Abstract: An upstream fluid chamber adapted for fluid flow in a given direction is interconnected to a downstream fluid chamber by a plurality of individually actuatable digital valve elements disposed in a plane substantially transverse to the given direction so that the pressure drop across each valve element is substantially the same. The valve elements are disposed so the fluid from the upstream chamber passing through the valve elements converges in the downstream chamber to dissipate the vena contracta. The areas of the valve elements are weighted so the smaller areas follow a geometric progression while the larger areas deviate from a geometric progression. Preferably, at least the two larger areas are the same size. The valve elements themselves each have an orifice, a plug, and means for maintaining the plug in one of two positions. The plug seals the orifice in the one position and lies outside of the fluid stream in the static fluid region in the other position.

Abstract: An upstream fluid chamber adapted for fluid flow in a given direction is interconnected to a downstream fluid chamber by a plurality of individually actuatable digital valve elements disposed in a plane substantially transverse to the given direction so that the pressure drop across each valve element is substantially the same. The valve elements are disposed so the fluid from the upstream chamber passing through the valve elements converges in the downstream chamber to dissipate the vena contracta. The areas of the valve elements are weighted so the smaller areas follow a geometric progression while the larger areas deviate from a geometric progression. Preferably, at least the two larger areas are the same size. The valve elements themselves each have an orifice, a plug, and means for maintaining the plug in one of two positions. The plug seals the orifice in the one position and lies outside of the fluid stream in the static fluid region in the other position.

Abstract: An upstream fluid chamber adapted for fluid flow in a given direction is interconnected to a downstream fluid chamber by a plurality of individually actuatable digital valve elements disposed in a plane substantially transverse to the given direction so that the pressure drop across each valve element is substantially the same. The valve elements are disposed so the fluid from the upstream chamber passing through the valve elements converges in the downstream chamber to dissipate the vena contracta. The areas of the valve elements are weighted so the smaller areas follow a geometric progression while the larger areas deviate from a geometric progression. Preferably, at least the two larger areas are the same size. The valve elements themselves each have an orifice, a plug, and means for maintaining the plug in one of two positions. The plug seals the orifice in the one positon and lies outside of the fluid stream in the static fluid region in the other position.