Valve with integrated pressure regulator

Abstract

To provide a valve with an integrated pressure regulator.SOLUTION: A regulating valve device for a fluid cylinder includes a shut-off valve 36 having a ball tappet that actuates the shut-off valve 36. A lever 14 has a cam surface that interacts with the ball tappet as the lever 14 is rotated to translate the ball tappet linearly and actuate the shut-off valve 36. The lever 14 is rotatable from a first valve closed position through a valve open position to a second valve closed position such that the valve open position is between the first and second valve closed positions. A pressure or flow regulating valve 42 is downstream of the shut-off valve 36. A handwheel is operatively connected to the pressure or flow regulating valve 42 to adjust an outlet pressure of the pressure or flow regulating valve 42. The handwheel has an axis of operation that is offset from a longitudinal axis of the fluid cylinder by an acute angle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 229,087, filed on August 4, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, and also claims the priority of U.S. Non - Provisional Patent Application No. 17 / 874,411, filed on July 27, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0002] The present invention relates to a valve for controlling the pressure or flow rate of a pressurized fluid (such as gas and / or liquid) from a tank or cylinder. Specifically, the present invention relates to a VIPR (valve with an integrated pressure regulator).

[0003] A VIPR, that is, a valve with an integrated pressure regulator, can be used to control the flow rate or pressure of a fluid such as gas discharged from a storage cylinder. A typical VIPR has an on / off device for starting and stopping the gas flow from the cylinder, a pressure gauge or content indicator for informing the user of the current pressure in the cylinder, a knob for setting the discharge flow rate / pressure from the cylinder, and filling and discharge ports. Gas cylinders come in various sizes, such as heights ranging from about 12 inches to over 60 inches. Conventional VIPRs may be more ergonomically suitable for a particular size of cylinder compared to other sizes. For example, some VIPRs can be operated more easily with smaller cylinders than with larger cylinders due to the location of the on / off device or flow control knob on the VIPR. It is desirable to provide a VIPR that is ergonomically suitable for the range of cylinder sizes, such as heights ranging from about 12 inches to over 60 inches.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The following summary provides a simplified overview to give a basic understanding of some aspects of the apparatus, systems, and / or methods discussed herein. This summary is not a comprehensive overview of the apparatus, systems, and / or methods discussed herein. It is not intended to define any significant elements or outline the scope of such apparatus, systems, and / or methods. Its sole purpose is to provide a simplified overview as an introduction to the more detailed descriptions presented later.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a regulating valve device for a fluid cylinder is provided. The regulating valve device includes a shut-off valve having a ball tappet, the ball tappet driving the shut-off valve. A lever has a cam surface, the cam surface interacting with the ball tappet as the lever is rotated to move the ball tappet linearly and drive the shut-off valve. The lever is rotatable from a first valve-closed position through a valve-open position to a second valve-closed position, such that the valve-open position of the lever is intermediate between a first valve-closed position and a second valve-closed position. A pressure or flow control valve is located downstream of the shut-off valve. A handle is operably connected to the pressure or flow control valve to adjust settings such as the outlet pressure of the pressure or flow control valve. The handle has an operating axis offset at an acute angle from the longitudinal axis of the fluid cylinder.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present invention, a regulating valve device for a fluid cylinder is provided. The regulating valve device includes a body and a shut-off valve having a ball tappet placed within the body for driving a shut-off valve. A residual pressure valve is placed within the body and configured to supply fluid from the fluid cylinder to the shut-off surface. A lever extends from the body and has a cam surface, the cam surface interacting with the ball tappet as the lever is rotated to move the ball tappet linearly within the body. The lever is rotatable from a first valve-closed position through a valve-open position to a second valve-closed position, such that the valve-open position of the lever is intermediate between a first valve-closed position and a second valve-closed position. A pressure or flow regulating valve is located downstream of the shut-off valve and positioned along the body higher than the shut-off valve, the ball tappet, and the residual pressure valve, respectively.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, a regulating valve device for a fluid cylinder is provided. The regulating valve device includes a body and a shut-off valve having a ball tappet located within the body for driving a shut-off valve. A residual pressure valve is located within the body and is coaxial with the shut-off valve. A lever extends from the body and has a cam surface, the cam surface interacting with the ball tappet as the lever is rotated to move the ball tappet linearly within the body. The lever is rotatable downward from a first valve closed position through a valve open position to a second valve closed position, such that the valve open position of the lever is midway between a first valve closed position and a second valve closed position. A pressure or flow control valve is located downstream of the shut-off valve and is positioned along the body higher than the shut-off valve, the ball tappet, and the residual pressure valve, respectively. A handle is operably connected to the pressure or flow control valve for adjusting settings such as the outlet pressure of the pressure or flow control valve. The handle has an operating axis offset at an acute angle from the longitudinal axis of the fluid cylinder. The shut-off valve and residual pressure valve are oriented laterally to the longitudinal axis of the fluid cylinder.

[0008] The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art by referring to the accompanying drawings and reading the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Show VIPR. [Figure 2] The VIPR is shown along with the angle of its handle. [Figure 3] The size of an exemplary gas cylinder is shown. [Figure 4] This shows a VIPR (Vibrational Vibration Probe) attached to a gas cylinder. [Figure 5] This shows a VIPR (Vibrational Vibration Probe) attached to a gas cylinder. [Figure 6] This shows a VIPR (Vibrational Vibration Probe) attached to a gas cylinder. [Figure 7] This shows a VIPR (Vibrational Vibration Probe) attached to a gas cylinder. [Figure 8] This shows a VIPR (Vibrational Vibration Probe) attached to a gas cylinder. [Figure 9] This shows a VIPR (Vibrational Vibration Probe) attached to a gas cylinder. [Figure 10] This shows a VIPR (Vibrational Vibration Probe) attached to a gas cylinder. [Figure 11] This shows a VIPR (Vibrational Vibration Probe) attached to a gas cylinder. [Figure 12] This illustrates the operation of the VIPR on / off lever. [Figure 13] This illustrates the operation of the VIPR on / off lever. [Figure 14] This illustrates the operation of the VIPR on / off lever. [Figure 15] This is a front view of the VIPR. [Figure 16] This is a side view of the VIPR. [Figure 17] A partial cross-sectional view of VIPR is shown. [Figure 18] A partial cross-sectional view of VIPR is shown. [Figure 19] A cross-sectional view of VIPR is shown. [Figure 20] A partial cross-sectional view of VIPR is shown. [Figure 21] A cross-sectional view of VIPR is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] This invention relates to a valve, specifically a VIPR, for controlling the pressure or flow rate of a pressurized fluid from a tank or cylinder. The invention is then described with reference to the drawings, where the same reference numerals are used throughout to refer to the same elements. It should be noted that the various drawings are not necessarily drawn to a constant scale, either within one drawing or within another, and specifically the sizes of the components are depicted arbitrarily to facilitate understanding of the drawings. Many specific details are described in the following description for illustrative purposes to fully understand the invention. However, it may be apparent that the invention can be practiced without these specific details. Additionally, other embodiments of the invention are possible, and the invention can be practiced and executed in ways other than those described. The terminology and expressions used in describing the invention are provided to facilitate understanding of the invention and should not be taken as limiting.

[0011] As used herein, "at least one", "one or more", and "and / or" are open-ended expressions that operate as both conjunctive and disjunctive terms. For example, each of the expressions "at least one of A, B, and C", "at least one of A, B, or C", "one or more of A, B, and C", "one or more of A, B, or C", and "A, B, and / or C" means only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together. Any disjunctive term or phrase that represents two or more alternative terms should be understood to contemplate including one of the terms, any of the terms, or both of the terms, even in the description of embodiments, claims, or drawings. For example, the phrase "A or B" should be understood to include the possibility of "A" or "B", or "A and B".

[0012] The terms "cylinder" and "tank" are used interchangeably herein and both refer to a storage container for a fluid such as a liquid and / or a gas. The storage cylinder / tank can have a generally cylindrical shape or a non-cylindrical shape known in the art. The terms "cylinder" and "tank" also include smaller fluid storage containers that are commonly referred to as "bottles" (e.g., gas bottles).

[0013] Figure 1 shows an exemplary VIPR 10 mounted on the top surface of a gas tank or cylinder 12. The VIPR 10 includes a shut-off valve or isolation valve actuated by a lever 14. The shut-off valve is located within the body 16 of the VIPR and allows or prevents pressurized gas from selectively flowing out of the cylinder and through the VIPR 10, depending on the position of the lever 14. The lever 14 is attached to the VIPR body 16 by a lever hinge pin 18 located at the bottom of the VIPR body near the gas cylinder 12. In the exemplary embodiment, the shut-off valve is also located at the bottom of the VIPR body 16, adjacent to the lever 14 and hinge pin 18, and near the gas cylinder 12. By placing the shut-off valve at the bottom of the VIPR body 16, the high-pressure section of the VIPR 10 is positioned lower in the VIPR and near the gas cylinder 12. This protects the high-pressure section of the VIPR 10 from external impacts and shocks, and increases the toughness of the VIPR. At least one pressure reducing / regulating valve or flow control valve (e.g., a pressure or flow control valve) is also located downstream of the shut-off valve within the VIPR body 16. A knob or handle 24 is operably connected to the pressure or flow control valve for manually adjusting the pressure or flow setting of the regulating valve. That is, the setting of the pressure or flow control valve is controlled manually via the handle 24. The handle 24 is seen to have an operating axis offset from the longitudinal axis of the gas cylinder 12 (e.g., inclined sharply downward from the vertical axis of the gas cylinder). In a further embodiment, the VIPR 10 may have a preset outlet pressure adjustment (e.g., a fixed outlet pressure) rather than having a handle for adjusting the pressure / flow.

[0014] Lever 14 is shown in a generally vertically upward shut-off or valve closed position. The on or valve open position of lever 14 to open the shut-off valve is rotatable downward to a generally horizontal lever position. Lever 14 has a further shut-off or valve closed position, which is rotatable downward from the horizontal open position. Thus, lever 14 has two shut-off positions vertically up and down and a single horizontal open position. Lever 14 is rotatable from the first valve closed position shown in FIG. 1 through the valve open position to the second valve closed position such that the valve open position of the lever is intermediate the first valve closed position and the second valve closed position. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment shown in the figure, lever 14 is rotatable downward about a lever hinge pin 18 oriented generally horizontally from the first valve closed position through the valve open position to the second valve closed position. However, in further embodiments, the lever can be actuated by rotation in other directions, such as by rotation outside of a vertical plane. The upper shut-off position shown in FIG. 1 is intended to be the standard closed position for lever 14, whereas the lower shut-off position is intended to be an emergency shut-off for VIPR 10. By having the lower shut-off position, an operator can push lever 14 downward from the generally horizontal open position to immediately stop the flow of gas from cylinder 12. Conventional VIPRs open by raising the lever and close by moving the lever downward, and in an emergency situation, an operator may instinctively try to close the valve by moving the lever downward. VIPR 10 accommodates a conventional lower shut-off. The on / off state of VIPR 10 is clearly visible to an operator based on the position of lever 14, and lever 14 can quickly open and close the shut-off valve within VIPR 10 by the operator. Further, when lever 14 is in the horizontal valve open position, it may appear like a hook and there is a possibility that someone may accidentally hang something from the lever. Or an object may fall onto lever 14 from above. In either scenario, rather than the lever or VIPR being damaged or the gas cylinder 12 tipping over, normally lever 14 drops to the second valve closed position. The intermediate valve open position of lever 14 and the second valve closed position therebelow are shown in FIG. 14.

[0015] The VIPR10 includes a pressure gauge or content indicator 20 mounted on the front of the VIPR. The content indicator 20 informs the operator of the residual gas pressure in the cylinder 12. The VIPR10 further includes a discharge port for connecting a hose or conduit or other device to a downstream process. In certain embodiments, the discharge port may have a quick-connect fitting 22, but other types of fittings (e.g., threaded) may be used as needed. The fitting 22 may have standard or custom shapes and / or integrate various functions (e.g., check valves, request valves, calibration holes, etc.). The pressure or flow rate of the fluid discharged from the cylinder 12 through the discharge port is controlled by a control valve in the VIPR10 according to the setting of the handle 24.

[0016] The handle 24 may include a setting reference and / or a scale printed on the handle, and the VIPR may include an indicator or a needle directed to the scale to inform the operator of the current setting. In exemplary embodiments, the handle 24 adjusts the minimum to maximum outlet flow rate or pressure in one rotation. In further embodiments, the handle 24 may provide multiple rotational operations. The size of the handle 24 (e.g., diameter and height) may be made to facilitate handling by the operator when wearing gloves. The handle 24 and the upper part of the VIPR body 16 are oriented at an acute angle (e.g., inclined or tilted) with respect to the roughly vertical axis of the cylinder 12 and the lower part of the VIPR body. This tilted design makes it easier to operate the handle 24 and read the handle setting compared to conventional VIPRs, and is more suitable for various sizes of gas cylinders. For example, the tilted design allows the handle 24 setting to be read from both the front and side of the cylinder 12, and (e.g., when used on a small cylinder with an opening guard) from the top surface of the cylinder. Figure 2 shows an exemplary angle of inclination or misalignment of 22 degrees between the longitudinal axis 26 of the cylinder 12 and the lower part of the VIPR body 16, and the operating axis 28 of the handle 24 and the upper part of the VIPR body. That is, the axis 28 of the handle 24 and the upper part of the VIPR body 16 are inclined 22 degrees downward from the perpendicular or axis 26 of the cylinder 12. The handle 24 thus has an operating axis 28, which is non-parallel to and non-perpendicular to the axis 26 of the cylinder. The handle 24 can be inclined downward from the perpendicular at various acute angles or angular ranges, e.g., 70 degrees or less, 45 degrees or less, 30 degrees or less, 20 to 70 degrees, and others. The 22-degree inclination angle shown in Figure 2 is illustrative only. Parts of the pressure or flow control valve within the VIPR body 16, such as valve members, seats, springs, diaphragm components, and others, can be oriented at the same angle as the handle 24 or along the same axis 28 (e.g., coincident with the handle).

[0017] Referring to Figure 3, the VIPR10 has a compact, ergonomic design that is suitable for various sizes of gas cylinders. Figure 3 shows an exemplary range of gas cylinder heights that can be used with the VIPR10, from cylinder 12a of approximately 12 inches (30 cm) to cylinder 12b of approximately 60 inches (150 cm), or taller cylinders (e.g., 170 cm / 67 inches or more). When mounted on a cylinder, all of the VIPR's main functions can be accessed from the front and / or top surface of the cylinder without the need to rotate the cylinder.

[0018] Conventional VIPRs may be designed for use with a single cylinder size, but different VIPR products may be produced for larger and smaller cylinders. When a VIPR is intended for a large or tall cylinder, access to the valve is from the side, and all functions are aligned horizontally. When a VIPR is intended for a small cylinder, preferred access is from the top and side, and functions are aligned both horizontally and vertically. The offset handle 24 of the VIPR 10 discussed herein can reduce the height of the product and minimize lateral obstructions. Ergonomics take advantage of this, as all functions can be accessed from both the side and the top. The adjuster scale printed on the handle is also angled so that it can be easily read from different sides. The advantages offered by VIPR10 include the ability to include smaller and lighter products compared to traditional VIPRs with vertical / horizontal alignment; VIPRs can fit most existing protective devices (guards) on the market (no custom guards are needed); a good compromise with ergonomics allows access from the sides of large, tall cylinders and from the top of small cylinders; single product molds can be used with both large and small cylinders; and the adjuster can be set to be readable from both the side and the top.

[0019] Figures 4 and 5 show the VIPR 10 mounted on a large gas cylinder 12, such as a cylinder with a height of approximately 36 inches (90 cm) to approximately 60 inches (150 cm) or more. The VIPR 10 is surrounded by a protective guard 30 with a closed top. Access to the VIPR 10 is provided through an opening in the side of the guard 30, and the VIPR is ergonomically designed to be operated through the opening when the opening is positioned at approximately head height. Figures 6 and 7 show the VIPR 10 mounted on a smaller gas cylinder 12, such as a cylinder with a height of less than approximately 36 inches (90 cm). The VIPR 10 is surrounded by a guard 32 with an open top and sides, and the VIPR can be accessed through the top and sides of the guard. Figures 4 to 7 show a lever 14 for operating the VIPR. The operable end of the lever 14 is T-shaped (for example, having a T-shaped grip), allowing the lever to be operated by pulling with the fingers (for example, when the VIPR is placed at approximately head height) as shown in Figures 4 and 5, or by pushing with the thumb (for example, when the VIPR 10 is placed at approximately waist height or below) as shown in Figures 6 and 7. The T-shape of the operable end of the lever 14 allows the lever to be made shorter and more compact. The T-shaped grip allows the user to apply the necessary force to easily move the lever by pushing with the thumb, for example, with two fingers, or by having enough space / surface to place the thumb. In other words, the T-shape ergonomics provide a better grip and allow force to be applied to the lever 14 more easily. The shortened lever 14 is generally smaller than conventional VIPRs, requires less material to manufacture, and is less susceptible to damage from external impacts or bending / breakage. Figures 8 and 9 show the operation of the handle 24 through an opening on the side of the guard 30 on the large gas cylinder 12. Figures 10 and 11 show the operation of the handle 24 through an opening in the top surface of the guard 32 on the smaller cylinder 12. The T-shape of the lever 14 is clearly visible in Figure 11, along the rear filling port 34 of the VIPR body for filling the cylinder 12.

[0020] Figures 12 and 13 illustrate the effectiveness of the lever 14 design against cylinder 12 tipping. When cylinder 12 tips towards the lever, it can initiate the upward movement of the lever 14 to close the shut-off valve in the VIPR 10. The lever 14 protrudes beyond a side opening in the guard, and the lever can strike the surface when cylinder 12 tips over, which pushes the lever upward to close the shut-off valve in the VIPR 10 and reduces the risk of breaking the lever. Conventional VIPRs typically have an operating lever with a pivot point facing the top of the VIPR, and the shut-off valve is opened by lifting the lever. This positions the high-pressure components within the VIPR toward the top of the VIPR body, making the components susceptible to impact due to their distance from the top of the cylinder. Conventional VIPRs often have an operating lever designed to break when the cylinder tips over in order to minimize the force transmitted to the cylinder or valve. Rather than destroying or requiring a default weak area to induce damage, the lever 14 discussed herein hinges toward the bottom of the VIPR body (near the top of the cylinder 12), allowing it to invert in the event that the cylinder tips over. Such a configuration automatically stops the flow of gas from the cylinder when tipped over, providing better protection for the high-pressure components within the VIPR from impact (the lower part of the VIPR near the cylinder is stronger / harder and therefore less likely to be damaged). Figure 14 illustrates the lever in an intermediate valve-open position and the downward movement of the lever 14 to close the shut-off valve within the VIPR 10. Figure 14 also illustrates the lever 14 in a lower, second valve-closed position for comparison with the upper, first valve-closed position shown in other figures.

[0021] Figure 15 provides a front view of the VIPR 10 without a cylinder, and Figure 16 provides a side view of the VIPR without a cylinder. The VIPR 10 may include an inlet coupling 33 for attaching the VIPR to a gas cylinder. The inlet coupling 33 may be a screw coupling or may include other suitable mounting structures. A setting indicator 35 (e.g., a flow rate or pressure scale indicator) for the handle 24 is shown in both Figures 15 and 16. The setting indicator 35 extends outward from the VIPR body 16, passes around the periphery of the handle 24, and bends upward. The setting indicator 35 may be oriented to point along the same axis as the handle axis of operation, or along another axis (e.g., a perpendicular) as needed.

[0022] Figure 17 shows some details of the shut-off valve 36 within the VIPR 10 and how the shut-off valve 36 is operated by the lever 14. Specifically, Figure 17 shows the mechanism for driving the shut-off valve 36. The shut-off valve 36 includes a ball 38 that acts as a tappet or cam follower. The ball tappet 38 drives the shut-off valve via the valve stem. The ball tappet 38 pushes the valve stem to open the valve as the ball moves linearly within the VIPR body. The ball tappet 38 is biased toward the lever 14 by a spring 39. By rotating the lever 14 to a roughly horizontal open position, the ball tappet 38 is pushed inward by the cam surface 41 on the lever, which compresses the spring, allowing the ball to move laterally toward the valve stem to open the valve. The end of the valve stem protrudes axially toward the ball tappet 38 within the spring 39. The lever 14 includes a slot 40 and a cam surface 41, the cam surface 41 interacting with the ball tappet 38 when the lever is rotated to move the ball tappet linearly and drive the shut-off valve 36. When the lever 14 is in the upper closed position, the slot 40 is aligned with the ball tappet 38, and the ball is spring-biased toward the slot by a biasing spring 39 to close the valve. The ball tappet 38 is moved by the cam surface 41 on the lever 14 directly below the slot 40 when the lever is rotated. When the lever 14 is in the lower closed position, the ball tappet 38 moves away from the valve 36 and its stem and is pushed against the cam surface 41 of the lever by the spring 39, thereby closing the valve. The cam surface 41 on the lever 14 includes a recess or retainer 43 for holding the lever in the valve open position against the biasing force of the ball tappet 38. The ball tappet 38 and biasing spring 39 can be placed inside the plug member 44 on the inside of the VIPR body.

[0023] The ball tappet 38 provides a low-friction load for the operation of the valve 36 (for example, the valve actuation is performed by pseudo-rolling friction instead of pure dynamic friction). The ball tappet 38 has a single outer circumferential point of contact within the cylinder recess in the VIPR in which the ball tappet 38 acts, which minimizes the risk of the ball getting stuck in the recess (for example, getting stuck in the open position, leaving the shut-off valve 36 open). Conventional tappets are often cylindrical pistons with a plane that contacts a cam on a lever. Such a structure can increase the “lateral” load as the force required to open the lever changes during rotation. The contact point moves in proportion to the angle of the lever, constantly changing the lever ratio from large force to small force. The lateral load displaces the cylindrical cam follower, increasing the load on its contact point, and thus the friction increases along with the risk of seizing. Lubrication of the parts is essential to avoid such events. By using ball tappets 38 rather than cylindrical pistons, the user's force is more uniform along the entire rotation of the lever due to a better distribution of contact with the cam surface 41, reducing friction load and the risk of stalling, and eliminating the need for lubrication. In certain embodiments, the balls 38 have an industry standard size to minimize their cost. Furthermore, using ball tappets 38 makes the assembly of the VIPR easier because the balls require minimal intentional orientation to properly position themselves in the cylindrical recesses within the VIPR.

[0024] Figure 18 shows a shut-off system for VIPR, including the lever 14 and the shut-off valve 36, as well as components of the residual pressure valve (RPV) (also called the residual pressure device RPD) immediately upstream of the shut-off valve. The shut-off valve 36 includes a valve stem 46 attached to a movable valve member 48 or shutter. The movable valve member 48 moves within the valve seat 50 to open and close, and to allow / stop fluid flow to a downstream pressure or flow regulator. The movable valve member 48 is biased against the valve seat 50 by a valve spring 52. When the lever 14 is rotated, the ball tappet 38 opens the shut-off valve 36 by pushing the valve stem 46 (and indirectly the movable valve member 48).

[0025] The RPV includes a biasing spring or RPV spring 54 and an O-ring 56 that acts as a valve member or shutter. The RPV may also include a ring 58 or washer placed between the RPV spring 54 and the O-ring 56. The RPV spring 54 biases the O-ring against the valve seat 50. A cylindrical filter 60 (e.g., a bronze filter) is placed radially between the RPV and the shut-off valve 36. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the filter 60 surrounds the valve spring 52 and is itself surrounded by the RPV. The RPV is configured to supply fluid from the cylinder through the filter 60 to the shut-off valve 36 while maintaining positive fluid pressure in the cylinder. The RPV is normally open to allow fluid (e.g., gas) to flow from the cylinder through the filter 60 into the valve seat 50, as long as there is adequate pressure in the cylinder. The fluid flow 61 from the cylinder to the RPV is schematically shown in Figure 18. The RPV is located upstream of the shut-off valve, coaxially with the shut-off valve 36 and its components. This integration reduces the number of components required to maintain residual pressure, the complexity of the remaining components, and the machining required for the VIPR body 16, thus reducing the size of the VIPR and its manufacturing cost. The upstream position of the RPV allows for accurate on / off valve leak testing during manufacturing and at user facilities (gas filling operations at the final user site), eliminating the possibility of false negatives. Within the VIPR body 16, the shut-off valve 36 and the RPV are oriented laterally or perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 26 of the cylinder 12 (Figure 2).

[0026] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of the VIPR 10. In Figure 19, the shut-off system, including the lever and shut-off valve 36 and the adjacent RPV, is shown together with downstream axially offset (e.g., tilted) pressure or flow control valves such as the pressure regulator 42. Figure 20 shows the pressure regulator 42 in more detail. It can be seen that the pressure regulator 42 is a diaphragm-type regulator controlled by part of the handle 24. The pressure regulator 42 includes sensing elements such as a regulator spring 62 and a diaphragm 64, and a valve assembly 66 actuated by the diaphragm. Specifically, the operation of the valve assembly 66 is controlled by the pressure setpoint of the regulator, as established by the spring 62 and the diaphragm 64, and the valve assembly 66 is attached to the diaphragm 64 and can be moved by the diaphragm 64. The spring 62 is a biasing member that applies a biasing force to the diaphragm 64, which tends to open the valve 66 when the regulated outlet pressure is lower than the pressure setpoint. The pressure setting point can be adjusted by rotating a regulator screw 68 via a handle 24, which adjusts the spring load on the diaphragm 64. The pressure regulator 42 may include a cover or bonnet 70 containing the regulator spring 62. The regulator screw 68 extends through the bonnet 70, and the regulator screw can be a single-turn screw. The operation of diaphragm pressure regulators is well known and does not need to be discussed in detail herein. In further embodiments, the pressure regulator 42 can be a piston-type regulator.

[0027] The pressure or flow control valve (e.g., pressure regulator 42) within the VIPR is positioned along the VIPR body 16, higher than the shut-off valve 36, RPV, ball tappet, and lever hinge pin 18 (see Figure 19). This configuration places the high-pressure components closer to the gas cylinder within the VIPR 10 toward the bottom surface of the body 16, which provides better protection for the high-pressure components from impact (the lower part of the VIPR closer to the cylinder is stronger / more rigid and therefore less prone to damage).

[0028] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the VIPR showing the filling port 34 in detail. The filling port 34 may include a valve member or shutter 72 that is biased to close by a spring 74. The filling port 34 may also include a filter 76, such as a bronze filter.

[0029] This disclosure is illustrative and will be evident from the fact that various modifications may be made by adding, modifying, or removing details without departing from the fair scope of the teachings contained herein. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to any particular details of this disclosure unless the following claims necessarily limit it in that way. [Explanation of symbols]

[0030] 10 VIPR 12 Gas Cylinders 12a Cylinder 12b Cylinder 14 Lever 16 VIPR body 18 Lever hinge pin 20 Content display 22 Quick Connect Fitting 24 handles 26 Longitudinal axis 28 Operating shaft 30 protective guards 32 Guard 33 Inlet connection part 34 Filling Ports 35 Setting display 36 Shut-off valve 38 Ball Tappet 39. Biasing spring 40 slots 41 Cam surface 42 Pressure Regulator 43 Reversal stop 44 Plug component 46 Valve stems 48 Movable valve member 50 valve seats 52 Valve spring 54 RPV springs 56 O-rings 60 Cylindrical Filters 61 Fluid flow 62 Adjuster spring 64 diaphragm 66 Valve Assembly 68 Adjuster Screw 70 Bonnet 72 shutters 74 Springs 76 filters

Claims

1. A shut-off valve having a ball tappet, wherein the ball tappet drives the shut-off valve, a shut-off valve, and A lever having a cam surface, wherein the cam surface interacts with the ball tappet when the lever is rotated to linearly move the ball tappet and drive the shut-off valve, and the lever is rotatable from the first valve closed position through the valve open position to the second valve closed position such that the valve open position of the lever is intermediate the first valve closed position and the second valve closed position, a lever, and A pressure or flow rate regulating valve downstream of the shut-off valve, and A handle operably connected to the pressure or flow rate regulating valve to adjust the setting of the pressure or flow rate regulating valve, the handle having an operating axis offset at an acute angle from the longitudinal axis of the fluid cylinder, a handle, including an adjustment valve device for a fluid cylinder.

2. The ball tappet is spring-biased toward the lever, and the cam surface includes a detent for holding the lever in the valve open position, the adjustment valve device for a fluid cylinder according to claim 1.

3. An end of the lever is T-shaped, the adjustment valve device for a fluid cylinder according to claim 1.

4. The shut-off valve further includes a residual pressure valve upstream thereof, the residual pressure valve being configured to supply fluid from the fluid cylinder to the shut-off valve while maintaining a positive pressure within the fluid cylinder, the adjustment valve device for a fluid cylinder according to claim 1.

5. The residual pressure valve is coaxial with the shut-off valve, the adjustment valve device for a fluid cylinder according to claim 4.

6. The shut-off valve and the residual pressure valve are laterally oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fluid cylinder, the adjustment valve device for a fluid cylinder according to claim 4.

7. Further including a lever hinge pin, the pressure or flow rate regulating valve being placed above the lever hinge pin and the shut-off valve on the adjustment valve device, the adjustment valve device for a fluid cylinder according to claim 1.

8. The acute angle is 30 degrees or less, the adjustment valve device for a fluid cylinder according to claim 1.

9. A body, and A shut-off valve having a ball tappet placed within the body, wherein the ball tappet drives the shut-off valve, a shut-off valve, and A residual pressure valve placed within the body and configured to supply fluid from the fluid cylinder to the shut-off valve, A lever extending from the body and having a cam surface, the cam surface interacting with the ball tappet when the lever is rotated to linearly move the ball tappet within the body, the lever being rotatable from the first valve closed position through the valve open position to the second valve closed position such that the valve open position of the lever is intermediate the first valve closed position and the second valve closed position. A pressure or flow rate regulating valve downstream of the shut-off valve, the regulating valve device for a fluid cylinder including the shut-off valve, the ball tappet, and a pressure or flow rate regulating valve disposed higher along the body than each of the shut-off valve, the ball tappet, and the residual pressure valve.

10. The ball tappet is spring-biased toward the lever, and the cam surface includes a detent for holding the lever in the valve open position, the regulating valve device for a fluid cylinder according to claim 9.

11. The end of the lever is T-shaped, the regulating valve device for a fluid cylinder according to claim 9.

12. The residual pressure valve is coaxial with the shut-off valve, the regulating valve device for a fluid cylinder according to claim 9.

13. The shut-off valve and the residual pressure valve are laterally oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fluid cylinder, the regulating valve device for a fluid cylinder according to claim 9.

14. Further including a lever hinge pin, the pressure or flow rate regulating valve being disposed higher along the body than the lever hinge pin, the regulating valve device for a fluid cylinder according to claim 9.

15. Further including a handle operatively connected to the pressure or flow rate regulating valve to adjust the setting of the pressure or flow rate regulating valve, the handle having an operating axis angled acutely from the longitudinal axis of the fluid cylinder, the regulating valve device for a fluid cylinder according to claim 9.

16. A body, A shut-off valve having a ball tappet disposed within the body, the ball tappet driving the shut-off valve, the shut-off valve, A residual pressure valve disposed within the body and coaxial with the shut-off valve, A lever extending from the body and having a cam surface, the cam surface interacting with the ball tappet when the lever is rotated to linearly move the ball tappet within the body, the lever being rotatable downward from the first valve closed position through the valve open position to the second valve closed position such that the valve open position of the lever is intermediate between the first valve closed position and the second valve closed position. A pressure or flow rate regulating valve downstream of the shut-off valve, the pressure or flow rate regulating valve being positioned along the body higher than each of the shut-off valve, the ball tappet, and the residual pressure valve. A handle operably connected to the pressure or flow rate regulating valve to adjust the setting of the pressure or flow rate regulating valve, the handle having an operating axis offset at an acute angle from the longitudinal axis of the fluid cylinder. The shut-off valve and the residual pressure valve are adjustment valve devices for a fluid cylinder that are laterally oriented with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fluid cylinder.

17. The adjustment valve device for a fluid cylinder according to claim 16, wherein the ball tappet is spring-biased toward the lever, and the cam surface includes a detent for holding the lever in the valve open position.

18. The adjustment valve device for a fluid cylinder according to claim 16, wherein an end of the lever is T-shaped.

19. The adjustment valve device for a fluid cylinder according to claim 16, further including a lever hinge pin, and the pressure or flow rate regulating valve is positioned along the body higher than the lever hinge pin.

20. The adjustment valve device for a fluid cylinder according to claim 16, wherein the acute angle is 30 degrees or less.

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