A pressure passage 16 is used to indicate the internal
pressure of the tester 10. The pressure passage 16 contains a
pressure gauge 26. In the preferred embodiment, the pressure gauge
26 is to have a pressure range of 0 PSI to 1,200 PSI
[0025] The inlet passage 18 is used to connect the tester 10 to a
standard CGA 320 male thread. In the preferred embodiment, the
inlet passage 18 is located in axial alignment with the bleed
chamber 13 used for the bleed valve. This is designed so that the
seat 28 for bleed valve can be inserted through the internal
chamber as shown in FIG. 1, although other arrangements of the
passages and assembly configurations can be practiced without
departing from the scope of the invention. The seat 28, a washer
30, and a jam hex nut 32 are inserted into the internal chamber to
maintain the position of the seat 28.
[0026] Next, an O-ring 34 and an industry standard CGA 320 fitting
36 are inserted into the inlet passage 18 to be used to connect the
tester 10 to a valve or regulator to be tested (not shown). The
O-ring 34 is situated on the fitting 36 in a recessed groove 38
before insertion into the inlet passage 18. In the preferred
embodiment the fitting 36 has Compressed Gas Association (CGA) 320
male thread for testing secondary regulators and pneumatic valves
(not shown). An adapter 40 can also be used that has a 1/8-27
N.P.T. male thread and quick disconnect male end for testing
systems that utilize a line or hose assembly connecting it to the
pressure vessel/regulator valve assembly.
[0027] Further, a safety burst disk 43 is positioned in the safety
burst disk passage 20. The safety burst disk 43 is held in position
by use of a safety orifice washer 42 and a safety jam hex nut 44.
If the pressure in the valve body becomes too great, the safety
burst disk 43 will release from the safety burst disk passage 20.
When the safety burst disk 43 releases, pressurized gas escapes
through the passage 20, reducing the pressure in the internal
chamber 12. In accordance with current CGA safety standard
recommendations, the burst disk should release at 1.5 times the
input pressure rating. For a system in which the input pressure
rating is 1,200 PSI, thus the burst disk should release if the
input pressure reaches about 1,800 PSI. Additionally, various
O-rings (not shown) are used in the passages, as needed, to
maintain up to a 1,200 PSI in the internal chamber 12.
[0028] Again referring FIG. 1, the operation of the universal
regulator tester 10 of the present invention can be understood.
First, the tester 10 must be connected to a pressurized source
regulator to be tested (not shown) with the bleed valve 21 in the
closed position. Pressurized air enters the tester 10 through
either the adapter 40 or the CGA 320 fitting 36 and/or the inlet
passage 18.
[0029] The pressurized air simultaneously applies pressure to the
bleed valve 21, the pressure passage 16, the pressure gauge 26, the
safety burst disk passage 20, and the safety burst disk 43.
Pressure is maintained within the internal chamber 12 by sealing
its escape past the pin 22 and the seat 28. This causes the
pressure gauge 26 to read marker system pressure and the user can
adjust the pressure of his marker system if he so wishes. Based
upon the reading on the pressure gauge 26 and its actions,
different diagnostic evaluations could also be made.
[0030] Air can be released from the tester 10 by opening the bleed
valve 21 allowing air to pass over the pin 22 and the seat 30 and
exit through exhaust passages of a predetermined size and length
creating a marker discharge simulation. Based on the actions of the
pressure gauge 26, diagnostic evaluations can once again be made on
the condition of the air system being tested and its overall
condition and performance.
[0031] As air leaves the tester 10 through the exhaust passage, the
exhausted air is directed downward, by the design and contour of
the bleed valve 21, along the sides of the tester 10 to prevent
harm to the user or surrounding individuals. To stop the flow of
pressurized air, the user simply closes the bleed valve 21.
[0032] To simulate the cycling of a markers rate of fire, the user
can simply open and close the bleed valve 10 rhythmically to
emulate the markers cycle rate. Diagnostic readings can once again
be taken to make determinations upon the systems condition and
performance.
[0033] For testing primary systems, the use of the adapter 40 with
the CGA 320 male thread is needed as an interface between the
system being tested and the tester 10. The adapter 40 allows for a
variety of different primary system configurations to be attached
to the tester 10. The various adapters can be used in conjunction
with the fitting 36 such that the tester 10 is compatible with the
fittings utilized with other manufacturers' air systems, making the
present invention a universal tester.
[0034] The foregoing detailed description of the invention is
intended to be illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of
the invention. Changes and modifications are possible with respect
to the foregoing description, and it is understood that the
invention may be practiced otherwise than that specifically
described herein and still be within the scope of the claims.
* * * * *