Hybrid flow and pressure regulation

Abstract

The present invention relates to an outlet assembly for mixed pressure and flow regulation, comprising a first orifice of a first size, a second orifice of a second size larger than the first size, and a mechanism to automatically move the first orifice between a first position, a second position, and a third position. When the first orifice is in the first position, gas flow passes through the first orifice, which regulates the flow rate of the gas flow through the second orifice. When the first orifice is in the second position, gas flow primarily bypasses the first orifice and flows through the second orifice at a first specific flow rate. When the first orifice is in the third position, gas flow primarily bypasses the first orifice and flows through the second orifice at a second specific flow rate.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to and is based on U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 026,253, filed May 18, 2020, entitled “Hybrid Flow and Pressure Regulation,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to gas regulation, and more specifically, to gas regulation based on pressure and / or flow rate using a single device. Background Technology

[0004] There are two common types of gas pressure regulators: pressure regulators and flow meter regulators. Pressure regulators control the pressure of the gas passing through them, regulating the inlet pressure to a specific outlet pressure. Typically, a pressure regulator includes two gauges: an inlet pressure gauge and an outlet (or “delivery”) pressure gauge. These pressure gauges have scales and increments and can be expressed in pounds per square inch (PSI), bar, kilopascal (kPa), or other pressure units. In contrast, a flow meter regulator outputs a specific flow rate. That is, a flow meter regulator outputs a specific flow rate when a specific pressure is generated inside the regulator. The gauges on a flow meter regulator provide an indication of the flow rate (e.g., in cubic feet per hour (CFH)). Typically, in operation, the operator must use a separate regulator to control and / or measure the pressure, and then control and / or measure the flow rate.

[0005] US Patent 10,437,268 describes a hybrid pressure-flow regulation method that achieves this hybrid regulation through a multi-stage outlet assembly. However, multi-stage outlet assemblies sometimes encounter flow limitations during pressure testing. Therefore, there is a need for improved hybrid pressure-flow regulation technology. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This disclosure relates to mixed pressure and flow regulation. According to one embodiment, mixed pressure and flow regulation is achieved through an outlet component that directs a pressure-regulated gas flow into a downstream gas line at a specific flow rate.

[0007] According to one embodiment, an outlet assembly for mixing pressure and flow regulation includes a housing, a first orifice, a second orifice, one or more first auxiliary passages, one or more second auxiliary passages, and an internal mechanism. The housing defines an internal cavity and is fixed to or can be fixed to a gas cylinder, a gas cylinder fitting, or a regulator body of a mixing pressure and flow meter regulator. The first orifice has a first size and is located near the upstream end of a main passage extending longitudinally through the internal cavity. The second orifice has a second size larger than the first size and is located near the downstream end of the main passage. The one or more first auxiliary passages and the one or more second auxiliary passages are all located between the first and second orifices and all intersect the main passage. The internal mechanism allows the first orifice to move automatically between a first position, a second position, and a third position.

[0008] When the first orifice is in the first position, the airflow passing through the outlet assembly flows into the main passage through the first orifice, causing the airflow to flow through the second orifice at a first flow rate regulated by the first orifice. When the first orifice is in the second position, the airflow primarily bypasses the first orifice and flows primarily into the main passage through the one or more first auxiliary passages, causing the airflow to flow through the second orifice at a second flow rate regulated by the first orifice and the one or more first auxiliary passages. When the first orifice is in the third position, the airflow primarily bypasses the first orifice and flows primarily into the main passage through the one or more first auxiliary passages and the one or more second auxiliary passages, causing the airflow to flow through the second orifice at a maximum flow rate. Among other advantages, these three positions allow for precise flow and pressure regulation, suitable for brazing, purging, and pressure testing. For example, the third position ensures that pressure testing can be performed without undesirable flow restrictions.

[0009] In at least some embodiments, an outlet component may be included on a device that also includes a gauge providing a visual indication of the flow rate and / or pressure of the gas exiting the outlet component. Advantageously, the visual markings allow a user to precisely adjust the gas to a specific pressure or flow rate. The gauge may include radial markings having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion provides an indication of a specific flow rate, and the second portion provides an indication of a second pressure. Furthermore, the first portion may define a flow rate range suitable for at least one of brazing and purging. The various portions and / or the defined flow rate range may be advantageous because they can provide a clear visual indication of the gas's suitability for frequently performed pressure or flow rate-specific operations.

[0010] Additionally or alternatively, the internal mechanism of the device may include a movable lift valve that moves the first orifice between a first position, a second position, and a third position. For example, in some cases, the housing defines a second orifice, and the movable lift valve defines the first orifice and the main passage. In any case, the movable lift valve is a relatively inexpensive, effective, and stable mechanism for moving the first orifice.

[0011] In some embodiments of these examples, the mechanism further includes a first biasing member, a bypass lift valve, and a second biasing member. The first biasing member is biased against the movable lift valve to hold the first orifice in a first position until the back pressure in the outlet assembly reaches a first predetermined threshold. The bypass lift valve is disposed around the movable lift valve such that when the first orifice is in or moved to a second position (or in or moved to a third position), the movable lift valve acts on the bypass lift valve. The second biasing member is biased against and acts on the bypass lift valve to hold the first orifice in a second position until the back pressure in the outlet assembly reaches a second predetermined threshold. Advantageously, the biasing member can ensure that the first orifice automatically returns to a position suitable for providing a low flow rate when necessary (e.g., when the pressure drops). Furthermore, the bypass lift valve can selectively increase the available flow area in the outlet assembly, thereby allowing increased flow rate during high-pressure operation (e.g., during pressure testing).

[0012] As described in further detail below, in at least some embodiments with a biasing member, the back pressure causes the movable lift valve to move automatically such that when the back pressure reaches a first predetermined threshold, the movable lift valve moves the first orifice to a second position, and when the back pressure reaches a second predetermined threshold, the movable lift valve moves the first orifice to a third position. Therefore, and advantageously, the user does not need to interact with the orifice to achieve different flow rates.

[0013] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the outlet assembly also includes a first annular passage and a second annular passage. When the movable lift valve moves the first orifice to a second position, the first annular passage opens to allow airflow to primarily bypass the first orifice. When open, the first annular passage provides a flow path to the one or more first auxiliary passages. When the movable lift valve moves the bypass lift valve (e.g., when moving the first orifice to its third position), the second annular passage opens. When open, the second annular passage provides a flow path to the one or more second auxiliary passages. As described above, the movable lift valve and / or automatic movement provide numerous advantages, such as efficient and easy gas regulation. Furthermore, opening the second annular passage can significantly increase the flow rate of the airflow used for pressure testing, enabling rapid and efficient pressure testing.

[0014] Additionally or alternatively, the outlet assembly may include a first annular flange and a second annular flange. The first annular flange may be radially disposed outside the first orifice, near the upstream end of the main passage, and may be configured to seal the peripheral edge of a first backpressure chamber formed around the first orifice when the first orifice is in a first position. However, when the first orifice is in a second position, the first annular flange may open the peripheral edge of the first backpressure chamber. The second annular flange may be radially disposed outside the first annular flange, near the upstream end of the main passage, and may be configured to seal the peripheral edge of a second backpressure chamber formed around the first orifice when the first orifice is in the second position. Then, when the first orifice is in a third position, the second annular flange may open the peripheral edge of the second backpressure chamber. This allows for different flow rates at different pressure thresholds, which may be advantageous when the outlet assembly is used to regulate gases for different functions, such as brazing, purging, and pressure testing.

[0015] In some cases, the outlet assembly can be removably or permanently attached to a cylinder fitting (which can be removably or permanently attached to a gas cylinder). This allows the end user to transport the cylinder to the work site without having to remember to carry or retrieve one or more regulators for brazing, purging, and / or pressure testing. Permanently attaching (e.g., non-removably) the outlet assembly to a cylinder fitting that is permanently attached (e.g., non-removably) to the gas cylinder also ensures that the outlet assembly will not be intentionally or unintentionally removed during the gas cylinder's lifespan, ensuring continuous operation of the gas cylinder (provided appropriate maintenance is performed) for its lifetime. Alternatively, the outlet assembly can be removably attached to the regulator body of a hybrid pressure and flow meter regulator. For example, the outlet assembly can be retrofitted as a standalone regulator unit to convert a standalone regulator to a hybrid regulator, or to switch between regulator bodies during servicing, upgrades, etc. This also allows the outlet assembly to be used with regulator bodies of different styles, shapes, or configurations (i.e., regulator body sizes suitable for a specific application).

[0016] In at least some cases, the cylindrical fitting and / or regulator including the outlet assembly may include a single gauge comprising a first mark and a second mark. When gas exits at a pressure below the gauge threshold pressure, the first mark provides an indication of the flow rate of the gas exiting the mixing pressure and flow meter regulator outlet. When gas exits at a pressure above the gauge threshold pressure, the second mark provides an indication of the pressure of the gas exiting the mixing pressure and flow meter regulator outlet. Therefore, the user can easily and accurately monitor gas regulation to safely and accurately achieve various pressures or flow rates.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first and second markings of a single gauge are visual markings. Additionally or alternatively, the first marking may define a flow range for at least one of brazing and purging. Furthermore, in some embodiments of the single gauge, the first and second markings are included in different portions of a radial band. In other embodiments, the second marking includes a radial marking configured to indicate the pressure of the gas exiting the outlet. As described above, among other advantages, various markings, portions, and flow ranges can be advantageous because they can provide a clear visual indication of the gas's suitability for frequently performed pressure or flow-specific operations.

[0018] According to another embodiment, this application relates to a gas cylinder comprising a cylinder having a tank and an outlet, and a mixing pressure and flow fitting non-removably coupled to the outlet of the cylinder. The mixing pressure and flow fitting includes an outlet assembly having a housing defining an internal cavity extending from an upstream end to a downstream end, a plug disposed within the internal cavity near the upstream end, and a two-stage lift valve disposed within the internal cavity between the plug and the downstream end of the internal cavity.

[0019] The two-stage lift valve includes a first seat defining a central orifice, a second seat disposed around the first seat, a first biasing member, and a second biasing member. The first biasing member is biased against the first seat to engage the first seat with a plug until the back pressure acting on the first seat reaches a first predetermined threshold. The second biasing member is biased against the second seat to engage the second seat with a plug until the back pressure acting on the second seat reaches a second predetermined threshold. Disconnecting the first seat from the plug opens a first flow path between the first and second seats, allowing gas to flow at a first velocity greater than the velocity allowed by the central orifice. Similarly, disconnecting the second seat from the plug opens a second flow path between the second seat and the housing, allowing gas to flow at a second velocity greater than the velocity allowed by the central orifice.

[0020] In some cases, the back pressure acting on the second seat is primarily exerted indirectly on the second seat by means of the first seat. Additionally or alternatively, after the first seat separates from the plug, the second seat can separate from the plug, such that when the first flow path opens, the second flow path also opens. In some of these embodiments, the second and first flow paths together allow gas to flow at a third velocity greater than the first velocity and the velocity allowed by the central orifice.

[0021] In addition, in some cases, the mixed pressure and flow fittings also include pressure controls, on / off controls and gauges, and the pressure controls can be aligned on the longitudinal axis of the gas cylinder, while the on / off controls and gauges are oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To complete the specification and to better understand the invention, a set of accompanying drawings has been provided. These drawings form part of the specification and illustrate embodiments of the invention, which should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but are merely examples of how the invention can be practiced. The drawings include the following figures:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the outlet assembly of a hybrid pressure and flow meter regulator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 External perspective view of the export component.

[0025] Figure 3A yes Figure 1 A side sectional view of the outlet component.

[0026] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A A detailed view of a portion of a sectional view.

[0027] Figure 4 and Figure 5 They are respectively along Figure 3A The lines BB and CC are cut off. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the outlet component.

[0028] Figures 6A-6C The exit components at different levels or operating positions according to example embodiments are shown.

[0029] Figure 7 Assembly according to an example embodiment is shown. Figure 1 Methods for exporting components.

[0030] Figure 8 It shows including Figure 1 Example embodiment of a mixed pressure and flow meter fitting for the outlet component.

[0031] Figures 9A-9D It shows including Figure 1 Top view, left side view, right side view and front view of another example embodiment of the mixed pressure and flow meter fitting for the outlet component.

[0032] Figure 10 It shows Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of the fitting shows the flow path through the fitting.

[0033] Figure 11A-11C An accessory protection device, which may be included on and / or around a hybrid pressure and flow meter accessory, is shown according to an example embodiment.

[0034] Figure 12 and 13 Example embodiments provided according to this disclosure include Figure 1 The front and rear perspective views of the mixing pressure and flow meter regulator of the outlet component.

[0035] Figure 14 This is a front view of a gauge that can be used with the export components described herein.

[0036] Figure 15 This is a graph illustrating the pressure and flow rate provided by the outlet component described in this article.

[0037] Throughout the drawing, the same reference numerals denote the same parts. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The following description is not intended to be limiting, but rather to illustrate the broad principles of the invention. Embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example with reference to the foregoing drawings illustrating elements and results according to the invention.

[0039] In general, this document describes and presents hybrid pressure and flow meter regulation techniques. These techniques are implemented at least through independent regulators and fittings, but for the purposes of this application, the term "regulator" may include both independent regulators and gas cylinder fittings that provide regulation. Therefore, the terms "independent regulator" and "fittings" or the like may refer to a type or category of regulator, and the term "regulator" may refer to both of these types of regulators as well as other types of regulators. That is, the regulators proposed herein are hybrid because they can be used to measure and / or control the flow rate and / or pressure of the gas passing through them, and do not require exchange or supplementation with another regulator to provide this dual functionality. In other words, the regulators described and proposed herein are single devices capable of regulating pressure and flow rate. To achieve this, the regulators proposed herein include a unique outlet assembly that automatically changes the flow path of the gas leaving the regulator based on the gas pressure. More specifically, the outlet assembly has multiple flow paths that can be selectively opened to provide, for example, different flow rates for a specific range of low pressures and high flow rates for higher pressures, to allow for accurate and efficient pressure testing.

[0040] In contrast, many existing regulators typically measure and / or control pressure or flow, but not both. Therefore, if a user needs to measure flow in a first operation and pressure in a second, the user may need to carry two regulators and switch between them between operations. As a more specific example, if a plumber needs to braze a connection and subsequently pressure test a system including the brazed connection, the plumber may need to switch the flow meter regulator to a pressure regulator between the brazing and pressure testing steps. This can be cumbersome and expensive (in terms of the user needing to purchase and carry two regulators), and inefficient. In light of this, U.S. Patent 10,437,268, owned by the applicant, introduces a hybrid regulator. However, such a hybrid regulator may provide limited flow at high pressures (because the same flow path is used for purging and pressure testing), and therefore may be inefficient for pressure testing.

[0041] Alternatively, some regulators may include different orifices that can be manually switched to support different operations; however, these regulators typically operate at a fixed pressure, which can result in certain flow rates being delivered at dangerously high pressure levels. For example, if a system including one of these regulators is “end-closed,” high pressure in the regulator can build up and lead to catastrophic failure. End-closure occurs when the nozzle or outlet of a hose, pipe, or other orifice becomes blocked. The fixed pressure rate of existing regulators also limits the flexibility and / or feasibility of regulators operating at pressures that require pressures different from the predetermined pressure (and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) operations often require any pressure in the range of 200 PSI to 750 PSI). Therefore, operators using multi-orifice regulators may still need to carry multiple regulators (i.e., for different pressures) and switch regulators between operations. Furthermore, these multi-orifice units typically do not provide feedback related to pressure and / or flow rate, and users must rely on the operating settings marked on the unit (i.e., “brazing” or “purge” markings without any specific flow or pressure indication).

[0042] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an outlet assembly 100 for regulating mixing pressure and flow rate is shown. The outlet assembly 100 includes a housing 102 extending from a first end 104 to a second end 108. The first end 104 (i.e., the upstream end) defines or includes an inlet 106, while the second end 108 (i.e., the downstream end) terminates at an outlet 110. In the depicted embodiment, the outlet 110 has the same dimensions as a second orifice 130 defined adjacent to the downstream end 108 of the housing 102. This is for regulating the pressure and flow rate of the gas flowing through it (e.g.,...). Figure 1As shown in the flow F1), the outlet assembly 100 includes an internal mechanism 150 that defines a first orifice 174 and an auxiliary passage disposed between the first orifice 174 and a second-stage orifice 130, the auxiliary passage including: one or more first auxiliary passages 166; and one or more second auxiliary passages 185.

[0043] The first orifice 174 is connected to the second orifice 130 via a main passage 152, into which one or more first auxiliary passages 166 and one or more second auxiliary passages 185 extend. That is, the outlet assembly 100 includes a main passage 152 that extends along its length (i.e., along the direction extending between the first end 104 and the second end 108 of the outlet assembly 100) and serves as a conduit between the first orifice 174 and the second orifice 130 (or at least between the first orifice 174 and the conduit connecting the main passage 152 to the second orifice 130). Meanwhile, the one or more first auxiliary passages 166 and the one or more second auxiliary passages 185 extend perpendicular to and intersect with the main passage 152 to connect the annular passages 176 and 196 (see...). Figure 4 , 6B (and 6C) are connected to the main channel 152.

[0044] As further detailed below, the internal mechanism 150 causes the first orifice 174 to move automatically between a first position P1, a second position P2, and a third position P3 to selectively open the annular passages 176 and 196 (see below). Figures 6A-6C For example, in some cases, the internal mechanism 150 is a two-stage, two-part lift valve. More specifically, the internal mechanism 150 may include a first part 160 (also referred to herein as a movable lift valve 160), a first biasing member 179, a second part 180 (also referred herein as a bypass lift valve 180), and a second biasing member 198. The first biasing member 179 may be configured to allow the movable lift valve 160 to translate downstream in response to back pressure, thereby moving the internal mechanism 150 from its first position P1 to its second position P2. Simultaneously, the second biasing member 198 may be configured to allow the bypass lift valve 180 to translate downstream in response to back pressure, thereby moving the internal mechanism 150 from its second position P2 to its third position P3. Figure 1 Back pressure is generated in a back pressure chamber 178 defined between the internal mechanism 150 and the plug 140 included at the first end 104 near the outlet assembly 100.

[0045] Still referencing Figure 1 But now combined Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 102 is a two-part housing formed by a first part 102(1) and a second part 102(2), which are fixed together by a threaded connector 103 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 3A However, in other embodiments, housing 102 may be a single component or may be formed of two or more components joined together in any manner now known or later developed. In any case, the first end 104 is configured to attach to a regulator or cylindrical fitting (described below), and therefore the housing may include an external attachment feature 105 disposed near the first end 104. Similarly, the second end 108 is configured to attach to a downstream gas line or component receiving the regulated gas, and therefore housing 102 may include an external attachment feature 109 near the second end 108. In the depicted embodiment, attachment features 105 and 109 are threaded. However, in other embodiments, attachment features 105 and 109 may be or include any type of connector (i.e., snap-fit, pawl, etc.) capable of achieving a sealing attachment at either end of the outlet assembly 100. Indeed, the outlet assembly proposed herein may be provided as a standalone component that can be attached to any desired regulator, for example, to convert the regulator into a hybrid regulator (i.e., as a modification).

[0046] Figure 3A It shows Figure 1 Another cross-sectional view of the outlet component. Figure 3B It shows Figure 3A A detailed view of a portion of the cross-sectional view. Generally, housing 102 defines an internal cavity 120. The internal cavity 120 may include various portions or components that house components of an internal mechanism 150. For example, the internal cavity 120 may include a first portion 122, a second portion 126, and a third portion 132. The first portion 122 may extend inwardly from a first end 104 and terminates at a shoulder 124 that forms a step between the first portion 122 and the second portion 126, against which a plug 140 may be seated. The plug 140 includes an internal passage 142 that allows gas to flow into the second portion 126, and the plug 140 also defines a sealing surface against which the internal mechanism 150 (e.g., a movable lift valve 160, a bypass lift valve 180, or both) may be sealed to form a back pressure chamber 178 adjacent to the first portion 122 of the internal cavity 120.

[0047] In the depicted embodiment, the plug 140 is secured in place by screwing the inlet member 144 into the internal thread of the first end 104 of the adjacent outlet assembly 100 on the housing 102. After installation, the inlet member 144 also defines an inlet 106 of the outlet assembly 100. However, this is merely an example, and the plug 140 can be secured within the first portion 122 of the internal cavity 120 in any desired manner (e.g., using an O-ring technique). Similarly, in different embodiments, the inlet 106 can be defined by components in any desired manner.

[0048] At the other end of the internal cavity 120, a third portion 132 (i.e., outlet portion 132) extends inwardly from the second end 108 to the second opening 130, which connects the third portion 132 to the second portion 126. Due to its position, when the internal mechanism 150 included in the outlet assembly 100 is actuated to the second position P2 or the third position P3 (see... Figure 6B and 6C When the second orifice 130 is open, it can help control the flow rate of gas leaving the outlet assembly, at least because it can control the maximum flow rate of gas leaving the outlet assembly 100.

[0049] A second portion 126 of the internal cavity 120 extends between the first portion 122 and the third portion 132. More specifically, the second portion 126 extends from the shoulder 124 of the first portion 122 (located upstream of the internal mechanism 150) to the second orifice 130. The second portion 126 may be a stepped portion and may include one or more clearly defined steps (e.g., right-angled steps opposite to curved or gently sloping steps) that can support the internal mechanism 150. For example, in the depicted embodiment, the second portion 126 includes an annular segment 128 and a step 129, the annular segment 128 being configured to receive a majority of the internal mechanism 150, which can be compressed against the step 129. Specifically, in the depicted embodiment, a second biasing member 198 extends between the lift valve 180 and a pressure cap 199 located on a friction damper 1991 adjacent to the step 129. Therefore, if back pressure pushes the bypass lift valve 180 downstream against the second bias member 198 (as described in further detail below), the back pressure will cause the second bias member 198 to compress between the bypass lift valve 180 and the step 129. The gland 199 and the friction damper 1991 can seal the space between the second bias member 198 and the step 129 while providing a reliable connection between them.

[0050] The second portion 126 also includes a generally unobstructed conduit 127, where "unobstructed" means that the conduit 127 does not include a step or shoulder extending between the step 129 and the third portion 132 of the internal cavity 120. However, in other embodiments, the second portion 126 of the internal cavity 120 may also include an inclined step, a funnel-shaped portion, or other features to support the internal mechanism 150 and guide any gas flowing through the second portion 126 to the second orifice 130. Similarly, although not shown, in other embodiments, the first portion 122 and the third portion 132 may also include inclined steps, funnel-shaped portions, or other features to assist in flow and / or pressure control, assembly, etc.

[0051] Now go to Figure 3B As described above, the internal mechanism 150 includes a movable lift valve 160 and a bypass lift valve 180. At a high level, the movable lift valve 160 is disposed within the bypass lift valve 180 (i.e., radially within it), and its dimensions are precisely configured to slide or translate within the bypass lift valve, and subsequently, its dimensions are precisely configured to slide or translate within the internal cavity 120 of the housing 102. More specifically, the bypass lift valve 180 has a body 182 having a base portion 184, a conduit portion 188, and a seat portion 190. In the depicted embodiment, the base portion 184 is fixedly coupled to or integrally formed with the conduit portion 188 and the seat portion 190, and each of these portions is sized to fit within the internal cavity 120 of the outlet assembly 100 (e.g., within a section of the second portion 126 of the internal cavity 120). In fact, the dimensions of the base portion 184 are formed such that a small gap or annular passage 196 is formed between the base portion 184 and the portion of the annular segment 128 of the second portion 126 of the housing 102 that defines the internal cavity 120 (see...). Figure 4 ).

[0052] The dimensions of the pipe portion 188 may or may not be configured to form a gap between the pipe portion 188 and the housing 102; however, in either case, both the base portion 184 and the pipe portion 188 can move (e.g., slide or translate) within the second portion 126 of the inner cavity 120. Specifically, the base portion 184 can move (e.g., slide or translate) within the annular segment 128 of the second portion 126 of the inner cavity 120, and the pipe portion 188 can move (i.e., slide) within the pipe 127 of the second portion 126 (of the inner cavity 120). However, it is worth noting that the base portion 184 is wider than the pipe 127 of the inner cavity 120 (i.e., has a larger diameter), therefore, the base portion 184 cannot slide into the pipe 127. Instead, the base portion 184 of the body 182 of the bypass lift valve 180 has a shorter length than the length of the annular segment 128, such that the base portion 184 can slide within the annular segment 128. Similarly, the length of pipe portion 188 is shorter than the length of pipe 127, allowing pipe portion 188 to slide (e.g., translate) within pipe 127.

[0053] Because the conduit portion 188 of the body 182 is fixedly connected (or integrally formed) to the base portion 184 and seat portion 190 of the body 182, these portions move together (e.g., slide or translate together) based on a force applied to the base portion 184. As described above, this movement can be achieved by back pressure in the back pressure chamber 178 formed at the upstream edge of the second portion 126 of the internal cavity 120. In at least some locations or configurations (i.e., stages), the annular flange 192 of the seat portion 190 (of the body 182 of the bypass lift valve 180) defines the peripheral boundary of the back pressure chamber 178. The annular flange 192 is configured to selectively engage with the plug 140 to selectively define this peripheral boundary, for example, when the resilient push of the second biasing member 198 engages the annular flange 192 with the plug 140 (i.e., sealing contact).

[0054] Generally, the bypass lift valve 180 is hollow or annular, allowing the movable lift valve 160 (i.e., the second portion 160 of the internal mechanism 150) to be positioned within the bypass lift valve. This shape also ensures that gas can flow through the bypass lift valve 180. In fact, the conduit portion 188 may include an unobstructed conduit 189 extending from the second auxiliary passage 185 (discussed in further detail below) to or toward the second stage orifice 130 (depending on the location of the internal mechanism 150). Furthermore, the base portion 184 of the bypass lift valve 180 may define an outer shoulder 186 and an inner shoulder 187. The outer shoulder 186 provides a surface at which the second biasing member 198 can engage the bypass lift valve 180. The inner shoulder 187 provides a surface at which the first biasing member 179 can engage the bypass lift valve 180 (as further detailed below).

[0055] Still referencing Figure 3B The movable lift valve 160 has a body 162, which includes a base portion 164, a pipe portion 168, and a seat portion 170 (similar to the bypass lift valve 180). The base portion 164 is fixedly connected to or integrally formed with the pipe portion 168 and the seat portion 170, and each of these portions is sized to fit within the base portion 184 of the bypass lift valve 180. In fact, the base portion 164 is sized to form a small gap or annular passage 169 between the base portion 164 of the movable lift valve 160 and the base portion 184 of the bypass lift valve 180 (also as...). Figure 4 (As shown).

[0056] More specifically, the base portion 164 and the conduit portion 168 of the movable lift valve 160 are movable (e.g., sliding or translating) within the base portion 184 of the bypass lift valve 180. However, the inner shoulder 187 of the bypass lift valve 180 defines a narrow downstream section within the base portion 184. The base portion 164 of the movable lift valve 160 is wider than this narrow section, therefore, the range of movement of the base portion 164 of the movable lift valve 160 in the downstream direction is limited. Instead, this range of movement is defined by the length of the base portion 164 of the movable lift valve 160 and the length of the base portion 184 of the bypass lift valve 180 (which is longer than the base portion 164). The base portion 164 of the movable lift valve 160 is also stepped to provide space between the base portion 184 of the bypass lift valve 180 and the base portion 164 of the movable lift valve 160, in which the first biasing member 179 and the O-ring 177 can be positioned. For example, in the depicted embodiment, the first biasing member 179 extends between the inner shoulder 187 of the bypass lift valve 180 and the step of the base portion 164, while the O-ring 177 is positioned adjacent to the inner shoulder 187.

[0057] The seat 170 defines the upstream end of the movable lift valve 160 and includes a first orifice 174, which, in the illustrated embodiment, is centrally located on the seat 170. In addition to the first orifice 174, the seat 170 defines the lateral boundary of the back pressure chamber 178 (e.g., a boundary extending laterally or orthogonally relative to the primary flow direction). The seat 170 also includes an annular flange 172 configured to selectively engage with the plug 140 to selectively define the peripheral boundary of the back pressure chamber 178 (e.g., when the internal mechanism 150 is in a first or non-actuated position / stage P1).

[0058] Therefore, when back pressure is built into the back pressure chamber 178, the back pressure will push the seat 170 downstream. Initially, this downstream force will cause the movable lift valve 160 to move within the bypass lift valve 180, with the base portion 164 translating toward the inner shoulder 187, and the conduit portion 168 translating further beyond the inner shoulder 187. The downstream translation of the movable lift valve 160 will also disengage the annular flange 172 from the plug 140 and open the first annular passage 176, as described in further detail below. However, ultimately, the elastic force applied by the first biasing member 179 will be greater than the elastic force applied by the second biasing member 198 (on the bypass lift valve 180), and / or the movable lift valve 160 will not be able to slide further (e.g., in the case where the base portion 164 contacts the inner shoulder 187 and / or the O-ring 177). At this point, the back pressure acting on the seat 170 (in the back pressure chamber 178) will cause at least the bypass lift valve 180 (if not both the bypass lift valve 180 and the movable lift valve 160) to shift downstream.

[0059] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of the outlet device taken from line BB. (See figure) Figure 4 As shown, the first orifice 174 has a relatively small diameter (e.g., in the range of approximately 0.005 inches to approximately 0.015 inches, such as 0.0083 inches). Therefore, when gas enters the inlet 106 of the outlet assembly 100, not all gas is able to flow through the first orifice 174 into the main passage 152. Instead, the gas initially flowing into the inlet 106 (e.g., flow F1) will create back pressure in the back pressure chamber 178 adjacent to the first orifice 174. When the back pressure reaches a first pressure threshold, the back pressure will actuate the internal mechanism 150, causing the internal mechanism 150 to move from its first position P1 (see...). Figure 6A Move to the second position P2 (see) Figure 6B The first actuation will open the first annular passage 176 between the first portion 160 of the internal mechanism 150 (i.e., the movable lift valve 160) and the second portion 180 of the internal mechanism 150 (i.e., the bypass lift valve 180).

[0060] More specifically, initially (i.e., before the back pressure reaches the first pressure threshold), both the annular flange 172 of the movable lift valve 160 and the annular flange 192 of the bypass lift valve 180 engage with the plug 140. Since the annular flange 172 is radially disposed inside the annular flange 192, when both annular flanges 172 and 192 engage with the plug 140, the annular flange 172 of the movable lift valve 160 defines the peripheral boundary of the back pressure chamber 178. Then, when the back pressure reaches the first pressure threshold, the annular flange 172 disengages from the plug 140 and opens the first annular passage 176. However, the annular flange 192 remains engaged with the plug 140 until the back pressure reaches a second pressure threshold greater than the first pressure threshold. Therefore, when the back pressure is above the first pressure threshold but below the second pressure threshold, the annular flange 192 of the bypass lift valve 180 defines the peripheral boundary of the back pressure chamber 178. Then, if the back pressure in the back pressure chamber 178 reaches the second pressure threshold, the back pressure will push the movable lift valve 160 against the bypass lift valve 180 with sufficient force, allowing the bypass lift valve 180 to overcome the resistance of the second bias member 198 and translate downstream. The downstream translation of the bypass lift valve 180 opens the second annular passage 196.

[0061] Figure 5 It is along Figure 3A The image shows a cross-sectional view of the outlet assembly 100 taken from line CC. It can be seen that the second orifice 130 is significantly larger than the first orifice 174 (although these images are not necessarily drawn to scale). Therefore, the second orifice 130 is capable of supporting higher flow velocities than the first orifice 174, and the characteristic structures of the internal mechanism 150 can cooperate to regulate the flow rate of gas through the second orifice 130.

[0062] Figures 6A-6CThe diagram illustrates the flow path of the gas flowing through the outlet assembly when the first orifice 174 / internal mechanism 150 is in a first position P1 (first stage), a second position P2 (second stage), or a third position P3 (third stage). Generally, the internal mechanism 150 defines multiple flow paths through the outlet assembly 100, each aligning a flow region of a different size with the gas flowing through the outlet assembly. That is, the internal mechanism 150 is primarily responsible for automatically moving or altering the path of the gas flowing through the outlet assembly 100. More specifically, the internal mechanism 150 works in conjunction with the plug 140 to define a chamber and / or seal a path to allow gas to flow through the outlet assembly 100 along a specific pathway. As described above, the plug 140 can be fixedly positioned within the internal cavity 120 such that, for example, the internal mechanism 150 can selectively cooperate with the plug 140 to create or adjust the volume of the back pressure chamber 178 at the upstream edge of the second portion 126 of the internal cavity 120 (e.g., upstream of the internal mechanism 150). In at least some embodiments, the internal mechanism 150 cooperates with the plug 140 by pressing an annular feature structure (e.g., flanges 172 and / or 192) against a seal or O-ring (not shown) included at the distal end of the plug 140 (i.e., the interior or downstream end of the plug).

[0063] Specifically, such as Figure 6A As shown, when the internal mechanism 150 is in the first position P1, the outlet assembly operates in the first stage S1, and the gas entering the outlet assembly flows through the first orifice 174 (e.g., a 0.0083-inch orifice). Both seat portions 170 and 190 of the internal mechanism 150 abut against the plug 140 to seal the first annular passage 176 and the second annular passage 196. Furthermore, in stage S1, the conduit portion 168 of the movable lift valve 160 is connected to and / or defines the main passage 152 of the outlet assembly 100. Therefore, when the outlet assembly 100 is in the first stage S1, the gas flows relatively straight through the outlet assembly along the flow path F1. On the flow path F1, the size of the first orifice 174 allows the gas flow rate to be adjusted to a flow rate approximately suitable for brazing (e.g., 3-6 CFH).

[0064] As described above, over time, the gas flowing into the backpressure chamber 178 creates backpressure on the internal mechanism 150, which ultimately actuates the first portion 160 of the internal mechanism 150 (e.g., a movable lift valve 160). This pushes the first portion 160 of the internal mechanism 150 against the first biasing member 179 (and the second biasing member 198) until the thrust generated by the backpressure eventually overcomes the biasing force of the first biasing member 179. The first biasing member 179 is substantially weaker than the second biasing member 198 (e.g., smaller and / or thinner), so the force of the first biasing member 179 will be overcome before the force of the second biasing member 198. As described in detail above, the second portion 126 of the internal cavity 120 of the internal mechanism 150 and the outlet assembly 100 is shaped and sized to allow the portions of the internal mechanism 150 to move (e.g., slide) within the internal cavity 120.

[0065] Now go to Figure 6B When the back pressure reaches a first threshold (e.g., 125 psig), the internal mechanism 150 moves the first orifice 174 to a second position P2. That is, the first portion 160 of the internal mechanism 150 moves downstream against the first biasing member 179, causing the outlet assembly 100 to move to the second stage of operation S2. In other words, when the gas flowing through the outlet assembly 100 exerts sufficient force on the internal mechanism 150 (e.g., via the seat 170) to overcome the biasing force of the first biasing member 179, the first portion 160 of the internal mechanism 150 moves from the first position P1 (… Figure 6A Slide to the second position P2 ( Figure 6B When the first part 160 of the internal mechanism 150 is in the second position P2 ( Figure 6B When the first part 160 of the internal mechanism 150 is engaged with the plug 140, the annular flange 172 no longer engages with the plug 140 and opens the first annular passage 176.

[0066] It is noteworthy that during this first actuation, the second portion 180 of the internal mechanism (e.g., the bypass lift valve 180) does not move or slide. Instead, the strength of the biasing force of the second biasing member 198 allows the second portion 180 to remain engaged with the plug 140 to seal the second annular passage 196. However, the shape and dimensions of the base portion 164 of the movable lift valve 160 ensure that the movable lift valve 160 remains within the bypass lift valve 180 during actuation of the movable lift valve 160.

[0067] Still referencing Figure 6BWhen the first portion 160 of the internal mechanism 150 is in its second position P2, gas flows through the outlet device along the second flow path F2. Similar to the first flow path F1, the gas flows through the plug 140 and enters the back pressure chamber 178 (located upstream of the first orifice 174), but now, the chamber 178 is no longer sealed by the annular flange 172. That is, the annular flange 172 of the first portion 160 of the internal mechanism 150 no longer engages or mates with the plug 140, and therefore, the first annular passage 176 is accessible from the chamber 178. The first annular passage 176 defines an opening whose total surface area is substantially larger than the surface area of ​​the first orifice 174 (e.g., ...). Figure 4 As shown), therefore, the airflow F2 can mainly flow through the first annular passage 176 (i.e., because the flowing gas follows the path of least resistance), as Figure 6B As shown. Therefore, the airflow F2 will mainly bypass the first orifice 174, mainly flow through the first annular passage 176, and return to the main passage 152 via one or more first auxiliary passages 166. The O-ring 177 located downstream of the first biasing member 179 can prevent leakage between the first portion 160 and the second portion 180 of the internal mechanism 150.

[0068] Once the gas re-enters the main passage 152, it can flow to the outlet 110 via the second orifice 130. Therefore, the flow rate will be primarily regulated by the first annular passage 176 and one or more first auxiliary passages 166 to a higher rate than that achieved in the first stage S1. For example, the first annular passage 176 and one or more first auxiliary passages 166 can regulate the gas flow F2 to a flow rate of, for example, 20-50 CHF, which can be a suitable flow rate for purging.

[0069] If the back pressure in the back pressure chamber 178 dissipates during the second stage of operation of the outlet assembly (e.g., when the internal mechanism 150 is in position P2), the first biasing member 179 causes the first portion 160 of the internal mechanism 1150 to automatically slide back to its first position P1. In at least some uses of the illustrated embodiments, when the first portion 160 of the internal mechanism 150 moves between its first position P1 and second position P2 (i.e., if the outlet device 100 is oriented as shown in FIG. 3), the first portion 160 of the internal mechanism 150 slides generally horizontally within the internal cavity 120; however, in other embodiments, the first portion 160 of the internal mechanism 150 can slide along any axis oriented in any direction (i.e., because the outlet assembly 100 can be oriented in any position relative to the regulator or cylinder).

[0070] Or, refer to now Figure 6CIf the back pressure in the back pressure chamber 178 increases beyond the second threshold, the internal mechanism moves the first orifice 174 to the third position P3 and opens the second annular passage 196, causing the outlet assembly 100 to operate in the third stage S3. As an example, the second pressure threshold could be 250 psig. Opening the second annular passage 196 creates another flow path through the outlet assembly that primarily bypasses the first orifice 174, as shown in flow path F3.

[0071] More specifically, when the back pressure in the back pressure chamber 178 reaches the second threshold, the back pressure can overcome the biasing force of the second biasing member 198 (which acts on the second portion 180 of the internal mechanism 150) and push the second portion 180 of the internal mechanism 150 downstream. This releases the annular flange 192 of the second portion 180 of the internal mechanism 150 from the plug 140 and opens the second annular passage 196. Gas flowing through the second annular passage 196 passes around the second portion 180 of the internal mechanism 150 (between the second portion 180 of the internal mechanism 150 and the housing 102 of the outlet assembly), passes through the second biasing member 198, and then re-enters the main passage 152 via one or more second auxiliary passages 185. A friction damper 1991 (or another seal, such as an O-ring) may be disposed downstream of the second biasing member 198 to prevent leakage between the second portion 180 of the internal mechanism 150 and the housing 102 of the outlet assembly 100 (e.g., at step 129 between the second portion 126 and the third portion 132 of the internal cavity 120).

[0072] Once the gas re-enters the main passage 152, it can flow to the outlet 110 via the second orifice 130. Therefore, the flow rate will be regulated by the first annular passage 176, the second annular passage 196, one or more first auxiliary passages 166, one or more second auxiliary passages 185, and the second orifice 130 to a higher flow rate than achieved in the first or second stage (i.e., position P1 or P2). However, in at least some embodiments, the second annular passage 196 may be larger than the first annular passage 176. That is, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second annular passage 196 may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first annular passage 176. It may also be larger than the combined cross-sectional area of ​​the first orifice 174 and the first annular passage 176. In these embodiments, when the outlet assembly 100 is in its third stage S3 (e.g., when the first orifice is in its position P3), the gas flowing through the outlet assembly along path F3 can primarily bypass the first orifice 174 and the first annular passage 176, such that the second annular passage 196 and one or more second auxiliary passages 185 primarily regulate / control the flow rate in the third stage S3.

[0073] It is worth noting that regardless of how the flow rate is adjusted / controlled in the third stage S3, the flow rate through the outlet component 100 will increase and / or be maximized. For example, the third stage (position P3) can adjust the airflow F3 to a flow rate exceeding, for example, 50 CFH, which may be suitable for supporting effective pressure testing. Exemplary flow rates are as follows: Figure 15 As shown. Alternatively, the third stage S3 can be referred to as providing an unregulated flow rate. Overall, compared to the comparison component that provides gas at these pressures (e.g., for pressure testing) at a lower flow rate, the higher flow rate provided by the third stage S3 can provide significant productivity benefits for the use of gas at higher pressures. For example, pressure testing can be completed faster and more efficiently using the higher flow rate provided by the third stage S3.

[0074] Still referencing Figure 6C When the back pressure in the back pressure chamber 178 increases above the second threshold and causes the second portion 180 of the internal mechanism 150 to move downstream, the first portion 160 of the internal mechanism 150 may move together with the second portion 180 (at least because the first biasing member 179 is weaker than the second biasing member 198). However, the first portion 160 of the internal mechanism 150 does not need to move synchronously with the second portion 180 and may move relative to the second portion 180 of the internal mechanism 150 in any manner. Furthermore, if the back pressure in the chamber 178 dissipates below the second threshold and the outlet assembly 100 operates in the third stage, the second biasing member 198 causes the second portion 180 of the internal mechanism 150 to automatically slide back to its sealed position P2 (e.g., back to its position in the second stage S2). Then, or simultaneously, if the back pressure in the back pressure chamber 178 dissipates below the first threshold, the first biasing member 179 causes the first portion 160 of the internal mechanism 150 to automatically slide back to its first position P1 (e.g., as shown in the first stage S1).

[0075] Figure 7 A method 200 for assembling the export component proposed herein is illustrated. It is noteworthy that in this exemplary embodiment, the two-piece housing 102 facilitates relatively simple installation of the internal mechanism 150. Specifically, the two-piece housing 102 can be assembled in five steps with minimal or no tools. However, method 200 is merely an example; in other embodiments, other techniques may be used to assemble the export component proposed herein with a body formed of one or more parts / components. That is, for completeness, method 200 will now be described in detail.

[0076] First, in step 1, the second biasing member 198, the gland 199, and the friction damper 1991 are slid onto the downstream end of the bypass lift valve 180 to form the bypass lift valve subassembly 1801 (see step 2). The gland 199 and the friction damper 1991 can be secured to the downstream end of the second biasing member 198 (e.g., via a friction fit or press fit), and the second biasing member 198 can extend between the gland 199 and the outer shoulder 186 of the bypass lift valve 180. In step 2, the movable lift valve 160, the first biasing member 179, and the O-ring 177 are installed within the bypass lift valve subassembly 1801. The O-ring 177 is installed first, and the first biasing member 179 extends between the O-ring 177 and the body 162 of the movable lift valve 160. This completes the assembly of the internal mechanism 150.

[0077] In step 3, the downstream end of the internal mechanism 150 is inserted into the second portion 102(2) of the outlet assembly housing 102. Specifically, the pipe portion 188 is seated within the second portion 102(2) of the outlet assembly housing 102, aligned with the second orifice 130 (defined by the second portion 102(2)). Then, in step 4, the first portion 102(1) is mounted over the upstream end of the internal mechanism 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 102(1) is secured to the second portion 102(2) via a threaded connection 103. Finally, in step 5, a plug 140 is mounted into the first end 104 of the outlet assembly housing 102 to define an inlet 106. In the depicted embodiment, the plug 140 is fixedly coupled to an inlet member 144, which can be threadedly secured to the first portion 102(1) of the housing 102. Using this assembly method 200, any components of the internal mechanism or housing 102 that require inspection, replacement, adjustment, etc., will be easily accessible and replaceable. Furthermore, this assembly method 200 enables users to easily reassemble the outlet device 100 with sub-components without having to manage numerous small parts.

[0078] Figure 8 This is a front view of a cylinder 400 having a first embodiment of a cylinder fitting 300 including the outlet assembly 100 proposed herein. Figures 9A-9D The diagram shows a front view, top view, right view, and left view (organized around the front view) of a second embodiment of the cylindrical fitting 300', which also includes the outlet assembly 100 proposed herein. Figure 8 In the diagram, cylindrical fitting 300 is shown on cylindrical fitting 400 (shown as dashed lines), while Figures 9A-9D A cylindrical fitting 300' without a cylinder is shown. However, it should be understood that cylindrical fitting 300 or cylindrical fitting 300' and other embodiments of cylindrical fittings may be non-removably coupled to cylinder 400 (e.g., a refillable gas cylinder).

[0079] Furthermore, in at least some embodiments, the outlet component proposed herein can be non-removably coupled to any cylindrical fitting (e.g., fitting 300 or 300'), and the cylindrical fitting can in turn be non-removably coupled to the cylinder. The cylindrical fitting can then be transported and used without the need for locating, acquiring, tracking, etc. In fact, because the fitting proposed herein (e.g., fitting 300 or 300') provides mixed pressure and flow meter regulation, the user does not need to carry a single regulator with the cylinder. In contrast, if the cylinder does not include the mixed fitting, the user may need to carry the pressure regulator, flow meter regulator, and cylinder to the site. That is, in other embodiments, the fitting (e.g., fitting 300 or 300') can be removably coupled to the cylinder (e.g., cylinder 400), and / or the outlet component 100 can be removably coupled to the cylindrical fitting (e.g., fitting 300 or 300').

[0080] In the depicted embodiment, the pressure regulating mechanism 390 (and pressure regulator) is vertically oriented above the gas cylinder 400 (e.g., coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the gas cylinder), and the outlet assembly 100 is horizontally oriented relative to the longitudinal axis A1 of the gas cylinder (e.g., perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A1 of the gas cylinder). That is, in Figure 8 and 9A In the two embodiments shown in -9D, fittings 300 and 300' each have a pressure control element 390 located at the top 320 of the fitting and an outlet assembly 100 oriented perpendicular to the pressure control element 390. However, in other embodiments, the pressure regulating mechanism 390 (and pressure regulator) and the outlet assembly 100 may be positioned relative to the gas cylinder in any orientation (including angular orientation).

[0081] Furthermore, in the depicted embodiments, each accessory has an on / off control 340 located on a first side 316, a safety device 380 (e.g., a rupture disc or pressure relief valve) located on a second side 317 opposite to the first side 316 (together with the outlet assembly 100), and a mixing gauge 328 located on the front 312 of the accessory (hereinafter referred to as...). Figure 14 (Further detailed description). The main difference between the two embodiments is that... Figure 8The illustrated embodiment also includes an inlet gauge 326 that provides an indication of gas pressure for gas (e.g., gas from a cylinder) entering the fitting via an inlet 330 included at the bottom 319. However, in other embodiments, these components can be arranged in any desired configuration, including on the back 318 of the fitting. Additionally or alternatively, the fitting may not need to include all of these components and / or may include additional components. For example, the fitting may not include an on / off control 340 and / or a safety device 380. As another example, the fitting may include two safety devices 380 (e.g., a rupture disc and a pressure relief valve).

[0082] Regardless of the specific features included in the fitting, the cylindrical fittings proposed herein can have an outer radial dimension equal to or less than the cylinder radius R1 (e.g., equal to or less than 3.5 inches). In the depicted embodiment, the mixing gauge 328 has the largest radial dimension R4 (e.g., approximately 2.69 inches), and the back 318 of the outlet assembly 100, the on / off control 340, and the fitting 300 can have smaller radial dimensions R2 (e.g., approximately 2.56 inches), R3 (e.g., approximately 2.61 inches), and R5 (e.g., approximately 2.28 inches), respectively. Furthermore, for the illustrated design, fittings 300 and 300' can have a compact height H (e.g., approximately 7.68 inches). Although the dimensions are only... Figures 9A-9D The specifications are as described, but the dimensions apply to accessories 300 and 300'.

[0083] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of accessory 300 is shown. As illustrated, when high-pressure gas enters accessory 300, it flows through on / off control 340 into pressure regulating mechanism 390. Pressure regulating mechanism 390 can be actuated (e.g., rotated) to reduce the pressure of the high-pressure gas flow to a desired pressure. The pressure-regulated gas (e.g., a low-pressure gas flow) then flows to outlet assembly 100, which can automatically control the flow rate based on the back pressure generated by the low-pressure gas flow. Therefore, the user will be able to easily regulate the gas leaving the cylinder to the appropriate flow rate for brazing and purging, and the appropriate pressure for pressure testing, without using any additional equipment (e.g., a separate regulator).

[0084] More specifically, the fitting body 310 defines channels 321(1) and 321(2) that allow gas to flow from inlet 330 to outlet assembly 100. Furthermore, the fitting body 310 includes or defines a seat 322 that, together with portions of the regulating mechanism 390 (described in further detail below), defines a throttling chamber 325. As the name suggests, the regulating mechanism 390 can adjust one or more dimensions, such as the width, of the throttling chamber 325 to throttle the high-pressure gas flow from inlet 330 before the gas reaches outlet assembly 100.

[0085] In the depicted embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 390 includes a grippable portion 392 that can be rotated or twisted by a user to actuate the adjustment mechanism 390. The grippable portion 392 is movably mounted on a fixed portion 393, which is fixedly coupled to the accessory body 310. More specifically, the grippable portion 392 can move along the fixed portion 393 (when it rotates) such that actuation (i.e., rotation) of the grippable portion 392 moves the grippable portion 392 toward or away from the accessory body 310. When the grippable portion 392 moves toward the accessory body 310, an actuation component 394 included in or coupled to the grippable portion 392 compresses a biasing member 395, which in turn applies a lateral force to the piston and / or diaphragm 396. The piston / diaphragm 396 transmits this force to the rod 399, which acts on the chamber lift valve 398 to adjust the size (i.e., width) of the throttling chamber 325 of the fitting body 310. More simply, the actuating regulating mechanism 390 opens or closes the passage through the fitting body 310 to control the throttling of the gas flowing through it. In some embodiments, the regulating mechanism 390 may also include a diaphragm chamber 397 into which a portion of the gas flowing through the fitting body 310 (i.e., through passage 321(2)) may flow to balance the force applied by or on the regulating mechanism 390.

[0086] because Figure 10 The cross-sectional view of the fitting body 310, inlet 330, and outlet assembly 100 divides the fitting body 310, inlet 330, and outlet assembly 100 into two parts, thus clearly showing the flow path F4 through the fitting. Flow path F4 is a high-level flow path and is not intended to show a specific flow path through outlet assembly 100, as will be described in further detail herein. That is, flow path F4 accurately depicts the gas entering the fitting 300 via inlet 330 (e.g., from a cylinder connected to the fitting) and flowing into a first channel 321(1) formed in the fitting body 310. As described above, channel 321(1) directs the gas flow to chamber 325, the size of which can be controlled by adjustment mechanism 390 to throttle the gas flow. The gas then exits chamber 325 through a second channel 321(2), which directs the gas flow to outlet assembly 100. The gas then, in conjunction with the above... Figures 6A-6C The flow passes through the outlet component 100 in the manner described.

[0087] Figure 11A-11C An exemplary fitting protection device is shown, which may be included on / around a cylindrical fitting to protect the fitting and / or outlet assembly. Firstly, in Figure 11AIn this design, the accessory guard 430 is a conical accessory with an annular top handle 432, a base 436, and a conical support 434 extending between the handle 432 and the base 436. The base 436 is sized to fit snugly against the outlet 420 of the can, and the handle 432 provides an easily accessible and grippable grip for transport. Importantly, however, the handle 432 has a larger diameter than the accessory 300 to protect the accessory 300 from impacts (e.g., in the event of a drop).

[0088] Figure 11B The accessory protector 440 provides similar protection via a support post 444 extending between the top 442 and bottom 446 of the accessory 440. However, the support post 444 extends horizontally, vertically, and slightly spherically to form a housing that closely conforms to the shape of the accessory 300, while providing large windows 445 on the front, back, and sides of the accessory protector 450. Furthermore, in the depicted embodiment, the top 442 of the accessory protector 440 is a knob that the user can grip.

[0089] Figure 11C The accessory guard 450 shown also provides protection, but essentially encloses the accessory 300 within a housing 454 with a gauge window 456. This effectively conceals the accessory 300, preventing, for example, ropes or lines from getting caught on (or in any way approaching) it, while still allowing the user (via window 456) to view the gauge. The accessory guard 450 may also have a top handle, but it could be less robust, as the housing 454 provides impact protection for the accessory 300.

[0090] Figure 12 and Figure 13 An independent regulator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the outlet component proposed herein may be incorporated. Figure 12 This is a front perspective view of the hybrid pressure and flow meter regulator. Figure 13 This is a rear perspective view. Typically, in the embodiments shown in these figures, the regulator 500 includes a regulator body 510, an inlet 530, and an outlet assembly 100 (which represents a combination of...). Figure 1-7 The outlet component 100 is discussed in relation to the regulator body 510 and the regulating mechanism 590. However, it should be understood that the depicted inlet 530, regulator body 510, and regulating mechanism 590 are merely exemplary, and in other embodiments, the outlet component 100 may be mounted on any regulator body 510 and have any inlet 530 or regulating mechanism 590 to provide a mixed pressure and flow meter regulator.

[0091] exist Figure 12 and Figure 13In this embodiment, outlet assembly 100 is offset 90 degrees relative to inlet 530 (i.e., the central axis of inlet 530 is perpendicular to the central axis of outlet assembly 100); however, this is merely an example, and in other embodiments, outlet assembly 100 may be oriented in any position relative to inlet 530. For example, outlet assembly 100 and inlet 530 may be aligned on the same central axis or include parallel central axes. Regardless of the orientation or arrangement of inlet 530 and outlet assembly 100, the regulator body 510 generally includes one or more passages that allow high-pressure gas received from inlet 530 to flow to outlet assembly 100. Regulator body 510 can throttle the high-pressure gas as it passes through, and throttling can be controlled by regulating mechanism 590 (e.g., in a manner similar to the throttling described above in conjunction with accessory 300). In the depicted embodiment, the regulator also includes a safety valve 580 (see Figure 13 It is configured to release pressure in regulator body 510 when absolutely necessary (e.g., to prevent catastrophic failure); however, other embodiments do not require the inclusion of safety valve 580.

[0092] The regulator body 510 also includes a gauge housing 516 configured to support one or more gauges. Figure 12 and Figure 13 In the specific embodiment shown, the gauge housing 516 supports two gauges: an inlet gauge 518 and a mixed outlet gauge 520 (hereinafter referred to as...). Figure 14 (Description to follow). The inlet gauge 518 is generally configured to measure the pressure of the high-pressure gas flowing into the regulator body 510 via the inlet 530. Simultaneously, the mixing outlet gauge 520 cooperates with the outlet assembly to indicate flow rate and pressure. That is, gauge 520 provides visual feedback (e.g., indication) on the characteristics (i.e., pressure and / or flow rate) of the gas flowing through the outlet assembly 100 (i.e., the gas flowing into the downstream gas line connected to the regulator).

[0093] Figure 14 A front view of the mixing gauge 520 is shown. The mixing outlet gauge 520 includes a first mark 526 and a second mark 528. The first mark 526 provides an indication of the flow rate of the gas exiting the outlet assembly presented herein. The second mark 528 provides an indication of the pressure of the gas exiting the outlet assembly presented herein. Both the first mark 526 (also referred to as the flow rate mark 526) and the second mark 528 (also referred to as the pressure mark 528) are included in a segment of a radial region 524 extending around the outer portion of the gauge 520. Specifically, the flow rate mark 526 is included in a first portion or region 524(1) of the radial band, and the pressure mark 528 is included in a second portion or region 524(2) of the radial band. Thus, an indicator needle rotatably mounted in the gauge can rotate through the flow rate mark 526 before moving to the pressure mark 528.

[0094] Advantageously, the aforementioned structural features of the mixing flow meter 520 allow the gauge 520 to provide an indication of flow rate at low pressures and an indication of pressure when flow rate is less important. As described above, the flow rate is controlled at relatively low pressures because the outlet assembly proposed herein automatically aligns the different orifices / passages / paths with the gas flowing through them based on the back pressure applied by the gas. Typically, pressure or leak tests are not performed at these pressures; therefore, providing a flow rate marker 526 in the first or lower region 524(1) of the radial region 524 provides an indication of the flow rate before the pressure reaches the gauge threshold pressure (which is different from the pressure threshold of the internal mechanism actuating the outlet assembly). Then, once the pressure exceeds the gauge threshold pressure (e.g., approximately 200 or 250 PSI), the gauge 520 can provide an indication of the outlet gas pressure. At these pressures, the gas flows through the larger orifices / passages / paths of the outlet assembly to generate a specific pressure, and the flow rate may not have an effect.

[0095] exist Figure 14 In the specific embodiment shown, the first region 524(1) includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion indicating that gas exits the outlet assembly at a flow rate suitable for purging, and the second portion indicating that gas exits the outlet assembly at a flow rate suitable for brazing. The brazing-suitable region may correspond to the first orifice through which gas flows ( Figure 6A The first stage (flow rate) is suitable for brazing. In contrast, the suitable purging area corresponds to... Figure 6B The flow path is shown in the second stage. As a specific example, the area suitable for brazing can provide a flow rate in the range of 4-8 CFH, while the area suitable for purging can provide a flow rate in the range of 20-50 CFH. In these examples, any pressure providing a flow rate in the range of 9-19 CFH (i.e., the flow rate between the purging and brazing ranges) can be the first actuation pressure threshold leading to the internal mechanism of the outlet component proposed herein. In contrast, a pressure of approximately 200 PSI can be the gauge threshold pressure (and / or the second actuation threshold pressure), as this may be the gauge 520 switching from flow rate indication to pressure indication (and the outlet component moving to its third stage, such as...). Figure 6C (As shown in the diagram). Above the gauge threshold pressure, the gauge can provide indications that may be suitable for system leakage or pressure testing. For example, pressure mark 528 may include pressure bands with increments that allow for test pressure adjustment from 250 PSI to 800 PSI.

[0096] Now go to Figure 15 Using the outlet component design proposed in this paper, stress testing will be conducted at increased flow rates (e.g., 50 CFH or higher), and is not limited to flow purging rates or flow rates close to purging rates. Therefore, stress testing will be fast and efficient. Figure 15 A graph 600 is provided, illustrating how the flow rate (line 602) of the outlet assembly proposed herein increases dramatically during pressure testing. In contrast, as shown by line 602, outlet assemblies with two-stage (e.g., single-actuated) internal mechanisms provide lower flow rates for equivalent pressures. Most notably, after the purge stage indicated by the box labeled "Purge" (which generally represents the second stage S2 of the outlet assembly proposed herein), line 602 gradually decreases to pressures below 50 psig of the purge pressure, while line 604 continues to rise rapidly, almost linearly, to 300 psig. This graph is also a fragment showing these trends continuing at higher flow rates and pressures.

[0097] In light of the above, the mixing regulator described and proposed in this paper (implemented by the specific outlet assembly and mixing gauge proposed herein) offers several advantages. First, because the outlet assembly proposed herein can deliver higher-pressure gases (e.g., exceeding 200 psig) at high flow rates (increasing exponentially rather than linearly with respect to pressure), it can provide significant productivity benefits for the use of higher-pressure gases. For example, pressure testing can be completed faster and more efficiently because the third stage allows high-pressure gas to flow through the outlet assembly at high flow rates.

[0098] Second, and more generally, hybrid regulators, including the outlet components proposed herein, can improve the efficiency of piping and / or HVAC operations that often require operators to switch between applications requiring specific flow rates (i.e., purging and brazing operations) and operations requiring specific pressures (i.e., leak testing or pressure testing). That is, using the hybrid regulators described and proposed herein, users can seamlessly switch between pressure and flow applications because there is no need to remove the regulator and replace it with a different one. In fact, users can use the hybrid regulators described and proposed herein even when performing pressure-specific operations within a pressure range or flow-specific operations within a flow rate range. Simply put, the hybrid regulators described and proposed herein are entirely versatile and fully adjustable to provide a range of pressures and a range of flow rates (i.e., the regulator can output a specific flow rate within a range of flow rates and / or output a specific pressure within a wider range of pressures).

[0099] Third, the mixing regulator, including the outlet component described and proposed herein, provides a safer regulator, particularly compared to regulators that use different orifices to regulate gas flow rate at a predetermined pressure. That is, because the mixing regulator proposed herein regulates flow rate at low pressure, it eliminates the hazards associated with high-pressure flow regulation. Specifically, because the mixing regulator proposed herein controls flow rate at pressures less than or equal to the pressures typical of low-pressure industrial hoses and equipment classifications (e.g., below about 200 or 250 PSI), dead ends in the system are unlikely to cause catastrophic hose or equipment failure. In other words, if a dead end occurs in a system including a low-pressure hose and the mixing regulator proposed herein, failure of the low-pressure hose (or other such equipment) is unlikely.

[0100] Fourth, the mixing gauge of the mixing regulator described and proposed in this paper provides visual feedback on the current pressure and / or flow rate on a single gauge surface. This can provide users with a degree of confidence when performing operations requiring specific flow rates or pressures, and together with the outlet component, allows users to adjust the characteristics of the gas flowing through the regulator to definitively achieve specific flow rates within a specific flow rate range or specific pressures within a specific pressure range as needed.

[0101] Although the technical illustrations and descriptions herein are embodied in one or more specific examples, the specific details of the examples are not intended to limit the scope of the technology presented herein, as various modifications and structural changes can be made within the scope and limits of the invention. Furthermore, various features of one of the examples discussed herein can be incorporated into any other examples. Therefore, the appended claims should be interpreted broadly in accordance with the scope of this disclosure.

[0102] Furthermore, this invention is intended to cover modifications and variations of the invention that fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. For example, it should be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “outer,” “internal,” and “external” as used herein describe reference points only and do not limit the invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Additionally, the term “exemplary” is used herein to describe examples or illustrations. Any embodiment described herein as exemplary should not be construed as a preferred or advantageous embodiment, but rather as an example or illustration of a possible embodiment of the invention.

[0103] Similarly, when used herein, the term "comprising" and its derivatives (such as "including") should not be construed as having an exclusionary meaning; that is, these terms should not be interpreted as excluding the possibility that the described and defined content may include other elements, steps, etc. At the same time, when used herein, the term "approximately" and its family of terms (such as "about") should be understood as indicating a value very close to the value associated with the aforementioned term. That is, deviations from the precise value within a reasonable range should be accepted, as those skilled in the art will understand that such deviations from the indicated value are unavoidable due to measurement inaccuracies and other reasons. This also applies to the terms "about," "approximately," and "substantially."

Claims

1. An outlet assembly comprising: a housing defining an internal cavity; a first orifice of a first size disposed proximate an upstream end of a main passageway extending longitudinally through the internal cavity; a second orifice of a second size disposed proximate a downstream end of the main passageway, the second size being greater than the first size; one or more first auxiliary passageways disposed between the first and second orifices and intersecting the main passageway; one or more second auxiliary passageways disposed between the first and second orifices and intersecting the main passageway, wherein the one or more second auxiliary passageways are downstream of the one or more first auxiliary passageways; and an internal mechanism to automatically move the first orifice between a first position, a second position, and a third position, wherein the internal mechanism includes a movable poppet, and the one or more second auxiliary passageways extend through the movable poppet, and wherein: when the first orifice is in the first position, a flow of gas through the outlet assembly flows into the main passageway via the first orifice such that the flow of gas flows through the second orifice at a first flow rate adjusted by the first orifice; when the first orifice is in the second position, the flow of gas bypasses the first orifice and flows into the main passageway via the one or more first auxiliary passageways such that the flow of gas flows through the second orifice at a second flow rate adjusted by the first orifice and the one or more first auxiliary passageways; and when the first orifice is in the third position, the flow of gas bypasses the first orifice and flows into the main passageway via the one or more first auxiliary passageways and the one or more second auxiliary passageways such that the flow of gas flows through the second orifice at a maximum flow rate.

2. The outlet assembly of claim 1, wherein the movable poppet moves the first orifice between the first position, the second position, and the third position.

3. The outlet assembly of claim 2, wherein the housing defines the second orifice, the movable poppet defines the first orifice and the main passageway.

4. The outlet assembly of claim 2, wherein the internal mechanism includes: a first biasing member biased against the movable poppet to cause the movable poppet to maintain the first orifice in the first position until a back pressure in the outlet assembly reaches a first predetermined threshold; a bypass poppet disposed around the movable poppet such that the movable poppet acts on the bypass poppet when the first orifice is in the second position; and a second biasing member biased against the bypass poppet to cause the bypass poppet and the movable poppet to maintain the first orifice in the second position until the back pressure in the outlet assembly reaches a second predetermined threshold.

5. The outlet assembly of claim 4, wherein the back pressure automatically moves the movable poppet such that the movable poppet moves the first orifice to the second position when the back pressure reaches the first predetermined threshold, and such that the movable poppet moves the first orifice to the third position when the back pressure reaches the second predetermined threshold.

6. The outlet assembly of claim 4, further comprising: a first annular passageway that opens to provide a flow path to the one or more first auxiliary passageways when the movable poppet moves the first orifice to the second position; and a second annular passageway that opens to provide a flow path to the one or more second auxiliary passageways when the movable poppet moves the first orifice to the third position. ​ ​ ​ a second annular passageway that opens when the movable poppet valve moves the bypass poppet valve, the second annular passageway providing a flow path to the one or more second auxiliary passageways.

7. The outlet assembly of claim 1, wherein the first orifice defines an upstream inlet for the primary passageway.

8. The outlet assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a first annular flange disposed radially outward of the first orifice proximate an upstream end of the primary passageway, the first annular flange configured to seal a peripheral edge of a first back pressure chamber formed around the first orifice when the first orifice is in the first position and configured to open the peripheral edge of the first back pressure chamber when the first orifice is in the second position; and a second annular flange disposed radially outward of the first annular flange proximate the upstream end of the primary passageway, the second annular flange configured to seal a peripheral edge of a second back pressure chamber formed around the first orifice when the first orifice is in the second position and configured to open the peripheral edge of the second back pressure chamber when the first orifice is in the third position.

9. An apparatus comprising: a cylinder; and a cylinder fitting comprising the outlet assembly of claim 1.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the cylinder fitting further comprises: a gauge that provides a visual indication of both a flow rate and a pressure of a gas stream exiting the outlet assembly.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the cylinder fitting comprises a regulation assembly configured to control a pressure of a gas stream prior to the gas stream entering the outlet assembly.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the cylinder fitting is non-removably coupled to the cylinder.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the cylinder is a refillable cylinder.

14. A gas cylinder comprising: a cylinder having a tank and an outlet; and a mixed pressure and flow fitting non-removably coupled to the outlet of the cylinder, the mixed pressure and flow fitting comprising an outlet assembly comprising: a housing defining an internal cavity extending from an upstream end to a downstream end; a plug disposed within the internal cavity proximate the upstream end; and a two-stage poppet valve disposed within the internal cavity between the plug and the downstream end of the internal cavity, the two-stage poppet valve comprising: a first seat defining a central orifice; a second seat disposed about the first seat; a first biasing member biased against the first seat to engage the first seat with the plug until a back pressure acting on the first seat reaches a first predetermined threshold, wherein disengaging the first seat from the plug opens a first flow path between the first seat and the second seat that allows a gas to flow at a first flow rate that is greater than a flow rate allowed by the central orifice; and a second biasing member biased against the second seat to engage the second seat with the plug until a back pressure acting on the second seat reaches a second predetermined threshold, wherein disengaging the second seat from the plug opens a second flow path between the second seat and the housing that allows a gas to flow at a second flow rate that is greater than the flow rate allowed by the central orifice. ​ 15. The gas cylinder of claim 14, wherein the back pressure acting on the second seat acts indirectly on the second seat by way of the first seat.

16. The gas cylinder of claim 14, wherein the second seat is separated from the plug after the first seat is separated from the plug, such that when the first flow path is open, the second flow path is also open.

17. The gas cylinder of claim 16, wherein the second flow path and the first flow path collectively allow gas to flow at a third flow rate that is greater than a flow rate allowed by the first flow rate and the central orifice.

18. The gas cylinder of claim 16, wherein the cylinder is a refillable cylinder.

19. The gas cylinder of claim 16, wherein the hybrid pressure and flow fitting further comprises: a pressure control; an on / off control; and a gauge.

20. The gas cylinder of claim 19, wherein the pressure control is aligned on a longitudinal axis of a tank of the gas cylinder, and the on / off control and the gauge are oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the tank. ​

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