US 12,392,414 B1
Adjustable flow-synchronization return valve for hydraulic pressure balancing
Olaf Mjelde, Ventura, CA (US)
Assigned to AQUASTAR POOL PRODUCTS, INC., Ventura, CA (US)
Filed by AquaStar Pool Products, Inc., Ventura, CA (US)
Filed on Aug. 9, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/799,807.
Int. Cl. F16K 1/52 (2006.01); F16K 1/04 (2006.01); F16L 55/027 (2006.01)
CPC F16K 1/52 (2013.01) [F16K 1/04 (2013.01); F16L 55/027 (2013.01)] 13 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A flow-synchronization return (FSR) valve comprising:
a base comprising a threaded ring;
a valve element comprising:
a) a threaded shaft configured to engage the threaded ring; and
b) a first surface;
a body comprising:
a) a second surface characterized by a conical shape; and
b) at least one restriction gap stop protruding from the second surface;
a housing, wherein the body is configured to swivel within the housing; and
a retainer configured to lock the body in position in the housing;
wherein the flow rate of a fluid through the FSR valve is based, in part, on the separation distance between the first surface and the second surface; and
wherein the at least one restriction gap stop is characterized by an elongated ridge configured to prevent the first surface from contacting the second surface and to direct water through the valve and out of the valve in a direction perpendicular to the body.