IP Library Patent Application 12343802
Patent Application
App. No. 12/343,802

Flow Splitter for Fluid Pipe

Loading inventors, assignments & file history…
Monitor This Case
Get email alerts when status or documents change.
Order Certified Copies
Most orders are placed with the USPTO same day — all within 24 business hours.
Order via The Patent Place →
Pre-filled with this patent's details
Quick Facts
Patent No.
US None
App. No.
12/343,802
Abstract

The present disclosure provides a flow splitter for dividing a flow of a fluid into a first outlet and a second outlet. The flow splitter comprises a pivot having a flapper portion, which can ensure that water will continue to flow to an outlet, even if the outlet is partially or completely obstructed.

Claims (17)

1 . A flow splitter for directing a flow of fluid into a first portion and a second portion, said flow splitter comprising:

an inlet for receiving said flow of fluid;

a first outlet for receiving said first portion, and a second outlet for receiving said second portion; and

a pivot having a flapper that selectively reduces the amount of fluid directed to the first portion or the second portion by at least partially closing off an end of the first outlet or the second outlet, respectively,

wherein said flapper is moved by a pressure applied by said fluid on a side of said flapper.

2 . The flow splitter of claim 1 , further comprising:

a bottom end opposite said inlet; and

a device connected to an end of said flapper,

wherein said device is connected to an inner wall of said bottom end, and

wherein said device provides a restoring force to center the position of said flapper.

3 . The flow splitter of claim 2 , wherein said tension device is a spring.

4 . The flow splitter of claim 1 , wherein said fluid is water.

5 . A method of diverting a flow of fluid into a first portion and a second portion, the method comprising the steps of:

supplying said flow of fluid;

diverting at least a portion of said flow of fluid into said first portion and said second portion; and

using a device disposed within the flow of fluid to obstruct the flow into the first portion or second portion, based on a pressure exerted on the device disposed within the flow of fluid.

6 . The method of claim 5 , wherein said first portion and said second portion of said flow of fluid are in fluid communication with water tubes of an ice-making machine, wherein said fluid is water, and wherein said fluid is frozen within said water tubes.

Assignments (2)
PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded May 18, 2010
From: MILE HIGH EQUIPMENT, LLC FORMERLY KNOWN AS MILE HIGH EQUIPMENT CO.
To: GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 024397/0987 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Mar 23, 2009
From: BROADBENT, JOHN ALLEN; KEPLER, RICHARD
To: MILE HIGH EQUIPMENT L.L.C.
Reel/Frame 022485/0974 →