Control scheme for selective use and application of a signal

Abstract

A control scheme for directing an input signal. The control scheme has a first or signal portion, and a second or vent portion. The control scheme is operable with the first portion in selective communication with the second portion. The scheme has a mode selector operatively linked with the first portion and/or the second portion.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A control scheme operable to direct an input signal:
 a first portion;   a second portion in selective communication with the first portion;   a mode selector operatively linked with the first portion and the second portion,   wherein the mode selector is used to select a first configuration whereby during operation the input signal transfers through the first portion to a first control device, but is prevented from transferring through the second portion.   
     
     
         2 . The control scheme of  claim 1 , wherein during operation the mode selector is used to select another configuration whereby the input signal is thereafter able to transfer through the first portion to a second control device, but is prevented from transferring through the second portion. 
     
     
         3 . The control scheme of  claim 2 , wherein the first portion comprises a single-path configuration, and wherein the second portion comprises a multi-path configuration. 
     
     
         4 . The control scheme of  claim 3 , wherein the single-path configuration comprises an elbow shape, and the multi-path configuration comprises a T-shape. 
     
     
         5 . The control scheme of  claim 4 , wherein the mode selector is operably configured to select a third configuration whereby the input signal thereafter is able to transfer through the first portion to a third control device, but is prevented from transferring through the second portion. 
     
     
         6 . The control scheme of  claim 5 , wherein after the mode selector is used to select any new configuration, any remnant signal associated with a prior configuration is not prevented from transferring through the second portion. 
     
     
         7 . The control scheme of  claim 6 , wherein the first portion and the second portion are operatively linked together and with the mode selector, and wherein the mode selector is operable to simultaneously change the configuration of the first portion and the second portion. 
     
     
         8 . The control scheme of  claim 7 , wherein the input signal comprises pressurized air, and wherein any of the control devices comprises a valve, and wherein the first portion and the second portion are together as part of a single component. 
     
     
         9 . The control scheme of  claim 5 , wherein the mode selector is used to select another configuration whereby the input signal is now able to transfer through the first portion to activate a second control device and a third control device, and wherein at the same time the first control device is deactivated. 
     
     
         10 . A control scheme for directing an input signal:
 a signal portion;   a vent portion in selective communication with the signal portion;   a mode selector operatively linked with the signal portion and also the vent portion,   wherein the mode selector is operable to select a first scheme configuration whereby the input signal transfers through the signal portion to a first control device, but is prevented from transferring through the vent portion, and   wherein when the mode selector is used to select a second scheme configuration, the input signal is able to transfer through the signal portion to a second control device, and any remnant signal associated with a prior scheme configuration is able to pass through the vent portion.   
     
     
         11 . The control scheme of  claim 10 , wherein the signal portion comprises a single-path configuration, and the vent portion comprises a multi-path configuration. 
     
     
         12 . The control scheme of  claim 11 , wherein the single-path configuration comprises an elbow shape, and wherein the multi-path configuration comprises a T-shape. 
     
     
         13 . The control scheme of  claim 10 , wherein the mode selector is operable to select a third configuration whereby the input signal is able to transfer through the signal portion to a third control device, but is prevented from transferring through the vent portion. 
     
     
         14 . The control scheme of  claim 13 , wherein after the mode selector is used to select any subsequent configuration, any respective remnant signal used in connection with a prior configuration is no longer prevented from transferring through the vent portion. 
     
     
         15 . The control scheme of  claim 14 , wherein the signal portion and the vent portion are operatively linked together and with the mode selector, and wherein the mode selector is operable to simultaneously change the configuration of the signal portion and the vent portion. 
     
     
         16 . The control scheme of  claim 15 , wherein the input signal comprises a pressurized fluid, wherein an at least one of the control devices comprises a valve, and wherein the signal portion and the vent portion are together as part of a single component. 
     
     
         17 . A control scheme for directing an input signal:
 a signal portion;   a vent portion in selective communication with the signal portion;   a mode selector operatively linked with the signal portion and the vent portion,   wherein the mode selector is used to select a first scheme configuration whereby the input signal transfers through the signal portion to a first control device, but is prevented from transferring through the vent portion, and   wherein the input signal comprises a pressurized fluid.   
     
     
         18 . The control scheme of  claim 17 , wherein the mode selector is used to select a second scheme configuration whereby the input signal is able to transfer through the signal portion to a second control device, but is prevented from transferring through the vent portion. 
     
     
         19 . The control scheme of  claim 18 , wherein the signal portion comprises a single-path configuration having an elbow shape, and wherein the vent portion comprises a multi-path configuration having a T-shape. 
     
     
         20 . The control scheme of  claim 19 , wherein the signal portion and the vent portion are operatively linked together and with the mode selector, wherein the mode selector is operable to simultaneously change the configuration of the signal portion and the vent portion, and wherein an at least one of the control devices comprises a valve.