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Flow control system and restrictor for use therein

  • US 4,372,304 A
  • Filed: 10/15/1980
  • Issued: 02/08/1983
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/15/1980
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A control for regulating the flow of a liquid through a compressible tube, said control operating in cooperation with a drop sensor which provides output signals commensurate with the flow of fluid from a reservoir into the tube, said control comprising:

  • restrictor means for applying a variable compressive force to a tube through which the flow is to be regulated, said restrictor means including;

    adapter means, said adapter means having a first passage extending therethrough, said first passage being sized and shaped to receive the tube, said adapter means further defining a second passage which is transverse to and intersects said first passage, said second passage extending from a first side of said adapter means to said first passage;

    plunger means, said plunger means having a housing which defines an internal chamber, said plunger means including a plunger movable longitudinally within said chamber, said plunger having a portion which extends outwardly through the first wall of said housing, said housing further defining a holder on the exterior of said first wall, said holder receiving and supporting said adapter means with said first side of said adapter means facing said first wall of said plunger means housing and with said plunger in registration with said adapter means second passage;

    motor means, said motor means having a rotatable output shaft; and

    means coupling said motor means output shaft to said plunger means plunger, said coupling means extending into said plunger means housing defined chamber and converting the motor means output shaft rotory motion to longitudinal motion of said plunger;

    computer means, said computer means including a program memory and a scratchpad memory, said computer means having a stored program comprising instructions for producing output signals commensurate with flow rate errors and volume yet to be delivered through the tube;

    keyboard means for generating command signals and data signals commensurate with a desired flow rate and quantity, said keyboard means being connected to said computer means whereby the generated command and data signals may be supplied to said computer means;

    means delivering the drop sensor output signals to said computer means whereby said computer means may compare actual and desired flow rates and generate first error signals as a result of said comparison and whereby said computer means may determine the volume of fluid delivered through the tube and compare the delivered volume with the desired volume and generate second error signals when the total desired volume has been delivered through the tube; and

    means applying said computer means generated error signals to said restrictor means motor means whereby the tube will be compressed to a degree commensurate with the desired flow rate in response to the said first error signals and will be compressed to a point where flow is prevented in response to the said second error signals.

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