FLUID ACTIVATED FLOW CONTROL SYSTEM

• US 20080190488A1
• Filed: 02/11/2008
• Published: 08/14/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 02/12/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: James W. Hurst
• Original Assignee: James W. Hurst
• Inventors: Hurst, James W.
• Granted Patent: US 8,230,871 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 137/119.03
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 11/22 with an actuating member for each valve, e.g. interconnected to form multiple-way valves
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 31/04 using a motor
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 7/0664 the plurality of throttling means being arranged for the control of a plurality of diverging flows from a single flow G05D7/0652 takes precedence; ratio control G05D11/13
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/268 Responsive to pressure or flow interruption
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/2693 Pressure responsive
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/86582 Pilot-actuated

Abstract

A fluid flow regulating device is provided that maintains pressure and flow rate characteristics of a source fluid while the fluid is distributed to multiple delivery lines. The inventive device switches between multiple output ports in response to fluid pressure changes or by a mechanism driven by fluid flow. Thus, existing fluid delivery systems are easily expandable while avoiding installation of additional timing control mechanisms, electrical runs, or fluid sources.

Claims

1. A fluid flow control device comprising:

a pressure activated servo assembly comprising a diaphragm;

a drive post fixedly connected to said diaphragm;

a cog wheel rotated by said drive post transferring movement of said diaphragm;

a servo valve fixedly connected to said cog wheel, said servo valve having at least one valve shaft port fluidically connecting or disconnecting to a plurality of tubes;

a plurality of tubes connected to said servo valve and in selective fluid communication with the at least one valve shaft; and

at least one output valve connected to said plurality of tubes.

2. The flow control device of claim 1 wherein said at least one output valve is two output valves.

3. The flow control device of claim 1 further comprising an adapter having a body and a first port and a second port;

wherein said first port is fixedly connected to one of said plurality of tubes such that fluid is transportable between said first port and said one of said plurality of tubes;

said first port in fluid communication with a diaphragm port in said at least one output valve;

said second port is connected to one of said plurality of tubes such that fluid is transportable between said second port and said one of said plurality of tubes;

said second port in fluid communication with an exit port in said at least one output valve;

said exit port in connection with a fluid output port.

4. The adapter plug of claim 3 further comprising a bore in alignment with said exit port;

said bore integral to said second port;

an inner seat in slideable connection with said bore;

a spring abutting said body and said inner seat, said spring capable of placing said inner seat in connection with said exit port.

5. The flow control device of claim 1 wherein said drive post is comprised of a post and a cog drive spring, said cog drive spring serving to interact said drive post with said cog wheel.

6. The flow control device of claim 1 further comprising an anti-back rotation leaf spring stop, said stop abutting said cog wheel such that rotation of said cog wheel is unidirectional.

7. The flow control device of claim 1 wherein said diaphragm valve further comprises a flow control arm.

18. The flow control device of claim 1 wherein said at least one output valve is in a linear alignment with said servo valve.

8. A flow control device comprising

a fluid inlet port, and at least one fluid output port;

a turbine shaft drive;

a turbine in fluid communication with said fluid inlet port, said turbine connected to said turbine shaft drive;

a speed reducing mechanism connected to said turbine drive shaft such that rotation of at least a portion of said turbine drives said speed reducing mechanism;

a timing control assembly;

a servo valve connected to said timing control assembly;

a valve shaft connected to said speed reducing mechanism and said timing control assembly;

at least one valve shaft port integral with said valve shaft such that rotation of said valve shaft rotates said at least one valve shaft port so as to provide fluid connection between a plurality of tubes;

said plurality of tubes fixedly connected to said servo valve;

at least one output valve; and

said plurality of tubes fixedly connected to said at least one output valve.

9. The flow control device of claim 8 wherein said at least one output valve is two output valves.

10. The flow control device of claim 8 further comprising a servo activation lever connected to said valve shaft;

at least one spring arm connected to said speed reduction mechanism;

said at least one spring arm in transient association with said servo activation lever.

11. The flow control device of claim 10 wherein said servo activation lever further comprises at least one lever rotation stop;

said lever rotation stop limiting the rotation of said servo activation lever.

12. The flow control device of claim 10 further comprising a detent bar;

said detent bar in transient connection with said spring arm such that rotation of at least a portion of said spring arm is retarded when said spring arm is in contact with said detent bar.

13. The flow control device of claim 8 further comprising a timing control knob.

14. The flow control device of claim 8 further comprising an adapter having a body and a first port and a second port;

wherein said first port is fixedly connected to one of said plurality of tubes such that fluid is transportable between said first port and said one of said plurality of tubes;

said first port in fluid communication with a diaphragm port in said at least one output valve;

said second port is connected to one of said plurality of tubes such that fluid is transportable between said second port and said one of said plurality of tubes;

said second port in fluid communication with an exit port in said at least one output valve;

said exit port in connection with a fluid output port.

15. The flow control device of claim 8 wherein said output valve further comprises a flow control arm.

16. The flow control device of claim 13 wherein said timing control knob further comprises a color code to indicate relative time of operation of said at least one output valve.

17. The flow control device of claim 16 further comprising at least one color code button.

19. The flow control device of claim 8 wherein said valve shaft rotates in response to said turbine and said speed reducing gear mechanism.