Abstract: A constant-rate deflator for constantly reducing air pressure of a cuff-type sphygmomanometer is disclosed. The constant-rate deflator includes a ventilation-adjusting shaft 2 with a truncate-cone recess 2a formed in one of the end thereof and a leak valve 1 with a hole 1b formed in the center thereof, the leak valve having a projection 1c opposing the recess of the ventilation-adjusting shaft and has the same truncated cone shape as the recess, wherein the rate of deflation is kept constant by adjusting the clearance between the projection of the leak valve and the recess of the ventilation-adjusting shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for variably controlling fluid flow in a closed flow line, especially the flow of a pulp suspension through a headbox of a paper-making machine, includes guiding fluid through a cavity of a conduit having at least two different cross-sectional profiles. Fluid flow resistance is adjusted by changing the contour of an edge defined by the conduit and a transition step connecting the two cross-sections.

Abstract: A flow control valve assembly having an outer housing and a valve member mounted within the housing. The valve member defines a flow channel and is composed of a compressible material which remains substantially in a non-compressed condition at fluid supply pressures below a predetermined range. At higher pressures, the valve member is compressed to reduce the flow channel so as to automatically control the flow rate through the valve assembly.

Abstract: A constant flow rate controller valve includes a piston spring biased towards the top of the valve. Fluid or gas flowing into the valve increases the forces in the chamber above the piston, forcing the piston toward a valve seat. The piston is thus seated in the valve seat, blocking gas or fluid flow to the outlet port. The forces on the piston in the chamber below the piston builds as flow goes through the piston until the forces in this chamber including the piston spring force is greater than the forces in the chamber above the piston. The piston then is lifted from the valve seat, and the pathway to the outlet orifice is opened. At equilibrium, fluid or gas flows through or around the piston via the variable orifice.

Abstract: A method for forming a contoured regulator seat in the substrate of a fluid flow regulator having a membrane with an elastic flexure. The method may involve the steps of deflecting the flexure into the substrate to form the contoured regulator seat while the substrate is in a first, soft condition; continuing that deflection until the substrate is in a second, hard condition; and then ceasing that deflection. The method may include the steps of micromachining a regulator channel into the substrate prior to performing the deflecting step, and then deflecting the flexure into the regulator channel during the deflecting step.

Abstract: An installation for fighting fire has, in one embodiment, first and second releasing devices for first and second groups of spray heads that overlap at border spray heads. The border spray heads are activatable by either of the first or second releasing devices and check valves at the border spray heads prevent extinguishing liquid from flowing from an activated one of the first or second groups of spray heads into the other. In a second embodiment, one spray head distributes extinguishing liquid to other spray heads.

Abstract: A flow control valve (10) is provided including a valve body (20) and a piston (16). The valve body (20) has extending therethrough a longitudinal bore (18) defining a fluid passage (32). The piston (16) is slidably disposed within the bore (18) to vary the flow area of a fluid flow through the control valve (10). The piston (16) has a generally cylindrical body formed from a solid piece of material. The piston (16) contains a longitudinal flow channel (24). The longitudinal flow channel (24) has a varying depth. The piston (16) preferably slides within the longitudinal bore (18) to vary the flow area of the fluid passage (32) such that the fluid flow through the control valve (10) is substantially constant over a selected range of pressure differentials across the control valve (10).

Abstract: An automatic flow control valve for maintaining a predetermined output flow rate in response to a varying pressure differential across the valve has an orifice element, an occluding element and a spring each placed at least partially within a valve housing. The orifice element has a fluid port at a fixed and predetermined distance from an alignment end of the orifice element. The occluding element has an occluding region at a fixed and predetermined position relative to an alignment end of the occluding element. The spring extends along a longitudinal axis of the valve housing and the length of the spring in the absence of fluid flow is predetermined. In use, fluid flows longitudinally between the fluid port and the alignment end of the occluding element. This causes the alignment end of the orifice element to be aligned with one end of the compression spring and the alignment end of the occluding element to be aligned with a second end of the spring.

Abstract: A flow control valve assembly has a high degree of liquid-tightness and good flow controllability, even if a high-pressure, low-viscosity fluid is used. A housing of the valve assembly is formed with an inlet port and an outlet port, and a spool inserted in the housing. First and second fluid chambers for applying fluid pressures on both ends of the spool communicate with each other through a fluid passage having an orifice. The opening of the valve portion is adjusted by the movement of the spool so that the spool driving force produced by the difference in the pressures applied to both ends of the spool balances with a biasing force, whereby a fluid flows through the orifice at a controlled rate. This control valve assembly has an elastic annular seal. When the spool moves toward the annular seal, the land portion on the spool outer periphery is adapted to butt the seal, thereby closing the fluid passage. In this closed state, fluid leakage is reduced substantially to zero.

Abstract: An adjustable metering valve (10) includes an upper housing (12) and lower housing (16) that cooperatively define an internal valve chamber (30) having an inlet end (80) and an outlet end (42). An inlet port (20) opens into the inlet end of the valve chamber, and an outlet port (24) provides for fluid flow exiting the outlet end (42) of the valve chamber. A floating piston (106) is slidably mounted within the valve chamber between the inlet and outlet ports. A seal (114) is provided between the piston and an interior side wall (44) of the valve chamber to prevent fluid flow past the piston except through an internal passage (118) through the piston. A valve seat (38) is mounted in the housing within the outlet end of the valve chamber, upstream of the outlet port. A valve pin (36) is carried by a pin assembly (34) that is threaded into the internal passage of the piston.

Abstract: A constant flow rate controller valve includes a piston spring biased towards the top of the valve. Fluid or gas flowing into the valve increases the forces in the chamber above the piston, forcing the piston toward a valve seat. The piston is thus seated in the valve seat, blocking gas or fluid flow to the outlet port. The forces on the piston in the chamber below the piston builds as flow goes through the piston until the forces in this chamber including the piston spring force is greater than the forces in the chamber above the piston. The piston then is lifted from the valve seat, and the pathway to the outlet orifice is opened. At equilibrium, fluid or gas flows through or around the piston via the variable orifice.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for actuating equipment from a distance through a flow variation of a fluid in a pipe. The device and method of this invention are suited for incorporation into a drill string.

Abstract: A flow control valve having a housing having a first port and a second port and a spool mounted in the housing. A first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber which impart a fluid pressure to both ends of the spool communicate with each other through a fluid passage formed with an orifice. As the spool moves, thrust to the spool produced by a difference in pressure at both ends of a spool balances with a biasing force produced by the biasing mechanism. The flow control valve is provided with an annular seal made of an elastic material together with a seal member. When the edge of the land portion on the outer periphery of the spool is brought into contact with the annular seal, the first port is completely shut off from the second fluid chamber. Thus, leakage will become zero when the valve portion is closed.

Abstract: A pneumatic fluid flow limiting device which is pressure compensated and resets automatically when the pneumatic fluid driven device is shut off. Pressure compensation is accomplished by a vented differential diameter chamber and reset is accomplished by a bypass orifice in a spool valve which further may be variable in flow to accommodate different flow requirements for tool operation.

Abstract: A flow modulation device is provided for restricting fluid flow exhausted from a first, actuator-sided conduit toward a second, reservoir-sided conduit to an acceptable rate in the event of sudden pressure drop within the second conduit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flow control valve which makes it possible to prevent the leakage of hydraulic fluid when the valve is closed while continuously controlling the flow rate. An axially slidable piston (12) housed in a housing (11) provided with a first port (13) and second port (16) is urged by an electromagnet (20). A first closing valve (14) for connecting and isolating the first port (13) and first fluid chamber (A), with a valve seat portion (14C) opened opposite one end portion of the piston (12) in the first fluid chamber (A) and a valve body (14B) which is seated in and separated from the valve seat portion in accordance with the axial displacement of the piston (12), is provided between the first port (13) and the first fluid chamber (A). An orifice (15) is provided in the conduit connecting the first fluid chamber (A) and the second fluid chamber (B).

Abstract: An adjustable metering valve (10) includes an upper housing (12) and lower housing (16) that cooperatively define an internal valve chamber (30) having an inlet end (80) and an outlet end (42). An inlet port (20) opens into the inlet end of the valve chamber, and an outlet port (24) provides for fluid flow exiting the outlet end (42) of the valve chamber. A floating piston (106) is slidably mounted within the valve chamber between the inlet and outlet ports. A seal (114) is provided between the piston and an interior side wall (44) of the valve chamber to prevent fluid flow past the piston except through an internal passage (118) through the piston. A valve seat (38) is mounted in the housing within the outlet end of the valve chamber, upstream of the outlet port. A valve pin (36) is carried by a pin assembly (34) that is threaded into the internal passage of the piston.

Abstract: A ball and piston valve for controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid to a motive means have the ball and piston spring biased in opposing directions and with both initially subject to a first hydraulic fluid pressure that allows the springs to cause the ball to be unseated from its seat whereby fluid is directed to a fluid tank and wherein the ball is of sufficiently larger diameter than the piston that upon an increase in fluid pressure the ball is seated and remains seated when the pressure drops to the first hydraulic fluid pressure whereby the motive means to which the fluid is directed when the ball is seated does not have a sudden lurch upon a subsequent increase in pressure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a solenoid valve where a volume governor which governs the hydraulic flow is inserted coaxially to the valve closure member into the valve accommodating body of the valve. The volume governor is integrated by way of series connection between the first pressure medium connection, emanating from a pressure medium source, and the valve closure member. A reduction of the valve operating noises is ensured with a smallest-requirement-answering structural size, thus the control noises being prevented from propagating over the entire connected system.

Abstract: A flow control valve (10) is provided including a valve body (20) and a piston (16). The valve body (20) has extending therethrough a longitudinal bore (18) defining a first flow passage (32). The piston (16) is slidably disposed within the bore (18) to vary the flow area of a fluid flow through the control valve (10). The piston (16) contains a second flow passage (28) defined by a side wall (68) and an end wall (70). The side wall (68) has at least one longitudinal flow channel (24) with a first orifice (26) extending therethrough. The piston (16) preferably slides within the longitudinal bore (18) to vary the flow area of the first flow passage (32) such that the fluid flow through the control valve (10) is substantially constant over a selected range of pressure differentials across the control valve (10).

Abstract: A fluid flow device for minimizing the effects of fluctuating pressures on the fluid flow rate has a variable restriction in the fluid path through the device arranged to produce a lesser restriction as the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the device increases, and vice versa. This first, variable restriction is formed by an inlet tube and a blocking member. A second, constant restriction for the fluid flow is formed by the tube and a parallel bore through which the tube extends, to produce a pressure drop which creates a pressure differential across a diaphragm balanced by a spring. A change of the pressure differential across the device also changes the pressure differential on the diaphragm, which is connected to the blocking member, so that movement of the diaphragm has the effect of varying the restriction in the manner described to reduce flow rate variations through the device.

Abstract: A device for controlling flow rate in an intravenous line comprises a housing having an inlet port adapted to be connected to an incoming segment of an intravenous line and an outlet port adapted to be connected to an outgoing segment of the intravenous line. A valve is disposed in the housing between the inlet port and the outlet port. The device further comprises a first valve adjustment mechanism mounted to the housing and operatively connected to the valve for setting the valve to select a desired flow rate, the first valve adjustment mechanism being manually adjustable for selecting the desired flow rate. A second valve adjustment mechanism is mounted to the housing and is operatively connected to the valve for automatically and temporarily closing the valve in response to the exceeding of the desired flow rate by an average flow rate of intravenous fluid into the housing through the inlet port.

Abstract: A constant-speed exhaust valve device has a valve body of a cylindrical shape opened at both axial ends, and a push means disposed to apply an axial compressive force to the valve body, whereby the exhaust speed of the device can be made steady and manufacturing yield of the device is made excellent.

Abstract: A constant flow rate controller valve includes a piston spring biased towards the top of the valve. Fluid flowing into the valve increases the forces in the chamber above the piston, forcing the piston toward a valve seat. The piston is thus seated in the valve seat, blocking fluid flow to the outlet port. The forces on the piston in the chamber below the piston builds as flow goes through the piston until the forces in this chamber including the piston spring force is greater than the forces in the chamber above the piston. The piston then is lifted from the valve seat, and the pathway to the outlet orifice is opened. Fluid flows through the piston via the calibrated orifice. An equilibrium flow rate is reached by variation in the piston position based on the location of the movable seat which sets and maintains a constant differential pressure.

Abstract: A flow distribution and control device for connection to a fluid supply includes an inlet assembly and an outlet assembly. A valve member is positioned in a flow path between the inlet and outlet assemblies and moves to an open position in response to increased differential pressure between the inlet and outlet assemblies. Discharge holes selectively permit communication between the inlet and outlet assemblies when the valve member is in the open position. A cylindrical flow distribution ring seated in the outlet assembly defines a radial collector gap that has a larger diameter than that of adjacent radial interior surfaces of the ring and inlet assembly. The flow path is open when the valve member is in an open position and at least one of the discharge holes is exposed to the collector gap.

Abstract: A flow control apparatus having a pair of substantially identical housings, each having a path for fluid passage therethrough bounded by an annulus; a resilient body; and substantially identical portions borne by the housings releasably engageable to interlock the housings in an assembled configuration with the resilient body captured in the housings between the annuli of the paths for fluid passage.

Abstract: A constant flow rare controller valve includes a piston spring biased towards the top of the valve. Fluid or gas flowing into the valve increases the forces in the chamber above the piston, forcing the piston toward a valve seat. The piston is thus seated in the valve seat, blocking gas or fluid flow to the outlet port. The forces on the piston in the chamber below the piston builds as flow goes through the piston until the forces in this chamber including the piston spring force is greater than the forces in the chamber above the piston. The piston then is lifted from the valve seat, and the pathway to the outlet orifice is opened. Fluid or gas flows through the piston via the calibrated orifice. An equilibrium flow rate is reached by variation in the piston position based on the location of the movable seat which sets and maintains a constant differential pressure across the piston thus maintaining constant flow.

Abstract: Adjustable flow control valves are disclosed for controlling the flow of syrups and diluents at a corresponding predetermined constant flow rate regardless of the pressure of the fluid being controlled. The valves include a cylinder and piston assembly in which the piston has an inlet orifice and controls outlet ports from the cylinder to maintain a constant flow rate. Dual spring arrangements provide for adjusting the range of flow rates which the valve can accommodate in connection with varying pressure and varying viscosity of the liquid being controlled, and variable piston orifice arrangements are disclosed for the same purpose. An improved cylinder construction comprising sleeve and bonnet components is disclosed and provides for the outlet ports from the cylinder to be provided in the bonnet component.

Abstract: A fluid flow regulator has a housing with a cylindrical chamber. A member in the form of a ball having a diameter slightly less than the diameter of the chamber can move within the chamber. In one embodiment, a bypass channel in the chamber extends around the ball. Fluid flow in the inlet passes through the orifice created between the ball and the channel, creating a pressure drop so that the fluid on the inlet side of the ball is at a higher pressure than the fluid on the other side. The resultant pressure force urges the ball against a spring. Fluid on the other side of the ball exits the chamber through a radial outlet slot positioned near the ball. When the inlet pressure and flow increases, the ball moves toward the outlet slot to cover a greater percentage of the outlet slot, which raises the pressure drop into the outlet, thereby compensating for the increased inlet pressure. A second longitudinal channel terminates on the downstream side of the ball.

Abstract: A flow rate control unit equipped with inner and outer dual cylinders in the housing of the unit, wherein the inner cylinder is normally urged by an elastic member to change the position of the upper section of the inner cylinder depending upon the balance between the above elastic force and the pressure of the fluid supplied in the housing so that the flow rate of the fluid to be discharged from the outlet of the housing can be controlled accordingly, characterized in that the outer and inner cylinders are made of ceramics to eliminate corrosion due to contact with fluid, and that the relationship between the average surface roughness of the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder and the average surface roughness of the outer circumferential surface of the inner cylinder is set within a range satisfying a formula to accurately discharge fluid at a constant flow rate.

Abstract: The differential-pressure-sensing and variable-area-occluding fundtions within variable-area flowmeters and flow regulators are performed by separate, but mechanically connected, elements. A housing defines a channel for guiding fluid flow from an upstream to a downstream location. A differential pressure sensor moves in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow in response to a differential fluid pressure between the upstream and downstream locations. Because the movement of the pressure sensor is substantially perpendicular to the flowing fluid with which it comes in contact, it is substantially insensitive to fluid friction and to changes in fluid viscosity. A flow obstructor connects to the sensor and moves therewith to variably obstruct the channel and its flow of fluid from the upstream to the downstream location. Fluid frictional forces on the movement of the flow obstructor vary with changes in fluid viscosity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flow regulator for gaseous or liquid media, comprising a housing (1), a regulating unit (1) which changes its free flow area, depending on the flow pressure of the medium, and further comprising a distributor unit (3) behind the regulating means (2) in the direction of flow. To provide a flow regulator which is still relatively simple in construction yet enables more constant volume limitation to be maintained and is less sensitive to manufacturing tolerances of the individual components, the invention proposes that a disc (4) containing at least one hole (5) be provided between the regulating unit (2) and the distributor unit (3) and be movable to a limited extent in an axial direction at least in the region of the hole.

Abstract: A flow control valve includes a sleeve formed with an inlet port and an outlet port and a spool slidably mounted in the sleeve. A fluid passage having an orifice connects a high-pressure end and a low-pressure end of the spool. An annular seal is liquid-tightly fitted in an annular groove formed in the inner periphery of the sleeve and extends into an annular groove formed in the outer periphery of the spool with a gap left therebetween. A biasing elements is provided to bias the spool in a direction opposite to the direction in which the fluid pressure differential between both ends of the spool tends to urge the spool. A seal can be effected by the annular seal and a shoulder portion of the spool defining the annular groove thereof. The seal, however allows fluid communication from the inlet port toward the outlet port through the orifice to be established with the movement of the spool.

Abstract: A constant flow rate control valve (10) is provided including a cup member (12) disposed in a flow passage through the valve (10). The cup member has an orifice (18) located in an end wall (14) of the cup member (12) and a plurality of side ports (22) in a side wall (16) of the cup member (12). The cup member (12) is moveable axially within the valve (10), with such movement being opposed by a resilient spring member (30) downstream of the cup member (12). The valve (10) includes a fixed retainer ring (26) in a valve body (24) surrounding the side wall (16) of the cup member (12) which blocks or exposes areas of the side ports (22) in response to movement of the cup member (12). Start up slots (34) in a side wall (36) of the valve body (24) are also blocked or exposed in response to movement of the cup member (12).

Abstract: A refrigerant flow metering device for use in a refrigeration system includes a body having a flow passage extending therethrough. A piston having a flow metering port extending therethrough is movably disposed within the flow passage. An elongated member extends into the metering port of the piston and cooperates with the port to define a flow metering passage therebetween. The elongated member is configured such that it will vary the cross-sectional area of the flow metering passage a function of the position of the member to the metering port. Means are provided for supporting the elongated member within the housing and for controlling the relative axial position of the elongated member and the piston with respect to one another as a function of the differential pressure across the piston. The refrigerant expansion device is capable of responding to certain pressure and flow conditions within a refrigeration system to provide optimum expansion areas within the device for such pressure and flow conditions.

Abstract: Upwards motion of a shutter tends to close a regulation passage controlling the flow rate to be regulated, which motion is driven by a piston under drive from a driving pressure drop that increases with increasing flow rate. According to the invention, the shutter is constituted by a tube whose top edge delimits the regulation passage, with the driving pressure drop appearing on the flow passing around the piston. The invention is particularly applicable to irrigation.

Abstract: A flow regulator/restrictor placed in a fluid path to passively compensate for variations in fluid pressure by deflection or movement. In one embodiment a silicon micromachined housing has a damper beam cantilevered to the interior wall between inlet and outlet. Deflections of the beam vary the volume of the restrictive gap formed between the damper beam and the interanl wall of the housing adjacent the outlet. In another embodiment the damper element is a floating element in the housing and has conformal side walls with the interior of the housing. The restrictor elements may be stacked to provide a stepped pressure drop, restrictor system.

Abstract: A piston-sleeve assembly for a flow control for a beverage dispenser in which the piston and sleeve are preferably injection molded. A rolling diaphragm provides a seal between the piston and sleeve. The piston includes flow control pads biased into contact with the sleeve.

Abstract: A flow limiter for use in association with a control valve for minimizing flow losses in an actuator control system to provide unrestricted control over the flow up to the desired maximum flow quantity value. A cylindrical sleeve is mounted within a housing and a piston is slidably contained within the sleeve to establish a variable chamber between the front wall of the piston and the back wall of the sleeve. A series of circumferentially spaced metering ports are contained in the variable chamber which are opened and closed by the piston. A control orifice is formed in the front wall of the piston and a biasing spring is arranged to act on the piston outside the flow path of the fluid to normally hold the piston in a home position wherein the metering ports are fully opened. The spring allows the piston to move toward a second position when the pressure over the orifice reaches a predetermined value, thus closing the metering ports to maintain the flow at a desired flow.

Abstract: A flow control valve for maintaining a selected and constant flow rate over a range of liquid delivery pressures is disclosed which includes a housing, a cavity defined within the housing, an input channel in fluid communication with the cavity, the input channel adapted to transport liquid into the cavity, an output channel in fluid communication with the cavity, the output channel adapted to transport liquid from the cavity, an adjustment member receivable into the housing, a spring operative with the adjustment member, a sleeve, the sleeve having a plurality of apertures defined therein, the sleeve disposed within the cavity, a piston sized to fit within the sleeve, the piston adapted for reciprocal movement in the sleeve, the piston operative to vary the operational size of the apertures in the sleeve, the spring adapted to impart a force upon the piston to move the piston in a direction away from the sleeve, a membrane positioned between the sleeve and the piston, the membrane attached at one end to the

Abstract: A valve particularly useful for flushing a fluid line includes a spring-biased cylinder movable with respect to a fixed piston to control the discharge of flushing fluid through a housing outlet. The piston is fixed to the housing by a stem having a passageway in alignment with the housing outlet to thereby vent the interior of the cylinder to the atmosphere, and also to permit an instrument to be manually inserted through the housing outlet, the piston stem, and the piston, to engage the cylinder and to move it to its open position in order to manually flush the fluid line.

Abstract: A valve is disclosed for use in suppressing surges of fluid flow therethrough by means of first and second flow paths the former of which has the greater fluid-handling capability but which also is subject to being closed to suppress a surge, while the latter remains open to bleed the surge pressure and effect re-opening of the former for normal flow subsequent to the surge.

Abstract: A variable flow restrictor valve is disclosed that is adapted to be inserted in a fluid line to provide first and second alternative flow paths therethrough in accordance with the pressure differential between inlet and outlet ends of the valve. The assembly is characterized by use of a moveable orifice tube which defines one of the alternative paths and an intermediate part of a valve housing defines a flow path which forms another alternative flow path having flow therethrough regulated by a stop disk and a valve disk both of which are fixed to the orifice tube on either side of the intermediate part to position the valve disk to either close or open the another alternative flow path in accordance with the aforesaid pressure differential.

Abstract: A water injection valve for use in a well bore having a cylindrical valve body with an axial water passage, a cylinder slidably mounted therein with an upstream control shoulder, lateral fluid ports in the cylinder upstream of the seal between the cylinder and the valve body and an open downstream end which restricts fluid flow when the cylinder impinges upon a conical valve seat. The cylinder is adjustably biased away from the valve seat by a spring and permits fluid flow no greater than a predetermined maximum rate despite increases in pressure differential across the valve.

Abstract: A vehicle power assisted steering system comprises a hydraulic pump 24 having a constant volume output communicating with an open center power assistance valve 40 which is adjustable from a neutral condition in response to a steering input torque during a steering maneuver to control fluid flow from the pump to opposed chambers of a ram 18b providing power assistance to assist the steering maneuver. A by-pass valve 25 communicates between the outlet of the pump 24 and a fluid reservoir 21 and is responsive to vehicle speed to increasingly open communication between the pump 24 and the reservoir 21 as vehicle speed increases and conversely. The valve 40 has valve members displaceable from a neutral condition in response to a steering input torque to direct hydraulic fluid to actuate the ram 18b for power assistance. In the neutral condition of the valve members, they provide intercommunication between the pump 24, the chambers 18a of the ram and the reservoir 21.

Abstract: A Double Action Check Valve is shown provided with a flexible membrane secured between the inlet and outlet members, the membrane having apertures or orifices interiorly of the perimeter; substantially ball-shaped members centrally carried on either side of the membrane and under increased volume of flow from the inlet or outlet side of the ball-shaped members carried by it move in concert with the membrane as the membrane is caused to bow out or flex on either side of the coupling member as dictated by the volume of flow.

Abstract: An automatic flow control valve according to the instant invention maintains a constant flow rate despite varying fluid pressure, and employs a dual outer and inner cup construction through which a range of flow rates can be accommodated via a change in the orientation between the outer and the inner cup. Two modes of implementation are disclosed. In one mode, the adjustment of the orientation between the cups to correspond to a desired flow rate is made prior to assembly and installation. In the other mode, an external adjustment means is provided for altering the relative orientation between the outer and the inner cup at field and after assembly and installation. In a third mode, the flow rate can be adjusted on a fully assembled valve at any time other than when said valve in installed in a process line. Additionally, a means for adjusting the preload of a range spring balancing the cups is also provided.

Abstract: The dislodgement of the soft washer of a fluids rate of flow saving or limiting device comprising a fluid pressure actuated needle type shutter and a flow restricting washer assembly through which said shutter passes to obstruct the free flow of the fluid depending on the pressure thereof and inlcuding a soft washer sandwiched between two hard washers is prevented by enclosing said soft washer within a housing having a circular bottom provided with an opening of a predetermined diameter larger than the diameter of said shutter, a cylindrical wall extending upwardly along the periphery of said bottom to a distance sufficient to constitute a cavity for receiving said soft washer, and a lid to cover the housing and having an opening of the same diameter as said bottom, said lid being arranged with respect to said cylindrical wall so as to sandwich said soft washer between said lid and said bottom, said soft washer having an opening of a diameter smaller than the diameter of the openings in said lid and said bott

Abstract: A refrigerant flow metering device which varies the expansion area of the device in response to the differential pressure between refrigerant in the high and low pressure sides of a refrigerant system. The expansion device includes a housing with a flow passage extending therethrough which is divided into a high pressure portion and low pressure portion by a partition. The partition has a flow metering port which extends therethrough and interconnects the high and low pressure portions. An elongated member extends through the flow metering port and cooperates with the flow metering port to define a refrigerant flow metering passageway therebetween. The elongated member is configured to vary the cross-sectional area of the flow metering passage in relation to the position of the elongated member to the flow metering port.

Abstract: Improved flow control valves are disclosed which are exceedingly accurate in maintaining a constant predetermined flow rate regardless of inlet and outlet pressures. The valves are preferably designed to enable them to be fabricated almost entirely from suitable polymeric composition materials. One embodiment disclosed is extremely well suited for ultra-pure applications which require extreme care to avoid any possible contamination of the liquid flowing therethrough. Another embodiment is disclosed which is designed to achieve substantially zero leakage flow thereby rendering it particularly well suited for use in applications requiring exceedingly precise flow control and in particular relatively low flow rate applications wherein leakage flow is of greater significance.