Fluid handling – Line condition change responsive valves – With separate connected fluid reactor surface
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-01
2001-08-21
Chambers, A. Michael (Department: 3753)
Fluid handling
Line condition change responsive valves
With separate connected fluid reactor surface
C137S505130, C137S505180, C137S271000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06276392
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to pressure regulators particularly for use with water distribution systems.
2. Description of the Related Art
In irrigation systems, sprinkler heads, drip irrigation outlets, or other elements affect the outlet waterflow. Water sources are provided at a variety of pressures and the pressure in a given system may vary as consumption varies. There are limits on pressure that sprinkler heads, drip irrigation elements and electrical flow control valves can withstand, and these limits vary widely. These elements function best when subjected to a preset water pressure. Thus, it is common to provide pressure regulators in water lines to provide a relatively constant pressure over a range of input pressure. The volume flowing through a regulator is also variable depending on the number and type of downstream outlets. Thus, it is desirable that the pressure regulator provide a relatively constant outlet pressure under a variety of input pressures and a range of flow through the regulator.
One type of pressure regulator currently being utilized to satisfy the foregoing needs is the so-called “inline” regulator. Such pressure regulators have two main disadvantages. First, the mechanism such as a spring used to regulate the flow is in the flow path. Consequently, the spring is subject to wear, thus diminishing performance and useful life. If the spring must be changed, the regulator must be disconnected from the water line. More importantly, if a different outlet pressure is desired, the entire regulator must be removed from the water line and replaced by one providing the desired outlet pressure.
This approach is inconvenient and expensive to the user because of the time required to replace the pressure regulator as well as the expense of purchasing many different pressure regulators. Correspondingly, dealers that sell regulators to end users are forced to keep many different pressure regulators in inventory, and endure the undesirable inventory expense and space. Likewise, manufacturers must produce and inventory this wide range of regulators.
Thus, a need exist for a pressure regulator system that eliminates or minimizes these shortcomings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a pressure regulator that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. The regulator includes a housing having a water inlet oriented about 90° with respect to a water outlet. A regulator valve positioned in the outlet is connected to a diaphragm extending across a third opening in the housing. A spring reacting against the diaphragm is captured in the third opening by a removable cap. The spring is selected to provide a substantially constant outlet pressure when the diaphragm is subjected to a range of input pressures. A set of springs to provide a variety of preset outlet pressures is provided with the regulator. The user of the regulator can select the spring that corresponds with the desired outlet pressure, remove the cap from the regulator, and position the desired spring in place. Thus, the invention encompasses both the structure of the system as well as the method.
The present invention has the advantage that only springs need to be replaced rather than the entire pressure regulator in order to obtain a desired outlet flow pressure. The invention has a further advantage that the springs are kept in a separate dry chamber. Only the cap needs to be removed to replace a spring rather than disconnecting an entire line. An operator need only purchase one regulator and a set of springs rather than many different regulators. This of course also reduces cost for dealers and for manufacturers. Also right angle valves allow for higher flows with less pressure drop, in contrast to inline valves.
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Chambers A. Michael
Hendrickson Bros.
Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP
McShane Thomas L.
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