US3885769A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Variable flow-control valve
Assignee: Stoody Co
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Filing: 1973-06-20
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Granted: 1975-05-27
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Expires: 1993-06-20
Abstract
Abstract A flow meter is disclosed for controlling the flow of a substance in accordance with a control signal. A somewhat-tubular member of resiliently-deformable material includes a plurality of internal, radial extensions from the tubular wall which are inflated to varying degrees to vary the internal passage and control the rate of flow through the member. The wall thickness of the tubular member is somewhat uniform (including the extensions) and a housing is provided to enclose the external surface of the member. Means are then provided for varying the pressure applied to the exterior of the member so that the extensions can be deformed or inflated to variously close the passage through the member.
Inventors
- 👤 Wallace T Morrison
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 16:48
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16K; F16K7/00; F16K7/02; F16K7/04; F16K7/07
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
143 words
A flow valve for controlling flow of a substance in accordance with a control signal comprising: means defining a flow passage for said substance; a somewhat tubular member of resiliently-deformable material, defining at least three internally-extending radial intrusions for abutting engagement to variously close said tubular member, said tubular member being fixed to receive substance from said flow passage; a housing member receiving said somewhat tubular member to provide a somewhat annular operating space about said tubular member, and said tubular member having the characteristic of being non-linearly responsive to a pressure applied to said space for deforming same; and fluid control means non-linearly responsive to said control signal for developing a pressure in said operating space that is non-linearly related to said control signal, whereby to linearize the response of said tubular member to control flow in accordance with said control signal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
143 words
A flow valve for controlling flow of a substance in accordance with a control signal comprising: means defining a flow passage for said substance; a somewhat tubular member of resiliently-deformable material, defining at least three internally-extending radial intrusions for abutting engagement to variously close said tubular member, said tubular member being fixed to receive substance from said flow passage; a housing member receiving said somewhat tubular member to provide a somewhat annular operating space about said tubular member, and said tubular member having the characteristic of being non-linearly responsive to a pressure applied to said space for deforming same; and fluid control means non-linearly responsive to said control signal for developing a pressure in said operating space that is non-linearly related to said control signal, whereby to linearize the response of said tubular member to control flow in accordance with said control signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
A flow valve according to claim 1 wherein said intrusions are somewhat uniformly tapered to define an arcuate edge and are opposed to mating external indentations.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
A flow valve according to claim 1 wherein said somewhat tubular member includes equally-spaced intrusions of a number in excess of three.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
A flow valve according to claim 1 wherein said pressure in said operating space is developed to be logarithmically related to said control signal.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-05-26 | 1978-11-25 | 1979-05-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-05-26 | 1982-11-25 | 1983-05-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-05-26 | 1986-11-25 | 1987-05-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |