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US 9,404,244 B1Granted
Fluid control apparatus, systems and methods
AssigneeJoelex, Inc.
InventorsCharles Robert Gass, Daniel A. Handley
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Apparatuses manage the flow of fluids, such as, for example, water, through pipes. Specifically, the apparatuses of the present invention creates a backward pressure in fluid traversing a pipe, wherein the backward pressure within the pipe provides compression to the fluid effectively compressing entrapped gas bubbles within the fluid, allowing more accurate water meter measurements and helps reduce or eliminate the failure to detect and record low fluid flow in water meters. Moreover, the apparatuses of the present invention provide backflow prevention. Systems and methods for managing fluids are further provided.
Claims20
An apparatus for managing the flow of fluid through a pipe comprising:
- a housing forming an internal chamber having a first end and a second end, and further having an inlet opening at the first end and an outlet opening at the second end, and an internal surface between the first end and the second end, wherein pressurized fluid flows through the housing;
- a poppet valve seat removably engaged to the internal surface of the housing;
- a poppet valve mounted to a shaft and disposed within the internal chamber, the poppet valve configured to contact the seat in proximity to the inlet opening wherein contacting the seat seals the chamber and prevents the flow of fluid through the housing;
- a base in proximity to the outlet opening removably engaged to the internal surface of the housing, the base having a central opening slidably receiving the shaft, an internal surface, and at least one aperture for allowing the flow of fluid therethrough, wherein the at least one aperture is tapered;
- a spring around the shaft having a first end and a second end, the first end of the spring disposed within a first depression in the poppet valve and the second end of the spring disposed within a second depression in the internal surface of the base, wherein movement of the poppet valve toward the base causes a compression of the spring,
- wherein the housing has a length between the first end and a second end, and an imaginary plane disposed perpendicular to the length of the housing dividing the housing into first and second portions, wherein the contour of the internal surface in the first portion and the contour of the internal surface in the second portion are mirrored with respect to each other.
3 more elements
A method of controlling the flow of fluid in a water distribution system comprising the steps of:
- providing an apparatus comprising a housing forming an internal chamber having a first end and a second end, and further having an inlet opening at the first end and an outlet opening at the second end, and an internal surface between the first end and the second end, wherein pressurized fluid flows through the housing;
- a poppet valve seat removably engaged to the internal surface of the housing;
- a poppet valve mounted to a shaft and disposed within the internal chamber, the poppet valve configured to contact the seat in proximity to the inlet opening wherein contacting the seat seals the chamber and prevents the flow of fluid through the housing;
- a base in proximity to the outlet opening removably engaged to the internal surface of the housing, the base having a central opening slidably receiving the shaft, an internal surface, and at least one aperture for allowing the flow of fluid therethrough, wherein the at least one aperture is tapered;
- a spring around the shaft having a first end and a second end, the first end of the spring disposed within a first depression in the poppet valve and the second end of the spring disposed within a second depression in the internal surface of the base, wherein movement of the poppet valve toward the base causes a compression of the spring, wherein the housing has a length between the first end and a second end, and an imaginary plane disposed perpendicular to the length of the housing dividing the housing into first and second portions, wherein the contour of the internal surface in the first portion and the contour of the internal surface in the second portion are mirrored with respect to each other;
- providing a pipe in the water distribution system attached to a water meter;
- and
- disposing the apparatus in line with the pipe, such that when there is a slow leak of water through the pipe that is not detectable by the water meter, the apparatus prevents flow of water through the pipe until the water pressure downstream from the apparatus is a predefined threshold water pressure less than the water pressure upstream from the apparatus, and further wherein when the water pressure downstream from the apparatus is the predefined threshold water pressure less than the water pressure upstream from the apparatus, the apparatus allows water to flow through the water meter for detection by the water meter.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.