US3869909A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Gas flow visualization system and control apparatus
Assignee: SAGE ACTION Inc
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Filing: 1973-10-01
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Granted: 1975-03-11
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Expires: 1993-10-01
Abstract
Abstract An improved multi-operational fluid stream observance system, particularly adapted for use for example in connection with aerodynamic ''''wind tunnel'''' studies or the like, wherein helium (or other gas) filled bubbles neutrally buoyant to the airstream are implanted in a moving airstream, so as to provide for optimum visualization of the pattern of airstream flow about a test specimen. The invention features an improved overall system for such purposes, including a novel bubble ingredient supply and system control console apparatus providing a vastly improved versatility with respect to alternative and/or simultaneous employments of pluralities of bubble generating devices of various performance characteristics and capabilities. Thus intricate and/or unsteady air travel patterns may be accurately traced without bursting of the gas bubbles or impacts thereof on the test specimen; and the overall performance of the system may be monitored with improved facility and accuracy.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard W Hale
- 👤 Patrick Tan
- 👤 Richard C Stowell
- 👤 Donald E Ordway
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 13:05
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01M; G01M9/00; G01M9/02; G01M9/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
210 words
A system for supplying and monitoring the gas flow visulization performance of gas bubbles entrained in intricate and/or unsteady airstreams relative to a test specimen such as in wind tunnel studies or the like, said system comprising in combination; an array of gas bubble generating heads disposed upstream of the test specimen; supply means for supply of bubble forming solution and supply of compressed air and supply of bubble forming gas for each of said heads; a supplies control and bubble performance monitoring console, said console including: a controls support panel; a manually operable on-off valve for each of said supply means, said on-off valves being mounted on said panel for control of supplies from said supply means; a plurality of outlet devices carried by said panel and separate conduits detachably connected to said outlet devices and to said bubble generating heads; separate manifold conduit devices each coupled at its inlet to the outlet of a corresponding one of said on-off valves and leading to a corresponding one of said outlet devices carried by said panel; and an outlet flow rate metering valve for each of said outlet devices, each said metering valve being mounted on said panel for manual regulation incidental to monitoring of the performance of the system.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
210 words
A system for supplying and monitoring the gas flow visulization performance of gas bubbles entrained in intricate and/or unsteady airstreams relative to a test specimen such as in wind tunnel studies or the like, said system comprising in combination; an array of gas bubble generating heads disposed upstream of the test specimen; supply means for supply of bubble forming solution and supply of compressed air and supply of bubble forming gas for each of said heads; a supplies control and bubble performance monitoring console, said console including: a controls support panel; a manually operable on-off valve for each of said supply means, said on-off valves being mounted on said panel for control of supplies from said supply means; a plurality of outlet devices carried by said panel and separate conduits detachably connected to said outlet devices and to said bubble generating heads; separate manifold conduit devices each coupled at its inlet to the outlet of a corresponding one of said on-off valves and leading to a corresponding one of said outlet devices carried by said panel; and an outlet flow rate metering valve for each of said outlet devices, each said metering valve being mounted on said panel for manual regulation incidental to monitoring of the performance of the system.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
210 words
A system for supplying and monitoring the gas flow visulization performance of gas bubbles entrained in intricate and/or unsteady airstreams relative to a test specimen such as in wind tunnel studies or the like, said system comprising in combination; an array of gas bubble generating heads disposed upstream of the test specimen; supply means for supply of bubble forming solution and supply of compressed air and supply of bubble forming gas for each of said heads; a supplies control and bubble performance monitoring console, said console including: a controls support panel; a manually operable on-off valve for each of said supply means, said on-off valves being mounted on said panel for control of supplies from said supply means; a plurality of outlet devices carried by said panel and separate conduits detachably connected to said outlet devices and to said bubble generating heads; separate manifold conduit devices each coupled at its inlet to the outlet of a corresponding one of said on-off valves and leading to a corresponding one of said outlet devices carried by said panel; and an outlet flow rate metering valve for each of said outlet devices, each said metering valve being mounted on said panel for manual regulation incidental to monitoring of the performance of the system.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
210 words
A system for supplying and monitoring the gas flow visulization performance of gas bubbles entrained in intricate and/or unsteady airstreams relative to a test specimen such as in wind tunnel studies or the like, said system comprising in combination; an array of gas bubble generating heads disposed upstream of the test specimen; supply means for supply of bubble forming solution and supply of compressed air and supply of bubble forming gas for each of said heads; a supplies control and bubble performance monitoring console, said console including: a controls support panel; a manually operable on-off valve for each of said supply means, said on-off valves being mounted on said panel for control of supplies from said supply means; a plurality of outlet devices carried by said panel and separate conduits detachably connected to said outlet devices and to said bubble generating heads; separate manifold conduit devices each coupled at its inlet to the outlet of a corresponding one of said on-off valves and leading to a corresponding one of said outlet devices carried by said panel; and an outlet flow rate metering valve for each of said outlet devices, each said metering valve being mounted on said panel for manual regulation incidental to monitoring of the performance of the system.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein at least one of said gas bubble generating heads differs from the others in respect to their bubble generating capabilities.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein at least one of said gas bubble generating heads differs from the others in respect to their aerodynamic characteristics.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein at least a portion of said means for supply of said heads is mounted upon and carried by said console.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
A sYstem as set forth in claim 4 wherein at least a portion of said supply means is mounted upon and is carried by said controls support panel.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said metering valves are controlled by vernier type control means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said on-off valves are of the toggle-lever controlled type.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2134890A
Cited
US3769833A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-03-10 | 1978-09-09 | 1979-03-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-03-10 | 1982-09-09 | 1983-03-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-03-10 | 1986-09-09 | 1987-03-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |