| 主权项 |
1. A flow control device for variably changing the effective area of an intake opening submerged under water and responsive to changes in water level in the vicinity of the opening, the flow control device comprising:
a housing, a float, a crank-slide mechanism, and a valve body; the housing comprising an elongated tubular body extending along a vertical axis, the body having an interior, the interior in fluid communication with the surrounding water when the housing is submerged in water; the float in the interior of the housing body, the float capable of floating in water and configured to be movable along the vertical axis in response to changes in water level in the housing, the float movable between a first float position corresponding to a higher water level and a second float position corresponding to a lower water level in the housing; the crank-slide mechanism in the housing, the crank-slide mechanism comprising an elongated crank, a slide, and a guide surface, the crank pivotally mounted to the housing for pivotal movement about a pivot axis, the crank extending into the housing body to a free end portion, the guide surface fixed to the crank and extending along the crank, the valve member connected to the free end portion of the crank for conjoint movement of the valve member with the crank; the slide attached to the float for conjoint vertical movement with the float, the slide engageable against the guide surface as the float moves between first and second float positions wherein movement of the float between first and second positions causes pivotal movement of the crank about the pivot axis; the valve member configured and adapted to be placed facing the intake opening whereby movement of the valving member varies the intake area. |
