초록

A fluid flow control valve and method for operating which maintains the rate of flow of fluid therethrough at a substantially constant rate regardless of variations in pressure of the fluid flowing therethrough.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] A flow control valve comprising:(a) a retainer extending along an axis from a fluid flow open end to a second end and having a first inwardly facing cylindrical wall surface at said open end and a second larger inwardly facing cylindrical wall surface, said retainer having a radial

[ I claim:] [1.] A flow control valve comprising:(a) a retainer extending along an axis from a fluid flow open end to a second end and having a first inwardly facing cylindrical wall surface at said open end and a second larger inwardly facing cylindrical wall surface, said retainer having a radial port extending outwardly from said second wall surface;(b) an inner spool extending along said axis from an inlet end to an opposing end mounted for axial movement in said retainer, said inner spool having (i) an axial passageway, (ii) a first section slideably engaged to said retainer first wall surface, (iii) a second section having an outwardly facing cylindrical wall, (iv) a radial flange positioned axially between said second section and said opposing end, (v) a first radial opening of predetermined size within said first section and (vi) a second radial opening within said first section having a size smaller than said first radial opening and axially positioned such that upon axial movement of said inner spool toward said retainer second end, said second radial opening will become aligned with said retainer second wall surface prior to or substantially simultaneously with said first radial opening becoming so aligned;(c) an outer spool extending along said axis from a first end to a second end positioned for axial movement in said retainer, said outer spool having an area adjacent said first end slideably engaged (i) to said retainer second wall surface and operable to close said radial port when aligned therewith and (ii) to said inner spool second section outwardly facing cylindrical wall, said outer spool having a shoulder engageable with said inner spool radial flange;(d) a stop member for limiting the maximum axial extent to which said inner spool may extend toward said retainer open end; and(e) a spring yieldingly urging said outer spool away from said retainer open end.