Fluid activated flow control system

• US 8,230,871 B2
• Filed: 02/11/2008
• Issued: 07/31/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 02/12/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: James W. Hurst
• Original Assignee: James W. Hurst
• Inventors: Hurst, James W.
• Primary Examiner(s): MCCALISTER, WILLIAM M
• Application Number:
  US12/028,992
• Publication Number:
  US 20080190488A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,632 Days
• Field of Search: 137/119.03, 137/119.08, 251/230
• 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 valve shaft fixedly connected to said cog wheel, said valve shaft having at least one valve shaft port;

a plurality of tubes in selective fluid communication through said at least one valve shaft port; and

at least one output valve having a diaphragm cavity located upstream of said at least one valve shaft port and connected to two of said plurality of tubes such that fluid flow from said diaphragm cavity through said at least one valve shaft port activates said output valve.

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 wherein said at least one output valve has a solenoid mount and further comprises an adapter inserted into said solenoid mount, said 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.

4. The flow control device of claim 3 wherein said adapter further comprises 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.