Fuel nozzle metering valve that provides dribble flow and related method

Abstract

Embodiments of a metering valve for a fuel nozzle are disclosed. The metering valve includes a fitting having an interior cavity and an inlet, a liner disposed within the interior cavity, and a spool having an orifice. The liner includes inlet ports, and the spool is disposed within the liner. The spool is configured to slide within the liner to control flow between the inlet and the orifice. The spool has an open position in which the spool uncovers the inlet ports, a closed position in which the spool is seated against the fitting, and a lifted off position in which the spool is not seated against the fitting and covers the inlet ports. A dribble flow path through at least one of the spool or the liner provides fluid communication between the inlet and the orifice when the spool is in the lifted off position.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.