Abstract: A faucet spout attachment is disclosed including a flow-limiting plate having flow-controlling orifices. Downstream of the flow-limiting plate, alternate series of perforated disks and wire screens arrest stream velocity and redistribute the velocity profile of the stream to provide laminar flow. A screen in contact with the downstream surface of the flow-limiting plate suppreses noise. The flow-limiting plate includes a central flow-trimming orifice whose diameter is selected so that the overall flow rate of the device falls just within the lower end of a predetermined flow range thereby maintaining stream-generated noise at a minimum.

Abstract: A flow control device is disclosed which includes a housing having a plate or partition oriented generally transverse to the fluid flow direction. The partition has a central opening and a plurality of flow passages disposed in a circular array about the opening. The device also includes a generally T-shaped elastomeric element having a stem received by the central opening in the partition and a disk-shaped flange projecting transversely from the stem. The flange has a lower, beveled, annular surface overlying the flow passages and defining with the partition a variable flow area. Variations in fluid pressure causes the beveled portion of the flange to deflect accordingly. The flow area is thereby varied so that the flow rate is maintained substantially constant irrespective of pressure variations.

Abstract: A tamper-resistant flow control attachment for shower installations is disclosed including a tubular housing adapted to be disposed between a shower arm and shower head. A first set screw locks the attachment to the shower arm. A tubular shell enclosing at least a portion of the housing and freely rotatable relative thereto conceals the first set screw. The shell includes a second set screw projecting into an annular groove in the housing for limiting axial movement of the shell. The set screws require a special installation/removal tool.

Abstract: A laminar stream spout attachment which may be threadedly secured to a faucet spout includes a pair of parallel, spaced-apart perforated plates and a pair of screens positioned downstream from the plates. The perforated plates distribute the flow velocity profile more uniformly across the stream diameter and the screens operate to further trim the stream to provide a high quality stream which is clear, straight, free of mist and spray, soft and essentially splash free.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device is disclosed for maintaining a substantially constant volumetric flow rate in either direction independent of the applied pressure above a predetermined pressure level. The device has a generally cylindrical shape, may be symmetrical about a radial plane of symmetry and comprises an elastomeric member disposed between rigid, slotted end plates. The elastomeric member comprises a central disk portion each of whose faces have axially disposed projections including an outer rim structure, a central boss and a series of spaced flow control segments arranged along a circle lying intermediate the rim structure and boss and defining variable area flow passages. The rim structure and flow control segments define an outer circular channel while the flow control segments and boss define an inner circular channel. The inner channels on opposite sides of the elastomeric member are joined by orifices formed in the disk portion of the member.