Hybrid valving system for varying fluid flow rate
First Claim
1. A valving system for varying fluid rate, comprising:
- a common fluid inlet receptive of fluid input, and a common fluid outlet for discharging a total fluid flow;
a plurality of binary fluid control lines having predetermined rates of flow and being connected in parallel between the common fluid inlet and the common fluid outlet, the binary lines each having therein a binary valve and a metering means for passing a predetermined rate of fluid flow to the common outlet, the predetermined rates being chosen cooperatively such that sequentially selected binary lines separately or in combination provide for sequentially increased rates of total fluid flow in increments including a largest increment;
an analog fluid control line connected in parallel with the binary lines between the common fluid inlet and the common fluid outlet, the analog line having therein a continuously adjustable flow rate regulator for passing any selected rate of fluid flow up to a maximum rate at least equal to the largest increment; and
controller means for setting each binary valve in a selected open or closed position, and for setting the flow rate regulator for a selected rate of fluid flow through the analog line, such that cooperative settings provide for a smoothly variable and selectable rate of total fluid flow.
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Abstract
In a fluid valving system, binary fluid control lines are connected in parallel between a common fluid inlet and a common fluid outlet. Each line has a binary valve and a metering orifice for passing a predetermined rate of fluid flow. The rates are in a geometric progression in factors of two. An analog fluid control line is connected in parallel with the binary lines, and has a continuously adjustable flow rate regulator for passing any selected rate of fluid flow up to a maximum at least equal to the largest increment of rate change in the binary lines. The regulator is formed of a miniature solid state device. A controller sets each binary valve open or closed, and sets the regulator for a selected flow rate, such that cooperative settings provide for a smoothly variable rate of total fluid flow.
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Citations
8 Claims
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1. A valving system for varying fluid rate, comprising:
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a common fluid inlet receptive of fluid input, and a common fluid outlet for discharging a total fluid flow; a plurality of binary fluid control lines having predetermined rates of flow and being connected in parallel between the common fluid inlet and the common fluid outlet, the binary lines each having therein a binary valve and a metering means for passing a predetermined rate of fluid flow to the common outlet, the predetermined rates being chosen cooperatively such that sequentially selected binary lines separately or in combination provide for sequentially increased rates of total fluid flow in increments including a largest increment; an analog fluid control line connected in parallel with the binary lines between the common fluid inlet and the common fluid outlet, the analog line having therein a continuously adjustable flow rate regulator for passing any selected rate of fluid flow up to a maximum rate at least equal to the largest increment; and controller means for setting each binary valve in a selected open or closed position, and for setting the flow rate regulator for a selected rate of fluid flow through the analog line, such that cooperative settings provide for a smoothly variable and selectable rate of total fluid flow. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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Specification