Patent Publication Number: US-9428899-B2

Title: Fluid flow control and debris intercepting apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a Continuation In Part of co-pending U.S. Ser. No. 13/973,550 filed Aug. 22, 2013. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to storm water control systems. More particularly, the invention concerns a fluid flow control and debris intercepting apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid and the introduction of debris into the entrance of a water diversion system such as a curbside storm drain. 
     2. Description of Related Art Including Information Disclosed under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98 
     The control of excess runoff rain water has long been a problem faced by municipalities throughout the civilized world. Heavy rainfall can create large volumes of runoff that must be handled effectively in order to avoid flooding, that can result in road closures and substantial property damage. Accordingly, most municipalities have installed drain systems that include curbside drains that are provided at spaced apart locations along most thoroughfares. The curbside drains typically lead to main drain pipes that carry the water to adjacent rivers, directly to the ocean, or to remote catch basins. 
     While the prior art drain systems have, for the most part, proven effective in carrying runoff storm water away from the streets and populated areas, the control of man-made and natural debris entering the drain systems remains a major problem. For this reason, various attempts have been made in the past to prevent unwanted debris from entering into curb side drains. These prior art attempts have included placing plates over the drains that are specially configured to trap the debris and still provide limited space for the water to flow. This approach has generally proven unsatisfactory because, as a general rule, the drains cannot adequately accommodate the runoff during heavy rainfall events. Other attempts have been made to design curbside drain gates that remain closed during dry periods, but open during moderate to heavy rainfall events. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,945,746 issued to Bredbenner illustrates one prior art approach to providing a specially configured catch basin curb inlet opening cover that comprises a rectangular grating panel that is adapted to be supported in a stationary frame surrounding and opening of a storm drain inlet. U.S. Pat. No. 7,611,304 issued to Lill et al. illustrates another prior art approach to providing a specially configured catch basin curb inlet opening cover. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,234,894 issued to Flury discloses an automatically openable and closable gate system for use with street side curb openings that includes a gate which during dry and low flow water drainage situations is in a closed position and during periods of heavy rainfall will automatically open. U.S. Publication No. 2008/0226390 discloses a system that is somewhat similar to the Flurry system and includes an automatic fluid channel screen lock-unlock system for automatically locking and unlocking a screen that is disposed within a fluid channel wherein the screen is rotatable relative to the channel from a closed position to an open position. 
     The prior art fluid channel screen lock-unlock systems have frequently proven to be unsatisfactory because the screens tend to jam in the locked position causing unwanted flooding. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     By way of brief summary, the present invention comprises a fluid flow control and debris intercepting apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid and the introduction of debris into the entrance of a conventional curbside storm drain of the character having spaced apart side walls that define a fluid flow channel through which fluid flows. In one form of the invention the apparatus comprises an elongated, yieldably deformable support in the form of a cable under tension that substantially spans the fluid flow channel and a plurality of transversely spaced apart flow control vanes that are connected to the cable. The flow control vanes function to control fluid flow through the curbside drain and work in tandem to block the entry of unwanted debris into the storm drain. To accomplish this purpose, the flow control vanes are pivotally movable between a first at rest position and a second position wherein an increase in fluid flow through the fluid flow channel is permitted. The system further includes a mechanism for controlling the tension in the elongated, yieldably deformable support cable and thereby controlling the resistance that is offered by the system to the flow of fluid through the fluid flow channel and the entry of objects into the storm drain. 
     With the forgoing in mind, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that effectively controls the flow of fluid and the introduction of unwanted debris into the entrance of a curbside storm drain. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that can readily be installed by unskilled workmen in curbside storm drains of varying standard and nonstandard construction. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the aforementioned character that effectively prevents the entry of unwanted debris into curbside storm drains during conditions of low to moderate rainfall, but may permit the free entry of debris into the storm drain during conditions of heavy rainfall. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the class described that can be specially tailored to accommodate directional fluid flow as, for example, downhill fluid flow. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the described in the preceding paragraph which, because of its unique design, cannot jam and will automatically open to permit fluid flow through the flow control channel when the flowing water impinges upon control vanes. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus as described in the preceding paragraphs that is easy to install and in no way affects the structural integrity of the curbside storm drain. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the class described in which the flow control vanes of the apparatus can be readily modified for use in storm drains of varying height and width. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the class described in the preceding paragraph which, because of the unique design of the light weight flow control vanes of the apparatus, permits a significantly higher flow volume of water through the fluid flow channel than is permitted by prior art devices embodying perforated flow control gates. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus as described in the preceding paragraphs that is easily adjustable to accommodate varying fluid flow conditions. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the class described in which advertising indicia can readily be imprinted on the exposed faces of the flow control vanes of the apparatus. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the type described in the preceding paragraphs which when installed in no way obstructs travel along the street where the curbside storm drains are installed. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a fluid flow control system that embodies materials that have little recyclable value so as to discourage theft of the apparatus for potential resale. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the class described that is durable in use and one that can be inexpensively manufactured, installed and maintained. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a generally perspective front view of one form of the fluid flow control and debris intercepting apparatus as it appears when installed in a conventional curbside storm drain. 
         FIG. 2  is a generally perspective rear view similar to  FIG. 1 , but showing the fluid flow control and debris intercepting apparatus in an open position to permit fluid and debris flow through the flow channel of the storm drain. 
         FIG. 3  is a greatly enlarged front view of one form of the control vane of the apparatus of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a greatly enlarged side view of the control vane shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a greatly enlarged, generally perspective view of the control vane shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 6  is a greatly enlarged, generally perspective view of an alternate form of control vane. 
         FIG. 6A  is a greatly enlarged, generally perspective top view of still another alternate form of control vane. 
         FIG. 6B  is a greatly enlarged, generally perspective bottom view of the control vane shown in  FIG. 6A . 
         FIG. 7  is a generally perspective, exploded view of an alternate form of the fluid flow control and debris intercepting apparatus showing the control gate in its closed position. 
         FIG. 8  is a generally perspective view similar to  FIG. 7 , but showing the fluid flow control and debris intercepting apparatus in an open position to permit fluid and debris flow through the flow channel of the storm drain. 
         FIG. 9  is a generally perspective, exploded rear view of the control gate portion of the fluid flow control and debris intercepting apparatus in its open position. 
         FIG. 10A  is a greatly enlarged, generally perspective, exploded view of one of the control vanes of the apparatus of this latest form of the invention. 
         FIG. 10B  is a side view of the control vane shown in  FIG. 10A . 
         FIG. 10C  is a front view of the control vane shown in  FIG. 10A . 
         FIG. 10D  is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken along lines  10 D- 10 D of  FIG. 10A . 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged, generally perspective, exploded view of the area designated in  FIG. 9  as  11 - 11 . 
         FIG. 12  is an enlarged, generally perspective, exploded view of one form of the tensioning mechanism of this latest form of the invention for controlling the tension of the elongated tensioning cable of the invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a generally perspective, exploded rear view of the control gate portion of still another form of the fluid flow control and debris intercepting apparatus of the invention showing the apparatus in its open position. 
         FIG. 14  is an enlarged, generally perspective, exploded view of the area designated in  FIG. 13  as  14 - 14 . 
         FIG. 15  is an enlarged, generally perspective, exploded view of an alternate form of the tensioning mechanism of this latest form of the invention for controlling the tension of the elongated tensioning cable of the invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a generally perspective rear view of an alternate form of the fluid flow control and debris intercepting apparatus as it appears when installed in the conventional curbside storm drain. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to the drawings and particularly to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , one form of the fluid flow control and debris intercepting apparatus of the invention is there shown as it appears when positioned within the conventional curbside storm drain. This form of the apparatus, which is generally designated in the drawings by the numeral  18 , functions to control the flow of fluid and the introduction of debris into the entrance “E” of the storm drain “SD” that comprises a structure “S” having spaced apart side walls “W” that define a fluid flow channel “C” ( FIG. 2 ) through which fluid, such as rainwater flows. In the form of the invention shown in  FIGS. 1 through 2  the apparatus comprises a control gate assembly  20  that includes a support member  22  that is connected to structure “S” and spans the fluid flow channel “C”. Support number  22  is here shown as an elongated, generally cylindrically shaped pivot rod having extremities that are disposed in engagement with the sidewalls “W” of the structure “S” ( FIG. 1 ). Pivotally connected to support member  22  for movement between a first at rest position and a second position are a plurality of transversely spaced apart uniquely configured flow control vanes  24 . Flow control vanes  24 , which also comprise a part of the fluid flow control and debris intercepting gate  20 , uniquely function to control fluid flow through the fluid flow channel “C” and to selectively block the entrance of debris into the channel. As shown in  FIGS. 3, 4, and 5  of the drawings, each of the flow control vanes  24  has a front face  24   a , a rear face  24   b , a lower portion  26 , an upper portion  28  and an intermediate portion  30 . As best seen in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the intermediate portion  30  of each of the flow control vanes is provided with an opening  30   a  that is constructed and arranged to slidably receive the support member  22 . More particularly, in the form of in the invention shown in these figure drawings, the opening is provided in the form of a transverse bore that is constructed and arranged to slidably receive the support member  22 . In an alternate form of flow control, vane  24 ALT which is of the somewhat similar configuration shown in  FIG. 5 , the lower portion  31  of the control vane is curved and is provided with a plurality of spaced apart openings  31   a . In another alternate form of flow control vane  33 , which as of the configuration shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B  of the drawings, the opening is provided in the form of a semicircular opening  33   c  that is constructed and arranged to releasably grip the support member  22 . As indicated in  FIG. 1  of the drawings, if desired, indicia such as advertising indicia “I” can be imprinted on the face of the control vanes  24 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7 through 12  of the drawings, an alternate form of the fluid flow control and debris intercepting apparatus of the invention is there shown and generally designated by the numeral  56 . This form of the apparatus is similar in many respects to the apparatus shown in  FIGS. 1 through 6  of the drawings and operates in a somewhat similar Manner to control the flow of fluid and the introduction of debris into the entrance of the storm drain “SD- 1 ” that comprises a structure “S- 1 ” having spaced apart side walls “W- 1 ” that define a fluid flow channel “C- 1 ” ( FIGS. 7 and 8 ) through which fluid, such as rainwater flows. 
     Apparatus  56  here comprises a control gate assembly  58  that includes a pair of side panels  60   a  and  60   b  that are connected to structure “S- 1 ” in the manner shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . Connected to and spanning the side panels is an elongated support member  62  here shown as an elongated, generally cylindrically shaped pivot rod having first and second extremities  62   a  and  62   b  that are disposed in engagement with the side panels  60   a  and  60   b  ( FIG. 9 ). Pivotally connected to support member  62  for movement between a first at rest position and a second position are a plurality of transversely spaced apart uniquely configured flow control vanes  64 . 
     Flow control vanes  64 , which comprise a part of the fluid flow control and debris intercepting gate, uniquely function to control fluid flow through the fluid flow channel “C- 1 ” and to selectively block the entrance of debris into the channel. As shown in  FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D  of the drawings, each of the flow control vanes  64  has a front face  64   a , a rear face  64   b , a lower portion  66 , an upper connector portion  68  and an intermediate portion  70 . As best seen in  FIG. 10A , the upper connector portion  68  of each of the flow control vanes is provided with an opening  68   a  that is constructed and arranged to slidably receive the support member  62 . More particularly, in this latest form of the invention, the opening is provided in the form of a transverse bore that is constructed and arranged to slidably receive the support member  62 . As shown in  FIG. 10A , each of the flow control vanes  64  is provided with a longitudinally extending slot  64   s  that slidably receives an apertured cable receiving member  72  and a closure member  74  that closes the lower extremity of the slot. 
     As before, an important aspect of the apparatus of this latest form of the invention is an elongated, biasing member, shown here as an elongated, yieldably deformable biasing cable  80  ( FIGS. 9 and 11 ) having a first end  80   a  and a second end  80   b . Cable  80  is received within openings  72   a  formed in the apertured cable receiving members  72  that are slidably received within slot  64   s  ( FIG. 10A ) and are affixed to the control vanes  64  at the location illustrated in  FIG. 10B . Cable  80  uniquely functions to controllably resist movement of the vanes toward their second position. In a manner presently to be described, cable  80  is continuously maintained in tension and the degree of tension in the cable is regulated by first and second cooperating tensioning mechanisms  82   a  and  82   b  that are connected to cable  80  and are carried by the side panels  60   a  and  60   b . These important tensioning mechanisms, which are of identical construction and operation, each comprise a generally circular shaped connector plate  86  that is connected to a selected one of the side panels and an elongated hollow cylindrical member  88  that is affixed to the connector plate and extends outwardly there from. Disposed internally of hollow cylindrical member  88  is a female driving member  90  that is provided with a multiplicity of circumferentially spaced spline receiving grooves  90   a  (see  FIG. 12 ). Circumscribing hollow cylindrical member  88  is a circular shaped cable spool  92  about which the cable  80  is entrained. Connected to cable spool  92  and also circumscribing hollow cylindrical member  88  is a conventional helical torsion spring  94  that has first and second ends  94   a  and  94   b  respectively. Helical torsion spring  94  functions to provide controlled resistance to the rotation of the cable spool  92  and to in this way control the degree of tension in the cable. Connected to the second end of the torsion spring  94  is a tensioning assembly  98 , which is operably associated with driving member  90  and which, in a manner presently to be described, functions to controllably twist the torsion spring. Tensioning assembly  98  here includes a generally circular shaped connector plate  100 , which includes an outwardly extending, generally arcuate shaped spring engaging segment  102 . Also forming a part of the tensioning assembly  98  is an internally threaded, male driven member  104  that is provided with a multiplicity of circumferentially spaced splines  104   a  that are receivable within the spline receiving grooves  90   a  of driving member  90 . Threadably connected to male driven member  104  and extending through hollow cylindrical member  88  is an elongated, generally cylindrical member  106 . Slidably connected to the outboard end of hollow cylindrical member  88  for movement between an at rest position and an inward position is an actuating assembly  108  that includes a collar  108   a  that circumscribes elongated cylindrical member  106 . Affixed to collar  108   a  is an actuating driver  110  that is provided with a multiplicity of circumferentially spaced splines  110   a  that are receivable within the spline receiving grooves  90   a  of driving member  90  when the actuating assembly  108  is moved into its inward position. Circumscribing elongated cylindrical member  106  and housed within hollow cylindrical member  88  is a biasing spring  111  that functions to yieldably resist inward movement of the actuating assembly  108 . 
     Each of the first and second cooperating tensioning mechanisms  82   a  and  82   b  are manually operated by an operating assembly  112  that can be operably associated with actuating drivers  110 . Operating assembly  112 , which functions to controllably rotate the actuating drivers  110  and, in turn, rotate the driving members  90 , includes a generally cylindrically shaped body  114 , a hand gripping head portion  116  and a connector end  118 . As best seen in  FIG. 11 , connector end  118  is provided with a multiplicity of circumferentially spaced spline receiving grooves  118   a  that receive splines  110   a  of actuating driver  110  when the operating assembly  112  is mated with the actuating drivers  110 . 
     In using the fluid flow control and debris intercepting apparatus of this latest form of the invention, the cable  80  can be appropriately tensioned through the alternate use of the first and second cooperating tensioning mechanisms  82   a  and  82   b . This tensioning step is accomplished by inserting the connector end of the manually operated, operating assembly  112  into the selected tensioning mechanism in a manner such that splines  110   a  of actuating driver  110  are received within the multiplicity of circumferentially spaced spline receiving grooves  118   a  of the operating assembly  112 . Manual rotation of the operating assembly  112  will controllably rotate the actuating driver  110 , which will rotate the driving member  90  and, in turn, will rotate driven member  104  and connector plate  100 . Rotation of the connector plate  100  will cause the arcuate shaped spring engaging segment  102  to controllably twist the torsion spring  94  and controllably rotate the spool  92 . In this way the resistance offered to the rotation of the circular shaped cable spool  92  about which the cable  80  is entrained can be selectively controlled. 
     As before, as the water flows through the fluid flow channel “C” and impinges on the control vanes  64 , the lower portions of the control vanes will tend to move outwardly in the manner shown in  FIG. 8  of the drawings. However, since the lower portions of the control vanes are interconnected with the cable  80 , the cable will yieldably resist the outward movement of the control vanes, which outward movement is tending to move the cable into an arcuate configuration ( FIG. 9 ). It is apparent that the degree of tension placed on the cable  80  controls the amount of force that must be imparted on the control vanes by the flowing fluid to move the cable into the arcuate configuration shown in  FIG. 9 . The greater the tension on the cable  80 , the greater is the force against the fluid flowing through the fluid flow channel “C” and impinging on the control vanes that is required to move the cable into an arcuate configuration as is illustrated in  FIG. 9  and to move the control gate into an open position. Conversely, the lesser the tension on the cable  80 , the lower is the force against fluid flowing through the fluid flow channel “C” and impinging on the control vanes that is required to move the control gate into an open position. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 13 and 14  of the drawings, still another form of the fluid flow control and debris intercepting apparatus of the invention is there shown and generally designated by the numeral  122 . This form of the apparatus is similar in many respects to the apparatus shown in  FIGS. 7 through 12  of the drawings and like numerals are used in  FIGS. 13 and 14  to identify like components. As before, the apparatus operates in a manner to control the flow of fluid and the introduction of debris into the entrance C- 1  of the storm drain. 
     Apparatus  122  here comprises a control gate assembly  124  that includes a pair of side panels  126   a  and  126   b  that are connected to structure “S- 1 ”. Connected to and spanning the side panels is an elongated support member  62  here shown as an elongated, generally cylindrically shaped pivot rod having first and second extremities  62   a  and  62   b  that are disposed in engagement with the side panels  126   a  and  126   b  ( FIG. 13 ). Pivotally connected to support member  62  for movement between a first at rest position and a second position are a plurality of transversely spaced apart uniquely configured flow control vanes  64 . 
     Flow control vanes  64 , which are identical construction and operation to those previously described, comprise a part of the fluid flow control and debris intercepting gate, that uniquely function to control fluid flow through the fluid flow channel “C- 1 ” and to selectively block the entrance of debris into the channel. As shown in  FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D  of the drawings, each of the flow control vanes  64  has a front face  64   a , a rear face  64   b , a lower portion  66 , an upper connector portion  68  and an intermediate portion  70 . As best seen in  FIG. 10A , the upper connector portion  68  of each of the flow control vanes is provided with an opening  68   a  that is constructed and arranged to slidably receive the support member  62 . More particularly, in this latest form of the invention, the opening is provided in the form of a transverse bore that is constructed and arranged to slidably receive the support member  62 . As shown in  FIG. 10A , each of the flow control vanes  64  is provided with a longitudinally extending slot  64   s  that slidably receives an apertured cable receiving member  72  and a closure member  74  that closes the lower extremity of the slot. 
     As before, an important aspect of the apparatus of this latest form of the invention is an elongated, biasing member, shown here as an elongated, yieldably deformable, continuous biasing cable  130  ( FIGS. 13 and 14 ). Cable  130  is received within openings  72   a  formed in the apertured cable receiving members  72  that are affixed to the control vanes  64  (see  FIGS. 13 and 15 ). Cable  130  uniquely functions to controllably resist movement of the vanes toward their second position. In this latest embodiment of the invention the tension in cable  130  is continuously maintained by a single tensioning mechanism  132  that is carried by side panel  126   a . This important tensioning mechanism, which is of similar construction and operation to the previously described tensioning mechanisms  82   a  and  82   b , comprises a generally circular shaped connector plate  86  that is connected to side panel  126   a  and an elongated hollow cylindrical member  88  that is affixed to the connector plate and extends outwardly there from. Disposed internally of hollow cylindrical member  88  is a female driving member  90  that is provided with a multiplicity of circumferentially spaced spline receiving grooves  90   a  (see  FIG. 15 ). Circumscribing hollow cylindrical member  88  is a circular shaped cable spool  134  about which the cable  130  is entrained. As illustrated in  FIGS. 13, 14 and 15  of the drawings, cable  130  passes around cable spool  134 , downwardly around a pulley  136  mounted on side plate  126   a , longitudinally through the apertured cable receiving member  72 , around a lower pulley  138  mounted on plate  126   b , upwardly around an upper pulley  140  mounted on plate  126   b , longitudinally across the upper, rear surfaces of the flow control vanes  64  and finally once again around cable spool  134  thus forming a continuous loop. Connected to cable spool  134  and also circumscribing hollow cylindrical member  88  is a conventional helical torsion spring  94  that has first and second ends  94   a  and  94   b  respectively. Connected to the second end of the torsion spring  94  is a tensioning assembly  98 , which is operably associated with driving member  90  and which, in a manner presently to be described, functions to controllably twist the torsion spring. Tensioning assembly  98  here includes a generally circular shaped connector plate  100 , which includes an outwardly extending, generally arcuate shaped spring engaging segment  102 . Also forming a part of the tensioning assembly  98  is an internally threaded, male driven member  104  that is provided with a multiplicity of circumferentially spaced splines  104   a  that are receivable within the spline receiving grooves  90   a  of driving member  90 . Threadably connected to male driven member  104  and extending through hollow cylindrical member  88  is an elongated, generally cylindrical member  106 . Slidably connected to the outboard end of hollow cylindrical member  88  for movement between an at rest position and an inward position is an actuating assembly  108  that includes a collar  108   a  that circumscribes cylindrical member  106 . Affixed to collar  108   a  is an actuating driver  110  that is provided with a multiplicity of circumferentially spaced splines  110   a  that are receivable within the spline receiving grooves  90   a  of driving member  90  when the actuating assembly  108  is moved into its inward position. Circumscribing cylindrical member  106  and housed within hollow cylindrical member  88  is a biasing spring  111  that functions to yieldably resist inward movement of the actuating assembly  108 . 
     Tensioning mechanism  132  includes a manually operated, operating assembly  112  that is identical in construction and operation to that previously described. As in the last described embodiment of the invention, the tensioning step is accomplished by inserting the outboard end of the manually operated, operating assembly  112  into the tensioning mechanism in a manner such that splines  110   a  of actuating driver  110  are received within the multiplicity of circumferentially spaced spline receiving grooves  118   a  of the operating assembly  112 . Manual rotation of the operating assembly  112  will controllably rotate the actuating driver  110 , which will rotate the driving member  90  and, in turn, will rotate driven member  104  and connector plate  100 . Rotation of the connector plate  100  will cause the arcuate shaped spring engaging segment  102  to controllably twist the torsion spring  94  and controllably rotate the spool  134 . In this way the resistance offered to the rotation of the circular shaped cable spool  134  about which the continuous cable  130  is entrained can be selectively controlled. 
     As before, as the water flows through the fluid flow channel “C” and impinges on the control vanes  64 , the lower portions of the control vanes will tend to move outwardly in the manner shown in  FIG. 13  of the drawings. However, since the lower portions of the control vanes are interconnected with the cable  130 , the cable will yieldably resist the outward movement of the control vanes, which outward movement is tending to move the cable into an arcuate configuration ( FIG. 13 ). It is apparent that the degree of tension placed on the continuous cable  130  controls the amount of force that must be imparted on the control vanes by the flowing fluid to move the cable into the arcuate configuration shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     Having now described the invention in detail in accordance with the requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in this art will have no difficulty in making changes and modifications in the individual parts or their relative assembly in order to meet specific requirements or conditions. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the following claims.