Importance

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Abstract

A liquid flow regulator has a housing formed by two parts that snap together. The housing defines an axial bore, an inlet, an outlet and a plurality of axial grooves opening endwise of the inlet and laterally of the housing into the bore. The grooves taper axially so that the cross-sectional area of each groove gradually decreases from the inlet to nothing at a pont where the groove merges with the bore. The grooves have different axial lengths. An elastomeric sock fits within the bore. Means for expanding the sock radially outward into sealing engagement with the housing adjacent the bore is axially movable within the bore. Flow through the grooves and the bore is regulated by the axial position of the sock expanding means and the minimum cross-sectional area of the tapered, axial grooves at the axial location where the sock seals the bore. Axial adjustment of the sock expanding means sequentially opens and closes passage from the grooves through the bore to the bore outlet. Means are provided for disabling the sock expanding means to limit withdrawal of the sock expanding means from the bore.

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First Claim