US3851668A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Flow control device
Assignee: Medical Environment Devices Inc
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Filing: 1973-07-27
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Granted: 1974-12-03
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Expires: 1993-07-27
Abstract
Abstract A device for controlling flow by moving a rigid ball up and down through a flexible tube with channels.
Inventors
- 👤 T Benjamin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 18:17
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16K; F16K1/00; F16K1/14; A; A61; A61M; A61M5/00; A61M5/14; A61M5/168; A61M5/16877; F16K1/32; F16K1/54; F16K3/00; F16K3/30; F16K3/34; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/8593; Y10T137/86493; Y10T137/86718; Y10T137/86734
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
121 words
A flow control device comprising: an elongated flexible tube of a given length with an interior surface of given diameter, generally axially extending channel means formed in the interior surface of said flexible tube, the cross sectional flow area of said channel means varying in an axial direction, a rigid ball with a diameter greater thAn said interior surface diameter of said tube wherein said ball is capable of being firmly lodged within said elongated tube to form a seal between said ball and said interior surface of said tube exclusive of said channel means, said ball being capable of being axially moved within said tube by external squeezing force applied to said tube to control fluid flow through said tube.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
121 words
A flow control device comprising: an elongated flexible tube of a given length with an interior surface of given diameter, generally axially extending channel means formed in the interior surface of said flexible tube, the cross sectional flow area of said channel means varying in an axial direction, a rigid ball with a diameter greater thAn said interior surface diameter of said tube wherein said ball is capable of being firmly lodged within said elongated tube to form a seal between said ball and said interior surface of said tube exclusive of said channel means, said ball being capable of being axially moved within said tube by external squeezing force applied to said tube to control fluid flow through said tube.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A flow control device as in claim 1 wherein said channel means includes a plurality of channels beginning adjacent one end of said elongated tube.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
A flow control device as in claim 2 wherein said channels are approximately the same in cross sectional area and of different lengths.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
A flow control device as in claim 3 wherein said channels are of progressively longer lengths.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
44 words
A flow control device as in claim 2 wherein said channels have a body portion of approximately uniform cross sectional area and a tapered tip portion to provide a decreasing cross sectional area as the distance from said one end of said tube increases.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
A flow control device as in claim 5 wherein said channels are of progressively longer lengths.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
A flow control device as in claim 6 wherein said tip portion of a longer channel ends at the start of the next shorter channel.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
A flow control device as in claim 1 wherein said channel means includes at least one tapered channel to provide a decreasing cross sectional area.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
A flow control device as in claim 8 with a plurality of channels and said channels are different lengths.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
A flow control device as in claim 9 wherein said channels are of progressively longer lengths.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
A flow control device as in claim 1 wherein said tube is made of a flexible at least partially transparent material.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-12-02 | 1978-06-03 | 1978-12-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-12-02 | 1982-06-03 | 1982-12-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-12-02 | 1986-06-03 | 1986-12-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |