Paul A Mercier

US Patent:

6523570, Feb 25, 2003

Filed:

Mar 7, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/800558

Inventors:

Andreas A. Weiss - Nashua NH
David P. Cross - Atkinson NH
William R. Clark - Pepperell MA
Paul D. Mercier - North Walpole NH

Assignee:

Parker-Hannifin Corp. - Cleveland OH

International Classification:

F16K 11044

US Classification:

1376275, 137884

Abstract:

A valve assembly includes a valve with a bobbin/valve body, a solenoid and a plunger. The bobbin/valve body is formed in one piece, and defines all of the valves inlet/outlet ports and forms the entire support structure for the solenoid and the plunger. The valve may be connected to a manifold by press-fitting port nipples of the valve into corresponding channels in the manifold. The manifold is formed of a resilient, elastomeric material, and the port nipples include radial projecting barbs, which enable the valve to be fluidly-connected to the manifold without additional O-ring seals or other mechanical sealing devices. Fittings with barbs can likewise be press-fit in other channels of the manifold to connect the valve assembly with fluid lines or other components in the fluid system. The fittings can also be provided unitary with the manifold, and/or adhesively attached to the manifold and/or to the fluid lines and other components.