US4026527A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vortex generator for controlling the dispersion of effluents in a flowing liquid
Assignee: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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Filing: 1976-05-03
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Granted: 1977-05-31
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Expires: 1996-05-03
Abstract
Abstract A method is disclosed for controlling the dispersion of effluents in a flowing liquid. A vortex generator for creating a distinct recirculating vortical flow is disposed in a flowing liquid and effluents are discharged into the vortical flow. The effluents are entrained in the vortical flow and by selectively positioning the vortex generator the dispersion of the entrained effluents can be controlled.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert C. Costen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 18:19
CPC Classifications
C; C02; C02F; C02F3/00; C02F3/02; C02F3/12; C02F3/1278; C02F3/1284; B; B01; B01F; B01F25/00; B01F25/30; B01F25/31; B01F25/313; C02F1/00; C02F1/006; Y; Y02; Y02W; Y02W10/00; Y02W10/10; Y10; Y10S; Y10S261/00; Y10S261/75
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
108 words
A method for controlling the dispersion of effluents in a flowing liquid comprising the steps of: providing a body of flowing liquid having an upper boundary and a lower boundary; providing a first vortex generator for creating a distinct self-contained recirculating first vortical flow in said liquid wherein there is essentially no liquid flow between said body of flowing liquid and said first vortical flow; locating said first vortex generator in said flowing liquid thereby generating said first vortical flow; injecting an effluent into said first vortical flow where it is entrained and carried downstream without dispersing into said flowing liquid until said first vortical flow has dissipated.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
108 words
A method for controlling the dispersion of effluents in a flowing liquid comprising the steps of: providing a body of flowing liquid having an upper boundary and a lower boundary; providing a first vortex generator for creating a distinct self-contained recirculating first vortical flow in said liquid wherein there is essentially no liquid flow between said body of flowing liquid and said first vortical flow; locating said first vortex generator in said flowing liquid thereby generating said first vortical flow; injecting an effluent into said first vortical flow where it is entrained and carried downstream without dispersing into said flowing liquid until said first vortical flow has dissipated.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 comprising the further step of providing a first vortex generator which is a hydrofoil.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 2 comprising the further step of providing a strut means for supporting said hydrofoil in a generally parallel orientation with respect to said upper boundary of said flowing liquid.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 2 comprising the further step of disposing said hydrofoil generally transverse to said upper boundary.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 1 comprising the further steps of: providing a means for selectively varying the orientation with respect to the flow of said flowing fluid of said first vortex generator; orienting said first vortex generator so as to selectively direct said first vortical flow.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 5 comprising the further step of directing said first vortical flow toward said upper boundary of said flowing fluid.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 comprising the further step of providing downstream of said first vortex generator a secondary vortex generator disposed within said first vortical flow.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 7 comprising the further step of providing said secondary vortex generators with an oscillating means for varying the orientation of said secondary vortex generators thereby causing a rapid dispersal of the effluent.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 7 comprising the further step of providing a plurality of downstream vortex generators downstream of said secondary vortex generator.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-05-30 | 1980-11-29 | 1981-05-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-05-30 | 1984-11-29 | 1985-05-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-05-30 | 1988-11-29 | 1989-05-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |