Flexible fluid flow regulating device

Abstract

The disclosed fluid flow regulating devices are very useful for flexible fluid flow conduits. These devices are suitable for alleviating adverse flow problems caused by one or more bends in the flexible fluid flow conduits. These adverse flow problems are generally manifested as enhanced laminar flow and associated increased back pressure caused by a reduction in flow velocity caused by one or more bends. Beneficially, the disclosed fluid flow regulating devices provide a flow of a flowable substance (e.g., liquid) within a flow channel of the fluid flow conduit with a rotational flow profile. Such a rotational flow profile advantageously reduces friction losses associated with laminar flow and changes in direction of fluid flow.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This international (PCT) application claims priority to co-pending U.S. application serial number 17 / 569,365 filed on January 5, 2022 and co-pending U.S. application serial number 17 / 832,625 filed on June 4, 2022, both of which are entitled "FLEXIBLE FLUID FLOW MODIFYING DEVICE", share a common applicant with the present application, and both applications are incorporated herein in their entirety.

[0003] Public domain

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to structural devices for conveying flowable substances, and more particularly to systems, devices, apparatus and methods suitable for regulating fluid flow properties of flowable fluid substances within fluid flow conduits (such as pipes, tubes, hoses, etc.).

[0005] background

[0006] The practice of flowing a liquid (i.e., a type of flowable fluid substance) through a fluid flow conduit is well known. Such fluid flow may be required for a variety of applications and may be through a variety of different types of fluid flow conduits. In the simplest applications, the flow of fluid through a fluid flow conduit may be used solely for the purpose of transferring fluid from a fluid source to a delivery device at a desired delivery location. To this end, it is well known that a fluid flow conduit may include straight segments and arcuate (e.g., curved) segments to facilitate directing the fluid from the source to the delivery location.

[0007] A flexible fluid flow conduit is a specific form of a fluid flow conduit. Flexibility enables the flexible fluid flow conduit to include one or more curved segments that are selectively or accidentally formed by (temporarily or permanently) bending (e.g., manually or mechanically) all or a portion of the flexible fluid flow conduit. Examples of flexible fluid flow conduits include, but are not limited to, hoses and tubes that are made of materials that allow all or a portion of the fluid flow conduit to bend or be bent and / or are made in a manner that allows all or a portion of the fluid flow conduit to bend or be bent. Hoses (e.g., hoses for flowing water made of rubber, elastomers, elastic polymer materials, etc.) are primary examples of flexible fluid flow conduits.

[0008] Although flexible fluid flow conduits have excellent utility due to their bendability, it is well known that bends in fluid flow conduits (similar to bends in rigid fluid flow lines) cause fluid flow losses. Bends inherently require the flowing fluid to change direction, which amplifies the interaction of the fluid with the inner surface of the fluid flow conduit. This amplified interaction correspondingly increases the friction losses between the flowing fluid and the inner surface of the fluid flow conduit. These friction losses result in a reduction in the flow velocity of the bulk fluid flowing through the fluid flow conduit, resulting in a corresponding increase in back pressure within the fluid flow conduit.

[0009] Laminar flow is produced by friction between the inner surface of the fluid flow conduit and the fluid flowing in a generally straight line. Figure 1 As shown, the conventional (i.e., unaltered / straight-flowing) flow of a liquid 5 (i.e., a flowable material) within a flow channel 10 of a fluid flow conduit 15 has a flow profile characterized by a laminar flow effect (i.e., laminar flow 20). The laminar flow effect is characterized by a parabolic flow profile generated by a laminar boundary layer along the inner surface of the flow channel 10 defining the fluid flow conduit 15. The liquid 5 at the surface of the flow channel 10 exhibits substantial friction and zero flow velocity, thereby reducing the velocity of the liquid 5, even at a substantial distance from the surface of the flow channel 10. In conjunction with this reduced velocity, the laminar flow effect is known to increase back pressure within the fluid flow conduit and result in head loss and heating of the fluid flowing therethrough.

[0010] Therefore, a device that can be used with a flexible fluid flow conduit to overcome adverse flow considerations caused by one or more bends in such a flexible fluid flow conduit would be beneficial, desirable, and useful.

[0011] Public Overview

[0012] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a device particularly suitable for flexible fluid flow conduits. Such a device is suitable for alleviating adverse flow problems caused by one or more bends in the fluid flow conduit. These adverse flow problems are generally manifested as enhanced laminar flow and the associated back pressure increase caused by the reduced flow velocity caused by one or more bends. Beneficially, the fluid flow regulating device according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein enables the flow of a flowable material (e.g., liquid) in the flow channel of the fluid flow conduit to have a rotational flow profile. Such a rotational flow profile advantageously reduces the friction losses associated with laminar flow and changes in the direction of fluid flow.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the fluid flow regulating device comprises a tubular body made of a corresponding elastic polymer material and a plurality of flow dividers each made of a corresponding elastic polymer material. Each of the corresponding elastic polymer materials has elasticity so that the corresponding part of the fluid flow regulating device can be flexible. Each flow divider is attached to the inner surface of the tubular body at its outer edge portion and extends outward from the inner surface of the tubular body. All flow dividers extend in a spiral manner at least partially along the entire length of the tubular body. Each flow divider is separated from each other flow divider over at least a portion of its length.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, a one-piece fluid flow regulating device comprises a plurality of flow regulating device elements, each of which is made of at least one elastic polymer material. The at least one elastic polymer material has elasticity that enables the corresponding portion of the fluid flow regulating device to be flexible. The plurality of flow regulating device elements comprises a tubular body and a plurality of flow dividers. The tubular body has an outer surface and an inner surface. The plurality of flow dividers are each attached to the inner surface at their outer edge portions and extend outwardly from the inner surface. All flow dividers extend in a spiral manner at least partially along the entire length of the tubular body. Each flow divider is separated from each other flow divider over at least a portion of its length.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the fluid flow regulating device comprises a plurality of flow regulating device elements, each of which is made of at least one elastic polymer material. At least one elastic polymer material has elasticity that enables the corresponding part of the fluid flow regulating device to be flexible. All flow regulating device elements are integrally formed into a single-piece body. A plurality of flow regulating device elements comprise a tubular body and a plurality of spiral blades. The tubular body has an outer surface and an inner surface. A plurality of spiral blades are each attached to the inner surface at its outer edge portion and extend outward from the inner surface. All spiral blades extend along the entire length of the tubular body. Each spiral blade is separated from each other spiral blade along the entire length of each spiral blade. Each of the spiral blades has the same cross-sectional profile as each other spiral blade, extends from the inner surface in an inclined manner and has a width greater than the inner radius of the tubular body, so that the inner edge portion of each spiral blade overlaps the inner edge portion of each adjacent spiral blade in the spiral blade. The tubular body includes a plurality of spaced apart protrusions extending outwardly from an outer surface of the tubular body, and each of the protrusions is in the form of a ring extending at least partially around the circumference of the tubular body.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, each flow splitter is separated from every other flow splitter throughout its entire length.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, each flow splitter is implemented in the form of a spiral blade.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the tubular body is made of a different elastic polymer material than the flow diverter.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the tubular body is made of an elastic polymer material having a lower durometer than the elastic polymer material of the flow diverter.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the tubular body and the flow diverter are integrally formed with each other as a one-piece body.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, each of the diverters has the same cross-sectional profile as each other diverter, extends from the inner surface of the tubular body in an inclined manner, and has a width greater than the inner radius of the tubular body so that the inner edge portion of the diverter overlaps with an adjacent diverter in the diverter.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the tubular body and the flow diverter are integrally formed with each other as a one-piece body.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the tubular body includes a plurality of spaced-apart protrusions, each protrusion extending outwardly from an outer surface of the tubular body.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, each of the protrusions is in the form of a ring extending at least partially around the circumference of the tubular body.

[0025] These and other objects, embodiments, advantages and / or distinctions of the disclosure herein will become more apparent upon further review of the following description, associated drawings and appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the laminar flow effect within a material flow conduit.

[0028] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the transition from a laminar flow effect to a rotational flow effect by a material flow conditioning device constructed in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure herein.

[0029] Figure 3 is a first perspective view of a fluid flow regulating device constructed in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure herein.

[0030] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A second perspective view of the fluid flow regulating device is shown.

[0031] Figure 5 yes Figure 3An end view of a fluid flow regulating device is shown.

[0032] Figure 6 is along Figure 3 The partial cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 1 shows a fluid flow regulating device engaged within a central passage of a prior art fluid flow conduit.

[0033] Figure 7 is a partially cutaway plan view showing a prior art flexible fluid flow conduit in a bent configuration, wherein Figure 3 The fluid flow regulating device is shown engaged within the central passage thereof.

[0034] Figure 8 is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 8 shows a fluid flow regulating device engaged within a central passage of a prior art fluid flow conduit.

[0035] Detailed Description

[0036] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to fluid flow regulating devices. These fluid flow regulating devices are preferably passive devices (passive devices have no components that actively (i.e., non-passively) move during operation). Instead, these fluid flow regulating devices passively operate based on the existing flow velocity of a pumping system within a fluid flow device including the pumping system. Therefore, when a flow velocity exists in the fluid flow device, the fluid flow regulating device according to the disclosure herein is preferably always operable.

[0037] Advantageously, the fluid flow regulating device according to the disclosure herein is suitable for use in a fluid flow conduit having an arcuate segment (e.g., a curved segment or a curved segment) either permanently or temporarily upstream of the fluid flow regulating device, downstream of the fluid flow regulating device, or at a location at the fluid flow regulating device. To this end, the fluid flow regulating device according to the disclosure herein is made of components and materials that enable the fluid flow regulating device to be fully or at least partially flexible, so that the fluid flow regulating device can be inserted into a flexible fluid flow conduit, so that the fluid flow regulating device can be bent together with the flexible fluid flow conduit and / or so that the fluid flow regulating device can be inserted into a curved segment of a rigid fluid flow conduit. In a preferred embodiment, utilizing the fluid flow regulating device disclosed herein can include incorporating the fluid flow regulating device as a discrete article into a central channel of an existing flexible fluid flow conduit (e.g., a hose, tube, pipe, etc.), or can include incorporating the fluid flow regulating device as an integral segment of a flexible fluid flow conduit.

[0038] As mentioned above Figure 1As discussed, conventional flow of fluid 5 within flow channel 10 of fluid flow conduit 15 has a flow profile characterized by a laminar flow effect (i.e., laminar flow 20). Figures 2 to 8 The fluid flow conditioning device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is advantageously configured in a manner such that the fluid flow transitions from a flow profile characterized by a laminar flow effect to a flow profile characterized by a rotational flow effect 25. The rotational flow effect 25 is a result of the rotational motion of the fluid 5 about the longitudinal axis L1 of the fluid flow conduit 15, as produced by a fluid flow conditioning device according to the present disclosure.

[0039] As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, for a given fluid flow distance within a particular fluid flow conduit (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in the drawings, rotational flow provides a greater average flow velocity and volume flow rate than laminar flow. In addition, rotational flow mitigates adverse interactions between the surface of the fluid flow conduit and the material flowing through it (e.g., solids within the fluid). These favorable aspects of rotational flow come from a rotational flow profile that reduces friction losses between the flowing fluid and the inner surface of the fluid flow conduit. Compared to laminar flow, this reduction in friction losses results in an increase in the flow velocity of the bulk fluid flowing through the fluid flow conduit, thereby resulting in a corresponding reduction in back pressure within the fluid flow conduit downstream of the fluid flow regulating device. In this regard, the fluid flow regulating device disclosed herein advantageously provides rotational flow that promotes fluid flow through a fluid flow conduit having one or more bends therein in a more effective and efficient manner than conventional fluid flow conduit embodiments.

[0040] Reference now Figures 3 to 7 , discusses certain aspects of a fluid flow regulating device (i.e., fluid flow regulating device 100) according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein. The fluid flow regulating device 100 includes a tubular body 102 and a plurality of flow dividers 104. The tubular body 102 (e.g., a cylindrical portion) has a central passage 106 extending along a centerline longitudinal axis L1 of the tubular body 102. The central passage 106 defines an interior space of the tubular body 102, which preferably has a generally circular cross-sectional (cylindrical) shape.

[0041] The flow splitter 104 is located in the central channel 106 of the tubular body 102. Each of the flow splitters 104 is attached to the inner surface 110 of the tubular body 102 at its outer edge portion 108 and extends outward from the inner surface 110 of the tubular body 102. In one or more other embodiments, the flow splitter 104 extends at least partially along the entire length of the tubular body 102 relative to one or both ends of the tubular body 102. As shown, the flow splitter 104 can extend along the entire length of the tubular body 102 and extend longitudinally in a spiral manner (e.g., a uniform diameter spiral shape). Each flow splitter 104 can exhibit at least one complete rotation around the centerline longitudinal axis L1, and preferably a rotation of at least about 600 degrees around the centerline longitudinal axis L1. In at least one embodiment, each of the flow splitters 104 can be in the form of a spiral blade (i.e., a spiral structure with a cross-sectional profile similar to that of a blade). Preferably, the tubular body 102 and the flow diverter 104 are collectively configured such that the fluid flow conditioning device 100 functions independently of the direction of flow (ie, supports bi-directional flow).

[0042] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As best shown in FIG. 1 , in a preferred embodiment, each flow diverter 104 is separated from each other flow diverter 104 throughout its entire length. In other words, in the manufactured state, each flow diverter 104 is in a free-standing state relative to each other flow diverter 104. Alternatively, in other embodiments, each flow diverter 104 may be separated from each other flow diverter 104 throughout less than its entire length. To this end, the inner edge portion 112 of each flow diverter 104 is separated from each other flow diverter 104, thereby allowing the flow diverters 104 to freely move (e.g., bend, shift, and / or slide) relative to each other when the tubular body 102 is bent (e.g., up to 60 degrees or more) and when fluid flows through the central passage 106 of the tubular body 102.

[0043] like Figure 5As best shown in , such a separation arrangement can cause each flow splitter 104 to have the same cross-sectional profile as each other flow splitter 104, extending from the inner surface 110 in an oblique manner (i.e., the centerline axis (C1) of each flow splitter 104 does not extend through the longitudinal axis L1 of the tubular body 102) and having a width W greater than the inner radius R1 of the tubular body 102, so that the inner edge portion 112 of each flow splitter 104 extends through the inner edge portion 112 of each adjacent flow splitter 104. The aforementioned separation arrangement causes the inner edge portions 112 of the flow splitters 104 to collectively form a central hole 114 extending along the longitudinal axis L1 of the tubular body 102. Each flow splitter 104 can have a fillet at its outer edge portion 108 between the fluid impact surface 113 of each flow splitter 104 and the inner surface 110 (the rear surface, not shown, is the impact surface for the opposite flow direction).

[0044] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As best shown in FIG. 1 , the spiral flow channels 111 are formed between the intersecting (i.e., adjacent) portions of adjacent pairs of flow dividers 104 and tubular body 102. In use, each spiral flow channel 111 produces a corresponding fluid flow stream as fluid flows through each spiral flow channel. As fluid flows through the spiral flow channels 111, the central hole 114 may be transformed from a static (i.e., when manufactured) size and shape (shown) to an enlarged size and a different shape due to deflection (i.e., bending) when a force is applied to the fluid impact surface 113 of the flow divider 102. At the terminal end of the fluid flow conditioning device 100, all of the fluid flow streams from the spiral flow channels 111 merge together within the central channel 115 of the fluid flow conduit 116, in which the fluid flow conditioning device 100 is engaged. The merged fluid flow streams collectively form a rotating fluid flow stream, which, as described above, exhibits reduced friction losses between the flowing fluid and the inner surface of the fluid flow conduit 116. This reduction in friction losses results in an increase in the flow velocity of the bulk fluid flowing through the fluid flow conduit 116 compared to laminar flow through the fluid flow conduit 116. Thus, the rotating fluid flow stream better utilizes the cross-sectional flow area of ​​the central passage 115 of the fluid flow conduit 116.

[0045] Reference now Figure 6 to Figure 7 , the fluid flow regulating device 100 is adapted to be securely engaged within the central passage 115 of the fluid flow conduit 116. The fluid flow regulating device 100 is specifically configured to allow the fluid flow conduit 116 to make such bends in the region of the fluid flow conduit 116 where the fluid flow regulating device 100 is located. To this end, in a typical embodiment, the fluid flow conduit can be made of a material that allows such bends and can include structural aspects that allow such bends, namely, a resilient polymer material.

[0046] The tubular body 102 may include a plurality of spaced apart protrusions 118 extending outwardly from an outer surface 120 of the tubular body 102. As shown, the protrusions 118 are in the form of a ring extending at least partially around the circumference of the tubular body 102. In other embodiments, the protrusions 118 may be in the form of discrete protrusions, such as a hemisphere of a protrusion, a ridge, etc. The protrusions 118 have two primary functions. The first of these functions is to facilitate insertion and retention of the fluid flow regulating device 100 into the central passage 115 of the fluid flow conduit 116 by reducing dynamic insertion friction while increasing static friction when the fluid flow regulating device 100 has a pressurized fluid flowing therethrough. The second of these functions is to facilitate bendability of the fluid flow conduit 116 in the region of the fluid flow conduit 116 where the fluid flow regulating device 100 is located. Bendability is facilitated by separating the outer surface 120 of the tubular body 102 from the surface of the central passage 115 of the fluid flow conduit 116, for example, the outer surface of the tubular body 102 is separated from the surface of the central passage 115 of the fluid flow conduit 116 by the protrusion 118, thereby reducing contact and material bonding during bending.

[0047] In some preferred embodiments, the tubular body 102 and the diverter 104 are flow regulating device elements, each of which is made of a corresponding elastic polymer material in the form of a fluid flow regulating device formed integrally (i.e., a single piece). One purpose of the material selection and size of the tubular body 102 is to achieve suitable bending properties relative to the bending properties of the associated fluid flow conduit (e.g., the fluid flow conduit 116) in which the fluid flow regulating device 100 resides. For example, it is expected that the fluid flow regulating device 100 can be bent up to 60 degrees or more. In addition to achieving the above-mentioned bendability, another purpose of the material selection and size of the diverter 104 is to achieve controlled displacement of the diverter 104 for the expected flow range (e.g., 0-600 gallons per minute (GPM)) of the fluid flow regulating device 100. The controlled displacement enables the diverter 104 to bend as needed (i.e., in a cantilevered manner along the width W) to accommodate increased flow velocities while still providing rotational flow. Controlled displacement (i.e., deflection) of the diverter over the intended flow range is a very beneficial aspect of the fluid flow regulating device according to the embodiments disclosed herein because the fluid flow regulating device provides automatic angular adjustment of the fluid impact surface of the diverter as a function of flow velocity.

[0048] The fluid flow regulating device disclosed in accordance with the invention made herein can be implemented as a multi-device assembly. Such a multi-device assembly may include two or more separate fluid flow regulating devices, which are arranged and optionally attached in a sequential (i.e., end-to-end) manner. Each fluid flow device in such a sequential arrangement may have the same configuration. Alternatively, one or more fluid flow devices arranged in a sequential arrangement may have a configuration different from one or more other fluid flow devices arranged in a sequential arrangement. For example, an upstream one of the fluid flow devices may have a different diverter configuration (e.g., a different pitch and / or a polymer material of different hardness) than a downstream one of the fluid flow devices. Further, such a sequential arrangement may be implemented to produce a component that is longer than the desired total length that can be manufactured in the form of a single fluid flow device.

[0049] The tubular body 102 may be made of a different elastomeric polymer material than the flow diverter 104 to optimize the respective functions of these different flow conditioning device elements. For example, the tubular body 102 may be made of an elastomeric polymer material having a lower hardness (i.e., more flexible) than the elastomeric polymer material of the flow diverter 104, or may be made of an elastomeric polymer material having a higher hardness (i.e., more flexible) than the elastomeric polymer material of the flow diverter 104. Examples of elastomeric polymer materials from which flow conditioning device elements are made include, but are not limited to, elastomers, fluoroelastomers, styrene rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), synthetic rubbers (e.g., butyl rubber).

[0050] The fluid flow regulating device as disclosed herein can be manufactured according to any suitable technology that achieves the functions disclosed therein. In a preferred embodiment, a suitable technology will be selected based on the ability to integrally form the flow regulating device elements as a single-piece product from one or more elastic polymer materials. In other embodiments, all or some of the flow regulating device elements can be formed as discrete products and then combined or otherwise integrated to form a finished fluid flow regulating device. A suitable preferred manufacturing technology involves separable mold segments that collectively form a mold having a cavity therein, which provides a negative impression of the fluid flow regulating device. One or more curable materials are deposited into the cavity to form the fluid flow regulating device. The mold allows the elastic polymer material to be cured within the cavity to form the fluid flow regulating device. The applicant respectfully proposes that, in view of the disclosure herein, the technician will design and / or identify other suitable manufacturing technologies.

[0051] In some embodiments, Figure 8, the flow splitters 104 can each include an embedded reinforcing element 122. Preferably, the flow splitters 104 each have a plurality of embedded reinforcing elements 122 that are spaced apart from one another along the length of a respective one of the flow splitters 104. Preferably, the embedded reinforcing elements 122 each have a longitudinal axis of the embedded reinforcing element 122 that extends along the width W of a respective one of the flow splitters 104. Thus, as shown, each of the embedded reinforcing elements 122 can extend from an adjacent tubular body 102 to an inner edge portion 112 of a respective one of the flow splitters 104 within a respective one of the flow splitters 104. Examples of embedded reinforcing elements 122 include, but are not limited to, strands, fibers, fabrics, and the like made of materials such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, Kevlar, and the like. Preferably, the selected elastic polymer material from which the flow splitters 104 are made is preferably bonded to such embedded reinforcing elements 122. The integration and implementation of the embedded reinforcing element 122 is used to promote the flex life, strength and durability of the flow divider 104, so that the embedded reinforcing element can flex as needed while still returning to the original formed shape. This flexing function is important because the fluid flowing through the flow conditioning device can be omnidirectional, thereby causing bidirectional deformation of the flow divider 104, and can be at flow speeds that cause significant deformation of the flow divider 104 even in only one flow direction.

[0052] Although the present invention has been described with reference to several exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the words that have been used are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made within the scope of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention in all its aspects. Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular manners, materials, and embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the details disclosed; rather, the present invention extends to all functionally equivalent techniques, structures, methods, and uses such as are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fluid flow regulating device, include: a tubular body made of a corresponding elastic polymer material; as well as A plurality of flow diverters, each flow diverter being made of a respective elastic polymer material, wherein each of said flow diverters is attached at an outer edge portion thereof to and extends outwardly from an inner surface of said tubular body, said inner surface of said tubular body defining a central passage of said tubular body, wherein all of said flow diverters extend at least partially along the entire length of said tubular body in a spiral manner, wherein each flow diverter is separated from each other flow diverter over at least a portion of its length, and wherein said tubular body is made of an elastic polymer material different from that of said flow diverters.

2. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 1, in, Each shunt is separated from every other shunt throughout its length.

3. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 1, in, The tubular body is made of an elastic polymer material having a lower hardness than the elastic polymer material of the flow diverter.

4. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 1, in, The tubular body and the diverter are integrally formed with each other as a one-piece body.

5. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 4, in, Each shunt is separated from every other shunt throughout its length.

6. A fluid flow regulating device, include: a tubular body made of a corresponding elastic polymer material; as well as a plurality of flow splitters, each flow splitter being made of a respective resilient polymer material, wherein each of said flow splitters is attached at an outer edge portion thereof to and extends outwardly from an inner surface of said tubular body, said inner surface of said tubular body defining a central passage of said tubular body, wherein all of said flow splitters extend at least partially along the entire length of said tubular body in a spiral manner, wherein each flow splitter is separated from every other flow splitter over at least a portion of its length, and wherein each of said flow splitters in each of said flow splitters: having the same cross-sectional profile as every other flow divider; extending from the inner surface in an inclined manner; and Having a width greater than an inner radius of the tubular body such that an inner edge portion of the flow splitter overlaps an adjacent one of the flow splitters.

7. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 6, in, Each shunt is separated from every other shunt throughout its length.

8. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 7, in, The tubular body is made of a different resilient polymer material than the diverter.

9. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 6, in, The tubular body is made of a different resilient polymer material than the diverter.

10. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 9, in, The tubular body is made of an elastic polymer material having a lower hardness than the elastic polymer material of the flow diverter.

11. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 9, in, The tubular body and the diverter are integrally formed with each other as a one-piece body.

12. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 11, in, Each shunt is separated from every other shunt throughout its length.

13. A fluid flow regulating device, include: a tubular body made of a corresponding elastic polymer material; as well as A plurality of flow diverters, each flow diverter being made of a respective elastic polymer material, wherein each of the flow diverters is attached at an outer edge portion thereof to and extends outwardly from an inner surface of the tubular body, the inner surface of the tubular body defining a central passage of the tubular body, wherein all of the flow diverters extend at least partially along the entire length of the tubular body in a spiral manner, wherein each flow diverter is separated from each other flow diverter over at least a portion of its length, and wherein the tubular body includes a plurality of spaced-apart protrusions extending outwardly from an outer surface of the tubular body.

14. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 13, in, Each of the protrusions is in the form of a ring extending at least partially around the circumference of the tubular body.

15. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 13, in, Each shunt is separated from every other shunt throughout its length.

16. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 15, in, The tubular body and the diverter are integrally formed with each other as a one-piece body.

17. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 16, in, Each of the diverters in each of the diverters: having the same cross-sectional profile as every other flow divider; extending from the inner surface in an inclined manner; and Having a width greater than an inner radius of the tubular body such that an inner edge portion of the flow splitter overlaps an adjacent one of the flow splitters.

18. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 13, in, Each of the diverters in each of the diverters: having the same cross-sectional profile as every other flow divider; extending from the inner surface in an inclined manner; and Having a width greater than an inner radius of the tubular body such that an inner edge portion of the flow splitter overlaps an adjacent one of the flow splitters.

19. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 18, in, Each shunt is separated from every other shunt throughout its length.

20. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 19, in, The tubular body is made of a different resilient polymer material than the diverter.

21. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 20, in, The tubular body and the diverter are integrally formed with each other as a one-piece body.

22. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 21, in, The tubular body is made of an elastic polymer material having a lower hardness than the elastic polymer material of the flow diverter.

23. A one-piece fluid flow regulating device, include: a plurality of flow conditioning device elements, each flow conditioning device element being made of at least one elastic polymer material, and wherein the plurality of flow conditioning device elements comprises: a tubular body having an outer surface and an inner surface; and a plurality of spiral flow dividers, each spiral flow divider being attached to the inner surface at an outer edge portion thereof and extending outwardly from the inner surface, wherein all of the flow dividers extend at least partially along the entire length of the tubular body in a spiral manner, and wherein each flow divider is separated from each other flow divider over at least a portion of its length, and wherein the tubular body is made of an elastic polymer material having a lower hardness than the elastic polymer material of the flow dividers.

24. The one-piece fluid flow regulating device of claim 23, in, Each shunt is separated from every other shunt throughout its length.

25. The one-piece fluid flow regulating device of claim 23, in, The tubular body and the diverter are integrally formed with each other as a one-piece body.

26. A one-piece fluid flow regulating device, include: a plurality of flow conditioning device elements, each flow conditioning device element being made of at least one elastic polymer material, and wherein the plurality of flow conditioning device elements comprises: a tubular body having an outer surface and an inner surface; and a plurality of spiral flow splitters, each spiral flow splitter being attached to the inner surface at an outer edge portion thereof and extending outwardly from the inner surface, wherein all of the flow splitters extend at least partially along the entire length of the tubular body in a spiral manner, and wherein each flow splitter is separated from every other flow splitter over at least a portion of its length, and wherein: Each shunt is separated from every other shunt throughout its length; and The tubular body is made of an elastic polymer material having a lower hardness than the elastic polymer material of the flow diverter.

27. A one-piece fluid flow regulating device, include: a plurality of flow conditioning device elements, each flow conditioning device element being made of at least one elastic polymer material, and wherein the plurality of flow conditioning device elements comprises: a tubular body having an outer surface and an inner surface; and a plurality of spiral flow splitters, each spiral flow splitter being attached to the inner surface at an outer edge portion thereof and extending outwardly from the inner surface, wherein all of the flow splitters extend at least partially along the entire length of the tubular body in a spiral manner, and wherein each flow splitter is separated from every other flow splitter over at least a portion of its length, and wherein each flow splitter in each of the flow splitters: having the same cross-sectional profile as every other flow divider; extending from the inner surface in an inclined manner; and Having a width greater than an inner radius of the tubular body such that an inner edge portion of the flow splitter overlaps an adjacent one of the flow splitters.

28. A one-piece fluid flow regulating device, include: a plurality of flow conditioning device elements, each flow conditioning device element being made of at least one elastomeric polymer material, wherein all of said flow conditioning device elements are integrally formed with one another as a one-piece body, and wherein said plurality of flow conditioning device elements comprises: a tubular body having an outer surface and an inner surface; a plurality of spiral blades, each spiral blade being attached to the inner surface at an outer edge portion thereof and extending outwardly from the inner surface, wherein all of the spiral blades extend along the entire length of the tubular body, wherein each spiral blade is separated from every other spiral blade along the entire length of each spiral blade, wherein each of each of the spiral blades has the same cross-sectional profile as every other spiral blade, extends from the inner surface in an oblique manner, and has a width greater than an inner radius of the tubular body such that an inner edge portion of each spiral blade overlaps an inner edge portion of each adjacent one of the spiral blades; and The tubular body includes a plurality of spaced apart protrusions extending outwardly from an outer surface of the tubular body, and each of the protrusions is in the form of a ring extending at least partially around a circumference of the tubular body.

29. The one-piece fluid flow regulating device of claim 28, in, The tubular body is made of a different resilient polymer material than the helical blades.

30. The one-piece fluid flow regulating device of claim 28, in, The tubular body is made of an elastic polymer material having a lower hardness than the elastic polymer material of the spiral blades.

31. A fluid flow regulating device, include: a flexible tubular body; as well as A plurality of flexible flow dividers, each flexible flow divider is attached to the inner surface of the flexible tubular body at its outer edge portion and extends outwardly from the inner surface of the flexible tubular body, the inner surface of the flexible tubular body defining a central channel of the flexible tubular body, wherein all of the flexible flow dividers extend at least partially along the entire length of the flexible tubular body in a spiral manner, wherein each flexible flow divider is separated from each other flexible flow divider over at least a portion of its length, and wherein each of the flexible flow dividers has a width greater than the inner radius of the flexible tubular body so that the inner edge portion of each of the flexible flow dividers overlaps the inner edge portion of each adjacent one of the flexible flow dividers.

32. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 31, in, Each flexible flow diverter is separated from every other flexible flow diverter throughout its length.

33. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 31, in: The flexible tubular body is made of a first elastic polymer material; and The flexible flow diverter is made of a second elastic polymer material different from the first elastic polymer material.

34. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 33, in, The flexible tubular body is made of an elastic polymer material having a lower hardness than an elastic polymer material of the flexible flow diverter.

35. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 33, in, The flexible tubular body and the flexible flow diverter are integrally formed with each other as a one-piece body.

36. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 35, in, Each flexible shunt is separated from every other shunt throughout its length.

37. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 31, in, Each of the flexible shunts: has the same cross-sectional profile as every other flexible flow divider; and Extending from the inner surface in an inclined manner.

38. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 37, in, Each flexible flow diverter is separated from every other flexible flow diverter throughout its length.

39. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 38, in: The flexible tubular body is made of a first elastic polymer material; and The flexible flow diverter is made of a second elastic polymer material different from the first elastic polymer material.

40. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 37, in: The flexible tubular body is made of a first elastic polymer material; and The flexible flow diverter is made of a second elastic polymer material different from the first elastic polymer material.

41. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 40, in, The flexible tubular body is made of an elastic polymer material having a lower hardness than an elastic polymer material of the flexible flow diverter.

42. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 40, in, The flexible tubular body and the flexible flow diverter are integrally formed with each other as a one-piece body.

43. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 42, in, Each flexible flow diverter is separated from every other flexible flow diverter throughout its length.

44. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 31, in, The flexible tubular body includes a plurality of spaced-apart protrusions extending outwardly from an outer surface of the tubular body.

45. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 44, in, Each of the projections is in the form of a ring extending at least partially around the circumference of the flexible tubular body.

46. ​​The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 44, in, Each flexible flow diverter is separated from every other flexible flow diverter throughout its length.

47. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 46, in, The flexible tubular body and the flexible flow diverter are integrally formed with each other as a one-piece body.

48. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 47, in, Each of the flexible shunts: has the same cross-sectional profile as every other flexible flow divider; and Extending from the inner surface in an inclined manner.

49. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 44, in, Each of the flexible shunts: has the same cross-sectional profile as every other flexible flow divider; and Extending from the inner surface in an inclined manner.

50. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 49, in, Each flexible flow diverter is separated from every other flexible flow diverter throughout its length.

51. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 50, in: The flexible tubular body is made of a first elastic polymer material; and The flexible flow diverter is made of a second elastic polymer material different from the first elastic polymer material.

52. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 51, in, The flexible tubular body and the flexible flow diverter are integrally formed with each other as a one-piece body.

53. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 52, in, The flexible tubular body is made of an elastic polymer material having a lower hardness than an elastic polymer material of the flexible flow diverter.

54. A one-piece fluid flow regulating device, include: A plurality of flow conditioning device elements, each flow conditioning device element comprising: a tubular body made of a material exhibiting a first elasticity and having an outer surface and an inner surface; and A plurality of flow diverters, each flow diverter being attached to the inner surface at an outer edge portion thereof and extending outwardly from the inner surface, wherein each of the flow diverters is made of a material exhibiting a second elasticity different from the first elasticity, wherein all of the flow diverters extend at least partially along the entire length of the tubular body in a spiral manner, and wherein each flow diverter is separated from each other flow diverter over at least a portion of its length.

55. The one-piece fluid flow regulating device of claim 54, in, Each shunt is separated from every other shunt throughout its length.

56. The one-piece fluid flow regulating device of claim 54, in, The material exhibiting the first elasticity has a lower hardness than the material exhibiting the second elasticity.

57. The one-piece fluid flow regulating device of claim 54, in, The tubular body and the diverter are integrally formed with each other as a one-piece body.

58. The one-piece fluid flow regulating device of claim 57, in: Each shunt is separated from every other shunt throughout its length; and The material exhibiting the first elasticity has a lower hardness than the material exhibiting the second elasticity.

59. The one-piece fluid flow regulating device of claim 54, in, Each of the diverters: having the same cross-sectional profile as every other flow divider; extending from the inner surface in an inclined manner; and Having a width greater than an inner radius of the tubular body such that an inner edge portion of the flow splitter overlaps an adjacent one of the flow splitters.

60. A fluid flow regulating device, include: a plurality of flow conditioning device elements, wherein the plurality of flow conditioning device elements comprises: a flexible tubular body having an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the flexible tubular body includes a plurality of spaced-apart projections extending outwardly from the outer surface of the flexible tubular body; A plurality of flexible spiral blades, each flexible spiral blade being attached to the inner surface at an outer edge portion thereof and extending outwardly from the inner surface, wherein all of the flexible spiral blades extend along the entire length of the flexible tubular body, wherein each flexible spiral blade is separated from every other spiral blade along the entire length of each flexible spiral blade, wherein a width of each of the flexible spiral blades is greater than an inner radius of the flexible tubular body such that an inner edge portion of each flexible spiral blade overlaps an inner edge portion of each adjacent one of the spiral blades.

61. A fluid flow regulating device, include: A plurality of flexible flow dividers, each flexible flow divider extending relative to one another along a centerline longitudinal reference axis, wherein each of the flexible flow dividers extends helically about and along the centerline longitudinal reference axis, wherein each flexible flow divider is separated from each other flexible flow divider over at least a portion of its length, and wherein an inner edge portion of each of the flexible flow dividers overlaps an inner edge portion of each adjacent flexible flow divider of the flexible flow divider.

62. A fluid flow regulating device, include: A plurality of flexible flow dividers, each flexible flow divider extending relative to each other along a centerline longitudinal reference axis, wherein each of the flexible flow dividers extends helically about and along the centerline longitudinal reference axis, wherein each flexible flow divider is separated from each other flexible flow divider over at least a portion of its length, wherein an inner edge portion of each of the flexible flow dividers overlaps an inner edge portion of each adjacent flexible flow divider of the flexible flow divider, and wherein the inner edge portion of each of the flexible flow dividers is separated from the inner edge portion of each other of the flow dividers over the entire length of each flexible flow divider.

63. A fluid flow regulating device, include: A plurality of flexible flow dividers, each flexible flow divider extending relative to one another along a centerline longitudinal reference axis, wherein each of the flexible flow dividers extends helically about and along the centerline longitudinal reference axis, wherein each flexible flow divider is separated from each other flexible flow divider over at least a portion of its length, wherein an inner edge portion of each of the flexible flow dividers overlaps an inner edge portion of each adjacent one of the flexible flow dividers, and wherein an inner edge portion of each of the flow dividers overlaps an inner edge portion of each other of the flow dividers.

64. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 63, in, The inner edge portion of each of the flexible flow diverters is separated from the inner edge portion of each other of the flow diverters throughout the entire length of each flexible flow diverter.

65. A fluid flow regulating device, include: A plurality of flexible flow dividers, each flexible flow divider extending relative to each other along a centerline longitudinal reference axis, wherein each of the flexible flow dividers extends helically about and along the centerline longitudinal reference axis, wherein each flexible flow divider is separated from each other flexible flow divider over at least a portion of its length, wherein an inner edge portion of each of the flexible flow dividers overlaps an inner edge portion of each adjacent one of the flexible flow dividers, and wherein the inner edge portion of each of the flow dividers is separated from the inner edge portion of each other flow divider over at least a portion of the length of each flow divider.

66. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 65, in, The inner edge portion of each of the flexible flow diverters is separated from the inner edge portion of each other of the flow diverters throughout the entire length of each flexible flow diverter.

67. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 65, in, An inner edge portion of each of the flow splitters overlaps an inner edge portion of each other of the flow splitters.

68. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 67, in, The inner edge portion of each of the flexible flow diverters is separated from the inner edge portion of each other of the flow diverters throughout the entire length of each flexible flow diverter.

69. A fluid flow regulating device, include: at least two shunts, each of the at least two shunts being flexible and elongated; as well as A support body having a central space, wherein each of the diverters has an outer edge portion engaged with the support body, wherein each of the diverters extends into the central space so that the inner edge portion of each of the diverters is adjacent to the inner edge portion of each other of the diverters, wherein each of the diverters extends helically around and along a centerline longitudinal reference axis of the support body, and wherein the inner edge portion of each of the diverters is separated from the inner edge portion of each other of the diverters over at least a portion of the length of each diverter.

70. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 69, in: The inner edge portion of each of the flow dividers is separated from the inner edge portion of each other of the flow dividers over the entire length of each flow divider, and The width of each of the flow dividers is greater than the inner radius of the central space, so that an inner edge portion of each of the flow dividers overlaps an inner edge portion of each other of the flow dividers.

71. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 69, in: Each of the diverters is made of a first material; The support body is made of a second material different from the first material; and The first material is an elastic polymer material.

72. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 71, in: The second material is an elastic polymer material; and The second material has a lower hardness than the first material.

73. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 72, in, The support body and the diverter are integrally formed with each other as a one-piece body.

74. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 73, in, The inner edge portion of each of the flow splitters is separated from the inner edge portion of each other of the flow splitters throughout the entire length of each flow splitter.

75. The fluid flow regulating device of claim 69, in, Each of the diverters: has the same cross-sectional profile as every other of the flow dividers; and The support body extends from the support body in an inclined manner.

76. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 75, in, The inner edge portion of each of the flow splitters is separated and spaced apart from the inner edge portion of each other of the flow splitters throughout the entire length of each flow splitter.

77. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 76, in: The support body and the diverter are each made of a respective elastic polymer material; and The support body is made of a different resilient polymer material than the diverter.

78. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 75, in: The support body and the diverter are each made of a respective elastic polymer material; and The support body is made of a different resilient polymer material than the diverter.

79. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 78, in, The support body is made of an elastic polymer material having a lower hardness than the elastic polymer material of the diverter.

80. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 79, in, The support body and the diverter are integrally formed with each other as a one-piece body.

81. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 80, in, The inner edge portion of each of the flow splitters is separated from the inner edge portion of each other of the flow splitters throughout the entire length of each flow splitter.

82. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 69, in, The support body is a tubular body having a plurality of spaced-apart protrusions extending outwardly from an outer surface of the tubular body.

83. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 82, in, Each of the protrusions is in the form of a ring extending at least partially around the circumference of the tubular body.

84. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 82, in: The inner edge portion of each of the splitters is separated from the inner edge portion of each other of the splitters over the entire length of each splitter; and The tubular body and the diverter are integrally formed with each other as a one-piece body.

85. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 84, in, Each of the diverters: has the same cross-sectional profile as every other of the flow dividers; and The support body extends from the support body in an inclined manner.

86. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 84, in: The tubular body and the diverter are each made of a respective elastic polymer material; The tubular body is made of a different elastic polymer material than the diverter; The tubular body and the diverter are integrally formed with each other as a one-piece body; and The tubular body is made of an elastic polymer material having a lower hardness than the elastic polymer material of the flow diverter.

87. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 82, in, Each of the diverters: having the same cross-sectional profile as every other of said flow dividers; extending from the support body in an inclined manner; and The width of each of the flow dividers is greater than the inner radius of the central space, so that an inner edge portion of each of the flow dividers overlaps an inner edge portion of each other of the flow dividers.

88. The fluid flow regulating device according to claim 87, in, The inner edge portion of each of the flow splitters is separated from the inner edge portion of each other of the flow splitters throughout the entire length of each flow splitter.

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