US4094492A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Variable orifice using an iris shutter
Assignee: United States Department of Energy
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Filing: 1977-01-18
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Granted: 1978-06-13
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Expires: 1997-01-18
Abstract
Abstract A variable orifice forming mechanism utilizing an iris shutter arrangement adapted to control gas flow, conductance in vacuum systems, as a heat shield for furnace windows, as a beam shutter in sputtering operations, and in any other application requiring periodic or continuously-variable control of material, gas, or fluid flow.
Inventors
- 👤 Raymond Beeman
- 👤 Steven J. Brajkovich
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 22:35
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16K; F16K3/00; F16K3/02; F16K3/03
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
221 words
A variable orifice forming mechanism for controlling flow of medium therethrough comprising: a mounting ring defining a central orifice and consisting of an inner section, an intermediate section, and an outer section, a plurality of curved members pivotally mounted on said mounting ring, said inner section of said mounting ring having a plurality of spaced holes therein, said curved members each having an extending pivot pin located at one end thereof positioned in one of said holes, said intermediate section of said mounting ring having a thickness greater than said inner section and having a countersink therein, and said outer section of said mounting ring having a thickness greater than said intermediate section and being provided with means by which said mechanism is adapted to be secured to an associated system through which medium to be controlled flows, a drive ring having a plurality of grooves therein, said drive ring being positioned on said inner section of said mounting ring, said curved members having pins extending therefrom and movably secured in said grooves of said drive ring, and drive means mounted in said countersink of said intermediate section of said mounting ring for moving said drive ring with respect to said mounting ring thereby moving said curved members such that said orifice in said mounting ring is effectively changed in diameter.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
221 words
A variable orifice forming mechanism for controlling flow of medium therethrough comprising: a mounting ring defining a central orifice and consisting of an inner section, an intermediate section, and an outer section, a plurality of curved members pivotally mounted on said mounting ring, said inner section of said mounting ring having a plurality of spaced holes therein, said curved members each having an extending pivot pin located at one end thereof positioned in one of said holes, said intermediate section of said mounting ring having a thickness greater than said inner section and having a countersink therein, and said outer section of said mounting ring having a thickness greater than said intermediate section and being provided with means by which said mechanism is adapted to be secured to an associated system through which medium to be controlled flows, a drive ring having a plurality of grooves therein, said drive ring being positioned on said inner section of said mounting ring, said curved members having pins extending therefrom and movably secured in said grooves of said drive ring, and drive means mounted in said countersink of said intermediate section of said mounting ring for moving said drive ring with respect to said mounting ring thereby moving said curved members such that said orifice in said mounting ring is effectively changed in diameter.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
The mechanism defined in claim 1, wherein the first mentioned pins in each of said curved members comprises an offset pin located at the opposite end of and opposite side from said pivot pin.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
92 words
The mechanism defined in claim 2, wherein said drive ring is provided with a gear rack about at least a portion of the periphery thereof, and wherein said drive means comprises a drive gear and shaft assembly, said drive gear meshing with said gear rack of said drive means, whereby rotation of said shaft assembly rotates said drive gear causing movement of said drive ring with respect to said mounting ring which moves said curved members into and out of said orifice of said mounting ring thereby changing diameter of said orifice.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
The mechanism defined in claim 3, wherein said curved members having a thickness in the range of about 0.015 inch to about 0.011 inch and said orifice having a diameter varying from about 0.25 inch to about 6 inches due to movement of said curved members.
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) | 1981-06-12 | 1981-12-12 | 1982-06-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-06-12 | 1985-12-12 | 1986-06-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-06-12 | 1989-12-12 | 1990-06-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |