Quiet flow control washer for water softener or the like
US6776901B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 30, 2001 |
| Grant date | Aug 17, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 21, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/87643
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A flow control includes a conduit and a flow control washer disposed in the conduit between the conduit's inlet and the outlet. A gas inlet passage opens into the conduit, preferably at a location just downstream of the flow control washer, to permit a gas (typically ambient air) to enter a liquid stream flowing through the flow control washer. The admission of a gas into this liquid stream reduces noise generated by liquid flow through the flow control washer. Gas induction and noise reduction capabilities may be enhanced by admitting the gas fluid into a low pressure region of a venturi located in the conduit downstream of the flow control washer. The flow control is particularly useful in a wastewater drain of a water softener control valve, but is also useful in a variety of other applications. A method of reducing noise in a flow control is also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.