초록 ▼

A micro flow control valve is interconnected between a main water line and a water distributing device, such as a mini sprayer. The interchangeable flow control valve is adapted to maintain a predetermined near constant micro flow rate of water to the distributing device within the approximate range

A micro flow control valve is interconnected between a main water line and a water distributing device, such as a mini sprayer. The interchangeable flow control valve is adapted to maintain a predetermined near constant micro flow rate of water to the distributing device within the approximate range of from 2.0 gph to 60.0 gph despite fluctuations in water pressure in the main water line. The control valve comprises a pin having at least one open-top channel defined at an outer surface thereof and a flexible diaphragm at least partially covering the channel. In operation, main line water pressure communicated to the control valve will function to flex the diaphragm into the channel to maintain such predetermined near constant micro flow rate in response to a variable pressure differential produced across the diaphragm. In carrying forth the method steps of this invention, the control valve can be removed from a housing and replaced with a second micro flow control valve having different flow rate characteristics. The second control valve will function to maintain a predetermined near constant second micro flow rate at an outlet thereof that is different from the first-mentioned micro flow rate.

대표청구항 ▼

A flow control valve adapted for use in an irrigation system to maintain a predetermined near constant flow rate of water, communicated to a water distributing device, said control valve comprising, a body element having an inlet and an outlet and disposed on a longitudinal axis thereof, at least on

A flow control valve adapted for use in an irrigation system to maintain a predetermined near constant flow rate of water, communicated to a water distributing device, said control valve comprising, a body element having an inlet and an outlet and disposed on a longitudinal axis thereof, at least one open-top channel means defined within said body element for intercommunicating said inlet and outlet and extending in the direction of said axis, said channel means being defined by a pair of converging and opposed first wall sections extending inwardly toward said axis to define an included first angle therebetween and a pair of opposed second wall sections intersecting and extending inwardly towards said axis from said first wall sections to define an included second angle therebetween that is less than said first angle, and flexible diaphragm means formed solely as a unitized part of said body element and at least partially covering said channel means for flexing into and cooperating with said channel means to maintain the flow rate of water at said outlet at said predetermined near constant flow rate in response to a differential in water pressure produced between said channel means and externally on said diaphragm means, said flexible diaphragm means defining an at least generally flat outer surface thereon entirely fixed to said body element in bridging relationship across said channel means and adapted to be directly exposed to water communicated to said inlet, when viewed in cross-section said outer surface at least generally defining a chord of a circle that subscribes an outer circumference of said control valve thereat.