Linearly variable linear fluidic resistor

Claim 2

A variable linear fluidic resistor comprising first and second chambers, first and seconD fluid coupling means respectively connected to said first and second chambers, a plurality of linear resistive paths connected between said first and second chambers, the length and the cross-sectional area of each linear resistive path being such that the flow of fluid therethrough is substantially laminar and the ratio of the fluid flow through said linear resistive paths to the pressure differential thereacross is substantially constant, and means for inhibiting the flow of fluid through selected ones of said plurality of resistive paths.

Claim 3

A variable linear fluidic resistor in accordance with claim 1 wherein said resistive paths are connected to a first surface which defines one wall of said first chamber.

Claim 4

A variable linear fluidic resistor in accordance with claim 2 which further comprises a movable member having a slot therein, the sidewalls of said slot communicating with said first surface to provide a fluid tight seal, said slot and the portion of said first surface intercepted by said slot forming said first chamber.

Claim 5

A variable linear fluidic resistor in accordance with claim 3 wherein said movable member is rotatable.

Claim 6

A variable linear fluidic resistor in accordance with claim 3 wherein said first fluid coupling means communicates with a hole which terminates on said first surface within said first chamber.

Claim 7

A variable linear fluidic resistor in accordance with claim 5 wherein said slot is annularly shaped and said resistive path terminations are located on a circular path.

Claim 8

A variable linear fluidic resistor in accordance with claim 6 wherein said first surface is one of the surfaces of a first flat plate, said resistor further comprising at least one resistor plate adjacent the surface of said first flat plate which is opposite said first chamber, the surface of each said resistor plate having a plurality of channels therein, and a plurality of holes in said first plate communicating with one end of each of said channels, the remaining ends of said channels terminating at said second chamber.

Claim 9

A variable linear fluidic resistor in accordance with claim 2 wherein said inhibiting means comprises a flat movable member which is situated within said first cavity on said first surface and which is adapted to cover any number of resistive terminations.

Claim 10

A variable linear fluidic resistor in accordance with claim 8 wherein said flat movable member is a rotatable semicircular disk and said resistive terminations lie on a circular path.

Claim 11

A variable linear fluidic resistor comprising a first flat plate having first and second surfaces, first means disposed adjacent the first surface of said first plate to form a first chamber, at least one resistor plate disposed adjacent to the second surface of said flat plate, each said resistor plate having a plurality of channels in one surface thereof, each of said channels providing a linear resistance to the flow of fluid therethrough, a plurality of holes connecting a first end of each of said channels to the first surface of said flat plate, the resistance of said holes to the flow of fluid being negligible in comparison to the resistance of said plurality of channels, a second chamber, the second ends of each of said channels terminating at said second chamber, first and second external connectors respectively connected to first and second chambers, and means for inhibiting the flow of fluid through selected ones of said plurality of channels.

Claim 12

A variable linear fluidic resistor comprising a first flat plate having first and second surfaces, first means disposed adjacent the first surface of said first plate to form a first chamber, at least one resistor plate disposed adjacent to the second surface of said flat plate, each said resistor plate having a plurality of channels in one surface thereof, each of said channels providing a linear resistance to the flow of fluid therethrough, a plurality of holes connecting a first end of each of said channels to the first surface of said flat plate, the resistance of said holes to the flow of fluid being negligible in comparison to the resistance of said plurality of channels, a second chamber, the second ends of each of said channels terminating at said second chamber, first and second external connectors respectively connected to first and second chambers, and means for inhibiting the flow of fluid through selected ones of said plurality of channels.

Claim 13

A variable linear fluidic resistor in accordance with claim 10 wherein said means for inhibiting comprises a movable member having first and second surfaces, the first surface of said movable member disposed adjacent the first surface of said flat plate, a slot in the first surface of said movable member, said slot being adapted to engage any number said plurality of holes in the first surface of said flat plate, said slot and the portion of the first surface of said Flat plate which is intercepted by said slot forming said first chamber, and a main hole through said flat plate which terminates on the first surface thereof within said first chamber, said first external connector communicating with said main hole.

Claim 14

A variable linear fluidic resistor in accordance with claim 11 which further includes means to rotate said movable member.

Claim 15

A variable linear fluidic resistor in accordance with claim 12 which further includes means to force the first surface of said movable member against the first surface of said flat plate to form a substantially fluidtight interface therebetween.

Claim 16

A variable linear fluidic resistor in accordance with claim 13 which further includes means to limit the extent of rotation of said movable member.

Claim 17

A variable linear fluidic resistor comprising a first flat plate having first and second surfaces, a hollow member disposed adjacent the first surface of said first plate, a substantially fluidtight cavity being formed by said hollow member and said first plate, a bore through said hollow member opposite said first plate, a shaft extending through said bore, means for providing a substantially fluidtight seal between said shaft and said hollow member, at least one resistor plate disposed adjacent to the second surface of said flat plate, each said resistor plate having a plurality of channels in one surface thereof, a plurality of holes connecting a first end of each of said channels to the first surface of said first plate, a first chamber, the second ends of each of said channels terminating at said first chamber, a first external connector communicating with said first chamber, a movable plate having first and second surfaces, the first surface of said movable plate disposed adjacent the first surface of said first plate, a slot in the first surface of said movable plate, said slot being adapted to engage any number of said plurality of holes in the first surface of said first plate, said slot and the portion of the first surface of said first plate which is intercepted by said slot forming a substantially fluidtight chamber, a main hole through said flat plate which terminates on the first surface thereof within said fluidtight chamber, a second external connector communicating with said main hole, and means for connecting the end of said shaft which extends into said cavity to said movable plate.

Claim 18

A variable linear fluidic resistor comprising a first flat plate having first and second surfaces, a hollow member disposed adjacent the first surface of said first plate, a substantially fluidtight cavity being formed by said hollow member and said first plate, a bore through said hollow member opposite said first plate, a shaft extending through said bore, means for providing a substantially fluidtight seal between said shaft and said hollow member, at least one resistor plate disposed adjacent to the second surface of said flat plate, each said resistor plate having a plurality of channels in one surface thereof, a plurality of holes connecting a first end of each of said channels to the first surface of said first plate, a first chamber, the second ends of each of said channels terminating at said first chamber, a first external connector communicating with said first chamber, a movable plate having first and second surfaces, the first surface of said movable plate disposed adjacent the first surface of said first plate, a slot in the first surface of said movable plate, said slot being adapted to engage any number of said plurality of holes in the first surface of said first plate, said slot and the portion of the first surface of said first plate which is intercepted by said slot forming a substantially fluidtight chamber, a main hole through said flat plate which terminates on the first surface thereof within said fluidtight chamber, a second external connector communicating with said main hole, and means for connecting the end of said shaft which extends into said cavity to said movable plate.

Claim 19

A variable linear fluidic resistor in accordance with claim 15 which further includes means to limit the extent of rotation of said movable member.

Claim 20

A variable linear fluidic resistor in accordance with claim 16 which further includes means to force the first surface of said movable plate against the first surface of said first plate.

Claim 21

A variable linear fluidic resistor in accordance with claim 1 wherein the cross-sectional area of said linear resistive paths is substantially constant throughout the lengths thereof.