WO2010091851A2

WO2010091851A2 - Variable flow poppet valve

Info

Publication number: WO2010091851A2
Application number: PCT/EP2010/000830
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ulrich Teschke
Original assignee: Norgren GmbH
Current assignee: Norgren GmbH
Priority date: 2009-02-10
Filing date: 2010-02-10
Publication date: 2010-08-19
Anticipated expiration: 2011-08-10
Also published as: EP2396577A2; WO2010091851A3; BRPI1008098A2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a poppet valve (105) and a method of regulating fluid flow. A valve body (110) defines a bore (115) and is provided with a valve seat (120). A valve member (125) is provided with a valve stem (130) and a plug (140). A fluid pathway (200) defined between the valve body (110) and the valve member (125). The valve stem (130) can include a first valve stem portion (131) provided with a first diameter (133) and a second valve stem portion (132) provided with a second diameter (134). The fluid pathway (200) comprises a reduced flow orifice (180) defined between the first valve stem portion (131) and the valve body (110) and an enlarged flow orifice (181) defined between the second valve stem portion (132) and the valve body (110).

Description

VARIABLE FLOW POPPET VALVE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to poppet valves, and more particularly, to variable flow poppet valves.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Poppet valves are flow control devices that are used in a variety of settings. For example, poppet valves may be used for position control. Poppet valves have many other uses in a variety of flow control situations, as well.

FIGS. 1 & 2 show a prior art poppet valve 5, poppet valves 5 are typically provided with a valve body 10 that defines a bore 15 and a valve seat 20. Received within the bore 15 is a valve stem 30 that guides a plug 40. As shown, in FIG. 1, when the shaft 30 slides axially within the bore 15 in a opening direction 50, for example, and not limitation, at the urging of a solenoid, a motor, or fluid power, the plug 40 is unseated from the valve seat 20 and the poppet valve 5 is open. As shown in FIG. 2, when the shaft 30 slides axially within the bore 15 in a closing direction 51, the plug 40 is seated on the valve seat 20 and the poppet valve 5 is closed. In the embodiments depicted, a biasing member, such as, for example, a spring, may be used to urge the plug 40 into a seated position, whereby the valve 5 is normally closed absent urging by the valve stem 30 in the open direction 50. Alternatively, a biasing member may be used to urge the plug 40 into an unseated position, whereby the valve 5 is normally open absent urging by the shaft 30 in the closed direction 51. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other means may be used to maintain the valve in a normally open or closed position. For example, and not limitation, a solenoid, a motor, or fluid power may be used to maintain said positions.

Traditional poppet valves are not suitable for use in situations where variable flow is desired. A traditional poppet valve, such as the poppet valve 5, has two positions, i.e. an open position, as shown in FIG. 1, and a closed position, as shown in FIG. 2. When the valve is in the open position, the fluid flow rate generally cannot be adjusted. The present invention is directed to a poppet valve that provides variable flow control while the poppet valve is in the open position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The scope of the present invention is defined solely by the appended claims, and is not affected to any degree by the statements within this summary.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a poppet valve includes a valve body and a valve member. The valve body defines a bore and is provided with a valve seat. The valve member is provided with a valve stem and a plug. A fluid pathway is defined between the valve body and the valve member. The valve stem includes a first valve stem portion provided with a first cross sectional area and at least a second valve stem portion provided with a second cross sectional area. The fluid pathway comprises a reduced flow orifice that is defined between the first valve stem portion and the valve body. The fluid pathway also comprises an enlarged flow orifice that is defined between the second valve stem portion and the valve body.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a poppet valve includes a valve body and a valve member. The valve body defines a bore and is provided with a valve seat. The valve body includes a first bore section provided with a first cross sectional area. The valve body also includes at least a second bore section provided with a second cross sectional area. The valve member is provided with a valve stem and a plug. A fluid pathway is defined between the valve body and the valve member. The fluid pathway comprises a reduced flow orifice that is defined between the valve member and the first bore section. The flow pathway also comprises an enlarged flow orifice that is defined between the valve member and the second bore section.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for regulating fluid flow in a poppet valve is provided. The poppet valve includes a valve body defining a bore and a valve seat. The poppet valve also includes a valve member provided with a valve stem and a plug. The valve stem includes a first valve stem portion provided with a first cross sectional area and at least a second valve stem portion provided with a second cross sectional area. The method comprises the steps of actuating the valve member to a first position to provide a fluid pathway with a reduced flow orifice defined between the valve body and the first valve stem portion. The method further comprises actuating the valve member to a second position to provide a fluid pathway with an enlarged flow orifice defined between the valve body and the second valve stem portion. According to another embodiment of the invention, a method for regulating fluid flow in a poppet valve is provided. The poppet valve includes a valve member provided with a valve stem and a plug. The poppet valve also includes a valve body defining a bore and a valve seat. The valve body includes a first bore section provided with a first cross sectional area. The valve body also includes at least second bore section provided with a second cross sectional area. The method comprises the steps of actuating the valve member to a first position to provide a fluid pathway with a reduced flow orifice defined between the first bore section and the valve member. The method also comprises the step of actuating the valve member to a second position to provide a fluid pathway with an enlarged flow orifice defined between the second bore section and the valve member.

ASPECTS

According to one aspect of the present invention, a poppet valve comprises: a valve body defining a bore and provided with a valve seat; a valve member provided with a valve stem and a plug; a fluid pathway defined between the valve body and the valve member; the valve stem including a first valve stem portion provided with a first cross sectional area and at least a second valve stem portion provided with a second cross sectional area, and wherein the fluid pathway comprises a reduced flow orifice defined between the first valve stem portion and the valve body and an enlarged flow orifice defined between the second valve stem portion and the valve body.

Preferably, the first valve stem portion is positioned closer to the plug than the at least second valve stem portion.

Preferably, the first valve stem portion includes an elastic member that extends around a portion of the valve stem and cooperates with a groove formed in the bore to provide the reduced flow orifice. Preferably, the poppet valve further comprises a biasing member that biases the valve member towards an opened or a closed position.

Preferably, the valve stem and the plug are separate components. Preferably, the reduced flow orifice is a bottleneck on the fluid pathway. Preferably, the enlarged flow orifice is a bottleneck on the fluid pathway.

Preferably, the valve body includes: a first bore section provided with a first cross sectional area; and at least a second bore section provided with a second cross sectional area; and wherein the reduced flow orifice is defined between the first valve stem portion and the first bore section and the enlarged flow orifice is defined between the second valve stem portion and the second bore section. According to another aspect of the present invention, a poppet valve comprises: a valve body defining a bore and provided with a valve seat, wherein the valve body includes: a first bore section provided with a first cross sectional area; and at least a second bore section provided with a second cross sectional area; a valve member provided with a valve stem and a plug; and a fluid pathway defined between the valve body and the valve member, wherein the fluid pathway comprises a reduced flow orifice defined between the valve member and the first bore section and an enlarged flow orifice defined between the valve member and the second bore section. Preferably, the poppet valve further comprises a biasing member that biases the valve member towards an opened or a closed position.

Preferably, the valve stem includes: a first valve stem portion provided with a first cross sectional area; and at least a second valve stem portion provided with a second cross sectional area, wherein the reduced flow orifice is defined between the first valve stem portion and the first bore section and the enlarged flow orifice is defined between the second valve stem portion and the second bore section. According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for regulating fluid flow in a poppet valve including a valve body defining a bore and a valve seat and a valve member provided with a valve stem and a plug, wherein the valve stem includes a first valve stem portion provided with a first cross sectional area and at least a second valve stem portion provided with a second cross sectional area, the method comprises the steps of: actuating the valve member to a first position to provide a fluid pathway with a reduced flow orifice defined between the valve body and the first valve stem portion; and actuating the valve member to a second position to provide a fluid pathway with an enlarged flow orifice defined between the valve body and the second valve stem portion. Preferably, the first valve stem portion is positioned closer to the plug than the at least second valve stem portion.

Preferably, the first valve stem portion includes an elastic member that extends around a portion of the valve stem and cooperates with a groove formed in the bore to provide the reduced flow orifice. Preferably the method further comprises the step of biasing the valve member towards a third position with a biasing member.

Preferably, the body includes a first bore section provided with a first cross sectional area and at least a second bore section provided with a second cross sectional area, wherein the reduced flow orifice is defined between the first valve stem portion and the first bore section and the enlarged flow orifice is defined between the second valve stem portion and the second bore section.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method for regulating fluid flow in a poppet valve including a valve member provided with a valve stem and a plug and a valve body defining a bore and a valve seat, wherein the valve body includes a first bore section provided with a first cross sectional area and at least a second bore section provided with a second cross sectional area, the method comprises the steps of: actuating the valve member to a first position to provide a fluid pathway with a reduced flow orifice defined between the first bore section and the valve member; and actuating the valve member to a second position to provide a fluid pathway with an enlarged flow orifice defined between the second bore section and the valve member. Preferably, the method further comprises the step of biasing the valve member towards a third position with a biasing member. Preferably, the valve stem includes: a first valve stem portion provided with a first cross sectional area; and at least a second valve stem portion provided with a second cross sectional area,

Wherein the reduced flow orifice is defined between the first bore section and the first valve stem portion and the enlarged flow orifice is defined between the second bore section and the second valve stem portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 depicts a sectional view of a prior art poppet valve. Figure 2 depicts a sectional view of a prior art poppet valve. Figure 3 depicts a sectional view of a poppet valve according to an embodiment. Figure 4A depicts a sectional view of a poppet valve according to an embodiment.

Figure 4B depicts an exploded sectional view of the flow path of the poppet valve according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5 depicts a sectional view of a poppet valve according to an embodiment. Figure 6 depicts a sectional view of a poppet valve according to another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7 depicts a sectional view of a poppet valve according to another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 8 depicts a sectional view of a poppet valve according to another embodiment of the invention. Figure 9 depicts a sectional view of a poppet valve according to another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 3-9 depict a poppet valve 105 according to various embodiments. As shown therein, the poppet valve 105 is provided with a valve body 110 and a valve member 125. According to an embodiment of the invention, the valve member 125 comprises a valve stem 130 and a plug 140. According to one aspect of the present embodiment, the valve body 110 is configured to receive the valve member 125. According to another aspect of the present embodiment, the valve body 110 is configured so that the valve member 125 may slide within the valve body 110. According to yet another aspect of the present embodiment, the valve body 110 is configured to cooperate with the valve member 125 to close a flow pathway 200 defined between the valve body 110 and the valve member 125. According to yet another aspect of the present embodiment, the valve body 110 is configured to cooperate with the valve member 125 to open a flow pathway 200 defined between the valve body 110 and the valve member 125. According to an embodiment of the invention, the valve body 110 may include a plurality of fluid ports 160, 161. Although only two fluid ports are shown, it should be appreciated that the body 110 may comprise any number of fluid ports. At least one of the fluid ports 160, 161 can be provided to communicate a pressurized fluid to the valve 105, for example. The other fluid port may be provided to deliver the pressurized fluid to a work piece or other external component, for example. As shown, the valve body 110 defines a bore 115. In the embodiment depicted, the bore 115 is shown receiving the valve stem 130 of the valve member 125. The valve stem 130 is slidably disposed within the bore 115. The bore 115 may include one or more sealing members 163. The one or more sealing members 163 may seal against the valve stem 130 to prevent fluid from escaping from the valve 105.

In the embodiment depicted, the bore 115 comprises a cross section 116. As shown, the cross section 116 is greater than a first cross sectional area 133 of the valve stem 130 and a second cross sectional area 134 of the valve stem 130. Although the description below describes the various cross sections of the bore 115 and the valve stem 130 as diameters, it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to diameters, but rather the bore 115 and valve stem 130 may comprise any cross sectional shapes. The valve stem 130 and bore 115 are spaced from each other such that a flow pathway 200 is defined, at least in part, between the bore 115 and the valve member, and more particularly, the valve stem 130. Also shown in FIGS. 3-5, the valve body 110 is provided with a valve seat 120.

According to one aspect of the present embodiment, the valve seat 120 is configured so that when the plug 140 engages the valve seat 120, the poppet valve 105 is in a closed position and the valve seat 120 and plug 140 cooperate to block flow along the fluid pathway 200. According to another aspect of the present embodiment, the valve seat 120 is configured so that when the plug 140 disengages from the valve seat 120, the poppet valve 105 is in an open position and the valve seat 120 and plug 140 cooperate to allow flow along the fluid pathway 200. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that when the poppet valve 105 is in an open position, a fluid, for example, a liquid or a gas may flow via pathway 200. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that when the poppet valve 105 is in a closed position, a fluid, for example, a liquid or a gas, is substantially prevented from flowing along pathway 200. FIGS. 3-5 depict the valve member 125 according to one embodiment.

According to one aspect of the present embodiment, the valve member 125 is configured to fit within the valve body 110. According to another aspect of the present embodiment, the valve member 125 is configured to slide within the valve body 110. According to yet another aspect of the present embodiment, the valve member 125 is configured to cooperate with the valve body 110 to block or close the flow pathway 200 defined by the valve body 110 and the valve member 125. According to yet another aspect of the present embodiment, the valve member 125 is configured to cooperate with the valve body 110 to open the flow pathway 200.

In the present embodiment, the valve member 125 is provided with the valve stem 130 that is slidably disposed within the bore 115 of the valve body 110. Also shown, the valve member 125 includes a plug 140 that is acted upon by the valve stem 130. Although the present embodiment depicts a two piece valve member 125 provided with a valve stem 130 and a plug 140 that are separate components, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that it is within the scope of the present invention to fabricate the valve member 125 as a unitary piece or from any multitude of pieces.

As shown, in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 5, the valve stem 130 may be actuated to a first position and at least a second position so that the plug 140 disengages from the valve seat 120 and fluid flow occurs along pathway 200. The pathway 200 is especially visible in FIG. 4B. As shown in FIG. 3, the valve stem 130 may slide in a closed direction to a third valve member position so that the plug 140 engages the valve seat 120 and fluid flow along pathway 200 is blocked. As shown, the poppet valve 105 may include a biasing member 145 that biases the valve member 125 in the closed (third) position. In alternative embodiments, the poppet valve 105 may include a biasing member (not shown) that biases the valve member 125 in the open position. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other means may be used to maintain the valve in a normally open or closed position. For example, and not limitation, a solenoid, a motor, or fluid power may be used to maintain said positions.

According to one aspect of the present embodiment, the valve member 125 is configured to vary the amount of fluid that flows along the flow pathway 200. According to another aspect of the present embodiment, the valve member 125 is configured so that the flow increases as a distance between the plug 140 and the valve seat 120 increases. According to yet another aspect of the present embodiment, the valve member 125 is configured so that the flow decreases as a distance between the plug 140 and the valve seat 120 decreases. According to still another aspect of the present embodiment, the flow increases as the distance at which the valve stem 130 travels in the open direction 150 increases. According to still yet another aspect of the present embodiment, the flow decreases as the distance at which the valve stem 130 travels in the closed direction 151 increases.

As shown in FIGS. 3-5, the valve stem 130 is provided with a plurality of diameters located on a plurality of valve stem portions. In the present embodiment, the plurality of valve stem portions provide means for regulating fluid flow to varying degrees. In the present embodiment, the valve stem 130 is provided with differing diameters located on a respective first valve stem portion 131 and a second valve stem portion 132. As shown in FIGS. 3-5, a first valve stem portion 131 is provided with the first diameter 133 and a second valve stem portion 132 is provided with the second diameter 134. Also shown, the first diameter 133 is greater than the second diameter 134. In the present embodiment, the first valve stem portion 131 is positioned closer to the plug 140 than the second valve stem portion 132. Although the embodiment shows the first diameter 133 larger than the second diameter 134, in other embodiments, the first diameter 133 may comprise a smaller diameter than the second diameter 134. The different diameters 133, 134 along with the bore 115 can define the fluid pathway 200. Further shown in FIGS. 3-5 is a transitional portion 135. The diameter of the valve stem 130 reduces from the first diameter 133 to the second diameter 134 through the transitional portion 135. Therefore, it can easily be appreciated that the flow pathway 200 will also vary when the flow pathway 200 is defined by the bore 115 and the transitional portion 135.

Advantageously, the differing diameters 133, 134 of the first and second valve stem portions 131, 132 vary the amount of fluid that flows along flow pathway 200. As shown in FIG. 4B, a reduced flow orifice 180 is defined between the first valve stem portion 131 and the bore 115 of the valve body 110 and an enlarged flow orifice 181 is defined between the second valve stem portion 132 and the bore 115 (See FIG. 5). As shown, the dimension of the enlarged flow orifice 181 is greater than the dimension of the reduced flow orifice 180. As shown in FIGS. 4A & B, initial actuation of the valve stem 130 to the first valve member position disengages or unseats the plug 140 from the valve seat 120 and opens the fluid pathway 200. As this occurs, the first valve stem portion 131 is initially maintained within the bore 115. In this position, the first valve stem portion 131 cooperates with the bore 115 to define the reduced flow orifice 180. The dimension of the reduced flow orifice 180 is less than the dimension of the enlarged flow orifice 181. According to an embodiment of the invention, the reduced flow orifice 180 functions as a bottleneck that restricts fluid flow when the valve stem 130 is in this position. Accordingly, in this position, the first valve stem portion 131 regulates the flow rate.

As shown in FIG. 5, continued actuation of the valve stem 130 eventually positions the first valve stem portion 131 outside of the bore 115, whereby the valve member 125 reaches a second position. As this occurs, the second valve stem portion 132, still being located within the bore 115, cooperates with the bore 115 to define the enlarged flow orifice 181. According to an embodiment of the invention, the dimension of the enlarged flow orifice 181 is greater than the dimension of the reduced flow orifice 180. The enlarged flow orifice 181 functions as a bottleneck that restricts fluid flow when the valve stem 130 is in this position. Accordingly, in this position, the second valve stem portion 132 regulates the flow rate. Since the dimension of the enlarged flow orifice 181 is greater than the dimension of the reduced flow orifice 180, the flow rate increases when the second valve portion 130, regulate flow, relative to when the first valve portion 131 regulates flow.

The embodiments depicted in FIGS. 3-5 show one embodiment of the invention, and more specifically, one embodiment for creating a reduced flow orifice 180 and an enlarged flow orifice 181. However, there are numerous other embodiments that can create the two flow orifices 180, 181. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that if the valve member 125 is provided with additional diameters, then additional sized flow orifices will also be created when the valve member 125 is actuated to various additional positions. Below is described a few examples of additional embodiments of the invention. It should be appreciated however, that the present invention is not limited to the specific examples shown, but rather, those skilled in the art will appreciate alternative designs that fall within the scope of the invention.

FIG. 6 shows the valve 105 according to another embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the first and second valve stem portions 131, 132 comprise separate components. The first valve stem portion 131 actually comprises a portion of the plug 140. The plug 140 also comprises a transitional section 670 that is inclined. The transitional section 670 reduces the valve stem diameter from the first diameter 133 to the second diameter 134. FIG. 6 shows the valve 105 actuated to a first position. In the first position, the reduced flow orifice 180 is defined by the bore 115 and the first valve stem portion 131. Upon further actuation to a second position, the enlarged flow orifice 181 is defined by the bore 115 and the second valve stem portion 131. Upon de-actuating the valve, the biasing member 145 biases the valve member 125 to a third, closed position where the flow pathway 200 is closed. FIG. 7 shows the valve 105 according to another embodiment of the invention.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, both the first and second diameters 133, 134 are defined by the plug 140 of the valve member 125. Therefore, the first diameter 133 is defined in a first portion 731 of the plug 140 and the second diameter 134 is defined in a second portion 732 of the plug 140. As a result, the reduced flow orifice 180 is defined by the first plug portion 731 and the valve body 110 while the enlarged flow orifice 181 is defined by the second plug portion 732 and the valve body 110. Operation of the valve 105 shown in FIG. 7 is similar to the embodiments described above.

FIG. 8 shows the valve 105 according to yet another embodiment of the invention. The embodiment shown in FIG. 8 differs from the previously described embodiments in that the change in diameter is realized in the valve housing 110, and more specifically, the bore 115 rather than the valve stem 130. The general operating principals of the valve 105 shown in FIG. 8 is similar to the operating principals of the previously described valves. However, as shown, the body 110 includes a first bore section 831 that comprises a first cross sectional area 833. The body 110 also includes a second bore section 832 that comprises a second cross sectional area 834. The first and second cross sectional areas 833, 834 are described below as comprising first and second diameter 833, 834. However, it should be appreciated that the first and second cross sectional area 833, 834 may comprise any desired shape.

As the valve member 125 is actuated, the plug 140 and the first diameter 833 of the first bore section 831 define the fluid pathway 200, and more specifically, the reduced flow orifice 180. However, upon further actuation of the valve member 125 to a second position, the plug 140 clears the first diameter 833 of the first bore section 831 and the fluid pathway 200 is defined by the plug 140 and the second diameter 834 of the second bore section 832, thereby defining the fluid pathway 200 by the enlarged flow orifice 181. As shown, the second diameter 834 of the second bore section 832 is larger than the first diameter 833 of the first bore section 831. Therefore, the fluid pathway 200 defined by the plug 140 and the second diameter 834 is greater than the fluid pathway 200 defined by the plug 140 and the first diameter 833.

FIG. 9 shows the valve 105 according to another embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 9, the first valve stem portion 131 includes a member 155 that extends around a portion of the valve stem 130 and cooperates with the valve stem 130 to provide the first diameter 133. Advantageously, the member 155 may be plastic or elastic material, such as an O-ring, that may also be used to limit vibrations, oscillations, or noise. The member 155 may provide additional advantages such as reducing tolerance problems experienced in small orifices. If the member 155 is formed from an elastic material, such as an O-ring, for example, the member 155 may provide a substantially fluid tight seal against the section of the bore 115 with a diameter 116. For example, when the valve member 125 is closed, the member 155 can provide additional sealing capabilities. Therefore, it should be appreciated that the diameter 133 may be slightly larger than the diameter 116. As a result, the valve housing can include a groove 990. Advantageously, the fluid flow pathway 200 can be defined by the valve member

125 and the groove 990 formed in the bore 115. When the valve member 125 is actuated to a first position, the reduced flow orifice 180 can be defined by the member 155 and the groove 990. However, upon further actuation of the valve member 125 to the second position, the member 155 clears the groove 990 and the enlarged flow orifice 181 can be defined by the second diameter 134 of the valve stem 130 and the groove 990. It should be appreciated that although the member 155 is shown as comprising a separate component, in some embodiments, the member 155 may be formed integral with the valve stem 130.

The valve 105 described above can advantageously provide at least two different flow rates depending upon the position of the valve member 125. Therefore, during use, the flow rate can be adjusted. Furthermore, the valve 105 can limit the initial shock experienced by prior art poppet valves that simply open and close. In prior art valves, especially prior art valves used in high pressure environments, the initial opening of the valve can send a surge of pressure through the system. In contrast, the present invention can initially provide a reduced flow orifice 180 that can start the fluid flow through the valve and then the valve member 125 can be actuated to a second position to provide the enlarged flow orifice 181, which may be the fully open and thus, full pressure position. Although the embodiments discussed above provide a first and a second diameter in either the valve body 110 or the valve member 125, it should be appreciated that in some embodiments, both the valve body 110 and the valve member 125 include first and second portions with first and second diameters.

The present description depicts specific examples to teach those skilled in the art how to make and use the best mode of the invention. For the purpose of teaching inventive principles, some conventional aspects have been simplified or omitted. Those skilled in the art will appreciate variations from these examples that fall within the scope of the invention. The detailed descriptions of the above embodiments are not exhaustive descriptions of all embodiments contemplated by the inventors to be within the scope of the invention. Indeed, persons skilled in the art will recognize that certain elements of the above-described embodiments may variously be combined or eliminated to create further embodiments, and such further embodiments fall within the scope and teachings of the invention. It will also be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the above-described embodiments may be combined in whole or in part to create additional embodiments within the scope and teachings of the invention. For example, although the valve stem 130 of the present embodiment is shown provided with a first diameter 133 and a second diameter 134 that regulate flow to varying degrees, it is within the scope of the present invention to provide more than two diameters for this purpose.

Thus, although specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The teachings provided herein may be applied to other embodiments than those described above and shown in the accompanying figures. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is determined from the following claims.

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A poppet valve (105), comprising: a valve body (110) defining a bore (115) and provided with a valve seat (120); a valve member (125) provided with a valve stem (130) and a plug (140); and a fluid pathway (200) defined between the valve body (110) and the valve member (125); wherein the valve stem (130) includes a first valve stem portion (131) provided with a first cross sectional area (133) and at least a second valve stem portion (132) provided with a second cross sectional area (134), and wherein the fluid pathway (200) comprises a reduced flow orifice (180) defined between the first valve stem portion (131) and the valve body (110) and an enlarged flow orifice (181) defined between the at least second valve stem portion (132) and the valve body (110).

2. The poppet valve ( 105) of claim 1 , wherein the first valve stem portion ( 131 ) is positioned closer to the plug (140) than the at least second valve stem portion (132).

3. The poppet valve (105) of claim 1, wherein the first valve stem portion (131) includes an elastic member (155) that extends around a portion of the valve stem (130) and cooperates with a groove (990) formed in the bore (115) to provide the reduced flow orifice (180).

4. The poppet valve (105) of claim 1, further comprising a biasing member (145) that biases the valve member (125) towards an opened or a closed position.

5. The poppet valve (105) of claim 1, wherein the valve stem (130) and the plug (140) are separate components.

6. The poppet valve (105) of claim 1, wherein the reduced flow orifice (180) is a bottleneck on the fluid pathway.

7. The poppet valve (105) of claim 1, wherein the enlarged flow orifice (181) is a bottleneck on the fluid pathway.

8. The poppet valve (105) of claim 1, wherein the valve body (110) includes: a first bore section (831) provided with a first cross sectional area (833); and a second bore section (832) provided with a second cross sectional area (834), wherein the reduced flow orifice (180) is defined between the first valve stem portion (131) and the first bore section (831) and the enlarged flow orifice (181) is defined between the second valve stem portion (132) and the second bore section (832).

9. A poppet valve (105), comprising: a valve body (110) defining a bore (115) and provided with a valve seat (120), wherein the valve body (110) includes: a first bore section (831) provided with a first cross sectional area (833); and at least a second bore section (832) provided with a second cross sectional area (834); a valve member (125) provided with a valve stem (130) and a plug (140); and a fluid pathway (200) defined between the valve body (110) and the valve member (125), wherein the fluid pathway (200) comprises a reduced flow orifice (180) defined between the valve member (125) and the first bore section (831) and an enlarged flow orifice (181) defined between the valve member (125) and the second bore section (832).

10. The poppet valve (105) of claim 9, further comprising a biasing member (145) that biases the valve member (125) towards an opened or a closed position.

11. The poppet valve (105) of claim 9, wherein the valve stem includes: a first valve stem portion (131) provided with a first cross sectional area (133); and at least a second valve stem portion (132) provided with a second cross sectional area (134), wherein the reduced flow orifice (180) is defined between the first valve stem portion (131) and the first bore section (831) and the enlarged flow orifice (181) is defined between the second valve stem portion (132) and the second bore section (832).

12. A method for regulating fluid flow in a poppet valve including a valve body defining a bore and a valve seat, and a valve member provided with a valve stem and a plug, wherein the valve stem includes a first valve stem portion provided with a first cross sectional area and at least a second valve stem portion provided with a second cross sectional area, the method comprising the steps of: actuating the valve member to a first position to provide a fluid pathway with a reduced flow orifice defined between the valve body and the first valve stem portion; and actuating the valve member to a second position to provide a fluid pathway with an enlarged flow orifice defined between the valve body and the second valve stem portion.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first valve stem portion is positioned closer to the plug than the second valve stem portion.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the first valve stem portion includes an elastic member that extends around a portion of the valve stem and cooperates with a groove formed in the bore to provide the reduced flow orifice.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of biasing the valve member towards a third position with a biasing member.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the body includes: a first bore section provided with a first diameter; and a second bore section provided with a second diameter, wherein the reduced flow orifice is defined between the first valve stem portion and the first bore section and the enlarged flow orifice is defined between the second valve stem portion and the second bore section.

17. A method for regulating fluid flow in a poppet valve including a valve member provided with a valve stem and a plug and a valve body defining a bore and a valve seat, wherein the valve body includes a first bore section provided with a first cross sectional area and at least a second bore section provided with a second cross sectional area, the method comprising the steps of: actuating the valve member to a first position to provide a fluid pathway with a reduced flow orifice defined between the first bore section and the valve member; and actuating the valve member to a second position to provide a fluid pathway with an enlarged flow orifice defined between the second bore section and the valve member.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of biasing the valve member towards a third position with a biasing member.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the valve stem includes: a first valve stem portion provided with a first cross sectional area; and a second valve stem portion provided with a second cross sectional area, wherein the reduced flow orifice is defined between the first bore section and the first valve stem portion and the enlarged flow orifice is defined between the second bore section and the second valve stem portion.