Flow control device

• US 3,995,664 A
• Filed: 03/13/1975
• Issued: 12/07/1976
• Est. Priority Date: 03/13/1975
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Chronomite Laboratories, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Walter R. Nelson
• Inventors: Nelson, Walter R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Aegerter, Richard E.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Bryant, III, James E.
• Application Number:
  US05/558,071
• Time in Patent Office: 635 Days
• Field of Search: 138/36, 138/42, 138/43, 137/625.28, 137/625.3, 251/125, 251/127, 181/35 A, 181/36 B, 181/36 R, 239/542, 239/553, 239/590.3
• US Class Current: 138/43
• CPC Class Codes: A01G 25/023 Dispensing fittings for drip irrigation, e.g. drippers
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 13/00 Other constructional types of cut-off apparatus means for plugging pipes or hoses F16L55/10; Arrangements for cutting-off
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 7/20 with a compressible solid closure member

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. The outer and inner channels, flow passages and orifices define tortuous fluid paths for establishing an adequate pressure drop across the device. During operation, the elastomeric member is compressed and deformed to vary the flow areas of the flow passages in accordance with the applied pressure to maintain a substantially constant volumetric flow rate through the device.

The outer cylindrical surface of the elastomeric member is adapted to sealingly engage the inside wall surface of the conduit within which it is mounted. In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, the wall of the conduit is provided with an aperture normally sealed by the elastomeric member. Visual indication of the absence or deterioration of the control device is provided by water seeping from the aperture.

Claims

1. A bidirectional flow control device comprising:

a generally cylindrical elastomeric, resilient member having a longitudinal axis and including;

a disk portion having opposed faces;

an outer rim structure projecting from each face;

a generally circular array of spaced-apart flow control segments projecting from each face, the segments defining flow passages, the rim structure and flow control segments defining a generally circular outer channel; and

a plurality of orifices extending through the disk portion, the orifices being disposed radially inward of the flow control segments; and

a rigid end plate overlying and in contact with the flow control segments and rim structure on each side of the disk portion, each plate having openings in communication with the outer circular channel;

the outer circular channels, flow passages and orifices defining a tortuous flow path through the device, the flow passages forming flow restrictions that vary in accordance with the pressure applied to the device.

2. A flow control device, as defined in claim 1, in which:

a central boss projects axially from each face of the disk portion, the flow control segments and boss projecting from each face defining a generally circular inner channel, the orifices joining the inner channels.

3. A flow control device, as defined in claim 1, in which:

the rim structure includes a plurality of spaced-apart, arcuate rim segments.

4. A flow control device, as defined in claim 1, in which:

the device is constructed symmetrically about a central plane extending radially of the longitudinal axis.

5. A fluid flow control device for controlling the flow of fluid in a conduit in either direction, comprising:

an elastomeric, resilient member having an outer, generally cylindrical surface and a longitudinal axis and including;

a disk portion having opposed faces;

an outer rim structure projecting from each face;

a generally circular array of spaced-apart flow control segments projecting from each face, adjacent segments defining flow passages, the rim structure and flow control segments defining a generally circular outer channel; and

a plurality of orifices extending through the disk portion, the orifices being disposed radially inward of the flow control segments; and

a rigid end plate overlying and in contact with the flow control segments and rim structure on each side of the disk portion, each plate having openings in communication with the outer circular channel;

the outer circular channels, flow passages and orifices defining a tortuous flow path through the device to establish a pressure drop across the device, the elastomeric member being compressible and deformable in accordance with the pressure applied to the device, whereby the flow passages form flow restrictions that vary in accordance with the pressure drop across the device.

6. A fluid flow control device, as defined in claim 5, in which:

a central boss projects axially from each face of the disk portion, the flow control segments and boss projecting from each face defining a generally circular inner channel, the orifices joining the inner channels.

7. A fluid flow control device, as defined in claim 5, in which:

the rim structure includes a plurality of spaced-apart, arcuate rim segments.

8. A fluid flow control device, as defined in claim 5, in which:

the elastomeric member and end plates are loosely joined by a central pin extending through the bosses and disk portion.

9. A fluid flow control device, as defined in claim 5, in which:

the device is constructed symmetrically about a central plane extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

10. A flow control device for use in a conduit comprising:

an elastomeric, resilient member having a longitudinal axis, a radial plane of symmetry perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and an outer, generally cylindrical surface the member comprising;

a disk portion having opposed, planar, radially-extending surfaces symmetrical of the plane of symmetry;

an outer, circumferential rim structure projecting axially from each disk surface;

a central boss extending axially from each disk surface;

a plurality of arcuate flow control segments projecting axially from each disk surface radially intermediate the central boss and the outer circumferential rim, the flow control segments lying generally along a circle concentric with the rim and spaced-apart to define variable area flow passages, the rim, flow control segments and boss having outer surfaces lying in a common radial plane, the common radial planes being symmetrical of the plane of symmetry, the rim and the flow control segments defining an outer circular channel and the flow control segments and central boss defining an inner circular channel concentric with the outer circular channel; and

a plurality of axially extending orifices in the disk portion connecting the inner circular channels; and

a rigid end plate overlying and in contact with the outer planar surfaces of the rim, flow control segments and boss projecting from each surface of the disk, each end plate having arcuate slots in communication with the outer circular channel whereby fluid entering the device through the slots in one of the end plates and exiting from the slots in the other end plate follows a tortuous path defined by the outer circular channels, variable flow passages, inner circular channels and orifices thereby creating a pressure drop across the device, the applied pressure causing compression and deformation of the flow control segments to vary the flow area of the passages between adjacent segments in accordance with the pressure drop.

11. A flow control device, as defined in claim 10, in which:

an axially oriented, center pin loosely joins the end plates and elastomeric member.

12. A flow control device as defined in claim 10 in which:

the rim structure includes a plurality of spaced-apart, arcuate rim segments.

13. Fluid flow apparatus comprising:

a conduit for conducting the flow of fluid and having a bore, a wall and an aperture through the wall; and

a flow control device disposed across the bore of the conduit, the device including an elastomeric, resilient member having (i) an outer, generally cylindrical surface in sealing engagement with the wall of the conduit, the outer surface of the member extending across the aperture to prevent fluid flow therethrough, (ii) a disk portion having opposed faces, (iii) an outer rim structure projecting from each face, (iv) a generally circular array of spaced-apart flow control segments projecting from each face, the segments defining flow passages, the rim structure and flow control segments defining a generally outer circular channel, and (v) a plurality of orifices extending through the disk portion, the orifices being disposed radially inward of the flow control segments; and

a rigid end plate overlying and in contact with the flow control segments and rim structure on each side of the disk portion, each plate having opening in communication with the outer circular channels, flow passages and orifices defining a tortuous flow path through the device to establish a pressure drop across the device, the elastomeric member being compressible and deformable in accordance with the pressure applied to the device, whereby the flow passages form flow restrictions that vary in accordance with the pressure drop across the device, removal of the device or substantial deterioration of the elastomeric member causing fluid to escape through the aperture to provide a visual indication of such removal or deterioration.

14. A fluid flow apparatus, as defined in claim 13, in which:

the flow control device has a longitudinal axis and is constructed symmetrically about central plane extending substantially perpendicular to the axis.

15. A fluid flow apparatus, as defined in claim 13, in which:

a central boss projects axially from each face of the disk portion, the flow control segments and boss projecting from each face defining an inner, generally circular channel, the inner circular channels being joined by the orifices.

16. A fluid flow apparatus, as defined in claim 13, in which:

the rim structure includes a plurality of spaced apart arcuate rim segments.