Importance

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Abstract

A two-stage fuel regulator, adapted for operation in any orientation and over a wide temperature range, which includes a pressure limiter, a fuel vaporizer, a low pressure cutoff and an on/off switch. The first stage includes an inlet from a fuel storage tank where the fuel is maintained in a two-phase system of liquid and vapor. The tank inlet opens to one side of a diaphragm having a throughgoing hole surrounded by an annular valve face. A space on the other side of the diaphragm defines an expansion chamber. By adjusting the biasing force with which the valve face abuts a valve seat, the expansion chamber pressure may be maintained to be less, by a predetermined pressure difference (e.g., 1 psi), than the tank pressure, whereby vaporization of all fuel in the expansion chamber is assured. Additionally, whenever the tank pressure drops below the predetermined pressure difference (e.g., when the fuel supply is low or in a cold environment), passage of fuel into the expansion chamber is prohibited. The second chamber contains a second biased diaphragm coupled to an additional valve face and seat to limit the pressure at which gas is supplied for consumption. The additional valve face and seat may be manually controlled through an on/off switch.

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First Claim