Abstract: A variable-rate, digitally controlled fluid metering device having an electronically controlled 3-way valve, a fluid reservoir, a float valve, a check valve and a pressure relief valve that accurately delivers low flow volumes. The flow rate of the device is the product of reservoir volume and pulse rate when the cycle is long enough to fill and empty the reservoir and is a linear combination of cycle time when the cycle is short enough that the reservoir does not fill or empty completely. This device allows the use of large orifice emitters for delivering low flow rates of fluids, which allows the use of lower quality fluids and/or reduces filtration steps and clogging of emitters.
Type:
Application
Filed:
August 7, 1998
Publication date:
May 24, 2001
Applicant:
USAD-ARS-OTT
Inventors:
EDWARD JOHN SADLER, CARL R. CAMP, DEAN E. EVANS, LONNIE J. USREY