Adjustable flow regulating valve

An adjustable fluid flow regulating valve comprising;

• a hollow housing with an inlet end and an outlet end and a central bore through which a regulated fluid flow is discharged,
• said inlet and outlet ends adapted to be connected in a fluid supply line between a fluid supply source and a device to be supplied with a regulated fluid flow,
• a conical needle fixed axially within said central bore with a flow passage therearound to allow fluid flow through said outlet end and having its apex facing upstream toward said inlet end,
• a flexible diaphragm supported in said central bore spaced from and having a central aperture in axial alignment with the apex of said conical needle,
• said diaphragm being elastically movable relative to the apex of said needle whereby changes in the supply fluid pressure causes the aperture of said diaphragm to coact with the apex of said needle to reduce or increase the effective fluid flow orifice area therebetween to provide a substantially constant regulated fluid flow rate through said outlet bore to the device being supplied, and
• means for adjusting the amount of movement of said diaphragm required to coact with said needle,
• said diaphragm adjusting means being operatively connected at the inlet end of said housing and longitudinally movable relative thereto,
• said diaphragm being operatively coupled to said adjustment means and operable thereby, and
• said adjustment means being movable to adjustably position said flexible diaphragm relative to the apex of said needle whereby changes in the supply fluid pressure causes the aperture of said diaphragm to coact with the apex of said needle to reduce or increase the effective fluid flow orifice area therebetween to provide a substantially constant regulated fluid flow rate through said outlet bore to the device being supplied.