Flow controlling or metering device

Claim 2

A flow controller for controlling a small, slow flow of liquid comprising in combination: structure means forming a tubular body, said tubular body defining a longitudinal tubular cavity and having an inlet formed in one end and an outlet formed in its other end; a first flow resistance member tubularly shaped to fit within said tubular cavity in a spaced apart relationship from its inner peripheral wall, said first tubularly shaped flow resistance member being mounted at one end within said tubular cavity with one of its ends in communication with said inlet and its other end closed whereby liquid flowing into said inlet flows into said tubular cavity by passing through the flow restriction defined by the portion of the tubular wall of said first flow resistance member extending into said tubular cavity, said first flow resistance member being made of a material having a fixed resistance to flow characteristic; a second flow resistance member mounted within said tubular cavity across said outlet so that liquid flowing into said tubular cavity through said first flow resistance member must pass through said second flow resistance member to flow out said outlet, said second flow resistance member being made of a resilient compressible material having a resistance to flow characteristic which varies directly with its compression; and means for selectively compressing said second flow resistance member for selectively controlling and adjusting the flow of liquid through said flow controller.

Claim 3

A flow controller as in claim 1, wherein the density of the material making up said second flow resistance member is substantially less even when compressed than the material making up said first flow resistance member whereby selective compression of said second flow resistance member operates to make a fine adjustment in the flow rate through said flow controller.

Claim 4

A flow controller as in claim 1, wherein said means for selectively compressing said second flow resistance member is formed by making said body a threaded adjustable member which is movable axially to compress said second flow resistance member.

Claim 5

a flow controller as in claim 1, wherein said means for selectively compressing said second flow resistance member comprises means positioned to be radially adjustable with respect to said body for compressing the material making up said second flow resistance member.

Claim 6

A flow controller for controlling a small, slow flow of liquid and having the capability of making fine adjustments in the resistance to flow comprising, in combination: a body defining a channel therethrough, a first flow resistance material having uniform flow resistance characteristics positioned within said channel so that liquid flowing therein passes through said first flow resistance material; a second flow resistance material in said body arranged and positioned in said channel for a series flow through the two resistance materials, said second resistance material having an adjustable flow resistance characteristic; and means for selectively adjusting the resistance characteristic of said second flow resistance material for selectively controlling and adjusting the flow of liquid through said flow controller, the density of said second flow resistance material being substantially less than said first flow resistance material even when adjusted to provide greatest flow resistance whereby selective adjustment of the resistance characteristic of said second resistance material operates to make a fine adjustment in the flow rate through said flow controller.

Claim 7

A flow controller for controlling a small, slow flow of liquid and having the capability of making fine adjustments in the resistance to flow comprising, in combination: a body defining a channel therethrough, a first flow resistance material having uniform flow resistance characteristics positioned within said channel so that liquid flowing therein passes through said first flow resistance material; a second flow resistance material in said body arranged and positioned in said channel for a series flow through the two resistance materials, said second resistance material having an adjustable flow resistance characteristic; and means for selectively adjusting the resistance characteristic of said second flow resistance material for selectively controlling and adjusting the flow of liquid through said flow controller, the density of said second flow resistance material being substantially less than said first flow resistance material even when adjusted to provide greatest flow resistance whereby selective adjustment of the resistance characteristic of said second resistance material operates to make a fine adjustment in the flow rate through said flow controller.

Claim 8

A flow controller for controlling a small, slow flow of liquid and having the capability of making fine adjustments in the resistance to flow comprising, in combination: a body defining a channel therethrough, a first flow resistance material having uniform flow resistance characteristics positioned within said channel so that liquid flowing therein passes through said first flow resistance material; a second flow resistance material in said body arranged and positioned in said channel for a series flow through the two resistance materials, said second resistance material having an adjustable flow resistance characteristic; and means for selectively adjusting the resistance characteristic of said second flow resistance material for selectively controlling and adjusting the flow of liquid through said flow controller, said second flow resistance material being a resilient compressible material and having a resistance to flow characteristic which varies directly with its compression and said means for selectively adjusting the resistance characteristic of said second flow resistance material being operable to apply compressive force to said second material for the purpose of making fine adjustments in its resistance characteristic, the density of said second flow resistance material being substantially less even when compressed than said first flow resistance material whereby selective compression of said second flow resistance material operates to make a fine adjustment in the flow rate through said flow controller.

Claim 9

A flow controller for controlling a small, slow flow of liquid and having the capability of making fine adjustments in the resistance to flow comprising, in combination: a body defining a channel therethrough, a first flow resistance material having uniform flow resistance characteristics positioned within said channel so that liquid flowing therein passes through said first flow resistance material; a second flow resistance material in said body arranged and positioned in said channel for a series flow through the two resistance materials, said second resistance material having an adjustable flow resistance characteristic; and means for selectively adjusting the resistance characteristic of said second flow resistance material for selectively controlling and adjusting the flow of liquid through said flow controller, said second flow resistance material being a resilient compressible material and having a resistance to flow characteristic which varies directly with its compression and said means for selectively adjusting the resistance characteristic of said second flow resistance material being operable to apply compressive force to said second material for the purpose of making fine adjustments in its resistance characteristic, the density of said second flow resistance material being substantially less even when compressed than said first flow resistance material whereby selective compression of said second flow resistance material operates to make a fine adjustment in the flow rate through said flow controller.

Claim 10

A flow controller as in claim 6, wherein said means for selectively adjusting the resistance characteristic of said second flow resistance material comprises axial adjustable threaded means capable of being rotated relatively for applying axial compressive force to said second material.

Claim 11

A flow controller as in claim 6, wherein said means for selectively adjusting the resistance characteristic of said second flow resistance material comprises means within said body positioned to be movable radially for applying pressure to said second material and means for adjusting said radially movable means to make fine adjustments in the flow resistance of said second material.