US 12,467,550 B1
Devices, systems, and methods for relieving and regulating pressure during the performance of a fluid service on a machine
John K. Apostolides, Wexford, PA (US); and William E. Ryckman, Coal Center, PA (US)
Assigned to RPM INDUSTRIES, LLC, Washington, PA (US)
Appl. No. 18/872,412
Filed by RPM INDUSTRIES, LLC, Washington, PA (US)
PCT Filed May 8, 2024, PCT No. PCT/US2024/028354
§ 371(c)(1), (2) Date Dec. 6, 2024,
.
Int. Cl. F16K 17/06 (2006.01); F16K 15/06 (2006.01)
CPC F16K 17/06 (2013.01) [F16K 15/063 (2013.01); F16K 2200/304 (2021.08)] 18 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A valve assembly configured to perform a fluid service on a machine, the valve assembly comprising:
an inlet/outlet port fluidically coupling a fluid component to an internal cavity defined by the valve assembly;
a filter port configured to fluidically couple the internal cavity to a filter of the machine; and
a pressure regulating system comprising:
a plunger head configured to transition between an open position and a closed position;
a plunger head seat, wherein the plunger head and the plunger head seat are collectively configured to define an aperture between the internal cavity and the filter port in the open position, and wherein the plunger head and the plunger head seat are collectively configured to establish a fluidic seal between the internal cavity and the filter port in the closed position; and
a spring comprising a spring constant configured to bias the plunger head in the open position, wherein the spring constant is configured to be overcome in response to a predetermined pressure within the machine, thereby transitioning the plunger head from the open position to the closed position, wherein the plunger head is mechanically coupled to a plunger base, and wherein the spring is mounted to a spring base and positioned between the spring base and the plunger base; and
a set screw, wherein the set screw is configured to rotate, wherein rotating the set screw is configured to alter the spring constant of the spring, wherein the altered spring constant is configured to be overcome in response to a second predetermined pressure within the machine, wherein the altered spring constant is less than the spring constant, and wherein the second predetermined pressure is lower than the predetermined pressure.