초록 ▼

A flow regulator for regulating flow of a fluid includes a flow-attenuating labyrinth formed at least in part by a plurality of baffles. At least some of the baffles are implemented as leaf-spring portions, preferably made from metallic material, which are deployed so as to be free to flex in respon

A flow regulator for regulating flow of a fluid includes a flow-attenuating labyrinth formed at least in part by a plurality of baffles. At least some of the baffles are implemented as leaf-spring portions, preferably made from metallic material, which are deployed so as to be free to flex in response to variations in a pressure exerted on the leaf-spring portion by the fluid. The leaf-spring portions are configured to cooperate with an adjacent surface to provide multiple-stage pressure-responsive flow regulation.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A flow regulator for regulating flow of a fluid, the flow regulator comprising:(a) at least one spring element; and(b) at least one flow-path-defining element configured to provide at least one fixed surface which cooperates with said at least one spring element to defi

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A flow regulator for regulating flow of a fluid, the flow regulator comprising:(a) at least one spring element; and(b) at least one flow-path-defining element configured to provide at least one fixed surface which cooperates with said at least one spring element to define a fluid flow path from an inlet passing through at least one flow regulating cell to an outlet, said at least one flow regulating cell including:(i) a leaf-spring portion provided by said at least one spring element, said leaf-spring portion having a front surface exposed to fluid flowing along the fluid flow path, said leaf-spring portion further providing an edge, said leaf-spring portion being elastically deflectable under pressure applied on said front surface by the fluid from an initial state to a deflected state, and(ii) a clearance surface provided by said at least one flow-path-defining element, said clearance surface defining, together with said edge of said leaf-spring portion, a variable clearance through which said fluid flow path passes, such that said leaf-spring portion is responsive to the pressure of the fluid adjacent to said front surface to vary said clearance, thereby regulating the flow of the fluid.