Patent ID: 7798431
Filing Date: 2010-09-21
Classification: A62C,B05B,F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A flow control device comprising: a riser having a first end and a second end, wherein between the first end and the second end are disposed a plurality of threaded segments, each threaded segment having a top, a base, a predetermined inner diameter and a predetermined outer diameter, wherein the predetermined inner diameter is substantially the same from the base of the threaded segment to the top of the threaded segment, and the predetermined outer diameter is wider at the base of the threaded segment than at the top of the threaded segment, further wherein the plurality of threaded segments, together, form a length of the riser, further wherein, the riser comprises a predetermined riser cut-off points spaced between the threaded segments to adjust a length of the riser; a control valve having a first threaded valve end for detachably connecting to the first end of the riser, a second threaded valve end for detachably connecting to a supply line, and a ball housing between the first threaded valve end and the second threaded valve end, wherein the ball housing has a predetermined inner housing diameter; a ball enveloped inside the ball housing, wherein the ball has a diameter smaller than the predetermined inner housing diameter and larger than a first opening between the first threaded valve end and the ball housing and a second opening between the second threaded end and the ball housing; and a retaining rod, physically separate from the ball, having a first retaining rod end, a body having a plurality of predetermined retaining rod cut-off points spaced between a first body end and a second body end of the body for adjusting a length of the retaining rod, wherein the retaining rod cut-off points correspond to the riser cut-off points, a plurality of connecting members each having a first connecting member end and a second connecting member end, and a second retaining rod end shaped to form an opening, wherein the first retaining rod end is connected to the first body end, the second body end is connected to each first connecting member end, and each second connecting member end is connected to the second retaining rod end, further wherein the first end of the retaining rod is configured to be disposed inside the ball housing, a portion of the body of the retaining rod and the plurality of connecting members are configured to be disposed inside the riser, and the second end of the retaining rod is shaped to have a second retaining rod end diameter or width that is greater than the predetermined inner diameter of the riser and configured to be disposed external to the second end of the riser so as to physically prevent the ball from obstructing the first opening and prevent the second end of the retaining rod from entering the riser, and allows for the flow of fluid through the second end of the retaining rod, and the second end of the retaining rod does not impede the flow of the fluid through the riser, further wherein the body of the retaining rod consists of non-spring like segments separated by the retaining rod cut-off points.