US3554220A

US3554220A - High volume, rapid release discharge valve

Info

Publication number: US3554220A
Authority: US
Inventors: Jack W Kice; Herbert D Vanderlip
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1968-08-12
Filing date: 1968-08-12
Publication date: 1971-01-12
Anticipated expiration: 1988-01-12
Also published as: GB1228059A

Abstract

This invention is a rapid release discharge valve operable to open under differential pressure to expose a discharge opening therethrough for the rapid release of high volume, low-pressure fluid therethrough. More particularly, this invention is a discharge valve having a main housing means; a piston assembly mounted within the housing means to open and close a discharge channel therethrough; and a pressure fluid release opening in the housing means on one side of the piston assembly whereby the discharge valve is operable to immediately move from a closed condition to a fully open condition on variation of fluid pressure on opposite sides of the piston assembly.

Description

United States Patent [72] Inventors Jack W. Kice;

Herbert D. Vanderlip, Wichita, Kans.

[2]] Appl. No. 752,079

[22] Filed Aug. 12, 1968 [45 1 Patented Jan. 12, 1971 [73] Assignees Jack W. Kice doing business as K-B Engineering Company. by mesne assignments; Russell W. Kice doing business as K-B Engineering Company. by mesne assignments; James V. Kice, doing business as K-B Engineering Company. by mesne assignments Continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 730,480, May 20, 1968, now Patent No. 3,521,430.

[54] HIGH VOLUME, RAPID RELEASE DISCHARGE VALVE 8 Claims, 4 Drawing Figs.

[52] 11.8. CI 137/4893 [51] lnt.Cl. F16k 31/38 [50] Field ofSearch 137/491, 489.3, 513.5; 251/22, 45, 61, 62, 293, 285, 46, 625.6, 43, 44, 50,31

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,250,388 12/1917 Titus 251/36 1,791,613 7 2/1931 Clay..... 251/31 2,005,266 6/1935 Ray 251/45 2,308,235 l/1943 Fields 251/31 Primary Examiner-M. Cary Nelson Assistant Examiner-R. B. Rothman Attorney-John H. Widdowson ABSTRACT: This invention is a rapid release discharge valve operable to open under differential pressure to expose a A discharge opening therethrough for the rapid release of high volume, low-pressure fluid therethrough. More particularly, this invention is a discharge valve having a main housing means; a piston assembly mounted within the housing means to open and close a discharge channel therethrough; and a pressure fluid release opening in the housing means on one side of the piston assembly whereby the discharge valve is operable to immediately move from a closed condition to a fully open condition on variation of fluid pressure on opposite sides of the piston assembly.

I PATENTEUJANIZIQYI 3554.220.

SHEETlUFZ INVENTOR.

' JACK W. KICE HERBERT D. VANDERLIP ATTORNEY P T NTEQ JAN 1 2:971 3; 554 22 O SHEET 2 DF 2 INVENTOR.

JACK w. KICE BY HERBERT o. VANDERLIP ATTORNEY HIGH VOLUME, RAPID RELEASE DISCHARGE VALVE This application is a continuation-in-part application of Ser. No. 730,480, filed on May 20, 1968, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,521,430.

Various types of valve means are known to the prior art operable to move from the open to closed conditions with the aid of differential fluid pressure. However, these valve structures are generally slow actuating types and not operable to achieve a positive and rapid movement to immediately reveal a fluid discharge channel therethrough. Additionally,the prior 7 art devices operable to achieve an immediate operation to reveal a discharge channel therethrough are of high precision quality and very expensive to manufacture having numerous movable parts subject to wear and maintenance and are therefore neither realistic in cost nor reliable in operation.

in accordance with the present invention, a rapid release discharge valve means'is provided operable to move from the closed to the open condition in a minimum amount of time to fully expose a discharge channel therethrough. The discharge valve means may be usable in numerous types of systems such as an air filtering system to cleanse filtering bags through the use of high volume, low pressure air or may be used to actuate aball pitching mechanism as disclosed in this application on reaching a predetermined air pressure thereby setting forth a controlled delay factor. The rapid release, discharge means includes a main cast housing means provided with a piston assembly therein movable transverselyof a fluid conveyance channel to open and close entrance and exit openings therethrough. The main housing means is provided with an upright cast member having a vertical opening therethrough with the upper end enclosed by a cover plate and the lower end secured to a diaphragm housing structure. The entrance and exit openings are generally rectangular in shape into the vertical opening and the housing means is provided with laterally extended hub sections about the entrance and exit openings adapted to receive inlet and'outlet fluid conduits secured thereto by clamp members. The diaphragm housing means includes a base section secured to the lower end of the main housing means as by welding extended laterally therefrom and having its outerfperiphery secured by bolt members to a diaphragm pan member. Mounted between the interconnected pan member and the base section is a diaphragm member having a central portion thereof secured as by a bolt member to the piston assembly. More specifically, the piston assembly includes a cup-shaped piston member slidably mounted within the vertical opening having a compression spring member biasing the same in one direction to a fully closed position extended transversely of the entrance and exit openingsand resting upon an inwardly extended flange of the main housing means. The piston member is secured to a piston rod as by locknuts having its outer end secured to the central portion of the diaphragm member also by locknuts. The piston. member is provided with an axially extended groove on the outer periphery in cooperating relation to the inlet opening whereby fluid pressure moves through the groove to opposite sides of the piston member. Also the lower end of the piston rod connected to the diaphragm member is provided with an axially extended orifice opening to provide the fluid pressure to both sides of the diaphragm member. The upper end of the main cast housing is provided with an outlet or fluid release opening having a conduit extended therefrom which, in turn, is connected to a control valve means operable to release air pressure from one side of the piston member. In

operation, fluid pressure is supplied through the entrance opening to both sides of the piston member and to both sides of the diaphragm member through the orifice opening. Dn release of the pressure on one side of the piston member through the outlet opening, it is seen that the resultant high pressure on the other side of the piston member plus that on the other side of the diaphragm member operates to rapidly move the piston memberupwardly against the force of the compression spring to the fully opened condition to allow fluid flow from the inlet conduit to the outlet conduit through the rectangular openings. t

In another embodiment of this invention, a rapid release discharge valve means is provide substantially identical to the aforementioned valve means except not having the diaphragm member therein interconnected to the piston member. This valve means is operable under similar-principles upon releasing air pressure conveyed to both sides of a piston member through a precision machined leakage factor about the piston member. The piston member is movable in a rapid, most effcient manner due to the large volume of fluid pressure on one side of the piston member compared to a small volume of fluid on the other side of the piston member which is released through a discharge conduit controlled through a control valve means to periodically release the same when achieving a predetermined fluid pressure.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a new and novel rapid release discharge valve means overcoming the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art devices.

Another object of this invention is to provide a rapid release discharge valve means operable to move'under differential fluid pressure from the closed to the fully opened condition to rapidly reveal fluid flow channels therethrough.

Still, another object of this invention is to provide a discharge valve means operable through axial movement of a piston member connected to a diaphragm member whereupon difi'erential fluid pressure on opposite sides of the diaphragm member operates to rapidly move the piston member from the closed to the fully opened condition in regard to a fluid flow channel therethrough.

One further object of this invention is to provide a rapid release discharge valve means operable to be moved from the closed to the fully open condition on movement of a piston member through differential pressure providing for periodic controlled actuation requiring only fluid pressure for operating same.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a rapid release discharge valve means that is economical to manufacture, dependable in operation, simple in construction and usage, substantially maintenance free, and operable under fluidic pressure so as to be completely safe in explosive type atmospheres.

Various other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following descriptiomtaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rapid release valve means of this invention as interconnected betweenastorage tank to control the supply of fluid pressure to a ball pitch mechanism;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the valve-means of this invention; I

FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of a rapid release valve means of this invention as connected to inlet and outlet conduits; and

FIG. 4 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 3 of another em bodiment of the rapid release discharge valve means of this in: vention.

The following is a discussion and description of preferred specific embodiments of the new rapid release discharge valve means of this invention, such being made with reference to the drawings, whereupon the same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similar parts and/orstructure. It is to be understood that this discussion and description is not to unduly limit the scope of the invention.

Referring to the drawings in detail and in particular to FIG. 1, the rapid release discharge valve of this invention, indicated generally as 12, is shown as secured to a reservoir means 14 through an inlet conduit 16 and connected by an outlet conduit 18 to a ball pitch mechanism 20. More particularly, the reservoir means 14 includes a main cylindrical upright fluid type storage tank 21 having an inlet pipe 22 connected toone side having a control, valve. 24 thereon. The control valve 24 is operable to regulate the volume of air to enter the storage tank 21 in a given time period so as to control operation of the rapid release discharge valve means 12 as will become apparent. The inlet conduit 16 is of a substantial size so as to allow a high volume, low-pressure air flow into the rapid release valve means 12.

The ball pitch mechanism 20 includes a main box housing 27 having a laterally extended actuator arm 28 and an upper control valve means 30 connected as by a control conduit 32 to the rapid release valve means 12. The control valve means 30 includes an adjusting lever 33 and an air pressure indicator gauge 35. The ball pitch mechanism 20 is operable on reaching a predetermined fluid pressure through the control conduit 32 to release the fluid pressure from the rapid release valve means 12 which operates to open same and allows a high volume of low-pressure fluid to flow therethrough into the outlet conduit 18 to actuate the ball pitch mechanism 20. Although the detailed description of the ball pitch mechanism 20 is not contained in this application, it is obvious that the actuator arm 28 is movable from the generally horizontal position of FIG. 1 in a rapid manner to a generally upright position in order throw a ball member 38 mounted on the actuator arm 28 in a cup portion 39. The control valve means 30 can be regulated through the lever 33 in combination with the control valve 24 on the inlet pipe 22 into the storage tank 21 in order to actuate the actuator arm 28 every 20 seconds, 30 seconds, or any regulated time period as desired.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 of one embodiment of this invention, the rapid release discharge valve means 12 includes a cast main housing 41 having an elongated enlarged vertical opening 43 with one end closed as by a bolted cover plate 44 and the opposite end is secured by welding or the like to a diaphragm housing 46. The cast housing 41 is further provided with laterally extended

connector hub sections

47 and 49 in alignment with each other and having the outermost sections provided with cylindrical peripheral surfaces and innermost potions tapered downwardly to rectangular openings 51 into the vertical opening 43. The aligned

connector hub sections

47 and 49 with the rectangular opening 51 provide a fluid flow channel extended transversely of the vertical opening 43 for operation thereof as will be explained. The

connector hub sections

47 and 49 are connected to the inlet conduit 16 and the outlet conduit 18, respectively, as by clamp members 53 mounted thereabout.

The discharge valve means 12 further includes a piston assembly 55 having one end connected as by an elongated piston rod 56 to a diaphragm member 58 mounted within the diaphragm housing 46. The piston assembly 55 is provided with the piston member 59 having an outer surface in sliding engagement with the vertical opening 43 and having a central bore 61 adapted to receive a compression spring 62 having its upper end in contact with the cover plate 44. Downward movement of the piston member 59 under force of the compression spring 62 is limited by an inwardly extended flange 64 of the east main housing 41 extended into the opening 43. The piston rod 56 is provided with an upper end extended transversely of the piston member 59 into the bore 61 having locknuts 63 against the upper and lower surfaces of the piston member 59 to anchor the same thereto. A connector sleeve 65 is mounted on the piston rod 56 and formed in two sections to provide for axial adjustment thereof. The lower end of the piston rod 56 is secured to the center of the diaphragm member 58 extended through a hole with nut members 67 mounted on opposite sides of the diaphragm member 58 with washers therebetween to securely clamp the same thereto. The diaphragm housing 46 includes an upper downwardly diverging base section 69 having its outer lower periphery secured as by a plurality of bolt members 71 to a lower pan member 73. It is seen that the outer periphery of the diaphragm member 58 is mounted between the interconnected base section 69 and the pan member 73 in a clamped relationship. The lower end of the piston rod 56 is provided with an orifice opening 75 extended from the upper to lower sides of the diaphragm member 58 whereupon there is a restricted fluid communication to both sides thereof.

The piston member 59 is provided with an upright axially extended groove 77 on the outer peripheral surface in communication with the rectangular opening 51 on the inlet conduit 16 for fluid flow from the inlet side to spaces both above and below the piston member 59 for reasons to be explained. The upper portion of the cast housing 41 of the rapid release valve means 12 is provided with an outlet or pressure release opening 79 connected as by the control conduit 32 to the control valve means 30 of the ball pitch mechanism 20. It is to be understood that reference to upper and lower in regard to the rapid release valve means 12 is relative to FIG. 3; however, it is obvious that the valve means 12 is operable in any position whereupon the disclosed position merely provides the weight of the piston member 59 in aiding the compression spring member 62 in biasing the same to the closed position.

In a second embodiment of a rapid release valve indicated generally as 83 in FIG. 4, includes a main cast housing 85 having an elongated enlarged vertical opening 87 with one end closed as by a bolted closure plate 88 and the opposite open end is secured to a reservoir housing 90. The main cast housing 83 is further provided with laterally extended, aligned

connector hub sections

91 and 92 having the outermost portions provided with cylindrical peripheral surfaces and the inner portions tapered downwardly to rectangular openings 94 meeting the vertical opening 87. The

connector hub sections

91 and 92 are connected to the inlet conduit 16 and the outlet conduit 18, respectively, as by clamp members 53. The valve means 83 further includes a piston assembly 97 housing a piston member 98 with an outer peripheral surface in sliding engagement with the vertical opening 87 and a central bore 98 adapted to receive a compression spring 101 therein having its lower end in contact with the closure plate 88. Upward movement of the piston member 98 under force of the compression spring 101 is limited by an inwardly extending flange portion 102 of the main housing 85. The reservoir housing includes an upper ball housing member 104 having its lower outer periphery secured by a plurality of bolt members 106 and a gasket member 108 to a lower bowl shaped base connector section 110. It is obvious that the bell housing 104 is removable so as to reach inner bolt members 112 securing the base connector section to the main cast housing 83 whereupon the same may be removed for repair and maintenance to replace the piston member 98 and compression spring 101 as required.

In this embodiment, the piston member 98 is not provided with an axially extended groove at its outer edge but the piston member 98 is machined of a slightly smaller diameter than the vertical opening 87 so as to permit a predetermined, controlled fluid leakage thereabout to both sides of the piston member 98. The lower portion of the cast housing 85 is provided with an outlet opening 114 connected through the control conduit 32 to the control valve means 30 of the ball pitch mechanism 20.

In the use and operation of the rapid release discharge valve means 12 of this invention, it is seen in FIG. 1 that the valve means 12 is connected to the inlet and

outlet conduits

16 and 18 to supply fluid pressure thereto and release the same on achieving a predetermined fluid pressure as preset through the control valve means 30. It is obvious that the control valve means 30 may be an electrically operated solenoid (not shown) operable to open after a predetermined time period or it may be a pressure actuated valve member opened on achieving a predetermined fluid pressure within the control conduit 32. One such type of control valve means 30 is set forth in the applicant's copending application, AIR FILTER WITH FLUIDIC TIMING MECHANISM, Ser. No. 730,480, filed May 20, 1968.

As shown in FIG. 3, it is obvious that fluid pressure prevailing within the storage tank 21 flows through the inlet conduit 16 whereupon the same is blocked on the cast main housing 41 by the piston member 59 which is biased to the closed condition of FIG. 3 by the compression spring 62. The fluid pressure is movable through the upright, axially extended groove 77 in the piston member 59 to, opposite sides thereof. The fluid pressure additionally flows through the opening 79 into the control conduit 32 and the orifice opening 75 in the piston rod 56 to both sides of the diaphragm member. 58. On reaching a predetermined pressure or after a preset time period as sensed by the control valve means 30 through the control conduit 32, the control conduit 32 is thereupon opened to release the air pressuretherein which transfers the air pressure on the upper side of the piston member 59 to the atmosphere. Thereupon the air pressure on the lower surface of the piston member 59 operates to move the same rapidly in an upwardly direction against the biasing force of the 'compression spring 62. After the initial movement to expose a portion ofv the rectangular openings 51 in the cast main housing 41, it is obvious that the fluid on the upper surface of the diaphragm member 58 is thereupon released however, the fluid pressure is maintained on the lower surface of the diaphragm member 58 due to the restriction of the orifice opening 75..This fluidpressure thereupon acts to push the interconnected piston assembly 55 upwardly whereupon the same may bottom out-against the cover plate 44. This provides for a rapid, upward movement of the-piston member 59 to instantly reveal the rectangular opening 51 therethrough to provide for the immediate rapid discharge of the air pressure from the storage tank 21 into the outlet conduit 18. This high volume, low-pressure arm is thereupon operable by various structural devices within the ball pitch mechanism 20v to pivot the actuator arm 28 rapidly and upwardly about a connector shaft 115 to throw the ball '38 to a desired position, namely, a person poised as a baseball batter. It is obvious that the control valve means'30 and inlet control valve 24 may be regulated so as to be operable on achieving apredetermine fluid pressure such as p.s.i. to open the valve means 12 and operate the actuator arm 28. The control valve 24 may be regulated to control the volume of air moving into the storage tank 21 so that the period of operation can be readily regulated.

The other rapid release valve means 83 is operable in a manner similar to the aforementioned description of operation of the valve means 12 the primary difference is the lack of a diaphragm member within the bell housing 104 operably connected to the piston assembly 97. The valve means 83 is operable by pressure being supplied to both sides of the piston member 98 thereby, creating an equilibrium condition with a rapid release of pressure through the control conduit 32 causing a rapid downward movement of the piston member 98 to quickly open the outlet conduit '18 to the inlet conduit 16. It has been found that with the large bell housing 104,- sufficient air volume in this cavity produces a rapid downward movement of the piston member 98 whereupon the same actually bottoms out on the upper surface of the closure plate 88 in a most efficient manner. Additionally, the weight of the piston member 98 operates against the force of the compression ,spring 101 to additionally aid in the rapid downward moveequalize pressure on both sides of the piston member 98, and,

additionally, the amount of clearance operates to control the volume of air moving upwardly into the upper bell housing 104 and through the control conduit 32 so as tobe important in controlling the time sequence of operation.

shown in FIG. 4 as this provides a refinement thereof for adjustable control and speed of operation and resultant force in lifting the piston member. It is obvious that the rapid release valve means of this invention can be operated in the positions shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 or inverted therefrom. It is noted that the building up of air pressure within the reservoir tank, which can be regulated, operates as a timing mechanism in conjunction .with the setting of the .control valve means on the ball pitch mechanism.

It will be apparent-from the foregoing description of preferred specific embodiments that the applicants new and novelrapid release valve means provides a relatively same structure readilyattachable to conventional inlet and outlet fluid conduits so as to provide an efficient. low cost effective means of automatic and sequential release of high volume, low-pressure air. The applicants construction provides a very desirable structure for use in an explosive type atmosphere whereupon a fluid medium alone is used to sequentially time and operate operate the same.

While the invention has been described'in conjunction with preferred specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that this description is intended to illustrate and not to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims.

We claim:

1. A valve means connectable between inlet and outlet conduits operable to control fluid flow therethrough, comprising:

a. housing means having a fluid flow channel therethrough in communication with said inlet and outlet conduits, said housing means having an opening extended transversely of said fluid flow channel;

b. a piston assembly having a piston. member mounted within said opening extended transversely of said fluid flow channel in the closed position to prevent fluid flow from said inlet conduit to said outlet conduit, said piston member having means controlling fluid leakage to both sides thereof so as to achieve equal fluid pressure thereacross when in the closed condition;

c. said housing means having a main housing and a diaphragm housing secured to said main housing, said I diaphragm housing having a diaphragm member mounted therein and connected to said piston member and operable to rapidly move the same on release of pressure from one side of said piston member;

d. said housing means having a discharge opening on one side of said pistonassembly; and

e. control means connected to said discharge opening operable to selectively open same to release fluid pressure from one side of said piston assembly to rapidly move same under fluid pressure to the open condition.

2. A valve means as described in claim 1, wherein:

a. said piston assembly including an elongated piston rod member having one end secured to said piston member and the opposite end thereof secured to said diaphragm member; and said piston rod member having an orifice opening in the end connected to said diaphragm member whereby fluid pressure 'is passed to both sides of said diaphragm member to aid in actuating same from the closed to open condition.

3. A valve means as described in claim 2, wherein: said piston rod member having segments interconnected by a It is seen that the rapid release valve means of this invention v sleeve member whereby said piston rod member is readily adprovides a new andnovel means for rapidly releasing a high fective manner for numerous operations. It has been found that the use of a high volume low-pressure air rather than the conventional usage of a low volume, high-pressure air is most desirable innumerous operations such as cleansing filtering bags and the like where the high-pressure air contains moisture and impurities which contaminate the filtering bag structures. The rapid release valve means of this invention is readily operable without the use of the diaphragm-member as I volume, low-pressure fluid medium in a most efficient and efsides of said diaphragm'member whereby fluids applied to both sides of said piston member is additionally fed through said orifice opening so as to be equalized on both sides of said diaphragm member;

d. said housing means having a discharge opening on the side opposite of said piston member relative to said diaphragm member whereby release of fluid pressure on said one side of piston member operates to permit the fluid pressure on the opposite side of said piston member to move the same upwardly at a rapid pace; and

e. said orifice opening permitting the fluid pressure to be equalized to the isolated side of said diaphragm member whereby, on release of pressure through said discharge opening on the other side of said piston member, the fluid pressure below said diaphragm member operates to move the same upwardly in a rapid pace against said piston member for opening said fluid flow channel.

5. Valve means as described in claim 1, wherein: said housing means has a main housing with inlet and outlet hub 86- tions secured to the inlet conduit and the outlet conduit, said hub sections having an outermost portion of cylindrical shape in transverse cross section with the innermost portion tapered inwardly to form a rectangular opening in said housing means leading into said opening whereby the minimum axial movement of said piston member reveals a maximum discharge area from said inlet conduit to said outlet conduit providing for the most efficient rapid release of high volume, lQwp1jesure fluid therethrough.

6. A valve means connectable between inlet and outlet conduits operable to control fluid flow therethrough, comprising:

a. housing means having a fluid flow channel therethrough in communication with said inlet and outlet conduits, said housing means having an opening extended transversely of said fluid flow channel; a piston assembly mounted within said opening extended transversely of said fluid flow channel in the closed position to prevent fluid flow from said inlet conduit to said outlet conduit, said piston assembly having means controlling fluid leakage to both sides thereof so as to achieve equal fluid pressure thereacross when in closed condition, and including a piston member of a generally cuppedshape having its outer surface in sliding engagement with said opening in said housing and a said piston member having a central enlarged bore portion to receive a compression spring therein with the opposite end portion of said compression spring mounted against cover means closing one end of said opening to bias said piston member to the closed position;

c. said housing means having inwardly extending means adapted to receive said piston member thereagainst in the closed condition to restrict axial movement of said piston member in one direction, and having a discharge opening on one side of said piston assembly; and

d. control means connected to said discharge opening operable to selectively open same to release fluid pressure from one side of said piston assembly to rapidly move same under fluid pressure to the open condition.

7. A valve means connectable between inlet and outlet conduits operable to control fluid flow therethrough, comprising:

b. a piston assembly having a piston member mounted within said opening extended transversely of said fluid flow channel in the closed position to seal and prevent fluid flow from said inlet conduit to said outlet conduit, said piston member having means controlling fluid leakage about the exterior of said piston member and to both sides thereof so as to achieve equal fluid pressure thereacross when in the closed condition, said piston assembly having means biasing said piston member into a closed position transverse said fluid flow channel; 0. said housing means having a discharge opening on one side of said piston assembly; and d. control means connected to said discharge opening operable to selectively open same to release fluid pressure from one side of said piston assembly to rapidly move same under fluid pressure to the open condition. 8. A valve means as described in claim 7, wherein: said means biasing said piston member is a spring extended transversely of said flow channel and acting in compression.

Claims

1. A valve means connectable between inlet and outlet conduits operable to control fluid flow therethrough, comprising: a. housing means having a fluid flow channel therethrough in communication with said inlet and outlet conduits, said housing means having an opening extended transversely of said fluid flow channel; b. a piston assembly having a piston member mounted within said opening extended transversely of said fluid flow channel in the closed position to prevent fluid flow from said inlet conduit to said outlet conduit, said piston member having means controlling fluid leakage to both sides thereof so as to achieve equal fluid pressure thereacross when in the closed condition; c. said housing means having a main housing and a diaphragm housing secured to said main housing, said diaphragm housing having a diaphragm member mounted therein and connected to said piston member and operable to rapidly move the same on release of pressure from one side of said piston member; d. said housing means having a discharge opening on one side of said piston assembly; and e. control means connected to said discharge opening operable to selectively open same to release fluid pressure from one side of said piston assembly to rapidly move same under fluid pressure to the open condition.

2. A valve means as described in claim 1, wherein: a. said piston assembly including an elongated piston rod member having one end secured to said piston member and the opposite end thereof secured to said diaphragm member; and b. said piston rod member having an orifice opening in the end connected to said diaphragm member whereby fluid pressure is passed to both sides of said diaphragm member to aid in actuating same from the closed to open condition.

3. A valve means as described in claim 2, wherein: said piston rod member having segments interconnected by a sleeve member whereby said piston rod member is readily adjustable in length to control the axial movements of said piston member.

4. A valve means as described in claim 1, wherein: a. said housing means having said diaphragm member mounted therein between a base section and a pan member; b. said piston member slidable mounted in said opening and a piston rod member secured to one end thereof; c. said piston rod member secured to said diaphragm member having an orifice opening therethrough to both sides of said diaphragm member whereby fluids applied to both sides of said piston member is additionally fed through said orifice opening so as to be equalized on both sides of said diaphragm member; d. said housing means having a discharge opening on the side opposite of said piston member relative to said diaphragm member whereby release of fluid pressure on said one side of piston member operates to permit the fluid pressure on the opposite side of said piston member to move the same upwardly at a rapid pace; and e. said orifice opening permitting the fluid pressure to be equalized to the isolated side of said diaphragm member whereby, on release of pressure through said discharge opening on the other side of said piston member, the fluid pressure below said diaphragm member operates to move the same upwardly in a rapid pace against said piston member for opening said fluid flow channel.

5. Valve means as described in claim 1, wherein: said housing means has a main housing with inlet and outlet hub sections secured to the inlet conduit and the outlet conduit, said hub sections having an outermost portion of cylindrical shape in transverse cross section with the innermost portion tapered inwardly to form a rectangular opening in said housing means leading into said opening whereby the minimum axial movement of said piston member reveals a maximum discharge area from said inlet conduit to said outlet conduit providing for the most efficient rapid release of high volume, low-pressure fluid therethrough.

6. A valve means connectable between inlet and outlet conduits operable to control fluid flow therethrough, comprising: a. housing means having a fluid flow channel therethrough in communication with said inlet and outlet conduits, said housing means having an opening extended transversely of said fluid flow channel; b. a piston assembly mounted within said opening extended transversely of said fluid flow channel in the closed position to prevent fluid flow from said inlet conduit to said outlet conduit, said piston assembly having means controlling fluid leakage to both sides thereof so as to achieve equal fluid pressure thereacross when in closed condition, and including a piston member of a generally cupped-shape having its outer surface in sliding engagement with said opening in said housing and a said piston member having a central enlarged bore portion to receive a compression spring therein with the opposite end portion of said compression spring mounted against cover means closing one end of said opening to bias said piston member to the closed position; c. said housing means having inwardly extending means adapted to receive said piston member thereagainst in the closed condition to restrict axial movement of said piston member in one direction, and having a discharge opening on one side of said piston assembly; and d. control means connected to said discharge opening operable to selectively open same to release fluid pressure from one side of said piston assembly to rapidly move same under fluid pressure to the open condition.

7. A valve means connectable between inlet and outlet conduits operable to control fluid flow therethrough, comprising: a. housing means having a fluid flow channel therethrough in communication with said inlet and outlet conduits, said housing means having an opening extended transversely of said fluid flow channel; b. a piston assembly having a piston member mounted within said opening extended transversely of said fluid flow channel in the closed position to seal and prevent fluid flow from said inlet conduit to said outlet conduit, said piston member having means controlling fluid leakage about the exterior of said piston member and to both sides thereof so as to achieve equal fluid pressure thereacross when in the closed condition, said piston assembly having means biasing said piston member into a closed position transverse said fluid flow channel; c. said housing means having a discharge opening on one side of said piston assembly; and d. control means connected to said discharge opening operable to selectively open same to release fluid pressure from one side of said piston assembly to rapidly move same under fluid pressure to the open condition.

8. A valve means as described in claim 7, wherein: said means biasing said piston member is a spring extended transversely of said flow channel and acting in compression.