Patents Examined by Taras B Bemko
  • Patent number: 9945207
    Abstract: A flow control valve for use in oil well bore holes. The flow control valve includes a plurality of flow paths connected in parallel. The flow control valve operates by successively opening different flow paths, starting with a flow path that requires a reduced force to operate its inlet valve. The flow rate through the flow control valve is controlled by opening and closing different ones of the plurality of flow paths individually or in combination. A flow path that allows fluid to flow at substantially the full flow rate of the valve is provided as one of the parallel paths. A simple mechanical design using poppet valves and at least one cam is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Xiaoqi Bao, Mircea Badescu, Stewart Sherrit, Jeffery L. Hall, Yoseph Bar-Cohen