Apparatus for modulating fluid flow

#This invention relates to apparatus for modulating fluid flow. More particularly, the invention relates to apparatus for modulating fluid flow between a first fluid path and a second flow path which branches from the first flow path.

#The invention provides apparatus for modulating fluid flow comprises a first flow path, a second flow path transverse to the first flow path, the second flow path having a fluid inlet which opens onto the first flow path whereby a portion of fluid flowing along the first flow path can be diverted into the second flow path, the position of the fluid inlet being set in relation to the direction of fluid flow according to the extent of fluid to be diverted from the first flow path into the second flow path.

#Typically, the position of the inlet is fixed with respect to the direction of fluid flow in the first flow path after having been placed in the set position. However, there may be situations where the position of the fluid inlet can be adjusted to vary the extent of fluid diverted as desired. Such adjustment may be made prior to and/or during operation of the apparatus.

#The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of several specific embodiments thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

#FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a water distribution manifold according to a first embodiment as used in a horizontal swimming pool filter;

#FIG. 2 is a schematic end view of the manifold;

#The embodiments shown in the drawings are each directed to a manifold for use in a horizontal swimming pool filter, the manifold being provided to distribute pool water evenly into a water space above a bed of filtering media contained within the filter.

#In the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the manifold 10 comprises a first conduit 11 defining a first flow passage 13. The conduit 11 is cylindrical and closed at one end by way of a cap 15. Pool water to be filtered is delivered to the flow passage 13 through the other end of the conduit 11.

#The manifold 10 further includes a plurality of branch lines 19. The branch lines 19 are in pairs on opposed sides of the first conduit 11, each pair of branch lines 19 being defined by a second conduit 21 extending transversely through the first conduit 11. Each second conduit 21 is received within holes 23 formed in the cylindrical side wall of the first conduit 11. In the first embodiment shown in the drawings, there are five such second conduits 21, identified by reference numerals 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d and 21e respectively. Each second conduit 21 has an external diameter which is less than the interior diameter of the first conduit 11.